As Aotearoa celebrates Tonga Language Week, three outstanding Tongan postgraduate researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland in New Zealand are showcasing the interweaving of culture, academic excellence, and community service. The University of Auckland says their work reflects the richness of Tongan knowledge systems and the enduring value of lea faka-Tonga in shaping research that uplifts and empowers.
You are here
Results for tag
Thursday 21 August 2025
Premium content
Auckland, New Zealand

Thursday 21 August 2025
Suva, Fiji
I write to raise my deep concern regarding the proposed bill by the Parliament, which seeks to incorporate Tongan customs into the Constitution of Tonga. Amending the Constitution to elevate custom into binding law raises troubling questions of gender equality, abuse of power, and fairness. For example, Tongan customs do not adequately recognize the role of women in positions of authority.... The Constitution of Tonga must remain a safeguard of equality and justice for all, not a tool to enshrine customs that may perpetuate inequality, abuse, or unfair treatment. - Keilani Peaua
Wednesday 20 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Fua‘amotu International Airport is set for a major upgrade, with plans to refurbish different areas of the facility supported by the Government of Japan. The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga signed-over grant aid worth (USD) 17.7 million to Prime Minister Hon Dr. ‘Aisake Eke yesterday, 19 August.

Wednesday 20 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The dengue fever outbreak in Tonga has ended as the number of cases has declined, with no cases recorded over the last two consecutive weeks, the Ministry of Health announced today. Over 900 cases were reported, with three deaths from dengue during the five months outbreak.

Tuesday 19 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An increase in Tonga Police drugs operations and special operations in the financial year 2023-24 has seen the number of illicit drug-related offences increase, along with dramatic increases in Class A drugs and cash seizures, compared to the previous year. Traffic offences reached an all-time high of 16,704 offences, according to the Tonga Police Annual Report 2023-24 released this month. Meanwhile, public order offences, including drunkenness, public disturbance, and disorderly and abusive behaviours, collectively saw a 26.7% increase, while domestic violence reports increased threefold.
Tuesday 19 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The date for Tonga's November General Election has not yet been set, said the Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki today, as the Electoral Office awaits the Writ of Election to be issued by King Tupou VI.

Tuesday 19 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
An ocean research team from Australia led by Chief Scientist Associate, Professor Rebecca Carey, arrives in Tonga tomorrow on the research vessel, RV Investigator, to conduct a 54-day study of the eruption, aftermath and ecosystem recovery following the 2022 eruption of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai (HTHH) volcano.
Tuesday 19 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
‘Isitolo Sakopo and Kalafitoni Toluta’u are serving 20 months imprisonment for charges including possession of 1.91 grams of methamphetamine seized by Police, who received information they were selling drugs from their vehicle in Pahu. The court heard that when Police attempted to stop the car it crashed into the police vehicle. The police had to smash the window to turn the car’s engine off.

Monday 18 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Multiple arrests were made by Tonga Police units, responding to information that illicit drugs were being distributed in the Fonongahina area of Tongatapu.

Monday 18 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
‘Ofa Tokelau, aged 53, is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining $17,000 pa’anga. He deceived a customer by taking payment for a car that was never delivered.

Friday 15 August 2025
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The ‘Ikale Tahi was victorious against the Queensland Reds, scoring multiple back-to-back tries at Teufaiva Stadium today, 15 August 2025.
Friday 15 August 2025
Premium content
Suva, Fiji
Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala chaired the 2025 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat yesterday, 14 August in Suva, Fiji.

Friday 15 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Fine Tevita Fifita (31), who is currently serving life imprisonment for the unlawful importation of 1157.4 grams of methamphetamine, was further sentenced on two charges of bribery after he offered money to a Police Officer and a Customs Officer in an attempt to conceal the illicit items imported.

Friday 15 August 2025
Suva, Fiji
A Pacific Tourism Research Institute (PTRI) was jointly established by South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the University of the South Pacific. The institute aims to enhance the skills of graduates and ensure that tourism development in the Pacific is sustainable, culturally grounded and community-driven.
Thursday 14 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three people were arrested on Monday for possession of methamphetamine and utensils, during a Tonga police Drug Enforcement Unit operation at a residence in Ha'alalo, in Western Tongatapu.

Thursday 14 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A lack of public consultation over the replacement of Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Act is a key concern for the chair of the Friendly Islands Democratic Party (PTOA), who petitioned the Palace this morning, urging the King to withhold his Royal Assent for the new Act. The petition, led by Teisa Pohiva-Cokanasiga and 'Akilisi Pohiva Jr. and signed by over 200 people, was received by the King's Private Secretary, Sione Fifita.

Wednesday 13 August 2025
Sandy-Utah, USA
When King George Tupou V surrendered the Executive Power to the Prime Minister in 2010, many assumed he was stepping into a purely ceremonial role. He did not seek to erase the monarchy’s political relevance — he sought to rebalance power between the elected representatives and the King in a way that would safeguard Tonga’s sovereignty and values for generations. The present government’s decision honors that vision and strengthens our nation’s ability to stand firm in an ever-changing world. - Seni Penitani.
Wednesday 13 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Commander, Major General Jone Kalouniwai headed a delegation to Tonga, marking his first official visit to the Kingdom, this week.

Tuesday 12 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Two Tongan scholars, Ms. Ilaisaaneliki Fonua and Ms. Tokilupe Takau, who received master’s degrees from the International University of Japan (IUJ), were congratulated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today, in Nuku'alofa.

Monday 11 August 2025
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has concluded its 2025 session, marking the beginning of a three-month campaign period for members in preparation for the next General Election in November.
