By Katalina Siasau
Four Bills were passed by the Legislative Assembly on 18 September 2025, at the final sitting for the 2021-2025 parliamentary term. Among these was an urgent government bill, the first of its kind, the Ocean Management Bill 2025 to manage Tonga's ocean and its resources.
In the Whole House Committee, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, introduced the bill, saying it would enable the government to impose levies or taxes on ocean activities, for economic benefits.
Vava'u Noble’s Representative No. 1 Lord Tu’i’afitu was concerned as the international community had yet to recognize Tonga's ocean boundaries, which were declared by King George (Siaosi) Taufa'ahau Tupou I on 24 August 1887.
Tu’i’afitu was also concerned that international regulations restrict the Tongan people’s access to ocean resources.
People's Representative for Tongatapu 3, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni), questioned the introduction of an ocean management bill when the country's boundaries remained undefined.
PM Eke responded that work on this issue was ongoing.
Tonga and Fiji had yet to reach an agreement concerning the disputed Teleki Tokelau and Teleki Tonga reefs, also known as the Minerva Reefs.
Ha’apai Noble’s Representative No. 2 Lord Fakafanua, noted that discussions were underway with the United Nations, but no conclusion had been reached to date.
Sovaleni further questioned whether the new bill would apply to this disputed area if an incident were to occur, to which PM Eke replied that the reefs remained Tongan territory.
Passed Bills
- Ocean Management Bill 2025
- Land (Amendment) Bill 2025
- Consumer Protection Bill 2025
- Price and Wage Control (Amendment) Bill 2025
