Tonga’s Dr Tupou-Roosen is new FFA Boss
DOCTOR Manu Tupou-Roosen, Director General-designate of the Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency plans to bring to the role a strong commitment to empower the Pacific people through greater cooperation. And this she
Tonga
Pohiva storms back
Tongan Parliament votes VETERAN politician and long-time democracy fighter Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva has his job cut out for him after he was re-elected as Tonga’s Prime Minister with a 14-12 vote in the Tongan
An unforgettable World Cup story
TO say that Tonga has soared up the Rugby League International Federation (RFIL) rankings list after a stunning World Cup run is an understatement to the manner in which it achieved the feat. The South Sea islanders
Tonga 86 in hot race for seats Favourites: Mr Pohiva still has some
TONGA goes to the poll on November 16 to elect their 17 People’s Representatives in the Legislative Assembly. That is 12 months earlier than planned, after His Majesty King Tupou VI dissolved parliament in September
Crisis in the kingdom
TONGA’s political events in the past three weeks took the region by surprise. First it was His Majesty King Tupou VI who did the unprecedented and disssolved Parliament, with it also sending Prime Minister ‘Akilisi
Friends no more
Tonga heads to the polls AS a student at the University of the South Pacific, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva decided to put an end to what he saw as the corrupt system of governance in his homeland – Tonga. The monarchy
Tonga eyes Apia route
Talks start on flight options THE withdrawal of Samoa from a joint venture with Virgin Australia has sent regional airlines into a frenzy. In June, Real Tonga’s Deputy CEO, Fakatele Faletau, flew into Samoa to look at
Fifita heads Tonga’s internal affairs
TONGA has a new Internal Affairs Minister- Penisemani ‘Epenisa Fifita. The Tongatapu Nine representative replaces Fe’ao Vakata who was sacked three weeks ago. Fifita served as chairman of the Whole House
Tonga’s Game of thrones reaches epic finale
BY month’s end, The fate the 2019 Pacific Games will be known. A journey that began five years ago when Tonga won the bid to host the Pacific’s premier quadrennial sports event has turned sour after Prime
Tongan upgrade
FOR the first time in more than a century, the Anglican Church in Tonga will have its own bishop. Although men with Tongan heritage – Bishop Jabez Bryce and Archbishop Dr Winston Halapua – have led the
Ode to a Queen
Halaevalu Mata’aho Ahome’e May 1926 – February 2017 MUCH loved by her subjects, respected throughout the kingdom, Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho ‘Ahome’e was laid to rest in the Royal Tombs
Survivor Tonga
Pohiva defeats Nobles’ motion THREE years after winning an election, pro-democracy fighter Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva has fought off a second vote of no confidence to maintain his position as Tonga’s
Mixing sports and politics
Tonga’s bid to host 2019 Pacific Games reaches political climax SPORT has an uncanny ability to bring people together and build comradery lasting a lifetime, more so nowadays when those special moments can be
Skies fill with new birds
Air deals to boost Tonga, Samoa arrivals POLYNESIAN neighbours Tonga and Samoa hope to boost visitor numbers to their islands with increased flights between the destinations this year. Real Tonga has announced planned
Battle royale
King heads Tongan fightback FOOD is central to every Tongan function – from birth to death. But over-eating and the importation of cheap, fatty meat has led to Tonga being the most obese country in the world.
Battle royale
King heads Tongan fightback FOOD is central to every Tongan function – from birth to death. But over-eating and the importation of cheap, fatty meat has led to Tonga being the most obese country in the world.
Pohiva runs foul of free press
TONGA’S veteran democracy campaigner now Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has run foul of a key cornerstone of democracy which is freedom of the press over the suspension of the editor of the kingdom’s
Tonga’s race against time
Political row at centre of Pacific Games delay WITH less than three years to the Pacific Games 2019, Tonga is 18 months late in its preparations. This is despite Papua New Guinea’s pledge of $USD35 million –
Small kingdom, BIG risk
WITH an extremely thin export base, Tonga’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and fisheries. Expect little change to the economy in 2016 as Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva struggles to maintain power
Right royal challenge for Tupou VI
ON the road from Fua’amotu International Airport to Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, the red and white bunting has gathered dust and is starting to look tired. The miniature flags hang limply on the fences
Tonga floats Development Bank for the Pacific
Setting up a regional development bank gained the support of the Association of Development Financing Institutions of the Pacific meeting in Nuku’alofa last month. Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu
Tonga’s Freedom Fighter aims for election victory
Pohiva’s last swan song For veteran Tongan freedom fighter ‘Akilisi Pohiva, the election this month will be the final roll of the dice in a political career which started 40-odd years ago as a student at