Hunga Island in Tonga’s Vava’u group has gained access to running water for the first time, strenghtening its climate resilience.
The achievement follows bore site drilling and groundwater exploration funded by the New Zealand High Commission Fund, aiming to enhance long-term water security.
This development is significant for Hunga, where residents have historically relied on rainwater harvesting, a method increasingly unreliable due to climate change impacts.
The new water supply is expected to improve sanitation and hygiene, particularly benefiting public facilities. It also reduces the community’s dependence on rainfall, making it more resilient to extreme weather events.
New Zealand’s support for this project aligns with its broader commitment to climate resilience in the Pacific. Since early 2022, New Zealand has contributed NZ$17.8 million over three years to support Tonga’s climate change responses related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Matthew Howell, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Tonga, stated, “The focus of the National Water Tank Project is on households which are more vulnerable, for example the elderly or where there is a disabled family member”.
The Hunga project exemplifies the ongoing partnership between New Zealand and Tonga, as outlined in the New Zealand–Tonga Statement of Partnership 2024–2028, which emphasizes collaboration on climate change and community development.
The New Zealand High Commission in Tonga expressed gratitude to the Hunga Water Committee for their efforts in realizing the “Vaitupu ‘ae Vaonukonuka” initiative, marking a significant step forward for the community.
