Over 500 volunteers rallied by TASANOC picked-up around 50,000 items of plastics from the Nuku;'alofa foreshore and two beaches in Tongatapu, concluding the King’s Baton Relay in Tonga from 1-7 February.
The clean-up is part of the Commonwealth Games’ Global Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign.
Tonga is among 74 countries and territories gearing up for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23 July to 2 August.
At Ha'atafu Beach the volunteers were joined by Hon. Fāhina Filipe, a member of the Outrigger club, with her brothers, Hon. Siosaia and Hon. Mateialona.
The volunteers included athletes, church groups, children, diplomats and government officials.
Plastic waste collected from the beaches included water bottles, takeaway containers, candy wrappers and disposable plates and utensils.
“Watching our children help collect plastic was a highlight, because this is their future. We are proud that through this campaign our communities are developing a stronger appreciation for a clean environment and greater respect for the life-giving properties of our oceans and waterways.” said TASANOC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General Netina Vea.
TASANOC organised beach clean-ups at:
- Nuku‘alofa Foreshore on 3 February – 23,000 pieces of plastic waste collected.
- Ha‘atafu Beach on 4 February – 10,000 pieces of plastic waste collected.
- Halaika Beach on 7 February – 15,000 pieces of plastic waste collected.
Tonga’s Commonwealth Games’ King’s Baton was also featured during the week. For the first time, the design of each country’s Baton was left up to participating nations. Tonga’s was hand-carved by renowned local artist Sitiveni Fehoko and includes intricate patterns on Scottish Ashwood to honour Tonga’s deep ocean heritage and early leadership in Pacific seafaring and navigation.
On 2 February, the British High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Mr Philip Malone, presented the Baton to Tonga’s Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, marking the start of Tonga’s celebration week.
Each of the world’s Batons feature one word, and when all 74 come together in Glasgow, a full message from His Majesty King Charles III will be revealed to officially open the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Comments
Refuse in Tonga is a major
Refuse in Tonga is a major issue with ocean plastics the least of the issue. Almost everything that comes across QS Wharf stays in Tonga. Tapuhia landfill has been far beyond its capacity for some time now. People are dumping refuse in mangrove swamps or letting it build up on their 'api. Much waste is toxic or injurious to the environment. Amongst chemicals of all sort and kind, there are thousands of abandoned automobiles. Both automobiles and repair shops generate tons of waste oil and highly toxic ethylene glycol coolant. Tonga simply does not have the absorptive capacity. This is a serious issue for the health and wellbeing of the Tongan people that is only getting worse.