Pacific drug crackdown: Tonga’s law enforcement and media are under sharper pressure as illicit drugs surge across the region; MAT’s Press Club heard that 17 tonnes were seized since January (vs 4.6 tonnes last year), with Tonga and neighbours used as a route to Australia—raising calls for stronger reporting and journalist protection. Aged care infrastructure: Tonga has started construction on its first integrated aged care facility at Houma, Tongatapu, under the Integrated Aged Care Project (about $39m pa’anga) funded by ADB, Japan and Tonga, aiming to strengthen social protection as the 60+ population grows. SDG progress at the UN: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua presented Tonga’s second Voluntary National Review at the UN, highlighting gains in clean water, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, while urging faster, more flexible international support amid climate and economic shocks. Seabed mining governance: The UN deep-sea mining regulator defended its authority after The Metals Company subsidiaries sought to halt an investigation, as governments weigh energy-transition mineral demand. Local skills for exports: Lau woman Susana Yalikanacea is turning traditional knowledge into a business on Cicia Island, selling magimagi and dilo oil via social media to Tonga, NZ, Australia and the US. Conservation and culture: New Zealand’s wildlife protection story includes Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari’s predator-free fencing and the cultural role of moa in Māori history.