Tonga News (2024)

18/06/2024

A psychiatric nurse, Samiuela Mafi, died from injuries sustained during an assault at the Hu’atolitoli Prison psychiatric unit on 8 June.

The incident highlights severe understaffing and safety concerns at the unit.

Health Minister Hon. Siale ‘Akau‘ola promised an exhaustive review of mental health care work.

The prison administration has voiced concerns over lacking manpower to support the psychiatric unit adequately.

MPs plan to attend the nurse’s funeral to pay respects.

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’atolitoliPrison

18/06/2024

Tonga Geological Services issued a volcanic hazard alert for Home Reef Volcano.

Mariners are advised to stay at least 4km away.

Seven volcanic thermal anomalies were recorded in the last 24 hours.

The volcanic activity poses low risk to Vava’u and Ha’apai communities.

Monitoring of the eruption is ongoing.

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18/06/2024

A new community hall was handed over to the village of ‘Atata Si’i on 17 June 2024 by Mr. Takeju Ogata, President of the Nippon Foundation from Tokyo, Japan.

The hall, equipped with 240 tables and chairs, is one of three funded by the Nippon Foundation. The Prime Minister and Mr. Ogata participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially presenting the hall to the community.

The PM stated that these halls would host night classes, festivals, and church functions, providing a much-needed space since the community had been relying on tents after the HTHH tsunami in 2022.

The Nippon Foundation’s total funding for this project is $1.3 million pa’anga, which also includes halls for Kanokupolu at Matatoa and Mango at Ta’anga, ‘Eua.

Additionally, the Foundation had provided 30 boat motors in February as part of the project.

Attendees included the Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Mr. Inagaku Hisao, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Seventini Toumo’ua, among other officials.

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18/06/2024

A 31-year-old male from Sopu was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident on Salote Road, Kolomotu’a, early Sunday morning, 16 June. Tonga Police reported that the suspect, driving recklessly at high speed, has not yet been identified.

The victim sustained severe injuries, including serious head wounds.

Tonga Police are investigating the incident and urge the public to provide any information that could help identify the driver and vehicle involved. They also reminded drivers to adhere to speed limits, drive sober, and follow traffic regulations.

Drivers involved in accidents are required to stop at the scene and offer assistance as per Section 47 of the Traffic Act.

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12/06/2024

Two road fatalities occurred in separate accidents on Tongatapu last week, marking the first road deaths reported in Tonga for 2024. A passenger died in Malapo, and a driver died in Tatakamotonga.

Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vailea reported the first incident on Saturday, 8 June. A 28-year-old male from Lavengatonga crashed into a coconut tree while overtaking two vehicles, causing the car to flip and injuring three passengers. One passenger later died from serious injuries at Vaiola Hospital. The driver is charged with reckless driving causing death.

The second incident was reported on Sunday, 9 June. A 28-year-old male from Tatakamotonga crashed his van into an electric power pole after trying to overtake a bus on Tuesday, 4 June. He passed away at Vaiola Hospital on Sunday.

Both incidents are under investigation.

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12/06/2024

The Talas were narrowly defeated by Namibia (51-54) in the second round of the Pacific Netball Series 2024 on Tuesday night in Brisbane. Tonga Netball congratulated Namibia in a Facebook post, acknowledging the close match and expressing their determination to regroup for their upcoming game against Samoa later in the day.

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12/06/2024

The Tala netball team won their first match in the Pacific Netball Series 2024, defeating Australia’s First Nation team, the ‘Black Swans,’ with a score of 62-50 on 10 June. The three-time champions ended round one on a high note in Brisbane, Australia.

Round one also saw Singapore defeated by the Fiji Pearls (52-67), while Namibia was narrowly beaten by Samoa (55-47). The Tala will face Namibia today, 11 June, in round two of the series.

**Team List:**

- Luana ‘Aukafolau (Captain)
- Lose Fainga’anuku (Vice Captain)
- Uneeq Palavi
- Marie Hansen
- Peti Talanoa
- Liesl Hopoate
- ‘Ana Kailahi
- Lucia Fauonuku
- Lata Holi
- Silia Setefano
- Tali Uia
- Beyonce Palavi
- Emma Mateo
- Halaevalu Toutaiolepo
- Alice Cocker

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12/06/2024

A five-day workshop for Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members was held from 3-7 June, aimed at enhancing fisheries officials’ negotiation skills. The workshop featured experts like Professor David Freestone, Professor Martin Tsamenyi, and Professor Stuart Kaye, among others.

The workshop provided advanced training in international fisheries negotiations, covering various topics such as the roles of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), the FAO’s involvement in the BBNJ Treaty negotiations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and strategies for virtual negotiations.

FFA Director General Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen emphasized the importance of solidarity in successful negotiations. Participants also gained insights into chairing and facilitating international meetings, the impacts of sea level rise on maritime entitlements, and challenges in WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations.

The workshop honored the late Professor William Ross Edeson, a pioneer in international fisheries law, whose contributions continue to guide current practices.

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12/06/2024

Under the project “Empowering young girls for economic resilience,” a newly renovated sewing hub was launched at St Joseph’s Community College in Ha’apai on 10 June 2024. His Eminence Soane Patita Paini Cardinal Mafi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tonga and Niue, blessed the new facility.

The sewing hub was renovated as part of the Tonga Young Women’s Economic Resilience (TYWER) Program in partnership with CARE Australia and funded by the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and the Shifting the Power Coalition. This program aims to equip Home Economics students with essential skills for economic resilience.

After the launch, parents and Ex-Students of 1989 provided a feast and entertainment. The TYWER Program also operates in Vaini, Navutoka, and Patangata in Tongatapu, teaching young girls skills in savings, loans, and setting up saving clubs to enhance income-generating activities.

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12/06/2024

University of Canterbury master’s student Tamara Stratton is working to improve drinking water quality in Tonga through her research on bio-sand filters using local coral sand. Inspired by her experience installing water filtration systems in Tongan schools in 2022, Stratton is developing sustainable, community-based solutions for safe drinking water.

Her project, supervised by Associate Professor Ricardo Bello-Mendoza, involves testing the effectiveness of bio-sand filters and collaborating with Tongan communities to build and install prototypes. Stratton aims to create a resilient solution that ensures safe drinking water even in challenging environments. The initiative is especially crucial given recent volcanic activity in Tonga, which has raised concerns about ash contamination in rainwater.

Stratton’s work highlights the importance of considering both technical and community aspects in engineering projects. Her efforts reflect a commitment to making a positive social impact and improving lives through practical, sustainable solutions.

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12/06/2024

Australian-born Tongan-Wiradjuri hip-hop and RNB musician, Fiula Havili (16), has become a finalist in the Global RE@CH Media Festival Competition, which features 166 finalists across 12 categories. Fiula credits his passion for music to his Tongan and Aboriginal-Australian heritage, with his love for singing coming from his Tongan side and his dancing skills influenced by his Aboriginal culture.

Fiula, who has been playing guitar since he was five, hopes to inspire Pacific Islanders and Aboriginal Australians to pursue their dreams. He has released three songs: ‘Stuck in a Lie,’ ‘Arcade,’ and his latest single ‘Green Light Red Light.’ Fiula’s father is from Ma’ufanga Tongatapu, and his mother is a Wiradjuri woman from Condobolin, Australia.

He encourages support and votes for his music video on the festival website: [RE@CH Media Festival](https://www.clubhousereach.org/2024/entry/1927). Prizes include iPads, cameras, laptops, and other electronics.

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27/05/2024

Tongan civil defence authorities issued a major evacuation order for low-lying areas in Tongatapu and Ha’apai this morning following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake at 9:47 am on 27 May 2024. The earthquake, which caused strong shaking, was centered 196 km north-northeast of Nuku’alofa and 32 km northwest of Ha’apai. A tsunami alert was issued at 9:55 am but was later cancelled at 11:00 am after the threat passed. There have been no reports of damage or injuries.

Deputy Director of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Moana Kioa, confirmed no damage in Ha’apai or other areas. The NEOC was activated, and schools were evacuated, with students moving to high ground or designated safe buildings. The tsunami alert was cancelled after readings showed the main tsunami wave had passed, but the public was advised to remain vigilant for unusual waves and currents.

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18/10/2023

Six volcanic eruptions occurred at Home Reef volcano in the last 24 hours, and ash clouds were detected.
The NZ air force and satellites reported ash at heights ranging from 1,000 ft to 10,000 ft.
Authorities have issued a code yellow alert for the Aviation Community, urging caution when flying near the area.
The volcanic activity is considered low risk to nearby communities and mariners are advised to stay 4km away from Home Reef.

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'u 'apai 'unga'oneIsland

18/10/2023

The Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality and the UK's Special Envoy for Gender Equality visited Tonga.
The visit focused on advancing gender equality and human rights for women and girls.
Both countries pledged to work with Tongan organizations, launching key partnerships and funding programs, particularly to combat gender-based violence.

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18/10/2023

The Peau Kula Art Fundraiser donated $52,306 pa'anga to Her Majesty's Charity for disaster relief in Tonga.
Local and New Zealand artists presented the cheque to HM Queen Nanasipau'u.
The fundraiser was organized in response to the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai eruption on 15 January 2022.
The charity supports affected families and continues to distribute relief supplies.

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17/10/2023

Tongan composer and singer Tu'imala Kaho, also known as 'the Nightingale of Tonga,' has passed away at 84.
She was renowned for her contributions to Tongan traditional dance and music, composing her first song at the age of 18.
Tu'imala was honored during the coronation of King George Tupou V and was loved for her voice and contributions to Tongan culture.
Her funeral service will take place on October 19.

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17/10/2023

Tonga Geological Services reported another volcanic eruption from Home Reef, making it the sixth eruption.
The area is located southwest of Late Island in the Vava'u Group.
The last eruption was mostly steam, with no ash, and risks remain low with a green Alert Color Code.
Mariners are advised to stay at least 4km away from Home Reef for safety.

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13/10/2023

Tonga’s Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed nine public holidays for the year 2024.
The list includes four international holidays and five Tongan national holidays.
Emancipation Day and King Tupou I Day will be observed a day and two days early, respectively.
The Public Service will also have a two-week Christmas vacation, followed by the usual Week of Prayer for the New Year.

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#2024

13/10/2023

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed 198 Fijian pilgrims safely back from Jerusalem amid Israel-Hamas conflict.
The group landed at Nadi International Airport on a Fiji Airways flight.
The flight also brought home travelers from other countries including Australia and New Zealand.
Fiji Airways had recently initiated flights to Tel Aviv as part of growing relations with Israel.

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13/10/2023

‘Uhila Tu’i, already in prison for firearm offenses, received an additional four and a half years for drug charges.
Justice Cooper sentenced him on October 10 for possessing methamphetamine and cannabis found in his van.
Tu’i pleaded guilty and was also found with drug paraphernalia.
The judge noted Tu’i was drug dealing and no portion of his sentence would be suspended.

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13/10/2023

About 50 Tongan pilgrims stranded in Israel amid Hamas attacks are reported safe.
Tonga’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the Tonga High Commission in London to ensure their safety.
Major Kiu Kaho from the Tonga High Commission arrived in Tel Aviv to facilitate the group’s safe return.
Five Tongan nationals have already departed Tel Aviv this morning.

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08/10/2023

Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi rugby team clinched their first win in the Rugby World Cup 2023 with a 45-24 victory over Romania.
The match took place in Lille, France, and was the last game for Tonga in Pool B.
George Moala, a former All Black, was named “Player of the Match” in his tournament debut for Tonga.
Tonga exits the World Cup with Ireland and South Africa advancing from their pool.

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04/10/2023

Drought has been declared in Tongatapu and ‘Eua by Tonga Meteorology, with more areas on alert.
A rain deficit is expected in the coming months due to the El Nino period.
The public is urged to use water efficiently.
Tonga Meteorology will provide monthly updates on the drought conditions.

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04/10/2023

The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, met with France’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, in Paris.
They discussed Tonga-France Defence Cooperation and the upcoming South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting.
Both countries reaffirmed commitments to areas like climate change, disaster response, and illegal fishing.

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04/10/2023

John Fa’ukafa, a Tongan nurse, was named New Zealand’s Young Nurse of the Year at the NZ Nurses Organisation’s Annual Meeting.
He works in Auckland, focusing on sexual health and care for marginalized communities.
Fa’ukafa also advocates for representation in the healthcare sector and volunteers in various health crises, including COVID-19 and monkeypox.

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04/10/2023

Tongan-Australian singers Vika and Linda Bull received the Artistic Excellence Award at the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards in Brisbane.
A total of 23 artists were honored at the event.
The duo, known for their decades-long career and collaborations with other artists, expressed their pride and gratitude for the recognition.

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04/10/2023

“Miss Tonga” Elika Bunter won the Woman of the World 2023 title at the Pageant of the World competition in Sydney, Australia.
Elika, who is the second Tongan to win an international pageant, represented Tonga among 12 international contestants.
The competition values inner strength, conviction, intelligence, confidence, wisdom, and talent.

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