Baron Vaea

Siaosi ʻAlipate Halakilangi Tau’alupeoko Vaea Tupou, Baron Vaea of Houma (15 May 1921 – 7 June 2009), was a Tongan politician and noble who served as Prime Minister of Tonga from 1991 to 2000. Vaea was a nephew of Queen Sālote Tupou III and the father of the current Queen of Tonga, Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho.

Vaea's career in the Tongan government spanned 54 years. He had previously served as Tonga's first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1969 until 1972, as well as in various ministerial posts from 1972 until his appointment as prime minister by King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV in 1991.

Biography Early life

Siaosi ʻAlipate Halakilangi Tau’alupeoko Vaea Tupou was born on 15 May 1921 to parents Vīlai Tupou and Tupou Seini. He attended Wesley College, Auckland, from 1938 until 1941.

Government career

Vaea began working for the government of Tonga in January 1945 following his departure from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. While High Commissioner he was given the title of Baron.

He was appointed to numerous government ministerial portfolios in the Tongan Cabinet beginning in 1972. which he held from 1972 until 1991. He took office on 22 August 1991, becoming the 12th prime minister of Tonga since 1876. Each of Vaea's successors has attended following meetings since 1997. A funeral procession commenced from his residence, called Tali ki Ha'apai, in Houma, to nearby Kolomanatau Cemetery for funeral ceremonies and burial. Several foreign heads of state also attended including the former O le Ao o le Malo of Samoa Tupua Tamasese Efi, his wife, Masiofo Filifilia Imo, and the then Vice-President of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Succession

Baron Vaea's son ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea was bestowed the title Lord Vaea shortly after his father's death.

Family tree

Honours

National honours 50px Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III, Grand Cross with Collar (31 July 2008).