AGP Executive Report

Meth Crackdown: Tonga Police have charged three people over an alleged methamphetamine importation after seizing about 200g of meth and electronic devices, while PINA president Kalafi Moala warns organised crime networks are evolving and even “making it locally.” Digital Connectivity & Media: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 pushed digital priorities like affordable access, cybersecurity and safer online spaces, and BBC Media Action ran a workshop in Savusavu to help journalists adapt as audiences increasingly get news via social media. Health & Construction: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor couldn’t secure promised funding, and a major bridge build at Fanga’uta Lagoon has slowed as landowners dispute land-taking negotiations. Cyclone-Ready Homes: A new Habitat for Humanity NZ guide helps Tongan families build safer, cyclone-resistant houses, including practical roof-to-post strengthening steps. Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs. Fisheries & Tourism: Pacific countries pressed for stronger support for Pacific-led fisheries at COFI37 in Rome, and a regional yachting strategy aims to grow high-value tourism by improving regulation and data.

Cyclone-Ready Housing: Habitat for Humanity NZ, with Tonga and local partners, released a plain-language booklet on building safer, cyclone-resistant homes—covering contractor choice, costs, permits and roof-to-post connections. Cost of Living Pressure: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing, with transport up 22.3% and housing/utilities up 26.8%. Dialysis Centre Setback: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor couldn’t secure promised funding, dealing a blow to plans targeting diabetes and kidney disease. Construction Dispute: A 720m Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project is slowed by landowner disagreements over fair treatment and land acquisition timelines, despite ADB/World Bank funding. Media & Trust: BBC Media Action ran a Pacific workshop in Fiji to help journalists adapt as audiences increasingly turn to social media—amid misinformation risks. Fisheries Diplomacy: Tonga and other Pacific states pushed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna fisheries strategies at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome. Safety Watch: A Vavaʻu whale-watching boat accident has renewed calls for clearer licensing and safer operations after recent incidents.

Health & Philanthropy: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, with the Health Minister saying the project can’t move forward. Media & Skills: A BBC Media Action survey across Tonga and other Pacific states finds people are increasingly getting news from social media, pushing a new workshop to help journalists verify and follow editorial rules. Disaster-Ready Housing: Habitat for Humanity NZ, with Tonga’s government, released a cyclone-resilient home-building guide with practical steps for safer construction and contractor selection. Infrastructure & Land: Work on the Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge has slowed as landowners dispute how their leased land is being handled, even though the project is funded by the ADB and World Bank. Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs. Fisheries & Regional Industry: Pacific countries used FAO’s COFI37 in Rome to press for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna fisheries management. Construction & Trade Links: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on development priorities, including health, agriculture, fisheries and disaster resilience.

Cyclone-ready housing: Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, with Tonga’s Government, has released a plain-language booklet to help families build or upgrade homes to better withstand cyclones, including roof-to-post and strapping guidance, plus tips on choosing contractors, costs and permits. Infrastructure dispute: Work on the 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge in Tongatapu has slowed as landowners raise concerns about fair treatment and long-running negotiations over land needed for the ADB/World Bank-funded project. Fisheries push at COFI37: Pacific delegations at FAO’s Committee on Fisheries in Rome urged stronger international recognition and support for Pacific-led tuna management, highlighting science-based monitoring and regional cooperation; FFA also received the Margarita Lizarraga Medal. Cost of living pressure: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing, with local goods rising faster than imported. Social protection gap: A UN DESA brief says Tonga’s social protection coverage is below 30%, calling for stronger systems to reduce poverty and improve resilience to climate and economic shocks. Regional development ties: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, including health, agriculture, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience.

Cyclone-ready housing: Habitat for Humanity NZ, with Tonga’s Government and local/international experts, has released a plain-language booklet to help families build and upgrade homes to better withstand cyclones and other hazards, including guidance on choosing contractors, permits, costs, and cyclone-resistant roof-to-post connections. Construction & land access: Work on the 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge in Tongatapu has slowed after a dispute with landowners over fair treatment and lease impacts, even as the project is funded by the ADB and World Bank and aims to move communities inland for disasters. Cost of living pressure: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs, with local goods rising faster than imported items. Pacific resilience & social protection: A UN DESA brief says Tonga’s social protection coverage is below 30%, urging stronger systems to cut poverty and improve shock resilience. Fisheries cooperation: Pacific countries used COFI37 to push for stronger support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and monitoring. Business/tech: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RCM signed a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and industrial tech solutions to Fiji and expand to Pacific markets including Tonga. Tourism safety: A whale-watching boat accident in Vava’u adds to recent boating safety concerns, with licensing status still unclear. Weather services: Vanuatu has formally offered to host a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific.

Cyclone-ready housing: Habitat for Humanity NZ, with Tonga’s government, has released a plain-language booklet to help families build and upgrade homes to better withstand cyclones, including guidance on roof-to-post connections, choosing contractors, costs and the building permit process. Infrastructure dispute: A 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project (ADB/World Bank funding) has slowed after landowner concerns over fair treatment and long-running lease and Land Act negotiation issues. Cost of living pressure: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing, with local goods rising faster than imported items. Social protection gap: A UN DESA policy brief says social protection coverage is below 30% in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS, urging stronger systems to handle climate and economic shocks. Regional development support: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience, including a new SPC–WHO MoU for Pacific health services. Tourism safety: A Vava’u whale-watching boat accident has renewed calls for tighter safety and clearer licensing for operators. Business/tech for the Pacific: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RCM signed a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and video analytics into Fiji and expand to Tonga and other Pacific markets.

Bridge Dispute: Construction of Tonga’s 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge has slowed after landowners raised concerns they’re not being treated fairly in negotiations over land needed for the ADB/World Bank-funded project. Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing, with local goods rising faster than imported prices. Tonga–SPC Cooperation: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua met SPC’s Dr Paula Vivili to reaffirm support for Tonga’s development priorities, including health, education, agriculture, fisheries and disaster resilience. Fisheries & Climate Resilience: Pacific countries used COFI37 to push for stronger recognition of Pacific-led fisheries management, while UN DESA says social protection coverage in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS is too low to handle shocks. Tourism Safety: A Vavaʻu whale-watching boat accident has renewed safety concerns after recent boating incidents, with licensing status still unclear. Tech for Industry: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RCM signed a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and industrial solutions to Fiji and expand to Tonga and other Pacific markets. Weather Preparedness: Vanuatu is seeking to host a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific, building on its monitoring capacity.

Tonga Infrastructure & Land: Construction of Tonga’s new 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge has slowed after a dispute with landowners over fair treatment and land acquisition terms, despite ADB/World Bank funding of about US$97m and a planned 3.5-year build. Tonga Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation climbed to 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs, with local goods rising faster than imported items. Tonga Fisheries & Regional Trade: Pacific countries, including Tonga, pushed for stronger support for Pacific-led tuna fisheries management at FAO COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based monitoring and compliance. Tonga Development Partnership: Tonga and the Pacific Community (SPC) reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, with SPC support spanning health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate resilience and disaster readiness. Pacific Tech for Industry: Fiji-based RCM and India’s Kritilabs signed a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT and industrial technology solutions to Fiji and expand to Tonga and other Pacific markets. Pacific Social Protection: A UN DESA brief says social protection coverage is below 30% in Tonga and several other Pacific SIDS, urging stronger systems to cut poverty and improve resilience to climate and economic shocks. Vavaʻu Safety: A whale-watching boat accident in Vavaʻu has raised fresh safety concerns after recent boating incidents, with licensing status still unclear.

Digital Safety & Policy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese says countries must act together to rein in social media harm, pointing to Australia’s under-16 account ban and new “digital duty of care” plans. AI/IoT for Pacific Industry: Fiji’s RC Manubhai and India’s Kritilabs sign a three-year pact to bring AI, IoT, video analytics and industrial tech to Fiji first, then expand to PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga. Social Protection for Resilience: UN DESA says Tonga’s social protection coverage is below 30%, urging stronger systems to cut poverty and help households handle climate and price shocks. Tonga–SPC Development Support: Tonga and the Pacific Community reaffirm cooperation on health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience, including a new SPC–WHO health MoU. Fisheries & Regional Leadership: Pacific countries push Pacific-led fisheries solutions at COFI37, highlighting science-based management and stronger international support. Health Access: Three Tongan heart patients receive specialist treatment in Fiji after local care needs couldn’t be met at home. Tourism Safety: A Vavaʻu whale-watching boat accident adds to Tonga’s recent boating incidents, with licensing status still unclear. Climate & Methane Research: New satellite findings suggest the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption cloud helped destroy some methane, offering clues for near-term warming reduction.

Social Protection Gap: A UN DESA brief says Tonga’s social protection coverage sits below 30%, leaving households exposed to climate disasters and food, fuel and energy price shocks—urging step-by-step expansion to protect incomes and cohesion. Labour & Agriculture: Australia’s Labor government says farmers facing backpacker shortages can use the PALM Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme to recruit Pacific island workers, pushing back on warnings of regional labour gaps. Fisheries Leadership: Pacific countries backed Pacific-led tuna management at COFI37, calling for stronger recognition and support for science-based regional cooperation. Tonga–SPC Cooperation: Tonga and the Pacific Community (SPC) reaffirmed cooperation on health, education, agriculture, fisheries and disaster resilience, including a new WHO-linked health collaboration. Tourism Safety: A Vavaʻu whale-watching boat accident has renewed calls for tighter safety and clearer licensing after recent incidents. Health Access: Three Tongan patients are receiving heart treatment in Fiji after local care needs specialist procedures. Disaster Resilience: Habitat for Humanity reports community-led shelter and safe-water upgrades across Fiji, Samoa and Tonga ahead of cyclone season.

Fisheries & regional policy: Tonga and other Pacific members used COFI37 in Rome to push for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management, with Tonga and SPC also reaffirming cooperation on national development priorities. Disaster resilience & early warning: Vanuatu formally registered interest in hosting a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific, while Tonga’s own multi-hazard early warning work and broader Pacific meteorology upgrades were highlighted at the Pacific Meteorological Council. Health & services access: Three Tongan patients received heart treatment in Fiji after local care needs were identified, underscoring how regional medical capacity is filling gaps. Renewables & energy planning: An ADB study says private investment in Pacific renewables is still thin, calling for better planning, bankable contracts, and stronger utilities to cut reliance on costly diesel. Cyclone-season preparedness: Habitat for Humanity reported community-led shelter and safe-water steps in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to reduce risk ahead of severe weather. Sports (Tonga spotlight): Tonga secured a key netball World Cup qualifier win over Fiji (72-60), while Tonga’s broader regional sports presence continues alongside Pacific tournament action.

Pacific Development & Jobs: Tonga and the Pacific Community (SPC) reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, with SPC support spanning health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience, plus a new SPC–WHO move to deepen regional health collaboration. Renewables Investment: An ADB study warns renewable power investment is still thin across the Pacific, including Tonga, calling for stronger policies, better planning, bankable contracts and grid readiness to attract private investors. Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Meteorological Council updates highlight progress on weather and early warning systems, including Tonga’s new multi-hazard early warning centre and regional capacity building under Weather Ready Pacific. Drought Response: Fiji’s drought plan is being activated as rainfall drops, with agencies coordinating water-source monitoring and response through the National Disaster Management Office after the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting in Tonga. Health Access: Three Tongan patients received heart treatment in Fiji after blocked arteries were found at Vaiola Hospital, with government-funded travel and procedures including stents. Shipping & Trade: Samoa launched the Fotu o Samoa III ferry to boost sea transport between Upolu and Savai‘i, funded via UTOS and BSP, strengthening regional connectivity. Climate Science: Research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the volcanic cloud may have helped destroy some methane, offering clues for near-term warming strategies. Culture & Leadership: A Pasifika Youth Producers Programme will place 32 young people in paid festival roles with mentoring and leadership training, backed by government and Creative New Zealand.

Pacific Climate & Disaster Readiness: Tonga’s Pacific Meteorological Council meeting in Nuku’alofa highlighted stronger early-warning work, including Tonga’s new multi-hazard early warning centre and regional radar and forecasting upgrades, as cyclone-season risks and El Niño impacts loom. Regional Water Security: Fiji’s drought response is moving into action as reduced rainfall hits remote islands and parts of the Western Division, with agencies coordinating through the National Disaster Management Office. Tonga–SPC Development Push: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua met SPC Director-General Dr Paula Vivili to deepen cooperation on health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate resilience and disaster preparedness, including a new SPC–WHO MoU for essential health services. Health & Services for Islanders: Three Tongan patients received heart treatment in Fiji after services weren’t available at home, with the Tongan government covering travel and medical costs. Renewables Investment Gap: An ADB study says private renewable energy investment remains limited across the Pacific, including Tonga, calling for better planning, bankable contracts and stronger utilities to meet renewable targets. Cyclone Housing Resilience: Habitat for Humanity reports community-led shelter and safe-water upgrades in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga ahead of the next cyclone season. Pacific Trade Over Aid: The US says it will deepen Pacific engagement by prioritizing private-sector development and commercial diplomacy over direct aid. Sports & Community Spotlight: Tonga Tala opened strong in Netball World Cup qualifiers against Cook Islands, while Tonga’s wider community continues preparing for severe weather and regional opportunities.

Health & Services: Three Tongan patients are in Fiji for cardiac care at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) after Vaiola Hospital said specialist services weren’t available at home; the group includes a construction worker and a seasonal worker who received stents, with the Tongan government covering airfares, accommodation and medical costs. Disaster & Climate Science: New satellite findings suggest the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic cloud helped destroy some methane, with formaldehyde acting like a “fingerprint” of methane breakdown. Renewables & Energy Investment: An Asian Development Bank study flags limited private renewable energy take-up across the Pacific, including Tonga, saying stronger policies, planning and bankable contracts are needed to attract investors as diesel costs rise. Early Warning Systems: Pacific leaders report progress on weather and natural hazard preparedness, including Tonga’s new multi-hazard early warning centre and regional radar and forecasting upgrades. Regional Sports: Tonga Tala opened the Netball World Cup Qualifiers in Nuku’alofa with a 81–55 win over Cook Islands; Fiji then faces Tonga’s next opponents as qualification pressure builds. Business & Tech: Apple is bundling Apple TV, Apple Arcade and “Apple Music Select” into paid iCloud+ plans in 100+ countries, with Tonga not listed among included markets.

Health & Mobility: Three Tongan patients are receiving heart treatment in Fiji after Vaiola Hospital identified specialist care not available at home, with procedures including angiography and stents at Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi and the Tongan Ministry of Health covering travel and costs. Renewables & Power Planning: An Asian Development Bank study says private renewable investment across the Pacific—including Tonga—remains low, urging stronger policies, grid reliability, bankable contracts and better planning to reach renewable targets. Weather & Early Warnings: Tonga’s new Joint Multi-Hazard Early Warning Services Centre is now complete, as Pacific leaders push for faster, more impact-focused forecasting through Weather Ready Pacific and the Pacific Meteorological Council. Climate Risk: Fiji faces possible delayed, prolonged impacts from a strong El Niño, with rainfall suppression risks extending beyond the peak period. Regional Aviation: Fiji Airways will launch direct Western Sydney–Nadi flights in March 2027, adding capacity and easing travel for the Pacific diaspora. Pacific Talent & Culture: Tongan tenor Filipe Manu returns to Aotearoa for NZ Opera’s The Pearl Fishers and is backing a long-term dream of a world-first opera performed entirely in Tongan.

Healthcare & Labour Mobility: Three Tongan patients are receiving specialist heart treatment in Fiji after Vaiola Hospital found blocked arteries and Tonga lacked the needed services; the government covered airfares, accommodation and medical costs, with procedures including angiography and stents at Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi. Renewables & Investment: A new Asian Development Bank study says private renewable energy investment across the Pacific remains limited despite falling costs, including in Tonga, calling for stronger policies, planning, bankable contracts and reliable grids to attract investors. Weather & Disaster Readiness: Tonga’s new Joint Multi-Hazard Early Warning Services Centre is now built and backed by a national policy roadmap, as Pacific leaders push for better early warnings and impact-based forecasting through the Pacific Meteorological Council and Weather Ready Pacific. Regional Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways announced new direct flights from Western Sydney to Nadi starting March 2027, boosting seats and connectivity for trade and the Pacific diaspora. Pacific Skills & Industry Capacity: Fiji is building a regional training and calibration centre in Nadi with Japan support to upgrade meteorological equipment and train Pacific forecasters. Sports (Youth Pathways): Tonga’s U-16 women’s team lost 2-1 to Samoa but now faces Papua New Guinea in a key match for FIFA U-17 qualification.