# Baron Vaea

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**Siaosi ʻAlipate Halakilangi Tau’alupeoko Vaea Tupou, Baron Vaea of Houma** (15 May 1921 – 7 June 2009), was a Tongan politician and [noble](/source/Tongan_nobles) who served as [Prime Minister of Tonga](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Tonga) from 1991 to 2000. Vaea was a nephew of Queen [Sālote Tupou III](/source/S%C4%81lote_Tupou_III) and the father of the current Queen of Tonga, [Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho](/source/Nanasipau%CA%BBu_Tuku%CA%BBaho).[1][2]

Vaea's career in the Tongan government spanned 54 years.[1] He had previously served as Tonga's first [High Commissioner](/source/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](/source/T%C4%81ufa%CA%BB%C4%81hau_Tupou_IV) in 1991.[3]

## Biography

### Early life

Siaosi ʻAlipate Halakilangi Tau’alupeoko Vaea Tupou was born on 15 May 1921 to parents Vīlai Tupou and Tupou Seini.[1] His father, Vīlai Tupou, was the half brother of [Queen Sālote](/source/S%C4%81lote_Tupou_III), while his mother, Tupou Seini, was the daughter of a Tongan [nobleman](/source/Nobleman) named [Vaea](/source/Vaea).[1][4] He attended [Wesley College, Auckland](/source/Wesley_College,_Auckland), from 1938 until 1941.[1] He enlisted in the [Royal New Zealand Air Force](/source/Royal_New_Zealand_Air_Force) following his graduation from high school and the outbreak of World War II.[4] Vaea served as a pilot in the Air Force from 1942 until 1945[1] piloting [PBY Catalina](/source/PBY_Catalina) [reconnaissance](/source/Reconnaissance) [flying boats](/source/Flying_boat).[5]

### Government career

Vaea began working for the government of Tonga in January 1945 following his departure from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.[1] He served his aunt, [Queen Sālote](/source/S%C4%81lote_Tupou_III), as [Aide-de-Camp](/source/Aide-de-Camp) from 1953 until 1958.[1]

He became the Governor of [Ha'apai](/source/Ha'apai) in 1960, a position he held until 1968.[1] He became Tonga's first [High Commissioner](/source/High_Commissioner) to the United Kingdom from 1969 until 1972.[1][6] While High Commissioner he was given the title of Baron.[7]

He was appointed to numerous government ministerial portfolios in the [Tongan Cabinet](/source/Tongan_Cabinet) beginning in 1972.[3] Vaea was appointed as Tonga's first Minister of Labour and Commerce, and Industries,[8] which he held from 1972 until 1991.[1] As labour minister, Vaea was responsible for the construction of the Small Industries Centre in [Ma'ufanga](/source/Ma'ufanga).[1]

Vaea was simultaneously appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in 1975, a position which he continued to hold until his official retirement from government in 2000.[1] Additionally, Vaea also headed the Tongan Ministries of [Civil Aviation](/source/Civil_Aviation), Tourism, Education and Marine and Ports, at various points during his career.[1]

### Prime Minister of Tonga

Baron Vaea of Houma applied for retirement from government and civil service in the early 1990s.[4][1] However, soon after submitting his retirement application, [King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV](/source/T%C4%81ufa%CA%BB%C4%81hau_Tupou_IV) appointed Vaea as [Prime Minister of Tonga](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Tonga).[3] Vaea's predecessor, [Fatafehi Tu'ipelehake](/source/Fatafehi_Tu'ipelehake) had resigned from office in 1991 due to declining health.[9] He took office on 22 August 1991, becoming the 12th prime minister of Tonga since 1876.[9]

Vaea served as prime minister under King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV from 1991 and 2000.[4] He attended the inaugural [Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting](/source/Pacific_Alliance_Leaders_Meeting) (PALM) in 1997, a gathering of Pacific Islands Forum nations spearheaded by Japan to enhance cooperation between the Japanese and Pacific Islands governments.[10] Each of Vaea's successors has attended following meetings since 1997.[10]

Vaea's resignation from office was accepted by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in 2000, and Vaea was able to retire from government at the age of 78.[1] With a career in the Tongan government and civil service spanning 54 years, Vaea remains one of Tonga's longest serving civil servants.[1]

### Later life

In an interview with *[Matangi Tonga](/source/Matangi_Tonga)* during his retirement, Vaea expressed concern for a number of issues affecting Tonga, including the decreasing supplies of the country's fresh water supplies, the [environment](/source/Natural_environment), the need for additional capital funds and the negative outlook of many Tongan young people.[1] He also stated that the government should encourage Tongans to enter the business world.[1] Vaea seemed to encourage progress and change in Tonga saying in the interview, "Sometimes I think it would be best if Tonga changed, . . . we should let go of some of our beliefs and the way that we do things that seem to weigh us down."

### Death

Baron Vaea died at his residence, 'Tali ki Ha'apai', in [Houma](/source/Houma_(Tongatapu)), [Tongatapu](/source/Tongatapu), Tonga, on 7 June 2009, at approximately 10 pm[1] He was 88 years old.[3] Vaea had sought medical treatment in New Zealand, before returning to Tonga in late May 2009.[1] He had been bedridden since May.[1] Vaea's body was kept at his home in Houma until his funeral.[1]

Baron Vaea of Houma was survived by his wife, [Baroness Tuputupu Vaea](/source/Baroness_Tuputupu_Vaea), as well as five of their six children and one adopted daughter.[1] The couple's children are HM Queen [Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho](/source/Nanasipau%CA%BBu_Tuku%CA%BBaho), ['Alipate Tu'ivanuavou Vaea](/source/%CA%BBAlipate_Tu%CA%BBivanuavou_Vaea), 'Amelia Luoluafetu'u Vaea, Luseane Luani and Cassandra Tuku'aho (of Tu'ivanuavou Vaea).[1] Vaea was predeased by two sons, Moimoikimofuta Kaifahina Vaea and [Ratu Edward Vaea](/source/Ratu_Edward_Vaea).[1]

Vaea's funeral began at 11 am on 13 June 2009.[11] A funeral procession commenced from his residence, called Tali ki Ha'apai, in [Houma](/source/Houma_(Tongatapu)), to nearby Kolomanatau Cemetery for funeral ceremonies and burial.[11]

Dignitaries in attendance included King [George Tupou V](/source/George_Tupou_V), Princess [Pilolevu Tuita](/source/Salote_Mafile%CA%BBo_Pilolevu_Tuita) and other members of the [Tongan royal family](/source/Tongan_royal_family).[12] Several foreign heads of state also attended including the former [O le Ao o le Malo](/source/O_le_Ao_o_le_Malo) of [Samoa](/source/Samoa) [Tupua Tamasese Efi](/source/Tupua_Tamasese_Efi), his wife, [Masiofo Filifilia Imo](/source/Masiofo_Filifilia_Imo), and the then [Vice-President of Fiji](/source/Vice-President_of_Fiji) [Ratu](/source/Ratu) [Epeli Nailatikau](/source/Epeli_Nailatikau).[12]

Tongan historian [Elizabeth Wood-Ellem](/source/Elizabeth_Wood-Ellem) noted that Baron Vaea of Houma remained highly respected by the Tongan people throughout his life, "They certainly held him in enormous respect."[13]

### Succession

Baron Vaea's son [ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea](/source/%CA%BBAlipate_Tu%CA%BBivanuavou_Vaea) was bestowed the title Lord Vaea shortly after his father's death.[14]

## Honours

**National honours**

- [Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III](/source/Order_of_Queen_S%C4%81lote_Tupou_III), Grand Cross with Collar (31 July 2008).[15]

## References

1. ["Baron Vaea passes away after a long life of service"](https://matangitonga.to/2009/06/08/baron-vaea-passes-away-after-long-life-service). *[Matangi Tonga](/source/Matangi_Tonga)*. 8 June 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161006023304/https://matangitonga.to/2009/06/08/baron-vaea-passes-away-after-long-life-service) 6 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 8 August 2021.

1. ["Tonga's six-day royal wedding"](https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-339617950/view?sectionId=nla.obj-356420541). *Pacific Islands Monthly*. Vol. 54, no. 2. 1 February 1983. p. 20. Retrieved 30 September 2021. – via National Library of Australia.

1. ["Former Tongan PM dies, aged 88"](http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=47020). [Australian Broadcasting Corporation News](/source/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation_News). Agence France-Presse. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.

1. ["Tonga's Baron Vaea passes away"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/184121/tonga%27s-baron-vaea-passes-away). *[Radio New Zealand](/source/Radio_New_Zealand)*. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2021.

1. ["Former Tongan PM's funeral this weekend"](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/200906/s2596924.htm). *[Radio Australia](/source/Radio_Australia)*. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2009.

1. No. 45840. 1 December 1972. p. 14297.

1. ["Tonga gets its first baron"](https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-331541083/view?sectionId=nla.obj-336564295). *Pacific Islands Monthly*. Vol. 41, no. 7. 1 July 1970. p. 28. Retrieved 30 September 2021. – via National Library of Australia.

1. ["People"](https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-336976092/view?sectionId=nla.obj-340951204). *Pacific Islands Monthly*. Vol. 44, no. 5. 1 May 1973. p. 35. Retrieved 30 September 2021. – via National Library of Australia.

1. ["The Hon Baron Vaea of Houma biography"](http://www.chogm99.org/who/countries/tongabio.htm). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20041111083324/http://www.chogm99.org/who/countries/tongabio.htm) 11 November 2004 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 June 2009.

1. ["Tongan PM to attend Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting in Japan"](https://archive.today/20091003145955/http://en.tahitipresse.pf/print.cfm?presse=28105). *[Matangi Tonga](/source/Matangi_Tonga)*. 15 May 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/foreignaffairs/tonga_palm_pmattends_150509.shtml) on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2009.

1. ["Tributes for Baron Vaea"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110527150754/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/royalty/200900612_vaea_koloa.shtml). *[Matangi Tonga](/source/Matangi_Tonga)*. 12 June 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/royalty/200900612_vaea_koloa.shtml) on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2009.

1. ["King and Head of State attend funeral"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110527151142/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/royalty/20090613_vaea_funeral_tonga.shtml). *[Matangi Tonga](/source/Matangi_Tonga)*. 13 June 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/royalty/20090613_vaea_funeral_tonga.shtml) on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2009.

1. ["Tonga prepares for ex-PM's funeral"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110707191234/http://australianetworknews.com/stories/200906/2596224.htm?desktop). *[Australia Network News](/source/Australia_Network_News)*. 12 June 2009. Archived from [the original](http://australianetworknews.com/stories/200906/2596224.htm?desktop) on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2009.

1. ["Tu'ivanuavou appointed to noble title Vaea"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121105151342/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-201956029.html), Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association, 17 June 2009

1. ["Royal orders presented at Palace"](https://matangitonga.to/2008/08/01/royal-orders-presented-palace). Matangi Tonga. 1 August 2008. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210121030307/https://matangitonga.to/2008/08/01/royal-orders-presented-palace) 21 January 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 January 2022.

## External links

- [Baron Vaea](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/6175398/Baron-Vaea-of-Houma.html) – Daily telegraph obituary
- [Biography](https://web.archive.org/web/20041111083324/http://www.chogm99.org/who/countries/tongabio.htm) 11 November 2004 at the Wayback Machine
- [Baron Vaea passes away after a long life of service](https://web.archive.org/web/20110527150645/http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/royalty/20090608_tonga_vaea_death.shtml)
- [The Kingdom of Tonga Pays Tribute to its 12th Prime Minister, Baron Vaea of Houma (1921–2009)](https://web.archive.org/web/20090803022356/http://www.pmo.gov.to/index.php/The-Kingdom-of-Tonga-Pays-Tribute-to-its-12th-Prime-Minister-Baron-Vaea-of-Houma-1921-2009.html)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Baron Vaea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Vaea) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Vaea?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.