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Fakalahi ‘o e Patiseti Lolotonga Fe’amokaki, ke Taki 2 ‘i he Me’alele

Etuate Lavulavu
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Fakalahi ‘o e Patiseti Lolotonga Fe’amokaki, ke Taki 2 ‘i he Me’alele

Na’e tali ‘e he Fale Alea ke fakalahi e patiseti 2026-2027 ki he fakatau mai ha toe me’alele fo’ou ma’ae kau fakafofonga Fale Alea ki honau ngaahi vahenga fili takitaha, ‘a ia ‘e taki 2 ‘a e vahenga ‘i he me’alele.

‘Oku fakatau ‘a e ngaahi me’alele ko eni lolotonga ia ‘oku :

  1. 9.5% ‘a e core inflation. Ko Tonga ni ‘oku ma’olunga taha ‘i he Pasifiki ‘a e peseti hiki ‘o e core inflation.
  2. Lolotonga ‘i ai ‘a e no ‘a e pule’anga fakalotofonua pea mo tu’apule’anga ‘oku te’eki ke lava ‘o totongi.
  3. Fakalahi ‘a e patiseti ‘oku lolotonga fe’amokaki, ke fakatau ‘a e ngaahi me’alele.
  4. Kole pa’anga tokoni ‘a Tonga ki he ngaahi fonua muli ke fakakakato ‘aki e vahenga ‘o e kau ngaue fakapule’anga mo feau e ngaahi fatongia ‘a e pule’anga ki he kakai.
  5. Nounou e vai ‘i Ha’apai pea te’eki kakato ‘enau ngaahi maamakamo ‘i tahi.
  6. Kei tatali mai ‘a motu ke ngaahi honau ngaahi uafu.
  7. Fakaongoongo mo e kau toulekeleka ke hiki hake ‘enau vahe mei he $100 ‘i he mahina ki he $200 ‘i he mahina he ‘oku fakailifia ‘a e hikihiki e totongi koloa. ‘Oku ‘ikai lava ‘e he $100 he mahina ‘o feau ‘enau ngaahi fiema’u tefito.
  8. Te’eki lava ke fakalelei’i ‘a e matemate ‘a e ‘uhila pea mo ‘ene mamafa.
  9. To lalo ‘a e ‘ekonomika pea ‘alu ke toe faka’ofa ange.
  10. Te’eki ha tokoni fakaivia ‘o e kau ngoue ‘i Tongatapu pea mo e kotoa ‘o e ‘otumotu, ‘a ē ‘e malava tokonia ai e ‘ekonomika.

Ko e fakatau me’alele eni ‘e malava ke lau miliona pea ‘e toe totongi ‘a e faka’uli fakataha mo e ‘utu ‘o e ngaahi me’alele. Lolotonga ko ia ‘oku tofanga ‘a e toenga e fonua ‘i he faingata’ia mo e nounou fakapa’anga pea ‘i ai ‘a e ngaahi fiema’u vivili.

Ko e fehu’i – ko e ha ‘oku ngalo vave ai e ngaahi fiema’u ‘a e kakai?

Toe Hake e Tō mo e Ifi Malisuana ʻi Tonga, Ka ‘Oku Kei Fakamālohiʻi ʻe he Polisi ʻa e Tauʻi ʻo e Faitoʻo Konatapu

Amanda Vaipulu
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Toe Hake e Tō mo e Ifi Malisuana ʻi Tonga, Ka ‘Oku Kei Fakamālohiʻi ʻe he Polisi ʻa e Tauʻi ʻo e Faitoʻo Konatapu
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Photo Credit: Google Images

Oku tui ʻa e niʻihi ʻoku tokoni ʻa e malisuana ke fakalahi ʻenau ivi ngāue, ka ʻoku hokohoko atu pē ʻa e puke mo e fakaʻilo hia ʻa e Kau Polisi Tonga.

NUKUʻALOFA – ʻOku hā mei he ngaahi fakamatala kuo maʻu ʻoku kei tupulaki ʻa e tokolahi ʻo e kakai ʻi Tonga ʻoku nau tō mo ifi malisuana, ʻo kau ai ʻa e kakai tangata mo e kakai fefine, lolotonga ia ʻoku toe fakalahi ʻe he Kau Polisi Tonga ʻenau ngaahi ngāue ke taʻofi ʻa e faitoʻo konatapu mo e ngaahi hia ʻoku fekauʻaki mo ia.

ʻOku pehē ʻe he niʻihi ʻo kinautolu ʻoku nau ifi malisuana ko e faitoʻo konatapu ko ení ʻoku ne fakalahi ʻenau ivi, tokoni ke ʻoua naʻa nau ongosia ngofua, pea lava ai ke nau ngāue fuoloa ange ʻi he ʻaho. ʻOku nau tui ʻoku lelei ange ai ʻenau fakahoko ʻa e ngaahi fatongia ʻi ʻapi pea pehē ki he ngaahi ngāue mamafa ʻi tuʻa, ʻo hangē ko e ngāue langa mo e ngaahi ngāue ʻoku fiemaʻu ke fakahoko vave.

ʻI he ngaahi talanoa mo e niʻihi ʻoku nau kau ki hono tō mo hono ifi ʻo e malisuana, ʻoku nau pehē ʻoku nau maʻu ha ivi lahi ange, pea ʻoku ʻikai toe lahi ʻa ʻenau fiemaʻu ke mālōlō lolotonga ʻa e ngāue. ʻOku nau pehē ko e ʻuhinga lahi ia ʻoku nau hokohoko atu ai hono tō mo hono ngāueʻaki ʻo e malisuana, tautautefito ʻi he taimi ʻoku siʻisiʻi ai ʻa e kau ngāue pe mamafa ʻa e ngāue ke fakahoko.

Ka neongo ʻa e ngaahi tui ko ení, ʻoku kei hoko atu pē ʻa e ngaahi ngāue ʻa e Kau Polisi Tonga ke taʻofi ʻa e faitoʻo konatapu mo e ngaahi hia ʻoku ne fakatupu.

ʻI ha fakamatala naʻe tukuange ʻe he Kau Polisi, naʻe fakahā ai naʻe puke ha tangata taʻu 26 mei Kolonga mo ha tangata taʻu 20 mei Pelehake hili ha ngāue fakataha ʻa e kau polisi naʻe fakahoko ʻi he ʻaho 29 ʻo Siulai 2026.

Naʻe fakaʻilo ʻa e ongo tangata ko ení ki he maʻu mo e faitoʻo konatapu, ʻo kau ai ʻa e cocaine mo e cannabis. Naʻe toe maʻu foki mo e ngaahi naunau ʻoku ngāueʻaki ki he faitoʻo konatapu taʻe fakalao, fakataha mo ha meʻatau meʻafana mo e ngaahi mahafu taʻe fakalao.

ʻOku kei tauhi ʻe he Kau Polisi ʻa e ngaahi meʻa kotoa naʻe puke ke hoko ko e fakamoʻoni ʻi he hopo ʻe fakahoko ki he fakamaauʻanga.

Naʻe toe fakaongo atu foki ʻa e Kau Polisi ki he kakai ʻo e fonua ke nau hoko ko ha hoa ngāue ʻi hono taʻofi ʻa e faitoʻo konatapu. ʻOku nau kole ki ha taha pē ʻoku ne ʻilo ki ha taha ʻoku ne maumauʻi ʻa e lao fekauʻaki mo e faitoʻo konatapu pe ngaahi meʻatau taʻe fakalao ke fetuʻutaki fakapulipuli atu ki he Polisi ʻi he fika 7401657.

ʻOku kei hoko ʻa e faitoʻo konatapu ko ha taha ʻo e ngaahi pole lalahi ʻoku fehangahangai mo Tonga, pea ʻoku pehē ʻe he Kau Polisi ʻe kei hokohoko atu pē ʻenau ngaahi ngāue fakapolisi ke maluʻi ʻa e fonua mei he ngaahi hia ʻoku tupu mei ai.

Fehangahangai Fakalao Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga mo e Kautaha Security

Etuate Lavulavu
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Fehangahangai Fakalao Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga mo e Kautaha Security

‘Oku lolotonga lele ‘a e fekihiaki ‘i he Fakamaau’anga´ ‘i he vaha’a ‘o ha Kautaha Security pea mo e Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga´. Na’e ‘i ai ‘a e aleapau ngaue ‘a e Kautaha Security Guard ko eni´ pea mo e Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga´ ki he ngaue le’o ki he Pangike´ pea kau ki ai mo hono le’ohi ‘o e tokotaha loea na’e haea mai ‘e he Pangike ke fakahoko ha ngaue fakalao ma’a nautolu.

Ko e ngaue ko eni´, kuo ‘osi totongi ‘e he Pangike ‘a e $8 Kilu ki he Kautaha Security Guard pea ‘oku toe ‘eke ‘e he Kautaha Security Guard ha toe $6 Kilu tupu kehe ki he ‘enau le’ohi ‘a e Loea´ houa ‘e 24 ‘i he ngaahi ‘aho ‘e ni’ihi ‘o kau ki ai mo hono le’ohi mo hono loki mohe´ lolotonga ‘ene mohe ‘i he po’uli´ ‘i he taha ‘o e ngaahi loki ‘i he Hotele Tano’a ‘i loto Nuku’alofa´.

‘Oku kau ki he ‘eke ko eni´ ‘a e totongi me’alele Rental na’e rent $500 ki he ‘aho. Na’e toki ‘ilo ko e me’alele eni na’e rent ke ngaue’aki ‘e he Loea ko eni´. Ko e me’alele eni na’e ‘ikai haea mai mei ha kautaha rental angamaheni ‘i Tonga ni. Ko e anga maheni ‘o e me’alele rent ‘i Tonga ni ‘oku kamata ‘i he $50 ki he ‘aho pea ko e mamafa taha ko e $250 ki he ‘aho, ko ha me’alele ia ‘oku lahi pea toe ‘i he tu’unga ‘oku kei fo’ou ‘aupito. Ko e me’alele rent mamafa taha eni ‘i he hisitolia ‘o e pisinisi me’alele rent ‘i Tonga ni´. Ko e me’alele eni na’e haea mai ‘e he Loea´ pē pea mei hono famili ofi ‘aupito. Ko e tokotaha ‘a’ana ‘o e me’alele na’e rent, ko e tokotaha ia ‘oku ne ‘a’ana ‘a e Kautaha Security Guard tatau pe na’e ngaue’aki ‘e he Pangike Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga ke le’ohi ‘o e Loea ko eni´.      

Ko e toe me’a ne toe ngali kehe i he me’a ni, ko e Loea pe ia ‘a e Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘a Tonga na’a ne fa’u e aleapau ngaue a e Kautaha Security ko eni pea mo e Pangike Fakalakalaka ‘a Tonga ‘i he kuo hili´.

‘I he taimi tatau ko e fakatonutonu fakalao ko eni aia ko e kautaha Security ko eni ko kinautolu na’a nau faka’ilo e Pangike fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga, ko e ikai ke totongi ange toenga moua ko e $6 Kilu tupu. Kae fakatokanga’i ange kuo osi totongi kakato ange ehe Pangke Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga ‘a e pa’anga e $8 Kilu tupu meimei pa’anga e miliona ki he Kautaha Security Guard ko eni´.

‘Oku pehē na’e ‘osi fakahoko e tu’utu’uni ‘a e Tu’i Fakamaau Lahi ‘a Tonga ki he Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga ke totongi ‘a e $3 Kilu tupu ki he Kautaha Security Guard. Ka kuo toe fakahū atu ‘e he Loea´ ki he Pangike ke ‘set aside’ ‘a e tu’utu’uni ko eni´ pea ‘oatu mo ‘ene ‘uhinga fakalao ki ai.  

‘Oku toutou ui e hopo ko eni i he Fakamaauanga Lahi´ ke hoko atu kā ‘oku ‘ikai ke lava e Talatalaaki´ pe ko e Kautaha Security Guard ‘o ha’u ki he hopo´ mei Nu’u Sila. ‘Oku ‘omai ‘ene tohi mei he toketa ‘oku ‘ikai lava ‘o hā ‘i he Fakamaau’anga Lahi´ he ‘oku puke lahi mo mahamahaki. ‘Oku ‘alu ‘a e hopo ko eni pea hange ‘oku ‘ikai ke toe fie ha’u e pule ‘o e Kautaha Security Guard ke fakakakato ‘ene faka’ilo ko eni ‘o e  Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga´.

Lolotonga ko eni, kuo ‘osi tuku ki tu’a ‘e he Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘o Tonga ‘a e Loea. ‘Oku toe faka’ilo ‘e he Loea ‘a e Pangike Langa Fakalakalaka ‘a Tonga´ pea ne toe puke kotoa e ngaahi faile mo e ngaahi lekooti ‘o e ngaahi keisi na’e ngaue ki ai´. Kuo ‘osi fakangaue’i ‘e he Pangike ha loea fo’ou ‘o fetongi ‘aki ‘a e Loea ko eni´.

Na’e ‘osi fakahoko ‘e he Pangike ‘a e totongi pa’anga lahi ‘aupito ki he Loea´, ‘i he hingoa pe ‘o e Loea´. Kā ‘oku toe faka’ilo ‘e he Loea ‘a e Pangike´ ki he ‘ene ngaahi toenga invoices na’e ‘osi tuku atu ki he Pangike´, ‘oku laka ‘a e mahu’inga ko eni ‘i he miliona pea ‘oku ‘oatu ‘a e ngaahi invoices ‘i he hingoa ‘o ‘ene kautaha lao, ‘a ia ‘oku fakatu’asila ‘aki ‘a e tu’asila fonua ‘i muli.

Na’e fakahoko ‘a e fekumi ki he tu’asila ‘o e kautaha lao ‘a e Loea ko eni´ ‘o ma’u ‘oku ‘ikai ha tu’asila pehe´ pea ‘oku ‘ikai ha ‘ofisi lao ‘i he tu’asila ‘oku hā ‘i he ‘ene laiseni loea´ mo ‘ene kautaha lao´.

‘Oku muimui’i ‘e he 88.1FM Letio ‘a e Kakai pea mo e Kalonikali Tonga ‘a e hopo ko eni´ pea ‘e toki tuku atu ‘a hono hokohoko mo hono ola ‘i he taimi ‘e ma’u ai.

Guard Dogs, Ghost Firms and $500/Day Rental Car – TDB’s Court Drama

Etuate Lavulavu
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Guard Dogs, Ghost Firms and $500/Day Rental Car – TDB’s Court Drama

NUKU’ALOFA: A Security Guard Company has taken Tonga Development Bank (TDB) to court for more then $600 Thousand worth of unpaid security work that they have done for TDB.

TDB and this Security Guard Company entered into an agreement for security works for the Bank and also guarding of a Lawyer that was hired by TDB to carry out legal works for them.

TDB has paid over $800 Thousand already to the Security Guard Company and the Security Guard Company is now asking for $600 Thousand more for their guarding of the Lawyer 24 hours on some day, including guarding the Lawyer’s room at Tano’a Hotel while the Lawyer is sleeping at night.

Including in this $600 Thousand is a rental vehicle, which was rented for $500 per day. It was later found that the rental vehicle was for the use of the Lawyer. The normal pricing of rental vehicles here in Tonga starts at $50 per day to $250 per day at the highest. The $250 per day vehicle is usually a bigger vehicle compared to $50 per day, and is also near new. This $500 per day rented vehicle has got to be the most expensive in the history of all rented vehicles in the Kingdom. Additionally, this vehicle was not rented from any rental company but was hired by the Lawyer from a vehicle very close relative of the Lawyer.  The owner of the rented vehicle is the owner of the same Security Guard Company that was used by TDB to guard the Lawyer.

It also came to light that it is this Lawyer that drafted working agreements of the Security Guard Company and TDB in the past.

It is said that the Chief Justice has already ruled for TDB to pay out $300 Thousand to the Security Guard Company but the Lawyer submitted to TDB to ‘set aside’ this rulling and gave legal reasons for this decision.

The Supreme Court has several called this case to convene, however, the Plaintiff or the owner of the Security Guard Company is unable to travel from New Zealand to attend the court case. The plaintiff has submitted a letter from the doctor stating that the plaintiff is very ill and is sickly. It appears that the plaintiff wishes not to attend court and pursue their lawsuit against TDB.

TDB, however has terminated this Lawyer and the Lawyer has also filed a lawsuit against TDB and has withheld all files and records of all cases that the Lawyer handled. This lawsuit is regarding unpaid invoices, amounting to millions, which the Lawyer has submitted to TDB. TDB had initially paid the Lawyer a hefty amount previously, under the Lawyer’s name. However, these unpaid invoices uses the Lawyer’s Law Firm name with an overseas address. This address was looked into and it was found that there is no such address, nor any law firm situated at such address.

88.1FM The People’s Radio and Tonga Chronicle is following this case and will update further developments when available.

Longolongo FC Players Gain Vital First Aid Skills Through Red Cross Training

Amanda Vaipulu
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Longolongo FC Players Gain Vital First Aid Skills Through Red Cross Training
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Photo Credit: Tonga Red Cross

NUKU’ALOFA — Members of Longolongo Football Club have strengthened their ability to respond to emergencies after completing a First Aid training programme delivered by the Tonga Red Cross Society.

The training was led by Senior First Aid Instructor Sione Tali Lihau, who guided players through essential life-saving techniques, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to injuries both on and off the football field.

While football is known for its competitive spirit and occasional on-field knocks, the programme highlighted the importance of being prepared to provide immediate assistance when accidents occur.

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The Tonga Red Cross Society said the initiative reflects its commitment to building safer and more resilient communities by ensuring more people have access to practical first aid knowledge.

“We hope these skills are never needed in a real emergency,” the organisation said. “But should the need arise, Longolongo FC players are now better prepared to provide vital assistance before professional medical help arrives.”

The Red Cross also thanked Longolongo Football Club for its enthusiasm and active participation throughout the training, describing the team’s commitment to learning as an important investment in the safety and wellbeing of its members and the wider community.

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One in Four Tongan Children Face Hidden Hardships

Etuate Lavulavu
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One in Four Tongan Children Face Hidden Hardships

One in four Tongan children are suffering from multidimensional poverty, facing overlapping deprivations in essential needs like housing, nutrition, and healthcare.

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Credit: unicef.org

A landmark report titled Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga—jointly published by the Government of Tonga and UNICEF—reveals that 25.3 percent of the nation’s children are deprived of more than one basic human right. Rather than focusing strictly on financial income, the multidimensional metrics expose how severe lack of adequate housing, medical access, education, and clean water disrupt daily life.

Key Findings and Regional Disparities

The data, compiled using Tonga’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, shows a stark contrast between urban environments and outer island communities. Children in rural districts are nearly twice as likely to fall behind, facing a poverty rate of 28.3 percent compared to just 14.8 percent in urban centers.

The geographic distribution highlights acute regional hardships across Tonga:

‘Eua: Highest child poverty rate at 48.9 percent
Ha’apai: Severely impacted at 40.8 percent
Ongo Niua: High rates at 35 percent
Tongatapu: Lowest reported regional rate at 21.6 percent

Infants Hit the Hardest

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The youngest demographics are experiencing the heaviest burdens. Approximately six out of ten infants aged 0 to 23 months suffer from three or more critical deprivations simultaneously. The data shows that 76.9 percent of these infants experience health-related deprivations, while 68.3 percent lack necessary daily nutrition.

Across all age brackets, substandard housing remains the most widespread issue, affecting over half of the children surveyed. On average, a Tongan child trapped in poverty experiences 3.4 different deprivations at the exact same time.

Leaders Call for Urgent Reforms

Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua emphasized that the document serves as an urgent wake-up call to construct robust social safety nets before vulnerable households collapse into severe crisis.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young reiterated that the data represents real children fighting daily, overlapping struggles. Both UNICEF and local officials have called for immediate, cross-sector government action to strengthen welfare programs, healthcare networks, clean water infrastructure, and child protective services.

Pacific Partnership Mission Commander Talks with Tongan Chief
(Photo by Kristopher Radder)

Pacific Nation Reclaims Heritage: Nauru Officially Renames Itself ‘Republic of Naoero’

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Pacific Nation Reclaims Heritage: Nauru Officially Renames Itself ‘Republic of Naoero’
The South Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero.

The historic decision drops a global name chosen out of foreign convenience to embrace the authentic spelling and indigenous pronunciation of the national language.

Shedding a Colonial Identity

World leaders attend United Nations "Summit of the Future" in New York
President of Nauru David Adeang. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado

According to statements released by the government, the name “Nauru” originally emerged simply because the local name proved too difficult for foreign visitors to properly pronounce.

President David Adeang first proposed the constitutional amendment to parliament in January, declaring the change a necessary step to “more faithfully honour our nation’s heritage, our language, and our identity”.

Following two required rounds of parliamentary votes and extensive internal discussions, the government ultimately decided that a public referendum was unnecessary. Lawmakers emphasized that “Naoero” has never truly been lost, noting that it already exists on the national coat of arms and remains the primary identity spoken daily throughout the community.

A Global Transition Begins

The shift places Naoero among a growing list of nations reclaiming their native names to move away from colonial pasts, following in the footsteps of countries like Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Türkiye (formerly Turkey).

The renaming triggers a series of immediate regional and international updates:
Pronunciation Shift: The universally known “Now-roo” is officially replaced by the traditional pronunciation, “Now-ero”.

National Demonym: Citizens will now be formally recognized as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruans.

Global Codes: The country’s international code formally shifts from NRU to NRO.

Official Branding: The government will begin the immediate task of renaming all national ships and aircraft.

Major international bodies and foreign allies have already adapted to the transition. The United Nations updated its official database to reflect the new designation following a formal request, while foreign ministries and embassies for Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and China have updated their official records.

A Vulnerable Paradise

With a population of just 12,000 residents, the tiny coral limestone atoll is the world’s third-smallest country by population size.

The nation has navigated an incredibly tumultuous history. Once possessing immense wealth from a booming phosphate mining industry in the 1970s, Naoero faced severe economic ruin when the industry collapsed in the 1990s.

Nauru.Minning
Phosphate mine. worldatlas.com

Today, the republic faces its most critical modern threat: climate breakdown. As one of the world’s most vulnerable territories to rising sea levels, the government is currently pushing for overseas investments through a specialized citizenship program. The purpose of this assistance is to securely move communities and infrastructure away from the rising ocean.

Despite these looming environmental challenges, leadership views the reclamation of their traditional name as a powerful catalyst for renewed national pride.

Emergency Water Lifeline Reaches Drought-Hit Lulunga Islands

Amanda Vaipulu
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Emergency Water Lifeline Reaches Drought-Hit Lulunga Islands
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NUKU’ALOFA — Emergency drinking water continues to reach communities across the Lulunga island group as the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), supported by His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF), intensifies its response to a prolonged water shortage affecting the remote islands.

The emergency response began on 31 July after the NDRMO Water Response Team arrived safely at Ha’afeva aboard the HMAF patrol vessel VOEA Late, immediately launching operations to restore access to safe drinking water.

A key priority has been the Ha’afeva Health Centre, where a desalination unit was installed to produce clean drinking water after the facility’s rainwater storage tanks were destroyed by a recent tornado. The health centre remains at the centre of the response, with desalination operations continuing to ensure it can maintain essential medical services for the local community.

At the same time, emergency teams travelled to Tungua, where approximately 4,000 litres of drinking water were transferred from VOEA Late into a 5,000-litre community storage tank established as a central distribution point. Twenty-one households received emergency water supplies, with each family provided 40 litres of drinking water.

Response teams also carried out rapid household assessments to identify priority needs and ensure assistance reaches the most vulnerable residents. As a public health precaution, all communities receiving emergency water were advised to boil the water before drinking.

On the second day of operations, emergency teams expanded their response by completing rapid water assessments in ‘Ou’a, Matuku and Ha’afeva while continuing water deliveries throughout the Lulunga island group.

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Although low tidal conditions created logistical challenges and temporarily affected water production at the Ha’afeva Health Centre, response teams continued efforts to replenish the facility’s water reserves to support ongoing healthcare services.

The NDRMO acknowledged the strong support of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, particularly the officers and crew of VOEA Late, for transporting personnel, emergency equipment and water supplies to the affected islands. Appreciation was also extended to the District Officer, Town Officers and the communities of Ha’afeva, Tungua, ‘Ou’a and Matuku for their cooperation throughout the emergency operation.

The NDRMO said it will continue working alongside partner agencies and local communities until the immediate water needs of all affected islands in the Lulunga group have been met, as efforts continue to restore reliable access to safe drinking water.

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No One Left Behind: Tonga Strengthens Inclusive Disaster Preparedness

Amanda Vaipulu
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No One Left Behind: Tonga Strengthens Inclusive Disaster Preparedness
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NUKU’ALOFA — Tonga is taking further steps to ensure no one is left behind during disasters after the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) participated in a regional training programme focused on making emergency response more accessible and inclusive for vulnerable communities.

The NDRMO represented Tonga at the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Accessibility Audit Training, held in Nadi, Fiji, from 28–31 July.

The four-day programme brought together disaster management officials, infrastructure agencies and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from across the Pacific to strengthen the integration of gender equality, disability inclusion and accessibility into disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery planning.

Representing Tonga was Principal Emergency Operations and Response Manager Lazarus Vaipulu, who joined regional counterparts in developing practical approaches to building more inclusive disaster management systems.

The training marked an important milestone in strengthening disaster risk management across the Pacific by equipping participants with practical knowledge and tools to better support vulnerable communities during emergencies.

Further, the programme also encouraged stronger collaboration between National Disaster Risk Management Offices, infrastructure agencies and disability organisations, recognising that effective humanitarian response depends on coordinated action across multiple sectors.

A key component of the training focused on conducting accessibility audits to identify physical and operational barriers that may prevent people with disabilities, women, older persons and other vulnerable groups from accessing emergency shelters, relief services and disaster response facilities.

Participants also explored ways to improve humanitarian logistics and ensure emergency assistance is delivered more effectively and equitably across Pacific island countries.

The knowledge and skills gained through the training will help strengthen Tonga’s disaster preparedness policies and emergency response systems, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to ensuring all communities—including those most at risk—are protected during disasters.

The NDRMO said it remains committed to applying the lessons learned and working with regional partners to build a more resilient, inclusive and people-centred disaster management system for Tonga.

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New UK High Commissioner Begins Diplomatic Engagements in Tonga

Amanda Vaipulu
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New UK High Commissioner Begins Diplomatic Engagements in Tonga
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Photo Credit: UK in Tonga

NUKU’ALOFA — The United Kingdom has ushered in a new chapter in its diplomatic relationship with Tonga following the formal accreditation of His Excellency Keith McMahon MBE as the new British High Commissioner to the Kingdom.

Last Thursday, Mr. McMahon presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Tupou VI during a ceremonial audience at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa, officially assuming his role as the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Tonga. The Union Flag was flown at the Royal Palace to mark the occasion.

A career diplomat, Mr. McMahon joined the United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1988 and has served in senior diplomatic postings across Africa, Europe, Central Asia and North America. Before his appointment to Tonga, he was Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana, bringing decades of experience in diplomacy, political affairs and international cooperation. He succeeds Philip Malone, whose tenure as British High Commissioner concluded in June.

Since presenting his credentials, Mr. McMahon has embarked on a series of courtesy visits with Tonga’s senior leaders, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Tonga.

On Friday, the new High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on Lord Vaea, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, where the two exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. The meeting carried special historical significance, as Lord Vaea’s late father, Baron Vaea, served as Tonga’s first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, symbolising the enduring relationship between the two nations.

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Mr. McMahon also met with Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, where discussions focused on reinforcing the close partnership between the United Kingdom and Tonga and exploring areas for continued cooperation.

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Photo credit: Prime Minister’s Office Tonga

In a separate meeting, the High Commissioner called on Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu to discuss shared priorities and reaffirm the commitment of both governments to strengthening bilateral ties.

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Beyond official government engagements, Mr. McMahon also visited the USP Tonga Campus, where he met Campus Director Robin Havea and staff. Reflecting on the visit, the High Commissioner praised the campus and its dedicated educators, saying the programmes reminded him of his own educational journey with The Open University in the United Kingdom.

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Photo Credit: UK in Tonga

He expressed his admiration for the university’s role in providing higher education across 12 Pacific nations and wished the institution continued success in educating future generations throughout the region.

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The British High Commission said it looks forward to building on the longstanding friendship between the United Kingdom and Tonga and further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest during Mr. McMahon’s tenure.

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