Results for Pacific Islands

The construction of a $NZ5.2 million Pacific Leadership Centre for Tonga at HMAF Masefield Naval Base has started, with a target for completion by the end of 2023.

While Pacific Island leaders have identified the need for international partners to improve their engagement with Pacific Island nations and territories, there is still a need to respect “the Pacific Way”, its leaders say.
 Heads of government and ministers representing 16 Pacific countries and territories, including Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, addressed key regional issues during the 12th Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL), in Honolulu, Hawaii from 12-14 September, 2022.

Through her long reign, Queen Elizabeth became a part of our lives. How many lives did she touch without realising? Every day since her sad passing, Tongan friends here have told me stories of meeting Queen Elizabeth or seeing her on visits to Tonga or New Zealand or Australia, and I have been struck again how much of a family we are in the Commonwealth, with so much shared history and so much in common. - British High Commissioner in Tonga.

The Aviation Alert level for Tonga's Home Reef volcanic activity was raised from Yellow to Orange this morning as the ongoing eruption has elevated to ash composition, but Tonga Geological Services (TGS) said there is low risk to the Vava'u and Ha'apai Communities.

A new cutting edge Intensive Care Telemedicine Unit worth $7.8 million pa'anga installed at Vaiola Hospital on Tongatapu, was opened by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala on 16 September.

Solar power for around 197 households on the small island of ‘Uiha in the Ha’apai Group, was tested this week marking an important transition from diesel to solar power generation, ahead of commissioning at the end of the month. The island's two villages, which had only six hours of electricity a day, now enjoy 24 hours a day of 100% renewable power.

Construction of nine ramps by communities in Foa, Ha‘apai, will improve access to community centres and schools for disabled people. The project was supported by the Australian Direct Aid Program with H.E. Rachel Moore marking the official completion at the Foa Health Centre on 9 September, 2022.

Construction is well underway for people whose homes were impacted by the 15 January volcanic eruption and tsunami disaster. The Government of Tonga is constructing new homes at Popua, Sopu, Masilamea, Matatoa in Tongatapu and Ta’anga in ‘Eua.  

A total of 13 candidates will be contesting the vacant seats for Tongatapu 4, 6 and 7 constituencies in the By-Elections on 3 November.