Results for People

A well-known local businessman and the co-founder of Lalita Store, Chimanlal Gandalal “Simani” (81), passed away at his home at Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, on 17 September 2024 after a short illness. His funeral was held on Saturday.

The Māori King, Tuheitia Paki, crowned Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia, has died peacefully on Friday morning at the age of 69, New Zealand news media reported today. Kiingi Tuheitia succeeded his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, following her death in 2006.

New Zealand–born Tongan tenor, Manase Latu was runner-up in the 2024 Lexus Song Quest, Aotearoa, New Zealand’s premier opera singing competition. Manase was selected from a pool of 29 top-quality applications for the song quest competition.

Two young Tongan researchers in Auckland have teamed up to take on two major health issues facing Pacific and Māori people - rheumatic fever and gout. Postdoctoral research fellows Dr. Siobhan Tu’akoi and Dr. Samuela 'Ofanoa launched their research projects this year in South Auckland communities, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

The Tongan community in Japan welcomed Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku and his delegation at a reception on Sunday 21 July in Tokyo. The PM, his Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Mau, and other officials visited Japan to attend the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting from 16-18 July.

The new Miss Galaxy Queen for 2024-25, Giovanna Lisha Mafi (Miss Tasmania Australia) was crowned last night, 12 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku'alofa, by Patron of the Tonga Leitis' Association, Hon Sālote Lupepau’u Tuita, after a final night of judging events

The 12th One Tonga Choral event saw 12 choirs with hundreds of singers gathering at Queen Sālote Memorial Hall on Sunday evening, 7 July, for the annual “One Tonga - Glorifying God in Song” event, that brings together many different denominations and their congregations for a musical evening that never fails to delight the audience.

Before dawn today, the King's matapules, who had travelled from near and far, gathered at Pangai Lahi, next to the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa, to prepare for a spectacular traditional Taumafa Kava (Royal Kava Ceremony), and not even the rain would dampen their spirits. Starting at 7:00am, the two-hours long Royal Kava ceremony not only celebrated the King's 65th birthday but was also the 'Pongipongi Hingoa', a traditional confirmation of the new holder of the hereditary title, Lord Ma’afu.

Eight Gracias Choir choristers performed at the Tonga Hope Concert in Falemasiva Hall at Tailulu in Havelu, last week on 13 June 2024.