Tonga’s National Rugby Union team, the Ikale Tahi, kicked off their preparation for the Rugby World Cup on a high note with a convincing victory over Australia A, with final scores at 27-21. The game was sold out with over 10,000 fans at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa. The Coach, former Wallaby Toutai Kefu said in selecting the 35-man squad that this is probably the best team Tonga has ever fielded. The squad includes former All Blacks like Malakai Fekitoa. Charles Piutau, and Ben Tameifuna; as well as former Wallabies like Israel Folau. ‘Ikale Tahi will play Fiji next Saturday in…
Author: Newsdesk
The domestic cable system, reconnecting Tongatapu to Ha’apai and Vava’u, has been restored 18 months after the volcanic eruption near Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai caused extensive damage. The eruption, which occurred in January 2022, triggered tsunamis reaching heights of nearly three feet in some areas, leading to the disruption of both the international Tonga Cable and the Tonga Domestic Cable. The international Tonga Cable, spanning 827 kilometers to Fiji and laid in 2013, was repaired a month after the eruption. However, the restoration of the Tonga Domestic Cable connecting the islands of Vavaʻu, Lifuka, and Tongatapu took considerably longer due to challenges…
The inaugural Korea-Tonga Business Roundtable was held on Friday, July 14th, 2023, at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, signifying a momentous milestone in the economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Korea. This event, organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tonga Chamber of Commerce, brought together key stakeholders to explore avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit. The distinguished gathering was graced by the presence of Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, the Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga, who delivered special remarks at the event. Leading the Korean delegation was Secretary General Yoon Sangjick, the Secretary…
Business Link Pacific’s (BLP) Support Grants are set to provide a boost to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Tonga, aiming to stimulate growth, innovation, access to finance, and investment in social inclusion and climate action. The grants, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and delivered by DT Global, will play a vital role in fostering a thriving business environment in the country. Sam Vea, President of TCCI, echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to partner with the New Zealand Government and the Tonga Chamber of Commerce & Industry to launch the BLP…
A new book of memories has been launched to mark the Tonga High School 75th Diamond Jubilee. Called Road to Faa’imata – 75th Anniversary, the work is a collection of history and stories of ex-students of Tonga High School. The book was launched by the Princess Royal, HRH Pilolevu Tuita, on 10 July, during the five days of celebrations in Nuku’alofa. Co-editors Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua, Ema Finau Ivarature, Katalin Barany and ‘Ilaisaane Pongi helped by Sisilia Tu’ifua Takapautolu and Heti Veikune in Tonga, collected profiles and stories from Tonga High School ex-students to compile the book. The book is a…
As Tonga commemorates the 50th anniversary of their remarkable victory over the Wallabies in 1973, the surviving heroes from that iconic match are being celebrated in the capital city of Nuku’alofa. The Tongan triumph remains etched in rugby history as one of the sport’s greatest upsets, and the players who made it possible are still revered throughout the islands. The match, which took place on a Saturday afternoon at Ballymore, saw Tonga’s national team secure a stunning 16-11 victory over Peter Sullivan’s Wallabies. For the conquerors, the memories of that historic day continue to be cherished, while the defeated Wallabies…
Tonga High School commemorated its Silver Jubilee with immense gratitude for the generous donation received from the West Ballarat Rotary Team. The school’s new Dental Clinic and Sickbay, located within its new school hall, were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Dental Division of the Ministry of Health, West Ballarat Rotary, the Honorable Prime Minister of Tonga, and esteemed alumni, Dr. Sisilia Fifita and Dr. Na’ati Fakatava from the class of 1977, as well as Samiuela Uasi Vao, Snr Mapa Ha’ano Taumalolo, and the Toluhama e Mileniume Exstudents from the class of 2000. The newly established Dental Clinic…
Tonga is taking significant strides towards the implementation of a vital operation to eliminate rats from the uninhabited Late Island. The successful completion of community and stakeholder consultations in Vava’u last month has paved the way for this crucial initiative. The two-day consultations, held at the Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communication (MEIDECC) Conference room in Vava’u, gathered District and Town Officers, Government representatives, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), villagers, and local fishermen. The aim was to discuss the rat removal plan, assess potential risks, and evaluate the project’s impact.…
The Pacific Islands Forum Chair, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will receive a high-level mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by Director-General Rafael Grossi in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from 10 – 11 July. The IAEA delegation will present their report on the Safety Review of the ALPS-treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Prime Minister Brown met with the Pacific Island Forum’s Troika and the Secretariat yesterday to discuss the forthcoming IAEA visit and the proposed way forward for Prime Minister Brown’s further discussion with all Forum Leaders in the coming week. “Recognising our…
Tonga High School, in conjunction with the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), hosted a tree planting program as part of its ongoing 75th-anniversary celebrations. The program, held on the school grounds, saw the Guest of Honor, Hon. Lupepau’u Tuita-Taione, plant a Heilala tree, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the enduring legacy of the school. The event was graced by the presence of Hon. Lupepau’u Tuita-Taione, who emphasized the importance of nurturing the environment and building a sustainable future for Tonga. Joining Hon. Lupepau’u Tuita-Taione were staff members from the Department of Climate Change,…