This is a full set of seven notes with new designs. This is the third series of banknotes issued by the National Reserve Bank of Tongo, since 1992. This is also the first time the 100 pa'anga denomination is introduced and also the first Hybrid note too.
One Pa'anga
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| nd2008, 151.5mm x 71mm |
Front - On the front, it featured the King George Tupou V (b.1948-2012) in full military uniform. King George Tupou V's birth name was Siaosi Taufa'ahau Manumataongo Tuku'aho Tupou. King Tupou V was born in 1948 and died in Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong in 2012 at the age of 63 years old. He inherited the throne in 2006 following the death of his father, King Táufa'áhau Tupou lV (b.1918-2006). King George Tupou V was never married but did have a daughter from his previous relationship. However, due to the Constitution of Tonga that only allowed children born of a royal marriage, she was ineligible to the throne. King George Tupou V was succeeded by his younger brother, Tupou VI on 18.03.2012.
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT
Back - The theme on the back of the note is mainly related to tourism, depicting a Humpback whale doing a water backsplash. Whales watching months in Tonga are from June to October, with August and September being the best months. Humpback whale watching is popular around the islands of Vava'u. Vava'u islands are located north-east of the main island Tongatapu and to get there by air is about one hour flight
Two Pa'anga
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| nd2008, 151.5mm x 71.5mm |
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT
Back - Scene of school activities. In the center left it depicts a school activity showing a teacher conducting a class outdoors. In the background is a school building and to the right a rugby player attacking another player holding the rugby ball in his arm. Rugby Union is the national sport of Tonga. The national team is known as 'Ikale Tahi or Sea Eagles in English. Whilst banknote theme designs are repeated from series to series in Tonga, this is the first time this design or theme is depicted on a Tongan banknote since 1967. However, apart from the nd2012 reprint, this theme has not been repeated since then.
Five Pa'anga
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| nd2008, 151.5mm x 70.5mm |
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT.
Back - The Royal Tombs of Tonga. The Royal Tombs is also known as langi and is a significant cultural and historical site. The site consists of atone burial structures for the Tongan royalty. There are two primary sites and are located in Lapaha on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was the ancient capital. The other one is located in Mala'ekula in the capital city of Nuku'alofa. This is the current site where the royal family members are buried when they are gone. This note depicts the historical burial site in Lapaha.
Ten Pa'anga
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| nd2008, 151.5mm 70.5mm |
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT
Back - The Royal Tombs of Tonga. The Royal Tombs is also known as langi and is a significant cultural and historical site. The site consists of atone burial structures for the Tongan royalty. There are two primary sites and are located in Lapaha on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was the ancient capital. The other one is located in Mala'ekula in the capital city of Nuku'alofa. This is the current site where the royal family members are buried when they are gone. This note depicts the current burial site of the Royal members.
Twenty Pa'anga
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| nd2008, 152mm x 72mm |
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT
Back - The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) building in Nuku'alofa. The NRBT is a five story building and is the tallest building in Tonga. This building was built in 1994 and this building first featured on the 20 pa'anga 2008 note series. The building is also partly occupied by the Embassy of Japan.
Fifty Pa'anga
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| nd2008, 151mm x 71mm |
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT
Back - Royal Palace situated in Nuku'Alofa, the capital city of Tonga. This wooden palace was built in 1867 and is located only a short distance from the Pacific ocean. The palace is the official residence of the King of Tonga. Whilst the Palace is not open to the public, it can be viewed from the waterfront and also from the main entrance separated by the gate. This gate was added to the property in the early 2000s after some people on lorries/trucks invaded the property compound. The Royal Palace building was previously depicted on the back of the 10 pa'anga notes.
One Hundred Pa'anga Hybrid Commemorative
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| nd2008, 151mm x 70mm |
This note was issued to coincide with the crowning of King George Tupou V on 01.08.2008.
Watermarks - King George Tupou V and electrotype NRBT
Back - An Aerial view of Vava'u Harbour. The Vava'u Harbour is also known as the Port of Refuge. The harbour is located in the northern part of Tonga within the Vava'u island group. The main town is Neiafu and is located on the shores of this harbour. Vava'u island is famous for its natural beauty and is a tourist attraction and destination for the rich (yachts visiting) and cruise ships and for sailing and humpback whales watching.
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