Tonga

Wendy Pond has studied Tonga since the 1960s and has researched the journals of explorer James Cook.

Dr Pond has supported and signed a 1000-plus signature petition that has been presented to parliament to stop the residential development of land around Popua.

She says the area is linked to the ancient Tu'i Tonga royal dynasty, traditional pigeon hunting grounds and visits by Captain Cook.

Dr Pond says the area is well-known but sadly the government seems to have other priorities than protecting it.

Matangi Tonga reports the committee is currently investigating a motion calling for the impeachment of the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, 'Etuate Lavulavu, for alleged nepotism, and misuse and mismanagement of government properties.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Privileges, Lord Fusitu'a, told the House that Mr Lavulavu has so far refused to meet with the committee.

The squad have been getting ready for September's showpiece event, and went up against the RFU Championship side at Cranleigh School in Surrey in order to do so.

London Scottish head coach Pete Richards tweeted : 'What a great experience @LSFCOfficial had today training against @officialTongaRU. Thank you for your hospitality.'

The training session came after the news that the haka of all the Pacific Island sides, including New Zealand, will be given its full voice at the World Cup. 

The Surrey School hosted a two-week residential training camp for the Pacific stars and found both sides had much to learn from each other.

The St George Palace will be a four-storey office block, housing the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and the office of Trade and Foreign Affairs.

Radio Tonga reports that in his remarks at the building's beginning, the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, said the initiative was a vision of the late King George Tupou V.

China is providing a grant of US$11 million dollars to pay for the construction, to be done by Shanghai Construction Group.

Tonga was awarded the hosting rights in 2012 and the Pacific Games Council has reminded the country not to try and compete with the likes of Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, who spent considerable money building brand new venues for the past two regional events.

The President and acting CEO of TASANOC, Lady Robyn Tu'ivakano agrees Tonga should only spend within their means.

Weavers from the islands of Ha'apai in Tonga are learning a traditional weaving technique unique to the country, with the hope it will help them earn a better living.

The Mosikaka technique is used to make baskets for the royal family.

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation says the aims is to empower the women of Ha'apai, whose people are still recovering from the effects of Cyclone Ian.

It's chief executive, Ilisoni Vuidreketi, says the 15 women undergoing training rely on selling their mats for income and it will they can market their goods to tourists.

Tonga has been listed among the world's best sites for responsible whale watching by the Whale Heritage Sites initiative.

Allan Bowe, Tonga's first licensed whale watching operator and who pioneered the industry in Tonga in 1993, says he's delighted at the announcement.

Mr Bowe says most whale-watching operators provide employment in the villages by hiring Tongan skippers and crews.

He says the industry not only helps support whale conservation in Tonga but it has also become a big contributor to the local economy.

During the past months the Tongan government has made a move to ratify UNCAC before 2019. Parliament has formed a Standing Committee on Anti-Corruption, chaired by Lord Fusitu’a.

The Tongan Parliament has been represented at an Anti-Corruption Workshop for Pacific Parliamentarians that was held in Nadi, Fiji in July, hosted by the Global Organization of Parliaments against Corruption GOPAC, attended by Lord Fusitu’a and another member of the committee, Mateni Tapueluelu.

Cook Islands won the biennial event two years ago but will not defend their title, choosing to focus their limited resources on November's Olympic Sevens Qualifier.

Newcomers American Samoa open proceedings against Solomon Islands at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, followed by hosts Papua New Guinea against Tahiti, in the first round of matches.

The General Manager of Rugby PNG, Frank Genia, says pride and silverware aren't the only things on up for grabs.