[2] Vaea was prime minister from 22 August 1991 until 2000 under the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

[3] He had previously served as Tonga's first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1969 until 1972, as well as in various ministerial posts from 1972 until his appointment as prime minister by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in 1991.

[2] He enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force following his graduation from high school and the outbreak of World War II.

[5] Vaea began working for the government of Tonga in January 1945 following his departure from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

[2] Vaea was simultaneously appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in 1975, a position which he continued to hold until his official retirement from government in 2000.

[2] Additionally, Vaea also headed the Tongan Ministries of Civil Aviation, Tourism, Education and Marine and Ports, at various points during his career.

[1][2] However, soon after submitting his retirement application, King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV appointed Vaea as Prime Minister of Tonga.

[2] In an interview with Matangi Tonga during his retirement, Vaea expressed concern for a number of issues affecting Tonga, including the decreasing supplies of the country's fresh water supplies, the environment, the need for additional capital funds and the negative outlook of many Tongan young people.

Baron Vaea died at his residence, 'Tali ki Ha'apai', in Houma, Tongatapu, Tonga, on 7 June 2009, at approximately 10 pm[2] He was 88 years old.

[11] Dignitaries in attendance included King George Tupou V, Princess Pilolevu Tuita and other members of the Tongan royal family.