Results for Pacific Islands

Imports of raw poultry meat have been restricted by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) to prevent the bird flu, a type of avian influenza that has spread across areas in three countries, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, that are Tonga's main source of chicken, turkey, and duck meat imports. Individual passengers from USA, Australia and New Zealand may not bring in raw poultry meat, although cooked poultry is allowed.

A 5G network service to improve the services of the Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) was launched today by the Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku at the TCC head office, in Fasi-moe-afi, Nuku'alofa, .

Fire destroyed a home at Ma’ufanga on Salote Rd, at lunchtime today, Wednesday, 4 December. The blaze was reported to the Tonga Fire and Emergency Services at 12:35 PM and firefighters with three fire trucks responded to the report at 12:38 pm.

Joe Mataele, a Leading Marine Technician (LMT) who grew up in Kolomotu'a Tongatapu, was named the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) 2024 Sailor of the Year. He is a son of the late Joe Tu'ilatai Mataele and Aiona Saluni Mataele, and has family ties to Fo'ui and Kolomotu'a, Tongatapu; Leimatu'a, Vava'u; and Koulo, Ha'apai.

Today, December 2, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearings from an unprecedented 110 nations and international nongovernmental organizations. The ICJ case will consider international legal consequences faced by States for climate change harms. The first State to present will be Vanuatu, the Pacific Island nation that initiated the request for the advisory opinion from the ICJ, along with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

Heavy machinery, including trucks, excavators and tractors, were handed over to Waste Authority Ltd. and Tonga Water Board, from Japan under its Non-project grant aid (NPGA) worth about USD$6 million.

To enhance multi-hazard early warning systems, disaster preparedness and response, Tonga Meteorological Services (Tonga Met) is revising its Meteorology Act for the first time since it was established in 2017, in consultation with interested sectors of the community.

An appeal by Kepueli Mafi, against his conviction on dangerous driving causing the death of ‘Ahotau Taufu’i, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, who found that his driving speed and manner was indeed dangerous when he slept on the wheel.

Tonga's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Lord Tu'i'afitu, is under pressure to resign. The Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku revealed yesterday in a media briefing that he is “having conversations” with the noble regarding his resignation from his ministerial portfolio. Although the PM did not state it directly, his comments suggested that the King in Privy Council has allegedly lost confidence in the minister.