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

Melino Maka
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Auditor General Sefita Tangi vs Lavulavus

In a democratic society, public institutions are only as strong as the public’s trust in their fairness, transparency, and integrity. The case of the 2016 audit report on the Unuaki o Tonga Royal Institute (UTRI), conducted by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), raises fundamental questions about the credibility of that office, its adherence to due process, and whether it remains fit for purpose in upholding accountability in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Etuate Lavulavu, the Director of UTRI, wrote a formal letter of complaint to Auditor General Sefita Tangi after the release of the audit report. In that letter, Lavulavu raised a series of detailed, serious concerns about procedural misconduct, misapplication of the law, lack of proper communication, and potential political interference. To this day, the Auditor General has failed to respond.

Breaking the Silence

For decades in Tonga, the Office of the Auditor General has been treated with unquestioned respect. Its reports were taken as gospel, rarely challenged, and never investigated. The Auditor General’s findings were seen as final, regardless of whether they were complete, fair, or accurate. This tradition has created a dangerous culture of immunity and unaccountability, where institutional silence is mistaken for strength.

Lavulavu’s letter broke that tradition. In his bold and pointed correspondence, he alleged that the audit process was flawed from the outset. The most troubling claim? That the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) — the government body that had the legal agreement with UTRI for the disbursement of TVET funds — was completely unaware of the audit. No complaints were made by MOET. No official request for audit review was lodged. And yet, the Auditor General proceeded to conduct a full investigation, based largely on a Cabinet Decision (CD No. 637) that was never shared with UTRI and was never meant to serve as a basis for auditing the Institute.

How is it possible that an audit was initiated without informing or involving the agency responsible for the very funds under investigation? If MOET was not the complainant, who was? Where is the documentation trail? These are questions the Auditor General has failed to answer. And the silence is not just unprofessional—it is deeply damaging to public confidence.

Procedural Breakdown

Lavulavu outlined a number of key failings:

  • No prior notice was given to UTRI before records were seized.
  • No Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to govern the scope and conduct of the audit.
  • Records were removed without written permission and reportedly not returned.
  • Students were interviewed, and their testimonies allegedly used out of context, without verification.
  • The audit report did not reference the formal agreement between MOET and UTRI, which should have been the guiding framework.

Worse still, the Public Audit Act of Tonga requires the Auditor General to provide notice to an audited entity if information is missing or unclear. UTRI claims this never happened. Instead, a damning report was released without any opportunity for the institution to review or respond to the findings.

This is not just a breakdown of professional standards. It is a fundamental breach of procedural justice and a violation of natural law principles.

Misapplied Law and Political Overtones

There is growing concern that the Auditor General may have used the wrong legal framework to justify the audit. If the investigation was based on a Cabinet Decision that neither implicated UTRI directly nor was ever formally communicated to them, then the legal standing of the audit itself is questionable.

Lavulavu argues that any legitimate audit should have been conducted based on the MoU between UTRI and MOET, which detailed the roles, expectations, and financial management of the TVET grants. Bypassing this legal agreement and inventing an alternative foundation for the audit is, at best, sloppy; at worst, it is unlawful.

Given Lavulavu’s political history and visibility, it is not hard to see why he believes the audit was politically motivated. He alleges that the audit was orchestrated by individuals still active in politics today, aimed at discrediting him and the institution he leads.

This is an explosive accusation, but it cannot simply be brushed aside. Transparency requires that such claims be investigated openly, not ignored.

The High Cost of Silence

So why hasn’t the Auditor General responded?

Some insiders say it’s because the office believes its work speaks for itself. Others say it’s a strategy to avoid fueling further controversy. But neither reason is acceptable.

Silence in the face of credible allegations is not professionalism; it’s cowardice. It erodes public trust and raises even more questions about the integrity of the audit. And by failing to respond, the Auditor General has allowed the perception of bias and incompetence to harden into public belief.

The Auditor General’s unwillingness to front up and address the criticisms is deeply problematic. This is a public office that wields immense authority, yet appears unable to defend its actions when challenged. If the OAG is confident in its methods and conclusions, why not explain and clarify? The refusal to engage fuels suspicion and undermines the moral authority of the institution.

This case is not only about UTRI. It is about how we hold public institutions accountable in Tonga. It is about whether we are mature enough to confront uncomfortable truths and demand better from those in power.

Government Must Step In

Successive Tongan governments have been reluctant to intervene in such disputes, fearing accusations of political interference. But there is a difference between interference and responsible oversight.

It is the duty of the government to ensure that public watchdogs like the Auditor General operate within legal and ethical bounds. When there is evidence of serious misconduct or process failure, government must not stay silent. The same applies to the judiciary.

The fear of interfering with supposedly independent institutions has become a barrier to reform. But oversight is not interference—it is stewardship. Just as the government would act if a school, hospital, or ministry failed its duties, it must do the same when the Auditor General’s office falters.

We saw this same institutional paralysis during the Ashika tragedy, where layers of government failed to act until it was too late. That cannot happen again. The culture of “wait and see” must be replaced with a culture of accountability and timely intervention.

Judiciary and Legal Advisors Must Step Up

This matter also calls into question the role of the judiciary and legal representatives within the public service. If lawyers involved in the process had acted earlier to question the legality and process of the audit, the matter might have been resolved much sooner—saving time, money, and public embarrassment.

The judiciary must avoid the temptation to delay proceedings under the pretense of protecting institutional face. Justice delayed is justice denied—and if the courts allow flawed processes to proceed unchallenged, they become complicit in the erosion of public trust.

A Call for Institutional Courage

It is time for Tonga to grow up and face this situation with maturity and resolve. We need:

  1. An independent investigation into how the audit was initiated, conducted, and finalized.
  2. Clarification from the Auditor General on the legal basis of the report.
  3. Parliamentary oversight through the Public Accounts Committee.
  4. Public assurance that such procedural failings will not happen again.
  5. Legal reforms to require pre-audit consultations, signed MoUs, and clear complaint pathways before audits proceed.

This is not about politics. This is about protecting the integrity of our institutions and restoring public faith in governance. It is about ensuring that no institution is above scrutiny—not even the Auditor General.

Conclusion: Only the Truth Can Heal

By failing to respond, by hiding behind silence, and by allowing legal processes to drag on in the hope of “saving face,” we are not serving justice. We are hurting Tonga.

The Lavulavu-UTRI case has exposed uncomfortable truths about how our systems work — or don’t work. But that exposure is not the problem. The real danger lies in what we do next. Do we retreat into fear and silence, or do we confront this moment with courage?

The answer will define the future of transparency and governance in our Kingdom.

For Tonga, it is time to step forward, not shrink back. Because only truth can heal. And only justice can build a stronger nation.

By Melino Maka

Ko e Lea ‘a e Sekitoa Taautaha: Kuo Pau ke Ngāue pe Mavahe ‘a e Kau CEO ‘o e Ngaahi Kautaha Fakapule’anga

Melino Maka
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Ko e ‘osi Palemia mo e Sea lolotonga ‘o e Pangikē Talifaki Fakafonua ‘o Tonga, Nopele Sevele ‘o Vailahi.

Ko e talatalanoa fakapanolo toki ‘osi ‘i he vaha’a ‘o e sekitoa taautaha mo e kau ma’u mafai ‘o e pule’anga kuo ne ‘omi ha ongo taimi lōloa ki mu’a—’a ia kuo ne fakafetunga’i ‘a e ngaahi malava ke ‘inivesi, toloi ‘a e fakalakalaka, pea mo holoki ‘a e falala ki he ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga ‘o Tonga. ‘I he uho ‘o e palopalema ko e fehokotaki fakamamahi: ko e tokolahi ‘o e kau Pule Ngāue Lahi (CEOs) ‘o e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga ‘oku ‘ikai ke mahino kiate kinautolu ‘a ‘enau ngaahi fatongia fakalao, pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau ngāue mo e vave ‘oku fiema’u ke fakakakato ‘a e ngaahi fiema’u ‘a e sekitoa taautaha mo e kakai ‘oku nau tauhi fakamuimuitaha.

Na’e ‘ikai ha taha na’a ne fakamatala’i ‘a e me’a ni lelei ange ‘i he Palemia motu’a pea mo e Sea lolotonga ‘o e Pangikē Talifaki Fakafonua ‘o Tonga, Nopele Sevele ‘o Vailahi, ‘a ia ko ‘ene ngaahi lea na’e hangatonu ‘o hangē pe ko e fiema’u.

“Fu’u tokolahi ‘a e kau feime’atokoni ‘i he peito,” ko e lea ‘a Nopele Sevele, ‘o ne ‘uhinga ki he fu’u tokolahi ‘o e kau ngāue fakapule’anga mo e hala lōloa ‘o e fai tu’utu’uni ‘a ia ‘oku fa’a ‘osi ‘i ha kalake si’i kae ‘ikai ko e CEO ‘oku ne to’o ‘a e fatongia. “Ko e CEO ‘oku ‘ikai ke tokanga ki he me’a ‘oku fiema’u. ‘Oku ‘alu hifo ki he tokoni pule, mo ha tokoni pule kehe, pea toki a’u ki he kalake si’i.”

Ko e ‘ulungaanga ko ‘eni ‘o e tukuaki’i ‘oku ‘ikai ngata pe ‘i he ta’e’aonga—ka ‘oku fakatu’utamaki. Ko e kau ‘inivesitoa, ‘a e fakalotofonua mo muli, ‘oku nau fiema’u ke tukuatu ‘a e koloa ki Tonga. ‘Oku nau tukituki ‘i he matapā, ka ‘oku ‘ikai ha taha ‘oku tali mai. Tatau ai pe ko e toloi ‘i hono tukuatu ‘o e ngaahi lisi kelekele, ngaahi polokalama faka’ai’ai tukuhau ki he takimamata, pe fakangofua ‘o e ngaahi me’angāue fakapa’anga hangē ko e ADB local currency bond, ko e fakalongolongo mo e ta’efaitu’utu’uni mei he ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga ‘oku ne fakamole ‘a e ngaahi faingamālie mahu’inga ‘a Tonga.

Ngaahi Kautaha Fakapule’anga: Kau Tauhi Matapā pe Kau Maumau Matapā?

Na’e fa’u ‘a e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga ke nau ngāue mo e ‘aonga fakapisinisi lolotonga ‘enau ngāue ki he lelei fakafonua. Ka ‘i he fakamalaia, kuo hē ‘a e tokolahi mei honau hala. ‘O ‘ikai ngāue ko e kau faka’ai’ai ‘o e tupulekina faka’ekonomika, ka kuo nau hoko ko e ngaahi fakafe’atungia—’ikai ke ‘i ai ha ‘akauni, ‘ikai ke tali, pea lahi ange ‘a e fakahoko faka-politikale.

‘Oku lava ke tau sio pe ki he tu’unga fakata’ema’a ta’u ‘e hongofulu ‘o takatakai ‘i he ngaahi fokotu’u ‘inivesi ‘i ha hōtele fetu’u-nima ‘i Tuamotu. ‘I he ta’u ‘e hongofulu, kuo tatali ‘a e kau ‘inivesi ki ha polokalama mahino ki he ngaahi faka’ai’ai. Ta’u ‘e hongofulu ‘o e ngaahi ngāue kuo mole, pa’anga humai mei he takimamata, mo e fakalakalaka fakalotofonua—mole ‘ikai koe’uhi ko e ‘ikai ha pa’anga pe manako, ka koe’uhi ‘ikai ha taha ‘i he mafai ke ne fai ha tu’utu’uni.

“Na’a ku ‘eke ki ha taha ‘o ho’o kau ‘ofisa ma’olunga, Palemia, Minisitā ‘o e Pa’anga, ha uike ‘e ua kuo hili, ko e hā ‘a e lisi ‘o e ngaahi faka’ai’ai ‘oku tau ma’u ma’a e kau ‘inivesitoa? Na’e ‘i ai ha’atau taha, ka ‘oku ‘ikai ke toe ‘i ai ha taha he taimí ni,” ko e lea ‘a Nopele Sevele, ‘i he ‘ita.

Ko e hā ‘oku ne fakahaa’i ‘eni fekau’aki mo ‘etau mateuteu ke poupou’i ‘a e fakalakalaka faka’ekonomika?

Ko e Kavenga ‘o e Toloi

Ki he sekitoa taautaha, ko e ngaahi toloi ‘oku ‘ikai ko e fakahela pe—ka ‘oku nau tautea fakapa’anga. ‘Ikai tatau mo e ngāue fakapule’anga, ‘a ia ‘oku fakapapau’i ‘a e ngaahi vahenga pea fa’a lahi ange ‘a e ngaahi patiseti, ko e ngaahi pisinisi taautaha ‘oku nau mo’ui pe mate makatu’unga ‘i he ngaahi taimi fakapapau, fehu’aki ‘o e pa’anga, mo e tali vave. Hangē ko e fakamahino ‘a Nopele Sevele, “Ko kimautolu, ‘a e sekitoa taautaha, ‘oku ‘ikai ke mau mohe ‘i he taimi ‘e ni’ihi ‘i he po’uli ‘o fifili pe ‘e ma’u mei fee ‘a e konga pa’anga hoko ke totongi ‘aki ’emau ngaahi no. Ko kimoutolu [he pule’anga] ‘oku mou sai pe.”

Ko ha no kuo toloi ko ha poloseki kuo toloi. Ko ha tu’utu’uni kuo toloi ko ha pa’anga hu mai kuo fakafisi. ‘Oku ‘ikai ko e mahu’inga pe ‘eni ‘i ha pepa kau ki he ngaahi fakamole; ko e ngaahi mo’ui, ngaahi faingamālie ngāue, mo e kaha’u ma’a e kakai anga-maheni ‘o Tonga.

Ko e ‘Akauni ‘oku Kamata mei he Takimu’a

Kuo pau ke tau foki ki he ngaahi tefito’i mo’oni ‘o e ngāue fakapule’anga. Ko e Lao ‘o e Ngāue Fakapule’anga ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha tohi faka’ilonga—ko e lao ia. Kuo pau ke muimui ‘a e kau ngāue fakapule’anga, kau ai ‘a e kau CEO ‘o e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga, ki he ngaahi tefito’i mo’oni: ngāue, tali vave, faka’apa’apa ki he kakai, mo e tauhi ‘o e falala ‘a e kakai.

Na’e fakamanatu mai ‘e Nopele Sevele ‘a e taukei ngāue na’e ‘iloa ai ‘a e ngāue fakapule’anga ‘a Tonga ‘i he ngaahi ta’u 1970 mo e 1980—ko ha taimi ‘a ia na’e ngāue ‘a e kau ngāue fakapule’anga ko e kau tauhi ‘o e fakalakalaka, ‘ikai ko e kau tauhi matapā ‘o e toloi. ‘I he ‘aho ni, kuo pau ke toe fakafoki mai ‘a e ‘ulungaanga ko ia.

Pea ‘oku kamata ia mei he taki. Kuo pau ke mahino ki he kau CEO ‘o e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga ‘oku ‘ikai ko ‘enau ngāue ke toloi kae ke fakahoko. Kapau ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau malava ‘o poupou’i ‘a e fatongia ko ia, ‘oku totonu ke ‘oua te nau kei nofo ‘i he lakanga.

Ko ha Ui ki he Ngāue

‘Oku ‘ikai ko e sekitoa taautaha ‘a e fili. Ko e ivi faka’ai’ai ia ‘o e tupu faka’ekonomika. ‘Oku ma’u ‘e Tonga ‘a e lahi fe’unga ‘o e pa’anga—’o laka hake ‘i he $300 miliona ‘i he pa’anga hulu ‘o fakatatau ki he Nopele Sevele. Ko e me’a ‘oku tau masiva ai ko e fengāue’aki, vīsone, mo e vave ke fai tu’utu’uni ‘i he ngaahi tunga ma’olunga taha ‘o e ngāue fakapule’anga.

Ki he pule’anga mo e Palemia: ‘oku mau hounga’ia ho’omou ngāue ke fanongo mo tali vave ‘i he feitu’u ‘e lava. Ka ‘oku toe fiema’u mo ha me’a lahi ange. Kuo pau ke toe fokotu’utu’u fo’ou ‘a e fa’unga kotoa ke fakahoko ‘a e ngaahi ola, ‘ikai ko e lea.

Ki he kau CEO ‘o e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga: tu’u hake, pe tu’u ki he tafa’aki. Ko ho’o ngāue ‘oku ‘ikai ke fakatoloi ka ke ngāue.

‘Oku makatu’unga ‘a e kaha’u ‘o e tu’unga faka’ekonomika ‘o Tonga ‘i ai.

Title: “Private Sector Speaks Out: CEOs of Public Enterprises Must Step Up or Step Aside”

Melino Maka
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Former Prime Minister and current Chair of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Lord Sevele ‘o Vailahi

The recent panel discussion between the private sector and government stakeholders has brought a long-standing frustration to the fore—one that has crippled investment potential, delayed progress, and eroded confidence in Tonga’s public institutions. At the heart of the issue is a troubling disconnect: too many Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of public enterprises do not understand their legal obligations, nor do they act with the urgency required to meet the needs of the private sector and the people they ultimately serve.

No one articulated this reality more clearly than the former Prime Minister and current Chair of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Lord Sevele ‘o Vailahi, whose remarks were as blunt as they were necessary.

“Too many cooks in the kitchen,” Lord Sevele stated, referring to the bloated civil service and the long trail of decision-making that often ends with a junior clerk rather than the CEO taking responsibility. “The CEO is not attending to what is needed. It goes down to deputy, another deputy, and then the junior clerk.”

This culture of passing the buck is not just inefficient—it’s destructive. Investors, both local and overseas, are willing to commit capital to Tonga. They’re knocking on the door, but nobody is answering. Whether it’s delays in issuing land leases, tax incentive policies for tourism, or approval of financial instruments such as the ADB local currency bond, the silence and indecision from public enterprises are costing Tonga valuable opportunities.

Public Enterprises: Gatekeepers or Gate Crashers?

Public enterprises were created to operate with business efficiency while serving the national interest. Unfortunately, many have lost their way. Rather than acting as enablers of economic growth, they have become bottlenecks—unaccountable, unresponsive, and increasingly politicized.

One only has to look at the decade-long stalemate surrounding proposed investments in a five-star hotel at Tuamotu. For ten years, investors have waited for a clear policy on incentives. Ten years of missed employment, tourism revenue, and local development—lost not because of a lack of money or interest, but because no one in authority would make a decision.

“I asked one of your senior officials, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, a couple of weeks ago, what is the list of incentives that we have for investors? We did have one, but we don’t have one now,” Lord Sevele added, clearly exasperated.

What does this say about our readiness to support economic development?

The Burden of Delay

For the private sector, delays are not just frustrating—they are financially punishing. Unlike the public service, where salaries are guaranteed and budgets are often inflated, private businesses live or die based on timelines, cash flow, and responsiveness. As Lord Sevele noted, “We, the private sector, we don’t sleep at times at night wondering where we are going to get the next lot of funds to pay for our loans. You guys [in government] are OK.”

A loan delayed is a project delayed. A decision deferred is income denied. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they are livelihoods, job opportunities, and futures for ordinary Tongans.

Accountability Begins with Leadership

We must return to the foundational principles of public service. The Public Service Act is not a symbolic document—it is law. Civil servants, including CEOs of public enterprises, must adhere to its principles: service, responsiveness, respect for the public, and the upholding of public trust.

Lord Sevele reminded us of the professionalism that once defined Tonga’s civil service in the 1970s and 1980s—a time when public servants acted as stewards of development, not as gatekeepers of delay. Today, that culture must be restored.

And it starts with leadership. CEOs of public enterprises must understand that their job is not to delay but to deliver. If they cannot uphold that duty, they should not remain in the role.

A Call to Action

The private sector is not the enemy. It is the engine of economic growth. Tonga has more than enough liquidity—over $300 million in excess funds according to Lord Sevele. What we lack is coordination, vision, and decisiveness at the highest levels of public administration.

To the government and the Prime Minister: we appreciate your efforts to listen and respond quickly where possible. But more is needed. The entire system must be re-aligned to deliver results, not rhetoric.

To the CEOs of public enterprises: step up, or step aside. Your job is not to stall but to serve.

The future of Tonga’s economy depends on it.

Unlocking Tonga’s Financial Future: How ADB’s Local Currency Bond Initiative Can Boost Economic Resilience

Melino Maka
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Unlocking Tonga’s Financial Future: How ADB’s Local Currency Bond Initiative Can Boost Economic Resilience

This week, Tonga’s National Development Summit featured a compelling presentation by Deepika Darshani, a Treasury Specialist from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), on a financial instrument that could hold significant promise for Tonga’s future: Local Currency Bond Markets (LCBMs).

While perhaps not widely known outside financial circles, LCBMs are a cornerstone of economic resilience and growth across Asia and the Pacific. And as Tonga looks for ways to unlock sustainable sources of financing that don’t overburden the country with foreign currency debt, this initiative could not be more timely.

What Are Local Currency Bonds?

Local Currency Bonds are exactly what they sound like—bonds issued in a country’s own currency rather than in foreign currencies like the US dollar or Euro. This simple distinction has profound implications. Issuing and borrowing in local currency protects countries like Tonga from currency mismatches, where exchange rate volatility can sharply increase debt servicing costs. This is a lesson learned painfully during the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis, which exposed many nations’ overreliance on foreign currency debt.

ADB’s Role in Developing LCBMs

Since the early 2000s, ADB has been instrumental in developing LCBMs across Asia. Starting with India’s Maharaja bond and expanding to countries like China, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Georgia, ADB has led the way in introducing local currency bonds and encouraging regulatory frameworks to support them. Their innovative use of “themed bonds”—such as green, gender, and health bonds—has further expanded the social impact of these investments.

Notably, ADB does not just participate in existing financial markets. It creates them. Whether it’s issuing the first AAA-rated bonds in emerging economies or piloting gender bonds in new territories, ADB has acted as a market pioneer and catalyst.

Why It Matters for Tonga

Tonga, like many small island developing states (SIDS), faces a triple vulnerability: climate change, geographic isolation, and economic dependency on foreign aid or remittances. Add to that the volatility of borrowing in foreign currencies, and the financial picture becomes even more precarious.

LCBMs offer Tonga an opportunity to:

  • Reduce Currency Risk: By issuing and repaying debt in Pa‘anga, Tonga can avoid costly currency fluctuations.
  • Expand Domestic Investment: LCBMs open up investment opportunities for local institutions, pension funds, and even retail investors.
  • Attract International Impact Investors: Themed bonds—especially green or climate bonds—could attract foreign investors eager to fund renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
  • Develop the Financial Sector: Building a robust bond market would improve Tonga’s overall financial infrastructure and offer alternatives to traditional lending.

What Tonga Needs to Do

For Tonga to benefit from this powerful financial tool, several steps are needed:

  1. Regulatory Frameworks: Strengthening the legal and regulatory framework to support bond issuance and trading.
  2. Capacity Building: Training local financial institutions and government agencies to understand, manage, and promote LCBMs.
  3. Partnership with ADB: As demonstrated across Asia, ADB is willing to partner with governments to establish these markets, providing technical assistance, policy advice, and even initial bond issuances.
  4. Issuing Themed Bonds: Tonga has real opportunities to issue green bonds or gender bonds tied to climate adaptation, infrastructure development, and women’s empowerment.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Imagine a Tonga where renewable energy projects are financed through green bonds held by local investors. Imagine a robust domestic capital market that allows entrepreneurs to raise capital without relying on expensive overseas loans. Imagine an economy less exposed to foreign currency shocks, with a deeper financial cushion to respond to climate disasters.

This is not just economic theory—it’s the lived experience of countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, where ADB-supported LCBMs are transforming local development.

Conclusion

As Tonga charts its course toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future, it should seriously consider ADB’s invitation to join the growing network of countries leveraging Local Currency Bond Markets. The opportunity is there. The support is available. The future is waiting to be financed—locally.

By Melino Maka

FOKOTU’U ‘O HA PULE’ANGA SITEITI MAKEHE MA’AE VAVA’U TATAKI ‘E HE ‘ENE ‘AFIO KO E PILINISI HAU ‘ULUKALALA (TU’I VAVA’ U) ‘I he Pule Tafataha ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Tu’i Tupou VI

Melino Maka
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1. Talateu Ko e fokotu’utu’u ni ‘oku ne fakamatala’i ha hala fo’ou mo langa’ake ki he kaha’u ‘o Vava’u ko e hala ‘oku fakava’e ia ‘i he hisitolia, tukufakaholo fakalangi, pea mo e talangofua ‘ikai toe fehu’ia ‘a e kakai ‘o Vavau ki he Fale Tu’i. Ko e fokotu’u ko eni ‘o ha Pule’anga Siteiti makehe ma’ae Vava’u, ‘e tataki ia ‘e ha’ane fa’unga pule’i fakangaue ‘i loto, ‘i he pule tafataha ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Tưi Tupou VI, ‘i he taki ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Pilinisi Hau ‘Ulukalala, ‘a ia ‘oku toe ‘iloa ko e Tui Vava’u, pea mo e tokoni ‘a e Kovana lolotonga ‘o Vavau, ko Fakatulolo. ‘Oku ‘ikai ko ha ngaue ke ‘atamaii ‘a Vava’u— ka ko e holi ke fakatupu’i ‘a e mo’ui fakafonua. Ko ha faingamalie ke fakalahi ‘a e ngaahi ngaue faka’ekonomika ‘a Vava’u, fakalakalaka’i ‘a e ngaahi koloa lalahi (infrastructure), pea mo fokotu’u ha ngaahi ngaue fakatupu koloa fakapotopoto ka i he taimi tatau ‘e kei fakataha’i ‘a Tonga pea mo hono Tui.

2. Fakatonuhia’i Fakahisitolia mo Fakafonua ‘Oku tư’u i ha tư’unga makehe ‘a Vava’u ki he fokotu’utu’u ko eni. Fakahisitolia mo fakalaumalie, ‘oku tu’u ‘a Vava’u ‘i he uho ‘o e ngaahi me’a mahu’inga ‘i he fakalangi mo e tui fakalotu ‘a Tonga: Ko Pouono ‘i Neiafu ko e feitu’u ia na’e fakatapui ai ‘a Tonga ki he ‘Otua ‘e he Tu’i Tupou I ‘i he 1839. Ko e taimi ko ia na’e kamata ai ‘a e ‘ilo fo’ou fakapolitikale mo fakalaumalie ‘a Tonga. Kuo fakahaa’i ma’u pe ‘e he Kakai ‘o Vava’u ‘a ‘enau talangofua ki he Fale Tu’i. Ko ‘enau laukau fakafonua mo faka’apa’ apa ki he fale tu’i ‘oku ‘ikai ma’u ia ‘i ha toe feitu’u ‘i he Pule’ anga.

• Ko ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Pilinisi Hau ‘Ulukalala, a ia ‘oku ‘iloa ko e Tu’i Vava’u, ko e fakataataa hangatonu ‘o e tukufakaholo ko ‘eni pea ‘oku lau ia ko e taki fakanatula, mo faka’apa’apa’i ‘e he kakai ‘o Vava’u.

• Ko e Kovana lolotonga ‘o Vava’u, ko Fakatulolo, kuo ne taukave’i ma’u pe ‘a e ngaahi fiema’u ‘a e kakai pea ‘oku tu’u lelei ia ke ne tokoni’i ‘a hono fakahoko ‘o e fa’unga pule’i fo’ou ko ‘eni.

3. Fa’unga Pule’i ‘o e Siteiti ‘o Vava’u Ko e Pule anga Siteiti ‘oku fokotu’u ‘e ngaue ia ‘i he fa’unga Konisitutone “o Tonga, ‘i he fa’unga fakangaue ko ‘eni: Taki Tafataha:

• ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Tu’i Tupou VI (‘ikai ke liliu—e kei ‘i he malumalu ‘o e Temata’utaha ‘a Vava u). Taki ‘o e Pule’ anga Siteiti (Vava’u):

• ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Pilinisi Hau ‘Ulukalala (Tu’i Vava’u), ko e Kovana mo e Taki Fakalangi ‘o Vava u. Tokanga’i mo Fakahoko ‘o e Ngaahi Ngaue:

• Fakatulolo, ko e Kovana lolotonga ‘o Vava’u, ke kei hokohoko atu ‘ene ngaue ko e ma’u mafai fakahoko ngaue faka’aho pea mo e fehokotaki anga i he vaha’a ‘o e Pule’ anga Siteiti mo e Pule’ anga Fakafonua ‘i Nuku’ alofa. Fale Alea Siteiti ‘o Vava’u

• ‘O kau ki ai ‘a e Fakafofonga ‘e toko tolu ‘o e Kakai mei Vava’u 14, 15, mo e 16, ‘a ia ‘oku lolotonga fili ki he Fale Alea Fakafonua ‘i Nuku’ alofa.

• Ko e ‘Ofisa Vahefonua ‘e toko ono ‘o Vava’u, ‘o fakafofonga’i ‘a e vahefonua takitaha, ke nau kau ki he kosilio pule’i ‘o e Siteiti ke fakapapau’i ‘a e fakafofonga totongimai mei he ngaahi feitu’u kehekehe. Ko e fa’unga pule’i ko ‘eni ‘e pule’i ‘e ia ‘a e ngaahi palani fakalakalaka, ngaahi koloa lalahi (infrastructure), fakangofua ‘o e ngaahi ‘inivesimeni, pea mo fakahoko a e ngaahi sevesi fakafonua ‘i he tu’unga fakalotofonua.

4. Ko e Hã ‘Oku Fiema’u Ai ‘Eni ‘i he Taimi Ni Neongo ‘enau talangofua ikai toe fehu’ia pea mo honau mahu’inga fakalaumalie, kuo faka’au ke ongo’i ‘e he kakai ‘o Vava’u ‘oku li’ekina kinautolu pea ‘ikai fakafofonga’i lelei i he ngaahi feinga fakalakalaka fakafonua: • Ko e kovi o e ngaahi hala pea mo e maumau ‘o e ngaahi koloa lalahi (infrastructure) ‘oku nau kei fakafe ‘atungia’i ‘a e tupulaki faka’ ekonomika pea mo e mo’ui faka’aho.

• Ko e ngaahi faingamalie ‘inivesimeni mahu’inga kuo ta’ofi kinautolu tupu mei he ngaahi fika’i tapuha mo e ngaahi ta’elavame’ a fakafakataha’i.

• Kuo fakahaa’i ‘e he kau ‘inivesitoa ‘a ‘enau tokanga lahi ki Vava’uka ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau falala ki hono faka’aonga’i °o ha founga tuai mo ta’emahino ‘i Nuku’alofa.

• ‘Oku li’ekina “a e ngaahi le’o mo e ngaahi fiema’u fakalotofonua, ‘o fakavaivai’i ‘a e loto’aki pea mo fakaholomui ‘a e fakalakalaka.

Ko e fa’unga pule’i fo’ou ko ‘eni ‘e fakalelei’i hangatonu ‘e ia ‘a e ngaahi vaivai ko ‘eni, ‘o fakapapau’i ‘a e ngaue vave, tu’utu’uni mahino, pea mo e fakalahi ‘o e mafai fakafeitu’u.

5. Ngaahi Koloa Lalahi (Infrastructure) Mahu’inga ki Vava’u Ke tokoni’i ‘a e tupulaki a Vava’u pea mo ‘oatu ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘oku ala fua ki hono kakai pea mo e ekonomika fakakatoa ‘o Tonga, ko e ngaahi ngaue lalahi (infrastructure) tolu ko ‘eni kuo ‘asi ko e ngaahi me’a mahu’inga taha ke fakalakalaka’i leva:

1. Mala’ evakapuna Fakavaha apule anga Lupepau’u Fakalelei’i ‘a e halanga mala’evakapuna, fale talitali, pea mo e ngaahi fale tokoni kehe ke lava ‘o fakafaingamalie’i ‘a e folau vaka’atã fakavaha’apule’anga hangatonu pea mo e lele he ta’u kotoa, ‘o fakaava ‘a e malava ‘e Vava’u ke hoko ko ha uho ki he takimamata.

2. Fakaleleii o e Uafu Port of Refuge Fakalahi mo fakaonopooni ‘a e uafu ke tokoni’i ‘a e ngaahi vaka takimamata, uta koloa fakapisinisi, mo e ngaahi sevesi vaha’a-motu, ‘a ia ‘e fakatupu ‘a e tupulaki ‘i he fefakatau’aki, takimamata, mo e ngaahi sevesi fakamãmani. Langa ‘o ha Hala Fakahala’i mahu’inga Fehokotaki ‘a e ngaahi kolo, fakaleleii a e hu’anga fakafetukutuku ‘i he ngaahi motu, pea mo faingofua’i ‘a e fefononga’aki ki he takimamata, koloa, mo e ngaahi sevesi. Ko e ngaahi ‘inivesimeni ko eni ‘i he ngaahi koloa lalahi ‘oku ‘ikai ngata pe i he’enau mahu’inga ki he ‘ekonomika fakalotofonua ‘o Vava’u ka te nau toe ‘omai ‘a e ngaahi tupu faka’ekonomika ki he fonua kotoa ‘aki ‘a hono fakatupu ‘o e ngaahi ngaue fo’ou, fakalahi ‘a e pa’anga hu mai mei he takimamata, pea mo hono fakahalaaki ‘a e fehokotaki fakalukufua ‘a Tonga.

6. Pule’i ‘o e Takimamata mo e Fakalahi Faka’ekonomika Ko e taha ‘o e ngaahi tafa’aki mahu’inga taha ‘o e ‘ekonomika ‘o Vava’u ko ‘ene ngaue ki he sio tofua’a ko e me’a fakaofo fakaemãmani lahi kuo tokoni ke fakamahino’i ‘a Tonga ‘i he mape takimamata fakamamani lahi. Ma’ae kakai ‘o Vava’u, ko hono pule’i fakalotofonua ‘o e koloa fakanatula mahu’inga ko ‘eni ‘oku mahu’inga ia ke hao mo malu hono mahu’inga pea mo fakapapau’i ‘oku ‘aonga ki he komiuniti. ‘I he Pule’ anga Siteiti ‘oku fokotu’u, e tuku ‘e Vava’u ha laiseni tofua’a pe ‘e taha ke pule’i mo malu’i a e ngaue ni ‘i ha founga tu’uloa. Ko e sipinga ko ‘eni ‘e faka’ehi’ehi ai mei he ngaahi fehalaaki kuo ‘asi i he ngaahi feitu’u hange ko Kaikoura, New Zealand, ‘a ia ko e lahi ‘o e ngaahi laiseni na’e ne holoki ‘a e lelei fakapa’ anga pea mo tuku ‘a e malohi ki he “atakai. ‘I hono pule’i ‘o e ngaahi laiseni ‘i he tu’unga siteiti:

• Ko e ngaahi pa’anga humai kotoa pe ‘e nofo ia ‘i Vava’u, ‘o toe ‘inivesi ia ‘i he komiuniti. ‘E toe lelei ange ‘a hono fakamamafa’i ‘a e malu’i ‘o e ‘atakai. ‘E kei ma’olunga ‘a e tu’unga ‘o e me’a ‘oku a’usia ‘e he kau folau’eve’eva, ‘o fakamalohia ‘a e hingoa ‘o Tonga ‘i tu’ apule anga. Ko e fakataataa mahino ‘eni ‘o e founga ‘e lava ai ‘a e pule’i fakalotofonua ‘o tataki ki he ola faka’ ekonomika lelei ange ki Vava’u pea mo e Pule anga kotoa.

7. Fakamatala Takimamata ke Poupou’i ‘aki ‘a e ‘Inivesimeni ‘Oku tu’u ‘a Vava’u ‘i he uho ‘o e sekitoa takimamata ‘a Tonga, pea ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e ngaahi fakaha’a malohi ‘oku nau fakahaa’i ‘a e ‘uhinga ‘e ‘aonga “a e ‘inivesimeni kuo fakatefito ‘i he ngaahi koloa lalahi ki he Pule ‘anga kotoa:

• Vahevahe ‘o e Kau ‘A’ahi: ‘Oku ma’u ‘e Vava’u ‘a e 32% ‘o e kau ‘a’ahi ki Tonga, ‘o hoko hake pe ki Tongatapu. Uho ki he Sio Tofua a: ‘Oku laka hake ‘i he 70% ‘o e kau ‘a’ahi ki Vava u ‘oku nau kau ki he sio tofua’a, ko e me’a fakaofo ‘oku makehe ‘i mamani pea mo e ‘uhinga mahu’inga ‘oku folau mai ai ‘a e kau folau’ eve eva ki Tonga.

• Takimamata Folauvaka: ‘Oku ma’u ‘e Vava’u ‘a e 41% ‘o e ngaahi folauvaka ‘oku a’u mai ki Tonga, ko honau tokolahi oku nau nofo fuoloa ange pea mo fakamole lahi ange ki he ‘a’ahi takitaha. Mahu’inga Faka’ekonomika ‘o e Takimamata:

• ‘I he kamata’ anga ‘o e 2023. na’e fakatupu ‘e he kau ‘a’ahi ‘e toko 12,626 ‘a e Pa’anga Tonga ‘e 36 miliona ‘i he fakamoleo avalisi ki he Pa’anga Tonga ‘e 1,831 ki he tokotaha ‘a’ahi takitaha.

• Na’e tanaki atu ‘e he takimamata folauvaka ‘a e ngaahi tupu mahu’inga faka’ekonomika, pea na’e fakamole ‘e he tokotaha folauvaka takitaha ‘a e pa’anga Tonga ‘e 79 ‘i he ‘avalisi lolotonga ‘a e ta’ufì.

• ‘Oku fakafuofua ‘e tupu ‘a e a’u mai ‘a e kau takimamata ki Tonga ki he 112,000 ‘i he 2028, pea ‘e kei hoko ‘a Vava’u ko e feitu’u takimamata ma’olunga taha ‘o kapau ‘e fakaonopooni i ‘a e ngaahi koloa lalahi.

8. Ngaahi Lelei ki he Pule’ anga ‘o Tonga Ko e fokotu’utu’u ko ‘eni oku ne fakamalohia, kae ikai vahevahe, ‘a e fonua:

• ‘Oku ne toe fakapa’anga ‘a e konisitutone faka temata’utaha, ‘o tuku ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio Ko e Tu’i Tupou VI ko e ‘Eiki Tafataha, ka ‘i he taimi tatau ‘oku ne fakamafai’i ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ko e Pilinisi Hau pea mo Fakatulolo ke na tokoni’i fakahangatonu ange ‘a Vava u. ‘Oku ne fakatupu ha sipinga takafi ‘o e pule’i fakafelãve’i ‘a ia ‘e ala ue’i ha ngaahi fa’unga pehē ‘i Ha’apai. ‘Eua, mo e ngaahi motu mama’o.

• ‘Oku ne fakaava ‘a e ngaahi faingamalie “inivesimeni ‘i he takimamata, ngaahi koloa lalahi, ngoue, mo e ngaahi sevesi kehe—’o ‘omai ‘a e ngaahi ngaue mo e ngaahi lelei faka’ekonomika ki he Pule’anga.

• ‘Oku ne malu’i mo hiki hake ‘a e ‘ulungaanga fakafonua mo e ‘ulungaanga fakalaumalie ‘o Vava’u, tautautefito ki hono fatongia fakahisitolia ko e uho ‘o e tukupã fakalangi mo fakalotu faka-Kalisitiane.

9. Faka’osi mo e Kole ki he Ngaue ‘Oku mau fa’u ‘akinautolu ‘i he faka’apa’apa ‘a e fokotu’utu’u ko ‘eni ki he Pule anga a ‘Ene ‘Afio pea mo e Fakataha Tokoni ki hono poupou’i mo fakahoko. Tuku ‘a e visone ko ‘eni ‘o ha Pule’anga Siteiti ma’ae Vava’u ke hoko ko ha tukufakaholo ‘o e talangofua mo e fakalakalaka. Tuku ke tau faka’apa’apa’i ‘a e feitu’u toputapu ko Pouono, ‘a e visone ‘a e Tu’i Tupou I, pea mo e taki ‘a e Pilinisi Hau ‘Ulukãlala (Tưi Vava’ul). Fakataha mo Fakatulolo ko e nima falala anga ‘o e pule’i fakalotofonua, pea mo e tokoni kakato ‘a ’emau kau ‘Ofisa Vahefonua mo e kau Fakafofonga kuo fili, kuo mateuteu ‘a Vava’u. Mateuteu ke tu’u hake. Mateuteu ke taki. Mateuteu ke tu’umalie. Fakahu ‘e: Ko e Kakai mo e Kau ‘Ofisa Vahefonua ‘o Vava’u Kau Fakafofonga ‘o e Vahenga fili 14, 15, mo e 16 Kau Taki Komiuniti, Kau Taki Siasi, mo e Kau Hou’eiki Taukei

Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘o Tonga: Ko ha Tukupā ki he Faitotonu mo e Ngāue Mahino

Melino Maka
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Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘o Tonga: Ko ha Tukupā ki he Faitotonu mo e Ngāue Mahino

Ms. Mele Mangisi, ko e Talēkita Pule ‘o e Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘o Tonga kuo toki fokotu’u. Na’e fakahoko eni ‘i he Fakataha Lahi ‘o e Fakalakalaka Fakafonua, Nuku’alofa, Ma’asi 2025

Ko e Fakataha Lahi ‘o e Fakalakalaka Fakafonua ‘i Nuku’alofa he uike ni na’e fakamahinoʻi ‘aki ha fakamatala mālohi mo taimi totonu meia Ms. Mele Mangisi, ko e Talēkita Pule ‘o e Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘o Tonga na’e toki fokotu’u. Ko ‘ene lea, ‘a ia naʻe muimui’i ‘e he kau fakafofonga fakalotofonua mo fakavaha’apule’anga, ko ha fakahaa’i mālohi ia ‘oku mateuteu ‘a Tonga ke ne fakahoko ‘ene tau ‘o fakafepaki ki he faihala ‘i he founga ‘oku fakamātoato—pea ko e me’a mahu’inga ange, ‘i he founga ‘oku mahino mo ‘atā ki he kakai.

Na’e fakafe’iloaki ko e “ho’omou Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala,” pea ko e founga na’e ma’u kātoa mo fakaivia. Ko e pōpoaki ‘a Ms. Mangisi na’e mahino: ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha potungāue pule’anga pē ‘e taha—ka ko ha visone fo’ou ki he kaha’u ‘o Tonga kuo langa ‘i he faitotonu, fatongia’aki, mo e falala ‘a e kakai.

Na’e fokotu’u ‘i he lao pea kuo ngāue talu mei he ‘aho 1 ‘o Siulai, 2024, ko e Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ko ha sino fakalao ‘oku ‘i ai ‘ene ngaahi mafai fakatotolo fakamālohi ‘i he va’a pule ‘e tolu ‘o e pule’anga—pule fakahoko, fakafofonga fakalao, mo fakamaau’anga. ‘Oku toe ‘i ai foki mo ‘ene vakai’i ‘a e ngaahi pisinisi ‘a e pule’anga mo e ngaahi sino fakalao, ‘o ne fakafōtunga ai ‘a hono mafai ‘i hono ta’ota’ofi ‘o e ngāue hala ‘aki ‘o e mafai.

“‘Oku taau ‘a e Tonga kotoa pē mo ha pule’anga te nau falala ki ai—ko ha pule’anga ‘oku ngāue ma’a e kakai, ‘o ‘ikai ko e ngāue fakafepaki kiate kinautolu,” ko e fanafana ia ‘a Ms. Mangisi.

Ko e fakamatala ‘a e komisoni ko e fuofua taimi ‘eni ki ha fakataha fakafonua pehē, pea na’e hoko mai ia ‘i ha taimi mahu’inga ‘oku vaivai ai ‘a e falala ‘a e kakai ‘i he faitotonu ‘o e ngaahi sino fakapule’anga. Ko e savea toki fakahoko ‘e he Transparency International ‘i he ngaahi fonua ‘o e Pasifiki, kau ai ‘a Tonga, na’e fakahaa’i ha hoha’a lahi fekau’aki mo hono mafola ‘o e faihala ‘i he pule’anga. Ka neongo ia, ‘o ‘ikai ko e loto-fo’i, ko e ngaahi ‘ilo ko ‘eni kuo ue’i ai ‘a e ‘amanaki lelei.

Ko ha Tu’unga Fo’ou ‘o e Pule’i Lelei

Ko e me’a ‘oku kehe ai ‘a e komisoni ko ‘eni mei he ngaahi sino ki mu’a ‘oku nau vakai’i ‘a e ngāue ko ‘ene mafai fakalao mālohi, ngaahi mafai fakatotolo, mo e tukupā ki he ngāue ‘atā mo mahino—’o kamata mei he komisoni pē.

Na’e vahevahe ‘e Ms. Mangisi ‘a e founga ‘oku taki’aki ‘e he komisoni ‘a e fa’ifa’itaki’anga:

  • Fakahaa’i fakamālohi ‘o e ngaahi me’a fakafo’ituitui mo fakapa’anga ‘e he kau ngāue kotoa pē, ‘oku fakafo’ou mo pulusi ‘i he māhina ‘e ono kotoa pē.
  • Fakahaa’i ‘o e ngaahi me’a’ofa mo e talitali faka-pisinisi, ‘aki ha tu’utu’uni ‘oku ta’ofi ‘aupito ‘a e ngaahi me’a’ofa pa’anga.
  • Ko e ngaahi mafai ke hu ki he ngaahi lao, ngaahi founga launga, mo e ngaahi ma’u’anga tokoni ‘a e kakai ‘o fakafou ‘i he QR code—ko ha fakahaa’i ‘o e pule’i ‘oku fakaonopooni mo fakatekinolosia.

Ko e mahino mo ‘atā ‘o e ngāue kuo ‘osi uesia ‘a e founga ‘oku fengāue’aki ai ‘a e kau ‘ōfisa pule’anga mo e komisoni. ‘I he lea ‘a Ms. Mangisi:

“‘Oku ‘ikai ke kei fakaafe’i kimautolu ki he ngaahi talitali mo e fakafiefia—’oku ‘ikai ha taha ‘oku fie fakahingoa pe pulusi.”

‘I hono fakamāma’i ‘o e ngaahi me’a’ofa mo e ngaahi me’a ‘oku ma’u ‘oku fa’a fufuu’i ‘i he ngaahi ‘ata ‘o e kau ngāue fakapule’anga, ‘oku liliu ‘e he Komisoni ‘a e ‘ulungaanga ‘o e ngāue fakapule’anga—ko e fakahaa’i ‘e taha ‘i he taimi ‘e taha.

Ko ha Sino ‘a e Kakai ‘oku ‘i ai ‘ene Mafai

Neongo ‘oku kei kamata’i, ‘oku ‘osi fai ‘e he komisoni ‘a e fakatotolo ‘i he ngaahi keisi ‘e 25 ‘i he ngaahi sino ‘e 11, ‘o kau ai ha ngaahi koloa ‘a e pule’anga ‘oku fakafuofua ki he $15 miliona. Ko e tokotaha fakatotolo pē ‘e taha ‘oku ne fua ‘a e ngaahi keisi kotoa ‘i he lolotonga ni—ko ha faka’ilonga ‘oku ‘ikai malava ke hokohoko atu ka ‘oku ne fakafōtunga ‘a e kau mai ‘a e kakai mo e fiema’u fakavavevave.

Na’e fakamamafa’i ‘e Ms. Mangisi ‘a hono mahu’inga ‘o e poupou ‘a e kakai:

“‘Oku lea ‘a e kakai pea fiema’u ‘a e fatongia’aki. ‘Oku hā mei heni ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e fie ma’u ki he liliu.”

Ka ke kei tauhi ‘a e ‘amanaki ‘a e kakai, ‘oku fiema’u ‘e he komisoni ha fakahū pa’anga fakavavevave—fakatou’osi fakapa’anga mo fakapolitikale. Na’a ne ui ki he tau’atāina fakasino mo e ngaahi ma’u’anga tokoni, ‘o ne fakamanatu ki he kau fakafofonga ‘i he fakataha ‘oku fiema’u ‘e ha sino fakafepaki ‘i he faihala ‘oku mo’ui mo ngāue lelei, fakatatau ki he ngaahi tu’unga fakavaha’apule’anga, ha fua totonu ‘o e kau fakatotolo mo e kau ‘ōfisa fakalao.

‘Oku ‘Ikai Ko e Pule’i Pē—Ka Ko Hono Langaki ha ‘Ulungaanga ‘o e Faitotonu

Ko e founga ‘a e Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘oku ‘ikai ko e ma’u pē ‘o e kau fai hala. ‘Oku kau foki ‘a e ta’ofi mo e ako ‘a e kakai.

Ko hono Va’a ki hono Ta’ofi ‘o e Faihala ‘oku fatongia’aki hono fakatupu ‘a e ‘ilo, tautautefito ‘i he ngaahi ‘apiako mo e ngaahi kolo, fekau’aki mo e me’a ko e faihala pea mo e anga ‘o ‘ene uesia ‘a e fakalakalaka fakafonua. ‘I ha sosaieti ‘oku fa’a pehē ko e fakalongo ko e ‘apa’apa, ko e ngāue ko ‘eni ‘oku ne fakaivia ‘a e kakai Tonga ke nau lea.

‘Ikai ko ia pē, ko e palani fakafo’ituitui ta’u nima ‘a e komisoni, kuo langa ‘i he pou ‘e nima—fakahoko lelei ‘o e ngāue, ngaahi ngāue ‘oku ne tokanga ki he kasitomā, ngaahi sisitemi fakaloto sino mālohi, kau mai ‘a e ngaahi sino felave’i, mo e taki ‘oku makatu’unga ‘i he ngaahi mahu’inga tefito—ko ha mape hala loto-to’a ki he kaha’u ‘a ia ko e ngāue fakapule’anga ‘oku tatau ia mo e lāngilangi.

Ko ‘enau moto tataki, I ACT (Faitotonu, Fatongia’aki, Fengāue’aki, Ngāue ‘Atā mo Mahino), ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha fakafōtunga pē—ka ko ha ui ke ngāue.

Ko e ‘Uhinga ‘Oku Mahu’inga Ai ‘Eni Ki He Pule’anga

‘Oku holoki ‘e he faihala ‘a e temokalati, fakalakalaka, mo e fakalāngilangi. Ma’a Tonga—ko ha ki’i fonua motu ‘oku fakangatangata hono ngaahi ma’u’anga tokoni—ko e seniti kotoa pē ‘oku faka’aonga’i hala’i ko ha faingamālie ia kuo mole ke langa ha ‘apiako, fakalelei’i ha hala, pe poupou’i ha fāmili.

Ko hono fokotu’u ‘o e Komisoni Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha fakalelei pē ‘e taha. Ko ha liliu mahu’inga fakfonua. ‘Oku ne fakahā ki he ngaahi hoa fakalakalaka, kaungā’api fakavaha’apule’anga, pea—ko e mahu’inga taha—ki he kakai Tonga ‘i ‘api mo muli ‘oku loto fiemālie ‘a Tonga ke ne pukepuke ia ‘i ha tu’unga mā’olunga ange.

Ka ke ola lelei ‘a e komisoni, ‘oku ‘ikai lava ke ngāue toko taha. Hangē ko e fakamanatu ‘a Ms. Mangisi ki he kakai, “‘Oku ‘ikai ke mau mo’ui ‘i ha feitu’u ‘oku ‘atā.” ‘Oku fiema’u ‘a e ngaahi fakamaau’anga ‘oku ngāue, sosaieti ‘oku ngāue, kau fakahā ta’emanavahē, tau’atāina ‘o e mītia, mo e loto-fiengāue fakpolitikale.

Ko ha Ui ki he Uouongataha

Ko e ‘i ai ‘a e Sea ‘o e Kōmiti Fakafepaki ‘i he Faihala ‘i he fakataha na’e ne fakamamafa’i ‘a e poupou mei he ngaahi sekitoa kehekehe ‘oku fiema’u ‘e he ngāue ko ‘eni. ‘Oku ‘ikai ko e taimi ‘eni ki he ngaahi me’a fakpolitikale, ka ki he ngāue fakataha—’i he ngaahi potungāue, Fale Alea, sosaieti, mo e kau taki fakakolo.

‘I he tu’u ‘a Tonga ‘i he veteki ‘o ha vahe fo’ou, na’e faka’osi ‘a Ms. Mangisi ‘aki ha fakamanatu fakaeangama’a:

“‘Oku ‘ikai ke pau ke hoko ko ha hala faingata’a. Kapau ‘oku ‘ikai meiate Ia, fou ‘iate Ia, pe ki’ate Ia—pea ‘oua ‘e fai ia.”

Ko e tau ‘o fakafepaki ki he faihala, ko hono loto, ko ha tau ia ki he laumālie ‘o e fonua. Pea ‘i he uike ni, kuo fakamahino ‘e Tonga: kuo kamata ‘a e tau.

Fakahā ‘e Melino Maka

Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission: A Commitment to Integrity and Transparency

Melino Maka
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Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission: A Commitment to Integrity and Transparency

Ms. Mele Mangisi, the Executive Director of Tonga’s newly established Anti-Corruption Commission.

Presented at the National Development Summit, Nuku’alofa, March 2025
This week’s National Development Summit in Nuku’alofa was marked by a bold and timely presentation from Ms. Mele Mangisi, the Executive Director of Tonga’s newly established Anti-Corruption Commission. Her address, which captivated both local and international attendees, was a strong affirmation that Tonga is ready to take its fight against corruption seriously—and more importantly, transparently.

Introduced as “your Anti-Corruption Commission,” the tone was inclusive and empowering. Ms. Mangisi’s message was clear: this is not just another government department—it is a new vision for Tonga’s future built on integrity, accountability, and public trust.

Established by law and operational only since July 1st, 2024, the Anti-Corruption Commission is a statutory body with sweeping investigative powers across all three arms of government—executive, legislative, and judiciary. It also has oversight over public enterprises and statutory bodies, reflecting its wide jurisdiction in rooting out systemic abuse of power.

“Every Tongan deserves a government they can trust—one that works for the people, not against them,” declared Ms. Mangisi.

The commission’s presentation was a first for such a high-level national platform, and it came at a critical time when public confidence in the integrity of public institutions is fragile. Transparency International’s recent survey of Pacific countries, including Tonga, revealed widespread concern about the prevalence of corruption in government. Yet instead of discouragement, these findings have ignited hope.

A New Standard of Governance

What makes this commission different from previous oversight bodies is its robust legal mandate, investigative powers, and commitment to transparency—starting with itself.

Ms. Mangisi shared how the commission leads by example:

  • Mandatory declarations of personal and financial interests by all staff, updated and published every six months.
  • Disclosure of gifts and business hospitality, with a strict no-cash-gifts policy.
  • QR code access to all legislation, complaints processes, and public resources—a nod to modern, tech-savvy governance.

This proactive transparency has already impacted how public officers interact with the commission. In Ms. Mangisi’s words:

“We no longer get invited to receptions and cocktails—no one wants to be named or published.”

By shedding light on the gifts and perks often hidden in the shadows of the civil service, the Commission is changing the culture of public service—one disclosure at a time.

A People’s Institution with Teeth

Though in its infancy, the commission is already investigating 25 cases across 11 agencies, involving approximately $15 million in public assets. One investigator currently bears the entire caseload—an unsustainable but telling sign of public engagement and urgency.

Ms. Mangisi emphasized the importance of public support:

“The people are speaking up and demanding accountability. This shows there is an appetite for change.”

But to keep up with the public’s expectations, the commission needs urgent investment—both financial and political. She called for institutional independence and resources, reminding summit attendees that a healthy and functional anti-corruption body, according to international benchmarks, needs a proper ratio of investigators and legal officers.

More Than Just Policing—Building a Culture of Integrity

The Anti-Corruption Commission’s strategy is not just about catching wrongdoers. It’s also about prevention and public education.

Its Corruption and Prevention Division is tasked with creating awareness, especially in schools and communities, about what corruption is and how it hurts national development. In a society where silence is often mistaken for respect, this initiative empowers Tongans to speak up.

Furthermore, the commission’s five-year strategic plan, built around five pillars—high performance, customer-centric services, strong internal systems, stakeholder engagement, and values-based leadership—is a bold roadmap to a future where public service is synonymous with honour.

Their guiding motto, I ACT (Integrity, Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency), is more than just branding—it’s a call to action.

Why This Matters for the Kingdom

Corruption undermines democracy, development, and dignity. For Tonga—a small island nation with limited resources—every cent misused is a missed opportunity to build a school, fix a road, or support a family.

The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission is not just another reform. It is a national turning point. It signals to development partners, regional neighbours, and—most importantly—Tongans at home and abroad that Tonga is willing to hold itself to a higher standard.

But for the commission to succeed, it cannot work in isolation. As Ms. Mangisi reminded the audience, “We don’t exist in a vacuum.” It needs functioning courts, an active civil society, courageous whistleblowers, media freedom, and political will.

A Call to Unity

The presence of the Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Committee at the summit underscored the cross-sectoral support that this initiative needs. This is not the time for politics, but for partnership—across ministries, Parliament, civil society, and community leaders.

As Tonga stands on the cusp of a new chapter, Ms. Mangisi closed with a moral reminder:

“It doesn’t have to be a hard road. If it’s not from Him, through Him, or to Him—then just don’t do it.”

The fight against corruption is, at its heart, a fight for the soul of the nation. And this week, Tonga made it clear: the battle has begun.

By Melino Maka

Hamala ‘o Vava’u: ‘Etuate Lavulavu ‘Oku Ne Fokotu’u ‘a e Tu’unga ki he Fili Lahi ‘o e 2025

Melino Maka
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‘Etuate Lavulavu, Hamala ‘o Vava’u 2025 Fili Lahi ‘o Tonga, Vava’u 16

‘I ha fakahā ‘o e poto faka-politikale, kuo fakahā ‘e ‘Etuate Lavulavu ‘ene founga feinga fili ki he Fili Lahi ‘o Tonga 2025 ‘i he malanga mālohi ko e “Hamala ‘o Vava’u.” Ko Lavulavu, ‘a ia ‘oku ne teuteu ke fe’auhi ‘i he fili ‘o Novema, ‘oku ne fakataumu’a ke fakatahataha’i ‘a e kakai ‘o Vava’u ‘aki ha pōpoaki mālohi ‘o e liliu mo e ngāue.

Ko e Founga: ‘Oku Fiema’u ‘e ha Hamala ‘a e Fa’o

‘I he talanoa mo e Tonga Independent News lolotonga ‘enau fononga mei Nuku’alofa ki he Mala’e Vakapuna ‘o Fua’amotu ‘i he ‘aho 14 ‘o Mā’asi 2025, na’e fakamatala’i ai ‘e Lavulavu ‘ene visione. Ko e konga mahu’inga ‘o ‘ene feinga fili ko e fakakaukau ko ia ko e “Hamala ‘o Vava’u” ‘e ngāue lelei pē kapau ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e “fa’o ‘a Vava’u”—ko ha fakataipe ‘oku ne ‘uhinga ki he fatongia mahu’inga ‘o ‘ene kau poupou mo e ngaahi tu’utu’uni te ne tataki ‘aki ‘ene taki.

Na’e kau ‘a Lavulavu ‘i he konifelenisi mītia hili ‘a e fakataha Kapineti ‘i he ‘aho 14 ‘o Mā’asi, 2025, ‘a ia na’a ne teuteu ai ha ngaahi fehu’i mahu’inga ki he Palēmia mo e kau Minisitā ‘o e Kapineti. Kae koe’uhi ko e taimi nounou, na’e ‘ikai ke ne lava ‘o ‘ohake ‘a e ngaahi me’a ko ‘eni. Neongo ‘a e faingamālie na’e mole ni, na’e ‘ikai ke ta’ofi ai ‘a Lavulavu. Ka na’a ne ma’u ha faingamālie ‘e taha—’a ia na’e ‘ikai ke ‘amanaki ki ai ‘o ne fokotu’u ia ‘i he lotolotonga ‘o ha tau faka-politikale.

Ko e Fehalaaki ‘a e Tafa’aki Fakaanga: Ko e Faingamālie ‘o Lavulavu

‘I he ‘aho Mōnite, 11 ‘o Mā’asi 2025, ko e Tafa’aki Fakaanga—’a ia ‘oku kau ai ‘a e kau Minisitā Kapineti mu’a pea tataki ‘e Tōketā Viliami Latu, ko e Minisitā mu’a ‘o e Fefakatau’aki mo e Fakalakalaka Faka’ekonōmika (MTED)—na’a nau feinga ke pule’i ‘a e fakamatala. Ko Tōketā Latu, ‘a ia ‘oku ne feinga ke toe fili ‘i Vava’u 16, na’e fakataumu’a ke ne ‘oatu ‘ene fakamatala ‘o e ngaahi faingata’a ‘oku fekau’aki mo e Lulutai Airlines, ko ha kautaha vakapuna ‘a e pule’anga ‘a ia kuo hoko ko ha tefito’i fepu’i.

Ka neongo ia, na’e ‘ikai ke ‘alu ‘a Tōketā Latu ki he fakataha, ka na’a ne tuku ‘ene kau ngāue ki mu’a ke nau fehangahangai mo e kau ongoongo. Ko e fehalaaki faka-founga ko ‘eni na’e fakaava ai ‘a e matapā kia Lavulavu ke ne ma’u ‘a e momeniti. ‘I he me’a na’e totonu ke hoko ko ha talatalanoa ‘i he tataki ‘a e tafa’aki fakaanga ‘i he loki konifelenisi ‘o e Fale Alea, na’e liliu ‘e Lavulavu ‘a e fakataha ko ha konifelenisi ongoongo ‘o ne tataki. Na’e lōmekina ‘a e taumu’a ‘a e tafa’aki fakaanga, pea ko e lotolotonga mo e pōpoaki ‘a Lavulavu na’e ma’u ai ‘a e tokanga.

Toe Ma’u ‘a Vava’u 16: Ko ha Foki Faka-politikale

Ko e feinga fili “Hamala ‘o Vava’u” ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha malanga pē kia Lavulavu—ka ko ‘ene misiona ke toe ma’u ‘a Vava’u 16, ko ha sea na’e to’o meiate ia hili ha ngaahi tukuaki’i ‘o e fakakona. Na’e lipooti ‘a Lavulavu ‘i hono ‘oange ki he kau fefine mei he Loma Weaving Group ‘i Leimatu’a ha pa’anga T$100 mo ha kulupu lalanga ‘e taha ha pa’anga T$50 ke fakatau ‘aki ha me’a fakafiemālie. Ko ‘ene fakafepaki faka-politikale na’a ne lipooti ‘a e me’a na’e hoko, ‘o ne fakatupu ai ‘a e ta’efe’unga hili ha ngaahi māhina mei he’ene ikuna ‘a e fili mo e fakanofo ko e Minisitā ‘o e Ngaahi Ngāue Lalahi mo e Minisitā ki he Takimamata.

Hili ‘a e ngaahi fealea’aki mo ‘ene kau poupou, na’a nau fale’i ia ke ‘oua ‘e tangi pea ke ne poupou’i hono uaifi, ‘Akosita Lavulavu, ko e kanititeiti ki Vava’u 16. Na’a ne ikuna ‘a e fili fakahū-fo’ou pea na’e fakanofo kimui ki he Kapineti. Lolotonga ‘ene hiki mei he lakanga politikale fakahangatonu, na’e ongo’i ‘e Lavulavu ke fakatupulaki ‘ene akoteu mo e fakahū pa’anga ‘i he tupulekina ‘o Vava’u.

Ko ha Fetu’utaki Mālohi mo Vava’u

Na’a ku kole kia Lavulavu ke ne vahevahe mo au ‘a e ‘uhinga ‘oku makehe ai ‘a Vava’u. ‘I he taimi pē ko ia, na’a ne tali: “Ko e feitu’u ‘eni na’e foaki ai ‘e he tamai ‘o e Tonga fakaonopooni, Tupou I, ‘a Tonga ki he ‘Otua ‘i Pouono ‘i Vava’u ‘i he 1839.”

‘Oku ‘i ai ha me’a makehe fekau’aki mo e kakai ‘o Vava’u. ‘I he taimi ‘e ni’ihi, ‘oku ui kinautolu ko e “Lolo ‘a Halaevalu”—ko ha ‘uhinga ki he ngaahi vai tahi melino ‘o ha tau’anga ‘i Vava’u, ‘a ia na’e fakahingoa ki ha kuini ‘iloa. Ko e kakai ‘o Vava’u ‘oku nau mātu’aki tauhi mateaki ki honau ‘eiki lahi, ko e Tu’i Vava’u (Ulukalala), ‘a ia ‘oku ne tauhi mateaki ki he Tu’i ‘o Tonga (Hau ‘o Tonga), Tupou VI.

Na’e vahevahe ‘e Lavulavu ha talanoa mālie ‘oku ne fakahā ‘a e loto-to’a ‘o Vava’u ‘oku ‘ikai toe ue’ia pea mo ‘enau mateaki ki he tu’i. ‘I he taimi na’e fakatau ai ‘e he pule’anga ‘o Tonga ha vaka fo’ou, Olovaha, ko ‘ene folau fuofua ko e folau ia ki Vava’u. ‘I he tau ‘a e vaka, na’e fonu ‘a e ‘ea ‘i he fiefia. Ko e kakai ‘o Vava’u, ‘i he fu’u lahi ‘enau laukau mo e lāngilangi’ia koe’uhi ko e ‘afio ‘a e Ngaahi Hau ‘i he vaka, na’a nau felele’i ki he vaka ‘i ha founga na’e ‘ikai toe mapule’i.

‘I he sio ki he fakalakalaka ‘a e tu’unga, na’e tafoki ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ki he Kōvana ‘o Vava’u, ‘a ia na’a ne kumi ha tataki mei he Matāpule. ‘I hono ‘ilo’i ‘oku fiema’u ‘a e momeniti ko e pule’i fakalelei, na’e ngāue ‘a e Kōvana. ‘I ha le’o mālohi ka ‘oku mapule’i, na’a ne ui ki he kakai, ‘o toe tu’o 4 ‘ene pehē “Kāinga Vava’u”. ‘O ‘ikai ko ha fakahinohino ke nau foki ki matatahi, ka na’a ne fekau ke nau puna ki tahi—ko ha founga ke fakamokomoko’i ‘enau ‘ofa. ‘I he taimi pē ko ia, na’a nau talangofua, ‘o nau puna ‘i he laukau ki tahi ma’a honau Tu’i, ‘o fakafoki ‘a e maau ki he vaka.

Ko e tokolahi ‘i tu’a ‘i Vava’u ‘oku nau faingata’a’ia ke mahino’i ‘a e tu’unga ko ‘eni ‘o e līliu mo e mapule’i, ka ki he kakai ‘o Vava’u, ko e nātula ‘o honau fa’ahinga. Ko ha fakamo’oni ia ‘o honau tukufakaholo makehe, ‘enau ‘apa’apa ki he tu’i, mo e tefito’i mo’oni ‘o e laumālie Vava’u.

Ngaahi Pole ‘i he Fakahū Pa’anga mo e Pule

‘I he’emau a’u ki he mala’e vakapuna, na’a ku fehu’i kia Lavulavu pe ko e hā ‘a e fehu’i te ne ‘eke ‘i he konifelenisi ongoongo kapau na’a ne ma’u ‘a e faingamālie. Na’e tafoki ‘a Lavulavu ‘o ne sio mai kiate au ‘i ha momeniti kimu’a pea ne tali, “Na’a ku fie ‘eke ha fehu’i ki he Minisitā Ako, ka na’e ‘ikai ke ‘i ai ia, ko ia te u tauhi ia ki ha taimi ‘e taha.” ‘I he ‘eku fehu’i pe ‘e lava ke ne fakamatala’i, na’a ne pehē, “Ko e Minisitā Ako lolotonga mo e Minisitā kimu’a kuo na fakatou ta’efakatatau ‘a e ‘uhinga ‘o e ako. Ka ‘oku ou fie ma’u ‘a e faingamālie ke alea’i fakahangatonu ia mo ia.”

‘I he’emau a’u ki he mala’e vakapuna, na’a ku kole kia Lavulavu ke ne vahevahe ‘ene ngaahi fakakaukau fekau’aki mo e konifelenisi ongoongo mo e Palēmia mo e ni’ihi ‘o e kau Minisitā Kapineti. Na’a ne fakahā ‘ene ta’efiemālie ‘i he si’i ‘a e taimi ke alea’i ‘a e ngaahi me’a mahu’inga hangē ko e ngaahi fakahū pa’anga ‘a e sekitoa taautaha mo e ako. Ka neongo ia, na’a ne ‘ai ‘a e Palēmia ke ne fakamamafa’i ‘a e tefito’i me’a ‘o e ngaahi fakahū pa’anga muli, ‘o ne fakahā ‘a e ‘ikai ke sioatu ‘a e pule’anga ‘i hono fakatupu ha ‘ātakai ‘oku ne tohoaki’i ‘a e kau fakahū pa’anga totonu.

Na’e fakaanga’i ‘e Lavulavu ‘a e founga ‘a e pule’anga, ‘o ne fakahā kapau ‘oku fakamātoato ‘a Tonga ki he fakahū pa’anga muli, kuo pau ke ne ‘alu ‘o laka ange ‘i he ngaahi lea faka’ofo’ofa mo fakafo’i ‘a e ngaahi fakafe’atungia ‘a e pule’anga ‘oku nau fakamālohia ‘a e ngaahi founga mo ta’ofi ‘a e kau fakahū pa’anga te nau ala ma’u. Na’a ne fakamamafa’i ‘oku hoko ‘a Tonga ko ha fonua si’isi’i ‘oku ‘i ai ‘ene ngaahi tu’utu’uni faingata’a, ‘a ia ‘oku fa’a fakahoko ‘e he kau ‘ōfisa ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau ma’u ‘a e taukei pe ko e taukei makehe ke tanumaki ha ‘ātakai fakafiepisinisi pe ko ha ‘ātakai ‘oku fakafiefia’i ‘a e kau fakahū pa’anga.

Na’a ma talanoaʻi foki ‘a e fatongia ‘o e Pangikē Pule Fakafonua ‘o Tonga (NRBT) pea mo hono mālohi ‘i hono fale’i ‘o e pule’anga, tautautefito ki he Minisitā Pa’anga. Na’e fakamamafa’i ‘e Lavulavu ‘a e fiema’u ki he tu’utu’uni ngāue taimi totonu mo e vave, koe’uhi ko Tonga ko ha fonua ‘oku si’i hifo he kakai ‘e toko 100,000, ‘a ia ko e ngaahi toloi ‘e ala hoko ai ha ngaahi nunu’a faka’ekonōmika ta’efakatatau.

Ko e ‘Ātakai Faka-politikale: Ko Hono Fokotu’u ‘o e Tu’unga ki Novema

‘I he ola lelei faka-founga ko ‘eni, kuo fakahaa’i ‘e Lavulavu ‘ene malava ke pule’i ‘a e talanoa mo e anga ‘o e vakai ‘a e kakai. Ko e feinga fili “Hamala ‘o Vava’u” ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha malanga pē—ka ko ha fakahaa’i ‘o e mālohi faka-politikale mo e tukupā ke ne langa ‘a e liliu. Ko ‘ene malava ke pule’i ‘a e tokanga, na’a mo e ngaahi feitu’u kuo faka’atā ma’a hono ngaahi fakafepaki, ‘oku ne tu’unga’i ia ko ha fe’auhi faka’ilonga’i ‘i he fili ka hoko mai.

‘I he ofi mai ‘a e Fili Lahi ‘o Tonga 2025, ‘e tokanga ‘a e mata kotoa pē ki he founga ‘e fakahoko ‘e Lavulavu ‘ene laka ki mu’a. ‘E hokohoko atu ‘ene tuki ‘aki ‘a e hamala ‘a e ‘ikai ma’u ngāue lelei ‘a e pule’anga? ‘E sio ‘a e kau fili ‘o Vava’u kiate ia ko e taki ke ne fa’o ‘a ‘enau ngaahi hoha’a mo e ngaahi mafana’ia? Ko e me’a ‘oku mahino: ‘oku vela ‘a e fe’auhi ‘i Vava’u, pea ‘oku ‘osi ‘i ai ‘a e ongo’i ‘o e ‘i ai ‘a Lavulavu.

Hamala ‘o Vava’u (Ko Ha Maau)

‘I he ngaahi matātahi ‘oku tu’u ai ‘a Pouono,
‘A ia na’e hiki ai ‘e Tupou I hono to’ukupu,
Na’e punou ha pule’anga, na’e fai ha fuakava,
Ki he ‘Otua pē taha, ‘a ‘ene tui na’e fakahā.

Ko e Hamala ‘o Vava’u, mālohi mo mo’oni,
‘Oku tā ‘aki ‘a e malohi, kae poto ‘i he ‘ilo.
‘Ikai ‘i ha feitu’u mama’o, pe ko ha nima muli,
Ka kuo langa ‘i he ‘one’one ‘o Vava’u.

Ulukalala, ko ha ‘eiki loto to’a,
Ne ne fua ‘a e ngaahi tukufakaholo ta’e’iloa.
Ko e laumālie ‘o Lolo, melino kae loloto,
Hangē ko e ngaahi vai toputapu, mo’ui fau pea mo taupotu.

Ko e ngaahi fa’o ‘oku ne fakama’u ‘oku fa’u ‘aki ‘a e tokanga,
Tu’unga ‘i he ngāue, ‘i he ‘ofa, ‘i he lotu loloto.
He ko e mālohi ‘o Vava’u ‘oku ‘ikai toko taha pē,
Ka ‘i he ngaahi loto ‘a ia kuo tupu ‘a e aka.

Tuku ke toe tu’u ‘a e hamala tu’o taha,
Ma’á e ngaahi misi ‘o Tonga, mo hono kaha’u,
Fakama’u ‘i he tui, ‘i he loto-to’a kuo ‘ahi’ahi’i,
Mo e loto ‘o Vava’u, ko e tataki ‘o e ‘oseni.

Melino Maka

Hammer of Vava’u: Etuate Lavulavu Sets the Tone for the 2025 General Election

Melino Maka
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Hammer of Vava’u: Etuate Lavulavu Sets the Tone for the 2025 General Election

In a striking show of political manoeuvring, Etuate Lavulavu has unveiled his campaign strategy for the 2025 Tonga General Election under the bold slogan, “Hammer of Vava’u.” Lavulavu, who is preparing to contest the elections in November, aims to rally the people of Vava’u with a forceful message of change and action.

The Strategy: A Hammer Needs Nails

Speaking with Tonga Independent News  during a conversation en route from Nuku’alofa to Fua’amotu Airport on March 14, 2025, Lavulavu outlined his vision. Central to his campaign is the idea that the “Hammer of Vava’u” can only be effective with “Vava’u’s nails”—a metaphor referring to the critical role of his supporters and policies that will drive his leadership.

Lavulavu had attended the post-cabinet media conference on March 14, 2025, where he had prepared several pressing questions for the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers. However, due to time constraints, he was unable to raise these concerns. This missed opportunity, however, did not deter Lavulavu. Instead, he found another stage—one that unexpectedly placed him at the centre of a political showdown.

Opposition Missteps: Lavulavu’s Opportunity

On Monday, March 11, 2025, the Opposition—comprising former Cabinet Ministers and led by Dr. Viliami Latu, the former Minister of Trade and Economic Development (MTED)—attempted to take control of the narrative. Dr. Latu, who is seeking re-election in Vava’u 16, intended to present his explanation of the challenges surrounding Lulutai Airlines, a government-run airline that has been a point of contention.

However, Dr. Latu did not attend the event himself, leaving his former colleagues to face the press alone. This strategic blunder allowed Lavulavu to seize the moment. In what was supposed to be an opposition-led discussion at the Parliament conference room, Lavulavu turned the event into what many described as his own impromptu press conference. The opposition’s agenda was drowned out, and Lavulavu’s dominating presence and messaging took over the discourse.

Taking Back Vava’u 16: A Political Comeback

The “Hammer of Vava’u” campaign is more than just a slogan for Lavulavu—it is his mission to reclaim Vava’u 16, a seat that was taken from him following allegations of bribery. Lavulavu was reported for giving women from the Loma Weaving Group in Leimatu’a T$100 pa’anga and another weaving group T$50 pa’anga to buy refreshments. His political opponent reported the incident, leading to his disqualification just months after winning the election and being appointed as the Minister of Infrastructure and Minister for Tourism.

Following discussions with his supporters, they advised him not to appeal the decision but instead to endorse his wife, ‘Akosita Lavulavu, as the candidate for Vava’u 16. She won the by-election and was later appointed to Cabinet. While stepping away from direct political office, Lavulavu shifted his focus towards developing their training institution and investing in Vava’u’s growth.

A Deep Connection to Vava’u

I asked Lavulavu to share with me why Vava’u is so unique or special. Without hesitation, he replied: “This is where the father of modern Tonga, King Tupou I, dedicated Tonga to God at Pouono in Vavaʻu in 1839.”

There is something special about the people of Vava’u. Sometimes, they are referred to as the “Lolo ‘a Halaevalu”—a reference to the calm ocean waters of a port of refuge in Vava’u, named after a legendary queen. The people of Vava’u are deeply loyal to their high chief, sometimes known as Tu’i Vava’u (Ulukalala), who in turn remains loyal to the King of Tonga (Hau o Tonga), King Tupou VI.

Lavulavu shared a compelling story that highlights this unwavering Vava’u spirit and their devotion to the monarchy. When the government of Tonga purchased a new boat, Olovaha, its maiden voyage was to Vava’u. As the ship docked, excitement filled the air. The people of Vava’u, overwhelmed with pride and honour that Their Majesties were on board, rushed onto the ship in an uncontrollable manner.

Seeing the situation unfold, His Majesty turned to the Governor of Vava’u, who in turn sought guidance from his Talking Chief. Recognizing the moment required careful management, the Governor took action. In a firm yet controlled voice, he called out to the people, repeating “Kainga Vava’u” four times. Instead of instructing them to return to shore, he ordered them to jump into the sea—a move designed to cool their excitement. Without hesitation, they obeyed, proudly leaping into the ocean for their King, restoring order to the ship.

Many outside of Vava’u struggle to understand this level of devotion and discipline, but for the people of Vava’u, it is second nature. It is a testament to their unique cultural identity, their reverence for the monarchy, and the true essence of the Vava’u spirit.

Challenges in Investment and Governance

As we arrived at the airport, I asked Lavulavu what question he would ask at the press conference if he had the opportunity. Lavulavu turned and looked at me for a moment before answering, “I wanted to ask a question to the Minister of Education, but he was not there, so I will save it for next time.” When I asked if he could elaborate, he said, “The current Minister of Education and the previous Minister have both misinterpreted education. But I would love to have the opportunity to discuss it openly with him.”

As we arrived at the airport, I asked Lavulavu to share his thoughts on the press conference with the Prime Minister and some Cabinet Ministers. He expressed disappointment at the lack of time to discuss critical issues such as private sector investments and education. However, he did manage to press the Prime Minister on the topic of foreign investments, highlighting the government’s lack of foresight in creating an environment that attracts serious investors.

Lavulavu criticized the government’s approach, stating that if Tonga is serious about foreign investment, it must go beyond lip service and dismantle bureaucratic hurdles that slow down processes and discourage potential investors. He emphasized that Tonga is a small country with rigid rules, often enforced by officials who lack the experience or expertise to foster a business-friendly or investor-friendly environment.

We also discussed the role of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) and its influence in advising the government, particularly the Minister of Finance. Lavulavu stressed the need for proactive and timely decision-making, given that Tonga is a country of just over 100,000 people, where delays can have disproportionate economic consequences.

The Political Landscape: Setting the Stage for November

With this tactical success, Lavulavu has demonstrated his ability to control the narrative and shape public perception. The “Hammer of Vava’u” campaign is not just a slogan—it is an assertion of political strength and a commitment to drive change. His ability to command attention, even in spaces meant for his opponents, positions him as a formidable contender in the upcoming elections.

As the 2025 Tonga General Election approaches, all eyes will be on how Lavulavu further leverages his momentum. Will he continue to hammer away at government inefficiencies? Will Vava’u’s voters see him as the leader to nail down their concerns and aspirations? One thing is clear: the race for Vava’u is heating up, and Lavulavu is already making his presence felt.


Hammer of Vava’u (A Poem)

Upon the shores where Pouono stands,
Where Tupou I raised his hands,
A nation bowed, a vow was made,
To God alone, its faith displayed.

The Hammer of Vava’u, strong and true,
Strikes with force, yet wise in view.
Not from afar, nor foreign hands,
But built upon Vava’u’s sands.

Ulukalala, a chief so bold,
Carried legacies untold.
The spirit of Lolo, calm yet deep,
Like sacred waters, vast and steep.

The nails that bind are forged with care,
Through toil, through love, through deep-held prayer.
For Vava’u’s strength is not alone,
But in the hearts where roots have grown.

So let the hammer rise once more,
For Tonga’s dreams, its future shore.
Bound in faith, in courage tried,
With Vava’u’s heart, as ocean’s guide.

Melino Maka

From Promises to Progress: What Tonga Must Do After the National Development Summit

Melino Maka
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Opinion | Tonga Independent News | 21 March 2025

On the final day of Tonga’s National Development Summit, held Friday, 21 March 2025, four of our closest development partners—China, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia—offered more than well-scripted speeches. They brought clarity, urgency, and a shared challenge: for Tonga to lead its development path with boldness and accountability.

Each country offered thoughtful reflections, grounded in deep partnership and shared respect. They affirmed their commitment to Tonga—not just in words, but through strategic aid, technical cooperation, and long-term collaboration. However, they also left no doubt: Tonga must now take the driver’s seat.

As someone who has followed the Summit closely, I came away encouraged—but also concerned. The dialogue was rich, the ideas were flowing, and the TSDF III offers a clear direction. But if Tonga lacks the systems, skills, and political will to follow through, this risks becoming another well-meaning talanoa with little impact.

China: Self-Reliance, Innovation, and Mutual Respect

His Excellency Raymond Liu, the Chinese Ambassador

His Excellency Raymond Liu, the Chinese Ambassador, praised Tonga’s long-term development thinking and the importance of setting national priorities. Drawing comparisons to China’s recent national political sessions, he noted the alignment between China’s upcoming five-year plan and Tonga’s 10-year strategy.

He emphasized key areas for cooperation: expanding trade (with special interest in products like kava), technology, and cultural exchange. But the real takeaway was China’s model of development—rooted in self-reliance, reform, and hard work.

He shared China’s experience of moving from poverty to power in under 50 years. His message was clear: Tonga, too, can rise, but it must find its own model, remain open to learning, and stay committed to inclusive growth.

Key takeaway: China respects Tonga’s sovereignty and values, but it expects Tonga to lead with clear purpose and drive the partnership forward.

Japan: Fiscal Reality and Long-Term Thinking

His Excellency Miss Hisao Inaguki, the Japanese Ambassador

Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Hisao Inagaki gave a direct and disciplined address. While reaffirming Japan’s ongoing support—from wind power to airport upgrades—he delivered a sobering message: Tonga must strengthen its financial independence.

He urged the government to explore new revenue options, including a potential gift tax on remittances or a modest increase in consumption taxes. These, he argued, are essential if Tonga is to reduce reliance on foreign aid and invest in vital sectors like education and healthcare.

He also called for continued investment in the private sector to generate sustainable jobs at home and reduce the need for Tongans to seek work abroad.

Key takeaway: Japan will continue to support Tonga—but expects tough decisions and stronger domestic ownership in return.

New Zealand: Priorities, Clarity, and Values

His Excellency Matthew Howell, the New Zealand High Commissioner

New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Matthew Howell delivered a more reflective speech. Rather than listing past achievements, he focused on what Tonga must now do: define national priorities clearly and communicate them effectively to all development partners.

He emphasized the importance of strategic selectivity, transparency in aid coordination, and engaging communities and businesses in national planning. He also highlighted the opportunity cost of accepting aid that may not align with Tonga’s long-term needs.

Finally, Howell made a powerful point about values. Tonga’s cultural principles, he said, should not just sit on paper—but actively shape how development is designed and delivered.

Key takeaway: Tonga must be clear and confident in articulating what it needs—and ensure its cultural values remain central in that journey.

Australia: Trust, Risk, and Resilience

Miss Erin Gleason, the Acting Australian High Commissioner

Acting Australian High Commissioner Miss Erin Gleason gave perhaps the most comprehensive overview. Australia, she noted, is Tonga’s largest bilateral development partner—funding health, infrastructure, education, and climate resilience. But that partnership is grounded in trust, and trust requires results.

She acknowledged that Australia channels significant support through Tonga’s national systems—a vote of confidence, but also a recognition of risk. She emphasized that aid is not infinite, and that Tonga must find ways to stretch limited resources.

Gleason also touched on deeper issues: the need for better civic dialogue, more accurate public information, and long-term planning around cybersecurity, crime, and economic diversification. She shared encouraging developments, like the kava export pilot and new family reunification programs under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Key takeaway: Australia believes in Tonga’s potential—but it wants to see stronger systems, inclusive planning, and long-term resilience.

The Real Question: Can We Deliver?

So, what does this all mean?

Tonga is not short on support. Our development partners are listening, investing, and staying engaged. But they are also expecting more from us.

Are we capable—with the right skills, leadership, and coordination—to deliver on the promises of TSDF III and beyond?

That is the question now before us. And it’s the question many observers fear the answer to may be: not yet.

If the Summit ends without clear follow-up, institutional reforms, and sector-level action plans, it will be remembered as another event filled with noble speeches and missed opportunities.

A National Call to Action

The responsibility to act lies not only with the government—but with all of us.

To the Government:
Set up a delivery unit focused solely on TSDF III execution. Improve coordination between ministries. Publish development partner activities and budgets. Empower local government and communities to drive implementation on the ground.

To Civil Society:
Stay informed and involved. Push for meaningful inclusion in policymaking. Help track results and share community insights to bridge the gap between policy and people.

To All Tongans:
Development is not something that happens to us—it’s something we create. Whether we’re in business, farming, education, or youth work, each of us has a role in building a stronger Tonga.

This Summit can mark a turning point—but only if we choose to act.

The world is watching. Our partners are standing by.

The ball is in our court. Let’s not waste the serve.

By Melino Maka

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