POLITICS

Australia Holds Line on Pacific Aid as Tonga Pushes to Stand on Its Own

Australia is keeping the Pacific’s aid lifeline steady as other major donors pull back, according to the Lowy Institute’s 2025 Pacific ...

POLITICS

A Risky Endorsement: How a District Officer’s Speech Could Backfire in Tongatapu 10

In the intricate dance of Tongan politics, where tradition and democracy often step on each other’s toes, a recent campaign ...

POLITICS

A New Choice for Eua 11: Siuaki Livai Enters the Ring as a Dark Horse Candidate

As part of our Election Spotlight series, Tonga Independent News profiles candidates contesting the 2025 General Election. The following editorial ...

POLITICS

Prime Minister Eke Leads Tonga’s Delegation to World Bank and IMF Meetings as Election Nears

As finance ministers and central bank governors gather in Washington D.C. for the 2025 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, ...

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Ambassador Liu Weimin Presents Mala‘ekula Royal Tomb Project as Gift to Tonga

H.E. Ambassador Liu Weimin officially handed over and opened the Tonga Peripheral Area of the “Mala’ekula Royal Tomb” Improvement Project to His Majesty ...

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Australia and Tonga Strengthen Defence Ties with Commissioning of VOEA Late

NUKU’ALOFA, 15 October 2025 — The commissioning of the VOEA Late, His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ newest and largest landing craft, marks ...

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Viewpoint | Prime Minister Hon. Aisake Eke: Understanding Aid Finance and Tonga’s Development Path

In response to recent public commentary and opinion pieces debating Tonga’s fiscal management and aid dependence, Prime Minister and Minister ...

POLITICS

PM Eke to Push SIDS Priorities at World Bank–IMF Meetings

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Aisake Valu Eke has arrived in Washington, D.C. to lead Tonga’s delegation at the 2025 World Bank Group and International Monetary ...

POLITICS

Israel Pullsback from Gaza

The IDF expects to complete its pullback of troops to agreed-upon deployment lines in Gaza, as part of the deal ...

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WCCC Condemns Misogynistic Remarks in Parliament, Urges Action on Women’s Representation

The Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) has condemned what it describes as “degrading and mocking” remarks made in Tonga’s ...

POLITICS

Tonga’s Voice at the UN: Heard, But Not Enough

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Tonga’s Prime Minister stood before the world with a rare chance to make ...

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Tongan Royal Visit Marks New Chapter in Pacific Ties with Australia

The state visit of King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu to Australia this week has been described as a historic ...

POLITICS

The pomp won’t save him: why Epstein will eclipse Trump’s UK visit

An op-ed by Melino Maka Donald Trump did not cross the Atlantic in search of questions. He came for ceremony—carriages, ...

POLITICS

Tonga Welcomes U.S. Support Through MCC Program

Nukuʻalofa — The United States has confirmed that Tonga will join the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) threshold program, a decision that ...

POLITICS

While the West Fights Today’s Wars, China Writes the Rules for Tomorrow

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China’s Global Governance Initiative Highlighted at SCO Tianjin Summit

At the close of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit on 1 September 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ...

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ABC’s Four Corners highlights legal and financial risks as government stays silent on sponsorship deal.

The global debate over deep-sea mining has returned to the spotlight, with Tonga singled out in an Australian Broadcasting Corporation Four ...

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His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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VOEA Late Strengthens Tonga’s Watch Over Its Seas

The Tonga Royal Navy has welcomed its newest vessel, the VOEA Late, at Masefield Naval Base this week. The official handover marked ...

POLITICS

Australia’s ABC Oversteps in Tonga’s Affairs

Op-ed Tevita MotulaloMSc Geopolitics and International Relations The Local FactsThe passage of the His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services Bill should have been a ...

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Why Cabinet Attendance and Travel Must be Made Public

By EditorsThe current lack of public access to Cabinet attendance rosters, ministerial travel details, and associated expenses fosters opacity, potentially ...

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How China’s Governance Model is Inspiring Young Tongans

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Time to Rethink TDB’s Dual Mandate

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Chinese Embassy Pushes Back on Forum Interference Claims as Taiwan Question Resurfaces

The Chinese Embassy in Tonga has moved quickly to counter claims that Beijing is interfering in the Pacific Islands Forum, ...

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Japan Commits $17.7m for Major Upgrade of Fua’amotu International Airport

Nukuʻalofa – Tonga’s Fua’amotu International Airport will undergo a major upgrade under a grant agreement signed today between the Governments ...

POLITICS

HIS MAJESTY’S DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

Milestone Bill Last of 2025 Legislative session, First Victim of 2025 Election DramaWhat should have been celebrated as a milestone, ...

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Foreign Affairs Debate and the Constitutional Reality

The PTOA party has raised the alarm over a new bill that would shift the Ministry of Foreign Affairs into ...

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Parliament Closes 2025 Sitting, Campaign Season Officially Underway

Tonga’s Legislative Assembly has concluded its 2025 session, signalling the official start of the campaign period ahead of the November ...

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A Dangerous Step Backwards: How Tonga’s New Diplomatic Services Law Undermines Democracy

By Melino Maka, Political, Economic, and Good Governance Commentator for Tonga Independent News (Based in Tonga and New Zealand) Introduction: ...

POLITICS

Mass Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv Against Gaza Occupation Plan

Tel Aviv, August 9, 2025 — Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to protest against Prime ...

POLITICS

Parliament Approves Shift from Ministry to Monarch-Led Diplomatic Services

The Legislative Assembly has passed the His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services Bill 2025, formally establishing the structure, operations and responsibilities of His ...

POLITICS

Data Czar: Another Bad Idea by Gov! Why Tonga Must Halt its Centralised Data Plan

Government’s push to establish a national civil registry and consolidate private information are deeply alarming is yet another bad idea. ...

POLITICS

Seabed Secrets: Tongans Question Government’s Deep-Sea Mining Deal

By Tevita Tu’ifua. Environmental Correspondent The ocean has always been more than just water for the people of Tonga. It ...

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The Other Side of the Pacific Visa: Is Australia Offering Opportunity or Taking Advantage?

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The West vs. the Rest: Rethinking Democracy’s Broken Promises

For decades, Western nations like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have championed liberal democracy as the pinnacle of ...

POLITICS

The Fight Against Corruption: What the Deputy PM May Not Know

Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister has emerged as a fierce advocate for accountability, publicly backing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in what ...

POLITICS

The China-Aided Wind Farm Project: A Milestone in Green Cooperation Between China and Tonga

By H.E. Mr. Liu WeiminAmbassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Tonga A Historic Commissioning Ceremony ...

POLITICS

Mahathir at 100: Embrace China as a Historic Partner, Not a Threat

In a landmark interview marking his 100th birthday, former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad offered a pointed critique ...

POLITICS

Government Defends Sacking of Lulutai CEO Poasi Tei, Citing Poor Performance and Political Favouritism

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PM Doubles Down on Economic Reform With Business-Led Dialogue

Nuku’alofa, 10 July 2025 – Tonga Independent News PM Doubles Down on Economic Reform With Business-Led Dialogue In a decisive ...

POLITICS

Crowning the Vanua: The Historic Installation of the Tui Nayau – Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau

Lakeba Island, Fiji – 10 July 2025In an event steeped in ancestral significance, oceanic diplomacy, and the revival of chiefly ...

POLITICS

Island Allies: Fiji and Tonga Strengthen Ties for a Stronger Pacific

SUVA, 8 July 2025 — The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, met with King Tupou VI of Tonga in Suva this week, reaffirming ...

POLITICS

A Sacred Restoration: The Installation of the Tui Nayau and Its Resonance Across Fiji and Tonga

In the coming days, the island of Lakeba in the Lau Group of Fiji will bear witness to one of ...

POLITICS

Media Panic Over Mamdani: How the Press, the Millionaire Class, and Trump Are Trying to Kill a Movement

Since Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in the Democratic primary for New York City Mayor, the American mainstream media has unleashed ...

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Rabuka’s Tightrope: Fijian PM’s China Remarks Spark Diplomatic Response, Regional Reflection

By Tonga Independent News In the wake of Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent remarks at Australia’s National Press Club, ...

POLITICS

Public Trust on the Tarmac — When Ministers Double Down, Who Pays the Price?

By Melino Maka, Tonga Independent News, Political and Economic Commentator (NZ & Tonga) In Tonga, it is often said that ...

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A Closer Look at the Minister’s Call to Cut Power Costs -Is a 70-Seniti Tariff Realistic?

By Tuʻifua Vailena, Nukuʻalofa, June 2025 The Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Piveni Piukala, has called on Tonga Power Ltd ...

POLITICS

When Allegations Fly: The Danger of Political Grandstanding Over Procedural Duties

In a time when clear communication and accountability should be paramount, it is troubling to see a senior public official ...

POLITICS

Trump’s Travel Ban Targets Tonga: A Harsh Blow to Our Families, Dignity – and a Warning to the Pacific

By Melino MakaPolitical & Economic Commentator President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly preparing to expand its controversial travel ban to ...

POLITICS

Tucker Carlson Urges Trump to Pursue Peace with Iran, Warns of ‘End of American Empire’

Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson has issued a stark warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to stay ...

POLITICS

Amazon’s Knockout Blow: How Jeff Bezos Delivered an Uppercut Trump Never Saw Coming

By Melino Maka – Political and Economic CommentatorTonga Independent News When Donald Trump launched his self-styled “Patriotic Trade Revolution” in ...

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Silencing the Truth: Israel’s War on Journalists Escalates from Gaza to Tehran

By , Geopolitical Correspondent In two separate war zones—Gaza and now Tehran—Israel stands accused of escalating its campaign against one ...

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Middle East on Fire: Israel’s Calculated Escalation Risks Global Conflict

Tonga Independent The Middle East is hurtling toward its most volatile and wide-reaching conflict in decades, ignited by a daring ...

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Trump’s Fulbright Fallout: When Political Meddling Threatens Global Education—and the Pacific Must Pay Attention

By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | Opinion When the entire board of the U.S. Fulbright Program resigns in ...

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Government Fish Import Plan Faces Backlash in Parliament and Industry

A government proposal to temporarily boost Tonga’s local fish supply by importing catches from Chinese and Japanese fishing fleets has ...

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China-Tonga Relations: A Strategic Friendship Anchored in Mutual Respect and Development

By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | Opinion | 4 June 2025 In a region where geopolitical tides are ...

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Samoa to Hold General Elections After Budget Bill Rejected by Parliament

Apia, Samoa – May 29, 2025 Samoa is heading to the polls after the government’s proposed Appropriation Bill for the ...

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Australia Strengthens Support for Pacific Farmers in Climate Fight

By Tonga Independent News | Nuku‘alofa, 26 May 2025 Australia has announced a significant new investment of AUD 3 million ...

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Trading, Not Invading: The West’s China Hysteria is Costing the Pacific

The Myth of a Chinese Invasion In the quiet calm of our islands, far from the buzz of Canberra and ...

POLITICS

The King Speaks, But Who Listens?

Every year, the Kingdom of Tonga gathers to hear the King’s solemn voice open Parliament with dignity and moral clarity. ...

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Crown Prince Tupouto‘a Ulukalala to Attend China-Pacific Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Amid Shifting Global Alliances

NUKUʻALOFA, 22 May 2025 — His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s ...

POLITICS

Australia Reaffirms Commitment to Tonga with $50 Million Support Package

Nuku‘alofa May 21, 2025– Australia’s Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has announced a major new assistance package during her visit to Tonga, reaffirming ...

POLITICS

The War That Broke Israel: How Gaza is Tearing a Nation Apart and Threatening Netanyahu’s Fall

As soldiers refuse to serve and the public loses faith, Israel’s war against Hamas is no longer just about Gaza—it’s ...

POLITICS

Australian Foreign Affairs Delegation to Visit Tonga This Week

Nuku‘alofa – The Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite, is visiting the Pacific this week ...

POLITICS

Canada’s Quiet Revolution: How Trade Diversification Secured Its Economic Future

When U.S. President Donald Trump launched sweeping tariffs on Canadian aluminium and steel, slapping a 25% levy on one of ...

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Opinion: America’s Trade War Wasn’t a Win — It Was a Wake-Up Call That China Answered First

By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News The so-called victory lap coming out of Washington this week—where the United States ...

POLITICS

President Trump Targets Walmart Over Price Hikes, Tells Retail Giant to ‘Eat the Tariffs’

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on Walmart, accusing the retail giant of exploiting ongoing trade tensions ...

POLITICS

South Africa Pushes Back: Cuts Ties with U.S. Over Trump’s Provocation — While Trump Welcomes White South Africans as Refugees

By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News In an unprecedented diplomatic standoff, the South African government has suspended all American ...

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Australia’s Bitter Brew: How Kava Diplomacy Is Hurting Remote Indigenous Communities

By Eleni Aholeli When former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stood before Pacific leaders in 2019 and pledged closer ties ...

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New Zealand to Welcome Pacific Leaders for High-Level Regional Talks

By Melino MakaTonga Independent News New Zealand will host a series of important diplomatic engagements with Pacific leaders next week, ...

POLITICS

From the Throne to the People: Will the King’s Words Move the System?

In a nation grounded in faith, culture, and constitutional tradition, His Majesty’s recent address to the country offered not only ...

POLITICS

China Responds to Allegations of Interference in Solomon Islands’ Internal Affairs

By Melino Maka Tonga Independent News Nuku‘alofa, Kingdom of Tonga – In response to recent international media reports suggesting interference ...

POLITICS

Trump’s Executive Order Casts Shadow Over Pacific Fisheries Talks in Niue

Alofi, Niue — Delegates from 17 Pacific Island countries have converged this week at the Millennium Hall in Niue for ...

POLITICS

Pope Leo XIV Delivers Blistering Rebuke of Hate and Division in First Papal Press Conference — Without Saying Trump’s Name

In his first papal press conference, newly elected Pope Leo XIV sent a powerful, if indirect, message to the world ...

POLITICS

PTOA Party List Sparks Confusion and Division — While the Nobles Remain the Real Power Brokers

A controversial candidate list released on Facebook today by the PTOA Party Chair, Siale Napa‘a Fihaki, has thrown the already ...

POLITICS

Fiji’s Trade Delegation Visit Offers Tonga a Blueprint for Regional Growth

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga —In what can only be described as a timely and potentially transformative visit, Fiji’s high-level trade delegation—led by ...

POLITICS

Why the Fijian Delegation’s Visit Is a Wake-Up Call for Tonga

When Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica arrived in Tonga with a full force of Fiji’s business heavyweights, the ...

POLITICS

MPs to Face Salary Deduction Over Unnotified Absences, Rules Speaker

Nuku’alofa — Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, has invoked disciplinary measures against Members of Parliament who failed to notify the ...

POLITICS

A National Crisis in the Making: Ha’apai Clinic Lease Dispute Highlights Urgent Need for Land Reform

A crisis is quietly unfolding in Ha’apai that should alarm every citizen who believes in the right to accessible healthcare. ...

POLITICS

China’s Medical Diplomacy Makes History in Tonga: First Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery Performed at Vaiola Hospital

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — May 4, 2025In a landmark moment for Tonga’s health system, a Chinese medical team has successfully performed ...

POLITICS

Canada’s New Prime Minister Shows Tonga What Real Leadership Looks Like

A new political wind is blowing in Ottawa, and its message is as clear as it is bold: governments must ...

POLITICS

Labor Secures Historic Second Term in Australian Federal Election

Canberra, May 4 — Australia’s federal election concluded last night with a sweeping victory for the ruling Labor Party, marking one ...

POLITICS

Trump Chaos Leaves Australia and New Zealand Holding the Pacific Line Against China

As U.S. retreats, its Five Eyes partners scramble to defend influence in a region critical to global security. Deep in ...

POLITICS

$59.6 Million COVID Budget: Audit Dispute Sparks War of Words

A political showdown has erupted in Nuku’alofa over a $59.6 million COVID-19 budget allocation, as the current government, led by ...

POLITICS

Dodging the Real Question: DPM Fusimalohi Fumbles on Chinese Business Concerns in Tonga

By Melino MakaTonga Independent News Yesterday, 24 April 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Taniela Fusimalohi held a press conference that ...

POLITICS

Tonga’s Boardroom Crisis: Why Minister Piukala Is Targeting the Wrong Problem

Tonga’s Public Enterprises (PEs) encompass various state-owned businesses governed by Boards of Directors. These Boards are legally mandated to provide ...

POLITICS

Chickening Out: Trump’s Trade War Retreat and the Path to Restoring U.S. Global Economic Credibility

Donald Trump’s trade war with China was always more about bravado than strategy. It began with grandstanding and promises of ...

POLITICS

Ken Griffin’s Blistering Takedown: How Trump’s Tariff Tantrums Are Tearing Down America’s Global Brand

In a scathing rebuke that has reverberated through Wall Street and Washington alike, billionaire Ken Griffin — one of the ...

POLITICS

Revisiting Tonga’s China Loan Controversy: Time to Set the Record Straight

In recent weeks, Tonga has once again found itself caught in a whirlwind of political speculation over the long-standing Chinese ...

POLITICS

Pacific Leaders Meet in Fiji for High-Level Closed-Door Talks

By Tonga Independent News Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka hosted a closed-door bilateral meeting with Pacific Island leaders in Nadi, Fiji, ...

POLITICS

An Analysis of the Eke–Peters Joint Press Conference in Nuku’alofa

“Two Leaders, One Stage — But Only One in Command” When New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters ...

POLITICS

NZ Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters Visits Tonga: Strengthening a Deep and Enduring Pacific Partnership

NUKUʻALOFA – Thursday, April 10, 2025 New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hon. Winston Peters, arrives in Tonga ...

POLITICS

Trump’s $11 Trillion Tariff Tsunami Is Coming — And Tonga Is Not Ready

While Washington reels from economic whiplash and Republicans scramble to contain the damage, a far greater storm is heading across ...

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Financial Fallout and the Pacific Future: Lessons from America’s Political Theatre

By Melino Maka | OpinionTonga Independent News In a wild and messy conversation — like a storm of jokes, strange ...

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10-Year Plan to Fix Nuku’alofa Flooding Goes Nowhere: Time and Funds Running Out

By Tu’ifua Vailena Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The persistent flooding of low-lying areas in Nuku’alofa has once again come under scrutiny, with ...

POLITICS

Phil Goff Breaks Silence: Trump’s Betrayal of Ukraine Demands a Response

By Melino Maka | Tonga Independent News | April 2025Now that I have ended my term at MFAT, I am ...

POLITICS

Public Commentary: A Crisis of Integrity in the Office of the Auditor General

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Government Approves Funding for School Fees and Lulutai Amid Public Debate

The government has reversed an earlier decision by Education Minister Hon. Uhilamoelangi Fasi, who had scrapped the free primary school ...

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Lord Tu’ilakepa Lodges Formal Complaint Against Deputy PM Amid Parliamentary Tensions

In a significant parliamentary development, Lord Tu’ilakepa, the Nobles’ second representative for Vava’u in Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, has escalated tensions ...

POLITICS

Israeli prime minister vows to increase military offensive and enforce ‘voluntary migration’ plan backed by US President Donald Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to intensify the ongoing war in Gaza and move forward with a ...

POLITICS

Vanuatu govt proposes election ban on foreign-born citizens

In a bold yet controversial move aimed at preserving national identity, Vanuatu’s government has proposed banning naturalised citizens from contesting ...

POLITICS

Is Trump About to Attack Iran? The Geopolitical Dominoes Are Falling Fast

A storm is gathering in the Gulf. In recent weeks, an escalating tit-for-tat military confrontation between the U.S.-U.K. coalition and ...

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Commentary:Private Sector Speaks Out: CEOs of Public Enterprises Must Step Up or Step Aside

The recent panel discussion between the private sector and government stakeholders has brought a long-standing frustration to the fore—one that ...

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Tonga’s Last Private Shipping Firm Raises Alarm Over Government Policy and Donor-Funded Competition

Nukuʻalofa, 21 March 2025 — The Managing Director of Tofa Ramsey Shipping, Mrs. Tuna Likiliki, has spoken out against government policies ...

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Mrs Lita Havea Kami’s Opening Remarks at the Tonga Development Summit 2025: A Call for Government Action

The opening day of the Tonga Development Summit 2025 was marked by a powerful and thought-provoking speech by Mrs Lita ...

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Australia and New Zealand Blocked Certification of Tongan Aircraft: Prime Minister Eke

Prime Minister Eke has accused Australia and New Zealand of politically interfering in the certification process of Tongan domestic aircraft, ...

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Commentary: Examining Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemy Act: Legal Ambiguities, Immigration Battles, and the Erosion of Checks and Balances

The Trump administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemy Act of 1798—a relic of the Adams era designed to authorize the ...

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Etuate Lavulavu: A Political Survivor Returns to the Ballot

For over a decade, Etuate Lavulavu has been a polarizing figure in Tongan politics, facing legal battles, political opposition, and ...

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The Misleading Message of Government-Funded Agencies: The WGEA’s Confusion Campaign

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The Pacific’s Great Power Dilemma: Why the Region Must Unite Against Western and Chinese Influence

The Pacific’s Great Power Dilemma: Why the Region Must Unite Against Western and Chinese Influence For decades, the Pacific has ...

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Prime Minister Refutes Conflict of Interest Allegations in Appointment of Acting CEO for Lulutai Airline

Nuku’alofa – 11 March 2025 Prime Minister Dr Aisake Eke has firmly denied allegations of conflict of interest regarding the ...

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China roils the Pacific waters courtesy Australia and New Zealand

By Cleo Paskal February 23, 2025 China’s role in the region is a constant pressure in one direction. New Zealand ...

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Kingdom of Tonga and Republic of San Marino Establish Diplomatic Relations

On Tuesday, the 25th of February, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of San Marino formally established diplomatic relations ...

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Minister for Public Enterprises Calls for a Royal Commission into Lulutai Airlines

In his address regarding Lulutai Airlines at Friday’s press conference, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Piveni Piukala, stated that ...

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Lulutai Airlines in Crisis: Government Faces Tough Choices Amid Financial Struggles

Tonga’s national airline, Lulutai Airlines, is facing a critical financial crisis, requiring a substantial bailout from the government to remain ...

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Tonga’s Democratic Evolution: Lessons from the Past, Vision for the Future

Tonga’s young democracy has been under intense scrutiny, with critics quick to point out the perceived failures of its leaders. ...

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Pacific Media at a Crossroads: Can Tonga’s Struggles Ignite a Regional Revolution?

Pacific media organizations stand at a tipping point. Faced with chronic underfunding, outdated technology, and diminishing editorial independence, their ability ...

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Weaponizing “Woke”: How NZ First’s Anti-ESG Bill Threatens Indigenous Rights and Climate Action

New Zealand First has ignited a political firestorm with a new Member’s Bill targeting what it calls “woke ideology” in ...

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Tonga’s New Government Revokes Lupepau’u Airport Privatisation Plan

The Tongan government has reversed a key decision made by the previous administration, revoking the planned privatisation of Lupepau’u Airport ...

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Pacific Island Leaders Assert Sovereignty Amid Growing China Partnerships

Mark Brown on China Deal: “No Need for New Zealand to Sit in the Room with Us” Cook Islands Prime ...

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Tonga’s Democracy: A Nuanced Perspective Beyond the Headlines

The recent article “Tonga’s democracy at mercy of the king” has sparked debate about the role of the monarchy in Tonga’s political ...

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Pacific Nations in Peril: Trump’s Mass Deportation Drive Targets Hundreds of Australians and Fijians, Sparking Fear and Uncertainty

Since President Trump’s inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched an aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants, arresting over ...

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Tonga Finally Moves with the Times: Government Services to Stay Open During Lunch Hours

For years, Tonga has operated on an outdated model where government offices shut down for lunch, leaving citizens waiting in ...

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Opinion: Tonga Must Wake Up—Trump’s Second Term is a Storm We Can’t Ignore

A Distant Thunder: The Storm We Aren’t Ready For On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for his ...

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Tonga’s Strategic Crossroads: Navigating a New Era Under Trump’s Shadow

Dr. Hook’s 1978 refrain that “Storms never last” offers little solace as Tonga faces the tempest of a resurgent Trump administration. While ...

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Prime Minister Takes Charge as Pacific Islands Forum Chair

The Prime Minister of Tonga and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, wasted no ...

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A Tidal Wave of Deportees: Tonga’s Looming Crisis in the Age of Trump

Opinion: Tonga Must Act Now to Mitigate Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Tonga, a nation of just over 100,000 people, faces an ...

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Opinion Piece: Cook the Books

Cook the books is a pejorative term for when governments manipulate accounting records by not releasing monthly budget reports and ...

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Decline of Tonga’s Educational Standards

According to Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi, education in Tonga was once celebrated as the highest in the Pacific, with exceptional teaching ...

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Opinion:A Critical Look at the New Government: Change or Business as Usual?

A Critical Look at the New Government: Change or Business as Usual? The change of government always comes with high ...

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Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi Sheds Light on Governance Failures in Tonga

In a revealing interview on an American podcast, Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 2 and Chair of ...

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Tonga’s Political Turmoil is it Governance Failures or Constitutional Flaws?

The recent resignation of Tonga’s Prime Minister has reignited debate over the kingdom’s governance. While critics often blame constitutional deficiencies ...

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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, ...

POLITICS

“Preserving Sovereignty: Navigating the Risks of Foreign Policing in the Pacific”

Join .and Subscribe to our Premium service to Unlock this article . This article is for premium subscribers only.Already a member? ...

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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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) ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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. ...