POLITICS
POLITICS
Dr. Aisake Eke: A Prime Ministerial Prospect for Tonga’s Prosperity
As Tonga prepares to elect a new Prime Minister following the resignation of Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni amidst a Vote of ...
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POLITICS
SAME MINDS CANNOT FIND SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS THEY CREATED
With Prime Minister Sovaleni now out, Tonga stands at a critical moment. The pressing question for Parliament is whether re-electing ...
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POLITICS
Reassessing Siaosi Sovaleni’s Leadership: A Legacy of Missed Opportunities and Political Reality
A social media post celebrating the achievements of former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni’s tenure (2021–2024) warrants closer scrutiny. While his ...
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POLITICS
Opinion: Tonga at a Crossroads: Navigating Leadership Uncertainty with Unity and Resolve
Tonga finds itself at a historic crossroads. The unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni during his final speech in ...
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POLITICS
Nomination Period for Tonga’s Prime Minister Designate Opens
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, has officially invited Elected Representatives to submit nominations for the position of ...
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POLITICS
The Sudden Resignation of Lord Tu’i’afitu: A Reflection of Tensions in Tonga’s Governance
The sudden resignation of Lord Tu’i’afitu, Tonga’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has unveiled deep-seated tensions between the monarchy, ...
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POLITICS
Speaker Grants Extension Request by Prime Minister
The Prime Minister has formally requested an extension from the Speaker to submit his response to the Motion of No ...
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POLITICS
Sovaleni’s Leadership on Trial: Anticipation Builds Ahead of No-Confidence Vote
The storm clouds of political uncertainty loom large over the corridors of Tongan politics as Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Sovaleni braces ...
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POLITICS
Lord Fakafanua: Betraying Trust, Undermining Tonga’s Democracy
Lord Fakafanua holds one of the most critical roles in Tonga’s governance. Entrusted with upholding the Constitution, protecting the dignity ...
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POLITICS
Opinion: The Prime Minister’s Overreach: Why Parliament Needs Reform
The current structure of Tonga’s Parliament has allowed for the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, ...
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POLITICS
Tonga Development Bank’s 2023 Annual Report to be Submitted to Parliament Amid Concerns Over Financial Transparency
By Jessica Finau, Financial Correspondent The Tonga Development Bank (TDB) will soon release its highly anticipated 2023 Annual Report, a ...
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POLITICS
Scramble to Cancel Putin’s Secret Invite at Pacific Island Forum
During the recent Pacific Island Forum held in Tonga, the country’s Foreign Affairs secretaries scrambled to cancel a secret invitation ...
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POLITICS
Austerity’s Ripple Effect: How Cuts in NZ Hit Tongan Families at Home and Abroad
The National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government’s promise to deliver $16 billion in income tax cuts without slashing frontline public services crumbled ...
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POLITICS
Starlink Mini and Tonga gov’s Temporary Permit
By Edwin Liava’a 21 July 2024 The recent Starlink shutdown in Tonga, while a setback, has also sparked a crucial ...
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POLITICS
The Starlink Shutdown in Tonga: A Tale of Conflicting Interests and Citizen Awareness
By Edwin LiavaaBlockchain Wiz/IT Expert/Telecom Specialist The Starlink Shutdown in Tonga: A Tale of Conflicting Interests and Citizen Awareness Today’s ...
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POLITICS
A Victory for Compassion: Tongan Caregiver Granted Temporary Visa After Intense Campaign
An Auckland family’s desperate fight to stop their aunt Loasi Latu from being deported has paid off.The Tongan migrant, who ...
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POLITICS
A Test of Compassion: The Heart-Wrenching Case of a Tongan Caregiver Facing Deportation
Politicians and community members are rallying behind Loasi Latu, a Tongan migrant facing deportation after overstaying her visa for over ...
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POLITICS
Mounting Concerns Over Tonga’s Housing Development Ahead of Pacific Islands Forum
Concerns are mounting in Tonga about whether a planned housing development will be completed in time to accommodate over 1,000 ...
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POLITICS
France Accuses Azerbaijan of interfering in New Caledonia as PM arrives for Climate Change talks
New Caledonia’s UnrestNew Caledonia, a French-ruled territory in the Pacific, has experienced significant turmoil due to a controversial electoral reform. ...
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POLITICS
US-China Rivalry Intensifies in the Pacific: A New Chapter with the Recognition of the Cook Islands and Niue
In a strategic move to bolster its influence in the Pacific region, US President Joe Biden announced on Monday, 26 ...
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POLITICS
New Caledonia Crisis: France Declares State of Emergency Amidst Voting Reform Unrest and Regional Tensions
In a significant escalation of ongoing tensions, France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, an overseas territory, ...
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POLITICS
“Preserving Sovereignty: Navigating the Risks of Foreign Policing in the Pacific”
The recent involvement of Chinese police in the Pacific Islands, particularly in Kiribati and Tonga, signals a concerning shift in ...
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POLITICS
King Tupou VI Urges Collective Action in closing Parliament Address
In a significant address concluding the parliamentary session on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga ...
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POLITICS
Questions Arise Over Pacific Leaders Forum Accommodation Plan
The 53rd Pacific Leaders Forum was launched by the Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni at the Faonelua Convention Centre on April ...
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POLITICS
Leaked document shows Tonga criticised Australia and New Zealand
A leaked document from Tonga’s Foreign Affairs Ministry shows that officials sharply criticised Australia and New Zealand’s response to the ...
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POLITICS
Tonga Considers China’s Security Offer for Regional Summit, Sparking U.S. and Australian Concerns
On Thursday 4 April 2024, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni expressed a willingness to accept China’s offer of security assistance for ...
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POLITICS
Tonga acknowledges the outgoing Australian High Commissioner’s significant diplomatic contributions
The Prime Minister honoured the departing Australian High Commissioner, Her Excellency Rachael Moore in a farewell event at the Australian ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Confirms his resignation as Minister of Defence
Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku has finally confirmed his resignation (reported by Tonga Independent bit.ly/4crPLxJ ) and the Minister of Foreign ...
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POLITICS
Revolutionary Pacific Engagement Visa Unveiled: 3,000 Annual Slots Open for a New Life in Australia!
Australia is gearing up to introduce a new Pacific quota within its permanent migration policy, offering a landmark opportunity for ...
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POLITICS
MPs Push for Transparency in Lulutai Airlines Share Deal
The controversy surrounding the recent share transaction between Lulutai Airlines and the Retirement Fund Board has escalated, with MPs expressing ...
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POLITICS
Tonga Welcomes Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC
Tonga is set to host the esteemed Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, marking her inaugural official visit ...
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POLITICS
Dr. Mo’ ale ‘Otunuku wins Vava’u 14 By-election
Dr Mo’ale ‘Otunuku of Longomapu has won the Vava’u 14 By-election with 709 votes, securing his seat as a new ...
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POLITICS
Opinion: Tonga’s Governance Crisis: Demanding Transparency and Accountability
Recent revelations surrounding the sale of shares in Lulutai Airlines have once again thrust Tonga’s governance into the spotlight. The ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Sovaleni and Utoikamanu resign from disputed Ministries
Tonga Independent has received reliable information that Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni (Huakavameiliku) has surrendered the Defence Ministry portfolio, and Fekita ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Sovaleni Facing Growing Pressure to Resign
Recent developments have led to unnecessary public political smearing and undermining of His Majesty’s authority as Head of State, risky ...
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POLITICS
Questions Arise Over Prime Minister’s Role in Lulutai Airlines Share Sale to Retirement Fund
Lulutai Airlines Limited, a government-owned entity, made headlines when it sold a significant bundle of shares to the Retirement Fund ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Sovaleni Raises Alarm Over USP Crisis Impacting Tongan Students
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Siaosi Sovaleni over the week-end on X, expressed his concern regarding the ongoing developments at the University ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister in Emergency Meeting to Address Flash Flooding – NDRMC
The Prime Minister and Acting Minister for MEIDECC, Hon Hu’akavameiliku, took charge of the National Disaster Risk Management Committee (NDRMC) ...
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POLITICS
Foreign Minister’s Statements on Tonga’s Laws Spark Controversy
What amounts to an own goal, previous statements by Foreign Minister Fekita Utoikamanu has caused questions and concern for misrepresenting ...
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POLITICS
Political Turmoil Unfolds as Tonga’s Struggle Between Tradition and Democracy
Tonga finds itself amidst a notable political narrative, shedding light on the complexities of a young democracy navigating the terrain ...
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POLITICS
Tonga Gas Senior Officers in Hot Water Over Alleged Lease Negotiation Misrepresentation
The Tonga Gas Limited finds itself embroiled in controversy as three Senior officers of the company are under scrutiny for ...
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POLITICS
Political Tensions Rise in Tonga: Noble’s Representatives Challenge Prime Minister’s Authority
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a recent development that has heightened political tensions in Tonga, a significant challenge has been posed ...
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POLITICS
Legal Battles and Leadership Crisis Surround Tonga’s Chief Diplomatic Officer
Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, the nation’s Chief Diplomatic Officer, now finds herself engulfed in a whirlwind of controversy. The tempest brewed after ...
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POLITICS
Tongatapu 7 Representative Piveni Piukala suspended from Parliament
The Legislative Assembly voted today to suspend Tongatapu 7 Member of Parliament, Piveni Piukala, for offending and disrespecting the Prime ...
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POLITICS
No Consequence to Rebelling against the King?
Last week, His Majesty Tupou VI announced to the Cabinet in a letter that he has withdrawn his appointment of ...
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POLITICS
New Zealand Deputy PM’s Strategic Visit to Tonga Amid Political Tensions
In a strategic response to the ongoing political unrest in Tonga, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, along with ...
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POLITICS
King revokes appointment of Foreign Minister, removes Defence Ministry portfolio from Prime Minister
The Tonga Independent has received reliable confirmed reports that His Majesty King Tupou VI, in a recent Council decision, has ...
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POLITICS
Tonga’s Balancing Act: Navigating a High-Stakes Debt Dilemma with China
Tonga is facing a precarious balancing act with its substantial debts to China. After a decade of delays, renegotiations, and ...
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POLITICS
From Treasury to Tragedy: Government’s $2 Million Lavish Restoration of Historic Treasury Building Raises Eyebrows and Questions
The Tongan government’s expenditure of more than $2 million on the “renovation” of the old Treasury building has raised significant ...
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POLITICS
Royal Estate Development Including Conference Centre and Luxury Villas
In a significant development project initiated by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, Tonga is set to welcome a new ...
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POLITICS
His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Future Leaders Set Sail for Prestigious Officer Training Schools Across the Globe
In a momentous stride towards enhancing the capabilities of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), a group of promising individuals is ...
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POLITICS
First officer of Polynesian descent to command Australian Warships at sea
In a recent Change of Command Ceremony AWWQ Board member, Narelle Stanton welcomed and congratulated Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa, RAN, on ...
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POLITICS
Australia Supports Tonga’s Air Connectivity with Arrival of New Twin Otter Aircraft
In a significant development for the Kingdom of Tonga, the latest addition to Lulutai Airlines’ fleet, a de-Havilland Twin Otter, ...
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POLITICS
Legal Challenge: Judicial Review Targets Lord Speaker and Legislative Assembly
Allegations Surrounding Vote of No Confidence Spark Second Judicial Review Nuku’alofa Monday 23rd October. – The political landscape in Tonga ...
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POLITICS
Independent MPs Seek Court’s Intervention Over Blocked Deliberations on Prime Minister’s Vote
Taniela Fusimalohi: The VONC outcome will be legally challenged. The motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the Prime ...
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POLITICS
Tonga’s Political Tightrope: PM Sovaleni’s Unprecedented Gamble
In a move that sent shockwaves through Tonga’s political corridors, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni managed to dodge what many considered ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Survives Vote of No Confidence Amid Controversy
Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni successfully overcame a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) lodged against him by Tongatapu 5 representative, ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Submits Response to Motion of No Confidence
Sources have confirmed that Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has submitted his response to the Parliament Office regarding charges made against ...
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POLITICS
Kei fiemaʻu ke hoko atu liliu fakapolitikale?
Faʻu ʻe Tevita Motulalo Kuo toe fokotuʻu mai ki he Fale Aleá ke fakafoki hake ʻa e Liliu Fakapolitikalé mo ...
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POLITICS
Hoko fakalelei konisitutone 2010 ko e matapa ki he kumi mafai (VONC)
Ko e popoaki ia ‘oku talamai pea ‘ikai ke toe lava ‘o faka’ikai’i ‘i he hili ‘a e fakalelei fakakonisitutone ...
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POLITICS
No-Confidence Motion Filed Against Prime Minister Sovaleni of Tonga
On August 22, 2023, the office of the Speaker of the Tonga House of Parliament received a significant petition, marking ...
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POLITICS
OPINION – Col. (Ret’d) Siamelie Latu China and Solomon Island’s Signed Security Cooperation Agreement
Introduction The chaos in the Solomon Islands is caused by just one ethnic group, M4D (Malaita for Democracy). They claim ...
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POLITICS
Emerging from Ashes: Tonga’s Resilient Economic Rebound and Ongoing Challenges – IMF
Tonga has made significant strides in rebounding from the dual shocks of a volcanic eruption and tsunami that rocked the ...
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POLITICS
Prime Minister Misrepresents Fiscal Health of Tonga: Deficit Ignored
In a startling revelation, the former Finance Minister and Parliament member, Dr. Aisake Eke, has contradicted the Prime Minister’s recent ...
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POLITICS
US Secretary of State Discusses China in Recent Tonga Visit
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, was present in Tonga for bilateral discussions on Wednesday 26 July 2023. In a ...
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POLITICS
Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Prevails in Unlawful Disciplinary Action Case Against the Commission
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a recent court case that captured attention due to its implications for the public service sector, ...
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POLITICS
THIS WILL BE THE FIRST SUCCESSFUL VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE: PIUKALA
In a recent interview with Tonga Independent, Piukala, a member of the Opposition in Parliament, expressed confidence in their ability ...
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POLITICS
Trans-Tasman Relations: A Model for Tonga’s Approach to Overstayers Issue
For the past two to three years, the Tongan community has been relentlessly pursuing its mission to convince the New ...
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POLITICS
Ngali nga’unu e kau Tau’ataina mo e PTOA ki he VONC, fefe kau nopele?
Ko e tuai e kemo ‘a e mahino ‘a e fili si’i ‘a Tongatapu 10 kuo ikuna ‘e he Kapeli ...
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POLITICS
US SECRETARY OF STATE ANTHONY BLINKEN TAKES HISTORIC VISIT TO TONGA
ANTHONY Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, will be making a historic visit to Tonga, ...
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POLITICS
Political Shake-up in Tonga: Tongatapu 10 By-election Reveals Surprising Trends and Pivotal Changes
Amid a flurry of festivities, including the annual Heilala Festival, Tonga High School Diamond Jubilee, and Pasifika Medical Association’s 80th ...
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POLITICS
Dawn Raid Apology: A New Dawn or Hollow Words?
In August 2021, New Zealand made history when its government formally apologized for the infamous ‘Dawn Raids’ of the 1970s. ...
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POLITICS
Unveiling Tongatapu 10 By-Election Candidate, Daniel K. Fale: An Exclusive Interview
With the Tongatapu 10 by-elections fast approaching, the need for voters to understand each candidate’s vision, policies, and commitments is ...
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POLITICS
Navigating the Vote of No Confidence in Tonga: Balancing Democracy and Stability
In parliamentary democracies, the Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) stands as a crucial tool for ensuring government accountability and responsiveness. ...
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POLITICS
Unprecedented Debate in Tonga Parliament over 2023-2024 Budget and Foreign Aid Reliance.
On June 20th, 2023, the Tonga Parliament witnessed a fiery discussion following the presentation of the 2023-2024 budget by the ...
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POLITICS
Tongan Consulate Declines Honorary Gesture Proposed by New Zealand MPs of Tongan Heritage for the Late Princess Siu’ilikutapu
The Independent has reliably learned that members of the New Zealand Parliament of Tongan heritage approached the Tongan Consulate with ...
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POLITICS
Remembering Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu: A Beacon of Dedication, Faith, and Service
With profound respect and deep sadness, we commemorate the life and legacy of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu. On ...
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POLITICS
VIGIL IN AUCKLAND FOR FORMIDABLE PRINCESS
A vigil for the royal funeral of the late Princess Mele Siuilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili will be held at Morrison Funeral ...
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POLITICS
The Legislative Assembly Mourns the Passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga joins in mourning following the sad news of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess ...
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POLITICS
Parliament Finally Takes Action: Addressing Ongoing Concerns at Tonga Power
Why has it taken over 12 months for Parliament to act? Mr. Panuve, the Chairman of Tonga Power, told Tonga ...
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POLITICS
Contractors Sue Ministry and the Minister for Breach of Contract
Three companies contracted by the Tongan Government to supply coral to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MOl) have ...
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POLITICS
Government to rename Mate Ma’a Tonga for England Tour
The Government of Tonga has taken over the management of the National Rugby League team previously known as Mate Ma’a ...
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POLITICS
Government Launches Labour Mobility Supply Management Strategy.
The Government has launched its Labour Mobility Supply Management Strategy to address concerns about labour mobility in the Pacific region ...
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POLITICS
Government risks defiance of Judiciary /Minister Charged with Contempt of Court
Its FREE until 30th April Lord Chief Justice Whitten has warned government that the Courts have enough power and precedence ...
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POLITICS
New Zealand’s Deputy PM Carmel Sepuloni has Tongan heritage
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has appointed Carmel Sepuloni as the country’s new Deputy Prime Minister. Sepuloni, who has ...
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POLITICS
Former Prime Minister Passed Away In America
Pohiva Tuionetoa 1951-2023 One of Tonga’s most consequential and historic Prime Ministers, the Reverend Doctor Pohiva Tuionetoa has passed away ...
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