Results for 2000

Brian and Joan Hemburn, the organisers of the 2000 Island Cruising Rally, received a trophy and a certificate of recognition from Dr Masaso Paunga, Tonga’s Minister responsible for Tourism, during their Tongan stopover. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

The $20 million that has been invested in the development of infrastructure in Vava’u during the past 15 years, will enable this part of the country to exploit its full potential in tourism, agriculture and fisheries. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

Neil Dalgety, the president of the Tonga International Game Fishing Association, and other members of TIGFA were celebrating the opening of their new Clubhouse on the evening of May 17, at the Faua breakwater. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

For Sale: one Corporal from the British Army, soaked in perfumed Tongan oil. Identified only as “Neil” he was bought by Billfish Bar manager, Liz Sullivan for $100 during an auction to raise funds for the Red Cross on May 16. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

It was a happy occasion for Patricia Landemere at the Billfish Bar and Restaurant on the evening of May 16, when she was presented with a trophy and gift by Dr Masaso Paunga, the Minister responsible for Tourism. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

Most people have seen a Tongiaki, the ancient Tongan long distance sea voyaging canoes, only in books. But Dr Larry Read of Vaimalo, Vava’u, pictured holding a drawing of a Tongiaki, wants to build a Tongiaki exactly the same as the one in his book. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

HM King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV’s message to the House was for Tonga to improve its economy by increasing exports, and producing import substitution products such as feed for livestock. From Matangi Tonga Magazin Vol. 15, no. 2, June 2000.

(From our archives, March 2000). Millennium interview with Baron Vaea. When King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV finally accepted the resignation of Tonga’s 78-year-old Prime Minister, Hon. Baron Vaea, on December 3, 1999, it ended another intriguing saga of Tongan politics. Strange as it may sound, this was the case of a Prime Minister who had wanted to retire and go home after serving five decades in the public service—but he was not allowed to. When he finally agreed to our interview, on January 11, it was obvious why this overworked man had insisted on retirement. Baron Vaea was one exhausted person.

The relationship between the Tongan Rugby Union and South Africa will be further consolidated this year as more Tongans have been invited to study and to play rugby in South Africa. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 15, no. 1, March 2000.