Results for Tonga

At this stage there is no delay to Tonga’s General Election scheduled for November 18, Electoral Commissioner, Pita Vuki, told Matangi Tonga today, despite the week-long lockdown on Tongatapu restricting candidates from campaigning.

Napole Ta’ufo’ou (45) was fined for unlawful importation of restricted goods; namely a .22 rifle and 400 rounds of ammunition packed in a drum from New Zealand. Hon. Mr Justice Cooper sentenced him on October 15 at the Supreme Court in Neiafu.

A fund of USD$302,281 from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), approved for Tonga's Private Sector Readiness Programme, will help to build capacity within the private sector, mainly among micro, small and medium enterprises, to access GCF funds. “The private sector in Tonga is becoming increasingly aware of the threats posed by climate change but less informed about the impending risks and opportunities that climate change can present,” says the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

Tonga’s first positive has been referred to as a ‘weak positive’ case, after arriving from Christchurch on 27 October, said Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola. The other 214 passengers on the flight have tested negative in their first COVID-19 tests. Meanwhile, the positive case will have his second COVID-19 test on Friday, November 5. By Eleanor Gee.

Kalapu Felemi (49) received a suspended sentence for serious causing bodily harm, when he used a knife to repeatedly hit and injure his younger brother, Tesimoni Felemi (38) during a drink-up at Tatakamotonga.

Tonga's Prime Minister's Office has called a media conference for 4:00pm today, as the capital is widely anticipating a National COVID-19 lockdown to be announced, starting tonight. Domestic air services to Vava'u Group were cancelled today, and the last flight from Tongatapu to Ha'apai Group will be at 3:30pm, according to Lulutai Airlines.

People on Tongatapu should use the weekend to prepare for a potential lock down next week, after Tonga’s first positive COVID-19 case was confirmed today. The Prime Minster Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa this evening urged people to use this time to get ready in case more people are confirmed to have the virus.

Around 215 repatriates arrived in Tongatapu from Christchurch last night and are currently in quarantine for three weeks at the Tanoa Hotel in Nuku’alofa and Makeke Camp in Vaini. A few more repatriation flights are planned for Tonga up to March 2022.

A dispute over land to determine the legal order of succession of a man who died “intestate” without a will, was heard at the Nuku’alofa Land Court on 26-27 July 2021 by Justice Niu and Assessor Tu‘ifua. Although different Taumoepeau family members had applied for it, the land had reverted to the Crown, and had been re-allocated, while the claims were not lawfully resolved. Justice Niu made orders on 4 October 2021 to cancel a deed of grant and for the Minister of Lands to hear and decide new applications in accordance with the principles of natural justice.