Results for People

Tonga's Olympic flag bearer Pita Taufatofua became an instant internet sensation when he walked into the Opening Ceremony of the Rio Olympics today [noon-4:00pm Tonga time] dressed like a Tongan dancer glistening with oil. Pita's attracted a lot of attention for Tonga and also for his sport Taekwondo. After this he's sure to win some modelling contracts as the hottest man today in a town that's known for its appreciation of the body beautiful. Here's what Twitter and the news media are talking about:

A special event held in Japan on July 13 was co-hosted by the Tongan community of Kyushu and Tonga’s Ambassador to Japan HE Tania Tupou along with a Japanese women's group, helping around 200 people whose homes were damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.

A Tonga Secondary Schools Brass Band Music Festival held in Tongatapu and Vava'u last week, is a joint initiative by Tonga Police and secondary school principals that brings youth together in a strategy to prevent and reduce crimes like school fights.

The King’s Matapule Motu'apuaka was laid to rest at Fakaulunafa Cemetery on Saturday, 23 July attended by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u. Photos by Caroline Manu Moli.

Coming home to her roots, American-Tongan singing star Dinah Jane Hansen (19) took up paddling an outrigger canoe today, July 20, with the Tu’i Tonga Mafua and Tu’avivi Teams of the Nuku’alofa Outrigger Canoe Club at Faua Wharf in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa. Dinah is visiting Tonga for the first time with her mother Milika.

Family, friends, fans and teammates of a promising young Tongan rugby player Uto Enosi Tu'ipulotu are in mourning after the 19 year-old passed away from cancer last week July 14 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Uto was selected for the New Zealand Area schools rugby team, and was awarded Under 18 player of the year by his rugby club, Ellesmere.

A leading police officer, Acting Deputy Commissioner Sālote Grewe Tonga (61) who retired after 42-years of service with Tonga Police, was farewelled in a parade on Friday, 8 July and lauded for her strong character and deep values that made her a role model in her career. "Sālote treated everyone from all walks of life with respect," said Commissioner Stephen Caldwell.

Miss Loumaile Lodge, Laura Lauti (20) was crowned as Tonga’s new Miss Heilala 2016 early this morning Saturday 9 July, at the Miss Heilala Ball held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Wearing colourful knotted sarongs for a swimwear event and delighting a large crowd with their talent performances, ten Miss Heilala contestants took part in the pageant’s final competitions at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall last night, July 7.