Students at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Tonga have been given an insight into the construction of the new Parliament complex, including its expected completion in early 2028 and the discovery of archaeological material at the site.

Senior Project Advisor Dr Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau, a USP alumnus, presented an update to students and staff as part of the Tonga Parliament Building Project’s stakeholder engagement programme.

The presentation covered the project’s development from the Government’s request for a new Parliament building through planning and design to the construction now underway at Mataki’eua.

Dr Taumoefolau said the project team had been involved for about six years and, if construction proceeds as planned, the new complex is expected to be completed by early 2028.

The site has also produced discoveries of Lapita pottery fragments and human remains. Dr Taumoefolau said Professor Geoffrey Clark of the Australian National University had been engaged to undertake specialist analysis and verification of the findings.

The project is also creating opportunities for young Tongans to gain practical experience. Six TNU students and trainees are currently working alongside experienced tradespeople at the site through an apprenticeship and training partnership with local contractor Ca’ Bella Pacific Construction Tonga.

More than 100 students and trainees from TNU and Tupou Tertiary Institute have visited the project since construction began, including for inductions, site tours, work experience and apprenticeships.

The new complex is being delivered through a partnership between Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. Westland Construction is the main contractor, with Ca’ Bella as prime subcontractor, and the project has a target of 70% local labour.

The old Parliament House was destroyed by Cyclone Gita in February 2018.