Results for Tonga

Extraordinarily heavy rainfall in southern Tonga during October smashed a national record, and in ‘Eua the flash flooding coincided with extreme high tides.

Tonga remains among the most aid-reliant countries in the world, ranking second among 127 developing countries with aid accounting for 55% of national income, says a new report published by Australia's Lowy Institute today. It reports a recent sharp decline in overseas development finance to the Pacific islands and forecasts that aid from major bilateral donors will flatline in coming years in the region.

A new health report sheds light on the unique developmental challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). But despite obstacles, it says nations like Tonga, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu are making strides toward universal health coverage (UHC) by focusing on primary healthcare and public health initiatives.

Siaosi Halaholo Vete (42) was sentenced to two years imprisonment for three charges including serious housebreaking and theft of property totaling at around $46,798 from his sister’s home, in order to feed his methamphetamine habit.

Former Education Minister, Dr. ’Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki (78) passed away at 8:15 am this morning, at her home ‘Api ko Faka’amunoa, in Ha’ateiho, after an illness. A funeral service will be held tomorrow morning, Tuesday 19 November, at 9:00 am, at the Free Wesleyan Church in Ha’ateiho, before the funeral proceeds to the Makamaka Cemetery.

Lautaimi Tu’itavake (40) was jailed for 24 months in Hu’atolitoli Prison for charges including supplying 0.14 grams of methamphetamine, during a police undercover operation at Malapo in August 2023.

A New Zealander of Tongan descent, Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu from the University of Otago, Wellington, has been awarded the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s Callaghan Medal for science communication.

Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku made an urgent appeal for global cooperation and immediate action to address the escalating climate crisis yesterday, at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Sosaia Vatikani (40) was jailed for serious housebreaking and theft of property, including electrical goods, worth $15,200 pa’anga, from the Nursing School at Vaiola Hospital, in Nuku'alofa - where he left a trail of fingerprints.