Tonga’s efforts to fight against invasive species in the outer islands continues its momentum with the Regional Invasive Project (GEF 6 RIP). This week, the first batch of pigs was removed from Kelefesia island, preparing for rat eradication. Last month, consultations on Nomuka received full community support to begin wiping out the rodents from the islands of Tonumea and Kelefesia. Invasive species pose a serious threat to Tonga’s rich biodiversity. The GEF 6 RIP project aims to safeguard Tonga’s native species and build climate resilience by managing invasive species effectively. The project, sponsored by the Global Environmental Facility, runs in…
Author: Newsdesk
The Hinemoana II, a waka hourua (double-hulled canoe), has announced Joelene Busby as the first female Māori captain to join its all-female crew. Busby joins Aunofo Havea, the first female Tongan captain, and Fani Bruun, the first female Samoan captain, highlighting Pacific women’s leadership in ocean exploration. Busby brings over 20 years of experience and follows in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, Sir Hector Busby. “Our shared values encompass broader themes of ocean conservation and cultural heritage preservation,” Busby says. Busby is also the founder of Tokanui Trust, dedicated to teaching traditional Māori knowledge. The Hinemoana II voyage aims to…
Facebook temporarily blocked posts from In-Depth Solomons, an independent news outlet in the Solomon Islands, after incorrectly labeling its content as spam. Over 80 posts, including stories and photos, were hidden by the platform, which also prohibited sharing links from the outlet’s website, indepthsolomons.com.sb, citing violations of community standards. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), of which In-Depth Solomons is a member, suggested that critics opposing independent media may have coordinated a campaign to silence the outlet. Editor Ofani Eremae stated, “We firmly believe we have been targeted for the journalism we are doing here in the Solomon…
The Pacific’s future is in jeopardy following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the re-election race, according to political experts. In a discussion on PMN Pacific Mornings, Professor Steven Ratuva from Canterbury University stated, “Biden’s efforts to re-engage with the Pacific, especially on climate change, are at risk.” He highlighted the potential return of Donald Trump, who previously withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, as a major concern. Geoffrey Miller, a geopolitical analyst, echoed these sentiments, noting that “Biden’s departure raises uncertainty about US commitment to Pacific initiatives like the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.” Professor…
Fan-favourite Tongan flag bearer Pita Taufatofua will return for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday, 26 July. Taufatofua first gained global attention at the Rio Olympics eight years ago, carrying the Tongan flag while wearing a traditional ta’ovala and sporting a heavily oiled chest. He repeated this at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018 and again in Tokyo in 2021. Although he won’t be competing this year in Paris, Taufatofua announced on social media that he missed qualifying for the Games but felt compelled to attend. “The spirit of the Games called me,” he said. “This…
The Queensland Reds defeated ‘Ikale Tahi 41-14 today at Teufaiva Stadium. Backrow duo Joe Brial and Seru Uru dominated in torrential conditions, while captain Jock Campbell impressed from fullback in the Reds’ second-half surge. Veteran flyhalf James O’Connor was substituted for a head injury assessment before halftime in an otherwise unmarred performance. Tonga held Queensland 12-all before falling away late. “Obviously a very physical game in the conditions, so I think in the second half we really wanted to play field position,” Campbell said post-game. Moana Pasifika star Lotu Inisi opened the scoring with a barnstorming run, but Richie Asiata…
Hawaiian singer Josh Tatofi, known for his soulful blend of traditional Hawaiian music and R&B, is bringing his South Pacific Tour to Tonga. Tatofi, a Grammy-nominated and multi-award-winning artist, will perform in Nuku’alofa on August 20, 2024. This performance is part of his extensive tour across the Pacific and Australia. Tatofi’s career has been marked by a deep connection to Hawaiian music, influenced by his early exposure to reggae and his admiration for R&B legends. His breakthrough came with his 2016 single “Pua Kiele,” which earned him two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and a Grammy nomination. His follow-up album, “Ua…
The International Rugby League (IRL) has awarded Australia the hosting rights for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC2026), featuring Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair tournaments. This iteration of the World Cup will be the most competitive and culturally rich yet, with a total of 26 teams participating—10 men’s, eight women’s, and eight wheelchair teams. Matches will take place across top venues in Australia and Papua New Guinea. IRL Chair Troy Grant said, “The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport, and RLWC2026 promises to be the best and most competitive ever staged.” He praised the Australian Rugby…
American rapper and actor Snoop Dogg is set to be one of the final torchbearers for the Olympic flame before the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games on Friday. Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., hails from Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics. Saint-Denis Mayor Mathieu Hanotin announced that Snoop Dogg, 52, will carry the torch through the neighborhood of Saint-Denis, marking the flame’s final journey before reaching the Eiffel Tower. Snoop Dogg shared his excitement by tweeting a photo of himself in Paris with the caption: “U ready? Paris 2024 Olympics ya digggg.” Snoop…
This week the Government of Israel, through its office in New Zealand, has announced the rollout of its award-winning home biogas systems in the households of ‘Atata Si’i, a community relocated to the western side of Tongatapu after the devastating 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami. The partnership was delivered through MASHAV, Pacific Grow and MORDI Tonga Trust. “We are thrilled to see our joint project with the Government of Tonga and MORDI Tonga Trust come to life,” the Israeli office said in a media statement. “The implementation of Israeli climate technologies aims to enhance productivity, conserve resources, and build resilience…