Kiwi help for Tonga children

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The New Zealand and Australian governments have stepped in to help get students from Tonga's outer islands back to school, after ferry services collapsed there.

The sinking of the Princess Ashika six months ago and then the halting of the MV Pulupaki ferry after it was declared unseaworthy last month, have left many in Tonga's northern groups of islands isolated as they cannot afford domestic air fares.

People on the Vava'u and Ha'apai groups have lost a lifeline as they used the ferries to ship their produce to the main markets in Tongatapu and bring in other items they needed. Students and teachers also used the service to get to school on Tongatapu and vice versa.

To ease the burden, the New Zealand and Australian governments have offered to charter flights to get students back to school in Tongatapu.

Ministry of Transport spokeswoman 'Akosita Taumoepeau told local newspaper Matangi Tonga that from January 23-27 the Australian government chartered daily flights from Ha'apai and Vava'u to Nuku'alofa bringing stranded students, accompanied by one parent if needed. At the same time, there were some students who returned north from Tongatapu.

The planes had up to 49 seats and every flight was full, she said.

The New Zealand government took over yesterday, providing charter flights for the remaining students.

Ms Taumoepeau said that according to officials in the outer islands, there were 265 on their waiting list in Ha'apai and 320 people in Vava'u. These figures included students and teachers from Tonga's Institute of Education.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand, Australian and Tongan governments were still looking for an interim ferry service until the new Olovaha arrives next year.

- NZPA