Nuku’alofa, Tonga — As candidates race against time ahead of the October 2026 by-elections for the Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 parliamentary seats, Tonga Chronicle is committed to bringing every candidate into the public spotlight so voters can make informed choices about who will best represent them in Parliament.
In this exclusive Tonga Chronicle segment, we proudly introduce the people of Niua 17 to Mrs. Tolofi Ohuafi, the first woman to serve as Governor of Niuafo‘ou, who is now seeking the Niua 17 seat in the Legislative Assembly.
Her experience in public leadership and service places her among the candidates seeking the trust and support of Niua 17 voters at this important time.
Mrs. TOLOFI ‘OHUAFI for NIUA 17
“With God’s guidance, dreams can come true!”
My name is Tolofi ‘Ohuafi, born on 27 July 1987 in Niuafo’ou, my beloved motherland. At 39 years of
age, I proudly serve as the Government Representative of Niuafo’ou District, making history as the
first female appointed to this role. This achievement is the realization of a dream I carried since my
school days — a dream that has now come true. I grew up in a very poor family, and from those early
days I made a promise to myself that I would be the one to raise our standard of living and treat everyone
with equality. I have always believed in sharing everything I have with the elderly, helping those in need,
and never seeking personal gain.
After completing my studies in Niuafo’ou, I travelled to Tongatapu to continue my education, achieving
success at every step — from being Dux and Female Head Prefect of Niuafo’ou District High School
in 2002, to earning a Degree in Education from the Tonga Institute of Education. I taught for many
years, including in church schools, before serving in the Ministry of Police as Training Administrator
at the Tonga Police College. With perseverance and dedication, I applied to become Government
Representative of Niuafo’ou, and was approved by Cabinet as the successful candidate. These milestones
shaped my path of leadership and service.
Today, as a wife to Mr. Sangato Peta ‘Ohuafi and mother of three, I balance family life with public duty
I remain deeply committed to the people of Niuafo’ou. The motto of my work is to have a heart full of
love, to believe in what I am doing, and to hope for a better and different Niuafo’ou. I strive to avoid
selfishness and racism, dedicating my efforts not only for myself and my family, but for the betterment of
Niuafo’ou Island as a whole.
As the first woman to hold this position, I stand as proof that perseverance and dedication can turn
aspirations into reality. My leadership is guided by courage, service, and a commitment to ensure
Niuafo’ou’s voice is heard nationally and internationally.
Through every step, I believe God has led me to these blessings, guiding my path with strength and
purpose. Without God, we have nothing and we can do nothing. It is through faith, perseverance, and
dedication that I have achieved this position, and it is with the same spirit that I look to the future.
To the people of Niuafo’ou and especially our youth, I encourage you to hold firmly to your faith, pursue
education with determination, and never lose sight of your dreams.
My vision is to build a resilient, connected, and thriving Niuafo’ou — empowering education,
strengthening infrastructure, preserving culture, and inspiring future generations to believe that with
God’s guidance, their own dreams can also come true.
My story is one of perseverance and pioneering achievement — a schoolgirl’s dream that has now come
true, inspiring future generations to believe in their own path of leadership and service.
Tonga Chronicle will continue to provide voters with opportunities to learn about the candidates, their backgrounds, leadership experience, priorities and vision for the future of their constituencies.
We once again encourage Tonga’s young people to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard. You are not only the voters of today — you are the future leaders of Tonga.
Come forward, ask questions, examine the candidates and choose leaders who will stand for transparency, accountability, integrity and meaningful representation.
Your vote is your voice. Your choice will help shape Tonga’s future.
