Fatafehi Fakafānua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lord Fakafānua
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Fakafānua in 2024
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| Prime Minister-designate of Tonga | |
| Assuming office 15 December 2025 |
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| Monarch | Tupou VI |
| Succeeding | ʻAisake Eke |
| Speaker of the Legislative Assembly | |
| In office December 2017 – 15 December 2025 |
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| Monarch | Tupou VI |
| Prime Minister | ʻAkilisi Pōhiva Semisi Sika (Acting) Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa Siaosi Sovaleni ʻAisake Eke |
| Preceded by | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō |
| Succeeded by | ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea |
| In office 19 July 2012 – 29 December 2014 |
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| Prime Minister | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō |
| Preceded by | Lord Lasike |
| Succeeded by | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō |
| Member of Parliament for Ha‘apai (noble) |
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| Assumed office 16 November 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Lord Tuʻihaʻateiho |
| In office 23 April 2008 – 26 November 2014 |
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| Succeeded by | Havea Tu‘iha‘angana |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 March 1985 |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse |
Krystal Fane Kite
(m. 2014) |
| Parents | Kinikinilau Tūtoatasi Fakafānua Princess Sinaitakala of Tonga |
Lord Fakafānua, born Fatafehi Kinikinilau Lolomana‘ia Fakafānua on March 20, 1985, is an important leader in Tonga. He is a noble and a politician. He served as the Speaker of Tonga's Parliament, called the Legislative Assembly, for many years. His terms were from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2025. After the 2025 election, he was chosen to be the next Prime Minister of Tonga. Lord Fakafānua is also connected to the Tongan royal family.
Contents
Lord Fakafānua: A Tongan Leader
Early Life and Family Connections
Lord Fakafānua's mother is Princess Sinaitakala of Tonga. His father was Kinikinilau Tūtoatasi. Kinikinilau Tūtoatasi held the title of the 7th Lord Fakafānua. This means his family has a special place in Tongan society.
He has a brother named Fakaola mei Langi ʻItafuaʻatonga Tūtoatasi Fakafānua. He also has a sister, Sinaitakala Tu‘imatamoana ‘i Fanakavakilangi Fakafānua. His sister is married to Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala. The Crown Prince is the future king of Tonga.
Becoming a Noble and Entering Politics
In April 2006, Fatafehi Fakafānua received the special title of Fakafānua. This is one of 33 traditional, inherited titles for Tongan nobles. Each title comes with control over certain lands. These lands are called estates.
For Lord Fakafānua, these estates include Maʻufanga on Tongatapu island. They also include Ngaʻakau on Vavaʻu and Faleloa on Haʻapai.
First Steps in Parliament
Holding a noble title allows someone to be elected to the Legislative Assembly. This assembly is Tonga's parliament. Nobles represent their peers in this body.
In 2008, Lord Fakafānua was elected to represent the Haʻapai nobles. This made him the youngest member of the Tongan Parliament at that time. He was re-elected in the general election held in November 2010.
Serving as Speaker of Parliament
On July 19, 2012, Lord Fakafānua was chosen to be the Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly. This is a very important role. The Speaker acts like the chairperson of the parliament. He was the youngest person ever to hold this position in Tonga.
As Speaker, he worked to encourage more women to get involved in politics. He did this by organizing special "practice parliament" sessions.
He lost his seat in the 2014 election. However, he was re-elected in the 2017 election. He then once again became the Speaker. He continued in this role after the 2021 election, serving a third term. His term as Speaker ended on December 15, 2025.
Becoming Prime Minister
After the 2025 general election, Lord Fakafānua was elected as the new Prime Minister. This happened on December 15, 2025. He received 16 votes from the members of the Legislative Assembly.
He won against the previous Prime Minister, ʻAisake Eke. Lord Fakafānua is only the second noble's representative to become the head of government. This happened since Tonga became more democratic.
Family Life
On October 15, 2014, Lord Fakafānua married Krystal Fane Kite. Her father, Sione Kite, served as Tonga's ambassador. He represented Tonga in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States.
Special Recognition
Lord Fakafānua has received a special honour for his service to Tonga.
- He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III on July 31, 2008. This is a high award given in Tonga.
