Results for People

Tongan urban art is gaining recognition internationally, thanks to the creative expressions of a small group of innovative local artists, whose work is currently on display at a "pop-up" art exhibition in central Nuku'alofa.

Tonga observed Constitution Day with a holiday on Monday 6 November, this year marking the 142nd anniversary of Tonga's constitution, which was was first enacted by HM King Tupou I on November 4, 1875.

MP Jenny Latu Salesa of the New Zealand Labour Party, will become the first Tongan-born New Zealand Cabinet Minister tomorrow October 26, when her party leader Jacinda Ardern assumes office as the newly elected Prime Minister of New Zealand, replacing the outgoing Prime Minister Bill English. Ardern announced her 21-member cabinet last Friday, including Jenny Salesa.

New England Patriots line-backer Harvey Langi and his wife survived a near-fatal car crash in Massachusetts on Friday night 17 October, which resulted in the injured couple rushed to hospital. Harvey’s wife Cassidy Langi stated on twitter on Monday “Thanks to everyone for the love and support! We are both focused on recovering from this.”

A US-Tongan filmmaker and director, Tony Vainuku, won an Emmy award for “Outstanding Business and Economic Documentary” at the 38th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards held in New York City on Thursday, 5 October.

The traditional Tongan lali, or wooden drum, has had a makeover by Massey University graduate, Rachael Hall, who is half Tongan, and is winning design awards around the world.

Actor and story-teller Sam Neill, completed several days filming in Tongatapu on October 2, for a landmark documentary that will be broadcast in 2018. This 6-part documentary series explores the three voyages of Captain James Cook using a contemporary journey across the Pacific Ocean.

Tonga Development Bank donated $3,000 pa’anga to the Alonga and Petesaita Adult Disabled Centre, to mark the bank's 40th anniversary.

A Tongan born teacher in the United States, Lynette Suliana Sikahema Finau of Arizona, will be distinguished with the “Excellence in Education Award” at the annual Community Voice Awards in Seattle.