Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Tonga reveals MOSIP and VS One World foundations of DPI success
Biometric Update
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June 17, 2025
Tonga launched its TongaPass digital ID and digital government portal this month. The government is now ramping up registration as it visits eastern Tongatapu villages to register residents to TongaPass. The registration is free and the initiative...
Minister Tu’itahi affirms 2031 Pacific Games funding plans
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 17, 2025
The Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. Sinai Tu’itahi, has dismissed reports claiming “no funds” for hosting the 2031 Pacific Games. She announced that both she and PM Hon Dr ‘Aisake Eke “agree to host the 2031 Pacific Games in Tonga” and have...
Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel
RNZ
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June 26, 2025
A supporter of Israel holds an Israeli flag in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on 8 October. Photo: JULIA NIKHINSON / AFP Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear: most Pacific governments continue to align...
Pacific governments can improve state owned enterprises
Matangi Tonga Online
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June 25, 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 to a policy brief published on...
Home Reef volcano (Tonga) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 18 June-24 June 2025 (Continuing Activity)
Volcano Discovery
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June 25, 2025
Wed, 25 Jun 2025, 14:00 | BY: VN The Tonga Geological Services reported that unrest at Home Reef continued during 7-21 June. Discolored water around the island was visible in both 16 and 21 June clear satellite images. A steam plume was visible in...
Government, LDS church partnership ‘rooted in love’
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 16, 2025
The Deputy PM and LDS church leaders met at the Black Pearl restaurant in Nuku’alofa last week to deepen collaboration. Cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Hon Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, Minister of Health Hon Dr Ana Akau’ola and...
Tonga among 36 nations under fresh US travel‑ban threat
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 16, 2025
Tonga is one of 36 countries facing possible US visa and travel restrictions. A recent report by the Washington Post states that the US State Department has flagged 36 nations—including Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu—under consideration for full or...
Tonga urges global support for Pacific ocean action
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 14, 2025
Tonga has called for urgent international investment in Pacific-led ocean governance and climate-resilient maritime infrastructure. Speaking at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Tonga delivered a strong message on behalf of Pacific Island...
Former PM Sovaleni demands answers over health system cyber attack
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 23, 2025
The former prime minister, Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, has urged urgent government accountability following last week’s cyber attack on the Ministry of Health’s National Health Information System (NHIS), which remains offline. Sovaleni raised concerns in...
Letter to Prime Minister Carney: Canada's Position on Deep Sea Mining
MiningWatch Canada
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The following letter was sent to Prime Minister Marc Carney by 20 Canadian and international civil society organizations, coalitions, and unions, including MiningWatch Canada. The Right Honourable Mark Carney, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada...
Japan aims to double number of military aid recipients this year
Japan Times
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June 23, 2025
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tonga, East Timor and Papua New Guinea are expected to become the newest recipients of Japanese military aid as Tokyo looks to double the number of countries involved in its official security assistance (OSA) program this...
High Court rules in favour of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga
Waatea News
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Role Funding: pijf-0044 Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga has been granted Customary Marine Title over a large part of their coastal area—from Kukutauaki to the Rangitīkei River. The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 is a landmark piece of...
High Court rules in favour of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga
Waatea News
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June 23, 2025
Role Funding: pijf-0044 Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga has been granted Customary Marine Title over a large part of their coastal area – from Kukutauaki to the Rangitīkei River. The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 is a landmark piece...
A GOOD HEART THAT WILL NEVER BE APPRECIATED: The Painful Past – Political Persecution and National Trauma
Zambian Observer
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June 22, 2025
By R. Chikanya. A GOOD HEART THAT WILL NEVER BE APPRECIATED The Painful Past – Political Persecution and National Trauma. In the political history of Zambia, no man has endured more undeserved suffering, vilification, and persecution than...
Health minister leads 11th International Yoga Day celebration in Nuku’alofa
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 22, 2025
Around 60 participants gathered at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’alofa on Saturday 21 June to mark International Yoga Day. The event, themed “One Earth, One Health,” was jointly organised by the Indian High Commission, Fiji’s...
Pacific Tourism Organisation Backs Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing in Tonga
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 20, 2025
The Pacific’s marine wildlife—majestic whales, playful dolphins, and graceful sea turtles—draws thousands of visitors each year to its pristine shores. But with growing popularity comes greater responsibility. Recognising the need to protect these...
NZ grants Tongan lesbian refugee status over persecution fears
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 18, 2025
A Tongan woman has been granted refugee status in New Zealand over fears of persecution due to her sexual orientation. A recent decision by New Zealand’s Immigration and Protection Tribunal has recognised the woman, identified only as “EU...
A 5.0‑magnitude quake felt in Tonga, no tsunami threat
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 19, 2025
A magnitude‑5.0 earthquake hit near Tonga at 3.40 pm today, centred east of Tongatapu. The Tonga Meteorological Centre reported the quake struck at a depth of 88 km, with its epicentre located about 77 km east of Tongatapu and 62 km northwest of...
Home Reef volcano (Tonga) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 11 June-17 June 2025 (Continuing Activity)
Volcano Discovery
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June 18, 2025
Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 14:00 | BY: VN The Tonga Geological Services reported that the eruption at Home Reef continued during 11-17 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-level scale, the Maritime Alert Level...
VSIS Group powers Tonga’s digital transformation with integrated digital ID and civil registration platform
Daily FT
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VS ONE WORLD, the international business arm of VSIS Group, is set to transform the delivery of public services and enhance the end-user experience for the people of Tonga. The Government of Tonga announced a significant leap forward in its...