Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Tongan, two others charged with drug possession
FBC News
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July 11, 2025
A Tongan national and two locals appeared in court this afternoon, charged with possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. Mafua Afimeimounga, Mohammed Aziz, and Merelita Kubuna have each been charged with possession of 2.260 grams of...
New IMF model to back Tonga’s economic forecasting
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 11, 2025
A new IMF-backed tool will strengthen Tonga’s ability to forecast economic shocks and guide better policy decisions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has unveiled a tailored macroeconomic model to help Tonga manage its economic...
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister highlights key achievements ahead of upcoming election
Pacific News Service
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Tonga’s deputy Prime Minister, Taniela Fusimalohi, is visiting New Zealand to address challenges related to labour mobility, public services, and the economy. In an interview on PMN Tonga, Fusimalohi says the visit is part of a broader effort to...
Law change prompts spike in Māori electoral roll registrations
RNZ
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July 10, 2025
More than 44,000 voters would be eligible to participate in the upcoming Tamaki Makaurau by-election Photo: Screenshot / Electoral Commission Thousands of voters have taken advantage of a law change allowing Māori voters to switch between the...
Tonga Reports Record Low Meth Seizures After Public Health Struggles
Talking Drugs
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July 10, 2025
Tonga’s fight against methamphetamine appears to be bearing fruit—at least on paper. Police Minister Piveni Piukala announced this week that meth seizures have plunged by 98.8%, a drop he credits to intensified anti-drug operations and tighter...
MPs step up constituency visits across Tonga
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 10, 2025
MPs are ramping up constituency visits this week, meeting locals and inspecting key schools, services and infrastructure. The Member for Tongatapu 7, Hon. Paula Piukala, began his 2025 constituency program on Wednesday at the Alonga Centre in Pea....
'Give Paea a chance': Wife's tearful plea for Tongan overstayer
Hawke's Bay Today
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Judge John Bergseng said Immigration NZ contacted Vehikite on March 17 this year and he was allowed to apply for a visa as a special case under Section 61 of the Immigration Act. Given Vehikite cannot speak English, communication was made through...
Tongan Royals jet to Lakeba
FBC News
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July 9, 2025
King Tupou VI, Queen Nanasipau’u, and Princess Royal Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita of the Kingdom of Tonga were seen departing Nausori Airport this morning en route to Lakeba Island, where they will witness the installation of Tui Lau and Sau ni...
Miss Heilala embraces her calling to inspire Tonga’s future
Pacific Media Network
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“It’s been a whirlwind,” is how Miss Heilala 2025, Siosi'ana Patricia Lavulo Robert Taumoepeau, describes the past few days following her crowning glory last weekend. Speaking from the island Kingdom to PMN Tonga, Taumoepeau shared the...
Home Reef volcano (Tonga) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 2 July-8 July 2025 (Continuing Activity)
Volcano Discovery
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July 9, 2025
Wed, 9 Jul 2025, 14:00 | BY: VN The Tonga Geological Services reported that activity at Home Reef continued during 21 June-5 July. Discolored water around the island was visible in clear satellite images on 26 June and 1 July. The crater was about...
'Political dynamics in Fiji are unpredictable': Will Ratu Tevita Mara step into politics?
RNZ
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July 9, 2025
Ratu Tevita Mara is the son of Fiji's first prime minister, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs A Fijian political commentator predicts that Ratu Tevita Mara well could become prime minister in the...
Historic Tongan-Fijian ties honoured in Tui Lau installation
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 9, 2025
Ratu Tevita Mara’s installation as Tui Lau, echoes his father’s 1969 ceremony attended by the late Queen Salote. Fiji’s Lakeba Island is witnessing a rare moment of Pacific history today with the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Lutunauga...
Court dismisses NRBT bid to stop ACC legal action
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 9, 2025
The Supreme Court has dismissed a move by the Reserve Bank to strike out a corruption probe case against it. The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) applied on 20 May 2025 to strike out, or partially strike out, a Statement of Claim filed by the...
Tongan royals on historic visit to Fiji, strengthening ties and celebrating heritage
Pacific Media Network
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The Tongan King is feeling more at home after arriving in Fiji to attend the installation of one of the country’s paramount chiefs. King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho arrived in Suva on Tuesday ahead of their visit to Lakeba in the Lau...
Tonga's King and Queen in Fiji for historic chiefly investiture
RNZ
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July 8, 2025
The prestigious titles of Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau are being be bestowed upon Ratu Tevita this week. Photo: Facebook / Ministry of itaukei Affairs The King and Queen of Tonga are being feted in Fiji during historic...
Fiji honour for Tongan king
Islands Business
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July 9, 2025
THE Solomon Islands has marked the 47th anniversary of regaining independence from Great Britain. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reminded guests at celebrations in Honiara of the country’s motto – To Lead Is to Serve. “They are a national...
Tongan royals begin historic state visit to Fiji
FBC News
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July 7, 2025
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u. [Photo Credit: Fiji Government] King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga will begin their state visit to Fiji today and will also travel to Lau for the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau,...
Fiji welcomes Tonga's bid for a diplomatic mission in Suva
Pacific Media Network
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Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has formally acknowledged and expressed keen appreciation for Tonga’s recent declaration of interest in establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Suva. In a high-level meeting with the King of Tonga,...
Fiji and Tonga reinforce deep rooted bilateral ties
Pacific News Service
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The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations. During the high-level...
Gabriel Tupou pushes for Pacific voices in regional politics
TP+
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July 9, 2025
Gabriel Tupou announces his bid for Greater Wellington Regional Council. Photo: Supplied Local Democracy Reporting | Free Public Interest News Service By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting Gabriel Tupou, Lower Hutt’s first Tongan...