Gunnedah farmers hope royal visit will ease worker shortages

The Tongan Princess met with Gunnedah locals after the signing. (ABC New England North West: Lani Oataway)

In what is believed to be an Australian first, a north-west New South Wales community has welcomed royalty with a visit from a Tongan princess.

Gunnedah residents, farmers and council members welcomed Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho who signed a sister-city agreement between the town and central Tongan suburb Kolomotu'a. 

Gunnedah Shire Council was believed to be the first Australian council to have such a relationship with Tonga, which was first approved last year.

The princess said the occasion was important for both cities.

"It's a very historical day both for Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah and because of the opportunities for people to come and help in different sectors and areas," she said.

Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho sign the sister city agreement. (ABC New England North West: Lani Oataway)

Boosting skills and workforce

As a crowd gathered to watch the signing, Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the bond would help address Gunnedah's workforce shortages.

"There are many different aspects to this relationship that will [provide] a benefit for our community well into the future," he said.

"We've already seen the fruits of our labour with more people from Tonga filling some of the vacancies that are within the Gunnedah shire, mostly in agriculture.

"In the future there is a plan for people from Tonga to able to get the skills and qualifications they need to help us fill those positions as well."

Tongan seasonal workers enjoyed seeing the princess. (ABC New England North West: Lani Oataway)

Citrus grower Robert Hoddle has employed Tongan workers for many years.

"From agriculture's perspective it will hopefully provide a pathway for people to come in and work here," he said.

"Part of what we're doing too is wanting to train people so they'll come here and get skilled, or the training will be done in Tonga before they leave for particular jobs."

Gunnedah relies heavily on Tonga for its agricultural workforce. (ABC: Jennifer Ingall)

William Koloamatangi was one of the seasonal workers present for the signing.

He worked at an abattoir in Tamworth and made the hour-long trip to see the princess and witness a significant milestone for his country. 

Mr Koloamatangi hopes the new agreement will provide plenty of work for Tongans into the future. (ABC New England North West: Lani Oataway)

"To be honest I'm speechless, really happy because this is a milestone, not only for us that are already on the programs but for those that are about to come in the future," Mr Koloamatangi said.