AGP Executive Report

Tonga Land Court: The Land Court says a Kolofo’ou town allotment lease was secured through forgery and fraud using a false power of attorney, but it won’t cancel the lease yet while other defendants are heard. Budget & Parliament: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is set to resume budget work Tuesday, with MPs receiving Finance and Public Accounts Committee reporting on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates. Tonga Politics & Representation: Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris presses Labour to explain why its Te Tai Tonga candidate was left off the party list, arguing it reduces Māori representation under MMP. Regional Security & Climate: Australia and New Zealand reaffirm Pacific-led regionalism ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau. Pacific Emergency Watch: After a powerful Mindanao earthquake, tsunami monitoring is on alert across Tonga and much of the Pacific, with advisories and coastal guidance issued. Boating Safety Push (Auckland): Auckland Council consultation is underway with Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules for small vessels. Pacific Health & Crime Warning: Tonga is flagged in reporting as showing “warning signs” of illicit drug spread, alongside other Pacific locations. Moana Pasifika Uncertainty: Ardie Savea says he’s praying Moana Pasifika survives beyond liquidation and hopes for a next-season return. EU Food Safety: EU freezer-vessel rules are set to affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with training underway for national authorities. Tonga Commemoration: Tonga marks 164 years since emancipation, with reflections on how past systems compare to today’s political structure.

Election Politics: New Zealand’s Labour Party released its 2026 election list, with notable absences including MP Greg O’Connor, while foreign affairs spokeswoman Vanushi Walters surged to number 8 and education portfolio MP Willow-Jean Prime held at number 7. Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is set to resume budget work Tuesday, 9 June, with MPs receiving Finance and Public Accounts Committee reporting on the 2026 Budget. Land & Courts: Tonga’s Land Court rejected Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta, saying the issues need a full trial. Water & Infrastructure: In Ehlanzeni, solar-powered boreholes are being used as an interim fix amid water disruptions, while residents question why tap water hasn’t been extended. Public Health & Security: Tonga’s PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected due to limited monitoring, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out. Community & Governance: Tonga’s ministries launched a four-week volleyball competition to build relationships across agencies. Regional Policy: Pacific women leaders urged practical action at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting as fuel costs, conflict and climate impacts hit hardest.

Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit on Tuesday 9 June to continue work on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, with MPs receiving a Finance and Public Accounts Committee report after the Monday public holiday. Public Finance Capacity: A budget briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand helped MPs and staff dig into the budget, with the Speaker stressing the need for strong financial and technical understanding. Land Court Ruling: The Land Court rejected Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta, saying the issues must be tested at trial, in a dispute tied to Lease No. 5442 in Ma‘ufanga. Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua said illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring, as new maritime tracking tech is rolled out for stronger surveillance of the EEZ. Health & Crime Warning: Reports of meth traces in Tonga wastewater and “warning signs” of drug spread across the Pacific are raising concerns about rising HIV and other transmissible disease risks. Regional Climate Displacement: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, calling for Pacific-led frameworks that protect dignity and community choice. Sports & Community: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu, backed by police support and aimed at road safety and growing participation.

Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will resume its 2026/27 Budget Estimates work on Tuesday, 9 June, with MPs receiving a Finance and Public Accounts Committee report after a budget briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand. Land Court: The Land Court rejected Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta, saying the dispute over a Ma‘ufanga lease needs trial scrutiny, including questions about timing and possession. Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua said illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out for stronger EEZ surveillance. Health Cooperation: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signed an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare support, following recent medical instrument handovers. Regional Gender Focus: Tonga’s outgoing women’s minister handed over the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting chair, with leaders urging action as fuel costs and conflict pressures hit women and vulnerable groups hardest. Cycling & Sport: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km Tongatapu group ride, backed by police support and UCI recognition.

Courts & Land Rights: The Land Court has rejected Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out Vila Malia Vaka’uta’s land claim, saying the dispute over Lease No. 5442 in Ma‘ufanga must be tested at trial, including arguments about whether the claim was filed outside the 10-year limit. Parliament & Budget: Parliament is set to convene Tuesday, 9 June, to continue deliberations on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, with the Finance and Public Accounts Committee reporting after a budget briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand. Public Health & Partnerships: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has signed an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation, following recent medical instrument donations and ongoing China-Tonga health engagement. Social Policy: A new Tonga-UNICEF report says 25.3% of children face multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring capacity, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out. Regional Gender Focus: Pacific women leaders urged turning commitments into practical action at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting amid rising costs and conflict impacts.

Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, 9 June, to continue the 2026/27 Budget Estimates, with MPs receiving a Finance and Public Accounts Committee report after a budget briefing workshop supported by UNDP and led by Parliament’s own committee and library teams. Public Service & Community: Ministries kicked off a four-week volleyball competition at Queen Salote Memorial Hall, using sport to build relationships across agencies, with close wins including Internal Affairs over Commerce and Education over Foreign Affairs. Women, Youth & Vulnerable Communities: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru warned that fuel costs, supply chain disruption, conflict and climate impacts are hitting women and vulnerable groups hardest, urging leaders to move from policy to practical action. Tonga & Drugs/Monitoring: PM Fakafanua said illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring capacity, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Child Poverty: A Tonga-UNICEF report says about one in four children face multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children most affected. Health Partnership: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signed an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation.

Pacific Women’s Forum: Solomon Islands Minister John Maneniaru opened the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, warning that rising fuel prices, supply-chain pressure, conflict and climate impacts are hitting women, girls, youth and people with disabilities hardest, and urging leaders to move from policy to practical action. Climate Displacement Push: Tongan community leader Pakilau Manase Lua backed calls for New Zealand to build a dedicated framework for climate-displaced people, stressing movement must protect dignity and reflect Pacific leadership. Fuel Cost Pressure: A Pacific Business Brief reports fuel prices are still surging, with Samoa shifting to an “amber alert” that could trigger power shedding and remote learning, while Tonga’s central bank warns double-digit inflation risks tied to energy costs. Tonga Maritime Monitoring: PM Fakafanua said illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected due to limited monitoring capacity, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Moana Pasifika Takeover Debate: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific voices must shape the franchise’s future as it exits Super Rugby Pacific after 2026. Health Partnership: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signed an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation. Child Poverty Data: Tonga and UNICEF reported that 25.3% of children face multidimensional poverty, with rural and youngest children hit hardest.

Maritime Security & Governance: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past, citing limited monitoring capacity, as Police, Customs and Fisheries roll out new maritime tracking tech to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Health Diplomacy: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signs an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation, following recent medical instrument donations and Chinese medical team support at Vaiola Hospital. Social Policy: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds 25.3% of children in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest (0–23 months) and rural children hit hardest—pushing calls for stronger social safeguards. Energy & Cost Pressures: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20B a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with Pacific SIDS among those most exposed. Connectivity Resilience: New research flags that over 75% of subsea cable faults affecting island-connecting links occur within 300 km of coastlines, spotlighting nearshore vulnerability for small states. Court & Elections: Deputy PM Viliami Lātū is acquitted in an electoral bribery case, though the Supreme Court has yet to release full grounds. Regional Rugby Politics: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders back the Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making must protect pathways for Pacific players.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to urgently explore “all possible options” to keep Moana Pasifika alive after liquidation and a final 21-19 win over the Brumbies, with a government loan and Sport NZ involvement now under review. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back a Kanaloa consortium bid to take over the licence, arguing Pacific-led pathways and decision-making must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs proposals. New Bid Emerges: RNZ reports a separate Hawaii-based consortium proposal led by a Los Angeles tech multimillionaire with Pasifika heritage. Tonga Courts & Elections: Tonga’s Supreme Court dismisses an election petition against Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū, finding allegations of electoral law breaches not proven. Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua admits illegal vessels may have entered Tonga undetected in the past due to limited monitoring, as new tracking tech rolls out. Child Poverty: Tonga and UNICEF report 25.3% of children face multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Health Partnership: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signs an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation. Regional Diplomacy: Peters meets Tonga and Samoa leaders in Apia during Samoa’s Independence Day, with climate, culture and regional priorities on the agenda.

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.