Results for Samiu Vaipulu

A second nomination for the next Prime Minister of Tonga was submitted this afternoon. The name of the nominee will not be revealed until MPs cast their votes, on a date to be announced.

Tonga’s domestic MA60 aircraft gifted from China is expected to start flying domestically this month operated by a second carrier named “Royal Tongan Airlines”.

Tonga’s domestic MA60 aircraft gifted from China has been leased by the Government of Tonga to an unnamed group including MP Samiu Vaipulu, although nothing has been confirmed as to when it will start operation as an airline.

Tonga’s former Deputy Prime Minister and current Vava’u No.15 People’s Representative to Parliament has denied allegations made against him by an unsuccessful candidate who filed an election petition with the Supreme Court, in Nuku'alofa.

Election petitions filed against two elected Vava'u People's Representatives to Parliament for alleged bribery are coming up at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Three Tongan fishermen who were rescued in Fiji last month have returned home to Nomuka in Ha’apai on Monday, September 1.

Tonga is seeking an estimated $56 million for reconstructing homes in Ha‘apai after Cyclone Ian, Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu said on Friday at a press conference, held jointly with the visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister. Hon. Murray McCully said there was an enormous challenge ahead for Tonga’s government and the figures given by the Deputy Prime Minister were “frightening”.

The New Zealand government has suspended its promised multi-million dollar aid to develop tourism in Tonga, over safety concerns around the new Chinese-made MA60 aircraft that the Tonga government plans to use for the domestic inter-island service.

Real Tonga's 17-seater aircraft arrived at Fua'amotu Domestic Airport from Vanuatu on March 11, after being delayed for a week. The aircraft began operation this afternoon with flights to Vava'u.