During his address at the opening of the People-Centered Public Finance Management and National Debt Symposium at Moulton Hall today, Tonga’s Minister of Finance, Hon Tiofilusi Tiueti, emphasised the need for unified efforts to safeguard Tonga’s economic future. Speaking to a diverse audience, including representatives from civil society organisations, government, and regional stakeholders, Hon Tiueti highlighted the urgency of reimagining Tonga’s national budget to prioritise resilience and inclusivity. “To build a Tonga that is not only resilient but also equitable, we must reimagine our national budget. It’s time to shift our focus from mere survival to thriving. By uniting the…
Author: Newsdesk
Gangsters with New Zealand ties and a top businessman are among 17 people arrested following the alleged importation and sale of methamphetamine in Tonga. The police operation used intelligence from across the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, and the United States. The busts are all linked and include Comanchero gang members. “There’s been a clear intent for the Comancheros to expand their reach and, in so doing, to start up a chapter,” Tonga Police Commissioner Shane McLennan told 1News. Among those arrested is Eneasi Taumoefolau, a senior patched member who had been deported from Australia in October 2022.…
The Pacific Civil Society Forum will host a Pacific People’s Forum alongside the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from August 26 to 30, with its theme “Pikipiki Hama Kae Vaevae Manava.” This theme aligns with the broader Pacific Islands Forum’s focus on “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” emphasising solidarity and shared responsibility in overcoming challenges. The Pacific People’s CSO Village where the Pacific People’s Forum will be based, is organised by the Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT), and will be open to the public at the Maamaloa Field in Nuku’alofa. Rooted in the tradition of Tongan voyagers,…
Tonga’s civic space is rated as ‘narrowed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. Ongoing concerns documented include the existence of criminal defamation laws, restrictions on the media and risks faced by the LGBTQI+ community. In April 2024, some of Tonga’s top ministers announced their resignations after a months-long constitutional crisis with the King. Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni told parliament that he would give up the role of defense minister, while Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, one of his key allies, would resign her ministerial roles for foreign affairs and tourism, conceding to the demands of King Tupou VI. In early 2024, the King abruptly withdrew “confidence and consent”…
Former President Trump said Monday that he would consider Tesla CEO Elon Musk for a job in his Cabinet if he wins the November election. “He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy,” Trump told Reuters in an interview. In the same interview, Trump signaled he was open to reversing a $7,500 tax credit for Americans who purchase an electric vehicle. The Biden administration has sought to incentivize the production and purchase of electric cars as part of its push to address climate change. Musk, who also owns…
The Pacific region is facing a “polycrisis”, said Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at a Pacific security conference in Suva in June. The mounting threats of climate change, transnational crime, intense geopolitical competition, severe debt and economic distress are compounding regional human security pressures, such as mental health, non-communicable diseases, gasping health systems and plummeting education outcomes. It is against this backdrop that Pacific leaders will gather in Tonga next week for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. Their agenda will be crowded with a raft of security, political and economic issues on which they will be expected to take action, from…
Grammy-nominated musician Josh Tatofi not only captivated the audience with his music last night but also inspired Tongan youth to make positive life choices. Before his highly anticipated concert at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium, Tatofi met with high school students at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, where he urged them to say “NO to Drugs and NO to Violence,” which is a campaign run by the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) and Balance of Power, who organised the event, leaving a lasting impact on the students. Supported by the Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC), which contributed $5000 pa’anga to the…
Kiribati has banned foreign diplomatic visits until December 2025 due to ongoing national elections, creating uncertainty among international diplomats. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration sent a letter on August 20, informing diplomatic missions that no visits would be permitted during this period to allow the government to focus on essential tasks. The decision has left officials seeking clarification on its implications. A diplomatic source suggested that the ban might be intended to give the new government “breathing space” post-elections, as many countries often seek to visit soon after electoral processes conclude. The source noted that visits by non-resident…
The Pacific Islands Forum has delayed its Troika-led mission to New Caledonia, initially planned for this week, to address concerns raised by the New Caledonian Government. The decision was announced by Cook Islands Prime Minister and Forum Chair Mark Brown, who emphasised the need to resolve issues regarding due process and protocol before proceeding. The mission, requested by New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou and approved by the French State, was intended to report at the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga. The situation in New Caledonia will now be a key topic at the meeting in Nuku’alofa next week. Brown…
Tonga’s national football team is set to play two friendly matches against two Fijian clubs later this month as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Qualifiers. The matches aim to build the team’s competitiveness and fine-tune their tactics ahead of the qualifying campaign. The first match will see Tonga take on Nadi FC on August 28 at Prince Charles Park, a venue known for its vibrant football atmosphere and passionate fans. Following this, Tonga will face Ba FC on August 31 at the Fiji Football Association Academy Ground in Ba, offering…