Results for Tonga

The opportunities for Tongans to get a better paid job in New Zealand and Australia under New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) and Australia’s Seasonal Workers’ Program (SWP) has been hailed as a blessing by family members and the government, but at the same time it is regarded as a stumbling block to local Private Sector growth. Local Tongan businesses that can't compete with the overseas pay rates are experiencing shortages of semi skilled and skilled labour. By Pesi Fonua.

Ten illegal firearms and more than 20,000 live bullets were seized in Tongatapu and Vava'u, allegedly smuggled through four different shipments from the United States. Tonga Police are concerned with a significant amount of firearms and ammunition being smuggled into Tonga and the risks they pose to community safety.

The idea of the ‘One Pacific Destination’ concept is being accepted after Pacific countries, including Tonga, attended the first-ever Pacific Exposition 2019, held in Auckland, New Zealand on 11-14 July.

Rainfall is forecasted to be average over Tongatapu and ‘Eua and below average for the rest of the country for July to September.

Rodney Tomasi was acquitted of possessing the illicit drug cannabis because evidence of a search was inadmissible, and a further charge offering a bribe to Police Officers was unproven, ruled the Supreme Court on July 17.

A police officer has been charged with accepting bribery in relation to the Sione Filipe Jr. illicit drugs case. Their cases are adjourned to July 29, at the Fasi Magistrate's Court.

A hearing date is expected to be set on September 6 to hear submissions in regards to the Crown's proposal to have a joint trial for Tonga’s former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano and two other accused, regarding passport offences.

Tonga admits it needs to do more to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), during a presentation of its country progress report at the High Level Political Forum held at UN Headquarters on 17 July in New York, USA. By Eleanor Gee.

Samuela Hafoka (24) who was convicted of serious housebreaking and theft of goods valued at around $20,000 from a home at Pili, received a fully suspended sentence at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.