AGP Executive Report

Deputy PM acquittal: Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū has been acquitted in an election bribery case, with the Supreme Court yet to publish its reasoning. Maritime security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga undetected in the past due to limited monitoring, as new maritime tracking systems roll out amid ongoing concerns about illicit drug flows. Moana Pasifika rescue talks: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders back the Kanaloa consortium bid to take over Moana Pasifika, while New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says NZ officials have been told to explore all options for a financially sustainable future after the franchise’s liquidation. Child poverty spotlight: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds 25.3% of children in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Local economic support delays: PM Fakafanua says Tonga’s hardship and subsidised loan programmes are delayed by stricter eligibility, heavy documentation, and affordability checks, with only part of a $30m package disbursed. Regional welfare concern: A viral case in Australia shows former Pacific workers living rough under a Sydney bridge, renewing calls for stronger welfare and support systems for PALM participants.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand has moved to save the Super Rugby franchise after it was put into liquidation, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters directing officials to urgently engage NZ Rugby and other stakeholders on “all possible options” for a financially sustainable future. Pacific Rugby Governance: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid, arguing Pacific rugby’s next step must be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals. New Bid Emerges: RNZ reports a separate Hawaii-based consortium proposal, led by a Pasifika-heritage tech figure, exploring relocation as a potential path forward. Child Poverty Focus: Tonga and UNICEF say 25.3% of children face multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest, prompting calls for stronger social safeguards. Road Safety Crackdown: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI operation, with 248 positive alcohol tests recorded from 3,147 drivers checked in May. Regional Diplomacy: Peters met Tonga and Samoa leaders in Apia, with climate and fuel-cost pressures also on the agenda.

Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Samoa PM La’aulialemalietoa, Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua and Tokelau leader Alapati Tavite in Apia, pushing shared Polynesian priorities on climate, security, migration and culture. Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: With the franchise in liquidation after owners Pasifika Medical Association said it would stop funding, Peters says NZ officials have been told to urgently explore options with NZ Rugby and stakeholders to keep Moana Pasifika alive. Pacific Rugby Ownership Debate: Tonga, Cook Islands and other Pacific unions have backed the Kanaloa consortium bid, arguing Pacific voices should shape the franchise’s future as NZ Rugby weighs proposals. New Bid Emerges: RNZ reports a separate Hawaii-based consortium is exploring relocating Moana Pasifika to the US state. Child Poverty in Tonga: A Tonga-UNICEF report finds 25.3% of Tongan children live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Tonga Road Safety: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI crackdown; in May, 248 drivers tested positive for alcohol. Governance Court Update: Tonga’s Deputy PM Viliami Lātū was acquitted by the Supreme Court in an election bribery case.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to start talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders to find a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika after the franchise was put into liquidation. Pacific Rugby Voices: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders backed the Kanaloa takeover bid, arguing Pacific rugby’s future should be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs options. New Bid Emerges: A separate consortium is exploring relocating Moana Pasifika to Hawaii, with supporters citing broadcast and market advantages. Tonga Child Poverty: Tonga and UNICEF report 25.3% of children live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest, prompting calls for stronger safeguards. Tonga Loan Delays: PM Lord Fakafanua says $30m in hardship support and subsidised small-business loans are stuck due to stricter eligibility, heavy documentation, and slower uptake. Tonga Road Safety: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI crackdown; in May, 248 drivers tested positive for alcohol. Regional Governance: Tonga’s Deputy PM Viliami Lātū was acquitted by the Supreme Court in an election bribery case. Diplomacy: Tonga’s ties with Israel remain in focus as Israel opens a new embassy in Fiji, with regional security and training agreements signed.

Fuel & cost pressures: Penrhyn (Cook Islands) has hit a diesel crunch, borrowing 5,000 litres from the police patrol boat Te Kukupa II and restricting power use while awaiting a June 18 barge; regional prices are also rising, with Samoa’s kerosene, petrol and diesel all up. Tonga economic support bottleneck: PM Lord Fakafanua says Tonga’s $30m hardship and subsidised loan aid for small businesses is stalled by tougher Bank lending rules, heavy documentation and affordability checks, with only $3m of the first $10m tranche disbursed. Road safety crackdown: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI operation last Friday; in May, 3,147 drivers were tested and 248 (7.9%) returned positive alcohol readings. Court & governance: Tonga’s Supreme Court acquitted Deputy PM Viliami Lātū in an election bribery case; separately, the Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in water tank and septic contracts under the National Water Tank Project. Child poverty spotlight: A Tonga-UNICEF report finds 25.3% of children in Tonga face multidimensional poverty, with rural areas and the youngest children most affected. Tourism leadership: Tonga appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new Tourism CEO, starting 15 June. Regional politics via rugby: New Zealand is exploring options to save Moana Pasifika after liquidation, with Winston Peters telling Pacific leaders every option is being pursued. Public order & community: Tonga Police Band featured in Samoa’s Independence Day celebrations, while regional reporting also highlights ongoing cross-border security concerns and customs leaders meeting in Fiji.

Supreme Court & Elections: Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū was acquitted by the Supreme Court in an election bribery case brought by ʻEtuate Lavulavu, clearing him of allegations tied to the November 2025 campaign. Public Safety: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI crackdown, testing 3,147 drivers in May; 248 (7.9%) returned positive alcohol readings, with 119 charged for alcohol-related offences. Child Poverty: A new Government of Tonga report with UNICEF says 25.3% of children face multidimensional poverty, with rural areas and the youngest children most affected. Tourism Leadership: The Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026. Regional Security & Drugs: PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs moving through regional waters. Connectivity: Tonga’s second international undersea cable (“Tu‘i Vava‘u”) was highlighted as a major boost to digital resilience. Governance & Procurement: Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, citing unfair competition and transparency breaches.

Public Service Appointments: Tonga’s Public Service Commission has named Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, after an open recruitment process and Cabinet/ministerial approval. Procurement & Rule of Law: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts under the National Water Tank Project, citing unfair competition, flawed bidding, and transparency breaches. Regional Security & Drugs: PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs flowing through the region, warning the ocean is increasingly used for storage and transhipment. Border & Customs Co-operation: Pacific customs chiefs will meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to scale up border protection against drug trafficking, organised crime, and other cross-border threats. Energy & Cost of Living: Tonga’s TCA set new fuel prices from 1 June, with petrol above TOP$4/litre nationwide and some outer islands paying over TOP$5/litre. Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand marked completion of Tonga’s second international undersea cable branch system, boosting capacity and disaster resilience. Diplomatic Engagement: PM Fakafanua arrived in Samoa for the 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, underscoring close Tonga–Samoa ties.

Supreme Court Ruling: Tonga’s Supreme Court says MEIDECC acted unlawfully in awarding multi-million paʻanga water tank and septic contracts, finding breaches of procurement rules, unfair limited bidding, and missing required contract award publication. Regional Security & Drugs: PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drug flows, warning the region is increasingly used for storage and transhipment, not just transit. Tonga–Samoa Diplomacy: Fakafanua arrives in Samoa for the 64th Independence celebrations, welcomed with a Guard of Honour, underscoring close Tonga–Samoa ties. Fuel Pressure at Home: Tonga’s regulated fuel prices stay above TOP$4 per litre from 1 June, with remote islands paying over TOP$5 and some Niuas diesel reaching TOP$6. Digital Resilience: Tonga completes its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, backed by Australia and New Zealand to boost reliability and disaster resilience. Crime Crackdown Links: Reports say Tongan men are among those facing serious charges after Australian police raids targeted the “Coconut Cartel,” tied to the death of Tongan Alai Ahio. Leadership & Governance: PSC appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term starting 15 June.

Illicit Drugs Crackdown: PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating “as a team” to stop drug trafficking through regional waters, warning the Pacific is shifting from transit to storage and transhipment. Samoa Independence Diplomacy: Fakafanua arrives in Apia for Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary, with Tonga’s King Tupou VI also in-country for USP-related events and royal-style welcomes. Fuel Shock in Tonga: Tonga’s regulated fuel prices stay above TOP$4 from 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 (Tongatapu) and up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas, raising pressure on household budgets and transport. Connectivity Upgrade: Tonga completes its second international undersea cable, the Tu‘i Vava‘u/Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand to boost resilience after past outages. Regional Security & Crime: Tonga-linked arrests in Australia’s “Coconut Cartel” raids follow investigations into the death of Tongan Alai Ahio, as police say the syndicate has been heavily disrupted. USP Governance: USP Council meets in Tonga, adopting audited 2025 accounts and reviewing 2026 forecasts amid rising costs and student affordability pressures. Social Policy Moves: Government launches national documents on child poverty, disability inclusion, and welfare reform, aiming to translate findings into action and stronger social protection.

Digital Infrastructure: Tonga officially commissioned its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, named Tu‘i Vava‘u, a 405km link jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand to boost reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past outages. Fuel & Cost of Living: Tonga’s Competent Authority set new regulated retail prices from 1 June, keeping petrol above TOP$4 nationwide (e.g., Tongatapu TOP$4.15; Niuas up to TOP$5.05 petrol and TOP$6.00 diesel), with impacts expected for households and outer-island transport. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters is set to visit Samoa for Independence, with fuel crisis talks and regional security on the agenda. Media Governance: The Media Association of Tonga met Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua to push for a Media Complaints Council, a code of ethics, and stronger standards, including plans to recruit an office coordinator. Social Policy: Government launched three national documents targeting child poverty, disability inclusion, and a disability welfare scheme—aimed at more equitable support nationwide. Public Safety: Tonga’s Prime Minister’s office says Tonga will also be watching security and preparedness closely as regional events and services continue to ramp up.

Digital Infrastructure & Resilience: Tonga marked a major connectivity milestone with the commissioning of its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, named Tu‘i Vava‘u, jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand to boost reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past outages. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters are confirmed for Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations, with Tonga’s King Tupou VI already in-country and Tonga’s PM set to attend key regional discussions. Governance & Social Policy: Tonga launched three national policy documents targeting child poverty, disability inclusion, and welfare reform, including a baseline report on multidimensional child poverty and an operational manual for a disability welfare scheme. Media Standards: The Tonga Media Association met the Prime Minister to push for a Media Complaints Council and stronger media standards, including a code of ethics and better press conference monitoring. Public Safety: Samoa says nearly 400 police officers will be deployed for Independence Week events, with fire and emergency services on standby. Security & Crime Links: Australian police raids tied to the “Coconut Cartel” have led to arrests, with reporting suggesting some Tongan men are among those facing serious charges amid an Alai Ahio death investigation. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed a new CEO for the Ministry of Tourism, Sandradee Fonua Fifita, for a four-year term from 15 June 2026.

Undersea Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to mark completion of the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, Tonga’s second international undersea cable, jointly funded via AIFFP and New Zealand, aimed at boosting reliability, capacity and disaster resilience after past outages. Royal & Regional Education: King Tupou VI presided over the USP graduation as Chancellor, with a Guard of Honour in Samoa and a regional diplomatic spotlight on USP’s renewal. Public Service Leadership: The Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term from 15 June 2026. Media Standards Push: The Tonga Media Association met Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua to press for a Media Complaints Council, a code of ethics and stronger press conference rules. Justice & Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Commission filed criminal charges against former Police Minister Paula Piveni Piukala over alleged interference with the course of justice, with the case adjourned to 22 June 2026. Governance Scrutiny: Speaker Lord Vaea renewed concerns about MPs’ overseas travel allowances, reviving allegations tied to earlier claims of large travel-related payments.

Undersea Connectivity: Tonga officially names and commissions its second international undersea fibre cable, the Tu‘i Vava‘u link, funded by Australia and New Zealand, aimed at boosting capacity and resilience after past outages. Regional Governance: The USP Council met in Nukuʻalofa, adopting audited 2025 accounts and discussing 2026 financial pressures, governance alignment and student affordability, with a new Tuvalu chancellor set to take effect in July. Media Standards: The Tonga Media Association pushes for a Media Complaints Council and stronger ethics after meeting the Prime Minister, alongside plans to recruit an office coordinator. Trade Policy: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s trade ministry to the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, expanding consumer protection and labour focus. Legal Accountability: The Anti-Corruption Commission files charges against former police minister Paula Piukala over alleged interference with justice; the case is adjourned to 22 June. Parliament Oversight: Speaker Lord Vaea again raises concerns about MPs’ overseas travel and renewed allegations tied to past travel allowances. Public Finance Debate: MP Takuta Ferris criticises Budget 2026 for prioritising defence and corrections over poverty and transformational Māori development.

USP Governance & Finances: Leaders at the University of the South Pacific’s 101st Council meeting in Tonga backed the adoption of unqualified audited 2025 accounts and reviewed a 2026 outlook warning of rising costs, economic uncertainty and student affordability pressures, while also updating audit systems and appointing Tuvalu’s Governor-General as USP’s new Chancellor from 1 July 2026. Connectivity & Sovereignty: Tonga officially named and commissioned its second international undersea fibre cable, the Tu‘i Vava‘u, with Australia and New Zealand funding, aimed at boosting capacity, resilience and disaster response by reducing reliance on a single link. Media Standards Push: The Tonga Media Association met Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua to press for a Media Complaints Council, a code of ethics and stronger press conference rules, alongside plans to recruit an office coordinator. Anti-Corruption Court Case: Tonga’s ACC filed criminal charges against former Police Minister Paula Piukala over alleged interference with justice, with the matter adjourned to 22 June 2026. Elections Administration: Tonga Electoral Commission appointed Samiuela Vao as new Supervisor of Elections/CEO from 8 May 2026. Regional Security & Crime: New Zealand’s Customs Minister said the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime, calling for better legislation, border strengthening and cross-agency action. Trade Ministry Rebrand: Cabinet approved renaming the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development to the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, expanding consumer protection, innovation and labour focus.

Undersea Cables, Big Stakes: Australia, New Zealand and Tonga have completed the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—Tonga’s second international undersea link—aimed at boosting capacity and disaster resilience after past network disruption risks. Media Accountability: The Tonga Media Association is pushing for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua. Moana Pasifika Shockwaves: With Moana Pasifika placed into liquidation, New Zealand MP Winston Peters hints at “good news” while Kanaloa Rugby says its takeover bid is backed by four Pacific unions—Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue—framing it as “100 per cent sovereignty.” Justice Under Scrutiny: The Anti-Corruption Commission has filed charges against former Police Minister Paula Piukala over alleged interference with the course of justice, with court set for 22 June. Connectivity vs. Cost: Separate reporting flags Tonga’s wider regional push for easier travel and stronger ties, even as visa fee changes raise questions about revenue impacts. Crime and Borders: New Zealand’s Customs Minister warns the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime—calling for better legislation, supports and border strengthening.

Pacific Security & Crime: New Zealand’s Customs Minister Casey Costello says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime, pushing a whole-of-government approach—better laws, border strengthening, and tighter coordination across health, immigration, customs, revenue and justice. Maritime Enforcement: Australia’s ADF has joined Operation SOLANIA to back regional fisheries policing, deploying to Tonga and the Cook Islands under the FFA’s Operation Tui Moana. Connectivity: Tonga marked completion of the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, its second international undersea cable, aimed at more reliable, higher-capacity internet and stronger disaster resilience. Elections & Governance: Tonga Electoral Commission appoints Samiuela Vao as new Supervisor of Elections/CEO. Community & Culture: King Tupou VI is set to arrive for USP Alafua graduation in Samoa. Social Issues: A Tonga-linked unregistered lender in New Zealand has been banned for two years after targeting vulnerable borrowers online. Environment/Science: Humpback whales keep “gaping,” and nobody knows why.