Tonga's government, under siege over an expensive coronation this week, has revealed how its Royal Family in 1952 got hold of one of Auckland's highest pieces of real estate.
'Atalanga is a lavish home and grounds at 183 St Andrews Road in Epsom and is one of the highest homes in Auckland.
Its value is believed to run into the millions but has never been tested as properties in the area seldom come on the market.
As the government this week spends $T5 million ($NZ3 million) on the coronation of aging bachelor King George Tupou V, pro-democracy MP 'Akilisi Pohiva has demanded 'Atalanga be sold to pay the bills.
But in a press statement the Tongan Government says the property is not owned by the Tongan Government but by the Royal Family.
It said the property used to be owned by now 95-year-old Dennis Nathan, a one time merchant who is a widow now living in Remuera.
He purchased the property in 1928 from newspaper publisher Kirby Wilson.
Mr Nathan in March this year gave the Tongan Government a signed statement saying his wife wanted to move from Epsom to Remuera so that their two sons could attend King's Prep.
They had not, however, thought of putting the property on the market until a day in 1952.
"However one day the late Queen of Tonga (Salote Tupou) arrived at their home and introduced herself and told them she was in the neighborhood and was looking to purchase a property in the area," the government said.
She told them she wanted to provide accommodation for female Tongan scholarship students.
Mr Nathan said he could clearly remember her presence and politeness when speaking about her vision and why she wanted to purchase the Property in Epsom.
He said that he would never forget that day and at that moment without hesitation decided with his late wife to sell the Property to Queen Salote.
They were so overwhelmed and sold the property.
Its current Certificate of Title notes that the property is registered to "His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou of the Kingdom of Tonga, His Heirs and Successor". That king died two years ago.
The Tongan Government says Mr Nathan's statement confirms that "Queen Salote bought the property for her residence with her own funds and for her heirs and successors".
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Contributor's Note
Extravagant use of poor people's money
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