Lisiate Aloveita Akolo is a Tongan politician, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga and former Minister of Finance in the Tongan Cabinet.
Lisiate is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington and American University. He worked for the Tonga Commodities Board and Tongan Development Bank, before becoming CEO of the South Pacific Tourism Organization in 2000.
In October 2006 he was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries, under Prime Minister Feleti Sevele.
He stood in the 2010 election in the seat of Vavaʻu 14 and was successful. New Prime Minister Lord Tuʻivakanō retained him in Cabinet as Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries."First meeting of Tonga's new Cabinet", Matangi Tonga, January 5, 2011 On September 1, 2011, he was reshuffled to the Ministry for Police, Prisons and Fire Services."Cabinet quietly reshuffles portfolios", Matangi Tonga, September 7, 2011 On May 1, 2012, at his own request, he was reshuffled to the position of Minister of Finance."Tonga talk of associate ministers goes against constitution", Radio New Zealand International, 16 May 2012"Four Cabinet Ministers to be reshuffled on May 1", Matangi Tonga, 20 April 2012"Tonga government names ministers", Radio New Zealand International, 15 April 2012
He developed a reputation as a financial conservative who didn't want to see Tonga overwhelmed by debt repayments."Tonga's finance minister sacked after defying order to quit", Radio Australia, 9 January 2014 He was also the lead Spokesperson for Pacific ACP States' negotiations with the European Union on a comprehensive Economic partnership agreement.
On 9 January 2014, Akolo was fired from his position as Minister for Finance after publicly criticizing aspects of the budget. He was replaced by ʻAisake Eke.
Honours National honours Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III, Grand Cross (31 July 2008).
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