Results for Tongatapu

Thirteen people were arrested and charged for alleged drunk driving, disorderly behaviour and drinking in public places, mainly in Central Nuku’alofa, over the weekend from January 27-29, in Operation Safe Streets to prevent alcohol-fueled crimes in Tongatapu.

Tongan farmers might expect some rain early next week to relieve the current dry conditions in Tongatapu, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and Niuafo’ou, according to the Tonga Meteorology Department today. However, water conservation is still advised as below average rainfall is persisting for the season.

Missing New Zealand visitor Gregory Paul Reynolds (47) was last sighted in Tongatapu on Thursday, 7 April at the Liku'alofa Beach Resort, where he was staying, Tonga Police confirmed yesterday.

As Tongans welcome drought-breaking rains today, bringing relief from a February heatwave, Tonga Met warns that Tonga can expect gales tonight as Tropical Cyclone Winston cat. 2 approaches Tonga from the southwest. The first Tropical Cyclone Warning for TC Winston was issued at 4:30pm this afternoon and a second at 7:30pm for the cyclone that is forecast to hang around in Tongan waters for most of the week.

Tongatapu voters have replaced seven of their ten incumbent MPs, retaining only three in today's General Election. One of the incumbents did not restand. No women were successful in taking Tongatapu seats.

Tropical Cyclone Kofi brought heavy rain and gusts of up to 48 knots (90kmph) to Tongatapu early this morning as the system moved to the southwest of Tonga. The Fua‘amotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre has downgraded the cyclone warning this morning, while a gales warning remains in force for Tonga waters, with an extreme high tide advisory continuing for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning is now in force for Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, Tongatapu and 'Eua as Tropical Depression 15F approaches Tonga and is forecast to become a Category 1- 2 cyclone as it moves through southern Tonga on Saturday and Sunday. On its current track and if the depression continues to intensify, the centre is expected to lie about 290km west-northwest of Nomuka or 265km northwest of Nuku'alofa at 7:00pm this evening. Latest forecast at 9:00am from Fua'amotu TCWC.

Twenty four licenses have been issued to whale watching operators for the 2012 season, a growing industry for tourism in Tonga, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour.

A float Parade on Taufa'ahau road featuring the newly crowned Miss Heiala 2010-11 Mafi Tu'inukuafe concluded the annual Heilala Festival and Miss Heilala Pageant in Nuku'alofa.