Noble representative,Lord Fusitu'a Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koro Vaka'uta
Tongan noble and former MP, the late Lord Fusitu'a, has been laid to rest in Kolomotu'a, Nuku'alofa.
Flags were flown at half mast and and Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku attended the funeral service along with representatives of the royal family.
Lord Fusitu'a, 51, passed away last week in Auckland after a long battle with cancer.
The noble representative of the Island of Niuafo'ou, became an MP in 2014 before his seat was vacated in 2020 due to his illness.
He inherited his title and political power from his father in 2014 when his father - a former house speaker - passed away.
Lord Fusitu'a gained high chiefly status when he married Princess Lupepau'u - the King's niece - in 2003.
The short-lived marriage had caused controversy, but his reputation as a reformist and political leader maintained respect among the Tongan nobility who elected him to parliament in two general elections.
He is known for his advocacy in making the cryptocurrency 'Bitcoin' a legal tender in the Kingdom, and garnered media attention from business news agencies around the world.
