POLITICS

An Auckland family’s desperate fight to stop their aunt Loasi Latu from being deported has paid off.The Tongan migrant, who overstayed her student visa in New Zealand by 20 years, has been granted a temporary five-year visa by Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk. This ministerial decision follows months of vigorous campaigning by family, friends, and […]

Politicians and community members are rallying behind Loasi Latu, a Tongan migrant facing deportation after overstaying her visa for over 20 years. Latu, the full-time caregiver for her intellectually disabled brother Viliami Takapautolo, is deeply concerned about his future if she is forced to leave New Zealand.Labour’s Phil Twyford has written to Associate Immigration Minister

Concerns are mounting in Tonga about whether a planned housing development will be completed in time to accommodate over 1,000 attendees of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in August. This development is crucial to address the significant demand for accommodation during this high-profile event, which brings together leaders from across the Pacific region.

New Caledonia’s UnrestNew Caledonia, a French-ruled territory in the Pacific, has experienced significant turmoil due to a controversial electoral reform. This reform is perceived by pro-independence groups, primarily representing the indigenous Kanak population, as a threat to their political influence. The reforms propose to extend voting rights to residents who have lived in New Caledonia

In a strategic move to bolster its influence in the Pacific region, US President Joe Biden announced on Monday, 26 September 2023, that the United States officially recognizes the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign and independent states. This recognition marks a significant shift in US foreign policy, aimed at strengthening ties and ensuring a

In a significant escalation of ongoing tensions, France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, an overseas territory, following days of violent riots that resulted in the deaths of several indigenous Kanak people and a police officer. The unrest was triggered by a controversial decision from Paris to change voting eligibility rules, allowing

The recent involvement of Chinese police in the Pacific Islands, particularly in Kiribati and Tonga, signals a concerning shift in the geopolitical landscape of this strategically important region. Australia’s Pacific Minister, Pat Conroy, has voiced strong opposition, stating unequivocally that there should be “no role” for China in policing the Pacific Islands. This stance comes

In a significant address concluding the parliamentary session on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga emphasised the critical importance of accountability, transparency, private sector engagement, and the urgent need to combat drug abuse within the nation.Accountability: Accountability was a central theme of King Tupou VI’s speech, stressing the government’s obligation

The 53rd Pacific Leaders Forum was launched by the Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni at the Faonelua Convention Centre on April 10th. However, a cloud of concern loomed as the Prime Minister revealed in Parliament the following day his plan to address the shortage of accommodation for the 1,000 guests expected in Tonga for the Forum.

A leaked document from Tonga’s Foreign Affairs Ministry shows that officials sharply criticised Australia and New Zealand’s response to the security pact signed by China and Solomon Islands, according to the ABC News. In 2022, the Morrison and Ardern governments tried to rally Pacific nations to press Solomon Islands not to sign the vaguely worded