The media has recently reported that the Hon Rev Dr Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa died in the United States on 18 March 2023. The former Prime Minister of Tonga became known as the grandfather of PASAI for his long involvement with the association.

Dr Pōhiva was appointed the pro tem Secretary-General of the Heads of Audit Offices in the South Pacific when Tonga hosted the group’s conference in 1985. The South Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (SPASAI) was founded in 1986 as a regional working group of INTOSAI. Dr Pōhiva was officially appointed as the Secretary-General of SPASAI at its first Congress in 1988, holding the role until 1994. The association changed its name to PASAI after its 2008 Congress, having expanded its membership to jurisdictions in the North Pacific as well. He later served as the Chair of PASAI’s Governing Board.

Over a 33-year tenure as the Auditor General of Tonga, Dr Pōhiva championed the independence of his office as being in the broader national interest. The Tonga Office of the Auditor General now serves as regional inspiration for its independence.

While serving as Prime Minister of Tonga, Dr Pōhiva participated in PASAI’s 33rd Congress in 2021 by contributing a video presentation. In it he said, “I continue to be appreciative of the work of SAIs in advocating for good governance, ensuring greater accountability and increased transparency.

“There’s no question of the significance and importance of the work of SAIs in holding the government accountable to its citizens. That is an undisputed role for SAIs which we should continue to enhance and modernise.”

Reflecting on Dr Pōhiva’s extraordinary legacy to the regional public audit community, the PASAI Secretariat is saddened by news of Dr Pōhiva’s passing and is thinking of his family members at this time. In memory of him, we say, “Mālō ‘aupito,” (Thank you very much).