Results for Tonga

A strong wind warning with heavy rain advisory is in force for Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua as Tropical Depression 15F was located about 890km west-northwest of Nuku’alofa this morning. Near its centre the depression is forecasted to, probably, increase to Tropical Cyclone strength in the next 18-24 hours. Tonga’s Fua’amotu Weather Forecasting Centre at 2:30pm today issued Tropical Cyclone Advisory One for Tonga.

Tonga’s Chief Justice has quashed a decision by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Hon. Poasi Tei, to end the terms of two directors of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission who had refused to resign from the board voluntarily. The Supreme Court’s ruling also exposed a failure of the government in “a duty of candour” to disclose all relevant facts and the content of its decision making process.

A Tongan woman has been jailed by a US court for sexually abusing and prostituting her 6 year-old daughter.

A new independent Tongan based think tank, named the Royal Oceania Institute (ROI) was launched today, Thursday 31 March in Nuku’alofa, and aims to advance fact-based research, analysis and foster open dialogue on topics relevant to the community.

Up to half a million pa’anga of “unclaimed” money held in bank accounts at the Bank of the South Pacific in Nuku’alofa will be swallowed up by the government in June if the amounts are not claimed by the owners soon. Several accounts belonging to the King of Tonga, as well as an Emergency Relief Trust Fund, a private retirement fund, and funds belonging to societies and groups such as the Tonga Society of Accountants, the Sisters of Mercy, the Ferry Princess Ashika Vava’u Victims Fund, the Friendly Island Teachers Association, and numerous PTA accounts, along with those of individuals and a few companies, will be included in a mass transfer of funds if unclaimed.

An ambitious National Climate Change Policy to build a Resilient Tonga by 2035 was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni in February. The policy aims for 100% renewable energy, and includes a mulititude of other goals that check boxes such as gender considerations and equity for disadvantaged groups, along with designing Category 5 cyclone resistant homes.

Three men who were arrested in relation to two armed robberies using guns and disguise at separate Chinese shops in Nuku’alofa last week, remain in police custody.

Metui Finau, a vocalist for the band Spacifix, passed away last week in Auckland after reportedly collapsing during a run with his wife. Tributes are pouring in for the 29-year old whose funeral is scheduled for this Saturday, April 2.

A prominent Tongan-Australian performer and climate change activist, Latai Taumoepeau, is raising awareness of climate change in her latest fringe theatre performance “Disaffected”. Latai along with fellow performers Valerie Berry and Ryuichi Fujimura, reveal the impacts of climate change through body language and abstract display. "The work is a powerful and evocative performance but more than that, it is a call to arms," stated the Sydney Arts Guide.