Vava'u

Another man was arrested with a .22 long rifle and ammunition in Longomapu.

Both suspects remain in police custody, after Tonga Police Drug Enforcement Taskforce arrested them as part of ongoing drug operations.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Detective Halatoa Taufa said that the 49-year-old  from Ta'anea was arrested with the cocaine on Sunday, 14 November.

Another 38-year-old man was arrested with one .22 long rifle and more than 700 x .22 ammunition, during a police raid on Tuesday, 23 November at a residence in Longomapu.

Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Tāufa said local residents found the packages and handed them over to Police.

“Police confirms the packages had been tested positive for cocaine and is working closely with the Tonga Navy, utilising the VOEA Ngahau Koula to scour areas of interest in the Vava’u waters”, Tāufa said.

“There is possibility that more packages may turn up on the beach and we ask any members of the public to immediately contact Police if they found or knew anyone to have found further drugs.”

On Saturday, the first-ever tournament-based futsal festival got underway at Vava’u High School hall with an impressive 32 teams signed up to participate in the eight-week event.

Vava’u Football Association Officer in Charge, Manatu Liava’a said the local community is excited to be learning more about futsal and developing skills in a game which suits the smaller island group communities.

“Introducing futsal in Vava’u is a new era for football here in the island and we are excited and motivated to join in an promote the game,” Liava’a said.

The tourism sites are funded by New Zealand.

Muliaga also visited the Tourism Authority building which was funded by the New Zealand Government under the Tonga-NZ Tourism Partnership at Neiafu.

He met with CEO Sione Finau Moala-Mafi, OIC Sandy Tu’ipulotu and staff for an update on the directional signs also funded under the TNZTP programme.

Diplomatic relations between Tonga and New Zealand were formally established 50 years ago.

The ambassador who was accompanied by his wife was greeted at the Ministry of Tourism Office at Neiafu, Vava’u by the CEO, Sione Finau Moala-Mafi and Vava’u Office OIC, Sandy Tu’ipulotu.

There was also a visit to Japanese-funded projects, a meeting with Japanese residents and a courtesy call on the Governor of Vava’u, Lord Fakatulolo.

Diplomatic relations between Japan and Tonga were established 50 years ago.

Consultations by Tonga Meteorological Service are underway in Vava'u on a policy about early warning and preparedness for natural disasters.

Community input for the Multi-Hazard Early Warning System have already taken place in Tongatapu, 'Eua, Ha'apai, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi.

Director of Meteorology 'Ofa Fa'anunu told local media it's crucial for the policy to capture everyone's view on how to be better prepared for natural disasters.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u opened the over 800-thousand dollar facility on Wednesday.

Matangi Tonga reported the centre aimed to strengthen resilience to disasters and climate change, by improving forecasting and response capacity.

Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa said as the country was highly vulnerable to natural disasters it was important to be prepared.

The two-storey centre was also equipped with four 25,000-litre water tanks and a generator for use during such events.

The sales team accompanied by Digicel’s very own Santa are in Vava’u till Christmas eve sharing the spirit of Christmas through its special offers and rewards that is affordable and attractive. 

With more than a share of $50,000 pa’anga in prizes this Christmas, the team also visited ‘Eua and Ha’apai and have been out in communities for the past four weeks. 

With the current Covid-19 conditions and border restrictions still in place, Digicel has made available offers and specials that are tailored to keep families and friends connected this Christmas. Better Together.

The category one storm is passing by the islands of Vava'u bringing destructive storm force winds, thunderstorms and high seas.

Cyclone Zazu is moving south-southeast and is expected to lie around 60 kilometres south of Neiafu, Vava'u at 3pm this afternoon

The storm is expected to strengthen into a category two system as it moves away from Tonga.

Photo Tonga Meteorological Services  

This ongoing program is part of the Ministry’s “Beautify Tonga” campaign, which started at ‘Eua then Ha’apai and now Vava’u in lieu of the usual festivities held during the year.

With the borders closed to visitors and tourists, the Honourable Minister, Mrs. ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu, CEO, Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi and Tourism staff have taken the initiative to organise events and programs to encourage sustainable activities that promote Tourism in Tonga and be reminiscent that Tourism is everybody’s business.