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2nd Vice President Boshier bids farwell to Tonga Ombudsman ‘Aisea Taumoepeau
Chief Ombudsman for New Zealand and 2nd Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Peter Boshier visited Tonga this week (30 January to 2 February) to officially farewell Tonga Ombudsman ‘Aisea Taumoepeau, who is retiring this month after nine years of service.
Mr Boshier says Ombudsman Taumoepeau has been a fine colleague and well respected internationally. “It was my honour to host a special event to officially farewell Ombudsman Taumoepeau and to recognise his outstanding service to the Tonga Office of the Ombudsman and the wider Ombudsman community in the Pacific region.”
Mr Boshier presented Ombudsman Taumoepeau with a Pakohe, a Māori taonga or treasure made from the precious stone argillite. He then hosted staff from the 'Ofisi 'oe 'Omipatimeni to lunch, complete with a whole roasted pig, which was symbolic of the high degree of respect for the occasion.
While in Tonga the Chief Ombudsman addressed a special session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga – a rare privilege. Mr Boshier met with Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Lord Fakafanua.
The Chief Ombudsman and members of his International Development Engagement team also met with staff at 'Ofisi 'oe 'Omipatimeni to work on areas of mutual interest and support.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman, New Zealand
