Results for Tonga

'Atenisi Institute was in full celebration mode yesterday afternoon to mark the 75th birthday of its founder Professor, 'Ilaisa Futa 'i Ha'angana Helu with traditional feasting and dancing. Photos by Linny Folau

A former Tongan Prime Minister, Hon. Baron Vaea ('Alipate), Noble of Houma (88), passed away at his residence 'Tali ki Ha'apai' at Houma, Tongatapu, at around 10pm yesterday, Sunday June 7.

The Prime Minister of Japan HE Mr Taro Aso met with Tonga's Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele yesterday for a Bilateral Meeting during the Fifth Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting PALM 5 in Hokkaido yesterday, Friday May 22.

Noble Fohe, the estate holder of Puke and the longest serving Noble's Representative in the Tonga Parliament will be laid to rest tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22.

Only a week after the massive eruption on Hunga Ha'apai on March 17-21, 2009, a group of four adventurers including a cameraman and an Italian golfer landed on the newly formed peninsula on the island and climbed up to the fragile rim of its volcanic crater, where there is a steaming sulphuric orange lake. But a volcanologist is now warning that the volcano remains extremely dangerous. Photos by GP Orbassano.

Following the posting of my Editorial, "Fresh new parliament needs fresh new members" on February 23, there has been some aggressive flak from a People's Representative and reactions from political observers that attempt to distract from the points that were made. I have consistently pointed out that if Tonga sets up a new parliament with such a composition of 26 members...it is clear to see we will put a dictator in power. The great challenge before Tonga now is to put a democratic government into place as soon as possible and to avoid allowing vested interests to create a dictatorship. Editor's Comment.

HM King George Tupou V departed Tonga yesterday for New Zealand for a routine medical check-up, according to the Palace Office in Nuku'alofa.

Fe'ao Latu, the Tongan rugby player who died suddenly in France on January 11 was laid to rest this afternoon at Punga Cemetery, Lakepa, Tongatapu.

The Kalonikali on January 15 reports that 36% of the operational cost of running Vaiola Hospital is borne by foreign countries; and hospital official Tu'akoi 'Ahio does not know what would happen, if China and the others were to withdraw their assistance. Reports from Tonga's newspapers, January 15-22, 2009. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.