AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Heritage: Tonga’s new Parliament complex is under construction at Matatoa, and workers have uncovered Lapita pottery fragments—an early settlement link—adding archaeological significance to one of the Kingdom’s biggest infrastructure projects. Climate Media Skills: Tonga is strengthening climate journalism by partnering with Tonga National University to review current media courses and develop future training, including reporting on early warnings, disasters, marine resources and sustainable development. Earthquake & Public Alerts: A magnitude 6.2 quake off the Kermadec Trench was felt across New Zealand by thousands, even though GeoNet initially tagged it “unnoticeable”; a brief “ghost quake” alert was later removed. Pacific Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing Tonga and other Pacific food and beverage exporters to Fine Food Australia 2026, aiming to connect premium producers with buyers from 31 Aug–3 Sep in Melbourne. Regional Security Cooperation: New Zealand Defence Force has taken over leadership of the Pacific Response Group, a multinational team supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Pacific. Tonga Elections: Tonga’s Supervisor of Elections says writs for two by-elections will be issued soon for Tongatapu Two and Niua 17 after MPs were removed over bribery convictions.

Parliament & Heritage: Lapita pottery fragments were found at Tonga’s new Parliament complex site as construction advances at Talangaholo Royal Estate, adding fresh archaeological interest to the major rebuild after Cyclone Gita. Climate Media Skills: Tonga is partnering with Tonga National University to strengthen climate journalism training, with a proposed BA aimed at better reporting on climate change, early warnings, disasters, marine resources and sustainable development. Pacific Security: New Zealand’s Defence Force has taken over leadership of the Pacific Response Group, a multinational team supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across Tonga and the region. Maritime Cooperation: SEACAT 2026 kicked off in Singapore with 16 Indo-Pacific nations, upgrading coordination through a new Maritime Operations Forum and revised senior leader sessions. Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing 15 Pacific food and beverage exporters—including Tonga’s Nishi Foods—to Fine Food Australia 2026 in Melbourne (31 Aug–3 Sep). Earthquake Watch: A deep 6.2 quake near the Tonga-Kermadec trench was felt widely in New Zealand, while GeoNet’s “unnoticeable” tag and a brief “ghost quake” sparked questions about alerts. Labour Mobility: Tonga’s RSE workers in New Zealand are using earnings to fund small businesses back home, with 1,676 Tongans in the 2025–26 RSE period.

Pacific Security: Australia’s new treaties with Fiji formalise joint responses to security threats and signal hostility to “third parties” seeking a military presence, adding Fiji to a short list of Australia’s formal alliance partners. Tonga Parliament Build: Lapita pottery fragments have been found at the site of Tonga’s new Parliament complex as construction advances on the Talangaholo Royal Estate at Matatoa. Regional Defence Drills: New Zealand has taken over leadership of the Pacific Response Group, a multinational team supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Pacific. Maritime Cooperation: 16 Indo-Pacific nations launched SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, with an updated Maritime Operations forum and senior leader tabletop activities. Climate Media Training: Tonga is working with Tonga National University to strengthen journalism training for accurate climate and environmental reporting. Tonga Jobs & Business: New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues to help Tongans earn and invest at home, with one worker using income to run a barbershop, cassava plantation and piggery. Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest will bring Tonga and other Pacific producers to Fine Food Australia 2026, aiming to connect premium food and beverage exporters with buyers.

Parliament & Heritage: Lapita pottery fragments have been found during construction of Tonga’s new Parliament complex, with officials meeting to review progress; details on the number and location of finds are still pending specialist assessment. Regional Security: The New Zealand Defence Force has taken over leadership of the Pacific Response Group from Australia, a multinational team supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Pacific, including Tonga. Climate Media Skills: Tonga is working with Tonga National University to strengthen climate and environmental journalism training, aiming to improve how future reporters cover weather, early warnings, disasters and marine resources. Pacific Trade & Food: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing Tonga and other Pacific exporters to Fine Food Australia 2026, giving producers a direct line to buyers in Melbourne. Labour Mobility: New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues to help Tongans build businesses back home, with one worker describing how seasonal income funds a barbershop, cassava plantation and piggery. Earthquake Tech Glitch: A deep 6.2 quake near the Tonga-Kermadec trench was felt widely in New Zealand even though GeoNet initially tagged it “unnoticeable,” followed by a “ghost quake” that was later removed.

Tonga By-Elections: Tonga’s Supervisor of Elections Samiuela Vao says writs for two by-elections should be issued by King Tupou VI by week’s end, after MPs Semisi Sika (Tongatapu Two) and Lata ʻi Faingataʻa Tangimana (Niua 17) were removed following bribery convictions. Pacific Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies, including Tonga’s Nishi Foods, to Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep) to connect premium food and beverage producers with buyers. Seasonal Work Boost: New Zealand’s RSE scheme is helping Tongans build businesses back home; one example is Steven Piukala, using RSE income to run a barbershop, cassava plantation and piggery in Tonga. Maritime Security Drills: 16 Indo-Pacific nations launched SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, with a revamped Maritime Operations forum and senior leader tabletop elements aimed at improving cooperation on maritime crises and illicit activity. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Pacific-focused discussion says the conversation is shifting from “for or against” toward “follow the science, protect the environment,” with Tonga reiterating a “do no harm” approach. Fiji Industry Leadership: Manoa Kamikamica has been sworn back into Fiji’s Cabinet as Deputy PM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises after court clearance.

Earthquake Watch: GeoNet says a magnitude 6.2 quake off the Kermadec Trench was felt widely across New Zealand, even though its automated alert initially tagged it “unnoticeable”; a follow-up magnitude 4.6 “ghost quake” near Dannevirke was later removed after it was found to never have occurred. Pacific Food Trade: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing Tonga’s Nishi Foods and other Pacific exporters to Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep, Melbourne), aiming to connect premium food and beverage producers with buyers. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new Pacific conversation is shifting from simple “for or against” to “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm,” with Tonga reaffirming it wants decisions guided by research and safeguards. Tonga in NZ Work: Under New Zealand’s RSE scheme, Tongans like Steven Piukala use seasonal earnings to run small businesses back home; officials report 1,676 Tongans in RSE during 2025–26. Maritime Cooperation: 16 Indo-Pacific nations began SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, with an updated Maritime Operations forum and senior leader tabletop focus on maritime crises and illicit activity. Fiji Cabinet: Manoa Kamikamica was sworn back in as Fiji’s Deputy PM and industries/commerce minister after being acquitted of charges.

Maritime & Security: 16 Indo-Pacific nations kicked off SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, with a revamped Maritime Operations Forum and a strengthened Senior Leader Forum to improve cooperation on crises and illicit activity. Deep-Sea Minerals: Tonga reaffirmed a “do no harm” approach, saying future deep-sea mining decisions must be guided by science and environmental safeguards as Pacific debate shifts from simple yes/no to stronger governance. Trade & Food Industry: Pacific Trade Invest Australia is bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies, including Tonga’s Nishi Foods, to Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep) to connect local producers with buyers. Labour & Livelihoods: New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues to boost Tonga incomes and small business growth back home, with official figures showing 1,676 Tongans in RSE during 2025–26. Politics & Industry: Fiji’s Manoa Kamikamica returned to Cabinet as Deputy PM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises after being acquitted. Sports (Women’s Rugby League): Tongan powerhouse Mele Hufanga made a Warriors wāhine debut with a try, while the men’s side also recorded a big win.

Deep-Sea Mining: A Fisheries and Oceans Canada deepwater ecology chief warns deep-sea mining would inflict irreversible harm on slow-growing, long-lived ocean life, calling it a “sucker punch” for decision-makers. Deep-Sea Minerals Policy: A Pacific-wide debate is shifting from simple “for or against” to “follow the science, protect the environment,” with Tonga reaffirming a “do no harm” approach as UN deep-sea mining rules remain under scrutiny. Tonga Elections: Tonga’s Supervisor of Elections says writs for two by-elections (Tongatapu Two and Niua 17) are expected by the end of the week after MPs were removed for bribery. Rural Livelihoods: Tonga and IFAD launch TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation push to boost agricultural diversification and commercialization for 8,800 households. Fuel Costs: Tonga fuel prices are set to drop from 3 August, with petrol, kerosene and diesel reductions announced by the commerce ministry. Seasonal Work: New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues helping Tongans build businesses at home, with one worker using earnings to run a barbershop, cassava plantation and piggery. Pacific Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will bring Tonga and other Pacific food producers to Fine Food Australia 2026 to connect with buyers. Regional Security Drills: 16 Indo-Pacific maritime forces begin SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, focusing on cooperation for maritime crises and illicit activity response. Fiji Industry Leadership: Manoa Kamikamica returns to Fiji’s Cabinet as deputy PM and industries/commercial minister after being cleared of charges. Sports & Culture: A Tongan-NZ director’s film “God Bless You, Mr Kopu” heads to TIFF, while Tonga’s Warriors wāhine welcome Mele Hufanga in a debut match.

Rural Development & Food Security: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation push reaching 8,800 households (35,000+ people) across Tongatapu, Vavaʻu, Eua, Haʻapai, Niuafoou and Niuatoputapu, aiming to diversify farm production and boost commercialization. Energy Costs: Fuel prices are set to drop from 3 August after lower global oil benchmarks, with petrol down to $3.85/litre on Tongatapu, kerosene to $3.25, and diesel to $4.00; LPG prices also confirmed by island. Trade & Agrifood Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will host a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep) featuring Tonga’s Nishi Foods alongside exporters from eight Pacific economies, giving food and beverage producers a direct line to buyers. Deep-Sea Minerals Policy: Tonga is reaffirming a “do no harm” approach as Pacific debate shifts toward science-led, environmentally safeguarded deep-sea mining decisions. Labour Mobility & Local Business: New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues to help Tongans build income and small enterprises back home, with one worker using earnings to run a barbershop, cassava plantation and piggery in Tonga. Industry Leadership: Manoa Kamikamica has returned to Fiji’s Cabinet as Deputy PM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises after being sworn in.

Cabinet & Industry Leadership: Manoa Kamikamica was sworn in as Fiji’s Deputy PM and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises after being acquitted of FICAC charges, bringing 33+ years across finance, aviation, banking and manufacturing. Tonga Rural Development: Tonga and IFAD launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation push reaching 8,800 households across Tongatapu, Vava’u, Eua, Ha’apai, Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu, aiming to diversify agriculture and boost commercialization. Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will host a Tonga-led presence at Fine Food Australia 2026, with Nishi Foods among Pacific exporters set to meet buyers in Melbourne (31 Aug–3 Sep). Energy Costs: Fuel prices in Tonga are set to drop from 3 August, with petrol down to $3.85/litre on Tongatapu and LPG prices also confirmed by the MCCTIL. Maritime Security: 16 Indo-Pacific maritime forces began SEACAT 2026 in Singapore, expanding cooperation through a MAROPS forum and senior leader tabletop work. Deep-Sea Minerals Debate: Tonga is reaffirming a “do no harm” approach, with the Pacific conversation shifting toward science-led, environmentally safeguarded decisions.

Government Appointments: Manoa Kamikamica has been sworn back into Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises, bringing 33+ years across finance, aviation, banking and manufacturing. Energy Costs: Tonga’s fuel prices are set to drop from Monday 3 August, with petrol down 20 seniti/litre to $3.85, kerosene down 15 seniti to $3.25, and diesel down 20 seniti to $4.00, after easing global oil benchmarks (though a weaker paʻanga offsets part of the gain). Rural Livelihoods & Food Production: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation push to boost agricultural diversification and commercialization for 8,800 households across the outer islands. Labour & Small Business: New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues helping Tongans like Steven Piukala earn seasonal income to run businesses back home, with 1,676 Tongans in RSE during 2025–26. Climate & Renewables: Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership and expand renewable energy opportunities for young people.

Rural Development Boost: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation project to lift livelihoods for 128 communities, targeting 8,800 households with more diversified, commercial farming. Energy & Cost Relief: Tonga’s fuel prices are set to drop from 3 August, with petrol down to $3.85/litre and diesel to $4.00/litre, plus LPG price updates across islands. Seasonal Work to Local Business: New Zealand’s RSE scheme is helping Tongans like Steven Piukala fund and run small businesses back home, with 1,676 Tongans in RSE during 2025–26. Climate Leadership: Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance to push Pacific-led renewable energy action and back emerging youth climate leaders. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The UN seabed regulator (ISA) extended a deep-sea mining exploration contract while still failing to finalise rules for commercial mining. Regional Trade & Sovereignty Debate: A Shiprider Agreement with the US in the Solomon Islands sparks fresh arguments over sovereignty and parliamentary scrutiny.

Rural livelihoods boost: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation project to help 128 communities across Tongatapu, Vavaʻu, Eua, Haʻapai and the outer islands, targeting 8,800 households (over 35,000 people) with more diversified, commercial agriculture. Energy costs down: Tonga’s fuel prices are set to fall from 3 August, with petrol down 20 seniti/litre to $3.85, kerosene down 15 seniti to $3.25, and diesel down 20 seniti to $4.00, after easing global oil benchmarks. Seasonal work driving local business: New Zealand’s RSE scheme is helping Tongans like Steven Piukala earn income for Tonga-based ventures (barbershop, cassava plantation, piggery) while keeping farms running during his time away. Climate leadership: Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership and expand renewable-energy opportunities for young leaders. Sports with Tongan ties: Mele Hufanga made a Warriors wāhine debut for the Auckland club, scoring on debut in a 18-16 loss to the Gold Coast Titans.

Rural Development & Food Security: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation push for 128 communities, aiming to reach 8,800 households (35,000 people) by boosting agricultural diversification and commercialization. Energy Costs: Tonga’s fuel prices are set to drop from 3 August, with petrol down to $3.85/litre on Tongatapu, kerosene to $3.25, and diesel to $4.00, after easing global oil costs (offset partly by a weaker paʻanga). Climate & Youth Leadership: Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership and expand opportunities for young people driving the shift to renewables. Seasonal Work & Local Business: New Zealand’s RSE scheme is helping Tongans like Steven Piukala earn income to fund and keep small businesses running back home, with 1,676 Tongans in RSE during 2025–26. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: The UN seabed regulator ISA has extended a deep-sea mining exploration contract while still failing to finalize commercial mining rules, keeping the policy debate active across the Pacific.

Rural Development Boost: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation project to support 128 communities and reach 8,800 households (over 35,000 people) through climate-smart agriculture, food security, and market links. Energy Costs Watch: Fuel prices are set to drop from 3 August as global oil costs ease—petrol down 20 seniti to $3.85/litre on Tongatapu, with kerosene and diesel also falling; LPG prices are confirmed by island. Climate Leadership: Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership and expand youth pathways into renewable energy and the push for 100% renewables by 2045. Agriculture & Food Security: TRIP III’s focus includes diversification of agricultural production and its commercialization, plus disaster preparedness for outer islands. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: The UN’s International Seabed Authority extended a controversial deep-sea mining exploration contract while still failing to finalize commercial mining rules—raising fresh concerns for Pacific ocean stewardship. Industry & Services: ADB says faster water security reforms are urgent across Asia and the Pacific, linking water, sanitation, food systems, and energy reliability to economic growth.

Rural Development & Agriculture: Tonga and IFAD have launched TRIP III, a US$19.4m rural innovation project to boost farming diversification and commercialization across 128 rural communities, targeting 8,800 households and over 35,000 people on Tongatapu, Vava’u, Eua, Ha’apai, Niuafoou and Niuatoputapu. Energy Costs: Fuel prices are set to drop from 3 August after Tonga Competent Authority approved lower petroleum prices—petrol down 20 seniti to $3.85/litre on Tongatapu, kerosene down 15 seniti to $3.25, and diesel down 20 seniti to $4.00; LPG prices also confirmed by island. Climate & Youth Renewable Energy: Take The Lead Tonga has joined the Blue Planet Alliance to strengthen Pacific climate leadership and expand opportunities for young people pushing a 100% renewable energy transition by 2045. Deep-Sea Minerals Governance: The UN-linked International Seabed Authority extended a controversial deep-sea mining exploration contract while still failing to finalize rules for commercial mining—keeping pressure on Pacific governments, including Tonga, to insist on “do no harm” standards.