Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Minister Rayalu Remembered for Service to Farmers and Communities
Fiji Sun
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June 13, 2025
"Please keep Vasiti and the family in your prayers in this very sad and difficult time.” Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu. Photo: Parliament of Fiji Tributes have flowed in following the passing of the Minister for Agriculture...
Government enables young tailor start fashion business
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 12, 2025
Lose Lauhoua, a Tongatapu-based youth entrepreneur, has transformed her sewing and painting talents into a fashion venture, thanks to a 2024 grant. The Youth Development Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) piloted its Youth...
Hihifo Food improves exports with new processing gear
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 11, 2025
A local agribusiness has expanded export capacity after upgrading food processing equipment through a PHAMA Plus partnership. Hihifo Food, a family-run exporter based in Ha’avakatolo, Tongatapu, now operates with modernised gear, including a food...
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...
Yobe partners PEBEC to advance business reforms
Blueprint Newspapers Limited
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July 10, 2025
The Yobe State Government, partnering with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), held a technical workshop and town hall meeting on to advance the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER). Blueprint reports that...
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...
Letters to the Editor | July 11, 2025
The Fiji Times
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July 11, 2025
Proud Lauans Witnessing one of the colourful and well-prepared installation in the history of our beloved country, I can say that I am fortunate enough to be alive to see this day come to pass. It’s one of the events that I believe will be told...
Nigerian Foreign Minister Woos US Govt With Mineral Resources In Exchange For Visa Access For Government Officials, Businessmen
Sahara Reporters
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Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has signalled a strategic offer to the United States: access to critical earth minerals in exchange for easing visa restrictions on government officials. Speaking during the 54th...
James O’Connor addresses potential All Blacks switch before stunning Wallabies recall
Planet Rugby
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July 11, 2025
James O’Connor has addressed the possibility of him playing for the All Blacks before he was recalled to the Wallabies squad ahead of the British and Irish Lions Series. The 35-year-old playmaker starred for the Crusaders en route to winning the...
Pacific leaders address U.S deportation distress and regional unity at Micronesian meeting
Island Times
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July 11, 2025
MAJURO (PMN) — The latest wave of deportations of Pacific people from the United States was among a range of issues discussed at the recent Micronesian Islands Forum in the Marshall Islands. The three-day summit brought together leaders from...
King Tupou VI hits it off with Tonga’s Prime Minister Eke
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 17, 2025
There is growing evidence that King Tupou VI has found a kindred spirit in Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke and that they are hitting it off. This is in clear contrast to the working relations between the King and the past three Prime Ministers,...
New biosecurity equipment to support Tongan produce exporters
Matangi Tonga Online
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June 18, 2025
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.a Over $185,000 AUD worth of biosecurity equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry today, 18 June 2025. The equipment includes a state-of-the-art fumigation chamber, protective gear, inspection...
‘Why us?’ NZ raises alarm as U.S eyes travel ban on Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 17, 2025
The New Zealand Government has voiced serious concerns over a proposed United States travel ban that could block citizens from three Pacific nations, Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu from entering the country. It’s part of U.S President Donald Trump’s...
Fiji, SI, Vanuatu historic joint submission of ECS areas to UN
The Islandsun
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July 11, 2025
BY LORETTA B MANELE Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu together have presented a joint submission of Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) areas to the United Nations, a move considered historic. According to a recent statement from SPC, (The Pacific...
Pacific immigration conference opens in Tonga
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 17, 2025
The Minister for Foreign Affairs HRH Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala has officially opened the 27th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) at Fa‘onelua Convention Centre today. The five‑day conference, running...
Real Life: Habitat for Humanity CEO Alan Thorp urges law change for affordable housing
The New Zealand Herald
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June 16, 2025
“So the central government can step in here and change the legislation to ensure that councils, local territorial authorities, can actually use this mechanism all around New Zealand. At the moment they’re not able to do that because they’re too...
Pacific lawyers meet in Tonga to develop cybercrime toolkit
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 16, 2025
The Attorney‑General’s Office hosted the first in‑person Pacific Islands Law Officers’ Network (PILON) Cybercrime Legislation Implementation Handbook Subcommittee workshop from 11–13 June at the Tano’a Hotel in Nuku’alofa. Attended by delegates...