AGP Executive Report

Tonga Infrastructure & Resilience: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, with Health Minister Dr Siale ʻAkauʻola saying the project can’t proceed. Public Service Leadership: Dr Vinolia Salesi has been appointed CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure, starting a four-year term on 18 September. Disaster Preparedness: A new Habitat for Humanity NZ guide, developed with the Government of Tonga, offers practical cyclone-resistant home-building advice for families, including how to choose contractors and navigate permits. Governance & Integrity: PINA President Kalafi Moala says corruption is shifting from political leaders into civil service systems, citing land administration concerns as climate pressures grow. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are taking a united message to the UN General Assembly on climate, sea-level rise, ocean governance and resilience finance. Weather & Security Cooperation: Tonga is among members of the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji, focused on maritime security, organised crime and disaster response. Pacific Media & Influence: Fiji is seeing a growing institutionalised Chinese media presence, raising questions about information partnerships and regional messaging.

Health & Aid Accountability: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, with Health Minister Dr Siale ʻAkauʻola saying the promised service can’t proceed. Governance & Integrity: PINA president Kalafi Moala says corruption in Tonga and the wider Pacific is shifting from political leaders into civil service operations, citing land administration concerns as climate displacement increases the stakes. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders head to the UN General Assembly with a united message on climate, rising seas, ocean governance and resilience finance, while Tonga is also set to engage on security concerns tied to China-linked developments in the region. Infrastructure & Disaster Resilience: A new cyclone-resilience home-building guide is being rolled out for Tongan families, and Dr Vinolia Salesi has been appointed CEO of the Ministry of Infrastructure. Transport & Aviation Politics: PM Fakafānua links Lulutai Airlines losses to payload limits, while a separate Tonga–Fiji radar discussion points to stronger regional weather monitoring. Land & Development Disputes: Work on Tonga’s Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge has slowed after a landowner dispute over compensation and process. US Immigration Policy: New US rules may tighten scrutiny for some Tongans seeking permanent residence via public benefits. Regional Security Meetings: Tonga is among members attending the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji, focused on maritime security and interoperability.

Civil Service Corruption: PINA president Kalafi Moala says corruption in Tonga and the wider Pacific is increasingly showing up in civil service operations, with Tonga-linked land administration allegations including manipulation of records involving deceased or overseas owners. UNGA Push: Pacific leaders head to UN General Assembly week in New York with a united message on climate, sea-level rise, ocean governance and development finance, warning planning is sometimes based on inaccurate elevation data. Weather & Disaster Readiness: Tonga hosted Pacific Meteorology ministers, renewing political backing for Weather Ready Pacific and “Early Warnings for All,” with Tonga’s new radar flagged as a first deliverable. Infrastructure Leadership: Dr Vinolia Salesi appointed CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure, starting a four-year term. Land & Development Tension: A major Tonga bridge project faces delays as landowners dispute negotiations and fairness over land needed for the Fanga’uta Lagoon crossing. Regional Security & Defence: Defence ministers meet in Fiji with a focus on interoperability and joint training, while Pacific nations run coordinated operations against illegal fishing. Pacific Social Protection: UN DESA says Tonga and other Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection coverage to better handle climate and economic shocks. Tonga Aviation Losses: PM Fakafānua blames payload limits for Lulutai Airlines’ losses, citing low seat fill due to passenger weight constraints.

Regional Security & Fisheries: Pacific Quad partners and others ran a coordinated operation to inspect 40 IUU-linked fishing vessels, boarding five ships under WCPFC rules, with Tonga among the officers involved. Infrastructure & Disaster Resilience: Tonga is rolling out practical cyclone-safe home building guidance with a new Habitat for Humanity NZ booklet, while a major Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project faces a landowner dispute over fair treatment and long-running Land Act negotiations. Governance & Appointments: Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure has a new CEO, Dr Vinolia Salesi, starting a four-year term; in the wider region, Tonga’s PM says it will raise Solomon Islands’ China security pact at the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting. Weather & Climate Policy: Ministers meeting in Tonga backed stronger multi-hazard early warning and climate services, with Tonga chairing and highlighting radar upgrades; Vanuatu also floated hosting a Pacific multi-hazard early warning centre. People-to-People Politics (NZ–Pacific): Labour is promising visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens to reunite families more easily, while Tonga-linked UN DESA analysis says social protection coverage in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS is too low to absorb shocks. Tonga in the World: Tonga’s weather radar proposal gained support from Fiji, and Tonga’s ties with NZ tourism remain strong as record numbers of NZ-resident travellers return from Tonga.

Pacific diplomacy & China: NZ FM Nanaia Mahuta says New Zealand is “not defined” by China and rejects any “desperate” reaction as Australia’s Penny Wong moves fast on Pacific visits after China-linked deals. Infrastructure & resilience: Tonga families get a new cyclone-safe home-building guide, while Dr Vinolia Salesi starts a four-year term as CEO of the Ministry of Infrastructure. Regional weather politics: Pacific meteorology ministers in Nuku’alofa backed stronger multi-hazard early warning and climate services, with Tonga’s PM chairing and a Tonga radar upgrade flagged; Vanuatu also seeks to host a regional multi-hazard early warning centre. Land & development dispute: Landowners have paused a major Tonga bridge project over fairness concerns, despite ADB/World Bank funding. Public health in Fiji: WHO-backed findings warn Fiji’s HIV crisis is driven less by “bluetoothing” than by widespread needle and syringe reuse from lack of sterile equipment. Tonga governance & justice: Tonga’s PM says security issues from a China–Solomons pact will be raised at the next Pacific Forum leaders meeting. Immigration policy spillover: Labour in NZ promises visa-waiver travel for Pacific Island Forum citizens, aiming to cut costs for family visits. UN social protection: UN DESA says Tonga and several Pacific SIDS have low social protection coverage and need stronger systems to handle climate and economic shocks.

Border & Mobility: The UK has published eligibility criteria for its Registered Traveller scheme, offering faster UK border clearance for citizens of 26 listed countries, with rules including age 18+, specific visa/entry history, and counting only direct entries (no transit). Weather & Climate Governance: Pacific ministers backed stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning services at the 4th Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting in Tonga, with Tonga’s new C-band radar highlighted as a first deliverable under Weather Ready Pacific. Disaster Readiness & Regional Tech: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s plan for a weather radar in Vavaʻu, framing it as a boost to cyclone monitoring and early warning across the Pacific. Land & Infrastructure: Landowners have paused a New Zealand-funded bridge project across Tonga’s Fanga’uta Lagoon after a dispute over land treatment and negotiations, slowing work on the $97m, 720-metre crossing. Regional Security Watch: Tonga’s PM says Tonga is monitoring Solomon Islands’ security pact with China and plans to raise it at the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting. Justice & Detention (Regional): Zambia-related reporting notes Richard Musukwa released on police bond and Celestine Mukandila transferred to Mwembeshi Prison, with court orders said to be ignored.

Tonga Infrastructure Dispute: Landowners have paused a New Zealand-built 720m bridge across Fanga’uta Lagoon in Tongatapu, citing long-running concerns over fair treatment and land acquisition under the Land Act, even as the ADB/World Bank-funded project aims to help communities relocate inland during disasters. Regional Weather & Early Warning: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s plan to establish a weather radar in Vava’u, framing it as a boost to cyclone monitoring and Pacific early warning, alongside broader cooperation on forecasting, instrument calibration, training and data sharing. Tonga Governance & Capacity: Tonga’s PM says the China–Solomons security pact will be raised at the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, while Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, including health, education, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience. Legal Education Push: Senior judges backed Tonga National University’s proposed law school, offering input on a Bachelor of Laws curriculum focused on Tonga’s needs. Social Protection Gap: A UN DESA policy brief flags low social protection coverage in Tonga (below 30%) and urges stronger systems to reduce poverty and improve resilience to climate and economic shocks. Language Funding: Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris announced $10m over four years for a te reo Māori fund supporting community programmes, wānanga, Kura Reo and digital language innovation. Pacific Mobility Politics: Labour in New Zealand pledged expanded visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens if elected, aiming to cut costs for family visits tied to weddings and funerals.

Tonga-China-Solomons Security: Tonga PM Siaosi Sovaleni says the Kingdom is closely monitoring Solomon Islands’ China security pact and will raise it at the next Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting. Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers wrapped up the PMMM-4 in Tonga with renewed backing for Weather Ready Pacific, including Tonga’s new C-band radar and plans to expand radar and observing upgrades across the region. Fisheries Governance: Pacific countries used COFI37 to push for stronger international support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and regional cooperation. Tonga Law School Push: Senior judges backed Tonga National University’s proposed Bachelor of Laws, urging a curriculum focused on Tonga’s laws and needs. Tonga-SPC Cooperation: Tonga’s PM met SPC’s DG to strengthen technical support across health, education, fisheries, climate resilience and disaster readiness. Social Protection Gap: A UN DESA brief flags low social protection coverage in Tonga and several Pacific SIDS, warning it leaves people exposed to climate and economic shocks. Regional Tourism Signals: Record NZ-resident travel back from Tonga and the Cook Islands highlights strong VFR demand between New Zealand and Pacific neighbours. Fiji HIV Emergency: Fiji declared a national HIV emergency, a move with regional relevance given close Tonga-Fiji movement and connections.

Vā & Immigration Apology Politics: An opinion piece revisits New Zealand’s Dawn Raids apology and the “vā” concept, arguing governments must fix more than rules—especially around immigration needs. Social Protection Gap: A UN DESA policy brief says Tonga’s social protection coverage is below 30%, leaving households exposed to climate and economic shocks, and urges step-by-step expansion. Te Reo Māori Funding: Tonga’s Te Tai Tonga MP Ferris commits $10m over four years to a Te Tai Tonga Reo Rangatira Fund, backing community-led reo programmes and digital language innovation. Weather & Early Warning Push: Pacific Ministers end PMMM-4 with a renewed political commitment to Weather Ready Pacific and multi-hazard early warning systems, with Tonga’s PM chairing and Tonga’s C-band radar flagged as a first deliverable. Regional Fisheries Unity: Pacific countries back stronger, Pacific-led fisheries governance at COFI37, calling for international recognition and support for regional cooperation. Tonga–SPC Cooperation: Tonga’s PM meets SPC’s DG to strengthen technical support across health, education, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience, including a new WHO-linked health MoU. Tonga Law School Momentum: Senior judges back plans for a Tonga National University law school, offering help to scope a Bachelor of Laws focused on Tonga’s laws and needs. Tourism Signals: Stats NZ shows record NZ-resident traveller returns from Tonga and the Cook Islands, highlighting strong VFR-driven Pacific travel ties. Visa Politics in NZ (Pacific Focus): Labour renews promises to expand visa-waiver access for Pacific Islanders via NZeTA, while also noting uncertainty about how many extra travellers will come. Tonga–Fiji Health Link: Fiji’s HIV national emergency raises regional concern given close Tonga–Fiji movement and education links.

Weather & Climate Governance: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua chaired the 4th Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology, renewing political backing for Weather Ready Pacific and “Early Warnings for All,” with Tonga’s new C-band radar flagged as a first deliverable. Regional Fisheries: At COFI37 in Rome, Pacific leaders pushed for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and cooperation, with FFA honoured for its long-running work. Early Warning Push: Vanuatu formally registered interest in hosting a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific, pointing to its growing monitoring capacity and looking ahead to next steps at the 2028 Pacific Meteorological Council. Tonga–Pacific Health Link: Fiji declared an HIV national emergency, with the crisis framed as regionally relevant given close Tonga–Fiji movement and education ties. Tonga National University: Senior judges backed plans for a Tonga law school, offering help to scope a Bachelor of Laws focused on Tonga’s laws and needs, with delivery through TNU. Visa Politics (NZ): Labour renewed its push for visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders via NZeTA/ETAs, but admitted it doesn’t yet know how many extra people will come—raising questions about rollout and services. Disaster Readiness (Tonga): Tonga’s tsunami readiness drive highlighted community-focused preparedness as part of wider risk management efforts.

Tonga–Pacific Governance: Tonga and the Pacific Community (SPC) reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, with a push to deepen health collaboration via a new SPC–WHO MoU. Tonga Law & Institutions: Senior judges backed Tonga National University’s proposed law school, offering help to scope a Bachelor of Laws focused on Tonga’s laws and needs. Regional Weather Security: Pacific ministers renewed commitments to stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning services after meetings in Nuku’alofa, with Solomon Islands calling for better marine forecasting and warning delivery. Health & Mobility: Three Tongan patients received specialist heart treatment in Fiji after local care needs couldn’t be met, with Tonga covering travel and medical costs. Immigration Politics (NZ): Labour pledged visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders via NZeTA, aiming to cut burdens on Pacific families as overstayer rates rise; the move follows NZ First’s clemency push. Pacific Policy Context: Fiji declared an HIV national emergency, underscoring shared regional health risks for Tonga-linked communities.

Tonga Law & Institutions: Senior judges have backed Tonga National University’s push to establish a Bachelor of Laws, offering to help scope a Tonga-focused curriculum and endorsing TNU’s teaching of Tongan language and culture. Disaster Preparedness: Tonga has launched a UNESCO-IOC tsunami readiness programme targeting 20 communities for “Tsunami Ready” recognition by December, built around evacuation planning, warning systems, public awareness and community exercises. Regional Climate & Early Warnings: The Pacific Meteorological Council meeting in Nuku’alofa wrapped with renewed focus on “Early Warnings for All,” with Tonga’s deputy PM stressing warnings must reach remote communities and people with disabilities. Pacific Health Link: Fiji has declared its HIV epidemic a national emergency, a move with direct relevance to Tonga given close travel and study ties. Governance & Development: Tonga’s PM met SPC leadership to strengthen cooperation on national development priorities, including health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience. Justice & Security: A Tonga man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for arranging the transport of 5.8kg of methamphetamine to New Zealand, with the court clarifying how life sentences work under Tonga law. Transport & Safety: Tonga’s controversial Lulutai Airlines Twin Otter is again under scrutiny after PM Fakafanua said passenger weight limits can reduce capacity and hurt profitability.

Moana Pasifika Funding: Rugby great Sir Michael Jones has written to Foreign Minister Winston Peters seeking urgent funding to keep Moana Pasifika alive after the franchise was liquidated in May, warning “immediate priority” is confirming money so NZ Rugby can decide for FY2027. Tonga Law School Push: Senior judges have backed Tonga National University’s proposed Bachelor of Laws, offering help on curriculum and stressing the programme should focus on Tonga’s laws, needs, and Tongan language and culture. Aviation Procurement Fallout: PM Lord Fakafanua says Lulutai Airlines’ controversial Twin Otter purchase is struggling to turn a profit, with passenger weight limiting capacity to about 12 seats on some flights—adding to earlier secrecy and due-diligence questions. Tsunami Readiness: Tonga has launched a UNESCO-IOC tsunami preparedness programme targeting 20 communities for “Tsunami Ready” recognition by December, building on evacuation planning, warning systems, and community exercises. Regional Weather Governance: Tonga is hosting the Pacific Meteorological Council meetings, with leaders pushing “Early Warnings for All” so warnings reach remote communities and people with disabilities. Health Access: Three Tongan patients have received heart treatment in Fiji after Vaiola Hospital found specialist care unavailable at home, with the government covering travel and medical costs. Drugs & Courts: A businessman has been jailed for life over a 5.8kg meth shipment bound for New Zealand, with the court clarifying what life imprisonment means under Tonga’s law.

Tsunami Preparedness: Tonga has launched a UNESCO-IOC programme to boost community tsunami readiness, targeting 20 communities for “Tsunami Ready” recognition by December, led by the NDRMO with partners across government, churches, schools and communities. Disaster Risk Finance & Regional Coordination: PCRIC signed MoUs with SPC and SPREP in Tonga to strengthen disaster risk financing and climate/disaster risk cooperation, aiming to better use regional knowledge and pre-arranged finance as Pacific impacts intensify. Health & Regional Care: Three Tongan patients received cardiac treatment in Fiji after Vaiola Hospital determined specialist services weren’t available at home, with the Ministry of Health covering travel and medical costs; patients urged Tongans not to delay care for chest pain. Weather Warnings That Must Lead to Action: Tonga’s deputy PM Viliami Latu stressed “Early Warnings for All” must reach remote islands and vulnerable groups, as regional leaders debate how to get people to act on warnings. Renewables Investment Gap: An ADB study says private renewable investment remains limited across the Pacific, including Tonga, calling for stronger planning, bankable contracts and better risk pricing to meet renewable targets. Court & Mandatory Sentencing: A Tongan businessman was sentenced to life for arranging the transport of 5.8kg of methamphetamine to New Zealand, with the judge clarifying how life imprisonment works under Tonga’s law.

Medical Referral to Fiji: Three Tongan patients have received cardiac care in Nadi after Vaiola Hospital determined specialist services weren’t available at home, with treatment including angiography and stent procedures at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) and costs covered by Tonga’s Ministry of Health. Regional Weather Readiness: Tonga’s Deputy PM Viliami Latu backed the “Early Warnings for All” push at the Pacific Meteorological Council, stressing warnings must reach outer islands and remote communities and that forecasts only matter if people act. Disaster Preparedness Gap: A Vanuatu ferry sinking after rough-sea warnings has left 19 rescued and more than 30 missing, with officials arguing warnings were issued but the final decision still rests with operators. Renewables Investment Pressure: An Asian Development Bank study says private renewable energy investment remains limited across the Pacific, including Tonga, calling for stronger planning, bankable contracts, and better risk pricing to attract investors. Court and Justice: A Tongan businessman has been jailed for life over a 5.8kg meth shipment bound for New Zealand, with the judge clarifying how mandatory life sentences work under Tongan law. Violence Prevention Training: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is running a four-week regional program on violence against women and girls, with participants including Tonga representatives. Conservation Win in Vava’u: VEPA reports successful rat-eradication work at Mount Talau, with Hengehenga bird recovery and renewed birdsong signaling progress.

Disaster Response & Maritime Safety: Nineteen people were rescued after the MV Matui sank off Vanuatu, with about 30 still missing; officials say strong winds and marine warnings weren’t heeded, and argue the system needs clearer rules on when different vessels should sail. Climate & Early Warnings: Tonga is hosting the Pacific Meteorological Council meetings as regional leaders push “early warnings for all,” with coverage highlighting progress like Tonga’s new multi-hazard centre and ongoing gaps in getting people to act on alerts. Renewables Investment: An Asian Development Bank study says private renewable energy investment remains limited across Pacific states including Tonga, calling for better planning, risk pricing, bankable contracts and stronger utilities. Health & Regional Services: Three Tongan patients received cardiac treatment in Fiji after blocked arteries were found; the government funded travel, and patients urged Tongans not to delay when chest pain strikes. Women’s Safety: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre runs a four-week regional training for violence prevention and support services, bringing together participants from Tonga and other Pacific countries. Regional Security Cooperation: Solomon Islands reaffirmed policing cooperation with China, including training and equipment support. Governance & Culture: A Tonga wedding in Auckland sparked debate after a minister scolded camerawork over taʻovala, raising questions about cultural expectations and who must follow them.