Results for Tonga

During the past few years Tonga has become a Lali of the New Zealand media, and of some fringe New Zealand politicians. A Lali is a drum that is beaten hard with a stick, and in these people’s hands it has meant a thrashing for the Tongan Royalty and the Tongan government. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

‘Akilisi Pohiva, the controversial, Tongatapu no. 1 People’s Representative to the Tongan parliament won his most serious court battle ever when a jury cleared him and his associates on May 19 on charges of crimes against the state. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

The Vava‘u no. 2 People’s Representative to the Tongan Legislative Assembly, ‘Etuate Lavulavu, filed a motion for a writ, with the Tongan Legislative Assembly on June 25, calling for the impeachment of the Chief Justice, Hon. Mr Justice Ward. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

Dr Sam Wong, the controversial Chinese businessman who has invested millions of dollars in Tonga since 1992 returned to the kingdom in May. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

Although the Free Trade area for the Pacific has started to take shape Tonga is not ready to take advantage of it. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

Tonga’s civil aviation safety assessment wins the approval of USFAA. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

New Zealand’s Maori Queen, Dame Te Arikuini Te Atairangikaahu visited Tonga twice recently to attend a wedding in the Tongan Royal Family, and the King’s 85th birthday. She was amazed at how well Tonga has held together its traditions, but also expressed concern about the need to make the young people of the Pacific aware of their unique heritage in a world that often does not understand their cultures. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

The rumour that two Tongan Rugby League stars, Lesley Vainikolo and Tevita Vaikona who are currently playing for the Bradford Bulls, in the United Kingdom may play for the ‘Ikale Tahi at the coming Rugby Union World Cup could become a reality according to Jim Love, the ‘Ikale Tahi’s coach. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

The establishment of the Vava‘u Agricultural Farmers Council Inc. on April 3 is yet another attempt by farmers to pool their resources and to find a market for their produce. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.