Tongan engineer recognised as Next Generation Leader in infrastructure

From shadowing her mother during night shifts as a child to becoming a structural engineer and a leader in Aotearoa New Zealand’s infrastructure sector, Karina Kaufusi’s journey is one of perseverance, cultural grounding, and representation. The...

SHIPPING TIMES | Marine protection symposium

A five-day regional symposium focused on strengthening marine pollution emergency response and environmental resilience is being held in Suva this week. The symposium has brought regional and international partners to Fiji to look at best...

Scientists track marine life return after 2022 Tonga volcano eruption

CANBERRA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Life is gradually returning to the seafloor around Tonga's Hunga Volcano, over three years after its massive 2022 eruption, research shows. Microbial and small marine species are recolonizing the volcanic mud and ash...

New agriculture CEO appointed

Mr ‘Elisaia Sylvester Ika has been named Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, effective from the signing of his four-year contract on 12 September. The Public Service Commission confirmed the appointment in...

Tongan civil engineer changing the world one step at a time

Soana Aholelei | Reporter / Director Having graduated with a Master’s degree in civil engineering, Tongan woman Mele ‘Ofa-Ki-Vila Mafi is helping her country deal with its infrastructure challenges. Mele ‘Ofa-Ki-Vila Mafi is the lead engineer for...

Tonga’s lifesaving dialysis centre set for October opening

A new date has been set for the long-awaited opening of Tonga’s first dialysis centre, with celebrations now planned for the end of next month. The new dialysis building in Tonga. This side view (L) shows the verandah, with the conceptual design...

As rainy season intensifies: Climate Observatory sounds alarm over floo...

The bulletin, published on September 9, warns that heavy rains combined with saturated soils, will likely trigger natural disasters across multiple regions, threatening infrastructure and livelihoods. The three-month outlook points to an...

Pacific Fishing Company aims to bring canned Fiji delicacy to new consumers

With its canned Lomaiviti Special product, the Pacific Fishing Company is looking to introduce a Fiji delicacy to new consumers around the world. “This is albacore flakes, and we have put them in coconut cream,” Pacific Fishing Company CEO Saiyad...

Navy ship impacted by Tonga volcanic ash

Problems that led to an Australian navy ship losing power twice while providing aid to Tonga may have been caused by volcanic ash, defence officials have revealed. HMAS Adelaide had a total power failure on 29 January while anchored in Tonga after...

Sailing Tonga: A Yachter’s Paradise in the South Pacific

Tonga, known as the Kingdom of Friendly Islands, is a dream destination for travelers seeking authentic Polynesian culture, unspoiled beauty, and incredible adventures on the water. For yacht enthusiasts, Tonga stands out as one of the Pacific’s...

U.S moves to reinvigorate Pacific partnership with big pledges in Port…

The United States has rolled out a sweeping package of economic, security, and health commitments to Pacific Island nations, signalling what it calls a “reinvigorated” partnership with the region. At a U.S-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) roundtable in...

Tongan JICA scholars head to Japan

Three government officials have been selected for the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) prestigious SDGs Global Leader Program and are departing for Japan this month to pursue postgraduate studies aligned with Tonga’s development...

NZDF To Lead Multi-National Engineering Team In Cook Islands

Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force The exercise is funded each year in the Southwest Pacific by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is delivered by the NZDF. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will lead a multi-national effort...

The Pacific’s united front on climate action is splintering over deep-sea mining

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In recent years, Pacific island nations have earned global credibility as champions of climate action. Pacific leaders view sea level rise as an existential threat. But this united front is now under strain as some...

San Francisco Restaurant Revival Brings New Energy to Classic Cuisine

The first thing you notice when you walk into Izzy’s is the mural that wraps the dining room in a scene reminiscent of Bemelmans Bar in New York, but with a San Franciscan twist: longshoremen, newspapermen, artists, and perhaps a few...

Tonga prepares for election as candidates step forward, foreign affairs bill…

Candidates running in Tonga’s upcoming election have until 10 October to submit their nominations. When speaking to the media, Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke was unable to confirm whether or not his Cabinet would be seeking...

The Metals Company pushes ahead with deep sea mining plans in Pacific waters

New information shows Canadian mining group The Metals Company (TMC) is a step closer to deep sea mining in international waters under controversial U.S laws. Two Pacific nations, Nauru and Tonga, are involved as the company’s partners, even...

Letters to the Editor | September 17, 2025

Toso Viti, toso ! Canada will be playing Tonga on Sunday at 10.35am to find out who will be number three in the Pacific Nations Cup 2025. The final between Japan and Fiji will kick off at 1.35pm on Sunday. Fiji rugby fans who watched the Flying...

WWE superstar Tonga Loa sends a message to AEW star after she provides concerning health update

A popular AEW star recently found themselves on the sidelines due to a concerning health issue. WWE superstar Tonga Loa took notice and sent out a message for them. The aforementioned star, who is part of the AEW women's division, is Rebel. She...

Digicel Pacific appoints Christopher Manaog as CEO for Tonga

Digicel Pacific announces that it has appointed Christopher Manaog as CEO of Digicel Tonga, in addition to his current leadership role as CEO of Digicel Nauru. This appointment reflects the company’s confidence in Christopher’s leadership and his...