Uasingatoni, ‘Amelika: Na’e kamata ‘i he pongipongi Pulelulu 29 Siulai 2026 ‘a e hopo Senate Homeland Security Committee pea ‘oku fakafuofua hono loloa ki he houa ‘e 3.
Credit: edition.cnn.com
Ko e hopo eni fekau’aki mo Dr. Anthony Fauci, ta’u 85, ko e talekita malōlō e National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), ‘a ia kuo tukuaki’i ki ai e ngaahi makatu’unga tefito lalahi ‘e 3:
1. Fakapa’anga ‘o e Leepi Wuhan pea mo e Tupu’anga ‘o e Koviti-19
Fakapa’anga e Fakatotolo Fakasaienisi ‘Gain-of-Function’ : ‘Oku pehē ‘ehe kau fakaanga´ na’e fakapa’anga ‘e he National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAD) ha ngaahi fakatotolo fakasaienisi fakatu’utamaki ki hono pule’i mo liliu e vailasi´ ‘i he Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Fufūu’i e Tupu’anga (‘o e vailasi koviti-19): Tukuakiʻi ʻe he kau faʻu lao´ ki hono teke ʻa e fakakaukau ʻo e “kolosi fakanatula” (natural spillover) ke fakapuliki ʻa e fehokotaki fakapaʻanga ʻa ʻene kautaha´ mo e leepi fakatotolo Siaina´ ʻa ia ʻoku nau mahaloʻi ki ai e mama mei ai ki tu’a ʻa e vailasi´.
2. Taki Hala’i ‘o e Fale Alea´ pea mo e Kakai´
Loi ‘i he Fuakava: ʻOku tukuakiʻi ia ki hono fakahoko ʻo e fuakava loi ʻi he ngaahi fakamoʻoni ʻi he kuohili´ ʻaki hono fakaʻikaiʻi e paʻanga ʻa e puleʻanga´ naʻe ʻalu ki he fakatotolo ʻi Wuhan.
Ngaue Fehangahangai mo e Tu’utu’uni Ngaue ki he Penitemiki: ʻOku tuhu ʻa e kau fakafepaki´ ki heʻene ngaahi tohinoa fakatautaha´, ‘a ia ‘oku hā ai naʻe tuʻutuʻuni ke fokotuʻutuʻu fakapulipuli ʻa e fakataputapui´ mo e tapuni ʻo e ngaahi ʻapiako´ lolotonga ia naʻa ne fakafotunga mai ki tu’a ʻo hange naʻe siʻisiʻi ʻene kaunga ki ai´.
Fakaʻauha ʻo e ngaahi lekooti´: Kuo tukuakiʻi ʻe Senatoa Rand Paul ʻa Fauci ki hono fakaʻauha ʻo e ngaahi lekooti ʻa e puleʻanga´ ke hao mei hono fakatotolo’i´.
3. Kumi Tu’umalie Fakafo’ituitui
a. Ngaohi Kovia ‘o e Kau Ngaue´ ke ma’u e Pale Fakapa’anga: Tukuaki’i ‘e Senator Josh Hawley ‘a Dr. Fauci ki hono ngaue’aki e kau ngāue fakapule’anga´ ko e “misini fakahū tohi kole, ngaue taimi kakato” ki he tulifua ki he ngaahi pale pa’anga fakafo’ituitui, hange ko e 2021 Dan David Award, ‘a ia na’e laka hono mahu’inga ‘i he $1 miliona.
‘Oku faka’ikai’i hokohoko ‘e Dr. Fauci na’e ‘ikai ke ne fakahoko ha ngaue hala pea ‘oku ne fakahā na’e fakatatau ‘ene ngaue ki he ngaahi fakamatala fakasaienisi ‘o e taimi ko ia´ pea ne taukave’i ko e ngaahi faka’eke’eke Fakafale Alea ko eni´ ko ha feinga fakapolitikale ta’etotonu ia ke tuku popula ai ia.
‘Oku tuku’au mai ‘a e keisi ko eni mei he ngaahi me’a kehekehe ‘i he kuohili´ fekau’aki mo e Koviti-19 kā ko e fakalalahi ‘o a’u ki he tu’unga hopo ‘i he lolotonga ni´, na’e makatu’unga ia ‘i he tohi-noa fakafo’ituitui (dairy) ‘a Dr. Fauci na’e ma’u ‘e he fakafofonga Fale Alea, Senator Rand Paul, ‘a ia ‘oku ne toe sea ‘i he United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ko e tohi-noa ko eni´ ‘oku peesi 1,141 pea na’e lekooti ia ‘e Dr. Fauci ‘i he tanaki’anga fakamatala ‘a e pule’anga´. Koe’uhi ko ‘ene hiki ‘ene tohi-noa ‘i he tanaki’anga fakamatala ‘a e pule’anga´, na’e mo’ulaloa ai ‘ene ngaahi tohi-noa´ ki hono ma’u ‘e he pule’anga pea ‘ikai ke ‘i ai ha malu’i kakato ‘o e totonu fakafo’ituitui.
Ko e tohi-noa eni ‘a e toketa´ mei he konga ki mui ‘o e 2019 ki Tisema 2022 pea hā ‘i ai e ngaahi feto’aki lahi ‘i he ‘ene ngaahi fakamatala ki he kakai´ mo ‘ene ngaahi veiveiua fakataautaha fekau’aki mo e tupu’anga ‘o e Koviti-19, ngaahi fakataputapui mo ‘ene ‘iloa fakamamani lahi fakatu’upake. ‘Oku ha ‘i he ‘ene tohi-noa ‘a e ngaahi me’a ni:
1. Tupu’anga ‘o e Koviti-19 mo ‘Ene Ngaahi Veiveiua ‘i he “mama ki tu’a e leepi”
a. Maketi kakano’i manu Wuhan : ‘I he ‘aho 26 Sanuali 2026, na’e hiki ‘e Dr. Fauci ‘i he ‘ene tohi-noa´ fekau’aki mo e Maketi kakano’i manu Wuhan, ‘o pehē ‘oku ‘ikai ko e feitu’u ia ne tupu mei ai e vailasi´, kā ko e feitu’u ia na’e fakalalahi ai, neongo ‘a e ngaahi tālanga kimu’a ‘o nofo taha ‘i he Maketi kakano’i manu Wuhan.
b. Fakakaukau’i e mama ki tu’a mei he leepi: ‘Oku hā ‘i he ‘ene tohi-noa´ ‘a ‘ene fakatokanga’i ‘a e malava ko ha fehalaaki ‘a e leepi´, ‘o ne pehe ai ‘oku ne “meimei fakapapau’i na’e tupu fakanatula ‘a e vailasi” ka ‘oku ne “fakakaukua ‘a e malava ko ha mama eni mei he leepi´”.
c. Fakafisinga’i e Fakamahamahalo: Na’e hiki faka’auliliki ‘e Dr. Fauci ‘ene ta’efiemalie ki he “ngaahi fakakaukau fa’ufa’u´”, hangē ko e ngaahi tukuaki’i na’a ne fakataha fakapulipuli mo e CIA ke fakalongo’i ‘a e fakakaukau fa’ufa’u ko e “mama ki tu’a mei he leepi”.
2. Puipuitu’a ‘o e Ngaahi Tu’utu’uni Fakataputapu
a. Tapuni ‘o e ngaahi ‘Apiako: ‘Oku hā ‘i he ‘ene ngaahi tohi-noa´ na’e fale’i ‘e Dr. Fauci ‘a e ‘ofisa kolo pe Mayor ‘o New York, Bill de Blasio, ke tapuni ‘a e ngaahi ‘apiako, ngaahi pā, ngaahi falekai´ ‘i Ma’asi 2020. ‘Oku fehangahangai eni mo ‘ene fakamatala ki he kakai ‘o pehe “na’e ‘ikai ha’ane kaunga” ki he tapuni ‘o e ngaahi ‘apiako.
b. Fepaki mo Trump: ʻOku fakamatalaʻi ʻi he tohi-noa ʻa e vā fetuʻutaki mo Palesiteni Donald Trump, ʻa ia naʻe pehe ʻe Fauci ʻoku “ʻikai lava ke fakaleleiʻi” lolotonga ha fakataha ʻi Maʻasi 2020 fekauʻaki mo hono fakaloloa ʻo e tāpuni´ mo e fakataputapui fakafonua´.
3. ‘Iloa / Ongoongoa mo e mafatukituki ‘o e Ngaue Fakataki
a. ‘Iloa / Ongoongoa Fakafokifa: ‘I Me 2020, na’e tohitohi noa ai ‘a Dr. Fauci fekau’aki mo ‘ene ongoongoa “fakafokifa pea matu’aki ta’e’amanekina” hono ‘ilo’i fakamamani lahi ‘o ia´, pea ne pehē ai ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha faka’afa’afa ke ne pehē, ko ia ko e tokotaha “’iloa taha ia mo talanoa’i lahitaha ‘i he fonua´”.
b. Ngaahi Fakamanamana: Na’a ne fa’a tohitohi fekau’aki mo e tafa’aki fakatu’utamaki ‘o ‘ene ongoongoa´, ‘o ne pehē ai ko e mahiki hake ko eni ‘a ‘ene ongoongoa´, ‘oku ne fakatupunga ai ha ‘aukolo lahi kiate ia ‘a e ngaahi “meili taufehi’a mo e ngaahi fakamanamana fakapoongi lahi ‘aupito” ‘a ia ‘oku fakahangatonu mai ki hono famili´.
‘I he kotoa ‘o e ngaahi faka’eke ‘i he hopo ni, na’e tali kotoa ‘e Dr. Fauci ki ai ‘aki ‘a e 5th Amendment, ‘a ia ko e totonu fakakonisitutone ia ‘a ‘Amelika ‘oku ne faka’atā e toketa´ ke ne ta’etali ha fakafehu’i kiate ia. ‘I he faka’osinga ‘o e hopo ko eni´, na’e ‘ikai ha toe ‘ilo fakasaienisi fo’ou pe ko ha toe fakamaama makehe fekau’aki mo e penitemiki Koviti-19´. Pea koe’uhi ko e ‘ikai tali ‘e Dr. Fauci ‘a e ngaahi fakafehu’i´, ‘oku pehe ai ‘e he Sea, Senator Rand Paul, ‘oku faka’aho ki he uike ni ke fakahoko ai e vouti ‘a hono tukuaki’i faka’ofisiale ‘a Dr. Fauci ki he ta’efaka’apa’apa’i ‘o e Fale Alea´. ‘Oku pehē ‘e Senator Rand Paul, ‘oku toe ‘i ai mo e fehu’i fakalao ‘e taha ‘oku totonu ke vakai ki ai ‘a e fakamaau’anga´ pe ‘oku kei totonu ke ngaue’aki ‘a e 5th Amendment ‘i he funga ‘o hono lolotonga ma’u ‘a e tala’ofa fakapalesiteni ‘a ia ‘oku ne faka’atā kakato ai ha taha mei ha fa’ahinga tukuaki’i hia.
NUKU’ALOFA — Tonga has reinforced its commitment to disaster preparedness and regional cooperation after senior officials from the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) represented the Kingdom at the 2026 Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMC) on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Held from 27–28 July, the conference brought together disaster management leaders and emergency response experts from across the Pacific and beyond to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and improve disaster response capabilities.
Leading the Tonga delegation was NDRMO Director Mafua-‘I-Vai’utukakau Maka, who served as a panelist during an Australia Assists session titled “National Disaster Management in the Pacific: Leadership Across Large Ocean States.”
During the discussion, Mr. Maka highlighted the importance of involving international development partners in Tonga’s national disaster simulation exercises. He said these exercises help partners understand Tonga’s emergency management systems, coordination arrangements, and the roles of responding agencies, enabling them to integrate quickly and effectively into national response efforts when disasters strike.
The delegation also undertook study visits to the Gold Coast Disaster & Emergency Centre and the Brisbane Humanitarian Warehouse, where they gained first-hand experience of emergency operations, logistics management, coordination systems, and humanitarian preparedness.
The visit to the Brisbane Humanitarian Warehouse was particularly significant as Tonga continues to expand its own humanitarian warehousing network. A warehouse is already operational in Tongatapu, while additional facilities are planned for Ha’apai and Vava’u. The visit provided valuable insights into warehouse operations, inventory management, and emergency logistics that will help strengthen Tonga’s disaster response capacity.
The NDRMO acknowledged the support of Australia Assists and the Pacific Community (SPC), whose funding enabled the Tonga delegation to participate in the conference.
Representing Tonga were NDRMO Director Mafua-‘I-Vai’utukakau Maka, Deputy Director ‘Aisea Vaituilua Fungavai, and National Inter-Cluster Coordinator Viliami Tongamana.
The conference forms part of Tonga’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national resilience through closer collaboration with regional and international partners, ensuring the Kingdom is better prepared to respond to future disasters and protect the safety and well-being of its people.
Ko e konga faka’osi eni ‘a e fepotalanoa’aki mo e Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support ‘a e WCCC, Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki, ‘a ia na’e tuku atu ‘a e kong a’uluaki ‘i he ‘aho 27 Siulai 2026.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: Na’e ‘i ai nai ha fa’ahinga fakafe’atungia ki he Fono lolotonga e ‘aho ‘e 3 na’e fakahoko ai?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
‘I hono fakakatoa, na’e lele lelei ‘a e Fono. Ko hano fakahoko ha fa’ahinga me’a ‘i he lahi na’e ‘i ai ‘a e Fono, ‘oku ‘i ai ma’u pe hono ngaahi pole ki he anga hono fokotu’utu’u, tautautefito ki hono fakafekau’aki ‘okinautolu na’e kau mai mei he kotoa e tukui motu, ka na’e malava ikuna’i kotoa eni fakafounga ‘i he timi ngaue malohi mo e palani na’e fakakaukaua lelei. Ko e laumalie ‘o e Fono ‘i he kotoa e ‘aho ‘e tolu na’e fakahoko ai, na’e ma’u e laumalie ‘o e fengaue’aki, feveitokai’aki mo e tukupa loto’aki ke a’usia ‘a e ola na’a mau loto tatau kotoa ki ai.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: ‘I he hili ange ‘a e Fono, ko e ha leva e ngaue ‘oku hoko atu ki ai?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Ko e lolotonga ni, ‘oku hiki leva ‘emau tokanga ki he fakahoko e ngaue na’e alea’i ‘i he Fono. Ko e ngaue hoko mai ko hono fakakakato e Tu’utu’uni Ngaue ki he Fakahoko Ngaue mo e hono Sivisivi’i (Implementation and Monitoring Framework), fokotu’u ha ngaahi founga ki hono fakafekau’aki e fakahoko ngaue, pea ngaue fakataha mo e Pule’anga, ngaahi komiuniti, ngaahi hoa ngaue fakalakalaka mo e sosaieti sivile ke liliu ‘a e ngaahi tukupa ‘a e kakai fefine ki ha ngaue ‘oku hoko mo’oni.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: Ko e ha ‘a e taumu’a fakalukufua ‘oku taumu’a ki ai ‘a e Fono?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Ko e taumu’a taupotu taha ke fakalakalaka ‘a e mo’ui ‘a e kakai fefine mo e fanau fefine ‘i Tonga kotoa. ‘Oku mau faka’amu ke fakapapau’i ‘oku kei takiekina ‘e he le’o ‘o e kakai fefine ‘a e ngaahi tu’utu’uni fakafonua pea ‘oku tataki ‘e he ngaahi me’a na’e faka’ilonga’i ‘i he Fono, ko e ngaahi me’a ia ‘oku fakamu’omu’a (priorities), ki ha ngaahi famili ‘oku malohi ange, ngaahi komuniti ‘oku malu ange, ngaahi faingamalie ‘oku lelei ange pea mo ha liliu lelei tu’uloa ki he to’utangata ‘i he kaha’u.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: ‘I he hoko atu ko eni e ngaue mei he Fono, ‘oku ‘iai ha me’a ‘e ala tokoni atu ai e Tonga Chronicle/88.1 FM ki hono fakaa’usia ‘a e ngaahi taumu’a ‘a e Fono?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Mo’oni ‘aupito. ‘Oku ‘i ai ‘a e fatongia mahu‘inga ‘o e mītiá ‘i hono tauhi ‘a e fetalanoa‘akí. ‘Oku mau ‘amanaki ‘e hokohoko atu ‘a e Tonga Chronicle mo e 88.1 FM ‘i hono faka’ilo ‘o e ngaahi ngaue ‘a e Tonga Women’s Platform for Action, fevahevahe’aki ‘a e ngaahi talanoa fakalakalaka ‘a e ngaue, fakalotolahi’i ‘a e talanoa fakakomiuniti pea tokoni ki he lau’ilo mo e fakafekau’aki ‘a e kakai ‘i he nga’unu ki mu’a ‘a e fakahoko ngaue
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: Ko e ha ha popoaki ‘oku ke faka’amu ke tuku atu ‘e he 88.1FM/Tonga Chronicle fekau’aki pea mo e Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine ke lau’ilo ki ai ‘a e kakai?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Neongo pe kuo lava lelei ‘a e Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine, ka ko e kamata’anga pe ‘eni. Ko e Fala Fofola ki he Ngaue ‘a e Kakai Fefine ‘o Tonga ‘oku ‘a e Tonga kotoa ia. ‘Oku fakafalala ‘a e ikuna e ngaue ko eni ‘iate kitautolu kotoa – Pule’anga, ngaahi komiuniti, ngaahi siasi, sosaieti sivile, sekitoa taautaha mo e ngaahi hoa ngaue fakalakalaka – ke tau ngaue fakataha ke liliu ‘a e le’o ‘o e kakai fefine ki ha ngaue ‘uhingamālie ‘oku ‘aonga ki he fonua kotoa.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: ‘Oku fakahoko atu ‘a fakamalo loto hounga mo’oni kiate koe Mrs. Likiliki ‘i ho’o tuku taimi mo ‘omai faingamalie ke fakahoko ai e fepotalanoa’aki ko eni fekau’aki pea mo e fuofua Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine ‘i Tonga. Fakamonu atu ki he ngaahi ngaue kotoa pe ‘i he kaha’u pea fakatauange ke fakaola mei langi ‘a e ngaahi ngaue lelei kotoa pe ‘oku mou fakahoko. Malo ‘aupito.
NAKOLO, Tonga — Tonga could soon benefit from innovative American road-building technology following a visit by senior representatives from U.S. infrastructure company Terra Pave to Nakolo and Tatakamotonga, where they explored opportunities to support the Kingdom’s future infrastructure development.
The visit highlighted the growing partnership between Tonga and the United States, with discussions focusing on sustainable solutions that can strengthen the country’s road network, reduce maintenance costs, and improve long-term resilience.
During their visit, Terra Pave’s regional directors inspected local road conditions and met with Tongan government partners to discuss the potential use of the company’s advanced road stabilisation technology. Designed to meet the unique challenges faced by island nations, the technology aims to reduce dust, lower construction and maintenance costs, and significantly extend the lifespan of roads.
If adopted, the technology could provide a practical and environmentally sustainable solution for communities across Tonga by improving road durability while reducing the financial burden associated with frequent repairs.
The visit also reinforced the strong and expanding relationship between Tonga and the United States, with both countries continuing to explore opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure development, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
In a statement following the visit, the U.S. Embassy in Nuku’alofa thanked its Tongan counterparts for their continued partnership.
“We thank our Tongan Government partners for their continued collaboration and look forward to strengthening this partnership as we explore new opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship together.”
The visit marks another step in the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Tonga, demonstrating a shared commitment to developing resilient infrastructure that will benefit communities for generations to come. As Tonga continues to invest in modern and sustainable transport networks, partnerships such as this are expected to play a key role in supporting the nation’s long-term development goals.
Following from our first segment posted on the 27th July on the special interview with WCCC’s Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki, here is the last segment.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: Were there any hindrance of any kind to the Fono during the 3 days it was held?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Overall, the Fono ran very smoothly. With an event of this scale there are always logistical challenges, particularly coordinating participants from across all island groups, but these were overcome through strong teamwork and careful planning. The atmosphere throughout the three days was one of collaboration, respect and genuine commitment to achieving a shared outcome.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: What is coming next, base on the Fono?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Our focus now shifts to implementation. The next step is to finalise the Implementation and Monitoring Framework, establish mechanisms for coordinated implementation, and work alongside Government, communities, development partners and civil society to turn the Platform’s commitments into practical action.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: What is the overall endgame that the Fono is seeking to accomplish?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of women and girls across Tonga. We want to ensure that the voices of women continue to influence national decision-making and that the priorities identified through the Fono lead to stronger families, safer communities, greater opportunities and lasting positive change for future generations.
Credit: Australia in Tonga / Facebook
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: Moving forward from the Fono, is there anything that Tonga Chronicle/88.1 FM can assist you with in achieving the Fono’s goals?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Absolutely. The media has a vital role in keeping the conversation alive. We hope Tonga Chronicle and 88.1 FM will continue to raise awareness of the Tonga Women’s Platform for Action, share stories of progress, encourage community dialogue and help keep the public informed and engaged as implementation moves forward.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: What message would you like Tonga Chronicle / 88.1 FM to put out for public knowledge?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
The National Women’s Fono may have concluded, but this is only the beginning. The Tonga Women’s Platform for Action belongs to all of Tonga. Its success will depend on all of us – Government, communities, churches, civil society, the private sector and development partners… working together to turn the voices of women into meaningful action that benefits the entire nation.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio: We wish to thank you Mrs. Likiliki for taking the time to have this interview with us, thank you for the opportunity and we look forward to working with your organization in assisting from our part as media to WCCC progress in the implementation part of the Fono. Malo ‘aupito.
NUKU‘ALOFA — The bond between Australia and the Kingdom of Tonga has hit a historic high point, driven by landmark sports investments and life-changing migration opportunities.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu sat down with Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Brick Bradley, to discuss everything from local culinary experiments to a $250 million regional rugby partnership. Below is a transcriptionof their conversation:
Introduction and Personal Reflections:
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Malo e lelei and a very warm welcome to the People’s Radio 88.1 FM and the Tonga Chronicle Newspaper. It is an honor to have with us this morning His Excellency Mr. Brek Batley, Australia’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga. Your Excellency, malo e laumalie, malo e me’a mai ‘I he pongipongi ni. Thank you for joining us.
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Sita, thank you so much for having us on your show.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Your Excellency, you have been here for about two and a half years now. Before we get into the busy agendas between our two countries, can you share a memorable experience you hold close to your heart ever since arriving in Tonga?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley: You have asked the hardest question first because I have so many brilliant experiences. A standout was climbing the volcanoes in Haʻapai late last year. It was the most beautiful place and an incredible hiking experience, being isolated out on the island feeling remote but yet just engaging with the natural wonder of Tonga. Just recently I have had some vasuva and I had a big one at home where I marinated, prepared it and having it. And now I feel like I am becoming a Tongan. On Monday I went whale swimming. I have some friends here from Australia and it is the fourth time I went whale swimming. There is nothing more majestic than being eye to eye with the whales in Tonga. It is actually a very valuable thing to go through when you have friends come here because you want to show them the best of Tonga. I have an itinerary that is jam-packed for 7 days for them. I want to suggest to the Tongan Prime Minister that, because when you are out on the water and you see the color of the blue in the water in Tonga next to the whales, I think we should come up with a special name for a color blue – Tonga blue. It’s that deep, rich blue that you cannot see anywhere else. I think we get it on every color palette in the world. I was in Vava’u, ‘Eua and the Niuas. I love them all equally. I was in Vava’u recently and I have to say they have some of the best scuba diving in the Pacific, no doubt about it. The people of Vava’u are absolutely gorgeous and welcoming every time I am there.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
The last few months have been extraordinary—celebrating 200 years of Christianity, our new Prime Minister’s first bilateral in Brisbane, a landmark rugby league partnership signed, and two Tongan icons reaching 300 NRL games. In one sentence, how would you describe the current Australia-Tonga relationship?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
I would say that the relationship is blossoming at every level—from people-to-people, church groups, and educational institutions, to our political engagement and sports.
Credit:dfat.gov.auCredit:dfat.gov.auCredit:Australia in Tonga/Facebook
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Australia and Tonga marked 55 years of formal diplomatic relations last year but our people to people ties go back 200 years. What does that history mean for how you approach your role everyday here in the kingdom of Tonga?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Well, history is essential for everything we do as a foreign service, but especially for the Australian High Commission here. There are so many excellent ambassadors, excellent officers that have come well before me. And as you say, that’s just 55 years of diplomatic relations, but you think of all the medical experts, the church leaders, the sports players, the educational leaders that have come over 200 years before us. And what the 200th anniversary of Christianity quite clearly showed was just those deep Tonga-Australia ties based and grounded so strongly in faith and in the church from the first missionaries coming across in the 1820s through to setting up the longest standing educational partnerships between, for example Newington and Tupou College, but also Queen Salote College and MLC in Sydney.
This history is extremely important. The Shirley Bakers that have been here in the late 1800s and worked side by side and together with the royal family, with the Tongan institutions. From my point of view, it is so beautiful reading and learning about this. And the problem is there is just so much of it I am still learning every day and at every event. We had Helen Taliai here just a few weeks ago for the 200th anniversary and she’d written a book on the early Australian missionaries that had come here. And there is now a beautiful memorial next to the Centenary Church marking 42 of those Australians. And these were pioneers that came here and didn’t know what to expect but knew they stood for their values and their faith. And Tonga and Australia partnership is grounded in some of these stories. I have had coffee with some of the missionaries that have been here in the 1970s and 80s and 90s, Sandy and Faye and others, and they were telling their stories of just how important Tonga was in their lives and is in their lives. And I think that is true of so many in the Tongan diaspora who want to give back as well to Tonga. I was out in Sydney with the Tonga Prime Minister only two weeks ago doing a community town hall event. And it is just the passion, the ‘mafana’ between the diaspora and Tonga is just so strong and that is something that we are focused on.
Redefining the Pacific Family Through Sport
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
I like how you use that Tongan word ‘mafana’, you are getting your Tongan right.
The first topic for our program is sports. When we talk about sports, our people here in Tonga, especially with rugby,it turns on a light in everybody. And sport is important to our country because, especially rugby, it unites the country and the people in general. And we have seen it in the past when all the games happened with the Mate Ma’a Tonga, the ‘Ikale Tahi and all that.
Within three weeks, Tonga saw two rugby league icons reach 300 NRL games. That was Jason Taumalolo on the 27th of June with the Cowboys in Townsville and Daniel Tupou on the 11th of July with the Roosters in Sydney. Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelica Latufuipeka and the Honourable Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua were on the stands for both. And from Australia’s perspective, what did it mean to host these historic Tongan moments on Australian soil?
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Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Well, these are two icons of the game. They are humble, talented and now legendary players in the game of rugby league. And it was such an honour to have Princess Angelica and the Tonga Prime Minister at both of those games. And I had the pleasure of being at the Daniel Tupou game as well with both of them. You know, there are only 57 players now, 57 players that have got to 300 games. The average length of service for a rugby league player in the NRL is about 66 games. To get to 100 games or 200 games is a huge achievement. To have your body last and your talent be strong enough to hold you in the team for 300 games is just a huge, huge achievement that so few people get to do.
I must admit, I had an awkward moment, though, as an EELS supporter sitting in the rooster’s lounge. I was holding and biting my tongue. But of course, I was cheering for Daniel Tupou and he got a hat-trick of tries, which was just beautiful. And of course, the Penrith Panthers were defeated by the Cowboys. That whole team stood up for Jason, which was great to see. But those games, I want to see more of them. This is when we talk about the Tonga-Australia Sporting Partnership and we have the Commonwealth Games on starting today. We want to see more netballers thriving and Tonga going from the eighth in the world to number one in the world. We want to see more rugby union players come out of Vava’u and end up in the professional competitions in Australia or New Zealand. We want to see more boxers win gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. And I know you have had three medals there over the last 20 years.
For us, it is about how do you build grassroots competitions and coordination of skills at really young age, support good messaging to kids about health and nutrition and domestic violence, all these sorts of messages. But ultimately, how do you nurture that talent and then create pathways to the elite competitions across all sports? And you can see what it means to the young kids, the way they look up to some of these players. We want more role models, more Tongan role models, women and men in all of these sports. And you asked earlier about the sports in Tonga – I can’t believe how exciting all the school sports competitions are. I was at the rugby last Friday. Sorry, Tupou College. ‘Atele did a great job. Great and awesome game. That should be broadcast live in Australia. The talent in those senior competitions is just really at a high level. It was wonderful to see the Crown Prince deliver the cup to the prince in the Junior Competition. But also the athletics competition, the intercollege athletics sports carnival. That is the greatest.
I tell all our staff at the High Commission, you must go and watch. For all the Australians that have just arrived, I said, that is the first thing you have got to go and see. See the passion with which Tongans not only hold their old schools for the alumni, but also what we call having a crack or having a fair go. The idea of just young athletes enjoying themselves and doing their best and everyone supporting them, that is such a great atmosphere, a festival atmosphere.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Now, on the 8th of July in Brisbane, Australia signed the Pacific Rugby League Partnership. Two hundred and fifty million Australian dollars (AUD$250 million) over 10 years with Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Some senior Australian figures have described the contest for influence in the Pacific as a ‘knife fight’ and analysts are calling rugby league a soft power lever. How should Tongans understand this investment? Is it about the game or is there something bigger?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Well, this is about sports. We have just talked so much about how Australia and Tonga share this beautiful passion and tradition together across not just one sport, not just two, but dozens of different areas. That partnership that has just been agreed and the next design phase was announced by our Prime Minister and the Tonga Prime Minister was there in Brisbane, along with the Samoa Prime Minister and the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister. That is a reflection of the Pacific family uniting around something that matters to all countries. This was something that was asked of us to work closer on rugby league. And of course, Papua New Guinea now has a team, a professional team in the NRL called the Chiefs. And that is part of that broader package.
For us, this is about maximising our strengths and our passions together and creating opportunities for young kids and creating pathways for those that ultimately make it. That is life changing. Absolutely life changing for not just the individuals, but families and communities and for Tonga’s national pride and direction. Same for Australia. I mean, what the TALAs do to young women here is enormous. So, for us, we see sports as a development opportunity. No doubt, of course, there’s contests and all of those things that you mentioned. But that’s not the primary reason.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Thank you Your Excellency. The partnership specifically mentions upgrading the 10,000 capacity Teufaiva Stadium here in Nuku’alofa and building a high performance centre. With the 2031 Pacific Games in mind, what is the timeline when we will actually be seeing some kind of work happening around that area?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Well, I am so excited that Tonga has got the Pacific Games for 2031. It will be a moment for Tonga to shine in the regional stage. This is one of the things that we are working on with TASANOC and other organisations, for Tonga to do as well as possible in the games amongst not just the athletes, but all the officials, and all the organisers. So that is where Australia’s support always goes – to the people, not just the players, but the officials, the referees, the organisers.
The infrastructure, of course, is a separate issue, equally important, but you have got to have that human element strong in the first instance. And I know that the Rugby League partnership will look at some of these areas and that is to be determined over the next six months and there will be conversations ongoing. I know that the CEO of Rugby League here, Tavake, is working very strongly with the Australian Rugby League Commission on these. From our perspective, we want to see not just sporting infrastructure in place for the 2031 Games. Australia will do its part to help there, but also broader infrastructure. You know, I know the bridge, for example, will be done by then. I know Japan is working on International Airport here. We are working on the hospital in Vava’u and other big projects. Of course, the Parliament House is something that we are working with New Zealand on and that will come online late next year. All of these things matter in terms of how Tonga is on show in 2031.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
We are all looking forward to all this development in the country.
Moving on, beyond Elite Pathways, the partnership talks about grassroot clubs, as you had mentioned a bit earlier, school rugby league programmes and violence prevention and youth work. Can you give our listeners something concrete – what will our villages and our schools and, for instance, in Vava’u, what would they expect to see? Any change?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Absolutely. Let me just give a shout out to the work of the Tongan Rugby League. In the last two years here they have started programmes with 8 to 10-year-olds and in primary schools on just coordination skills and the messaging around health, nutrition, these sorts of things. So that is already happening. There’s now under 14, under 16, under 18 competitions, the 10-week annual competitions. That’s already happening. There are now trips overseas to Fiji and to Australia for the winning teams. That is happening. All of these things will connect in a more comprehensive way and they will grow. But the pathway is already there. It is about how do you expand that? And this is not for me to design a programme, it is for the Tongan Rugby League to design. But how do you maximise all of the young energy in Vava’u and all the schools or all the communities to give different options for kids and girls as well? This is not just for men or boys. And as I said earlier, it’s just so incredible to see people succeed in Australia, women that go across and get contracts in Australia. That is what we want to see more of. And so that is what I think the NRL is focused on together with the Tongan Rugby League.
Migration and Labour Mobility
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Australia hosts the Rugby League World Cup this October to November, the Rugby Union World Cup in 2027 and the Rugby League World Cup again in 2029. What arrangements is Australia making for Tongan supporters travelling to support Mate Ma’a Tonga and the ‘Ikale Tahi on visas, family reunification and community host events?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Yes. Well, I want to be at the game between Tonga and Samoa in Sydney in about four months’ time in October. That will be absolutely one for the record books. But there are going to be so many incredible games from the 15th of October for a month. And I know the Tongan diaspora will come out in huge numbers. I loved it in the last game. I went to the game with the Tongan Prime Minister and others in 2024 for the Australia Mate Ma’a Tonga game. And I know there was a competition in the diaspora in other games as well between Tonga and Samoa about who can get the most number of people in the crowd. But at that game, it was just a sea of red, as they say. I think the stadium, Parramatta Stadium, CommBank Stadium, holds about 35,000. I think there were about seven green and gold jerseys in there amongst all the red. So yeah, undoubtedly, as you say, there will be so much interest in this.
We will certainly do whatever we can to facilitate the movement of people from Tonga to Australia to make it as easy as possible. As always, we have to maintain our border security and make sure that we are adhering to all our border security policies. But whatever we can do to make sure that as many Tongans get to those games and that the communities celebrate, we will. I just, obviously, when the kangaroos play the Matematonga, that’s going to be another tricky one for me. They almost won in 2024. Almost. I think it is going to be very, very tight come late October. The first game, I think Tonga versus England is in Perth around the 17th of October. That will be a huge game over there too. And Tonga’s got to beat England, right?
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Ofcourse, we beat anything!
Thank you, Your Excellency. Now, moving to our second category of questions, this is a topic that our people are very interested in, and that is the Pacific Engagement Visa Ballots and the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme. Only because this is a topic that gives opportunities to our people to migrate to Australia with the PEV ballot and also the PALM scheme, the Seasonal Workers Program. And I am sure our listeners are really wanting to listen out to what you have to say about this – the PEV ballot and the PALM scheme. And just with the PEV ballot for 2026-2027, opening up on the 1st of July, and will be closing on the 29th of July.The inaugural ballot in 2024-2025 drew over 56,000 registrations for 3,000 places.
Two years in, how has Tonga performed? How many Tongans have been granted a PEV visa to date? And is Tonga using their country allocations in full?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Yes, thank you, Sita. This is one of our flagship programs. It is only three years old, so this is the third year of intake. The Pacific Engagement Visa is designed to give Tongans and all Pacific Islanders a pathway to residency and ultimately citizenship in Australia. And this responds to requests so many governments in the region, for a program like this. Tonga has had around 250 spots last year. It has got 150 spots to start with this year. It may increase. And as you say, the round is open and it closes next Wednesday. You have to be aged between 18 to 45. I think it is about $25 for the application fee.
Now, this is a ballot and not targeting anyone. It is literally a ballot. Your name gets pulled out of a hat. It does not focus on those that have a big bank account or those that have particular skills or those of a certain age or anything. It is just the luck of the draw. So it is very fair. Tongans have applied in large numbers. They have been very successful in getting all the spots that Tonga wants. The one challenge is that, to get the visa, you must have an offer of employment in Australia. So for those that are successful, you then have 12 months to find a job in Australia and we help with that. There is a PEV office here that helps with outreach. You must have a job offer and then the visa is granted. And the family can come, you have access to schools, you have access to our medical system. It is just like being an Australian in Australia. And obviously the citizenship is a choice that people will have under that, if they want to go down that path. And it does not stop them from coming back to Tonga. We have had lots of great feedback on it. I welcome, our office welcomes other feedbacks, as I say, it is a new program. It is going to keep improving. We just had the Marshall Islands join this year, so it is the 12th country that has joined. But Tonga continues to have a high number of applications and a high success rate.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
I have a friend who was lucky in the ballot and they have migrated. It is a couple and four children. They have already migrated to Australia and they are just so overwhelmed and so happy and blessed that they have been given this opportunity to migrate to Australia and have access to, as you mentioned, the health system, education for the children. It is just a wonderful experience for our people. And as it is a ballot, it is whoever is lucky is lucky, right? And so as you said, you must have a job offer. You do have a PEV office here in Tonga that can assist our people with finding job offers for their PEV application.
Now the PALM program, it is a very different program. Within 3 to 6 months required departure between placements. There have been serious concerns across the region on worker welfare, wage deductions, family separations, mental health and Tonga losing its workers to overseas. What is Australia doing on worker protection specifically for the Tongan PALM participants?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Thank you Sita. PALM is one of our big programs that we jointly work on between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and our High Commissions and Canberra. There are around 3,700 Tongans in Australia at the moment through the PALM program. Two of the big benefits of the PALM program as far as on the Tongan side, are the remittances that get sent back and that is around TOP$120,000,000 each year and also the skills development. We see so many palm workers come back here with either high levels of skills or an entrepreneurial outlook and start a business and of course all the things that they can do back in Tonga. From our point of view in Australia, it is such a valued program. So many employers love the PALM Scheme. Tongans have a great reputation in workers. I know numerous countries and numerous companies asked to have Tongans continue working with them. Tonga has a great reputation in the program.
Just to make the point on the question you raised that all Tongans and all Pacific Islanders in the PALM program are under the same working conditions, same wages as Australians in the same jobs. There is no distinction. If there are ever any grievances in the workplace, just as for an Australian, there are multiple processes to help resolve that. There are always going to be some issues in these programs, that is a given. The question is, are there systems in place to deal with it?
We have welfare officers that are employed. We have a 24/7 hotline. There is a community liaison officers that Tonga employs. There are grievance processes such as the Fair Work Ombudsman and we do an enormous amount of pre departure and arrival briefings as well, to deal with some of these issues around, as you say, mental health and family separations, to know what people are signing up for and making sure they are making the right judgements and they are supporting themselves with what they need.
I think it is fair to say that the PALM program is sort of embedded in Tonga’s economic development and Australia’s economic activity in our agricultural areas and some of our key sectors like aged care and we want to see it a success. We will do anything that the Ministry of Internal Affairs or others ask of us to adapt the program to Tonga’s priorities or to Tonga’s systems. Likewise, the employers in Australia want to see it a success, so do the workers, so do their families. This is not just a set-and-forget program. Every year it is changing and we take on feedback from every country to make sure it keeps improving.
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Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Thank you, Your Excellency.
I support the PALM Scheme and we see results here in Tonga already. We have people who have returned, have built homes, now have vehicles and who are able to run their own business, entrepreneurship. I think there is good and bad to everything. But it all depends on the participant – to sit down with their families, to understand what they will be facing, their challenges and look at the good side and the benefits of it. It is a very good program.
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
And there has to be a self-selection process. Not everyone might be suited to leaving their family, leaving their culture, going to a foreign land and working for, as you say, six months or you could be there longer. That takes a lot of courage and a lot of adaptation in the country and learning about all these new Australian cultural and business practices. But ultimately for so many, it is such a successful endeavor and it is life changing for them and their families and also, as I say, for our businesses.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Absolutely.
There is a genuine tension for Tonga. PALM sends home remittances, as you mentioned, but it also depletes the domestic workforce. Trades people – the nurses, teachers, has Australia engaged in serious conversations or Talanoa with the Tongan Government about the brain drain cost or is this still largely a one-way conversation?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Well, as I said, PALM is a mutual joint program. It is not Australia saying here is a PALM program, sign on or sign off. It is up to the Tongan Government and the ministries involved to determine how they want to use PALM. They can determine which people go to Australia, which islands, which age groups, which skill sets to make sure that any impact is as limited as possible or that skills are being bult up in the areas geographic or the sectoral areas that you desire. I think it is a really important point that we do what the government asks us and we are always tweaking for the outcomes that you want. I know that there is talk of skill shortages in some areas. There are a lot of workers here in Tonga. The key is how do you make sure they have the right skills for the jobs here in Tonga? That is the conversation we are absolutely having with the government. It is not a labor shortage per se. It is making sure the skills are matching the jobs. Whether that is waiters in hotels or plumbers and electricians. Australia has a new larger regional skills program. The Pacific Skills Program that is just rolling out this year. We have trained around near a thousand people in the last program. This one will be bigger and be targeted to the skills that the Tongan Government wants but also what the businesses wants. We engage with the Chamber of Commerce. We engage with Ministry of Trade. It is really important, from our point of view, that these skills programs, and it was World Skills Day only last week, it is really important that we keep coming up with programs and as you mentioned the nursing school, so Australia is investing $5million in the new nursing school and construction has just started, to make sure that there is a pathway for young people to pursue careers where there are jobs. And some of those jobs will be overseas and some of them will be here. But what we want to see Tongan’s get higher salaries and if it is overseas, and more remittances that come back, and if it is locally there are constant consistent employment channel for people and for organizations like the hospital. We know how hard it is to retain staff in some areas. There has to be a body of staff that are trained to come through the system.
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Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
For the PALM workers who are currently in Australia on a valid temporary visa thinking about registering for the PEV ballot, what is your message to them?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Oh, I would have to check this. I am not sure that they can apply. I think you have to be based in Tonga. I will check that.
The PEV is open to everyone. If there are certain circumstances for example, if you have just been awarded an Australia Awards Scholarship and you are in Australia studying, you have to finish your scholarship before you can apply for it. There are a few things there to make sure that we are not hurting one program to serve another program. Likewise, for those that have signed on to employees in Australia. PEV is open to everyone and if it means waiting six months until you finish one program then that is what you have to do.
Recent Political Affairs
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
In the interest of time, I would like to move to our next category – the recent political affairs. The Hon. Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, met Prime Minister Abeneze in Brisbane on the 8th of July. His first bilateral since taking office in December. He said he expects the ‘Kaume’a Ofi Agreement’ could be signed by the end of the year. Calling it quite ambitious. From Australia’s side is that timeline realistic? And what are the sticking points?
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Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
This is the new elevated partnership between Tonga and Australia and it is such an honor to be part of these conversations. It is a natural progression in what is an extremely close partnership. This was initiated when the Crown Prince went to Australia last year and it was signed in front of his Majesty in September last year with our Governor General and since then, we have had some discussions between our Government on what we both want out of the partnership. It is very simple, it is about where does Tonga and Australia want their partnership to be over the next 10, 20 years and you would have seen that there have been other partnerships in the region than Australia, for example, Vanuatu and Fiji have done. This is about listening to each other and responding to, for example the Tongan government’s request. Whether that is on health or education, whether that is on Defense. These conversations are about cementing our partnership into the future and in what is a far more different set of circumstances.
On timelines we will just let that play out. That is for those involved to make sure we get it right. We only do this once. There is no set timeline and does not need to be. What matters is that we agree on something that both countries really want. And if that takes two months or if it takes six months so be it. What is important is that we set ourselves up for continued success. It is just amazing how close, in the 200th anniversary of Christianity, the 150th anniversary of the Constitution last year which of course highlighted that you talked history, highlighted the king’s visit to Australia in 1853 to Syney and the links to the New South Wales Constitution. It is such a depth in our partnership. You look at our Defense Partnership that is going on 45 plus years and just how close how our two militaries operate. There is a project actually at the moment that is really exciting at the airport where our Australian Defense Force and His Majesty’s Armed Forces are working on the rebuilding of the air hanger that blew down in Cyclone Gita so many years ago. There are just constant projects across the breadth of our partnership that are substantial and we want to make sure that they are where we are, in the right areas in supporting Tonga and Tonga supporting Australia over the next twenty, 30 years.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Now the statement of intent signed during His Majesty’s Canberra visit in September 2025, lists Defense and Maritime security as pillars. Australia has just signed the Ocean of Peace alliance with Fiji and flagged it as open to other Pacific Defense Forces. Is Tonga being invited in and what does Tonga’s sovereignty look like inside that framework.
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Well, this is an initiative led by the Prime Minister of Fiji Rambuka, the Ocean of Peace Initiative, something that all Pacific Island Forum leaders signed onto last year at the leaders meeting. The idea is that all countries singularly and collectively will work towards keeping the Pacific Ocean peaceful. As one of the initiatives under that, there has been a Notion of Peace Alliance signed between Australia and Fiji and that cements the Ocean of Peace concepts as a vision that all that have signed onto and brings it into a practical effect where Australia and Fiji will work together in the Defense circle even closer that they were already doing together. Yes, there is an opportunity in that alliance for others to join and that can only happen once that alliance comes into being. It has to be ratified for both our political systems and parliamentary systems and that conversation can take place.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
‘Kaume’a Ofi Agreement’ follows the ‘Falepili’ union with Tuvalu and pacts with Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu and Nauru. Critics calls this a ‘hub-and-spoke’ approach that weakens the Pacific regionalism in favor of bilateral deals with Canberra at the center. How do you answer to this critic?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Each one of those agreement that you mentioned and as I have said earlier, is in response to a request from Pacific Island Countries. We listen. Our Foreign Minister, Ms. Wong, when she travels, she wants to hear what are the priorities of each country and how can Australia support those amongst other traditional partnerships as well. Whether that is in climate change and adaptation measures in Tuvalu and whether that is in Defense arrangements with PNG, or in Health here in Tonga. These are the sorts of conversation that are going on and it is very simple – we want to respond in the best possible way as Pacific Islands biggest foreign partner inside the forum in very tailored ways. The Falepili Union you mentioned with Tuvalu was very specific. One of the things that has been asked off Australia was Climate Pathways for people to move from Tuvalu to Australia. That program is well underway where a certain number of Tuvaluans can move to Australia each year. But that does not mean they cannot stay in Tuvalu or come back to Tuvalu. That is what was part of the agreement that we delivered on the broader context of that agreement.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
On Climate, Australia dropped its COP31 hosting bid but kept the negotiations presidency and Pre- COP will run in Fiji and Tuvalu in October, with a Palau climate event at the PIFs meeting in August. What can Tongan listeners strictly expect Australia to deliver at the COP31 on loss and damage on the Pacific Resilience Facility?
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Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
As you mentioned, Australia tried to secure COP31 in the Pacific as a hosted event in our region as a way to showcase to the world just the first hand effects of climate change. We did not get the main event. We had to negotiate with Turkey and they will hold the main event later this year. But what we did negotiate was that our Minister of Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen is the chief negotiator in Tokyo as part of those talks. But secondly that there will be a pre-COP meeting in the Pacific. That is a pretty good outcome where there will be dozens of world leaders that are invited to Fiji and Tuvalu in around the 5th, 6th, 7th of October. They will get to see and discuss the issue that matter to the Pacific on climate change – mitigation and adaptation, loss and damage, pacific resilience facilities – all of these issues will be discussed. Quite incredible to have such important leaders there and they will do a day or two trip overnight to Tuvalu and will see first-hand some of the sea level rise adaptation programs that are in place there and just the impact that has on the community. From our point of view, we want to see the Pacific Resilience Facility which already has some capital in it. Australia has spent $100 million and there is a list of about 10 countries that have given pledging money to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which of course will be hosted or based here in Tonga. This is a regional bank to do programs on climate change that Tonga won the rights to host here in Tonga in Nuku’alofa. So that office will, no doubt, open in the coming year or two and it is in Tonga and Australia’s interest to see as much capital go into this Pacific Resilience Facility. It can do as many projects as possible in Tonga and in the region and that will be one of the focus points in Fiji but also in Turkey later this year is how do you get some of the big economies of the world to think about supporting a Facility like the Pacific Resilience Facility, because we probably need another billion dollars in capital.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Where does Tonga sits in the que for Pacific Resilience Facility funding and other commitments specifically for Tonga this year?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF)has only just come into effect with enough of the countries preparing their treaty arrangements for the PRF to come into effect. That was just in the last month. As I said, the Facility needs more capital, it has a goal of $500 million but it really needs up around a billion to be able to start delivering projects into the region. They are all working on the processes on how countries apply for those grant – access to that money. I do not know what projects Tonga is going to get or what would Tonga put through as their projects. That is up to the MEIDECC and the Prime Minister and others to determine what projects to do under the Tongan Climate Change Fund, what top projects might you do under the Pacific Resilience Facility, what ones you might do under the Green Climate Fund. That is sort of the playing nature of what our countries have to do when we are thinking about some of our adaptation measures. Each of the countries in the Pacific will be doing, when the time comes that the PRF is operational in terms of grants and projects, what is the most impactful projects they can put forward for consideration and of course it will be competitive.
200th Anniversary of Christianity
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Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
With our last topic, the 200th anniversary of Christianity. Between the 23rd of June and the 2nd of July, Tonga celebrated something no other Pacific Nation has ever celebrated and that was 200 unbroken years of Christianity as the shaping force of the Kingdom. On the 26th of June, his Majesty preached to 10,000 at the centenary chapel, 7 commemorative plaques were unveiled at historic mission sights including Ha’atafu where Rev. John Thomas and Rev. John Hutchinson landed on the 17th of June in 1826. What role did the Australia High Commission played in these commemorations?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Let me first congratulate all the organizers for pulling off such an incredible series of events. It was a 7/8 days of activities from royal lunches to beautiful coral nights to memorial events and it was such an honour to be part of it and every diplomate when you go overseas you are on a learning curve and its moments like these where you really realize special things in your relationship and for me, it is learning about missionaries that had come here, some Australians, some via-Australia, the important connections that they have built. For us, we supported the new memorial at the Centenary Church and for us, it was a great opportunity on a special milestone to reflect on all those faith connections and that personal sacrifice by so many missionaries not just in Tongatapu but in all of Tonga, in bringing faith and having those discussions in those years including the importance of education and that is where a lot of schools opened up. It was very transformative in so many different ways, King Tupou the First converted and the rest is history. For us the music, the coral band that came, I know there was about 80 or 100 of them that came and I was there the night they were performing and that was just so beautiful to hear them and there was the New Zealand and the American choirs as well. It just solidifies countries like Aust, NZ and the US how faith matters so much in our partnerships and how it brings up the best in our diaspora. I know they have been practicing for 2 months and it was such a competition in the churches which was also wonderful to see in those milestone events. The royal lunches being part of those events with His Majesty and with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, it was such a special moment in my career and in my life to be part of this historic events. I remember sitting beside the Crown Princess and eating some of the salty fish – ‘ika masima’ which I loved. Every lunch brings on a new experience in Tonga. The ‘faikakai manioke’ is also my favourite. I caught a tuna yesterday and Tongan tuna is beautiful. Sashimi here is beautiful too. I’m off topic here.
I met with the Presidence of the Uniting Church of Australia, I met with the moderators of the church from Victoria and Sydney. These were important meetings with Rev. Suli, Salesi and Mata on how our communities still grows together across our church groups and not just the FWC but across all church groups and how do we tap into the resources, the skills, and the energy of the diaspora in Australia? Each time I have been back I listen to some of the community wishes around support through charity works or through volunteer programs to come back and so I am really pleased to say that it is the 77th anniversary of Australia’s volunteer program at the moment. I think we have been operating in Tonga for about 61 years. B we are looking at the next phase of the volunteers work as to how do we make it even easier for Tongan Australians to be part of that program and come back here for about 6 months, a year or two years or 3 years and use their skills in whatever organizations they want to. Whether it is in netball organizations, the hospital, at a school or a library or the government. So how do we tap into both sides of the oceans if you like. The ‘Kaume’a Ofi Agreement’ – these are the sort of things we are talking about – how do we maximize the strength in our partnership? There are so many elements we can tap into there – from our faith connections through to the diaspora connections and the skills and resources there.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Thank you Your Exellency. The 1826 Weslyan Mission came through the New South Wales connections and Tonga’s Constitution itself was inspired by the New South Wales colonial constitution. Two centuries on – are those bonds still felt by ordinary Australians or have they faded into something more ceremonial?
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Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
I would not say that it has faded in any way. I think there is a role for the Tonga High Commissioner in Australia and myself as Australia High Commissioner here in Tonga, to bring these stories to life. Not everyone knows about them. It is an incredible history. The Tonga – Australia Partnership is like no other in the region when we think about these connections. In the 1820s with the visit to Australia and in the 1853 by His Majesty. The more they (Australians) learn about these things they understand ‘Kaume’a Ofi’. They understand that these people connections are not just Daniel Tupou and Jason Taumalolo and rugby league games. If you ask many Australians what do you know about Tonga? They will say Jason Taumalolo or they will say the Tala’s Netball Team or Mi-Kaisha, she’s an Australian indigenous Tongan signer that has become very popular in Australia. They probably do not know about the King’s visit in 1853 or they do not know about some of the incredible missionary work that both our countries work on including Tonga missionaries going to Arnhem Land to Northern Territory in the 1960s and 70s in Australia. It is all about the two-way relationship between Tonga and Australia and how we work together and this reciprocity between our two countries. But I know that events like that, that is why the 200th anniversary of Christianity was so important and elevated this whole chapter in our partnership back in Australia to people that had never heard about it. Likewise, the Constitution’s 150th celebration last year. That opened up people’s eyes to that beautiful history and I was with His Majesty and Her Majesty in September at the Governor’s house in New South Wales with our Governors General talking about that history in this beautiful building in Sydney. It is very much alive, when you talk to royal family members, the Tonga Prime Minister and Cabinet and Parliament, everyone’s aware of this history and I know our Ministers are too.
Partnerships, Policies and Community Programs
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle – ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
What single most important message would you like to leave with our listeners today?
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
I would not want to be limited to one because there is just so much going on but the obvious one is that our partnership is so close. It is based on trust and it is based on respect and it is based on opportunity and being forward looking and I am so pleased that we are having these partnership talks and we will have an even closer partnership very soon. There are so many good things going on in our partnership. Let me just give a shout out to the Government as well. Over the last couple of months there has been some really big policies and conventions signed. The Youth Policy was done. I raise these because these are things that are close to the Australian Government’s hearts. but also these are some issues that we support together with Tonga. The Youth Policy, the Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Policy, the Child Protection Policy, the Tongan Returnees and Reintegration Policy. These were all done in the last 2 or 3 months. These are the things that Australia and Tonga and ministries have been working on. Also the Hope Spots. This is something that the Prime Minster signed onto in Australia. It is keeping the international areas of the sea and ocean protected and enabling marine scientific research. Australia has got 11 of these Hope Spots. Tonga has just signed on to keeping the Tonga Trench and the Whale Nursery as protected areas. The High Seas Treaty this is about protecting the international waters, not our exclusive economic zones but the High Seas. Keeping them protected from marine biodiversity. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. This is against the nuclear testing globally but specifically in our region too. The Treaty against the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The list goes on. These are all really important issues. Some of which gets some attention in the media and some less so, which is understandable but I just wanted to really thank the Tonga Government and the Tonga Ministries and all those involved in progressing these. And the reason this is so important is because they are all part of our partnership. I know you only ask for 1 message but all of these adds up to the power and the ‘mafana’ in our partnership that just continues to grow and grow. The King’s visit and Queen’s visit last year was just replicated again in Samoa with our Governor General. They had dinner together in Samoa when they were both there for the independent celebrations a month or two ago. It was wonderful to see almost a year later, them getting together and reigniting that friendship and partnership. It was so wonderful to see our Prime Minister Albanese and Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua together in Brisbane and the Prime Minister went on to go to our Defense Base there and meet Brigadier McClelland in Townsville as well as at the Jason Taumalolo. There are all these layers in the partnership that come out when our leaders meet. I know that the Crown Princess will be on the Commonwealth Games in the next day or so and she is going to meet with our Australian Governor General there in Glasgow. All of these personal connections are really important. All of these events that we have had in the last few years in Tonga and in Australia, all of our musicians and sports stars that are coming to life, all of our church groups that are forming even closer bonds, all of our PALM programs, our PEV programs, the work we are doing through skills development, through scholarships and I should say that we have just interviewed 50 Tongans for the about 25 o 30 spots that are for the Australian Awards Scholarships. That will be announced very soon for next year’s intake. All of our volunteer work and there is about 10 – 12 volunteers in Tonga at any one time, all of the infrastructure, all of these things come together in what is a really close trusted partnership. Ones that our policing, our military and our border security force play such an important role and those areas are getting bigger and closer as well.
Credit:Australia in Tonga/FacebookCredit:Australia in Tonga/FacebookCredit:Australia in Tonga/FacebookCredit:Australia in Tonga/FacebookCredit:Australia in Tonga/FacebookCredit:Australia in Tonga/Facebook
So let me say Sita, it has been such a pleasure to sit here and talk to you about all of these aspects of our partnerships. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to just highlight some of the beautiful ones. Thank you.
Director of 88.1FM People’s Radio / Tonga Chronicle, ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu:
Thank you, Your Excellency for your time. I know you have a very busy schedule. I thank you for the opportunity, the message, your knowledge and all the hard work that you are doing here in Tonga. We are very appreciative of it. I am sure that our listeners are very happy that you were able to elaborate on these topics that I was able to question you on. On behalf of the radio station 88.1 FM The People’s Radio and the Tonga Chronicle Newspaper, we thank you for making time to come and answer our many questions. WE do hope that in the new future, we would be able to follow up on work and also information from Australia that is very much what we the people want to listen to. We thank you and your team for all the hard work and effort. Thank you.
Australia High Commissioner to Tonga – His Excellency Mr. Breck Batley:
Thank you Sita. Let me thank all your listeners as well. We have such wonderfull relationships with all the communities and its those relationships that is the best part of the job.
NUKU’ALOFA, TONGATAPU — Tonga has taken another significant step in strengthening its fight against illegal drugs, with law enforcement officers graduating from a specialised Narcotics Investigations Course designed to enhance the Kingdom’s capacity to investigate and combat drug-related crime.
The three-day course, held in Nuku’alofa from 27–29 July 2026, brought together officers from the Tonga Police, Tonga Revenue and Customs, and the Attorney General’s Office. The training was delivered through a partnership between the Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF-W) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Brown attended the graduation ceremony, congratulating participants on successfully completing the course and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Tonga’s efforts to combat illicit narcotics.
Speaking at the ceremony, CDA Dr. Brown emphasized the critical importance of the fight against illegal drugs, underscoring the United States’ steadfast commitment to combatting the spread of dangerous narcotics.
The course provided participants with specialized investigative techniques and practical skills to improve their ability to identify, investigate, and dismantle narcotics-related criminal activity.
Officials said the training reflects the strong and enduring partnership between Tonga and the United States in addressing transnational crime and enhancing regional security. By strengthening investigative capacity, the programme is expected to improve inter-agency cooperation and bolster Tonga’s ability to respond effectively to the increasing challenges posed by illicit drug trafficking.
Graduates were praised for their dedication and encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the course to help safeguard communities across the Kingdom.
The successful completion of the programme marks another milestone in Tonga’s ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement, protect public safety, and build a safer and healthier future for all Tongans.
The Tonga Statistics Department has officially launched the Tonga Youth Monograph, a comprehensive report providing an in-depth overview of the current status of young people across the Kingdom.
The report was launched on 25 July 2026, bringing together government agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders committed to improving the lives and opportunities of Tonga’s youth. Among those attending the launch was the Executive Director of the Tonga Family Health Association.
Drawing on data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the 2019 Disability Survey, and the 2023 Labour Force Survey, the publication presents a detailed picture of the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Tonga.
The report examines several key areas, including education, employment, health, and overall well-being. It identifies education gaps that require continued attention, highlights the ongoing challenge of securing decent employment for young people, and outlines priority areas for improving health and social outcomes.
The launch of the Youth Monograph coincides with the implementation of Tonga’s National Youth Development Policy 2026–2030, providing an important evidence base to monitor progress and measure the effectiveness of future policies and programmes aimed at supporting young people.
The Tonga Statistics Department said the publication reflects its ongoing commitment to producing reliable data to inform national planning and decision-making. The department also encourages researchers, policymakers, and the wider community to engage with the report’s findings to help shape initiatives that will create better opportunities for Tonga’s youth.
The Youth Monograph is expected to serve as a valuable resource for government, civil society organisations, and development partners as they work together to build a stronger and more inclusive future for young people throughout the Kingdom.
Ko e ha nai ‘a e ngaahi fiema’u na’e fisi mei ai ‘a e fakakaukau ke fakahoko ha Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Ko e fakakaukau ‘o e Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine´, na’e ‘ikai ke tupukoso hake pē ia ‘i he WCCC. Na’e fatu ‘a e fakakaukau ko eni´ ‘i he tuku’au ta’u lahi mai ‘emau ngāue ‘i he ngaahi komiuniti´ ‘i Tonga kotoa. ‘I he ‘emau ngaahi polokalama lau’ilo, ngaahi polokalama fengaue’aki mo e fepotalanoa’aki mo e kakai fefine´, na’a mau ongona ma’u pe ‘a e fiema’u tatau. ‘Oku fiema’u ‘e he kakai fefine´ ke nau mahino’i lelei ange ‘a e founga ‘e lava ke ‘ave pea a’u ai honau ngaahi le’o´ ki he ngaahi tu’unga fakataki´, koe’uhi ke fanongo mo’oni kiate kinautolu ‘akinautolu ‘oku nau fa’u tu’utu’uni ‘i he fonua´.
Na’a nau fiema’u ‘enau ngaahi a’usia´, ngaahi me’a ‘oku mu’omu’a kia kinautolu´ mo ‘enau ngaahi solova’anga´ ke tokoni ki hono fatu ‘o e ngaahi tu’utu’uni ngāue fakafonua´ mo e fa’u tu’utu’uni ‘oku kaunga tonu ki he ‘enau mo’ui. ‘I he taimi tatau, na’e ‘ikai ke mau lava tukunoa’i ‘a e tu’unga mo’oni ko ia ‘oku lolotonga ‘i ai ‘a e le’o ‘o e kakai fefine´ ‘i he ngaahi fa’u tu’utu’uni fakafonua´. Talu hono foaki ‘a e totonu ki he kakai fefine´ ke nau fili mo hū ki he Fale Alea´ ‘i he 1951´, ko e kakai fefine pē ‘e toko 8 kuo fili ki he Fale Alea ‘a Tonga´ ‘o a’u ki he Fili Fale Alea ‘o e 2025´. Lolotonga koia ‘a e tou’anga lahi e kakai fefine ki honau ngaahi famili´, ngaahi komiuniti´ pea mo e fakalakalaka ‘o e fonua´, ‘oku kei to lalo ‘aupito ‘a hono fakafofonga’i lelei honau le’o´ ‘i he ngaahi tu’unga ma’olunga taha ‘o e fa’u tu’utu’uni ‘i Tonga ni´.
Na’e ‘omai fakataha’i ‘a e ongo tu’unga mo’oni ko eni´ , ko e taha – na’e fakahoko kia kimautolu ‘e he kakai fefine´ ‘a ‘enau fiema’u ke ongona honau le’o, pea ‘i he tafa’aki ‘e taha´ – ‘oku kei fakahaa’i ‘e he ngaahi fakamatala mo e ngaahi lipooti´, ko hono fakafofonga’i ‘o e kakai fefine ‘i he ngaahi fa’u faka’ofisiale ‘o e ngaahi tu’utu’uni fakafonua´, ‘oku kei si’isi’i mo kei fakangatangata pē. Na’a mau ‘eke ai kia kimautolu: ‘e anga fēfē ha’amau fa’u ha founga ‘e faka’atā ai e le’o fakatahataha ‘o e kakai fefine´ ke kau ‘i hono fa’u ‘o e kaha’u ‘o Tonga´, ‘o tatau aipē pē ‘oku nau ma’u ‘a e ngaahi lakanga fili´ pe ‘ikai? Ko e fehu’i ia na’a ne foa’i ‘a e fakakaukau ‘o e Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine´.
‘I ha vaha’ataimi ‘o ha mahina ‘e 18, ne mau fengaue’aki ai mo ha kakai fefine ‘e toko 5,000 tupu ‘i he kotoa ‘o e ngaahi ‘otu motu´, ‘o fanongo ai ki he ‘enau ngaahi a’usia´, ngaahi me’a ‘oku nau fakamu’omu’a´ mo ‘enau ngaahi faka’amu´. Na’e hoko ‘a e Fono´ ko e feitu’u ia na’e fakatahataha’i ai honau ngaahi le’o´, ‘o fakamo’oni’i mo fakamahu’inga’i ‘e he kakai fefine tonu pē, pea fakama’opo’opo kotoa ia ki hono fo’u ‘o e Tonga Women’s Platform for Action (ko e fala fofola ki he fakahoko ngaue ‘a e Kakai Fefine Tonga´).
Ko e fala fofola ko eni´, ‘i he ngaahi tu’unga kehekehe, ko e le’o fakatahataha ia ‘o e kakai fefine ‘o Tonga´. ‘Oku ne ‘omai ha siate fononga kuo felotoi fakafonua ki ai, ‘e lava ke to’o mei ai ‘a e kau fa’u tu’utu’uni´ ‘i he taimi ‘oku nau fa’u ai ‘a e ngaahi tu’utu’uni, lao mo e ngaahi polokalama ‘oku kaungatonu ki he mo’ui ‘a e kakai fefine´, ngaahi famili´ mo e ngaahi komiuniti´.
Ko e ha e ngaahi ngaue fakafekau’aki na’e mu’aki fakahoko ki hono fakatahataha’i ‘o e kau fefine pea ke hoko mo’oni ‘a e Fono?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Ko e taha ʻo e ngaahi ʻuluaki fakahoko ngāue na’a mau fai´ ko hono kumi ha ngaahi hoa ngāue fakalakalaka ʻoku mau tui fakataha ki he vīsone ngaue ko eni´. Kimuʻa pea mau lava ʻo kamata ha faʻahinga ngāue, naʻa mau fiemaʻu ha ngaahi hoa ngāue ‘oku nau mahino’i ʻa e ʻuhinga ‘oku fiemaʻu ai ʻe Tonga ha Fono Fakafonua ʻa e Kakai Fefine´ pea tui ki he mahuʻinga ʻo hono fokotuʻu ha tuʻunga fakafonua ʻe lava ke hakeaki’i ai ʻa e leʻo ʻo e kakai fefine´ ki hono fatu ʻo e ngaahi tuʻutuʻuni fakafonua´. Naʻa mau monuʻia ʻaupito ʻi he tui ʻa e Puleʻanga ʻAositelelia ki he visone ko ʻeni´ ʻo fakafou ʻi he DFAT Canberra pea ʻomi ʻa e paʻanga tokoni ke mau lava ai ʻo kamata ʻa e siate folau ko eni´. Naʻe malava ʻe he ʻenau poupou´ ke fakahoko ʻa e ngāue lahi ʻi he mahina ʻe 18 na’e hoko mai´, ‘o kau ki ai ʻa e Savea ‘a e Leʻo ʻo e Kakai Fefine ʻe 5,000 ʻi he fonua´, fengaueʻaki ‘a e ngaahi komiuniti´ kotoa ‘o e fonua´ pea mo hono lalanga ‘a e Tonga Women’s Platform for Action (fala fofola ki he fakahoko ngaue ‘a e Kakai Fefine´). ‘Oku mau fakamālō loto hounga’ia mo’oni ki he Pacific Community (SPC). Ko ‘enau poupou´ na’e malava ai ‘a e kau mai e kau finemui´ ki he ngāue ko eni´, ‘i he ‘enau fakatokanga’i ‘a e matu’aki mahu’inga honau le’o´ ki hono fo’u ‘a e kaha’u ‘o Tonga´. ‘I he taimi na’a mau ma’u ai ‘a e poupou na’a mau fiema’u, na’e kamata leva ‘a e ngaue.
Naʻe akoʻi ʻe he WCCC ʻemau ngaahi timi ngaue´ ke nau fakahoko ʻa e savea mo e fengaueʻaki mo e ngaahi komiuniti´, ʻo fakapapauʻi ko e tānaki ‘o e ngaahi fakamatala savea´ ‘oku tatau ki he kolo kotoa pē, tanaki ‘i he founga faka’apa’apa pea fakahoko ia ‘i ha tu’unga mā’olunga ki he kotoa ‘o e ngaahi motu´.
Mei ai, naʻa mau fakafalala mamafa heni ki he ‘emau ngaahi kupu fengaue’aki ‘i he ngaahi komiuniti´, ‘a ia na’e fokotu’u pea tupulekina ‘o mau fengaue’aki vā ofi ‘aupito ‘i he ngaahi ta’u ngaue ‘a e WCCC ki he ngaahi komiuniti´. Na’e fakafounga ‘i he ngaahi kupu fengaue’aki ko ʻeni´, ‘a hono fokotuʻu ‘o e ngaahi Komiti Fono Fakakolo ʻa e Kakai Fefine´ ‘i he ngaahi tukui kolo mo e ‘otu motu´. Na’e hoko ‘a e ngaahi komiti ko eni´ ko e huitu’a ia ‘o e ngaue´. Naʻa nau fakatahatahaʻi ʻa e kakai fefine´, fokotuʻutuʻu e ngaahi fakataha fakakolo, fakafehokotakinga ‘a e palani ngāue´ mo e ngaahi fokotu’utu’u´, fakatokanga’i pea mo ‘ilo ‘akinautolu ‘oku kau ki he ngāue pea fakapapau’i ‘oku ‘oange ‘a e faingamalie ke ongona ‘a e le’o ‘o e fefine takitaha ‘o a’u kia kinautolu mei he fanga ki’i tukui motu iiki´ mo mama’o ange´. Ko hono fakafengaue’aki ‘o e palani ngāue´, ko e ngāue lahi eni na’e mu’aki fakahoko – ko e fokotu’utu’u ‘a e folau ki he ngaahi tukui motu´, fakahokohoko ‘a e ngaahi polokalama tālanga´, leva’i ‘a e ngaahi savea na’e lauiafe, ‘analaiso ‘a e ngaahi fakamatala na’e tānaki mai pea fakafekau’aki ‘akinautolu na’e kau ki he savea´ pea mo e ngaahi kupu fengaue’aki ki he Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai fefine ‘iate ia pē´. Ko e me’a na’a ne ngaohi ‘a e ngaue ko eni ‘o makehe´, ko ‘ene tupulekina ‘o hoko ko e ngāue taha fakafonua. Neongo ko e ngāue´ na’e fatu ‘e he WCCC pea fakafengaue’aki ‘a e founga ngāue´, kā na’e malavalava ‘a e ngāue´ koe’uhi ko e tui ‘a e tokolahi ki he vīsone´. Na’e tuku koloa fakapa’anga ki ai ‘emau kau hoa ngāue fakalakalaka´, na’e fengaue’aki ‘a e ngaahi Potungāue Fakapule’anga´ mo e ngaahi hoa ngāue fakakautaha´ mo kimautolu, na’e ngaue’i ‘e he ngaahi komiti kakai fefine´ mo e kau taki ‘o e ngaahi komiuniti ‘a e fatongia tokamu’a´, na’e tuku mai ‘e he kau volenitia honau taimi´, pea na’e laka hake ‘i he kakai fefine ‘e 5,000 na’a nau vahevahe ngofua mai ‘enau ngaahi a’usia´, ngaahi fakakaukau´ mo ‘enau ngaahi faka’ānaua´. Na’e kaunga ‘a e taha kotoa ki he to’o fohe ki hono fakamalava ‘a e Fono Fakafonua ‘a e Kakai Fefine´ pea mo hono fakaola ikuna ‘a e ngāue ko eni´.
Ko e hā ‘a e ngaahi taumu’a ‘o e Fono?:
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Ko e taumu’a fakalukufua ‘o e Fono´: ke fakapapau’i ‘oku hakeaki’i ‘a e ngaahi le’o fakatahataha ‘o e kakai fefine ‘o Tonga´ ki hono fakafotunga ‘o e tu’utu’uni fakafonua mo e fakalakalaka ‘o e fonua´ ‘i he kaha’u´. Ko e ngaahi taumu’a eni ‘o e fono´ ‘i hono toe fakaikiiki ange:
Ke fatu ha fala fakafonua ma’ae le’o ‘o e kakai fefine´
Ke tanaki fakataha mai ‘a e kakai fefine ‘o e fonua´ kotoa, ke nau faka‘ilonga’i fakatahataha mo fakamahino pau ‘a e ngaahi kaveinga, ngaahi me’a ‘oku mu’omu’a kiate kinautolu, mo e ngaahi faka’amua ‘oku mahu’inga taha kia kinautolu´.
Ke faka’ofisiale ‘a e ola ‘o e Savea ‘o e Le’o e Kakai Fefine ‘e 5000´.
Ke ‘oatu ‘a e ola ‘o e savea´ ki he kakai fefine´ pea faka’atā kia kinautolu ke talanga’i, fakalelei’i mo fakapapau’i ‘oku fakahoata tonu ‘e he ngaahi me’a ‘oku fakamu’omu’a´ ‘ā ‘enau ngaahi a’usia´.
Ke fakalakalaka’i mo poupou’i ‘a e Tonga Women’s Platform for Action – Fala Fofola ki he Ngaue ‘a e Kakai Fefine ‘a Tonga´.
Ke felotoi fakatahataha ki ha siate fononga ‘oku ‘o’ona fakafonua, ‘a ia te ne takiekina ‘a e ngaahi tu’utu’uni ngāue, ngaahi polokalama mo e ngaahi tuku koloa ‘oku fekaunga’aki ki he kakai fefine´ mo e fanau fefine´.
Ke fakamalohia ‘a e ngaahi fengaue’aki fakataha´ pea mo e tukupā fakatahataha ki he ngaue’i ‘a Tonga ko hotau tofi’a.
Ke fakatahataha’i ‘a e Pule’anga´, sosaieti sivile´, ngaahi siasi´, ngaahi komiti kakai fefine´, to’utupu´, ngaahi hoa ngaue fakalakalaka´, sekitoa taautaha´ moe ngaahi komiuniti´ ke ngaue fakataha ki ha vīsone tatau ma’ae kakai fefine´ mo e fanau fefine´.
Ke fokotu’u ha fakava’e lelei ki he fakahoko ngāue taimi loloa pea mo e fatongia tali ui´.
Ke nga’unu ‘a e ngaue mei he fealelea’aki ‘o fa’u ha fa’unga ngaue ki hono fakafengaue’aki, monitoa mo toutou vakai’i ke fakapapau’i ‘oku hoko ko e ngaahi liliu mo’oni ‘a e ngaahi me’a ‘oku tokanga mamafa ki ai ‘a e kakai fefine´.
NUKU‘ALOFA —Tonga Chronicles and 88.1 FM People’s Radio recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), to discuss the historic National Women’s Fono held from July 8–10, 2026.
Widely celebrated as a monumental milestone for the Kingdom, the Fono has laid a vital foundation for future generations to advance gender equality and national development. This special coverage highlights the extensive coordination led by the WCCC to bring this national event to fruition, while exploring the strategic path forward for Tonga in the wake of this landmark gathering.
This is the first segment.
Tonga Chronicles / 88.1FM People’s Radio:What was the need that initially sparked the idea of hosting a National Fono for women?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
The idea for the National Women’s Fono wasn’t something WCCC came up with overnight. It evolved over many years through our work in communities across Tonga. Through our awareness programmes, community engagement and consultations with women, we kept hearing the same message. Women wanted to better understand how they could bring their voices to the forefront so that decision-makers would genuinely listen to them. They wanted their lived experiences, priorities and solutions to help shape national policies and decisions that affect their lives. At the same time, we couldn’t ignore the reality of women’s representation in national decision-making. Since women were granted the right to vote and stand for Parliament in 1951, only eight women have been elected to Tonga’s Legislative Assembly up to the 2025 General Election. While women contribute enormously to their families, communities and the country’s development, their voices have remained significantly underrepresented at the highest decision-making level. These two realities came together. On one hand, women were telling us they wanted their voices heard. On the other hand, the data showed that women’s representation in formal decision-making remained limited. We asked ourselves: How do we create a process that allows the collective voices of women to help shape Tonga’s future, regardless of whether they hold elected office? That question gave birth to the National Women’s Fono. Over a 18- month period, we engaged with more than 5,000 women across all island groups, listening to their experiences, priorities and aspirations. The Fono became the place where those voices came together, were validated by the women themselves, and ultimately resulted in the endorsement of the Tonga Women’s Platform for Action. The Platform is, in many ways, the collective voice of the women of Tonga. It provides a nationally agreed roadmap that decision-makers can draw upon when developing policies, legislation and programmes that affect women, families and communities.
What were the coordinating ground work that was carried out into bringing the women together and actually making the Fono happen?
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
One of the very first steps was finding development partners who believed in the vision. Before we could begin any of the groundwork, we needed partners who understood why Tonga needed a National Women’s Fono and believed in the importance of creating a national platform where women’s voices could help shape national decision-making. We were incredibly fortunate that the Australian Government, through DFAT Canberra, believed in this vision and provided the funding that enabled us to begin the journey. Their support made it possible to undertake the extensive groundwork over the following 18 months, including the nationwide 5,000 Women’s Voices Survey, community engagement across the Kingdom and the development of the Tonga Women’s Platform for Action. We also sincerely acknowledge the Pacific Community (SPC), whose support enabled the meaningful participation of young women throughout the process, recognizing that their voices are essential in shaping Tonga’s future. Once that support was in place, the real work began. WCCC trained our field teams to undertake the survey and community engagement, ensuring that information was collected consistently, respectfully and to a high standard across all island groups. From there, we relied heavily on the long established strong community networks that WCCC has built over many years. Through these relationships, local Women’s Fono Committees were established across villages and island groups. These committees became the backbone of the initiative. They mobilized women, organized community meetings, coordinated logistics, identified participants and ensured women from even the most remote communities had the opportunity to have their voices heard. There was also an enormous amount of coordination behind the scenes – from organizing travel to the outer islands, scheduling consultations, managing thousands of surveys, analyzing the data and coordinating more than 350 participants and stakeholders for the National Women’s Fono itself. What made this initiative so special was that it truly became a national effort. While WCCC initiated and coordinated the process, it was only possible because so many people believed in the vision. Our development partners invested in it, Government ministries and partner organizations collaborated with us, women’s committees and community leaders led the work on the ground, volunteers gave their time, and more than 5,000 women generously shared their experiences, ideas and aspirations. Every one of them played a part in making the National Women’s Fono a success.
What are the Objectives of the National Women’s Fono:
Adaptive Lead and Strategic Support of WCCC – Mrs. ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki:
Overarching objective : To ensure that the collective voices of the women of Tonga help shape national decision-making and the future development of the Kingdom.
To provide a national platform for the voices of women.
To bring together women from across Tonga to collectively identify and articulate the issues, priorities and aspirations that matter most to them.
To validate the findings of the 5,000 Women’s Voices Survey.
To present the findings back to women, allowing them to discuss, refine and confirm that the priorities accurately reflected their experiences.
To develop and endorse the Tonga Women’s Platform for Action.
To collectively agree on a nationally owned roadmap that will guide future policies, programmes and investments relating to women and girls.
To strengthen partnerships and collective ownership.
To bring together Government, civil society, churches, women’s committees, youth, development partners, the private sector and communities to work towards a shared vision for women and girls.
To establish a foundation for long-term implementation and accountability.
To move beyond consultation and create a framework for coordinated implementation, monitoring and regular review so that women’s priorities translate into real change.
