The new Vava’u Pearl Centre, opened in Neiafu this month, will advance the cultivation of pearls and the economic growth of pearl farming in Tonga.
The centre was officially opened on 11 September 2025, by the Governor of Vava’u, Lord Fakatulolo, who acknowledged the history of Pearl farming in Vava’u, which began in 1975 as an initiative from King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.
Pearl farming has become a vital source of income for many families in Vava’u. The new Pearl Centre and Workshop will facilitate the quality of pearl processing.
The centre is expected to improve the management of selected fisheries and aquaculture in Tonga while also giving pearl farmers the opportunity to sell their products.
Also serving as a workshop the Centre provides the tools for further training and upskilling farmers to pass on skills to the next generation of pearl farmers.
Funded by the World Bank, the Pearl Centre is the final output of the Pathway to Sustainable Oceans Project (PSOP). The main objective of this project aligns with the Ministry of Fisheries' overall priorities which is to improve the management of selected fisheries and aquaculture.
Over the past six years, the main components of this project have been achieved which includes strengthening fisheries governance, strengthening the knowledge base for fisheries and aquaculture and investing in sustainable fisheries management and development. Total funding for the multiple activities under the project is USD 10 million USD (TOP 23 million) over the last six years.
World Bank Liaison Officer for Tonga, Natalia Latu on behalf of the World Bank, thanked the Ministry of Fisheries, and the Prime Minister, Dr Aisake Valu Eke, Minister for Fisheries and CEO Dr Vailala Matoto and their team for the collaboration in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
The design and supervision company for the Pearl Centre was carried out by ITS Pacific Tonga Limited and the contractor was Tomifa Paea.
Attending the launch event were: President of Vava’u Pearl Farmers Association – Faka’anaua Lakai; Hon. Governor of Vava’u Lord Fakatulolo and Lady Fakatulolo; CEO of Fisheries Dr Sione Vailala Matoto; World Bank Liaison Officer (Tonga) Natalia Latu; Vava’u MP Samiu Vaipulu; SUTT Vahefonua Vava’u -Rev. Sione Ikavuka Fifita; Project Coordinator for PSOP George Vete; Head of Aquaculture - Fisheries Matini Finau; and Acting Officer in Charge - Fisheries Vava’u, Sisilia Soakai.
