Results for Tonga

Around 7,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, donated by the Japanese Government via COVAX, arrived in Tonga this afternoon, Tuesday. “I hope today’s vaccines could help accelerate the on-going inoculation and that we could make the Kingdom well prepared before it comes,” said HE Mr Kensaku Munenaga. However, we cannot, we should not keep closing our border forever, he said. “Only with a change of the policy, Tongans who have been stuck outside of the Kingdom can meet their families here in Tonga.”

Tonga's critical shortage of sand for construction purposes has motivated a local man to find an alternative source of fine aggregate. Viliami Lolohea is currently building a small house at Fangaloto, trialling bricks made with imported Ferronickel slag. Last Friday, 10 December, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u visited the building site to view the foundations of what will be the first house to be constructed locally with cement and slag

Those in Tonga aged 18 and above are urged to get inoculated before the current stock of AstraZeneca vaccines expire on 13 December. Pfizer vaccines for 12-17 year olds currently in the country will expire on December 20.

A total of 24 people have been charged as a result of a six-month joint investigation by the NZ Police’s National Organised Crime Group and NZ Customs investigating vulnerabilities at the New Zealand border. In August, five people were arrested, after a container sent from Tonga was found to contain 30kgs of methamphetamine at the Auckland Port.

Before nominations for Tonga's next Prime Minister close on Tuesday next week, the People's Representatives are busy aligning themselves around two members who are competing to form the new government. By Pesi Fonua.

Two men were convicted of murder, after repeatedly beating a father and seasonal worker, Fanaafi Misifani, on the head with metal pipes, at Holonga on 5 October 2019. A third man was convicted of manslaughter. The accused all aged in their 20s, will be sentenced on 17 December 2021.

Five vehicles were donated to the Ministry of Health today by Japan, to help accelerate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Tonga. Japanese Ambassador HE Kensaku Munenaga said the project is to support the important cold chain supply system.

Vulnerable rural farmers in Tonga will receive a range of services and support to improve farm productivity and their livelihoods under the Pacific Islands Rural & Agricultural Stimulus Facility (PIRAS) project, launched at Falemasiva Hall, Tailulu College on December 2. By Eleanor Gee.

Three men who were convicted of the string of armed robberies at three Chinese run shops in Tongatapu, in January earlier this year have received lengthy jail terms. Rodney Toki (27), Taniela Pohahau (27) and Tuiaki Muli Pahulu (23) were sentenced on November 29, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.