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Tonga's parliament discovered an elusive unity of purpose last month, when after months of frustrating debate over the direction of reform the House led by the Prime Minister, decided almost to a man, that some set beliefs and traditions should be upheld and the Constitution should not be changed to allow Tongan women equality under the law. From the House, by Pesi Fonua. FROM OUR ARCHIVES, 20 October 2009

The first part of Niuatoptapu relief operation isnearing completion, according to Paula Ma‘u, Deput Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, who is visiting the area.

On the Tongan watermelon dilemma, your correspondent Sione Mokofisi of the US posed: Isn't there something wrong with this picture? Short supply of watermelons in NZ; high prices at the marketplace; but there is excess supply in Tonga ready to be shipped. -Sefita Hao'uli

Niuatoputapu flights will resume in November, the Chatham Pacific Airline, Tonga's sole domestic carrier, told Matangi Tonga on October 16.

Recognising the importance of breast cancer awareness, women at a Pink Fundraising Lunch on 14 October raised $4,100 pa‘anga for the Tonga Breast Cancer Society.

Tonga's economy and those of its neighbouring Pacific countries grew by less than 2% in 2008, compared to a 5.1 % growth rate of the region combined.

The Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development is warning that international law is inadequate to deal with the millions of people forecast to become "climate exiles" in the face of escalating climate change.

In a record year for regulatory reform worldwide, most economies in East Asia and the Pacific strengthened business regulations, making them more efficient to help increase opportunities for local firms. Tonga, in particular, recorded an impressive ranking of 52 out of 183 countries, making it the leading performer in doing business in the Pacific region.

Like your correspondent Sione Mokofisi from the US, I too would like to see more trade between Tonga and NZ and especially our agricultural exports. It will offer an opportunity for both countries to mitigate what is now a long-running multi-million dollar imbalance in favour of New Zealand. That's a commonly held fact which backgrounds the trade discussions between NZ and Tonga over the years. Which is why I'm surprised at the claims of a trade barrier and price-control policies restricting inflows of Tongan watermelons.- Sefita Hao'uli