19 Facts About Baron Vaea

Baron Vaea was prime minister from 22 August 1991 until 2000 under the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

Baron Vaea 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 Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in 1991.

Baron Vaea attended Wesley College, Auckland, from 1938 until 1941.

Baron Vaea enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force following his graduation from high school and the outbreak of World War II.

Baron Vaea served as a pilot in the Air Force from 1942 until 1945 piloting PBY Catalina reconnaissance flying boats.

Baron Vaea began working for the government of Tonga in January 1945 following his departure from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Baron Vaea served his aunt, Queen Salote, as Aide-de-Camp from 1953 until 1958.

Baron Vaea became the Governor of Ha'apai in 1960, a position he held until 1968.

Baron Vaea became Tonga's first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1969 until 1972.

Baron Vaea was appointed to numerous government ministerial portfolios in the Tongan Cabinet beginning in 1972.

Baron Vaea was appointed as Tonga's first Minister of Labour and Commerce, and Industries, which he held from 1972 until 1991.

Baron 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.

Additionally, Baron Vaea headed the Tongan Ministries of Civil Aviation, Tourism, Education and Marine and Ports, at various points during his career.

Baron Vaea took office on 22 August 1991, becoming the 12th prime minister of Tonga since 1876.

Baron Vaea served as prime minister under King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV from 1991 and 2000.

Baron Vaea attended the inaugural Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting in 1997, a gathering of Pacific Islands Forum nations spearheaded by Japan to enhance cooperation between the Japanese and Pacific Islands governments.

Each of Baron Vaea's successors has attended following meetings since 1997.

Baron Vaea stated that the government should encourage Tongans to enter the business world.

Baron Vaea had sought medical treatment in New Zealand, before returning to Tonga in late May 2009.