USP students with big dreams
Hundreds of students from around the region this week filled the Australia Pacific Lecture Theatre at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus, with much eagerness to further their studies. Every year,
Tonga
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga all options for future NSW Cup NRL
The NSW Rugby League has set their sights on fielding teams from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in their main competition as part of the game’s push into the Pacific. The code’s Pacific expansion remains a key
‘Ball is in PM’s court’: Tonga’s former attorney general says communication is key
A former Attorney General of Tonga says there’s still a chance to resolve matters between the two main authorities in Tonga. ‘Aminiasi Kefu was the acting Attorney General of Tonga from 2014 to 2019. His
Penina Pasifika women’s rugby team arrives in Australia
The recently formed Penina Pasifika women’s rugby team has touched down in Australia and is gearing up for their inaugural match against the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby Women pre-season tournament. Local
ANT Bicycles Tonga: The first bicycle rental shop in the Kingdom
Visitors to Tonga have a new way of exploring Tongatapu thanks to Alamoni and Taniela Takeifanga. They are the proud owners of ANT Bicycles Tonga, the first family-owned bicycle rental business in the heart of
Opinion: The standoff between Tonga’s King and government
Tonga: Early last week, the Secretary of Tonga’s Privy Council wrote to the Chief Secretary (Secretary to Cabinet and to the Prime Minister), saying: “I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty in Council’s
Call for King to ‘urgently’ refine Tonga democracy
Tongan Democrats in New Zealand have called on the King to urgently refine what they describe as the country’s fragile democracy. They said the memorandum King Tupou VI sent withdrawing his consent to the appointment
Tonga government to ‘talanoa’ with King about “unconstitutional” directive
Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister, Samiuela Vaipulu says the government will resolve its differences with the King “the Pacific Way”. This comes after the government rejected a directive from the Privy Council,
Dr Piukala appointed WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific
The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board today confirmed the appointment of Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala of Tonga as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. Following his
Upgrades for five seismic network stations in Tonga
An upgrade to Tonga’s Seismic Network will cover five strategically positioned stations at Nukuhetulu, Tongatapu; Mt Talau Vava’u; Hihifo, Ha’apai; Niuafo’ou High School, Niuafo’ou; and Hihifo. Niuatoputapu,
Scaling up renewable energy in the Pacific
A rural electrification project launched in Fiji last month will take electricity to almost 200 households from renewable energy sources, with project lead, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighting the increasing
Moana Pasifika to host first Super Rugby game in Tonga
Moana Pasifika will stage a Super Rugby match in Tonga for the first time in history next year in a bid to grow the sport on the island, the club said Wednesday. Nineteen of the team’s 38-man playing squad are
Palau, Tonga, Fiji call for concrete actions at COP28 to combat climate crisis
Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. Friday delivered a powerful message emphasising the urgent need for global unity and concrete actions to combat the climate crisis. Addressing the distinguished audience,
Fiji Airways announces payload limitations
Fiji Airways says flights to three Pacific Island countries will operate with reduced seating capacities due to prevailing seasonal weather conditions in the region. The airline says some guests and checked bags may not
French companies aim to solidify footprint in the Pacific
Through banking, renewable energy and water security — French companies are looking to solidify their footprint in Fiji and the Pacific region through its ‘Make it Iconic’ campaign. The campaign aims to
Tonga did not sign the Samoa Agreement
Tonga did not sign the Samoa Agreement, that took place in Samoa last week. Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, said that there is a requirement in order to formalise Tonga’s
Tonga wins 2023 Pacific Invasive Species Battler of the Year Award
National Invasive Species Coordinator of the Tonga Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Viliami Hakaumotu has been honoured as the
Solomon Islands determined to compete on home soil, Kiribati withdraws from football
Team Solomon Islands will be the first contingent to move into camp at St. Joseph Tenaru Secondary School in Honiara as early as 14 November and continue their training for the 2023 Pacific Games. Village Coordinator
Drought declared for Tonga’s main island
A drought has been declared for Tonga’s main island Tongatapu as well as the nearby island of ‘Eua, and put out warnings and alerts for other islands. The climate pattern El Niño was officially declared in
We’re not trying to impress anyone: Tonga PM on UN truce
Tonga’s Prime Minister said, “We are not trying to impress anyone. This was a sovereign decision made by the Government of Tonga…,” when he was asked why Tonga had opposed the UN General Assembly
Fiji among 14 that oppose truce
Fiji was amongst 14 countries that opposed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza while 120 countries voted in favour. The Assembly adopted resolution titled “Protection of civilians and
Ash clouds detected in Tonga’s Home Reef area
Six volcanic eruptions were detected from active Home Reef volcano in the last 24 hours, and volcanic ash was observed by satellites, Tonga Geological Services reported today, advising the Aviation Community. “to
Tonga’s Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala nominated to lead WHO Western Pacific Region
Tonga’s Minister for Health, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala has been nominated as the next World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific. His candidacy was successful at the WHO Regional