Vaea of Houma (1921– )

Tongan politician, prime minister 1991–2000. He worked as an aide to Queen Salote 1954–59, as governor of the Ha'apai island group 1960–68, and as Tonga's high commissioner in the UK 1970–72. He was awarded the title of baron in 1970 by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and, after serving as labour and industry minister from 1973, became prime minister in August 1991, following the resignation of the king's brother, Prince Fatafehi Tu'ipelhake (1922–1999), for health reasons. He retired in January 2000, and was replaced by the king's youngest son, Prince Ulukalala Ata.

Born in the capital, Nuku'alofa, he studied at the Wesley College in New Zealand and at Oxford University. He inherited the title Vaea in 1942 and, after military service during World War II with the New Zealand Airforce, worked in the Tongan civil service.