Tongans pay respects to late king

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Hundreds of mourners are filing past the coffin of Tonga's late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in New Zealand.

King Tupou IV died on Sunday in an Auckland hospital where he been receiving treatment. He was 88.

His body is lying in state in his city residence for members of the Tongan community to pay their respects.

King Tupou IV was absolute ruler of the South Pacific island nation for 41 years, making him the world's fourth longest-serving monarch.

His son, Crown Prince Tupouto'a, was sworn in as the new king at a brief ceremony on Monday, but it could be at least a year before a full coronation.

A month of national mourning has been declared in Tonga, with public buildings draped in black and purple as a mark of respect.

'Sad day'

There will be a month of mourning for the king

Hundreds of members of the city's 40,000-strong Tongan community have been visiting the king's residence.

The royal guard brought his body from the hospital and carried it past mourners wearing traditional woven mats - a mark of respect for the dead.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and a number of other ministers have been to the residence to pay their respects. Ms Clark told journalists that it was "a sad day for Tonga".

The king's body will remain there until Wednesday, when it is due to be flown to Tonga on a New Zealand Air Force plane.

Thousands of Tongans are expected in the capital, Nuku'alofa, for ceremonies for the king.