Results for Tonga

Tongans in Australia have improved understanding of lands processes and procedures in Tonga, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) says in a report that concludes its 'Toe Talatalanoa Overseas Program’. The program was initiated by the ministry to address the concerns of Tongan communities overseas regarding land in Tonga.

Tonga will receive a USD $25 million (TOP $58.7 million) grant from the World Bank to strengthen financial and debt sustainability to enhance climate and disaster resilience.

Star Breeze will be the first cruise ship to visit Tonga this year, scheduled to arrive in Nuku'alofa this Saturday, 27 January.

The Fanga’uta Lagoon Bridge project, that was expected to be completed in 2024, is ongoing and projected to be completed within the next three years. A procurement deadline is coming up in March this year, but the project co-ordinator said that the geo-survey work had been completed and now the funding was being finalized.

Three cars collided on Vuna Road at Ma’ufanga during heavy rain just before 5:00pm, on 19 January. One car ended up on the pavement just short of falling into the small boat harbour, and all three vehicles were damaged, with one driver badly injured.

Tupou Seluini Tahilanu (28) was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment with some part suspended for embezzlement of $47,521 from her employer, Tonga Power Ltd. in 2022.

Two years on, very few tourism businesses have recovered from the impact of the HTHH volcanic eruption and tsunamis that hit Tonga in January 2022. At the time, it was forecast that the disruption to tourism would be felt for at least two years, but now it is clear that it will take much longer for the industry to bounce back after the multiple shocks of recent years. "Recovery is rather slow," says Ministry of Tourism CEO, Viliami Takau. But he is determined that Tonga can build back tourism better.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake, felt in Nuku'alofa at 5:49 pm today, 18 January 2024, posed no tsunami threat, Tonga Meteorological Service, advised.

Pousima Fehoko (27) was sentenced to 21-months imprisonment with parts suspended for possession of illicit drugs, including 1.07 grams of methamphetamine and 27.81 grams of cannabis.