OPINION

The appointment of Honourable Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke as the 19th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, confirmed by His Majesty King Tupou VI, marks a pivotal moment for the nation. Dr. Eke’s distinguished career in public service and his impressive academic achievements set high expectations for his tenure, but the question remains: Can […]

The recent announcement by the World Bank of an additional US$21 million to improve the resilience of Tonga’s education system is welcome news. With over 2,000 students expected to benefit from safer classrooms, improved emergency response systems, and better infrastructure, this investment has the potential to create lasting impacts on our nation’s future. However, as

The Tapanekale Housing Project, launched with the noble aim of alleviating extreme poverty in Tonga, was initially approved in April 2023 and officially inaugurated in January 2024. While it represents a commendable step towards providing shelter and hope for families in dire need, questions linger about its execution, transparency, and overall impact. The initiative was

Opinion By Edwin Liava’a I tirelessly tried to do an online transaction yesterday with my local bank account, only to find the hurdles are beyond dire straits with unfavorable exchange rates that made me wonder about the recent milestone of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT). As NRBT celebrates its 35th anniversary on September

In many countries, the practice of selling produce by the basket rather than by weight remains commonplace. While this tradition may have historical roots, it is increasingly clear that it comes with significant drawbacks for both consumers and producers. The time has come to embrace a more modern, equitable approach: selling produce by weight. The

As Tonga approaches a critical decision regarding the future of ground handling services at its airports, the debate centres on whether to renew the contract with Air Terminal Services (ATS) or to support Lulutai Airlines in managing its own ground handling operations. This decision carries significant implications for the safety, security, and efficiency of Tonga’s

From Melbourne to Tonga: A New Chapter BeginsBefore stepping onto Tongan soil, I was a barrister in Melbourne and a member of the Queen’s Counsel. Born in Melbourne and raised in North Queensland, my path led me from Brisbane’s university halls to the courts of Australia, where I spent five years practicing law. After traveling

Monday 13 May 2024: In a speech at the Kumul Leadership Centre in Port Moresby today, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Rt. Hon Winston Peters, outlined a nuanced strategy for the Pacific region that responds thoughtfully to the evolving global security landscape. This discourse, titled “The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook,” is

Tongan linguist and scholar Vasalua Jenner-Helu has achieved a remarkable milestone in her academic career. The senior lecturer at the Atenisi Institute has been accepted as a visiting academic in linguistics at the prestigious University of Oxford. This opportunity will allow her to delve into her research on decolonising the Tongan language for a three-month

A beacon of unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy, Mr. Clive Edwards stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. Over forty years ago, as a lawyer championing the rights and aspirations of Tongan residents in New Zealand, his legacy resonates far beyond the courtroom walls.Recently celebrated