2019 Pacific Games

The council is holding their AGM in Port Vila next week to discuss events coming up in the next few years, including the 2017 Mini Games in Vanuatu, the Tongan event and bidding for the 2023 Games.

RNZI reports preparations for the Tongan games have been plagued by financial issues and political infighting but council Chief Executive Andrew Minogue said he expects improvements will be seen soon.

The Kingdom remains behind schedule in the construction of venues and accommodation and is yet to secure 100 percent of the funding required.

A Papua New Guinea delegation visited Nuku'alofa earlier this month to assess the sporting facilities and will lead the refurbishment of the Teufaiva National Stadium.

Justin Tkatchenko, the Papua New Guinea Minister for National Events, Sports and Tourism gave the assurance to the Tongan Media at the Scenic Hotel in Fua’amotu.

The Minister headed a delegation of government officials and private sector; including architects and private investors who arrived in Tonga Friday for four days, until Tuesday.

Polye said despite the challenges confronting the Kingdom of Tonga at the initial stages in the preparation process in the lead up to the Games, Tonga will rise to the challenge and host a successful games.

Polye in a meeting with Prime Minister Pohiva of  Tonga, said Tonga needed  all the  support to make the 2019 Pacific Games a successful one.

Prime Minister Pohiva in his discussions, said Tonga needs at least $US 120 million dollars or  more than K361 million to host the Games.

'Akilisi Pohiva says they should go because of a lack of progress in readying Tonga to host the Pacific Games in 2019.

Radio Tonga reports Sevele, who is a former prime minister, has refused to go.

A number of existing venues in Nuku'alofa are still in need of an upgrade before being Games-ready, including Teufaiva Park, which will host the main ceremonies and sports such as athletics and rugby.

An indoor hall that was initially built for the 1989 Mini Games is still being used for local events but is also due to be refurbished meanwhile Queen Salote Memorial Hall, which will host five sports including weightlifting, has already been given the tick of approval from sporting officials.