Lisiate ‘Akolo

Who is Lisiate ‘Akolo?

Lisiate ‘Aloveita ‘Akolo is a Tongan politician, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga and former Minister for Finance in the Tongan Cabinet.

Lisiate is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington and American University. He worked for the Tonga Commodities Board and Tongan Development Bank, before becoming CEO of the South Pacific Tourism Organization in 2000.

In October 2006 he was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries, under Prime Minister Feleti Sevele.

He stood in the 2010 election in the seat of Vavaʻu 14 and was successful. New Prime Minister Lord Tuʻivakanō retained him in Cabinet as Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries. On September 1, 2011, he was reshuffled to the Ministry for Police, Prisons and Fire Services. On May 1, 2012, at his own request, he was reshuffled to the position of Minister for Finance. Radio New Zealand International reported: "He told Lord Tu’ivakano he could do better than Sunia Fili as finance minister and he got the job." The two men's portfolios were switched, with Fili becoming Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services. He developed a reputation as "a financial conservative who doesn't want to see Tonga overwhelmed by debt repayments". He was also the lead Spokesperson for Pacific ACP States' negotiations with the European Union on a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.