Filling a void: How UniFiji built the Pacific’s first volcanology programme
THE rumblings started in December of 2021, and the eruption climaxed on January 15th, 2022. "The first explosion ... our ears were
Tonga
Tonga welcomes kava declaration
TONGA’S kava growers and exporters have welcomed a regional declaration by Pacific leaders on the ancient plant which has become a
The proof problem of Pacific climate
THERE is a weather station on Tofua, an active volcanic island in Tonga’s Ha’apai group, and getting there is a small expedition. You take a boat. Then you take another boat, and sometimes you wait days for the
UNOPS to address climate mobility in Tonga
THE United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Government of Tonga will work together to identify opportunities for cooperation, exchange information and expertise, and support initiatives that
United States strengthen Tonga’s cybersecurity infrastructure
THE United States Department of State is providing ongoing technical assistance to migrate Tonga’s critical government data assets into secure, trusted cloud environments by funding a technical feasibility study
Tonga tackles labour force challenges with first National Apprenticeship Policy
TONGA'S Crown Prince Tupoutu’a ‘Ulukalala has launched the kingdom’s first National Apprenticeship
Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers set for next month in Tonga
FIVE Pacific Island countries will compete in the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers, to be held in Tonga for the first time from September
Australia commits $20 million to Tonga gender equality and inclusion
AUSTRALIA has committed $AUD20 million to support gender equality, disability inclusion and social inclusion in Tonga over the next three
Oceania netball world cup qualifiers set for next month in Tonga
FIVE Pacific Island countries will compete in the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers, to be held in Tonga for the first time from September
From Ōtara to Elam: Tongan scholar’s journey comes full circle
TONGAN artist and University of Auckland alumnus Dr Sione Faletau has been appointed a permanent lecturer at the Elam School of Fine
PACNEWS TWO, 18 AUGUST 2026
In this bulletin: 1. TONGA — Tongan leader backs ‘renewed blood’ as three ministers join Cabinet2. USA/FIJI — Alleged US$165 million crypto Ponzi scheme mastermind deported from Fiji to U.S3. PACIFIC
Two Tongan MPs to lose seats
TWO Tongan parliamentarians will lose their seats on Monday, guilty of election
Tonga to prepare as El Niño approaches
TONGANS have been warned to collect and store water as the country braces for significant changes in temperatures, rainfall patterns, drought, and tropical cyclone activity in the next three to six months.
Energy crisis could cost Tonga budget up to TOP50 million
MIDDLE East tensions could cost Tonga’s national budget between TOP40 million and TOP50 million, as higher fuel prices and possible supply disruptions put fresh pressure on the economy.
The Tongan way
KING Tupou VI’s increased involvement in governance, framed as a political regression, rests on a narrow interpretation of democracy and a misreading of Tonga’s cultural and political landscape.
First Tongan set to serve in Utah Senate
A TONGAN-AMERICAN politician has made history in the United States after winning his primary election to become the first Tongan state senator in American history.
Tonga ratifies global nuclear test ban treaty in Pacific milestone
TONGA has ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, becoming the 179th country to do so and completing treaty universalisation across the Pacific region.
Tonga receives second climate insurance payout for drought preparedness
TONGA has received a second parametric insurance payout of TOP114,168 from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) to support early drought preparedness efforts in the Niua Islands.
Forum Troika leaders focus on regional reforms ahead of Palau summit
PACIFIC Islands Forum (PIF) Troika leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional governance and Pacific unity as they prepare for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau later this
Tonga police see crime growing more regional and digital
TONGA’S criminal threat landscape has changed fast, and Acting Chief Superintendent Selosia Fatukala-Satini says the shift is
Tonga’s political crisis deepens, third minister guilty of election bribes
TONGAN Lands Minister, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, has been found guilty of electoral bribery – the third cabinet member linked to misconduct in the 2025 general election.
Tonga, UNICEF report highlights kids hit hard by poverty
A QUARTER of Tonga’s children live in multidimensional poverty, according to a new report released by Tonga and UNICEF.
Tonga appoints new Tourism CEO
THE Public Service Commission has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of
