The Kingdom of Tonga has marked a historic milestone in its digital development with the official naming and commissioning of its second international undersea fibre optic cable, now known as Tu‘i Vava‘u.
The name Tu‘i Vava‘u—literally meaning “Vava‘u Sovereign” represents a significant step forward in improving Tonga’s international connectivity.
It enhances network resilience by providing an additional link to global communication systems, reducing the country’s reliance on a single cable and mitigating the risks of service disruptions caused by natural disasters or technical faults.
The cable, jointly funded by Australia through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and New Zealand, is expected to deliver major improvements in connectivity, reliability, and capacity for Tonga’s communications network.
Integral to strengthening regional resilience and security, the new system will provide Tongan communities and businesses with access to a more reliable, higher-capacity network. It is designed to support essential services while advancing social and economic growth across the Kingdom.
The project also addresses vulnerabilities exposed during past telecommunications disruptions. The second international undersea cable will enhance Tonga’s disaster resilience and response capability by reducing the risk of network outages, such as those experienced in 2019 and 2022, when damage to undersea infrastructure severely impacted communications.
Spanning 405 kilometres, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable forms part of a broader network of undersea telecommunications cables being delivered across the Pacific with support from the AIFFP. Several of these regional projects are expected to come online this year, reflecting a wider push to strengthen digital connectivity across island nations.
The initiative highlights a trilateral partnership between Australia, Tonga and New Zealand, underscoring their shared commitment to delivering high-quality critical infrastructure aligned with national and regional priorities. The collaboration aims to strengthen essential services while providing long-term, Pacific-led solutions that enhance regional security.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised the importance of the partnership in advancing regional development.
“Australia is pleased to partner with Tonga and New Zealand to deliver the reliable, high-quality digital infrastructure needed to support regional economic growth, security and prosperity.
“Australia is the region’s largest development partner and a proud member of the Pacific family. Our region is stronger and more prosperous when we work in partnership to uplift and empower our economies and communities.”
Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy highlighted the broader economic and social benefits of the project.
“This initiative will support businesses, industries, and jobs, and help inform, engage, and empower people. It will help to build a stronger, more united region.
“Australia, through the AIFFP, is bolstering telecommunications resilience across the Pacific to ensure communities have access to reliable digital connectivity.”
“The cable will create new opportunities for Tonga’s people and businesses, while strengthening the country’s ability to stay connected during times of disruption.”
The completion of the Tonga Hawaiki Cable marks a major step forward in securing Tonga’s digital future, reinforcing its connectivity to the global network while safeguarding against future disruptions.
His Royal Highness the Prince Regent presided over the ceremony in Vava‘u, formally bestowing the name on the cable in an event that underscored both national pride and technological progress. The occasion also included the official “switch on” of the cable, signalling a major advancement in Tonga’s telecommunications capability and resilience.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Royal Family and senior national leaders, including Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, Lord Fakatulolo, Nobles of the Realm, Cabinet Ministers, and government officials. Development partners and members of the diplomatic community were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.
Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Mr. Brek Batley, Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, and His Excellency Mr Brody Sinclair, New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, representing key international partners who have supported Tonga’s efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure.
The Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice attended the event and delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Government and people of Tonga.
