An increase in Tonga Police drugs operations and special operations in the financial year 2023-24 has seen the number of illicit drug-related offences increase, along with dramatic increases in Class A drugs and cash seizures, compared to the previous year. Traffic offences reached an all-time high of 16,704 offences, according to the Tonga Police Annual Report 2023-24 released this month. Meanwhile, public order offences, including drunkenness, public disturbance, and disorderly and abusive behaviours, collectively saw a 26.7% increase, while domestic violence reports increased threefold.
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Results for Pacific Islands
Tuesday 19 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tuesday 19 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The date for Tonga's November General Election has not yet been set, said the Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki today, as the Electoral Office awaits the Writ of Election to be issued by King Tupou VI.
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Tuesday 19 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An ocean research team from Australia led by Chief Scientist Associate, Professor Rebecca Carey, arrives in Tonga tomorrow on the research vessel, RV Investigator, to conduct a 54-day study of the eruption, aftermath and ecosystem recovery following the 2022 eruption of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai (HTHH) volcano.
Monday 18 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Multiple arrests were made by Tonga Police units, responding to information that illicit drugs were being distributed in the Fonongahina area of Tongatapu.
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Monday 18 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
‘Ofa Tokelau, aged 53, is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining $17,000 pa’anga. He deceived a customer by taking payment for a car that was never delivered.
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Friday 15 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The ‘Ikale Tahi was victorious against the Queensland Reds, scoring multiple back-to-back tries at Teufaiva Stadium today, 15 August 2025.
Friday 15 August 2025
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Suva, Fiji
Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala chaired the 2025 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat yesterday, 14 August in Suva, Fiji.
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Friday 15 August 2025
Suva, Fiji
A Pacific Tourism Research Institute (PTRI) was jointly established by South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the University of the South Pacific. The institute aims to enhance the skills of graduates and ensure that tourism development in the Pacific is sustainable, culturally grounded and community-driven.
Thursday 14 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three people were arrested on Monday for possession of methamphetamine and utensils, during a Tonga police Drug Enforcement Unit operation at a residence in Ha'alalo, in Western Tongatapu.
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Thursday 14 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A lack of public consultation over the replacement of Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Act is a key concern for the chair of the Friendly Islands Democratic Party (PTOA), who petitioned the Palace this morning, urging the King to withhold his Royal Assent for the new Act. The petition, led by Teisa Pohiva-Cokanasiga and 'Akilisi Pohiva Jr. and signed by over 200 people, was received by the King's Private Secretary, Sione Fifita.
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Wednesday 13 August 2025
Sandy-Utah, USA
When King George Tupou V surrendered the Executive Power to the Prime Minister in 2010, many assumed he was stepping into a purely ceremonial role. He did not seek to erase the monarchy’s political relevance — he sought to rebalance power between the elected representatives and the King in a way that would safeguard Tonga’s sovereignty and values for generations. The present government’s decision honors that vision and strengthens our nation’s ability to stand firm in an ever-changing world. - Seni Penitani.
Wednesday 13 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai headed a delegation to Tonga, marking his first official visit to the Kingdom, this week.
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Tuesday 12 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Two Tongan scholars, Ms. Ilaisaaneliki Fonua and Ms. Tokilupe Takau, who received master’s degrees from the International University of Japan (IUJ), were congratulated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today, in Nuku'alofa.
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Monday 11 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has concluded its 2025 session, marking the beginning of a three-month campaign period for members in preparation for the next General Election in November.
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be replaced by His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, a key reform under the His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service Bill 2025, which was passed by the Tonga Legislative Assembly on 5 August, 2025.
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Monday 11 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2025, the first law of its kind in Tonga, designed to protect individuals who expose serious misconduct by public officials.
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Monday 11 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Disaster preparedness equipment will be sent to 13 islands in Tongatapu and Ha’apai, to help communities better respond and cope with the aftermath of natural disasters.
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Friday 8 August 2025
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga passed a Government Bill that raises the legal marriage age to 18 years. It includes amended clauses that explicitly prohibit same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, a major tourism incentive was introduced, which will now allow foreigners to marry in Tonga without requiring links to the country.
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Friday 8 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
In the fight against a continuing Dengue Fever outbreak in Tonga, the Ministry of Health is urging every Tongan family to take responsibility and halve dengue cases before the next rainy season. Dr. Reynold Ofanoa, outlined a community-centred action plan, during the release of the first Dengue Study this week.
Tuesday 5 August 2025
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New York, USA
The government has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) together with The Metals Company (TMC) this week, 4 August, in New York.
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