Pacific peoples voice on climate change “should be heard in the world”

By Katalina Siasau The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong visited Tonga today and reaffirmed Australia's commitment as Tonga's largest development and security partner and a trusted ally. Responding to a question...

Australia commits $50m to Tonga

Australia’s Foreign Minister announces a significant AU$50 million (NZ$54m) package aimed at boosting Tonga’s health infrastructure and economic resilience. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is currently in Tonga and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to...

Australia deepens Tonga ties during high-level Pacific visit

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite are visiting Tonga this week, as part of a Pacific tour, to strengthen regional partnerships. The delegation will meet with Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke and Crown...

Tonga’s parametric insurance cover

TONGA is working in partnership with key parametric insurance companies like the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assurance Company (PCRIC) while developing parametric insurance in the island kingdom. This is according to Tonga Meteorological Service...

Pacific Islands News Roundup – October 17 – 23, 2025

Political Leadership and Regionalism, Peace and Security Outspoken Former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani Passes Away (In-depth Solomons) New Caledonia: FLNKS concerned about the postponement of provincial elections, “satisfied” with the green...

Moamoa-Fou Conservation and Nature Trail Opens

Apia, Samoa – 17 May 2025 – The opening of the Moamoa-Fou nature trail last week, is part of a conservation project that aims to rebuild community pride in the natural and cultural ecosystems of the area. The project is managed by the Committee of...

China, Pacific Island nations boost cooperation on climate resilience

The China-Pacific Island Countries Green Development and Cooperation Alliance was officially launched in 2024 in Liaocheng city, east China's Shandong Province, to foster long-term collaboration in green and low-carbon development. By engaging...

Strengthening climate resilience in Tonga through knowledge sharing

Tonga has praised the Pacific Climate Change Centre’s efforts to enhance inclusive, community-driven climate resilience. From 14 to 17 April 2025, the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional...

Climate change poses economic risks

Sailosi Ramatu stands in the water where his house once was, before rising sea levels forced the Fijian village of Vunidogoloa to be moved to higher ground. (Foreign Correspondent: Craig Hansen) Climate change remains a major threat to Fiji’s...

Man jailed in Tonga after throwing a child against a wall

Photo: 123rf A man has been jailed in Tonga after throwing a six-year-old child - who has a bone growth disorder - against a wall. Matangi Tonga reported the defendant pleaded guilty to common assault and causing serious bodily harm. Justice Tupou...

UN Tourism, FAO Mountain Partnership, and SPTO Join Forces to Promote Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism in Pacific SIDS

UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) are joining efforts to strengthen the connection between agrifood systems and...

Running water reaches Hunga in climate resilience milestone

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...

Tongan students join Japanese Science and Technology Tour

Twenty-eight high school students from Pacific Island nations, including Tonga, have commenced a week-long educational visit to Japan under the “JENESYS 2024” program. Running from February 26 to March 4, 2025, the initiative aims to enhance...

“Paradise in Isolation”: Tonga and the Fight for Influence in the Pacific

Georgetown Journal of International Affairs: Tonga’s unique political system combines traditional monarchy with modern democracy. How has this structure affected Tonga’s governance and ability to respond to modern challenges? Tevita Motulalo: It...

Cook Islands secures funding for climate, energy projects

The Cook Islands will receive USD $188,750 to roll out four major projects aimed at protecting the ozone layer and reducing harmful emissions from cooling systems. The Cook Islands will receive USD $188,750 to roll out four major projects aimed at...

Tonga confirms dengue outbreak, children most affected

Tonga’s Health Minister, Dr 'Ana Akauola, has confirmed a dengue outbreak in the Kingdom. The youngest victim is 10 years old. Speaking to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Akauola has pleaded with families in Tonga to help reduce the spread of the disease....

World Red Cross Day 2025 marked in Tonga

The Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) celebrated World Red Cross Day yesterday at its Nuku’alofa headquarters, with His Serene Highness Prince Tungi Tuku’aho as guest of honour. The event, themed “On the Side of Humanity,” recognised the...

LGBTQI leadership is transforming climate action – it’s time to fund It

In times of global crisis, it’s often those already pushed to society’s margins who bear the heaviest burden. As the world grapples with the greatest crisis of our lifetime – the accelerating climate breakdown – LGBTQI communities are among the...

Youth vote guide relaunched ahead of polls

Tonga’s youth-led Take The Lead (TTL) has introduced a new digital Tonga Youth Vote Handbook, backed by island-wide outreach. The relaunched guide gives first-time voters clear, accessible tools on how to register, vote and engage politically....

New Japanese volunteers to support Tonga’s development efforts

Seven new Japanese volunteers have arrived in Tonga to begin assignments supporting education, disaster resilience, and media development. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers landed in April and are set to commence their...