Tonga

Finances and Early Warning System highlighted as disaster risk reduction weaknesses in Tonga

UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori said they are looking closely to the development of the Pacific Resilience Facility, managed under the Pacific Islands Forum.

Emphasizing more on the two weaknesses, Mizutori said “We are not putting enough money into prevention, however, we are forced to put more money into response, because the disaster risks are ahead of us.”

 “This facility can attract funds from the International community, to put into projects that are both for climate action and disaster risk reduction.”

England 22-18 Tonga: Hosts hold off dogged Pacific islanders to win Test series opener

Tom Johnstone scored twice in the second period following first-half scores from Toby King and debutant Mikey Lewis.

Tonga showed they will be no pushovers as the first Pacific island nation to tour England, leading early on through Starford Toa and Tyson Frizell.

Tolutau Koula added a late score for a grandstand finish, but England held on.

The series continues in Huddersfield on 28 October, before concluding in Leeds the following weekend.

Tonga's Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala to lead WHO's Western Pacific

Piukala's nomination for WHO's top job in the Western Pacific comes months after the UN health agency fired its previous director, Dr Takeshi Kasai, following allegations of racism and misconduct first reported by The Associated Press last year.

WHO said in a statement that Dr Piukala has nearly three decades of experience working in public health in Tonga and across the region in areas including chronic diseases, climate change and disaster response.

Tongan opposition MPs seek judicial review

Kaniva Tonga reports the Supreme Court has granted leave for them to pursue a judicial review.

The MPs argue a debate is mandatory during motion of no confidence proceedings.

But on September sixth, during the 'no confidence' hearing of Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku there was no debate.

A vote was held to decide whether a debate was needed, the result was in favor of no debate.

A submission to the Supreme Court arguing a debate is mandatory was then made.

Drought declared in parts of Tonga

A rain deficit is forecast for the coming months as the impacts of an El Niño take hold across the region.

In the last three months, the rainfall in Tongatapu has been below average.

Local media report that until December, Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua, should expect 30 percent less rainfall than usual. Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu are forecast to receive 20 percent less.

The public has been urged to use rainwater and tap water efficiently, in order to conserve supplies.

Soane Foliaki still hopes NZ will give migrants a fair go

Pacific community members have compared the actions to the infamous 'dawn raids.'

Keni Malie's lawyer, Soane Foliaki said that his client's case should have ended such exercises.

However, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE) Immigration Compliance & Investigations team has only temporarily suspended 'out-of-hours compliance visits' to residential addresses.

"At least until this work is completed," MBIE Immigration Investigations and Compliance General Manager Steve Watson said.

Tonga to be the next host for PIF Leaders Meeting

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna says the leaders decide who gets to host the forum every year.

Puna says the suggestion of Tonga being the next host was put forward in February during the leaders retreat in Denerau, Nadi.

Meanwhile, the Cook Islands is looking forward to welcoming leaders at the upcoming 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from November 6–10 in Rarotonga.

The theme of this year’s Forum Leaders meeting is “Our Voices, Our Choices; Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, Prosper”.

Fiji thrashes Tonga in OFC futal opener

In what was a physical and intense encounter, Fiji got off to the perfect start inside the first nine minutes when Ramzan Khan fired an effort from distance past Tonga goalkeeper Semisi Otukolo to give his side the lead.

Tonga almost found a way to level matters minutes after going behind but Hemaloto Polovili’s effort was well held by Fiji ‘keeper Kitione Baleloa.

South Africa bag bonus point win after Tonga test

Tries from Cobus Reinach, Canan Moodie and Deon Fourie gave the Springboks a 21-8 half-time lead, while Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Marco van Staden and Kwagga Smith added second-half scores. All seven were converted by fly-half Handre Pollard and his replacement Manie Libbok.

Ben Tameifuna, Fine Inisi and Patrick Pellegrini responded for Tonga, who made the defending champions work hard for their victory.

Tahiti overcome Tonga to clinch third place in OFC U-16 Women's Championship

Despite going behind to an early goal from Tama’a Faletau, the host nation rallied impressively, hitting back with a quick double to take the lead, before three late first-half goals put them in command at the break.

With 6 goals in the group stage, Faletau was always going to be a threat and her predatory instinct gave Tonga the lead – latching onto a through ball, outpacing the defence and prodding past the keeper to open the scoring.