Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Politician speaks out after third of Tuvalu’s citizens apply for Australian visas
Seven News
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July 2, 2025
Pacific Island nation Tuvalu has poured cold water on a report that a huge chunk of its citizens are eager to move to Australia through a world-first climate visa. It is instead likely that many applicants are ineligible, have applied multiple...
China's military bases 'not welcome' in the Pacific, Fiji PM says
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
·
July 2, 2025
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has delivered a blow to China's security ambitions in the Pacific, declaring his country would "not welcome" any Chinese military bases in the region. But Mr Rabuka has also stressed he doesn't believe that...
Tongan royals to celebrate age-old ties with Fiji at high chief’s installation ceremony
Pacific Media Network
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The King and Queen of Tonga are visiting Fiji to attend the installation ceremony of the chiefly titles of Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau, Tui Nayau, and Tui Lau. The installation ceremony will be held on Lakeba Island, and the royal couple has been invited...
Tonga cybersecurity attack wake-up call for Pacific, warns expert
RNZ
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July 1, 2025
Photo: 123RF A Tongan cybersecurity expert says the country's health data hack is a "wake-up call" for the whole region. Siosaia Vaipuna, a former director of Tonga's cybersecurity agency, spoke to RNZ Pacific in the wake of the 15 June...
Veterans Minister Al Carns says IDRC 2025 is an opportunity to show what women's rugby can do
Forces Network
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Veterans Minister Al Carns is ready for a scintillating summer of rugby with IDRC 2025 and he hopes the tournament will be an opportunity to show what the women's sport can do. The International Defence Rugby Competition will be hosted by the UK...
Tonga Government face US$1M ransom for cyber-attack on health system
Island Times
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July 1, 2025
NUKU’ALOFA (TALANOAOTONGA) — A cyberattack on Tonga’s National Health Information System (NHIS) has entered its second week, crippling access to vital health records. Police Minister Dr. Paula Piukala revealed at a press conference Thursday that...
Multi-million parliament project breaks ground with NZ, Aus aid
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 1, 2025
Construction has begun on Tonga’s new NZ$60 million Fale Alea, backed by New Zealand and Australia to strengthen democracy. The new parliamentary complex, launched this week in Nuku’alofa, will replace the original Fale Alea destroyed by the 2022...
Tonga-made products on show at Trade Fair 2025
Matangi Tonga Online
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June 30, 2025
The Tonga Trade Fair 2025 opens on Thursday 3 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, when more than 40 local businesses will showcase Tonga-made products. The exhibition will run through to Saturday. With a theme “Buy Tonga Made”, the fair is...
Government brings money‑laundering law up to date
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 30, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister Hon Dr Taniela Fusimalohi told reporters last week the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Bill will update the 2001 law to include modern technology and devices. The revised legislation enables authorities and the...
Health minister asks public not to share hacked data
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 30, 2025
The Health Minister has pleaded with the public not to share sensitive patient information leaked by hackers. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister for Health Hon. Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola confirmed that although hospitals remain open, cyber...
WWE makes an embarrassing botch following Tonga Loa’s sudden return
Sportskeeda
·
June 29, 2025
One of the many surprises at Night of Champions 2025 was the unexpected WWE return of Tonga Loa, who showed up to help Solo Sikoa in his match against Jacob Fatu. However, the promotion botched his name on social media, where they referred to him...
Tonga’s health system hacked, US$1m ransom demanded
Newstalk ZB
·
June 27, 2025
Tonga has refused to pay a US$1 million ($1.6m) ransom after hackers seized control of the country’s health IT system. Hackers broke into Tonga’s national health database earlier this month, the Government said, locking out medical staff who have...
Government face $1 million ransom for cyber attack on health system
Talanoa 'O Tonga
·
June 26, 2025
A cyberattack on Tonga’s National Health Information System (NHIS) has entered its second week, crippling access to vital health records. Police Minister Hon. Dr. Paula Piukala revealed at a press conference yesterday that the attackers are...
Political battle lines disappear: Sorrow falls on Parliament after MP’s death
Waikato Herald
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“Takutai was more than just a colleague to us, she was our sister and we loved her dearly.” Kemp’s sudden death shocked Parliament. Ministers and MPs hugged their political opponents in the debating chamber and many wiped away tears as others...
Tongan RSE workers thrive in Hawke’s Bay after cyclone disaster
Pacific Media Network
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Hundreds of Tongans are working in Hawke's Bay under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, two years after Cyclone Gabrielle left them stranded. A Tongan government official says around 1800 workers are engaged in pruning and harvesting...
Tonga's government mum on health cyber breach
RNZ
·
June 25, 2025
A cyber expert from Australia has been in the country for nearly a week and local media report more personnel are being brought in. Photo: 123RF The Tongan government has yet to reveal more details about a cyber breach of its health records that...
Mapa: ¿en qué países es legal el matrimonio homosexual? ¿Dónde fue legal primero?
KVIA - Texas
·
June 27, 2025
Por CNN Español El matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo es una realidad en al menos 39 países, según un reporte de la Asociación Internacional de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Trans e Intersex (ILGA, por sus siglas en inglés) y la suma de...
Parliament members on Australia visit
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 24, 2025
A high‑level delegation from Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is visiting Australia from 21–28 June, under an Australia‑led push to strengthen regional ties. Led by Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and Lord Tu‘ilakepa, the group includes Hon. Dr Mo‘ale ‘Otunuku,...
Clear government ownership structures can help boost SOE performance-PSDI
Island Times
·
June 27, 2025
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (24 June 2025)—Pacific governments can improve the performance of their state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and reduce fiscal risks by implementing clearer and more consistent government ownership and oversight arrangements, according...
British High Commission book support for Tonga judiciary
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 27, 2025
Acting British High Commissioner Emma Macri has donated several sets of legal textbooks to Tonga’s judiciary, supporting the nation’s capacity‑building efforts. The books will be allocated to the Law Society, Attorney‑General’s Office and Public...