Main points from 88.1FM Radio / Tonga Chronicle ‘Talanoa-Program with the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and National Resource’s CEO – Mr. Taaniela Kula:
- More staff, more equipment, and more funds are needed to improve and expand the staffing and equipment of the Ministry to reduce the coordination timing and waiting time for the people of the country.
- The Agency spends approximately $6.7 million annually from its budget. The Agency can raise only $1.2 million annually. In this case the cost is higher than the amount of money raised.
- Protocols and processing procedures has been improved to reduce conflict of records and people disputing to the Ministry, their rights to their lands. There is a need to increase the number of staff and lawyers in the Ministry as there are so many land rights issues, and to make the Ministry’s submissions to Cabinet more clear, accurate and informed.
- According to the Act, only the Land Court can amend a registered lease. The Minister cannot revoke a lease that has already been registered. The current procedure is that the Ministry submits to the office of the Attorney General and from them to the Court, putting foward that the registration was incorrect together with reasons being. If he agrees to change the registration, then the registration will be amended. All expenses are borne by the Government.
- The Ministry carries out its functions, with the CEO reporting to the Minister and the Minister reports to the Prime Minister. All information are released from the Prime Minister’s Office, including information relating to the Fanga’uta Bridge and the NDRMO’s sublease from Tonga Power Ltd.
- Articles 84 and 85 of the Land Act remains unchanged. A younger brother who already owns a piece of land cannot claim rights to his deceased eldest brother’s rural or urban allotment. Only a son, grandson or unmarried daughter may apply for such. The 2020 amendment only amends some wording to make it more modern but does not change the Land Act.
- The Ministry has a Working Committee, which deals with land issues including matters relating to Articles 84-85. The Working Committee is chaired by the Minister and consists of the CEO of the Ministry, the CEO of the PSC, 2 lawyers and the Government’s legal advisor.
- The proper procedure for a construction work on a piece of land is :
- First – Register the land in your name (claimed or lease)
- Second – Make sure the lease agreement is ready if it is a lease
Only then should construction be carried out. If a house is built on someone else’s land, the house becomes the house of the person to whom the land is registered.
9. Despite all the work and challenges, only Righteousness can make our works succeed. The most important testimony is RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is the key to doing our daily work despite the difficulties and challenges.
10. Mr. Taaniela Kula joined the Department in 1995 as a Cadet Droughtsman. He has worked in various areas within the Ministry including the Geology and Urrban Planning Departments. He became Deputy CEO in May 2012 and on 23rd January 2024, became the CEO. Since 2012, he has served a total of 4 Ministers, 5 Prime Ministers and 2 Acting Prime Ministers. He holds a Master of Applied Science (MSc) from the University of Sydney and Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of the South Pacific. Decades of service within the Ministry have equipped him with a profound wealth of institutional knowledge and technical expertise. This deep-rooted experience now drives his visionary leadership, steering the agency through a highly efficient, data-driven, and technocratic transformation.
This is his 31st year with the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.
