The Tonga government yesterday rushed a Bill through parliament to attract investment in Tonga, as government prepares to host the 2019 Pacific Games. Under the Act large tourism investors may apply for tax exemption on millions of pa'anga of their income - if they can win the approval of the Minister of Revenue and Customs and consent of Cabinet, while sponsors who make donations similarly may apply for large income tax exemptions. From the House by Pesi Fonua.
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Friday 17 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Thursday 16 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The heaviest rain dumped in Tongatapu over a 24-hour period so far this year was recorded from February 15-16 causing flooding to homes and roads in low-lying areas.

Thursday 16 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Melekiseteki Helu (26) has appeared in court in relation to assaulting his 60-year-old father with a machete in January.

Thursday 16 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Petroleum and gas prices have risen today due to an increase in crude oil prices and regional demand.

Thursday 16 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The yacht Sea Oak, allegedly the scene of a murder in Vava'u, is reported to have been removed from Pago Pago in American Samoa and taken to Fiji. Murder accused Dean Jay Fletcher fled from Tonga on the Sea Oak in September last year before he was arrested in Pago Pago.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA
University of Michigan football recruit, 17-year-old Phillip Paea, recalls his experience living in Tonga saying it made a huge impact setting a foundation for him and how he relates to others. Paea said his Tongan parents wanted him to learn about his roots and experience another culture other than the American one.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 35-member business delegation from New Zealand arrived in Tonga today on a four-day visit to explore opportunities for business investment and strengthen business links with Tonga.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The first copy of a new Tongan translation, 'Ko 'Ulukälala ‘i Feletoa, ko e Talanoa ‘a Toki Ukamea', (The Story of Fïnau ‘Ulukälala: Told by Iron Axe) was presented to Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia on 10 February in Canberra.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Auckland, New Zealand
The funeral service for Tongan born rugby player Sione Tu’itupu Lauaki will be held on Saturday, February 18 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Manila, Philippines
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a record $3.7 billion in climate operations in 2016, a 42% increase from $2.6 billion it approved in 2015. This comprised $2.65 billion for climate mitigation and $1.08 billion for climate adaptation. In the Pacific, climate operations include the ADB’s proposed Pacific Islands Renewable Energy Investment Program with the support of the Green Climate Fund.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A new climate change adaptation project for Tonga, likely to cost more than $40m in grant financing, is expected to be submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) board for approval in June.

Wednesday 15 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's economy is heavily dependent on remittances from Tongan communities overseas, but transferring money to Tonga has become challenging, Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva said yesterday, in launching a new voucher remittance service called 'Ave Pa'anga Pau, offered by the Tonga Development Bank.

Tuesday 14 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Tonga Parliament passed the Environment Management (Litter and Waste Control) Regulations 2016, yesterday, 13 February with votes of 17-0; one small step to counter Climate Change. From the House by Pesi Fonua

Tuesday 14 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's Prime Minister doesn't think that a group of 10 Nobles and People's Representatives will win a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the PM and Cabinet, when it goes through the House next week.

Tuesday 14 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Samoa will host its first Investec Super Rugby Championship, a match between the Auckland Blues and Queensland Reds on 2 June at Apia Park Stadium.

Tuesday 14 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A couple from Tokomololo were arrested for possession of cannabis, one pistol and over $500 pa'anga cash after they were chased and stopped by Tonga Police in their car early Thursday morning, February 9 at Fo’ui.

Tuesday 14 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Paki Fukofuka is the 47-year old man from Ha’avakatolo who has been charged over his role in helping two escaped prisoners while they were on the run in Tongatapu on 31 January.

Tuesday 14 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A man from Kolofo’ou has been arrested and charged for allegedly stealing $2322 pa'anga worth of office goods from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, at Lakepa.

Monday 13 February 2017
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Sydney, Australia
Australian-Tongan teenager Alo-Bridget Namoa may spend the rest of her life in prison. Last Wednesday she was charged with plotting a terrorist attack by a Sydney Court, a charge which carries a penalty of life imprisonment. If convicted, the 19-year-old girl will be the first known convicted terrorist of Tongan descent.

Monday 13 February 2017
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A Vote of No Confidence in Tonga's Prime Minister and his Cabinet was handed out by the Speaker, Lord Tu'ivakano, to the Tongan Parliament this afternoon before the House closed today at 4:00pm.
