Results for Tonga

On New Year's Eve in a land where time begins, Tongans are welcoming in 2010 quietly. As midnight approaches there's a brass band playing a hymn somewhere nearby in the capital, with a sombre tone that sounds more like a funeral dirge. But as the New Year rolls in, church bells start ringing, the crackers make a lively statement for a few minutes and the band picks up the beat - a little. - By Mary Lyn Fonua

Pelenaise Fehoko Havea (18), the Dux of Vava'u High School for 2009 is an all-around student who has been outstanding both in the classroom and in sports.

The first ever "Carols by the Sea" has been declared a huge success by organisers and audience members alike, with over $4000 raised for the Red Cross and a truly enjoyable night of festive entertainment being enjoyed by all.

Tonga's first Media and Journalism Diploma graduates from the Tonga Institute of Higher Education received their diplomas on December 3 at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall after completing three years of part-time study while working in media organisations in Tonga.

The school year for 2009 concluded on Friday November 27 with the prizegiving ceremonies for four high schools: the Free Wesleyan Tupou High School, Tupou College, and Queen Salote College and the Catholic 'Apifo'ou College.

A thorough survey of the MV Princess Ashika was not carried out before it was purchased by the Tongan Government, the Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd., John Jonesse, told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika, this morning, November 3.

The advanced level of corrosion and rust on the MV Princess Ashika was a serious concern for Sateki Tupou, whenever the ferry left port, the foreman and the workshop supervisor of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd., told the Commission of Inquiry Day Four on Friday, October 30.

After the tsunami of September 30, it is possible there will be a drought in Niuatputapu, during the coming months, said Sione Talifolau Lihau, a Tonga Red Cross volunteer, who returned to Nuku'aofa last Friday, 23 October, after spending three weeks on the island.

Tonga does not have food insecurity or hunger but rather a problem of eating low-quality food, which causes a high rate of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity, Prince Tu'ipelehake said in opening a display of Tongan food on October 16 for International World Food Day.