Author: Newsdesk

Tonga has authorised the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to issue bonds in Tongan paʻanga, both domestically and internationally. The decision was formalised during the ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, marking Tonga’s inaugural approval for local currency bond issuance by the ADB. Fiji, which initially sought similar approval in 2018, has also renewed its consent. Annie Wang, ADB’s Assistant Treasurer, noted that Tonga responded swiftly and favourably to the request. “They gave us the greenlight and welcomed us to the market and allowed us to develop the market and develop the project in local currency,” she said. Issuing bonds…

Seven new Japanese volunteers have arrived in Tonga to begin assignments supporting education, disaster resilience, and media development. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers landed in April and are set to commence their roles on 23 May. Six will serve two-year terms, while one will complete a five-month placement. Their work spans government ministries and non-governmental organisations. The group was welcomed by Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr Viliami Malolo, and Volunteer Committee Chairperson, Mr Isikeli Oko, who expressed gratitude for their contributions to national development. Assignments include soccer coaching with the Tonga Football Association (Mr Shinsuke Ogiso), program production…

A Chinese medical team has successfully conducted Tonga’s inaugural laparoscopic gynaecological surgery at Vaiola Hospital in Nukuʻalofa. The patient, 31-year-old Salote, was diagnosed with a pelvic cystic mass during a free clinic run by the fifth Chinese medical team stationed in Tonga. As a woman who has not yet given birth, she was hesitant to undergo open surgery due to concerns about recovery and future fertility. Dr Zhang Haifeng, a gynaecologist on the team, opted for a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. During the operation, he discovered and removed an ovarian tumour in a one-hour surgery. “Although there is donated laparoscopic…

Tonga’s U-16 men’s team surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Vanuatu, ending their OFC Championship hopes. In front of a home crowd at Nuku’alofa’s Teufaiva Stadium, Tonga dominated early. Sioeli Veatupu opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, redirecting a wayward shot from Siaki Lonitenisi. Nine minutes later, Lonitenisi doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area. Despite Tonga’s first-half control, Vanuatu responded in the second half. Nelson Tawia pulled one back in the 71st minute, controlling a free-kick before firing into the top corner. Substitute Wycliff Iarel equalised in the 83rd minute,…

Cook Islands’ leading environmental lobby group is hoping that the Cook Islands government will speak out against the recent executive order from United States President Donald Trump aimed at fast-tracking seabed mining. Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) says the arrogance of U.S president Trump to think that he can break international law by authorising deep seabed mining in international waters is “astounding”, and an action of a “bully.” Trump signed the Unleashing America’s offshore critical minerals and resources order late last month, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to allow permitting for deep sea mining. The order states, “It…

The Israeli military carried out an airstrike on Yemen’s main airport in Sanaa on Tuesday, its second attack in two days on Iran-aligned Houthi rebels after a surge in tensions between the group and Israel. Three people were killed in the strike, according to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV. Israel warned people to leave the area around Sanaa International Airport before Tuesday’s attack, which it said targeted Houthi infrastructure and “fully disabled the airport”. Witnesses later reported four strikes in the capital. Tensions have been high since the Gaza war began, but have risen further since a Houthi missile landed near Israel’s…

The government has banned unauthorised entry to uninhabited Crown lands, including the remote ‘Ata Island. Effective from 6 May 2025, the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources announced that ‘Ata Island and similar uninhabited territories are off-limits without prior written approval. Under Section 3 of Tonga’s Land Act, ‘Ata Island is classified as Crown Land, placing it under direct ministerial control. The island lies approximately 160 kilometres south-southwest of Tongatapu. Tongan citizens must secure official permission before landing on or using the island for any purpose, including tourism, research, or filming. Foreign nationals face stricter rules: entering or…

The Speaker has enforced salary deductions for MPs who missed Monday’s roll call without prior notice. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, announced the disciplinary action following concerns, first raised by MP for Vavaʻu 16 Hon. Dr. Viliami Latu, over absenteeism during the 5 May session. Only two Cabinet Ministers were present at the session’s commencement, falling short of the 15-member quorum required to proceed. Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi entered the chamber after the roll call had concluded, offering an apology for being late. He explained his delay was due to official duties opening the 2025…

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the “capture” of Gaza and the holding of its territory, according to an Israeli official. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cabinet had decided on a “forceful operation” to destroy Hamas and rescue its remaining hostages, and that Gaza’s 2.1 million population “will be moved, to protect it”. He did not say how much territory would be seized by troops, but he stressed that “they will not enter and come out”. The cabinet also approved, in principle, a plan to deliver aid through private…

Pacific Island countries have convened in Tonga to strengthen regional efforts in ozone protection and climate resilience. Representatives from 14 Pacific nations are attending the 2025 Pacific Network Meeting of National Ozone Officers and a Technical Workshop on HFC Licensing & Quota Systems in Nuku’alofa from 5–9 May. The event, co-hosted by Tonga’s Ministry of MEIDECC and UNEP OzonAction, aims to enhance compliance with the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, focusing on phasing out ozone-depleting substances and managing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi officially opened the meeting, stating, “This is a critical moment for the…