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Tuesday 7 July 2026 10:22pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Mailoko ‘Ealelei, 28, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for breaking into the home of a 65-year-old woman in Tofoa and stealing Tongan handicrafts valued at about $10,500 while he was on authorised prison leave. -
Tuesday 7 July 2026 10:10pm
Canberra, Australia : Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has criticised China's testing of nuclear-capable missiles in the Pacific, saying it destabilises the region. China fired the nuclear-capable long-range missile from a submarine in the Pacific on Monday. The test missile is understood to have landed between Nauru and Tuvalu. -
Tuesday 7 July 2026 9:45pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Forty-one drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, during a road policing enforcement operation by Tonga Police over the Heilala Festival weekend. -
Tuesday 7 July 2026 11:00am
Canberra, Australia : China has confirmed it has test launched a strategic missile from a submarine in the Pacific Ocean, just hours after Australia signed a landmark defence alliance with Fiji. By: Tess Ikonomou/AAP -
Tuesday 7 July 2026 10:56am
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Imports continues to outweigh exports on average as Tonga recorded a trade deficit of T$185.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Tonga Statistics Department (TSD). -
Tuesday 7 July 2026 10:50am
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : 'Emeline Haisila, 46, and Jayjay 'Ahome'e, 29, have been jailed after pleading guilty to possessing 1.10 grams of methamphetamine and drug utensils discovered during a police search of their Ha'alalo residence following information they were selling illicit drugs. -
Monday 6 July 2026 8:24pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : A chilly 8.6° Celsius recorded in ‘Eua early this morning, 6 July, has broken the record for the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Tonga. The unusually cold conditions experienced across Tonga are associated with the current El Niño event that is present across the Pacific Ocean. -
Monday 6 July 2026 7:57pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : The annual ‘One Tonga, Glorifying God in Song’ Choral Event, presented 12 choirs and musical groups on stage at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall last night, 5 July. -
Monday 6 July 2026 2:51pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Mo’ui he 'Ofa ‘Ofanoa (32) is serving two years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that included serious causing bodily harm, when he used a machete on another man during a drunken violent assault in 2025. The judge denounced the level of violence. "Our community needs to be safe from alcohol-crazed behaviour. If a person attacks another with a weapon, they must go to jail, unless there are extenuating circumstances," he said. -
Monday 6 July 2026 1:24pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Two new Judges, Lord Colin Boyd and Sir Patrick Elias were formally sworn in as Judges of the Court of Appeal of the Kingdom of Tonga on 3 July 2026, during a ceremony held at Cabinet. -
Monday 6 July 2026 1:08pm
Suva, Fiji : Australia's attempts to limit Chinese influence in the Pacific will ramp up with a diplomatic blitz, including the signing of a treaty with Fiji. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will ink a major treaty with Fiji, elevating the nations' relationship as he prepares to meet with several Pacific leaders including Tonga, in a diplomatic blitz. By: Tess Ikonomou/AAP -
Saturday 4 July 2026 11:15pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Newly crowned Miss Heilala 2026-27 Silia Sitoafa Matelau shone at the Miss Heilala annual float parade celebration in Nuku'alofa today, marking the final official event of this year's pageant.
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Saturday 4 July 2026 2:33am
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Silia Matelau (22), was crowned Miss Heilala 2026 tonight, 3 July 2026, at the Miss Heilala Ball in the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium. The US-born Tongan, who entered the pageant as Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026, won all but one of the main judging categories. Premium content -
Friday 3 July 2026 7:41pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : A masterpiece island creation worn by Miss Tikaway Creations, Meleane Pulotufietau Brown, wowed the crowd during a showcase of impressive island creations for the Miss Heilala judging event last night, 2 July 2026 at the 'Atele Indoor Stadium. Premium content -
Friday 3 July 2026 2:49pm
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Miss Heilala contestants confidently modelled colourful sarong swimwear, with five of the 14 girls awarded top placings in the competition last night, 2 July 2026 at ‘Atele Indoor Stadium. Premium content -
Friday 3 July 2026 2:30pm
: The Heilala 9s rugby league tournament has returned for a second year, with teams from across Tonga gathering at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa, yesterday 2 July, for the opening day of the three-day competition. Premium content -
Friday 3 July 2026 1:51pm
Suva, Fiji : The Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva, Fiji this week for strategic discussions on the future governance of the Pacific regional system and key regional priorities in the lead up to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in Palau. Premium content -
Thursday 2 July 2026 7:11am
Nuku'alofa, Tonga : A showcase of traditional Tongan tau'olunga dancing and costume (teunga) was elegantly presented by 14 Miss Heilala contestants on Tuesday night, at Teufaiva Indoor Stadium, the first night of this week's Miss Heilala judging events. Premium content -
Thursday 2 July 2026 6:57am
Fua'amotu, Tongatapu : A fire truck for Ha'apai Airport donated by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), was handed over to Tonga Airports Limited, on 30 June 2026, at Fua'amotu International Airport. Premium content -
Tuesday 30 June 2026 11:48pm
Sydney, Australia : Tongan international Haumole Olakau'atu says improving the effort areas of his game helped him win back his place in the NSW State of Origin side after being dropped for game two of the series. By: Jasper Bruce / AAP Premium content
