In Fiji where the late renowned Tongan writer and Pacific scholar ‘Epeli Hauofa lived, a special tribute to honor him has been marked by the launch of a legacy book. This was held by the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies founded by Hau’ofa, at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. The new book is titled: “Remembering ‘Epeli Hau’ofa, His Life and Legacy.” Acting Director of the centre, Larry Thomas said the Tongan poet, writer and academic had influenced generations of Pacific Islanders. He said the centre founded by Hau’ofa in 1977 became a world class…
Author: Newsdesk
‘Oku tālanga’i lahi he fonua ‘a e me’a ne hoko he ‘apiako ngoue ‘a e Siasi Uesiliana ‘i ‘Eua, ko Hango. Ko e me’a ne hoko ko hono taa’i ‘e he faiako ko Viliami Vea ha tamasi’i ako, pea fakatatau ki he me’a na’e hā he vitio hono faitaa’i, na’e hulufau e tā, pea fai laumalie ‘ita mo fakapo’uli. Na’e ui atu e faiako ki he tamasi’i ako ke ha’u ki ai, pea ne to e va’a papa ‘o taa’i’aki hono tu’a. Pea ne toe tu’u ki ‘olunga ‘o hoko atu ta he tu’a, lele tamasi’i, kae ta pe ‘o…
As we know, March 21st was set by United Nations in 2012 as the World Forest Day in order to raise the awareness of the public to plant trees. It is the right time to launch today’s tree planting program to usher in the 13th World Forest Day. As an island country, Tonga is more vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The “One Million Trees Initiative” proposed by the Tongan government shows your firm determination to combat climate change as well as commitment to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions of the UN Climate action. The Chinese Embassy is very glad…
The standoff between the Monarch and the Prime Minister seemed to have come to a new space in which there is a “clearing of the air”. This has come about after the Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku, sought audience with the King at Niua where the King was visiting. No details have been officially released of the meeting, but the Prime Minister and his whole Cabinet were in Niua on Thursday meeting with the King. It was understood from the beginning of the trip, that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet sught audience with the King for reconciliatory purposes. Photos taken at…
The member of Parliament for the Niuas, Vātau Hui has been charged with indecent assault of a woman from Ha’ateiho. It has been confirmed from the Supreme Court that the charges have been brought against the MP. No other details have been made available other than the complainant was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment and assault by the Niua MP Mr. Hui is no stranger to controversy. Records have it that he pleaded guilty in failing to submit a report of his 2017 financial campaign expenses. In 2018, he was convicted and fined US$129 in the Magistrate Court at Fasi.…
Super Rugby team Moana Pasifika will have a new Captain to lead the team that plays the Fiji Drua tomorrow in Melbourne. Moana Pasifika is the rugby union team in the Super Rugby Competition made up of players from various Pacific Island nations as well as New Zealand or Australian born players of Pacific heritage. Tana Umaga, former captain of the All Blacks, is the coach of Moana Pasifika. He said that having loose forward Sione Havili Talitui to skipper the side will add strength to the team with his experience and leadership. Talitui comes in from the champion Crusaders…
Former Attorney General of Tuvalu, Feleti Teo was named as the new Prime Minister of Tuvalu on Monday after elections in January ousted the last government leader. Kausea Natano, the previous Prime Minister with three of his ministers were not re-elected. It was not immediately clear how the new government will affect China’s influence in the country of around 11,500 people, half way between Australia and Hawaii. Tuvalu is one of 3 countries in the Pacific that still has diplomatic ties with Taiwan instead of Beijing. But the security treaty between Australia and Tuvalu made in November last year may…
Four candidates are contesting the seat for the Vava’u 14 People’s Representative to the Tonga Legislative Assembly, in a by-election to be held on Thursday, 28 March, 2024 from 9:00am to 4:00pm.. The registration of candidates for the by-election closed on Thursday 22 February. The names of the candidates released by the Tonga Electoral Commission are: The by-election is to fill the seat vacated by Hon. Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, the former Minister of Health, who resigned on 26 January, to take up new role as the WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific. The Vava’u 14 Constituency includes the villages…
A new power generator worth over $1 million Tongan pa’anga was donated by the Australian government and commissioned by the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Rachel Moore, this week. The Tonga Power Ltd stated the project was a partnership between Tonga Power and the Australian Government for Tonga’s energy development. The generator donation comes at a time when Tongatapu, the main island has been experiencing several power outages a week in the past 2 month. Even as late as last week, residents of Tongatapu complained of more than 5 power outages during the week, some lasting over two hours, with…
In a recent statement to RNZ Pacific, Tonga’s Police Commissioner, Shane McLennan, said they continue to lead the fight against illicit drugs in Tonga together with partners in the region. McLennan stressed the importance of collaboration between all stakeholders, including border security and law enforcement agencies, to address the drug problem not only in Tonga but also across the Pacific. This week Tēvita Nonu Kolokihakaufisi, 39, and his sister ‘Ana Longolongo Kolokihakaufisi, 37, were arrested and charged in connection with the seizure of 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at over TOP$15 million (US$6 million). McLennan said the arrest of the…