Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Speaker’s Debate divides opinion on seabed mining
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 11, 2025
A packed Speaker’s Debate in Nuku’alofa spotlighted fierce public concern over Tonga’s future in seabed mining. Nearly 100 people gathered at the Legislative Assembly Thursday night to attend the year’s first Speaker’s Debate, focused on the hotly...
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister highlights key achievements ahead of upcoming election
Pacific News Service
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Tonga’s deputy Prime Minister, Taniela Fusimalohi, is visiting New Zealand to address challenges related to labour mobility, public services, and the economy. In an interview on PMN Tonga, Fusimalohi says the visit is part of a broader effort to...
Miss Heilala embraces her calling to inspire Tonga’s future
Pacific Media Network
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“It’s been a whirlwind,” is how Miss Heilala 2025, Siosi'ana Patricia Lavulo Robert Taumoepeau, describes the past few days following her crowning glory last weekend. Speaking from the island Kingdom to PMN Tonga, Taumoepeau shared the...
Tonga's root crop exports boosted by facility upgrade
Matangi Tonga Online
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July 9, 2025
Upgraded equipment at a local agri-food processing facility in Nukunuku, Tongatapu, was launched today, 9 July, set to significantly boost Tonga's export capacity, and provide new opportunities for youth, women, and the broader Tongan community....
Pacific Islands focus: deep sea mining, reproductive injustice and a new breast screen campaign
Croakey Health Media
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July 10, 2025
Introduction by Croakey: World leaders are calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining to prevent devastating and irreversible environmental harm. This week, governments are meeting in Jamaica at the 30th Session of the International Seabed...
Fiji welcomes Tonga's bid for a diplomatic mission in Suva
Pacific Media Network
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Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has formally acknowledged and expressed keen appreciation for Tonga’s recent declaration of interest in establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Suva. In a high-level meeting with the King of Tonga,...
Fiji and Tonga reinforce deep rooted bilateral ties
Pacific News Service
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The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations. During the high-level...
Deep-sea mining: The rush to mine the unknown
Deutsche Welle
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July 8, 2025
As official talks kick off in Jamaica on the need for rules to protect the ocean floor for generations to come, the world's first commercial deep-sea mining operation in international waters may be about to get underway. The US National Oceanic...
FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania Conference 2, Stop 5: The Solomon Islands Prevent a Second Tonga Double
FIBA Basketball
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KOROR (Palau) - The competition was fierce at Stop 5 of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League – Oceania, Conference 2, with almost every match-up proving to be a close contest. The Tongan teams came out strong once again at stop five, looking to...
Matariki mā Puanga: Will deep sea mining cost us the moana?
Te Ao Maori News
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Waitā, the Matariki star that connects us to the ocean and all marine life, reminds us of our deep relationship with Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. As Matariki rises, Te Ao Māori News examines a modern threat facing our moana: deep-sea mining. The deep...
Tongan Navy arrives ahead of Queen’s visit
Fiji Sun
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July 6, 2025
Currently, only one Tongan naval vessel is expected for the visit, and no further vessels have been confirmed at this stage. LuiThe Tongan Navy patrol boat has arrived in Fiji waters ahead of Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho’s visit to Tubou, Lakeba....
Cambodia praises Tonga for joining landmine ban treaty
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 6, 2025
Tonga has joined the global landmine ban, earning praise from Cambodia for supporting humanitarian disarmament efforts. Tonga became the 166th state party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, marking the...
We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why
The Conversation
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July 6, 2025
Deep-sea mining promises critical minerals for the energy transition without the problems of mining on land. It also promises to bring wealth to developing nations. But the evidence suggests these promises are false, and mining would harm the...
Tonga joins Ottawa Treaty as 166th State Party after Cambodia’s advocacy
Khmer Times
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July 3, 2025
Ly Thuch, First Vice-President of the CMAA and President of the Ottawa Convention, meets with Viliami Va’inga Tōnē, Ambassador of Tonga to the United Nations, in New York, on October 7, 2024. CMAA Synopsis: Cambodia celebrates Tonga’s accession as...
MP demands answers over Tongan Navy’s unchecked arrival in Lakeba with dignitaries and crop
The Fiji Times
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July 5, 2025
Questions have been raised on whether Immigration and Biosecurity checks were done on individuals who arrived on a Tongan Navy ship at Lakeba yesterday. The Tongan Navy brought in dignitaries and crop from Tonga for the installation of the Tui...
'We're still in disbelief': Tongan archers return home after record-breaking run in Palau
RNZ
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July 5, 2025
Hans Arne Jensen told RNZ Pacific the entire archery squad is still in "disbelief" over what they achieved at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Photo: Facebook / onga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee Tonga's archery team headed...
Parliament national debate targets seabed mining
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 5, 2025
The first Speaker’s Debate of 2025 launches 10 July, tackling the controversial issue of deep-sea mining. The public forum, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Nukuʻalofa, will explore the economic benefits and environmental concerns of seabed mining—a...
MPs urge for more Tongan seasonal worker opportunities in Australia
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 3, 2025
A high-level Tongan delegation has wrapped up an official visit to Australia focused on deepening regional cooperation. Led by former Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Minister...
Regional Pacific Workshop Strengthens Link Between Agriculture and Tourism
Hospitality Net
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July 3, 2025
UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), concluded a successful three-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy...
Vava’u Leads The Way: Tonga’s Bold Step Toward A Sustainable Blue Future
Scoop
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Vava’u, a small but nature’s beautifully crafted island in the Kingdom of Tonga, is a place of breathtaking beauty. As you stand at the top of the hill of Vava’u’s Mt Talau, the vibrant hues of the water stretch out before you, a mesmerising blend...