–via Radio New Zealand, 6/8/2017 Tonga's Heritage Society is starting legal action in a bid to stop the government from developing what it calls a site of huge historical and cultural significance. Preparation has begun in Popua to build a golf course, a park and and canals. The Society's president 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki said the site is where Tongan royalty was established, where the Lapita people arrived and where Captain Cook and his crew were welcomed. Dr Taufe'ulungaki also said the area hosted ancient royal pigeon snaring grounds and plays a large part in Tongan mythology. In 2015 parliament accepted a petition and agreed to protect the site but the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva is now leading developments there. Dr Taufe'ulungaki said her group would now be seeking a judicial injunction to stop the work. "That's the only option that is now available to us. We didn't want to go through this route but we are forced to do so by a government who is unwilling to negotiate or to listen, or to follow the rule of law," she said. Dr Taufe'ulungaki expects to have their action filed by the end of next week. Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/332574/tongan-heritage-society-to-take-govt-to-court-over-popua-site