Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
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...
US government explains inclusion of Ghana on 36 country visa ban
Ghana Business News
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June 26, 2025
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Minister of Foreign Affairs The United States authorities have given in detail reasons for including Ghana on a list of additional 36 countries banned from travelling to the US. A report by the Washington Post citing an...
PM Mitchell: Regional governments must be prepared to negotiate with Trump
Now Grenada
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June 18, 2025
by Linda Straker Story about travel ban list originally published by The Washington Post last weekend 36 countries identified in cable sent to US embassies on weekend 4 on list are OECS member states with Citizenship by Investment Programmes Prime...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...