Valerie Adams

Ms Adams, whose mother was Tongan, chose to make Tonga the first island nation she visits in her role as New Zealand's Pacific Sports Ambassador, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging participation in physical activity.

At a reception in Nuku'alofa she said she knew she bore a big responsibility to encourage and inspire Tongans to take part in the games.

Ms Adams says the 2019 Pacific Games should be an exciting time for Tonga.

RNZ reports the basketballer is in New Zealand for the NBA off season and to launch the first of three training camps.

The seven-footer said it was emotional seeing his sister return from knee surgery and then go on to compete at the Games.

"Everybody says it's disappointing [she didn't win the gold medal], but it wasn't about the gold.

"She looked like she went out there and really enjoyed it. She just looked happy competing again. That's the biggest thing."