Results for People

Six outstanding women from different walks of life in Tongatapu who despite the everyday struggle of trying to earn a living for their family had emerged successful, were applauded today with a special presentation of gift packs and money in celebration of the International Women's Day on March 8.

Arriving in Tonga tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday 9 February, on a private aircraft, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, will meet with Tongan royalty and government officials.

Tongan Professor 'Ilaisa Futa 'i Ha'angana Helu (75) passed away at Vaiola Hospital, Tongatapu, at around 2:45pm yesterday, Tuesday February 2.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a-Lavaka presented his Letter of Credence as the non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tonga to Japan, to HM Emperor Akihito of Japan at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, on January 15.

The New Year brought wedding bells for two happy couples Lord Fielakepa and Malia; as well as Hon Kalaniuvalu and Ma'asi who married in Nuku'alofa last week.

Mother of six 'Emeline Taufa (29) of Hofoa, made a lucky U-turn on December 30 when she decided to head back to town and do some more shopping - just to get a ticket in the Molisi Tonga Supermarket Christmas Bonanza before it closed the same day.

On New Year's Eve in a land where time begins, Tongans are welcoming in 2010 quietly. As midnight approaches there's a brass band playing a hymn somewhere nearby in the capital, with a sombre tone that sounds more like a funeral dirge. But as the New Year rolls in, church bells start ringing, the crackers make a lively statement for a few minutes and the band picks up the beat - a little. - By Mary Lyn Fonua

Loloahi Tapui of Leimatu'a, Vavau, the former housekeeper for British Attorney General Baroness Scotland, appeared in court in London and pleaded not guilty to fraud and possessing a fake passport on December 7.

Women and children escaping violence now have a new place to consider. Based in Fanga 'o Pilolevu, the Women and Children Crisis Centre officially opened their doors on Dec 3, 2009.