Author: TALANOA

The Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) is urging for regular blood donors as it marks World Blood Donor Day under the theme of hope and unity. The Tonga Red Cross commemorated World Blood Donor Day yesterday, ahead of the official June 14 observance, with a public appeal for more regular, voluntary blood donations. “Every drop counts,” said Secretary-General Sione Taumoefolau, as he stressed the importance of building a stable blood supply beyond emergency situations. “Most of the people here in Tonga, they only come and contribute their blood if they are relatives or cousins who are in the hospital,” he…

Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi has returned to Tonga following his historic roles in Rome. Cardinal Mafi, Tonga’s first Cardinal, arrived back in Nukuʻalofa on Thursday after attending Pope Francis’s funeral, participating in the Conclave, and witnessing the ordination of Pope Leo XIV. Upon his return, Catholic leaders and staff gathered at Kāinga Foʻou and the Toutaimana Centre for a low‑key Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by a private reception. Vicar General Monsignor Lutoviko Fīnau, Chancellor Fr Mateo Kivalu, and senior diocesan staff were present to welcome him. In his address, Cardinal Mafi reflected on the global significance of modern connectivity, saying,…

ABF has supplied outboard engines, comms and safety gear for Tonga Customs’ Vavaʻu cutter. Australian Border Force (ABF) recently handed over new outboard engines, maritime safety and communications equipment to enhance Tonga Customs’ maritime vessel C.V. PALETU’A, to the Ministry of Revenue & Customs Tonga Deputy CEO – Borders, Mr Sau Niulala. The upgrades will enhance customs patrols in Vavaʻu waters, extending reach and response capability. Deputy CEO Niulala said the vessel “will play an important role in border security in the future,” reflecting both nations’ commitment to tackling illicit drugs and cross‑border threats. This move follows earlier cooperation under the Australia–Tonga border…

The government will visit eastern Tongatapu villages to register residents for TongaPass, Monday to Thursday. The initiative follows last week’s launch of TongaPass—the new digital ID and e‑government portal designed to streamline access to public services. Over four days beginning Monday 16 June, government teams will travel to villages in eastern Tongatapu to help residents register for TongaPass. Registration is free and aims to ensure all eligible Tongans can use the system. TongaPass assigns a unique ID number to individuals registered in the Civil Registration System, enabling secure access to online government services via the central gov.to platform. The e‑government…

Global oil prices have jumped after Israel said it had struck Iran, in a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The price of the benchmark Brent Crude was up by more than 10% shortly after the news emerged, reaching its highest level since January. Traders are concerned that a conflict between Iran and Israel could disrupt supplies coming from the energy-rich region. The cost of crude oil affects everything from how much it costs to fill up your car to the price of food at the supermarket. As trading began in Europe, prices had eased a little, around…

New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon is defending his government’s new ‘parent boost’ visa, saying it achieves the right balance despite criticism that it disproportionately favours wealthy families. The new visa – coming into force in September – allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to have multi-entry access for up to five years, with the option to renew it once. Speaking on PMN’s Pacific Mornings, Luxon said the visa is designed to support migrants who wish to have their parents visit for extended periods. But Auckland barrister Nalesoni Tupou argues that the requirements limit its benefits for most…

Dr Viliami Fukofuka, a 77-year old scholar, politician and advocate for rugby league in Tonga who died on Monday was laid to rest today. Born 25 February 1948 in Tatakamotonga, Tongatapu, Fukofuka earned a Bachelor’s from Auckland University in 1969 and a Diploma in Education in London, 1979. His early career included roles as scholarships officer and principal at Tonga High School from 1979-1981 before becoming CEO at the Ministry of Education. He then led key business ventures before entering politics in 1990 as a member of parliament A passionate sports advocate, Dr Fukofuka helped introduce rugby league to Tonga in 1986 alongside New Zealand‑Tonga…

A Chinese national has been sentenced to three years in prisonfor damaging an undersea cable connecting Taiwan’s main island and the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait. The man, identified by his surname Wang, was the captain of the Togolese-registered vessel Hong Tai 58. The Tainan District Court’s verdict on Thursday marks the first sentencing after reports in recent years of undersea cables around Taiwan being severed. Taipei has accused Beijing of sabotaging its cables, describing it as a “grey zone” tactic to pressure the self-ruled island, which China claims as its territory. But China has denied its involvement, calling…

In a strategic tour, Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) CEO Aisea Aholelei visited Guangdong, Fujian, Beijing and Hong Kong to explore partnerships across player pathways, coaching, school programs and commercial ventures. China, still a newcomer to rugby, is reportedly ready to “invest internally and externally” in the sport. The Pingtan region in Fujian, noted for its Austronesian heritage, is constructing elite sports facilities and intends to apply the same ambition to rugby, strengthened by longstanding ties with Tonga. The visit follows a recent trend of regional support. In Japan, the JRFU donated substantial gear (150 balls, 138 cones, tackle shields and…

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke and Australian High Commissioner Brek Batley have signed a AUD$5 million health budget support pact. This agreement, finalised yesterday at Tatakamotonga Health Centre in Mu‘a, strengthens Tonga’s health infrastructure through direct Australian funding. Australia previously committed AUD 50 million over four years to enhance Tonga’s health and economic sectors, including this separate AUD$5 million specifically for health systems. Prime Minister Eke thanked Australia, stating, “The AUD$5 million in budget support will contribute to Tonga’s health infrastructure and help strengthen our economic and social resilience. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the Government of Australia, as…