Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Tongan RSE workers thrive in Hawke’s Bay after cyclone disaster
Pacific Media Network
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Hundreds of Tongans are working in Hawke's Bay under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, two years after Cyclone Gabrielle left them stranded. A Tongan government official says around 1800 workers are engaged in pruning and harvesting...
Tonga's government mum on health cyber breach
RNZ
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June 25, 2025
A cyber expert from Australia has been in the country for nearly a week and local media report more personnel are being brought in. Photo: 123RF The Tongan government has yet to reveal more details about a cyber breach of its health records that...
Health minister asks public not to share hacked data
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 30, 2025
The Health Minister has pleaded with the public not to share sensitive patient information leaked by hackers. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Minister for Health Hon. Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola confirmed that although hospitals remain open, cyber...
Parliament members on Australia visit
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 24, 2025
A high‑level delegation from Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is visiting Australia from 21–28 June, under an Australia‑led push to strengthen regional ties. Led by Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and Lord Tu‘ilakepa, the group includes Hon. Dr Mo‘ale ‘Otunuku,...
Government launches first National Security Policy consultations
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 23, 2025
The government, through its Ministry of Police, launched consultations yesterday for its inaugural National Security Policy (NSP), aiming to strengthen national resilience and sovereignty. The framework seeks a whole‑of‑government strategy to...
WWE makes an embarrassing botch following Tonga Loa’s sudden return
Sportskeeda
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June 29, 2025
One of the many surprises at Night of Champions 2025 was the unexpected WWE return of Tonga Loa, who showed up to help Solo Sikoa in his match against Jacob Fatu. However, the promotion botched his name on social media, where they referred to him...
TONGA SAYS RAPID KWACHA GAINS ARE POLITICAL MANIPULATION, PREDICTS ARTIFICIAL ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENTS AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS.
Zambian Observer
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June 23, 2025
TONGA SAYS RAPID KWACHA GAINS ARE POLITICAL MANIPULATION, PREDICTS ARTIFICIAL ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENTS AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS. By:Sun FM TV Reporter The opposition Third Liberation Movement has described the recent rapid appreciation of the Kwacha...
Parliament passes record National budget for 2025/26
Matangi Tonga Online
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June 23, 2025
By Katalina Siasau Tonga’s Parliament has unanimously approved a record TOP$992.8 million national budget for the 2025/26 financial year, effective on 1 July, 2025. The budget includes TOP$748.9 million in cash spending and TOP$243.9 million in...
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara installed as Tui Lau
Fijivillage
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It was a spectacular scene at Tubou Village in Lakeba with the culmination of the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau. Firstly, Ratu Tevita took his oath during the church service in front of...
Tonga's Lulutai breaking even, in talks with investor
Ch-Aviation
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June 23, 2025
Lulutai Airlines (L8, Tongatapu) is breaking even after years of losses, the Kaniva Tonga digital newspaper reports citing Tonga's deputy prime minister, Taniela Fusimalohi. At the same time, the government has reportedly ruled out additional...
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara to be installed as Tui Lau this hour
Fijivillage
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It is a spectacular scene at Tubou Village in Lakeba with the culmination of the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau. Firstly, Ratu Tevita took his oath during the church service in front of...
192 years old and still trucking
AS
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July 9, 2025
Johnathan celebrated quite the milestone in 2022 when he turned 190 years old and added to his Guinness title of the world’s oldest living animal, becoming the oldest tortoise ever. He took the honor from Tu’i Malila, a radiated tortoise that was...
Tonga Ministry of Health hit with cyberattack affecting website, IT systems
The Record
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June 20, 2025
Tonga’s top health official warned the island country’s residents that a ransomware attack has taken down its National Health Information System. The Ministry of Health published statements on Wednesday explaining that it is dealing with a...
Tonga mobilises as US travel ban threatens nationals
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 20, 2025
Tonga is preparing a response to the US travel restrictions affecting its citizens. The Prime Minister ʻAisake Eke says the US State Department has placed Tonga on a list of 36 countries facing restrictions, citing concerns over national security,...
Mapa: ¿en qué países es legal el matrimonio homosexual? ¿Dónde fue legal primero?
KVIA - Texas
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June 27, 2025
Por CNN Español El matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo es una realidad en al menos 39 países, según un reporte de la Asociación Internacional de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Trans e Intersex (ILGA, por sus siglas en inglés) y la suma de...
Parliament approves $992m budget, targets private sector push
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 20, 2025
The Legislative Assembly has approved a $992 million national budget for the 2025–26 financial year, the Prime Minister said. Key investments include infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects. Budget details reveal $748.9million will be...
Clear government ownership structures can help boost SOE performance-PSDI
Island Times
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June 27, 2025
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (24 June 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...
British High Commission book support for Tonga judiciary
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 27, 2025
Acting British High Commissioner Emma Macri has donated several sets of legal textbooks to Tonga’s judiciary, supporting the nation’s capacity‑building efforts. The books will be allocated to the Law Society, Attorney‑General’s Office and Public...
Sunday flight row escalates between ATS and Police Minister
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 26, 2025
Air Terminal Services (Tonga) Limited has rebuffed recent attacks by Police Minister Paula Piukala, insisting its role was merely to forward Sunday flight requests and not to approve them. ATS, with 20 years in business, handles all international...
Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel in spite of UN votes
Asia Pacific Report
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June 26, 2025
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear — most Pacific governments continue to align themselves with Israel. Dr Steven Ratuva, distinguished professor of Pacific Studies at Canterbury...