The Executive Steering Committee (ESC) of the Tonga-New Zealand Policing Programme convened to review 2025 workplans and advance Tonga Police’s strategic priorities.
The meeting, attended by senior Tonga Police officials, including Commissioner Authorized Delegate Sokopeti Faletau and Deputy Commissioner Filipe Fifita, welcomed representatives from the New Zealand Police (NZP), New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and New Zealand’s Acting High Commissioner Olivia Philpott.

Key discussions focused on the Officer Safety Pacific (OSP) Programme, which aims to enhance frontline safety and tactical training for specialist groups such as the Tactical Response Group and the National Firearms Registry & Armory.
A Working Agreement was signed by Faletau and NZP Assistant Commissioner Michael Rusbatch to formalize these upgrades.

“New Zealand Police have been working with Tonga Police for many years to help them deliver the service they provide for a safe and secure Tonga,” said Andrew Howser Hosking, Tonga-New Zealand Policing Programme Team Leader.
The ESC endorsed the 2025 workplans, which include training improvements for recruits, detectives, and non-commissioned officers.
Tonga Police acknowledged the enduring partnership with NZP, emphasizing its commitment to community safety and advancing policing priorities.