Shipping makes history, finalises a legally binding framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

In a historic development, the UN’s shipping body International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the first legally binding international regulatory framework to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. The policy...

Charting Efficient Waters: A Q&A with Alfa Laval’s Sven Schreiber on Ship Energy Strategies

International shipping now faces steep efficiency requirements – IMO’s 2018 and 2023 GHG strategies demand massive cuts in carbon intensity and emissions. For example, IMO’s revised targets call for an at least 40% reduction in carbon intensity by...

England squad: Winners and losers as Mikey Lewis ‘vindicated’ after answering ‘big question’ while ‘classy’ back misses out despite ‘glorious’ form

Following confirmation of England’s initial 19-man squad for the opening Ashes Test at Wembley, here is our take on the key winners and losers from Wane’s selection. Winners Mikey Lewis It was always going to be the big call within this squad, but...

Tongan language now on Westpac ATMs in NZ

Westpac ATMs across New Zealand now offer Tongan as a language option. The move is part of a broader effort by Westpac to make banking more inclusive for New Zealand’s growing Pacific communities. Tongan is now available on all 373 Westpac ATMs,...

Ranked: The World’s Largest Economies in 2026

Ranked: The World’s Largest Economies in 2026 See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key...

Tongan pyramid scheme promoters convicted in South Auckland

Two individuals have pleaded guilty in the Manukau District Court for promoting the ‘6K Gifting Co-operative’ pyramid scheme targeting South Auckland’s Pasifika community. Frances Saimone and Patricia Pousini recruited hundreds into the cash-based...

BBF supports ban on industrial fishing in Antarctica

Krill – Image Øystein Paulsen. In the 21st century we have come to realise just how important the health of our oceans and seas are, and the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) has backed an international call for a ban on industrial fishing in Antarctica,...

'Act responsibly for humankind' — Palau president on deep sea mining

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Palau's president says the US to fast-track deep sea mining is not a good idea. Deep sea mining frontrunner The Metals Company (TMC) has since confirmed it will not apply for a mining license through the International...

Tonga’s National Museum project faces oversight shift amid scrutiny

The Cabinet is reassessing the National Museum project, proposing to transfer construction oversight from the Ministry of Tourism to the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI). Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi told the media last...

Wealth beneath the waves: US takes a step toward promoting deep-sea mining amid concerns in the Pacific

Around 16,404 feet beneath the northern Pacific Ocean, the whole seabed—stretching around 4,500 miles from east to west—is littered with potato-sized chunks of what look like charcoal lumps called polymetallic nodules. Rich in metals such as...

'Act responsibly for humankind' - Palau president on deep sea mining order

Surangel Whipps Jr, left, wants US President-elect Donald Trump to see firsthand the impacts of climate change. Photo: RNZ Pacific / PICRC Palau's president says the US order to fast-track deep sea mining is not a good idea. Deep sea mining...

Commerce Commission files charges against Ilaisaane Malupo of Nane Loans and alleges illegal lending targeting Tongan community

“In order to keep up with payments, some borrowers resorted to selling their sentimental possessions or missing rent payments,” associate commissioner Joseph Liava’a said. “Often, these kinds of lenders are a last resort for people who are...

ComCom Prosecutes Unregistered Lender Who Targeted Vulnerable Consumers

The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges in the Auckland District Court against an unregistered and uncertified lender, Ilaisaane Malupo, trading as Nane Easy Loan Finance Services NZ (Nane Loans). The Commission alleges Ms Malupo...

Pacific leaders forge path to climate resilience, agricultural innovation and regional solidarity

The 10th Regional Meeting of the Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAFS) convened from 28–29 May 2025 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, uniting agriculture and forestry leaders from 22 Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTS),...

Life behind bars for meth smuggling in Tonga

The Supreme Court has imposed life sentences on two individuals for smuggling over 1.1kg of methamphetamine. Mr Fine Tevita Fifita, 31, and Ms Vaivevea Mafi, 45, were each sentenced to life imprisonment after the Supreme Court confirmed they...

Fiji topples Tonga in Oceania Women’s Rugby opener

Registrations are now open for the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025, the region’s premier platform for collaboration on sustainable infrastructure development across the Pacific Islands. The conference will be held from 18–20 August 2025 at...

Youth vote guide relaunched ahead of polls

Tonga’s youth-led Take The Lead (TTL) has introduced a new digital Tonga Youth Vote Handbook, backed by island-wide outreach. The relaunched guide gives first-time voters clear, accessible tools on how to register, vote and engage politically....

Pacific tourism chiefs land in Vavaʻu for major forum

Ministers and delegates from across the Pacific arrived last Saturday in Vavaʻu to open the Pacific Tourism Forum 2025. They were greeted by the Hon. Moale Finau, Tonga’s Minister for Tourism, and the Governor of Vavaʻu in a formal ceremony held...

Tonga Eruption Sparks Tsunami: See the Waves Crash Onto U.S. Shores!

A massive underwater volcanic eruption near Tonga on January 15, 2022, sent shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean, triggering tsunami advisories for the U.S. and Canadian West Coast. From California to Alaska, beaches were closed, marinas were...

Tonga earthquake: Tsunami warning as strong 7.1 magnitude tremor hits nearby

A tsunami warning has been issued in Tonga (file photo) ( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) An urgent tsunami warning has been issued for the Pacific Island of Tonga after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck nearby. The US Geological Survey said the...