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Royal Town of Nuku’alofa Ordinance 2010

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ROYAL TOWN OF NUKU'ALOFA
ORDINANCE 2010





Royal Town of Nuku'alofa Ordinance 2010 Arrangement of Sections





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ROYAL TOWN OF NUKU'ALOFA ORDINANCE 2010

Arrangement of Sections
Ordinance

1 Title and Commencement .......................................................................... 5
2 Interpretation ................................................................................................ 5
3 Royal Town of Nuku’alofa ............................................................................... 6
4 Governance until November 2014 ................................................................ 7
5 Governance after November 2014 ....................................................................... 7
6 Court of Aldermen ....................................................................................... 8
7 Aldermen ..................................................................................................... 8
8 Staffing......................................................................................................... 9
9 Finance ........................................................................................................ 9
10 Funding .......................................................................................................... 10
11 By Laws ..................................................................................................... 11
12 Powers, Duties and Functions .................................................................. 12
13 Purpose...................................................................................................... 14
14 The Crown ...................................................................................................... 15
15 Review of Decision .................................................................................... 15


Royal Town of Nuku'alofa Ordinance 2010 Ordinance 1





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ROYAL TOWN OF NUKU'ALOFA ORDINANCE 2010


GOVERNMENT ACT

IN EXERCISE of Our Prerogative, and of the powers conferred by Section
7(a) of the Government Act, His Majesty in Privy Council hereby Ordains as

shown hereinafter:



1 Title and Commencement

(1) This Ordinance may be cited as the Royal Town of Nuku’alofa Ordinance
2010.

(2) This Ordinance shall come into force on the day it is made and shall remain in
force thereafter until it is ratified, amended or rescinded by the Legislative
Assembly of Tonga.

2 Interpretation

In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requi s:-

“balance date” means 30th June;

“charter” means the Royal Charter by the King dated 24th November 2010
constituting the Royal Town of Nuku’alofa;

“court” means the Court of Alderman, the governing body of the town;

“Crown” means the Government;

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“Government” means the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga, sometimes
also known as Tonga Government;

“King” means His Majesty King George Tupou V;

“Lord Mayor” means the Lord Mayor of Nuku’alofa for the time being;

“patrimonial interest” means any financial interest whether as a director,
employee, shareholder, partner, investor, auditor, legal counsel, or the
provider of goods or services;

“person” includes any natural person; and any body of persons c rporate or
unincorporated; and any Ministry or Office of Tonga Government, including
Government entities, enterprises and instrumentalities;

“Royal Commercial Livery Company” means the livery company of that
name to be constituted by the King before the end of 2010 by Royal Charter;

“Royal Professional Livery Company” means the livery company of that
name to be constituted by the King before the end of 2010 by Royal Charter;

“town” means the Royal Town of Nuku’alofa constituted by Royal Charter of
the King dated 24th November 2010.

3 Royal Town of Nuku’alofa

(1) The King by Royal Charter dated 24th November 2010 constituted as a body
politic and corporate with perpetual succession, the Royal Town of
Nuku’alofa, the area of which Town was described in the Appendix to the
Royal Charter.

(2) The town shall have a common seal.

(3) The town shall be capable of suing and being sued; and, in the exercise of its
functions, duties and powers under this Ordinance, it may acquire, hold and
dispose of real and personal property or any interes therein and do and suffer
all such acts and things as bodies corporate may do and suffer. Without
prejudice to the foregoing generality the town has full capacity to carry on or
undertake any activity, do any act, or enter into any transaction which it
considers necessary or appropriate in the exercise of its functions, duties and
powers.

(4) In the performance of its powers, duties and functions under the charter or this
ordinance the town shall act independently and enjoy full autonomy in respect
thereof.

(5) The town is not an entity, enterprise or instrumentality of the Government and
as such is not bound by legislation affecting Government, such as the Public
Service Act or the Public Finance Management Act.

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4 Governance until November 2014

(1) As specified in the charter the governing body f the town is the Court of
Aldermen.

(2) As specified in the charter the court shall comprise of seven aldermen, one of
whom shall be designated Lord Mayor of Nuku’alofa and shall preside over
meetings of the court.

(3) The composition of the court until 30th November 2014 shall be the persons
named in the charter. The composition of the court thereafter shall be
governed by the provisions of section 5 of this Ordinance.

5 Governance after November 2014

(1) As from 1st December 2014 the governing body of the town shall be the Court
of Aldermen, numbering seven Tongan Subjects in all, elected or appointed as
follows :-

(a) two gentlemen over the age of 21 years ordinarily resident within the
town to be elected by all gentlemen ordinarily resid nt within the town;

(b) two ladies over the age of 21 years ordinarily resident within the town
to be elected by all ladies ordinarily resident within the town;

(c) two persons over the age of 21 years being members of the Royal
Commercial Livery Company and elected by the members thereof; and

(d) one person over the age of 21 years being a member of the Royal
Professional Livery Company and elected by the members thereof.

(2) The term of office of aldermen shall be four years, and they are eligible for re-
election or re-appointment from time to time as the case may be.

(3) The powers of the court shall not be affected by any vacancy in its
membership, or by any deficiency in the election or appointment of any
member.

(4) Elections or appointment to the court shall be made in the first half November
2014 and every four years thereafter during the first half of the month of
November.

(5) Within ten days of each election for the Court of Aldermen, the aldermen
shall be called to attend a meeting of the court by he Town Clerk at which
meeting the first item of business shall be the election of the Lord Mayor.
The Town Clerk shall preside at that meeting until the Lord Mayor is elected
whereupon he shall vacate the chair to the Lord Mayor who shall hold office
as Lord Mayor until a successor is appointed in four years time. An outgoing
Lord Mayor shall be eligible for re-appointment.

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6 Court of Aldermen

(1) The governing body of the town is the court.

(2) Without prejudice to section 5(5) the Lord Mayor shall convene such
meetings of the court as he considers expedient for the efficient performance
of the powers, duties and functions vested in the town, provided always that
one meeting must be held each calendar month.

(3) Meetings of the court shall be held at the places, dates and times that the Lord
Mayor shall determine.

(4) Meetings may be held in public or in private as the court from time to time by
resolution shall determine.

(5) The Lord Mayor shall preside at every meeting of the court provided always
that in his absence through illness or otherwise he may appoint in writing
another of the aldermen to chair meetings in his absence; and in the event that
the Lord Mayor makes no such appointment in writing he court shall appoint
one of their number to chair any meeting of court in he absence of the Lord
Mayor.

(6) At every meeting of the court the quorum shall be 4 members.

(7) If no quorum is present within 30 minutes after the time appointed for the
meeting then the meeting shall stand adjourned to the next working day, at the
same time and place, and at such reconvened meeting the quorum shall be 3
members. If no quorum is present at the reconvened m eting then that
meeting is dissolved.

(8) The Lord Mayor, but not any person chairing a meeting of the court in his
absence, shall have a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of
votes, also shall have a casting vote.

(9) The Lord Mayor, or any person chairing a meeting of the court in his absence,
may give directions regarding the procedure to be followed at or in connecting
with any meeting of the court.

(10) Except as provided for in subsection (8) any person chairing a meeting in the
absence of the Lord Mayor shall have and may exercis all the powers,
functions and duties of that office for the period of the Lord Mayor’s absence.

7 Aldermen

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (2) Aldermen shall hold
office on a part-time basis.

(2) The Lord Mayor shall hold office on a full-time or part-time basis as the court
from time to time by resolution shall determine.

(3) Any member of the court may resign his office in writing to the Lord Mayor
or the Town Clerk, and any such vacancy shall be fill d with the utmost
expedition.

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(4) Any vacancy in the court arising from the death or dismissal of a member
shall be filled with the utmost expedition.

(5) Any member of the court, by resolution of the court, may be dismissed but
only for:-

(a) Bankruptcy;

(b) Absence from three or more court meetings in any one calendar year;

(c) Imprisonment for a period exceeding three months;

(d) Gross misconduct; or

(e) Failure to comply with the provisions of subsection (6).

(6) If any member of the court knowingly is taking part, or is to take part, in the
consideration or determination by the court of a matter in which the member
has a patrimonial interest then the member shall disclose that interest to the
court, require that it be recorded in the minutes of the court, and take no
further part in the consideration or determination of the matter.

(7) There shall be paid to members of the court such remuneration by way of
fees, salary, or allowances as from time to time may be approved, either
generally or in respect of any particular member or member, by resolution of
the court.

(8) When performing their duties as members of the court each member must
act:-

(a) In good faith;

(b) With reasonable care, diligence and skill; and

(c) With honesty and integrity,

and any failure so to act may constitute “gross misconduct” for the purposes
of subsection (5)(d).

8 Staffing

As provided for in the charter the court may appoint such staff and engage such
advisors as they consider necessary, and that upon such terms and conditions as they
shall determine by resolution. The Town Clerk shall be the chief executive officer
of the town.

9 Finance

(1) The town shall open at a bank in Nuku’alofa such a counts as are necessary
for the exercise of their powers, duties and functions and the court, by
resolution, from time to time shall determine the signatories thereof.

(2) All funds received by the town, or by any member of staff on behalf of the
town, shall be paid into one or other of said bank ccounts, and a receipt
issued to each person from whom such funds were received.

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(3) The withdrawal or payment of funds from any of said accounts shall be
authorised by any two of the account signatories and shall be made by way of
cheque, periodic payment, bankers’ draft or telegraph transfer, or otherwise as
may from time to time be authorised by a prior resoluti n of the court.

(4) The town shall keep full and correct accounts of all its financial transactions,
assets, liabilities and funds and shall report thereon to the court on a regular
monthly basis.

(5) The financial year of the town shall end with the 30th day of June in each year.

(6) Within three months after balance date the town shall submit to the court for
approval financial statements comprising:-

(a) a Statement of Financial Performance;

(b) a Statement of Financial Position;

(c) a Statement of Cash Flows;

(d) a Statement of Changes in Equity; and

(e) Notes to the Financial Statements.

(7) When approved by the court the town shall submit these financial statements
for audit to an auditor approved by His Majesty in Council.

(8) After the audit has been completed a copy of the financial statements of the
town, together with the Audit Report thereon, shall be submitted to the court
for approval; and when approved a copy thereof :-

(a) Shall be laid before His Majesty in Council, His Majesty’s Cabinet, and
the Legislative Assembly of Tonga;

(b) Shall be laid before the Royal Professional Livery Company and the
Royal Commercial Livery Company; and

(c) Shall be available for inspection at the head office of the town to all
persons ordinarily resident within the town.

10 Funding

(1) The town, by resolution of the court, may levy a charge for any goods or
services which it provides.

(2) The town, in accordance with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the
court, each year may levy a charge payable by each person ordinarily resident
within the town.

(3) The town, in accordance with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the
court, each year may levy a charge payable by the occupiers of every property
within the town, except only private dwelling houses.

(4) Until such time as the town is finally self-sufficient, a monthly grant in aid
shall be made to the town by Government out of public funds.

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(5) The charges referred to in subsections (1) to (3) are not taxes, but in the nature
of a price imposed for the goods or services provided by the town.

(6) In addition, the town may receive funds from any external body, either
generally or for a particular purpose.

(7) The Schemes referred to in subsections (2) and (3) shall be effective on and
from 1st July 2011.

11 By Laws

For the more efficient administration of their powers, duties and functions, by
resolution of the court, the town may make rules, to be known as By Laws, for the
exercise of these powers, duties and functions. Without prejudice to the foregoing
generality, such By Laws may:-

(a) Prescribe fees;

(b) Prescribe forms;

(c) Prescribe powers delegated to specified officers of the town;

(d) Regulate the assets, liabilities and funds of the town;

(e) Regulate meetings and the proceedings of the court;

(f) Regulate the compilation of an electoral register;

(g) Regulate elections or appointments to the court;

(h) Regulate the employment, disciplining and disengagement of staff consistent
with the rules of natural justice;

(i) Regulate management of the town;

(j) Enforce Schemes made under sections 10 or 12;

(k) Declare breach of by laws to be an offence to be prosecuted by the town, and
the penalty to be imposed upon conviction;

(l) Make provision for the performance by the town of its powers, duties and
functions, either by the town or by others on its behalf;

(m) Make provision for any matter necessary to give full effect to the charter and
this Ordinance;

(n) Make provision for any matter that may be convenient for the administration
of the town, or that may be necessary or expedient to carry out its powers,
duties and function; and

(o) Regulate procedures, consistent with the rules of natural justice, for dismissal
of members of the court.

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12 Powers, Duties and Functions

(1) The town shall carry out its powers, duties and functions effectively,
efficiently, timeously and in a financially responsible manner.

(2) In accordance with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court, within
the area of the town the town shall assume responsibility for the lighting of
streets, pavements and public areas, and enforce all lighting By Laws
applicable to the town.

(3) The town shall act as the development control authority for all developments
within the area of the town and shall assume full responsibility therefor in
accordance with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court. As
development control authority the powers of the town shall include the power
to:-

(a) Prepare a Development Plan for the town, delineat g therein zones
reserved for industrial, commercial, governmental or tourism activities;
residential purposes; open space; sport, performing arts, museums and
art galleries; libraries and educational facilities; mixed developments;
and any other developments deemed to be of eminent public utility;

(b) Make special provision for developments or activities within the town
which by reason of noise or smell or otherwise might constitute a
nuisance or a hazard;

(c) Consider all applications for development contrl consent within the
area of the town and where thought appropriate, to grant consent, with
or without conditions; and

(d) Enforce all development control By Laws applicable to the town.

(4) The town shall act as the building control authority for all buildings within the
area of the town and shall assume full responsibility therefor in accordance
with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court. As building control
authority the powers of the town shall include the power to:-

(a) Prepare a Building Code for the town;

(b) Consider all applications for building control consent within the area of
the town and where thought appropriate, to grant consent, with or
without conditions;

(c) Require the repair of buildings which are in a st te of disrepair, or the
demolition of buildings which are unsafe; and

(d) Enforce all building control By Laws applicable to the town.

(5) The town shall act as land transport authority for the town in accordance with
a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court. As land transport
authority the powers of the town shall include the power to:-

(a) Fix taxi and bus fares;

(b) Licence taxi and bus operators;

(c) Licence taxi and bus drivers;

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(d) Conduct driving tests for drivers of taxis, buses and heavy goods
vehicles operating within the town;

(e) Licence operators of heavy goods vehicles;

(f) Licence drivers of heavy goods vehicles;

(g) Designate taxi stands;

(h) Designate bus depots and bus stops;

(i) Designate goods vehicle depots;

(j) Regulate on-street and off-street parking;

(k) Regulate, in the interests of public safety, road signage, road markings,
pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, traffic lights, and maximum speed
limits;

(l) Regulate, in the interests of public safety, the condition of all vehicles
permitted to use public roads within the town;

(m) Maintain in a safe state of repair all roads and pavements within the
town; and,

(n) Enforce all land transport By Laws applicable to the town.

(6) In accordance with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court the
town shall act as environment protection authority for its area. As
environment protection authority the powers of the own shall include the
power to:-

(a) Require the production of an environmental impact assessment as a pre-
condition to exercising any of its powers, duties or functions;

(b) Regulate the keeping of animals (including dogs and cats) and the
disposal of straying or marauding animals;

(c) Regulate activities which create, or are likely to create, a nuisance, a
hazard, or a danger to the general public;

(d) Ensure the provision of safe drinking water within the town;

(e) Make arrangements for the collection, storage and discharge of storm
water;

(f) Make arrangements for the collection, storage and discharge of
wastewater;

(g) Make arrangements for the eradication of infestations by pests of any
kind whatsoever;

(h) Keep the town, and in particular public open spaces and public
buildings, well maintained and repaired;

(i) Provide for public amenities or events; and

(j) Enforce all environment protection By Laws applicable to the Town.

(7) In accordance with a Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court the
town has a general authority to:-

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(a) Undertake commercial activities, either alone or in conjunction with
others;

(b) Do further or otherwise as might enhance the economic development of
the town;

(c) Do further or otherwise as might enhance the social development of the
town;

(d) Fund activities which the court considers worthy of support from town
Funds;

(e) Do further or otherwise as might enhance the facilities of the town or
the services it provides; and

(f) Enforce all general By Laws applicable to the Town.

(8) The town shall act as the security authority for the town in accordance with a
Scheme to be approved by resolution of the court. As security authority the
powers of the town shall include the power to:-

(a) Maintain law and order within the town;

(b) Preserve the peace;

(c) Protect life and property;

(d) Prevent and detect crime;

(e) Make arrangements for crime prevention and roadsafety education;

(f) Provide community support and reassurance;

(g) Uphold the Laws of Tonga;

(h) Undertake the service and execution of court processes;

(i) Participate in land and marine search and rescue operations;

(j) Do further or otherwise as may from time to time be prescribed by law;
and

(k) Enforce all security By Laws applicable to the own.

Any officer engaged in the performance of security duties under this section
shall have all the powers vested in a police officer under the Tonga Police Act
2010 or any other police legislation from time to time in force.

(9) The Schemes referred to in the foregoing subsections shall be effective on and
from 1st July 2011.

13 Purpose

The purpose of this Ordinance is as follows:-

(a) To promote localised democratic control within the area of the town of
matters within the purview of the town;

(b) To establish a single unitary authority to govern the town as provided for in
this Ordinance on and from 1 July 2011;

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(c) By said date, to abolish the offices of district officer and town officer within
the town; and

(d) To require Government to –

(i) support this reorganisation as provided for in this Ordinance; and to

(ii) secure any necessary amendments to the Laws of Tonga prior to 30th
June 2011.

14 The Crown

(1) Insofar as may be necessary to give effect to this Ordinance, the Crown is
bound thereby.

(2) In any event as from 1 July 2011 all legislation necessary to give full effect to
the charter and to this ordinance, and to invest the town with the powers,
duties and functions provided for in this ordinance, shall be deemed to have
been passed into effect, and after that date any provision of law to the contrary
shall be deemed to have been repealed and to be of no legal effect whatsoever.

15 Review of Decision

(1) In respect of any decision of the town, provision shall be made by the town in
their by laws for same to be reviewed by an independent arbitrator in the
event of any written objection by anyone demonstrating right, title and interest
so to do.

(2) The decision of the arbitrator may be appealed to the Court of Appeal but only
on a matter of law.

(3) Except as provided for in this section decision f the town are not subject to
review by or appeal to any court of law.

(4) The independent arbitrator referred to in subsection (1) shall be appointed by
His Majesty in Council.



Made at Nuku’alofa this 19th day of November 2010.




Hon. Dr. Feleti V. Sevele

Prime Minister of Tonga