AGP Executive Report

Energy & Cost Pressures: Tonga’s central bank warning about double-digit inflation this year is tied to rising fuel costs across the Pacific, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and power-shedding plans as diesel caps surge. Food & Trade Compliance: EU rules on freezer-vessel food safety are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, after a Suva training for Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to help keep access to the EU seafood market. Digital Resilience: New research flags subsea telecom cables serving small islands as most vulnerable near coastlines, pointing to where resilience planning and investment should focus. Governance & Budgeting: Tonga’s Parliament will convene Tuesday to continue deliberations on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, following a briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand. Health & Climate: Tonga’s PM told the UN the country aims to vaccinate up to 70% of its population by end of 2022, while a Tonga volcano study suggests a possible methane-destruction pathway revealed by the 2022 eruption.

Fuel & inflation pressure: Tonga’s central bank warning about double-digit inflation is tied to rising regional fuel costs, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and starting power shedding as diesel caps jump sharply. Parliament & budget process: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit Tuesday, 9 June, to continue work on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, following a briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand. Government services & community health: A four-week volleyball competition kicked off at Queen Salote Memorial Hall, aiming to strengthen public-service relationships and healthy lifestyles. EU seafood compliance: EU food-safety rules for freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training national authorities to keep access to the EU market. Connectivity resilience: New research flags that most subsea cable faults affecting island-connecting links happen within 300 km of coastlines, pointing to nearshore areas as priority spots for investment and monitoring. Tourism leadership: Tonga appoints a new Tourism CEO, signaling a push to steer the sector with fresh management. Forestry skills for climate resilience: FAO-backed training in Suva built sustainable teak and pine production skills for Pacific forestry officers, supporting long-term resilience planning. Tonga health & disaster planning: A UN address reiterates Tonga’s aim to vaccinate up to 70% of the population and highlights ongoing disaster risk exposure.

Fuel & inflation pressure: Tonga’s central bank warning about double-digit inflation this year is being linked to the wider Pacific fuel squeeze, with diesel caps and “amber alert” measures in the region showing how quickly energy costs can bite households and services. Parliament & budget process: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is set to convene Tuesday for the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, with MPs receiving a briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand to help them scrutinise the Finance and Public Accounts Committee review. Public service sports: Ministries kicked off a four-week volleyball competition to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen relationships across government agencies, with close men’s and women’s matches drawing attention. Connectivity resilience: New research highlights that most subsea telecom cable faults affecting small islands happen close to coastlines, pointing to nearshore areas as priority zones for monitoring and investment. Disaster & climate science: A study tied to the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the event may have helped trigger methane-destroying chemistry, offering fresh clues for climate mitigation. Tourism & data: Niue and the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, including Tonga among participating destinations, to guide more strategic tourism planning.

Pacific Energy Costs: Fuel prices keep climbing across the Pacific, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” despite reserves, triggering power shedding and remote learning; diesel caps have jumped 71% since April, while Fiji raised diesel caps again and Tonga’s central bank warned fuel-linked inflation could reach double digits. Telecom Resilience: New research flags that most subsea cable faults affecting small islands happen within 300 km of coastlines, putting nearshore areas at the top of the resilience priority list. Climate & Methane: A study on the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests a methane-destroying chemical pathway linked to formaldehyde clouds, offering clues for tackling a potent greenhouse gas. Tonga Governance & Health: Tonga says it aims to vaccinate 70% of its population by end of 2022, and a separate report notes Tonga’s deputy PM was acquitted in an electoral bribery case. Forestry for Resilience: FAO-backed training in Fiji builds Samoa forestry capacity for sustainable teak and pine production and management. Tourism Data: Niue and Tonga are among Pacific destinations using the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative’s latest visitor survey to guide tourism planning.

Subsea Connectivity Risk: A new global study in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction says over 75% of faults on island-connecting telecom cables happen within 300 km of shore, putting small islands’ internet, banking, healthcare and emergency links at special risk. Energy Cost Pressure: UNCTAD warns oil-price spikes from Strait of Hormuz tensions could add about US$20.4b a year to vulnerable economies’ fuel bills, forcing hard trade-offs for public services across least developed states and small island developing states. Climate-Methane Science: Research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests a methane-destroying chemical pathway may have helped “clean up” some pollution, with satellite observations showing unusual formaldehyde in the plume. Local Business & Trade: Tonga’s Deputy PM Viliame Latu was acquitted in an electoral bribery case, while Tonga also appointed a new Tourism CEO. Forestry & Resilience: FAO-backed training in Samoa (with Fiji) focused on sustainable teak and pine production to close technical and data gaps for climate resilience. Fuel Supply Strain: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run low on diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat as regional fuel prices rise.

Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO backed Samoa Forestry Division staff with hands-on training in Suva on sustainable teak and pine production, seed propagation and harvesting to close technical data gaps and strengthen resilience. Tourism Leadership: Tonga has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new Ministry of Tourism CEO, starting 15 June, bringing 30+ years in public sector tourism and trade. Inflation & Fuel Costs: Tonga’s Reserve Bank warns inflation could climb into double digits as imported goods, freight and fuel costs rise amid Middle East-linked shipping and energy risks. Energy Security (Regional): Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down its diesel and is borrowing fuel from the police patrol boat while restricting power use until the next shipment. E-commerce & Logistics (Pacific): Bunnings launched a direct-to-consumer online shopfront for Fiji (bunningspacific.com.fj), shipping from Australian distribution centres with “price paid” checkout to reduce surprise fees. Tourism Data: Niue and the Pacific Tourism Organisation released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor source markets and age profiles. Tourism Regulation (Fiji): Fiji enacted the Tourism Act 2026, replacing older hotel laws and expanding standards across hotels, tour operators, community tourism and short-term rentals.

Tonga Economy & Prices: The National Reserve Bank of Tonga warns inflation could climb into double digits, driven by global fuel and import shocks, higher freight and food costs, and recent local fuel and electricity tariff increases. Tonga Tourism Jobs: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June, aiming to strengthen tourism development and service delivery. Tonga Governance: Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Latu has been acquitted in an electoral bribery case, though the court has not yet released its full judgement. Regional Labour Welfare: A viral report has sparked concern after former Pacific Australia Labour Mobility workers were found living rough under a Sydney bridge, prompting calls for better welfare and support. Pacific Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor source markets and key demographics to guide tourism strategy. Fuel Supply Strain (Cook Islands): Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands runs low on diesel and is borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat while restricting power use ahead of the next shipment. Super Rugby (Moana Pasifika): Moana Pasifika’s survival and funding pressures remain front-page for NZ Rugby, with the team’s financial viability questioned as the season reaches its midpoint.

Tourism Data & Strategy: SPTO and Niue’s Tourism Office released the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, with New Zealand the top source market (84%), and findings meant to guide sustainable tourism planning across Tonga, Cook Islands, PNG, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Kiribati, Timor-Leste and FSM-Yap. Tonga Leadership in Tourism: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, bringing 30+ years’ public-sector experience and marking a milestone for women in CEO roles. Inflation Pressure from Fuel & Imports: The National Reserve Bank of Tonga warned inflation could climb into double digits, citing imported goods and services, Middle East-driven fuel and shipping risks, and recent local fuel and electricity tariff increases. Domestic Air Reliability: Lulutai Airlines said its priority is reliable, affordable domestic flights for outer islands, with tighter fuel availability monitoring and business continuity planning amid Pacific fuel-price shocks. Court on Water Tank Contracts: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in water tank and septic system procurement, finding unfair limited bidding, lack of transparency, and bias in pre-selecting suppliers. Climate Science Link to Tonga’s Volcano: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests volcanic chemistry may have accelerated methane removal, offering a potential natural clue for climate action.

Tonga Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, bringing 30+ years of public-sector experience and continuing a push for stronger tourism delivery and women’s leadership. Outer-Island Air Connectivity: Lulutai Airlines says its top priority is keeping Tonga’s domestic market connected, focusing on reliability, resilience and affordability for outer-island services while managing fuel and operational risk. Digital Resilience for the Pacific: Tonga is part of a wider regional push after completing a second international subsea cable link, aimed at boosting connectivity and resilience. Energy Cost Pressure: Fuel shortages and rising prices are hitting Pacific islands hard, with Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands borrowing diesel and restricting power use as deliveries are delayed. Climate and Methane Research: New findings from the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggest volcanic chemistry may have helped remove methane, offering fresh angles for climate action. Governance Watch: Tonga’s Supreme Court has ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, raising stakes for fair competition and transparency in public procurement.

Fuel Costs & Shipping: Tonga’s new government-regulated fuel rates kick in from 1 June, keeping prices above TOP$4/litre nationwide (petrol from TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu; diesel up to TOP$6.00 in Niuafo’ou), adding pressure to transport, outer-island supply and electricity costs. Aviation & Outer-Island Access: Lulutai Airlines says its priority is reliable, affordable domestic flights for outer islands, citing fuel availability and operating-cost exposure as it strengthens risk management and schedule reliability. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June, with a focus on strengthening tourism development and public service delivery. Water Procurement Accountability: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, finding unfair limited bidding and transparency breaches—an important signal for procurement practice. Digital Resilience for Pacific Media: PNG hosts the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient journalism, tackling misinformation and newsroom independence amid rising digital disruption. Regional Infrastructure Push: The Quad (US, Australia, India, Japan) announces plans to develop Fiji port infrastructure, positioning it as Pacific-priority support while raising questions about who gets a say.

Fuel & transport pressure: Tonga’s regulated fuel rates kick in from Monday 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu and diesel at TOP$5.05, while outer islands and the Niuas face higher costs (up to TOP$6.00 diesel in Niuafo’ou), adding strain to household budgets and outer-island shipping. Digital infrastructure: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to mark completion of the second international undersea cable branch system, Tonga Hawaiki Cable, boosting capacity and reliability for communities and businesses and strengthening disaster resilience. Tourism leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, bringing 30+ years’ public-sector experience. Procurement accountability: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, citing unfair limited bidding and transparency failures. Outer-island aviation: Lulutai Airlines says its priority is reliable, affordable domestic service, focusing on fuel availability, schedule reliability and continuity planning for outer islands. Climate science link: New research points to Tonga’s 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption helping accelerate methane removal, offering a potential clue for tackling global warming.

Digital Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to complete the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, Tonga’s second international undersea cable, boosting reliability and capacity for homes, businesses, and disaster response. Tourism Jobs: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, with 30+ years’ public-sector experience. Local Transport & Safety: A newly installed roadside barrier near the Royal Palace fence was damaged again after another crash, raising questions about repeat safety failures on Vuna Road. Energy Costs: Fuel prices in Tonga stay above TOP$4 per litre from 1 June, with outer islands paying up to TOP$5.05 petrol and TOP$6.00 diesel, adding pressure to transport and household budgets. Governance & Procurement: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in water tank contracts, citing unfair limited bidding and transparency breaches. Climate Science: New research links Tonga’s 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption to unusually strong methane cleanup via atmospheric chemistry, pointing to new ways to tackle warming. Regional Diplomacy: King Tupou VI met Samoa’s Head of State during USP graduation events, underlining shared Pacific ties. Pacific Business: The ADB says it can fund fuel relief for Pacific countries, with support amounts depending on need and timing.

Digital Infrastructure: Tonga marked the completion of its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, with Australia and New Zealand funding and Tonga Cable Limited and BW Digital delivering the 405km link—aimed at boosting internet reliability, capacity and disaster resilience for businesses and essential services. Energy & Cost of Living: Tonga’s retail fuel prices stay above TOP$4 per litre from 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 (Tongatapu) and up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas, pushing higher transport and household costs. Tourism Jobs & Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as CEO of the Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term starting 15 June, backing continued tourism growth and service delivery. Governance & Procurement: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, finding flawed limited bidding, lack of fair competition, and transparency breaches. Climate Science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption suggests volcanic chemistry may have helped destroy methane, offering a potential clue for slowing global warming. Regional Business: The Quad announced plans to develop Fiji port infrastructure, raising questions about Pacific influence and future trade/logistics leverage. Public Health Concern: Reports from Zimbabwe’s coal region highlight alleged coal-polluted river impacts on serious illness—an environmental health warning for water-dependent communities.

Public Procurement Watch: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank and septic contracts, finding limited bidding, pre-selection bias, and missing required contract publication breached procurement and transparency rules. Digital Infrastructure: Tonga marked the completion and naming of its second international undersea fibre cable, the Tu‘i Vava‘u system, to boost internet reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience for communities and businesses. Energy Costs: Fuel prices rise from 1 June, with petrol staying above TOP$4 per litre nationwide (e.g., TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu; up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas), adding pressure via transport and electricity impacts. Tourism Sector: The Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, aiming to strengthen delivery for the sector. Regional Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand also backed Tonga’s cable build, reinforcing wider Pacific digital resilience.

Undersea Connectivity Boost: Tonga has completed and named its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, commissioned as Tu‘i Vava‘u in Vava’u—aimed at stronger internet reliability, higher capacity, and fewer outage risks for businesses and essential services after past disruptions. Fuel Costs Hit Households: Tonga’s regulated fuel prices stay above TOP$4 per litre from 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 (Tongatapu) and up to TOP$5.05 (Niuafo’ou), pushing up transport and imported-goods costs. Regional Weather Planning: Pacific meteorology leaders met in Honiara to review the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy (2017–2026) and draft the next plan through 2036, with EU funding supporting disaster-ready weather, climate, water and ocean services. Trade Ministry Rebrand: Tonga’s Cabinet approved renaming the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development to the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, sharpening consumer protection and innovation focus. Consumer Credit Crackdown: In New Zealand, an unregistered lender targeting Tongans in South Auckland was banned for two years and ordered to pay reparations after charging up to 15% weekly interest and threatening borrowers online.

Digital Infrastructure: Tonga has commissioned its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, named Tu‘i Vava‘u, to boost internet reliability and capacity, cut outage risks seen in 2019 and 2022, and support businesses and essential services. Energy & Transport Costs: The Tonga Competent Authority says fuel prices will stay above TOP$4 per litre from 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu and up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas, raising pressure on household budgets and outer-island shipping. Finance & Consumer Protection: Tonga’s Ministry of Trade is set to be renamed to MCCTIL, expanding focus on consumer protection, innovation, labour and trade. Tourism Leadership: The Public Service Commission appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism from 15 June for four years. Public Health: Dengue cases in Tonga have reached 66, with two hospitalised as of 25 May and no deaths reported. Governance & Safety: A crash-damaged barrier near the Royal Palace fence has been struck again, highlighting ongoing road safety and infrastructure maintenance issues.