AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: Tonga has commissioned a new $15 million weather and disaster management centre in Matatoa, Tongatapu, bringing national forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings under one roof as part of the Pacific Resilience Program. Healthcare & Industry Skills: Vaiola Hospital completed Tonga’s first-ever hip and knee replacements, with a New Zealand volunteer team performing seven joint surgeries in three days and paving the way for up to 100 procedures next year. Water Security: Solar desalination systems are already producing drinking water in Vava’u (Hunga and Matamaka), and talks are underway to expand the model to 23 more remote communities. Maritime & Fisheries Security: Australia joined Pacific partners on Operation Nasse to detect and deter illegal fishing, with Tonga among participating countries. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in ocean conservation grants for Tonga and four other Pacific nations, targeting protection of 30% of regional waters by 2030. Infrastructure Dispute: Questions continue over delays and a reported $7m penalty for Tonga’s Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, with contractor McConnell Dowell saying land acquisition wasn’t in its scope.

Tonga Health & Industry: Tonga is set to scale up joint replacement care after Vaiola Hospital’s first arthroplasty programme, with a volunteer New Zealand team completing Tonga’s first hip and knee replacements and now planning up to 100 hip, knee and other joint surgeries next year—cutting the need for costly travel. Water & Infrastructure: Solar-powered desalination is delivering safer drinking water to remote Vava’u communities, with systems installed on Hunga and Matamaka and talks underway to expand to 23 more islands, supporting resilience when rainwater runs low. Climate & Ocean Governance: Pacific island leaders at the 8th Virtual Island Summit called for stronger collaboration and finance to scale climate adaptation and ocean solutions. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect 30% of regional waters by 2030. Roads & Public Works: A former Tongan minister questions a full two-hour closure of Taufaʻāhau Road ahead of the King’s opening of the new National Emergency Management Office building. Governance & Finance: Tonga’s Finance Minister met international partners at UNGA 81, pushing for climate financing, lower borrowing costs and resilience support.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced over $25m in new ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, backing efforts to protect 625,000+ square miles of ocean and push toward protecting 30% of Pacific waters by 2030. Healthcare & Industry Skills: Tonga’s Vaiola Hospital is set to expand joint replacement care after a New Zealand volunteer team completed Tonga’s first hip and knee replacements, with up to 100 procedures planned next year—cutting the need for costly overseas surgery. Water Security (Renewables): Solar-powered desalination systems have been installed in Vava’u (Hunga and Matamaka), producing up to 8,600 litres/day for safer drinking water, with talks underway to extend the model to 23 more remote communities. Infrastructure Accountability: Questions continue around Tonga’s Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge project after reports of a $7m penalty and delays; contractor McConnell Dowell says land acquisition wasn’t its scope and declined to detail delay and cost causes. Domestic Energy Oversight: CSPH has set up domestic gas control checkpoints to improve traceability, reduce fraud and support monitoring of petroleum and cooking gas flows. Regional Security & Trade: Fiji police are investigating a major drug heist where cocaine parcels were reportedly swapped with flour, underscoring ongoing trafficking risks across Pacific routes.

Tonga Health & Services: Tonga’s first joint replacement programme at Vaiola Hospital is now scaling up, with a New Zealand volunteer surgical team completing seven hip and knee operations in three days and aiming for up to 100 free procedures next year—cutting the need for costly overseas surgery. Water & Energy for Remote Communities: Solar-powered desalination systems have started producing safe drinking water for Vava’u communities on Hunga and Matamaka, and talks are underway to expand the model to 23 more remote islands with possible Asian Development Bank support. Ocean Conservation & Industry: Bezos Earth Fund has announced over $25m in new grants to protect and sustainably manage more than 625,000 square miles of Pacific ocean, including Tonga’s expanding protected zones. Infrastructure & Local Impact: Former Infrastructure Minister Sēmisi Sika questions a full two-hour closure of Taufaʻāhau Road ahead of the King’s NEMO building opening, arguing it disrupts a key transport link. Governance & Accountability: Contractor McConnell Dowell responds to questions over Tonga’s Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge delays and a reported TOP$7m penalty, saying land acquisition was not in its scope while declining key delay details. Regional Security: Fiji police investigate a major drug heist where cocaine parcels were swapped with flour from an evidence vault—highlighting ongoing ocean trafficking risks across the Pacific, including Tonga.

Tonga Health & Industry: Tonga’s first arthroplasty programme at Vaiola Hospital has kicked off with New Zealand volunteer surgeons completing the first hip and knee replacements, with up to 100 joint surgeries planned next year—cutting the need for costly overseas treatment. Water Security: Solar desalination systems installed in Vava’u on Hunga and Matamaka are now producing safe drinking water, with expansion talks underway for 23 more remote communities. Ocean & Climate Finance: Palau President Surangel Whipps says Pacific nations must balance ocean protection with “investment in production,” as Bezos Earth Fund grants over $25m across Tonga and four other Pacific states to expand marine protection and sustainable management. Pacific Policy & Adaptation: Island leaders are pushing for stronger climate adaptation, ocean governance and finance at regional summits, while Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua calls at the UN for system reform and faster access to climate and resilience funding. Regional Security & Trade Risks: Fiji police are investigating a major cocaine heist from an evidence vault, underscoring how Tonga and the wider Pacific sit on ocean trafficking routes. Community & Culture: A Tongan anti-drug campaigner, Afimeimo‘unga Hola, is reportedly dead, and a Tonga dancer’s surprise stage appearance with Jason Derulo in Auckland has gone viral.

Joint medical access: New Zealand volunteer surgeons completed Tonga’s first joint replacement surgeries in Nuku’alofa, aiming to deliver at least 10 free arthroplasty operations this week after years of fundraising and high travel costs for patients. Water security: Solar desalination systems installed on Vava’u’s Hunga and Matamaka are already producing safe drinking water, and talks are underway to expand the model to 23 more remote communities with possible ADB support. Climate justice & oceans: Bezos Earth Fund grants of over $25m are backing “Blue Pacific” ocean protection across Tonga and other Pacific states, targeting sustainable water management and protecting at least 30% of ocean areas by 2030. Pacific security & trade routes: Fiji police are investigating a major drug heist where cocaine parcels were reportedly swapped with flour inside an evidence vault, underscoring how Tonga and the region sit on trafficking crossroads. UN diplomacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used UNGA to push reform of the international system, stronger climate action, and ocean protection, warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for major-power rivalry. Media & jobs: Pacific media leaders, including Tonga’s Katalina Tohi, called for mentorship and flexible workplace support to keep women and young journalists progressing.

Water Security in Tonga: Solar desalination is already working for Vava’u communities Hunga and Matamaka, and a proposal is on the table to expand the same model to 23 more remote islands, potentially with Asian Development Bank support. Climate & UN Diplomacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used the UNGA to push for reform of the global system, faster climate action, and better access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States, tying climate, ocean protection and Pacific security together. Pacific Media & Women in Leadership: Tonga’s media leaders are calling for stronger mentorship and flexible workplace support so young journalists—and women in particular—can stay and rise in Pacific newsrooms. Regional Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM work placement scheme has confirmed eligible countries including Tonga, opening legal pathways for workers into Australian industries. Cybersecurity & AI Scams: Tonga warned at the UN that AI is rapidly changing cyber risks, with scams becoming harder to spot—urging families to slow down and check what they see online. Fiji Drug Heist Probe: Fiji police are investigating how cocaine parcels were allegedly swapped with flour inside a court evidence vault, highlighting serious security gaps in regional trafficking routes.

Water Security & Solar Desalination: Elemental Water Makers, via Bluemont, has installed solar-powered desalination units on Tonga’s Hunga and Matamaka islands, producing up to 4,300 litres of WHO-standard drinking water per unit per day to cut reliance on rainwater and costly bottled imports. Pacific Food Systems: Hawai‘i’s breadfruit demand is outpacing local supply, while much of the Pacific has the opposite problem—abundance but low uptake—highlighted at the ‘Ulu Hoʻolauleʻa breadfruit summit focused on fixing supply chains and boosting climate-resilient diets. Climate, Oceans & UN Advocacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used the UN General Assembly to push UN and finance system reform, stronger climate action, ocean protection, and warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for major-power rivalry. Pacific Media & Women in Industry: Tonga Media Association leaders called for mentorship, flexible work and better support to keep women and young journalists progressing in Pacific newsrooms. Regional Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms eligible countries for work placements, including Tonga, aiming to address labour shortages while opening legal pathways for Pacific workers.

Water Security: Solar-powered desalination units have started supplying safe drinking water to two remote Vava’u communities (Hunga and Matamaka), producing up to 4,300 litres per day per site and reducing reliance on rainwater and costly boat-borne supplies. UN Advocacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua used the UN General Assembly to push for reform of the global system, faster climate action, ocean protection, and better access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States. Infrastructure & Resilience: A Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge delay is back in the spotlight as former PM ʻAisake Eke rejects claims that his government left unresolved land and contract preparations, setting up a direct political dispute over the US$97m project. Local Industry & Skills: Tonga’s media leaders are calling for stronger mentorship and flexible workplace support to help women and young journalists progress, as Pacific newsrooms face funding and digital disruption pressures. Work & Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements, opening a new pathway for Tongans to fill labour needs in Australia. Tech & Safety: Tonga is warning that AI is changing cybersecurity risks, urging families to slow down and check scams as fake content becomes harder to spot.

Tonga at UNGA: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua used his 81st UN General Assembly address to push for global system reform, faster climate action, and better access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States, linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection and urging support for Pacific-designed initiatives like the Pacific Resilience Facility and Tonga’s Climate Trust Fund. Pacific security and peace: Tonga backed the “Ocean of Peace” message, warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry, alongside calls from other island leaders to keep oceans peaceful. Media and women’s work: Tonga Media Association president Katalina Tohi urged mentorship and flexible workplace support so young women can stay and rise in Pacific newsrooms as advertising declines and digital disruption grows. AI and scams: Tonga warned at UN sessions that AI is rapidly changing cybersecurity risks, with experts urging Pacific families to slow down and check what they see online as scams become harder to spot. Tourism and infrastructure: World Tourism Day coverage highlighted Tonga’s wider regional push for tourism development and resilience, while separate reporting points to the growing importance of ports, airstrips and water security for island communities facing El Niño. Regional leadership: Tonga’s Viola Ulakai was named PINA Radio representative, as Elizabeth Osifelo was elected PINA Vice-President, signalling continued Pacific media leadership momentum.

Pacific Media & Women in News: Tonga Media Association president Katalina Tohi says Pacific newsrooms must back young journalists with mentorship and real pathways, while ABC International’s Inga Stunzner urges paid maternity leave and flexible work to keep women in the industry. Regional Media Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo (Solomon Islands) was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the Savusavu AGM, with Tonga’s Viola Ulakai named as Radio representative. AI & Cybersecurity: Pasifika AI creator Kevyn Wahuzue warns Pacific media risk becoming “consumers” of outside-built AI that misreads Pacific languages and cultures; separately, Tonga flags AI-driven scams and faster cyber threats at the UN. Tonga at the UN: PM Lord Fakafanua calls for UN and global system reform, stronger climate action, and ocean protection, warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for major-power rivalry. Tonga Infrastructure Dispute: Former PM ʻAisake Eke rejects claims that his government caused delays to the Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying requirements were met and delays came after Fakafanua took office. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms eligible countries for work placements, including Tonga.

Pacific Media Leadership: Elizabeth Osifelo (Solomon Islands) was elected Vice-President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) at the 8th PINA Media Summit in Savusavu, with Tonga’s Viola Ulakai named as Radio Representative in the new executive team. Climate & Ocean Security at UNGA: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua used the UN General Assembly to push UN reform, faster climate action and ocean protection, warning the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry. AI & Cyber Safety: Tonga flagged how AI is accelerating scams and cyber risk, urging Pacific families to slow down and verify what they see online as AI-driven attacks become harder to spot. Tonga Infrastructure Dispute: Former PM ʻAisake Eke rejected claims that his government caused delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying requirements were met and delays began after Fakafanua took office. Maritime Security Funding: The US and Australia announced new Pacific maritime security investment, including support aimed at illegal fishing and cross-border crime—relevant to Tonga’s large EEZ and shiprider cooperation.

UN Climate & Ocean Push: PM Lord Fakafanua used UNGA81 to call for reform of the global system, faster climate action, and better access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States, linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection and urging support for Pacific resilience initiatives. Pacific Security Warning: Fakafanua also warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation or major-power rivalry, pointing to threats like illicit drugs, illegal fishing and cyber risks. AI & Cyber Safety: Tonga warned at the UN that AI is accelerating cyber threats and scams, urging Pacific families to slow down and verify what they see online as AI makes fraud harder to spot. Media & Youth Leadership: At the Pacific Media Summit, Tonga’s MAT president said women are already leading in Tongan newsrooms, while leaders urged stronger pathways for young journalists and safer workplaces as advertising declines. Jobs Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements, targeting labour shortages in key sectors. Flood Resilience (Tonga-linked region): A major stopbank upgrade is underway in Ōmāhu to strengthen flood protection, underscoring the wider resilience push across the Pacific. Maritime Security Investment: The US and Australia announced new Pacific maritime security funding, including measures targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime, with Tonga set to benefit via existing shiprider arrangements. UN Leadership Race: With António Guterres set to step down on 31 December, the UN’s next secretary-general race is entering a key phase with seven candidates in contention.

AI & Data Sovereignty: UNGA warned of “colonisation by data,” as leaders urged fair AI regulation, technology access, and protection for national languages, cultures and data. Tonga’s Security & Ocean Peace: PM Lord Fakafanua told the UN Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation, while pushing UN reform, stronger climate action and ocean protection. Cybercrime Risk: Tonga flagged at the UN that AI is rapidly changing cybersecurity, with experts urging Pacific families to slow down and verify online claims as scams get harder to spot. Labour Mobility for Tonga: Australia’s PALM work placement scheme confirmed Tonga among 10 eligible countries, opening legal pathways for workers to fill shortages in Australia. Media Industry Push: Tonga’s MAT president says women are already leading in newsrooms, while PINA leaders call for better protection for journalists covering organised crime networks. Infrastructure & Accountability: Former PM Dr ʻAisake Eke rejected claims that his government’s land and contract prep failures caused delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge. Disaster & Resilience: Separate reports highlighted climate urgency at UNGA and new tsunami siren testing in New Zealand, underscoring the region’s ongoing resilience work.

Maritime Security Push: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment in Pacific maritime security, including funding aimed at illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other cross-border crime, with Tonga’s shiprider-style enforcement role expected to expand. Cyber & AI Scams: Tonga warned at the UN that AI is rapidly changing cybersecurity risks; a new Australian breach involving an AI agent accessing non-public health data has prompted calls for Pacific families to slow down and verify what they see online. Work Pathways for Tongans: Australia’s PALM scheme has confirmed 10 eligible countries for legal work placements, including Tonga, opening structured routes into Australian employers. Flood Resilience Upgrade: Ōmāhu stopbank works are underway to raise and widen 3km to improve flood protection, with completion targeted by Christmas. Tonga’s Infrastructure Row: Former PM ʻAisake Eke denies claims that land and contract prep failures caused delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying requirements were met and delays came after the new government took office. Local Crime & Meth Concerns: Tonga police charged three over alleged meth importation, while PINA’s Kalafi Moala says organised networks are getting more sophisticated and may be manufacturing meth locally. Regional Media Leadership: Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo was elected PINA vice-president, highlighting growing Pacific newsroom leadership and calls for better protection for journalists. Digital Connectivity at UNGA: Pacific leaders discussed affordable digital access, cybersecurity and safer digital spaces, stressing sovereignty and protection of Indigenous knowledge as connectivity expands.

Maritime Security: Tonga is set to benefit from a new US-Australia push on Pacific maritime security, including measures targeting illegal fishing and cross-border drug trafficking, with shiprider-style enforcement aimed at boosting Tonga’s reach in its vast Exclusive Economic Zone. Flood Resilience & Infrastructure: Ōmāhu stopbank works in New Zealand are expanding and raising flood protection, a reminder of how quickly cyclone impacts can force upgrades to keep communities safe. Digital Safety & Scams: Pacific families are being urged to slow down and double-check online as AI makes scams and fake content harder to spot, with Tonga warning at the UN that AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity risk landscape. Work Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme has confirmed Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements, opening a direct pipeline into Australian industries. Media & Crime Reporting: PINA leaders say journalists need stronger protection as organised crime grows more sophisticated, including concerns about meth networks. Education & Skills: Tonga National University and Massey University sign an MoU to expand teaching and research, with extra focus on agriculture and practical outcomes. Regional Energy Talks: India and Pacific Island countries reaffirm cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare through FIPIC discussions.