The final report of Tonga's Constitutional and Electoral Commission recommending a democratic form of Parliament for Tonga is welcome news, said Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson Keith Locke.

Wellington, Nov 8 NZPA - A national memorial service for victims of the South Pacific tsunami was held today in Auckland.

More than 180 people died after the earthquake and following tsunami struck Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga in September.

The HMNZS CANTERBURY has anchored west of the Tsunami-affected Tongan island of Niuatoputapu, and is currently operating the embarked No 6 SQN Seasprite helicopter and the ship's Zodiac Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to move aid and supplies to the shore.

Prime Minister John Key has underlined New Zealand's commitment to Tonga's political reform process and economic progress in talks with Tonga's Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele in Nuku'alofa today.

Mr Key is in Tonga on the first leg of a four-country Pacific visit.

New Zealand is committing $1.5 million to supporting the democratic reform process in Tonga, Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced today.