AGP Executive Report

China-Pacific Cooperation: China held a briefing in Nanjing on seven China-Pacific Island Countries multilateral cooperation platforms, covering emergency stocks, climate work, poverty reduction, disaster prevention, agriculture and police training, with Tonga among the participants. Tonga Policy & Public Service: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026 (Emergency Bill), updating ministry names—Tourism is formally separated from Infrastructure, Lands is expanded to include survey/spatial planning, and Finance drops “National Planning” from its title. Fuel Prices & Budget Pressure: MPs scrutinised Tonga’s budget over high fuel prices, electricity subsidy funding and a proposed school breakfast programme, with the government pointing to global drivers beyond Tonga’s control. Clean Shipping for the Pacific: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a low-carbon maritime transition; Tonga is expected to sign. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd has filed a case at ITLOS against the International Seabed Authority over compliance inquiries tied to due process and contract treatment, as exploitation rules are still being developed. Heritage Resilience Training: UNESCO supported a Suzhou course for Pacific heritage professionals, including Tonga, focused on people-centred world heritage management and disaster/climate resilience. Sports & Community: Super Rugby Aupiki opened with a record Aotearoa crowd as Matatū beat Chiefs Manawa 52-26, with Tongan-heritage forward Paris Lokotui starring.

Pacific Boxing & Commonwealth Games: A new Pacific Huddle feature traces how Olympic boxer Lalau Pauli Willie Fong’s 1984 ring moment helped inspire today’s community-led boxing culture, while Fiji, Niue and Vanuatu have named their Glasgow Commonwealth Games teams ahead of the 23 July start, with Team Fiji set at 58 athletes across eight sports. Clean Shipping: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a fair shift to low-carbon vessels and climate-resilient ports, with Palau and Tonga expected to sign. Tonga Energy & Fuel Pressure: Tonga’s budget debate is spotlighting fuel prices and electricity support, as MPs question whether rising costs are being directly tackled. Tonga Governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026, updating ministry names including formalising Tourism as a separate ministry. Maritime Security: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including assistance to Tongan Royal Navy law enforcement in Tonga’s EEZ. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd has launched proceedings at ITLOS against the International Seabed Authority, challenging how it was flagged for compliance concerns. Climate Accountability: A UN vote backed the International Court of Justice climate ruling, strengthening the push for responsibility and reparations for climate harms.

Tonga Governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026 (Emergency Bill), updating ministry names and reflecting Cabinet changes—Tourism is formally recognised as a separate ministry; Lands is renamed to include Survey, Spatial Planning and Natural Resources; and “National Planning” is removed from the Ministry of Finance title. Tonga Budget Watch: MPs grilled the national budget over fuel prices, spending priorities, overtime allocations and a proposed school breakfast programme, with concerns that the budget doesn’t directly tackle rising fuel costs despite electricity subsidies. Deep-Sea Mining: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd has filed UNCLOS proceedings against the International Seabed Authority, challenging how it was flagged for possible non-compliance—another sign the deep-sea exploitation rules and contractor treatment are still in flux. Maritime Decarbonisation: Tonga is expected to sign a Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership aimed at coordinating a cleaner, fairer shipping transition—low-carbon fleets, resilient ports and skilled workers across Oceania. Energy Security: A Pacific-wide push grows as fuel price shocks expose how heavy reliance on imported oil keeps economies vulnerable, strengthening calls to scale renewable delivery. Regional Courts & Accountability: Tonga’s fisheries compliance progress also continues, with Fish Fund support backing Tonga’s first notification under the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.

Clean Shipping Pact: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a low-carbon maritime transition with low-carbon fleets, climate-resilient ports and skilled workers; Palau and Tonga are expected to join. Tonga in the Spotlight: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority after being flagged as possibly non-compliant, raising questions for deep-sea mining timing as exploitation rules are still being developed. Fuel Shock & Renewables: Pacific economies are still exposed to global oil price spikes, with fuel dependence driving inflation and hitting tourism; the push is growing for faster renewable delivery and better energy security. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported through a Fish Fund project, building capacity for transparency and sustainable fisheries management. Parliament & Public Services: Tonga’s House passed Public Service Amendment Bill 2026, updating ministry names and structures, while budget debate focused on fuel prices and household impacts. Maritime Security: The USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including assistance to the Tongan Royal Navy in the EEZ and port visits in Tonga.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Tonga and Nauru-linked companies have filed new UNCLOS cases at ITLOS after the International Seabed Authority flagged possible contract non-compliance, raising questions over due process and how exploration firms protect their path toward future exploitation. Energy & Resilience: Tonga is rolling out EU-backed automatic weather stations to strengthen forecasts and early warnings for farmers, fishers and outer islands, while a solar-powered desalination project is delivering fresh water to Hunga and Matamaka. Budget & Cost of Living: Tonga’s parliament debated fuel prices and spending priorities, with lawmakers pressing for clearer action as global shocks push petrol costs higher. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is supported through the Fish Fund, building capacity for more transparent, sustainable fisheries management. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders renewed calls for stronger ocean protection and pushed fossil-fuel phaseout support ahead of major climate talks. Local Business & Food Systems: Samoa’s EU/FAO-backed Agri-Innovate competition highlighted agribusiness innovation and entrepreneurship across the region.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) have filed new UNCLOS cases at ITLOS, challenging the International Seabed Authority’s “specific attention” compliance approach and seeking provisional measures—an early test of how exploration contractors protect their future exploitation rights. Energy & Water Security: Tonga is installing four new automatic weather stations under the EU ClimSA programme to strengthen forecasts and early warnings for farmers, fishers and outer islands, while a solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water daily for Hunga and Matamaka. Fuel Prices & Household Pressure: In Tonga’s budget debate, MPs questioned how rising fuel costs will be handled, with the government pointing to global drivers and noting electricity subsidies, as households feel the squeeze. Fisheries Transparency: Tonga has supported its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, with a Nuku’alofa workshop building coordination capacity for ongoing reporting. Maritime Cooperation: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including assistance to Tongan Royal Navy safety checks in Tonga’s EEZ. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing for stronger action ahead of major climate talks, including calls for endorsement of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Local Governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed emergency Public Service Amendment Bill 2026, updating ministry names after Cabinet changes. Legal & Land: Tonga’s Supreme Court ordered a family to vacate a Kolofo’ou town allotment after a dispute between brothers over an unauthorised house.

Deep-sea mining governance: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc have filed new cases at ITLOS against the International Seabed Authority, seeking provisional measures after ISA flagged them for possible contract non-compliance—raising fresh questions for Tonga’s path from exploration to exploitation. Renewable water for outer islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Fuel price pressure: Tonga’s budget debate zeroed in on rising fuel costs, with MPs questioning how the plan tackles the global fuel shock and whether electricity subsidies are enough. Public service reshuffle: Parliament passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026 to update ministry names, including formalising Tourism as a separate ministry and expanding the Lands ministry title. Fisheries compliance support: Tonga has completed its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by a Fish Fund capacity project. Maritime patrol links: The US Coast Guard’s Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including port calls in Tonga and assistance with safety checks in Tonga’s EEZ. Pacific trust and scams: Regulators warn crypto promoters are exploiting Pacific community trust, including scams targeting Tongan communities.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) have filed new UNCLOS cases at ITLOS against the International Seabed Authority, arguing they were flagged for “specific attention” without due process—an issue that could shape how exploration firms move toward future exploitation. Energy Security & Renewables: A Pacific-wide fuel shock from global oil price spikes is exposing how heavy reliance on imported diesel keeps economies vulnerable; the push is growing for faster renewable delivery and better implementation. Climate Accountability: The UN backs the International Court of Justice climate ruling, with a large majority voting to support the idea that failing to tackle climate change is a wrongful act and may open the door to reparations. Outer-Island Water Supply: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga’s Fish Fund support helped it submit its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, strengthening transparency for regional fisheries management. Maritime Cooperation: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including law-enforcement support and port calls in Tonga and Vava’u. Public Service & Budget Focus: Tonga’s House passed emergency Public Service Amendment Bill 2026, while budget debate zeroed in on fuel prices and the school breakfast programme. Legal/Property: A Supreme Court ruling orders a family to vacate a Kolofo’ou town allotment after an electoral-era land dispute between brothers.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) have filed new cases at ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber, challenging the International Seabed Authority’s “specific attention” compliance approach and seeking provisional measures—an early test of how exploration contractors protect their future exploitation rights. Energy & Fuel Costs: A Pacific-wide fuel shock story highlights how oil dependence keeps economies exposed when global prices spike, with calls to speed up renewable energy delivery and implementation. Tonga Budget Watch: Tonga’s budget debate zeroed in on high fuel prices, electricity support funding, and whether spending priorities match household pressure, including scrutiny of a proposed school breakfast programme. Public Service Changes: Parliament passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026 to update ministry names and reflect Cabinet decisions—separating Tourism as its own ministry and renaming Lands and Finance portfolios. Water Security Upgrade: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water daily for Hunga and Matamaka, aiming to end recurring outer-island water crises. Fisheries Transparency: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported through the Fish Fund, building capacity for better fisheries governance. Regional Climate Push: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged more Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting. Royal Visit: King Tupou VI met Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and discussed climate resilience and energy security, reinforcing Tonga’s regional ties.

Fuel & Energy Security: Pacific economies are feeling the heat from global oil spikes after the US-Iran conflict, with reserves in places like Fiji and Solomon Islands reportedly dropping to around 20 days and transport costs lifting prices—renewables are the long-term fix, but delivery is still uneven. Tonga Budget Watch: Parliament budget debate zeroed in on fuel prices and household pressure, with MPs questioning whether the plan tackles rising costs directly while electricity subsidies are set at $18m paʻanga. Public Service & Ministry Renames: The House passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026, updating ministry names—Tourism is formally separated, and Lands is reshaped to reflect survey, spatial planning and natural resources. Water for Outer Islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water daily for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported via a Fish Fund capacity grant, building coordination for future reporting. Maritime Cooperation: USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including law-enforcement support with Tonga’s Royal Navy in the EEZ and public tours in Nuku’alofa. Seabed Mining Tension: Nauru- and Tonga-linked companies have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over deep-sea exploration contract compliance.

Health & Aid: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations have topped 1 million doses, with Tonga receiving 9,000 doses as Fiji and others race to respond to outbreaks. Public Finance & Services: Tonga’s budget debate is drawing fire over fuel prices, electricity support spending, and a proposed school breakfast programme, as MPs question whether relief is reaching households. Government Reshuffle: The House has passed an urgent Public Service Amendment Bill to rename and realign several ministries, including formal recognition of Tourism as a separate ministry. Primary Sector Investment: New Zealand has launched a $5.3m Māori development fund aimed at growing Māori-owned primary businesses, including horticulture and aquaculture. Water Security (Renewables): A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, easing chronic outer-island shortages. Maritime & Fisheries Compliance: Tonga’s Fish Fund support is helping it complete its first notification under the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, boosting transparency for sustainable fisheries. Energy Vulnerability: Regional coverage highlights how fuel price shocks expose gaps between renewable targets and real delivery capacity across Pacific islands. Maritime Patrol: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock has returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including port calls in Tonga and support to Tongan maritime enforcement. Deep-Sea Mining: UNCLOS-related claims are being raised over seabed exploration contracts, keeping Tonga and the wider region in the deep-minerals spotlight.

Government & Budget: Tonga’s House passed the Public Service Amendment Bill 2026 in an Emergency Bill, updating ministry names after Cabinet and budget scrutiny (including Tourism becoming a separate ministry, and Lands expanding to survey/spatial planning). Fuel & Cost of Living: Budget debate zeroed in on fuel prices, overtime spending, and a proposed school breakfast programme, with MPs questioning why rising fuel costs aren’t directly tackled. Primary Sector Support: New Zealand’s Māori development fund announced $5.3m to back Māori-owned primary businesses, including horticulture and aquaculture—an agri-business boost with export ambitions. Water & Resilience: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, easing chronic outer-island water shortages. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga completed its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by the Fish Fund, to strengthen sustainable fisheries reporting. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Tonga and support to Tongan Royal Navy law enforcement. Ocean Governance: Pacific leaders renewed calls for stronger ocean protection as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify pressure on marine ecosystems. Deep-Sea Mining: Nauru- and Tonga-linked mining firms filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over exploration contract compliance.

Water Security: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Tonga’s remote Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Fisheries & Trade Compliance: Tonga’s Fish Fund support helped it submit its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, boosting transparency for sustainable fisheries. Maritime Safety & Cooperation: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including law-enforcement support with the Tongan Royal Navy in Tonga’s EEZ. Deep-Sea Minerals: Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over deep-sea exploration contract compliance. Governance & Elections: Tonga’s Parliament is set to continue budget deliberations, while a separate court case in Tonga finds a lands minister guilty of electoral bribery tied to Starlink internet connections (with a stay pending appeal). Food Systems & Skills: EU/FAO-backed agrifood initiatives are pushing innovation and capacity-building across Pacific agriculture, including fisheries and forestry production training.

Food & Health (Community Nutrition): Ōtara’s Alexander Cafe (launched by Ōtara Health in 2020) is tackling high sugar and fast-food diets by turning into a local hub for fresh meals, sports teams, school groups, church communities, and support for Pacific artists and small operators. Maritime Security & Patrols: The US Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, covering 7,500 nautical miles and assisting the Tongan Royal Navy with safety checks and boardings in Tonga’s EEZ. Fisheries Compliance (Trade): Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported through the WTO Fish Fund, with a Nuku’alofa workshop building government capacity for ongoing compliance. Water & Resilience (Outer Islands): A solar-powered desalination “miracle from heaven” project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, reducing reliance on costly boat deliveries. Deep-Sea Minerals (UNCLOS): Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over deep-sea exploration contract compliance. Ocean Protection (Policy): Vanuatu renewed calls for urgent ocean stewardship on World Oceans Day, citing climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution pressures and pointing to new international legal momentum. Budget & Governance: Tonga’s Parliament is set to convene Tuesday for budget estimates deliberations, following a briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand. Energy Costs (Regional Business): Pacific fuel prices keep climbing, with Tonga’s central bank warning of potential double-digit inflation linked to energy costs. EU Food Safety (Shipping/Exports): EU rules on freezer vessels are expected to affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with training held in Suva to help authorities meet new requirements.

Maritime Security & Fisheries: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after a 42-day Operation Blue Pacific patrol, making port calls in Tonga and assisting Tongan Royal Navy officers in Tonga’s EEZ with safety checks during commercial fishing vessel boardings. Deep-Sea Minerals & Law: Mining companies backed by Nauru and Tonga have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over possible non-compliance with deep-sea exploration contracts, adding fuel to the Pacific seabed minerals race. Water & Outer-Island Resilience: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat-delivered supplies. Fisheries Governance: Tonga has completed its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supported by the WTO Fish Fund, as Nuku’alofa workshops build capacity for transparent reporting. Budget & Public Services: Tonga’s Parliament is set to convene Tuesday for budget estimates deliberations, with MPs receiving technical briefings ahead of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee’s review. Energy Costs: Pacific fuel prices keep climbing, with Tonga’s central bank warning of potential double-digit inflation linked to energy costs. Food Safety for Exports: EU food safety rules for freezer vessels are rolling out, with training in Suva aimed at keeping Pacific seafood exports to the EU flowing.

Water Security: Tonga’s “miracle from heaven” solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water a day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries and boosting resilience for remote communities. Ocean Protection: Vanuatu’s climate minister used World Oceans Day to push urgent, coordinated action on marine ecosystems, citing the “triple planetary crisis” and new international ocean-protection momentum. Food & Fisheries Compliance: EU-backed training in Suva prepares Pacific freezer-vessel operators for tougher EU food safety rules, aimed at keeping access for about 97% of eligible Pacific Island-flagged vessels. Energy Costs: Pacific fuel prices keep climbing, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and Tonga’s central bank warning of double-digit inflation risk linked to fuel. Governance & Budget: Tonga’s Parliament is set to convene Tuesday, 9 June, to continue budget estimates work after the Finance and Public Accounts Committee’s review. Land Dispute: Tonga’s Supreme Court ordered a brother and his family to vacate a Kolofo’ou town allotment in a long-running family land fight. Industry & Trade Risk: A new report flags how deep-sea mining deals are spreading across the Pacific as major powers compete for seabed minerals. Connectivity Resilience: Research highlights that subsea telecom faults cluster near island coastlines, underlining urgent priorities for protecting small-island internet lifelines.