AGP Executive Report

UN Secretary-General race: Tonga-backed Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki has formally entered the contest, calling for a Security Council overhaul and a more conflict-focused UN chief role, as the UN Security Council continues secret straw polls with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett reported narrowly ahead. Judicial accountability: Tonga’s Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop warns prosecutors over how a child witness was handled in a case involving alleged road-rage threats, renewing concerns about competence and training in the justice system. Local politics (Te Tai Tonga): Ousted Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris says he will recontest Te Tai Tonga as an independent, framing independence as a “course correction” to put Te Tai Tonga voices directly into Parliament. Pacific governance & services: Tonga Police still haven’t disclosed what was in suspected drug packages found in Vavaʻu despite NZ-funded maritime surveillance cooperation. Water security: Ha’apai groundwater monitoring finds higher salt levels in parts of Foa and Lifuka, raising freshwater pressure concerns as climate change reshapes Tonga’s aquifers.

UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council’s second closed-door straw poll is underway, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett reported narrowly ahead, as the process stays opaque and votes are shredded; the next SG must win at least nine council votes without a permanent-member veto. Tonga’s UN Bid: Tonga has formally nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki, who is calling for a major Security Council overhaul and a more conflict-focused UN chief role, including more women’s participation in peace diplomacy. Judicial System Scrutiny: Tonga’s Chief Justice has warned about prosecutors’ handling of a vulnerable child witness, renewing concerns over competence and training within the Crown’s criminal case process. Drug Trafficking Cooperation Gap: Despite Tonga and New Zealand expanding anti-drug cooperation, suspected packages washed up in Vavaʻu remain unexplained because Tonga Police have not disclosed whether they were tested or what they contained. Local Politics: Two candidates have withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election, leaving Dr Malakai Koloamatangi backed by one former contender; the by-election is set for 8 October. Water Security: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai found higher salt levels in parts of Foa and Lifuka, raising freshwater pressure concerns as climate change reshapes aquifers.

UN Secretary-General Race: Tonga-backed Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki has formally entered the race and is pushing for a Security Council overhaul, arguing the council’s structure no longer matches today’s demographics and fuels deadlock; meanwhile, a second UN Security Council straw poll has Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett narrowly ahead, with the process set to feed into General Assembly approval for a new five-year term starting 1 January 2027. Tonga Justice System: Tonga’s Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop has warned about prosecutors’ handling of a vulnerable child witness, calling for further training and raising broader concerns about due process and competence in criminal cases. Tonga By-Elections: Two candidates have withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election, with one stepping aside to support Dr Malakai Koloamatangi; nominations are set for 2–3 September and voting for 8 October. Water Security in Ha’apai: Groundwater monitoring found higher salt levels in parts of Foa and central/northern Lifuka, highlighting growing pressure on freshwater supplies as climate change reshapes Tonga’s aquifers. Labour Rights: A Tongan worker’s injury in Australia under the PALM scheme has exposed gaps in protections for injured migrant workers, including support, compensation and visa-related vulnerabilities.

UN Secretary-General race: Tonga-backed Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki has formally entered the race and is pushing for a major Security Council overhaul, arguing the council’s structure no longer matches today’s demographics and contributes to deadlock. UN process tensions: The US is clashing with UNGA President Annalena Baerbock over demands for transparency in the secretary-general selection process, as the Security Council prepares another straw poll. Tonga by-election: Two candidates have withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election; Soane Patita Vakautafefine Fifita will back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, while Ringo Fa‘oliu stepped aside after failing to meet candidacy requirements. Judicial system scrutiny: Tonga’s Chief Justice has warned about prosecutors’ handling of a child witness, renewing concerns about competence and due process in the justice system. Water security: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai found higher salt levels in Foa and parts of Lifuka, raising longer-term freshwater pressure concerns. Labour protections: A Tongan worker’s injury in Australia under the PALM scheme highlights gaps in accommodation, compensation and visa support for injured workers. Regional energy planning: Tonga is exploring alternative fuel supply partnerships, including a feasibility study agreement linked to USTDA funding.

UN Leadership Race: The UN Security Council is set for another secret straw poll Friday to gauge support for eight contenders to replace António Guterres, with Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki newly in the field after Tonga’s nomination; the US and UNGA president Annalena Baerbock are also clashing over demands for transparency in the process. Pacific Security & Influence: A report says China “very likely” ran a targeted campaign across the Pacific to align local development plans with its latest five-year strategy, raising fresh concerns about foreign influence. Water & Climate Resilience: Tonga Geological Services reports higher groundwater salt levels in parts of Ha’apai (Foa and central/northern Lifuka), warning of long-term pressure on freshwater supplies. Labour Mobility Scrutiny: A Tongan PALM worker injured in Australia says protections failed after his employer collapsed, highlighting gaps where employment, accommodation and visa status are tightly linked. Energy Security: Fiji and Tonga are exploring alternative fuel supply partnerships, with Tonga signing a feasibility study agreement for fuel security. Tonga Politics: Two candidates withdrew from the Tongatapu 2 by-election, with one stepping aside to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi; nominations are set for 2–3 September and voting for 8 October. Sports & Society: Tonga hosts Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers Sept 14–18, with two spots up for grabs.

UN Secretary-General race (Tonga-backed): Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki, nominated by Tonga, formally entered the UNSG contest and used her pitch to argue the Security Council’s structure no longer fits a world where Africa’s population is fastest-growing, calling it a driver of “council paralysis.” Pacific energy security: Fiji and Tonga are exploring alternative fuel supply partnerships after recent global disruptions—Fiji talks with Malaysia and Korea, while Tonga signed a feasibility study agreement with Pacific Energy South West Pacific Ltd, funded by the US Trade and Development Agency. Tonga youth social impact: Take The Lead Tonga opened a new Nuku’alofa office and Social Impact Incubation Hub to help young Tongans turn ideas into community initiatives, backed by the Australian High Commission. Governance & rights: Rev. Simote Vea, a long-time Tonga democracy advocate and church minister, has died. Sports & community: Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers come to Tonga (Sept 14–18), with Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji and PNG competing for two spots. Health (regional): A Fiji cardiologist warned cardiovascular disease remains a major NCD killer, linking deaths to lifestyle and late diagnosis.

UN Secretary-General race: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki as the eighth candidate to replace Antonio Guterres, with Security Council members set for another round of voting Friday as the field reshuffles. Energy & reliability: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a major generator failure caused rotational outages on Tongatapu; repairs are expected to take about two weeks while new units are installed, highlighting the gap between renewable ambitions and day-to-day reliability. Youth & social impact: Take The Lead Tonga opened a new Nuku’alofa office and Social Impact Incubation Hub, backed by the Australian High Commission, to mentor young Tongans turning ideas into community initiatives. Governance & rights: A new Tonga-focused obituary marks the death of Rev Simote Vea, a long-time democracy advocate and church minister who campaigned for accountability and constitutional reform. Sports in the political spotlight: Oceania Netball World Cup qualifiers are set for Tonga (Sept 14–18), with Tonga supporting the event and chasing two World Cup 2027 spots. Public safety & welfare: A juvenile long-nosed fur seal was rescued by Tonga community partners and returned to open ocean with specialist remote guidance.

UN diplomacy: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki to be the next UN Secretary-General, adding an eighth candidate as Security Council members prepare another round of voting; the move is notable because Ecuador itself is not formally backing her. Climate & disaster risk: Tonga expects the worst as El Niño takes hold, while a separate feature highlights how coastal inundation early warning work is shaped by lived experience of Cyclone Isaac. Energy reliability: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a major generator failure triggered rotational outages on Tongatapu; repairs are expected to take about two weeks as the grid continues its shift toward renewables. Youth & civil society: Take The Lead Tonga opened a Social Impact Incubation Hub in Nuku’alofa to help young Tongans turn ideas into community initiatives, backed by the Australian High Commission. Governance & accountability: Tonga’s climate system is moving ahead with 32 projects starting under the Tonga Climate Change Fund’s first funding cycle. Sports & public interest: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding work in Palau recorded 11 abuse-related cases, with concerns some may have gone unreported.

Youth & Social Enterprise: Take The Lead Tonga opened a Social Impact Incubation Hub in Nuku’alofa, backed by the Australian High Commission, aiming to turn young Tongans’ ideas into community initiatives through mentorship, networks and support. Democracy & Rights: Veteran pro-democracy church minister Rev Simote Vea has died, remembered for decades of advocacy for accountability and constitutional reform. UN Diplomacy: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN Secretary-General, making her the eighth candidate; Tonga’s UN ambassador says the UN needs experienced, unifying leadership as the process continues. Energy Reliability: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a generator failure triggered rotational outages on Tongatapu; repairs are expected to take about two weeks while new units are installed, amid the government’s push toward more renewables. Climate Funding: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has moved 32 approved projects into implementation after signing Project Implementation Agreements, supporting locally led resilience and livelihoods work. Governance & Appointments: PM Lord Fakafanua has sworn in three new ministers as “renewed blood,” following court-linked removals of two Cabinet members. Public Safety: Two Tongan men were named over alleged meth supply and money-laundering roles tied to an international FBI sting.

Tonga Cabinet Reset: Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua swore in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—framing the reshuffle as “renewed blood” after court-linked removals tied to the 2025 election. Energy Reliability Gap: Tonga Power Limited apologised to Tongatapu after a major generator failure triggered rotational outages; repairs are expected to take about two weeks while additional generator units are installed, amid the government’s push toward more renewables. Climate Funding Moves: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has signed Project Implementation Agreements for 32 approved climate projects, moving locally led resilience and livelihoods work into action. UN Diplomacy: Tonga nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN secretary-general, adding to a growing field as the next term begins in 2027. Regional Environment: Samoa, Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga will take part in a €6m Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project backed by Germany. Pacific Rugby League: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, which now includes Tonga, Samoa and PNG, with a major focus on schools and community pathways.

Tonga Cabinet Reset: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua swore in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—framing the reshuffle as “renewed blood” after court-linked removals tied to the 2025 election. Energy Reliability Gap: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a major generator failure triggered rotational outages on Tongatapu; repairs are expected to take about two weeks while new units are installed, highlighting the strain between the renewable push and day-to-day reliability. Climate Funding Moves: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has signed Project Implementation Agreements for 32 climate projects, marking the first funding cycle under the national mechanism for resilience, livelihoods and preparedness. Regional Environment Finance: Tonga joins Samoa, Fiji and the Marshall Islands in a €6m SPREP-backed marine litter and plastic waste project funded with support from Germany’s GIZ. Global Fuel Pressure: Trump’s demand for Iran to surrender after a key deal expired is expected to raise oil and shipping costs—an issue Tonga’s reserve bank has warned could feed into local prices. International Spotlight: Tonga nominated Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki for UN secretary-general, positioning her as a leading candidate for the role.

Cabinet Shake-Up: Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua swore in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—framing the move as “renewed blood” after court-ordered removals tied to the 2025 election. Media & Governance: Tonga’s 88.1FM says a reporter was blocked by security from entering a government press conference, with the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly behind the restriction, raising fresh questions about journalist access. Parliament Project: Updates from the Tonga Parliament Building Project show construction at Mataki’eua is on track for early 2028 completion, with Lapita pottery fragments and human remains discovered on site. Regional Sports Diplomacy: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership by signing a Statement of Intent in Parliament, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, backed by Australia’s $250m investment. Culture & Identity: Tongan Language Week opened with community events in Tonga and abroad, including a Wellington church service focused on reconnecting with language and culture. Emergency Response: Tonga Navy transported a medical team to ‘Eua overnight for a critical case, with the operation reported successful.

Cabinet reshuffle in Tonga: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has sworn in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—as Tonga moves into a “renewed blood” phase after court-linked removals of two previous ministers. Media access dispute: Tonga’s 88.1FM says a reporter was blocked by security from a government press conference, with the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly behind the instruction, raising fresh questions about journalist access and due process. Outer-island emergency response: Tonga Navy rushed a medical team to ‘Eua overnight to save a critically ill mother, highlighting the role of maritime transport in urgent healthcare. Parliament project update: University of the South Pacific students were briefed on the new Parliament complex at Mataki’eua, including expected early-2028 completion and discoveries at the site. Energy security study: Government says a U.S.-funded feasibility study will examine bigger fuel tankers, longer storage (toward ~60 days), and distribution options to cut costs and reduce supply shocks. Health policy: Vaiola Hospital launched Tonga’s first breastfeeding policy aligned with WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps, aiming to improve early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to reduce future NCD risk. Regional developments: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga; and all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks.

Cabinet reshuffle: Tonga formally read Royal Warrants for three new Ministers—Tevita Fatafehi Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—as vacancies followed bribery-related court findings and a wider portfolio reshuffle. Election 2026 strategy: Te Pāti Māori launched its campaign in Gisborne, with Haley Maxwell front and centre, and co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi pushing a clear “candidate vote” message to grow Māori representation while directing party votes to the left bloc. Parliament project: University of the South Pacific students got an update on the Tonga Parliament complex at Mataki’eua, including expected early-2028 completion and discoveries at the site. Media access dispute: Tonga’s 88.1FM says a reporter was blocked by security at a Government press conference, raising questions about press freedom and due process. Public service delivery: Government began a coordinated push to improve public-sector data collection and sharing across ministries, aiming to strengthen monitoring for national priorities. Regional connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, boosting trade and service access. Health policy: Tonga launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, targeting NCD prevention with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” commitments. Infrastructure delays: PM Lord Fakafanua linked further Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge delays to project management weaknesses and unresolved land issues. Drug response: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, including rehabilitation capacity and stronger border cooperation.

Cultural Tourism Push: Tonga’s Youth, Sports and Culture Ministry says demand for cultural tourism is rising and is urging cultural groups to build visitor-ready sites—performance arenas, display spaces and dance troupes—to turn heritage into income and growth. Heritage Funding Pressure: In New Zealand, Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris renews calls for the Government to fund recovery of the 550-year-old Rangihoua waka miheke after a Māori Land Court ruling expanded Crown obligations to the whole waka. Election Strategy Spotlight: Te Pāti Māori campaign messaging in New Zealand is centred on “candidate vote only” in Māori electorates, with party votes directed to the left bloc—an approach co-leader Rawiri Waititi links to removing the National-led government on Nov 7. Fuel Security Study: Tonga’s Government says a US-funded feasibility study will explore bringing larger fuel tankers directly, boosting storage from about 15–20 days to around 60 days to cut costs and protect against supply shocks. Health Policy for NCD Prevention: Tonga’s Health Ministry launches its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aiming to lift early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help reduce non-communicable disease risk. Project Management Watch: Tonga’s Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge faces more delays and possible cost increases as land issues and project management weaknesses continue to stall construction. Drug Response Urgency: King Tupou VI calls for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, stressing education, rehabilitation capacity and stronger border and cooperation efforts.

Fuel Security & Cost Relief: Tonga’s government says a US-funded feasibility study will assess bigger fuel tankers, expand storage from 15–20 days to about 60, and improve distribution—aimed at cutting supply costs and protecting consumers from shipping shocks. Health Policy: The Ministry of Health has launched Tonga’s first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, using WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” to lift early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding to help prevent NCDs. PM & Regional Technical Cooperation: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met SPC’s DG Dr Paula Vivili to strengthen work on ocean management, maritime boundaries, fisheries, climate, renewable energy, agriculture and natural resources. Project Management & Land Issues: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge is again delayed, with PM Lord Fakafanua citing contract obligations, project management weaknesses, and unresolved land matters driving added costs and leadership changes. Governance & Data Systems: Tonga has started a coordinated push to improve public-sector data collection and sharing across ministries, linked to the Strategic Development Framework III and supported by SPC. Security & Diplomacy: King Tupou VI called for an urgent integrated national response to illicit drugs, while Pacific leaders’ unity faces a test ahead of Palau’s PIF meeting after disagreement over how to respond to China’s missile test.