Baron Vaea
Siaosi ʻAlipate Halakilangi Tau’alupeoko Vaea Tupou (15 May 1921 – 7 June 2009), more commonly known as Baron Vaea, was a Tongan politician who served as Prime Minister of Tonga. Vaea was a nephew of Queen Sālote, who ruled Tonga from 1918 until 1965, and a member of the Tongan nobility. His career in the Tongan government spanned 54 years.
The Honourable Baron Vaea | |
|---|---|
| 12th Prime Minister of Tonga | |
| In office 22 August 1991 – 3 January 2000 | |
| Monarch | Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV |
| Preceded by | Tu'i Pelehake (Fatafehi) |
| Succeeded by | 'Aho'eitu 'Unuaki'otonga Tuku'aho |
| High Commissioner of Tonga to the United Kingdom | |
| In office 1969–1972 | |
| Preceded by | Position created |
| Succeeded by | ? |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 May 1921 Tonga |
| Died | 7 June 2009 (aged 88) Houma, Tongatapu, Tonga |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Baroness Tuputupu Vaea |
| Parent(s) | Vīlai Tupou Tupou Seini |
| Military career | |
| Service/ | Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Vaea was Prime Minister from 22 August 1991 until 2000 under the former King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. He 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.
The late Vaea and his wife, Baroness Tuputupu Vaea, are the parents of the current Queen of Tonga, Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho.