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Economic growth in the Pacific region is expected to slow to 6.0% in 2012, decelerating further to 4.1% in 2013, while inflation is expected to hold at moderate levels in much of the Pacific, according to the Asian Development Outlook 2012, released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Pacific Trade office in China has indicated that up to 20 Chinese buyers are interested in attending the inaugural Trade Pasifika 2012 (TP2012). The main areas of their interest are in forestry, fisheries and agricultural products.

Niue signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) today, becoming the 183rd country to do so. Tibor Tóth, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), said: "I welcome Niue to the CTBT family of nations. Niue's signature of the CTBT consolidates the Pacific region's firm stand against nuclear testing and closes the door on nuclear testing a bit further. I also hope that this step will serve to encourage other Pacific Island States that have not yet done so to sign and or ratifiy the Treaty at the earliest opportunity."

Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and other members of the Tongan Royal Family had a ceremonial haircut this afternoon, to mark the end of the first 10 nights of mourning for the late King George Tupou V. Photos by Linny Folau.

The nobles of the Ha'a Ngata, a clan from which the Tu'i Kanokupolu descended, performed a funeral ritual known as "ha'amo" - the presentation of food baskets, to HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita at her residence Mahinafekite this morning, April 5.

A plan to launch the newly reconstructed Vuna Wharf by the late King George Tupou V on 18 April to coincide with the arrival at the new wharf of its first cruise ship has been postponed to June, according to Mosese Lavemai, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nuku'alofa Port Authority.

Fine weather is forecast for the whole of Tonga during the Easter weekend, and the depression that brought the humidity and rain to Tonga since March 2 is expected to clear up by Thursday, April 5, according to the National Weather Forecast Centre at Fua'amotu,

Tonga's new king, King Tupou VI bestowed the title Crown Prince Tupouto'a on his eldest son Prince 'Ulukalala 27 on Friday, 30 March at his resident Liukava.

The Pongipongi Tapu, or Sacred Morning of Tupou V, a spiritual ceremony for the passage of the late King, was held at Pangai Lahi this morning, 31 March. Photos by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen.