A party involving over 100 individuals engaging with alcohol and loud music in a bush allotment in Mataki’eua was disrupted by Tonga Police during the early hours of Saturday, 17 May.

In response, Police temporarily closed parts of Mataki’eua Road, expressing concerns of potential risks, after they received reports of disturbances caused by a large group of young people partying at a bush allotment in Mataki’eua.

"It is a concern for Tonga Police that such gatherings take place which poses a risk to the agricultural crops, any livestock as well as the well-being of those who participate in these mass gatherings," Tonga Police stated.

With the assistance of the community volunteer patrol of Pea, Police worked to disperse the crowd and apprehended several individuals involved.

"We advise parents and legal guardians to monitor the whereabouts of their children, as a number of teenagers were found among the crowd during this incident..."

Police advised that following this incident, parts of Mataki'eua Road will be temporarily closed every Friday and Saturday night from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am, starting from Friday, 23 May, pursuant to section 127 of the Tonga Police Act.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about other mass gatherings to come forward and report them.