Serevi collaborates with Pacific Energy

Fiji’s very own rugby legend Waisale Serevi has been announced as the new brand ambassador for Pacific Energy. This three-year partnership will see Serevi represent Pacific Energy not only in Fiji but also across various Pacific island nations,...

China's struggle for growth is reshaping its Pacific diplomacy

China's rise in the Pacific isn't just about aid or diplomacy — it's about survival and power. As domestic demand slows and Western tariffs squeeze exports, Beijing has been forced to turn its industrial surplus outward. Behind the roads, mines...

As Pacific Islands caution against Seabed mining, the U.S prepares to trash the rules

The White House’s executive order last month purports to authorise mining in international waters – against the authority of a UN regulatory body. By Camilla Pohle WASHINGTON (THE DIOLOMAT) — In recent years, deep-sea mining has emerged as a...

Tonga's Lulutai Airlines under scrutiny

Lulutai Airlines' chief executive has been replaced. Photo: Tonga High Commission Canberra Prime Minister Aisake 'Eke's government is initiating a review of the operations of Lulutai Airlines, Tonga's only domestic airline, with a possibility that...

Tonga Rugby Union breaks ground on first training facility

The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) has begun construction on its first-ever training facility, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in its Fasi premises on Monday. TRU CEO ‘Aisea ‘Aholelei called it a historic moment for Tongan rugby. “This is truly a...

Celebrating 250 years of Lucknow’s legacy: From Nawabi pastimes to global sporting hub

From Nawabi era pastimes to modern international events, Lucknow has a deep sporting legacy By: Shalabh Saxena As Lucknow celebrates 250 years of becoming capital city for the first time, it stands tall as one of India’s top sporting...

'We let people decide': Tongan PM 'Aisake Eke optimistic ahead of November election

Tongan Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke is optimistic about this year's election and says his government is focused on doing their best they can, leaving the rest up to the Tongan people. Dr Eke came to power last December after his predecessor...

Tonga first Employment Policy almost ready

Tonga is on the verge of finalizing its first National Employment Policy (NEP) after a validation workshop held earlier this month. The two-day event on February 4-5 in Nuku’alofa gathered over 30 participants from government bodies, trade unions,...

Calls for moratorium on deep-sea mining mount with China joining condemnation of Trump's order to bypass UN rules

At the same time, Nauru is taking a controversial bet to work with China to potentially allow exploration of its seabed riches. Last week, Chinese Ambassador to Nauru, Lü Jin, and Nauruan president, David Adeang, met to discuss how to fast track...

As Pacific Islands Caution Against Seabed Mining, the US Prepares to Trash the Rules

In recent years, deep-sea mining has emerged as a polarizing issue in the Pacific Islands, and the nascent industry is not yet regulated. Now the region is contending with another challenge: the potential breakdown of international rules that...

Tongan students join Japanese Science and Technology Tour

Twenty-eight high school students from Pacific Island nations, including Tonga, have commenced a week-long educational visit to Japan under the “JENESYS 2024” program. Running from February 26 to March 4, 2025, the initiative aims to enhance...

Empowering Tongan literacy: US volunteers launch free app with culturally rich texts

Micheal Hassett and Andrew Pavey, of the United States Peace Corps, are on a mission to make learning to read easier for people in Tonga through a new literacy software programme. The app, Tau Laukonga Let’s Read, was developed by Friends of...

Cook Islands secures funding for climate, energy projects

The Cook Islands will receive USD $188,750 to roll out four major projects aimed at protecting the ozone layer and reducing harmful emissions from cooling systems. The Cook Islands will receive USD $188,750 to roll out four major projects aimed at...

Strengthening climate resilience in Tonga through knowledge sharing

Tonga has praised the Pacific Climate Change Centre’s efforts to enhance inclusive, community-driven climate resilience. From 14 to 17 April 2025, the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional...

‘We are open’ – Plans to increase Tonga exports to $215m by 2027

FIJI is open for trade — and open to doing more business with Tonga, whether it’s in premium seafood, agricultural products or niche manufactured goods, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica. Speaking at a Business to...

Deep-sea mining | Can Pacific nations regulate its risks?

On April 24, 2025, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14285 mandating federal agencies to expedite permits for seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980. Mr Trump wants to establish the US as a global...

Fiji and Tonga forge stronger ties

Fiji and Tonga have taken a major step in strengthening bilateral ties through the successful Fiji-Tonga Business Mission 2025, led by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica. During a high-level meeting in...

Seth Rollins, Trish Stratus, Tonga Loa, and other current/former WWE stars react to Becky Lynch's emotional personal update

Several current and former WWE Superstars, including Seth Rollins, Trish Stratus, and Tonga Loa, recently took to social media to react to Becky Lynch's emotional post. The Man shared her personal moments with her daughter, Roux. On WWE RAW after...

Agriculture Minister warns of pesticide health risks

Agriculture Minister Hon. Dr. Siosiua Halavatau has raised concerns about food safety in Tonga, emphasizing the dangers of pesticide overuse and contamination. “Pesticides sprayed on food have a withholding period, meaning you can’t sell that food...

Can Pacific nations regulate the risks of deep-sea mining?

By Nicholas Bainton and Philippa Louey On 24 April 2025, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14285 mandating federal agencies to expedite permits for seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980. Trump wants...