Results for Pacific Islands

Tonga's domestic carrier, Lulutai Airlines, needs $7 million pa'anga from Government to ensure its continued operations, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Piveni Piukala told a media briefing on 21 February,, claiming that without this financial injection, the airline would cease operations.

A new classroom for GMS Popua was commissioned yesterday, 25 February, by the Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Inagaki Hisao.

Today, four new dengue fever cases were reported with positive rapid tests, bringing the total to 69 cases. The Ministry of Health is spraying affected homes and schools.

Over $150,000 pa'anga worth of vascular health detection equipment, was donated by Rotary to the Ministry of Health at Vaiola Hospital, Nuku'alofa, yesterday 24 February.

New Zealand is hosting the world’s largest climate adaptation event this October, and aims to accelerate international climate adaptation with particular emphasis on issues for the Pacific and Indigenous people. The eighth international Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025) in Ōtautahi Christchurch will be hosted by the University of Canterbury.

Tomu Pouono (52) was jailed for charges including possession of 0.12 grams of methamphetamine and 7.55grams of cannabis. His 48-year-old wife and co-accused received a suspended sentence for similar offences in Lapaha.

Tropical Cyclone "Rae" has intensified into a Category 2 system, west of Tonga, and is expected to gradually intensify into a Tropical Cyclone Category 3 in the next 24 hours, moving south southwest. Tonga Met advised at 7:00am today that, “heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong to gale force winds will affect the Niuas, while strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms extend onto Vava'u, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua.”

Today, the Ministry of Health recorded 48 new dengue fever cases, bringing the total number of cases to 58. The infection is spreading rapidly in Vava'u, which now has 26 cases. The Public Health Emergency Operation Center has been activated.

Pacific Islands Forum members gathered in Suva, Fiji, this week for a Deep-Sea Minerals Technical Meeting, which began on 18 February. The discussions aimed to enhance understanding of deep-sea minerals (DSM) issues, promote greater regional cooperation, and respect differing views and sovereignty.