POLITICS

The Independent has reliably learned that members of the New Zealand Parliament of Tongan heritage approached the Tongan Consulate with a proposal. The proposal intended to request the New Zealand Government to provide military honour guards and an aircraft to transport the cortege of the late Her Serene Highness Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. However, the Tongan […]

With profound respect and deep sadness, we commemorate the life and legacy of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu. On Sunday, the 28th of May, she passed away peacefully in Auckland, surrounded by loving members of the royal family. A true beacon of dedication and service, her memory leaves an indelible mark on our hearts

A vigil for the royal funeral of the late Princess Mele Siuilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili will be held at Morrison Funeral Director’s Home in Henderson, Auckland starting 7pm tonight (31st May.) This will be a final wake with friends, family and the Pacific Island, Maori, and New Zealand community before embarking on the final journey to

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga joins in mourning following the sad news of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. The Princess, a trailblazer in Tongan politics and a prominent figure, passed away on May 28, 2023, in Auckland, New Zealand. Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu was the eldest daughter of Prince Fatafehi

Why has it taken over 12 months for Parliament to act? Mr. Panuve, the Chairman of Tonga Power, told Tonga Independent. “It is great news from Parliament that we can openly discuss the ongoing concerns regarding the status of Tonga Power. I’m just waiting for someone from the committee to contact me to begin discussions,”

Three companies contracted by the Tongan Government to supply coral to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MOl) have filed for damages after 16 months of non-compliance and refusal to pay at the agreed price of T$70 pa’anga per load. The contractors, Island Dredging Limited, Engineering and Constructions Limited, and Inter Pacific Limited, claim

The Government of Tonga has taken over the management of the National Rugby League team previously known as Mate Ma’a Tonga, according to an email sent by Fotu Fisi’iahi CEO of MIA to the Chairman of the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL). Mr. Fisi’iahi stated that a new body, meeting the requirements of the International

The Government has launched its Labour Mobility Supply Management Strategy to address concerns about labour mobility in the Pacific region due to the continuing migration of laborers overseas. The strategy was launched by the Prime Minister, Honourable Hu’akavameiliku, at an event in Fangaloto on April 13, 2023. According to the Prime Minister, the strategy is

Its FREE until 30th April Lord Chief Justice Whitten has warned government that the Courts have enough power and precedence to file charges of contempt of court personally against public officials, including Ministers. This means Ministers can be jailed for contempt of court if they delay, defy, undermine, or fail to institute orders of the

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has appointed Carmel Sepuloni as the country’s new Deputy Prime Minister. Sepuloni, who has served as Minister for Social Development and Employment since 2020, is of Tongan descent. She was born in New Zealand and has been a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party since 2008. Sepuloni’s appointment