Tongan PM warns of global uncertainty as Forum Finance Ministers endorse three key regional initiatives
In a clear warning to his fellow Pacific Finance Ministers, Tongan Prime Minister and Forum Chair Dr ʻAisake Eke highlighted on Wednesday the rising global uncertainty, fuelled in part by shifting U.S policies under
From teaching to Tongpop: The artistic journey of Telly Tuita
For a few weeks in January, the ‘Thirsty Mile’ on Sydney’s harbour was a riot of colour and Tongan iconography. It was the work of Tongan Australian artist Telly Tuita, who brought his captivating show ‘The Tā
Wasted millions: $8.3 million Tongiaki catamaran no longer serves Tonga, review finds
A vessel once celebrated for its speed and preferred as an alternative to air transport in Tonga has been revealed to be non-operational, barely five years after its launch. The Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni
Tonga’s Ministry of Finance CEO calls for unity to overcome Pacific’s economic challenges
Tonga’s Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance, Kilisitina Tuaimei’api, opened the Special Forum Economic Officials Meeting (FEOM) Tuesday, with a call for unity in addressing the unprecedented
Plastic bottle and can collection and recycling programme launched in Tonga
Tongatapu residents are now able to earn money from returning their empty PET plastic beverage bottles and cans, in a new programme formally launched in Nuku’alofa Saturday. The programme is the result of a
Leaders call for climate action during post COP29 debrief
Pacific leaders have reiterated the region’s urgent climate demands at the Post-COP29 Debrief of Pacific Political Climate Champions, warning that their voices must not be sidelined. This week’s session brought
Tonga’s Lulutai Airlines can cover its debts, former PM Hu’akavameiliku says
A former Tongan prime minister says that the country’s troubled government-owned airline, Lulutai, has enough assets to cover its debts. Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned last December ahead of a
Tongan airline Lulutai seeking $7 million subsidy
The Tongan government is assessing the possibility of ceasing Lulutai Airlines services due to its inability to meet financial obligations, the Minister for Public Enterprises says. The news follows serious
Scotland and Samoa lead the PacificAus Netball series
The PacificAus Sports Netball Series is heating up, with Scotland and Samoa emerging as the dominant teams after the first three rounds of matches at Nissan Arena in Brisbane. As the competition progresses towards its
Pacific must get deep-sea mining decisions right, says Tongan Minister
Tonga’s Minister of Lands, Survey, Planning, and Natural Resources, Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, has called for a responsible and collaborative approach to deep-sea mining (DSM), warning that decisions made today
Tongan community mobilises against US deportation action
The National Tongan American Society (NTAS) in Utah is proactively offering legal assistance to community members facing potential actions from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Executive Director O. Fahina
Dr Masasso Paunga first TNU Vice Chancellor
The Tonga National University (TNU) has appointed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga as its inaugural Vice Chancellor, effective this month. Talanoaotonga reports that this milestone coincides with the
An uneasy crown: King Tupou VI seeks greater role
For 15 years, the Kingdom of Tonga has gone through a political experiment that was supposed to make the governance system “more democratic”. This was the declared will of the former Monarch, King George Tupou V,
Guided by the stars: Kakala Tevi dares to save the ocean
The sun climbs gently into the sky as the ocean-going canoe Uto Ni Yalo ploughs towards Vava’u through a surging swell. About 200 metres to the stern, the first rays of the sun glint off the back of a large, black
Tongan Parliament rejects Police Minister’s bid to take oath in English
The Tongan Legislative Assembly, during its swearing-in of the new Cabinet ministers last Friday, denied a request by new Police Minister Piveni Piukala to take his oath of office in English rather than the Tongan
Tonga unprepared for deportee crisis, lacks legislation says ministry leader
Tonga is unprepared for the increasing number of deportees arriving from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, says Reverend Semisi Kava, Chaplain for the Tonga Prison Service, warning that the lack of
Hundreds of Fijians, Tongans among 1.4 million facing deportation from US
A total of 151 Tongans is currently among the estimated 1.4 million people in the United States who are at risk of deportation, reports said. It comes after President Donald Trump held firm to his campaign promise of
New Tonga PM unveils Cabinet
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Eke, has announced a new Cabinet which includes four unelected representatives. According to the constitution, the Prime Minister can nominate no more than four unelected
No changes to Tonga cabinet – PM
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Dr Aisake Eke, has announced that his new Cabinet will comprise the same ministers from the previous administration until his new ministers are officially appointed. Eke was officially
Tonga’s new Prime Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke
Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke was elected Prime Minister of Tonga on 24 December 2024, defeating Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, the other candidate, by 16 votes to 8 in a secret ballot. The election resulted from the shock
Starlink approved to revolutionise Tonga’s Internet access
Tonga’s Ministry of MEIDECC has granted official approval for Starlink to deliver high-speed internet across Tonga. The move is expected to transform connectivity and boost digital inclusion throughout the
