Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu – Women officers from across Tongatapu and the outer islands have come together with a powerful message of leadership, resilience and change as the Tonga Police Women’s Advisory Network (TPWAN) officially opened its 2026 Annual Conference at Tonga Police Headquarters on Monday, 7 September.
Held under the theme “Organisational Leadership and Future Proofing the Tonga Police Women’s Advisory Network,” the conference marks more than a celebration of progress—it represents a growing movement to strengthen women’s voices, develop future leaders and create lasting opportunities within Tonga Police.
With women now making up almost 40 per cent of the Tonga Police workforce, the conference comes at a significant moment for the organisation and highlights the increasing role women are playing in shaping the future of policing in the Kingdom.
The opening brought together Tonga Police Commissioner Geoff Turner, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale, Deputy Commissioner Sokopeti K. Faletau, members of the Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership, the Tonga New Zealand Policing Programme (TNZPP) and women officers from across Tonga.
“YOUR VOICE MATTERS”
Commissioner Turner paid tribute to the generations of women whose courage, resilience and dedication helped break barriers and pave the way for those serving today.
“Today, we gather not only to acknowledge the role of women in policing, but to celebrate a legacy of courage, resilience and service that continues to shape the future of Tonga Police,” Commissioner Turner said.
He delivered a clear message to the women officers gathered at the conference:
“Your presence matters. Your leadership matters. Your voice matters. You are not simply part of the police service—you are helping define its future.”
Commissioner Turner also acknowledged the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Sokopeti Faletau and TPWAN’s ongoing work to champion women within Tonga Police and contribute to the advancement of women in policing across the Pacific.
CHALLENGING BARRIERS, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale drew on her own experience in policing, speaking about resilience, challenging barriers and ensuring that future generations have greater opportunities.
“Resilience does not mean pretending barriers do not exist,” she said. “It means finding the courage to challenge them, recognising potential, opening doors and creating a path for those who follow.”
She said true leadership was not simply about holding a position of authority, but about using influence to make the journey easier for others.
Deputy Commissioner Gale described TPWAN as a catalyst for positive change, helping empower women, strengthen inclusion and create opportunities for officers to learn from and support one another.
The AFP has also demonstrated its continued commitment to advancing women in policing by co-funding the expenses of the three-day conference programme.
Over the coming days, participants will take part in discussions and activities focusing on leadership, change management, mentoring and coaching, while strengthening connections between officers across different ranks, roles and generations.
PLANTING A LEGACY FOR TOMORROW
The opening day concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Tonga Police Headquarters.
The trees were planted by Commissioner Geoff Turner, Deputy Commissioner Sokopeti K. Faletau, AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale and TNZPP Team Leader Andrew Hosking.
The ceremony represented growth, partnership and a shared commitment to building a stronger future for Tonga Police.
Just as a tree depends on strong roots, care and continued nurturing to grow, the message behind the ceremony was clear: strong leadership and lasting organisational change require investment, commitment and support.
The planting reflected the conference theme of future-proofing TPWAN and creating a lasting legacy for generations of women who will follow.
For the women gathered at Tonga Police Headquarters this week, the 2026 TPWAN Annual Conference is not simply about recognising how far they have come.
It is about where they are going next.
It is about breaking barriers, building leaders and ensuring that the women of Tonga Police continue to have a powerful voice in shaping the future of policing in the Kingdom.
