The Teieniwa Vision, launched during a conference held in Tarawa, Kiribati on February 4-5, 2020, represents a united effort by Pacific Island leaders to combat corruption and promote integrity throughout the region. Chaired by the President of Kiribati, the gathering included Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents, and representatives from several Pacific nations, as well as international partners. The core message of the Teieniwa Vision is to emphasise the need for collective action against corruption in the Pacific Islands. Recognising that corruption undermines progress and hampers aspirations for peace and prosperity, the leaders committed to a unified approach to tackle this issue.…
Author: Newsdesk
As Chair and host of this year’s 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, it gives me great pleasure to extend a warm ‘Malo e lelei’ to my fellow Pacific Leaders and your delegations; Forum Dialogue partners; and all friends of the ‘Pasifiki’ – our Blue Pacific Continent – as you prepare for your journey to ‘where time begins’, in the Kingdom of Tonga, also known as the ‘Friendly Islands’, for PIFLM53. The fakatapu, traditional chant that I opened with is a call from our ‘our nation, welcoming you, our people, to our shores and to the place we will meet –in Tonga, the crown jewels…
Australia is set to take command of an international mission to safeguard shipping routes in the Red Sea, marking its first time in this role. The Defense Department announced on Friday that Australia will lead Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153) from October for six months. CTF 153, established in April 2022, focuses on maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels previously targeting shipping to disrupt Israel’s operations following the October 7 Hamas attack on Gaza. Last year, the Albanese government faced…
Dr. Dan Sinclair from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and his team of cave experts teamed up with Tonga Geological Services to revisit the Maui Cave in ‘Eua today. The joint expedition aimed to capture detailed photographs and conduct further assessments of the cave’s stalagmites and stalactites. The stunning formations, with stalagmites rising from the cave floor and stalactites hanging from the ceiling, result from slow drips of mineral-rich water over time. These natural features showcase the incredible geological processes that shape Tonga’s landscape. The expedition marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to document and protect Tonga’s…
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell is expected to arrive in Tonga on August 28 as the first stop in his Pacific tour, which includes visits to Vanuatu and New Zealand. Campbell’s visit to Tonga will mark his participation in the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, hosted by Tonga and chaired by Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku. In Nuku’alofa, Campbell will lead the U.S. delegation, engaging with Pacific Island leaders to advance the U.S. Pacific Partnership Strategy. This visit highlights the United States’ commitment to deepening its engagement with Pacific Island nations, particularly in light of the growing geopolitical importance of…
A youth-led initiative is gaining traction in Tonga during the Pre-Pacific People’s Forum held at the Moulton Hall as the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting approaches. Under the theme “Casting the Net Anew,” this initiative is a gathering of young people aiming to shape a sustainable future for the region through collaboration, understanding, and a shared vision. Yesterday, young leaders from across the Pacific convened at the Moulton Hall to advocate for policies and practices that address the pressing environmental and social challenges facing their communities. They stressed the importance of being active participants in shaping the region’s development,…
The Tonga National University (TNU) was the winner of the 2024 University of the South Pacific (USP) Tonga Campus Debate Competition. Mr. Viliami Tei, Marketing Manager of Tonga Communication Corporation (TCC), who handed over the $1,000 prize to the TNU team, sponsored by TCC. Tonga College ‘Atele secured second place in the competition, while the USP Tonga Campus team took third place. The event also recognised the valuable contributions of all participating schools, with special support provided by BSP Financial Group Limited. Dr Robin Havea, USP Tonga Campus Director highlighted the importance of such programs in nurturing the youth of…
Warning: This article contains content that could be disturbing to some people. It comes as police continue to investigate drug groups on the island, this week revealing 17 arrests including members of the Comanchero gang. Twice a year groups of teens arrive from around the kingdom for aspirational talks and education about harm reduction. They’re the forgotten, the troubled, the lost, as put by the speaker of parliament Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua. “Parents have given up on them, the communities have given up on them, and if they fall to the wrong side of the law, there is not one to protect them.…
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres issued a stern warning Thursday during his visit to Samoa, declaring that the Pacific must not be a battleground for global powers. He called for international action to support Pacific nations against the mounting challenges of climate change and urged the world to respect the sovereignty and leadership of the islanders in managing their region. Many democratic powers, including Australia, the United States, New Zealand, France, India, the United Kingdom, and Japan, have recently refocused their attention on the region in response to Chinese influence in the Pacific. Guterres emphasised the urgency for global powers…
For the third time in five years the New Zealand Kiwis and Mate Ma’a Tonga will clash in an international blockbuster at Go Media Stadium following confirmation of the schedule for the end-of-season Pacific Championships. An intense rivalry developed after the Tongans shocked the Kiwis in Hamilton in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Two years later the Kiwis finally had an opportunity to avenge the defeat when they faced Tonga in front of a sea of red at a packed Go Media Stadium on June 22, 2019. The New Zealanders produced an outstanding display to win 34-14. And they…