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Tonga drops to 46th in global press Freedom Index amid political interference and legal challenges 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s commitment to press freedom has slipped in the latest global rankings, falling one spot to 46th in the 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index.  

The constitutional monarchy, which saw significant media reforms after its first democratic elections in 2010, is now grappling with political interference, restrictive laws, and economic instability that threaten independent journalism. 

With its scattered Pacific islands, Tonga lacks a robust print media sector, leaving state-owned Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC)—operating Television Tonga and Radio Tonga—as the dominant broadcaster.  

RSF said that online outlets like Matangi Tonga and New Zealand-based Kaniva Tonga provide alternative voices, but journalists face increasing obstacles. 

 Press freedom has become entangled with Tonga’s political shifts. After the 2017 re-election of the late Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s party, tensions rose with journalists, particularly at TBC, where editors were sidelined under government pressure.  

Hopes for reform under Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, elected in 2021, have dimmed due to King Tupou VI’s growing influence over government affairs, raising fears of further media restrictions. 

Though Tonga’s constitution guarantees press freedom, enforcement remains inconsistent. Laws have grown harsher since 2010, including a 2015 internet regulation allowing site blocking without judicial oversight and a vague 2020 cybercrime law imposing three-year prison terms for “cyberharassment.”  

Recently, the government quietly imposed eight restrictive media regulations, penalising the spread of “sensitive” information and shielding politicians from scrutiny. 

Media outlets struggle in Tonga’s fragile economy, where self-censorship is common to avoid losing advertisers, including the government. The situation worsened after the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, which devastated infrastructure amid the economic fallout of COVID-19. 

While Tonga has advanced in gender representation in media, critical issues like police brutality, the death penalty, and child marriage remain largely off-limits for journalists. Though reporters face no physical danger, self-censorship persists in the close-knit society. 

The Media Association of Tonga continues advocating for journalists’ rights, but with legal, political, and economic pressures mounting, the kingdom’s press freedom outlook remains uncertain. 

Meanwhile, neighbouring Pacific nations show mixed trends, with Fiji rising while Samoa suffers a dramatic fall. 

Pacific Press Freedom: Gains and Losses 

Among island nations, Fiji (40th, up four places) performed best, overtaking Samoa (44th, plummeting 22 places) from its traditional lead. New Zealand (16th, up three places) also improved, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in media freedom. While most Pacific countries fared well, the Asia-Pacific region overall had a troubling year, with authoritarian regimes continuing to suppress independent journalism. 

At the bottom of the index, North Korea (179th) remains the world’s worst environment for press freedom, where media serve solely as propaganda tools for the totalitarian regime. China (178th) and Vietnam (173rd) also maintain tight control, with nearly all outlets either state-owned or run by Communist Party-aligned groups. The only independent reporting comes from freelance journalists working underground, who face constant threats and financial instability. 

Ha’apai clinic faces relocation as land lease dispute escalates – Minister perplexed by 500% rent hike

By
Kalino Latu
-

The future of Lotofoa, Ha’apai Islands’ vital health clinic hangs in the balance after the Minister of Health revealed it may be forced to relocate due to a staggering 500% increase in land lease costs.

Health Minister Dr Ana ‘Akau’ola expressed shock at the sudden jump, from just $60 per year to $3,000, warning that the free community health centre cannot sustain the new rate.

The landlord, His Serene Highness Prince Tu’ipelehake, allegedly demanded that the Ministry pay 30 years’ rent upfront by June, according to the Minister. The Prince could not be reached for comment.

She acknowledged that the Ministry had previously failed to pay the lease.

Dr ‘Akau’ola said negotiations are underway, but if no agreement is reached, the ministry will have no choice but to move the facility elsewhere.

“I felt we had been hijacked to pay this money”, she said.

An upgrade to the centre was conducted, but the Minister halted it until negotiations with the Prince are settled.

“This clinic serves the people at no cost.”

She emphasised that the ministry’s budget prioritises healthcare, not inflated land leases.

She said that the Ministry’s annual budget has been depleted and that she had requested additional funding from the government before the end of the fiscal year in June.

It is understood that locals fear losing easy access to medical care if the clinic is forced to move.

Locals contacted FM 87.5, expressing concern about the clinic’s possible relocation.

The Minister said she hoped reason prevailed and emphasised that the Ministry’s duty is to the people, not to unreasonable financial demands.

Dengue fever outbreak claims three lives in Tonga, minister warns of escalating crisis

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga is grappling with a deadly dengue fever outbreak that has already claimed three lives, the Minister of Health confirmed this afternoon. With cases rapidly escalating, authorities are urging the public to take immediate action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect themselves from the disease.

Minister of Health Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola

Health Minister Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola issued a stern warning today, stating that the outbreak is far from under control. “The situation is serious and worsening,” she said.

“We urge everyone to clean their surroundings, remove stagnant water, and use mosquito repellents to curb the spread.”

Dr. Ana ‘Akauola, a leading health official, revealed that dengue type two has been the most common strain detected in patients so far. However, she suspects another strain may be circulating.

“The only confirmed serotype in Tonga at present is dengue type two,” Dr. ‘Akauola told Pacific Waves.

“But after these tragic deaths, I’ve instructed my team to retest newly diagnosed patients, especially those hospitalised, to rule out other strains.”

Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe headaches, and joint pain.

In severe cases, it can lead to fatal complications. Health officials emphasise the importance of:

  • Removing stagnant water (in tires, containers, gutters) where mosquitoes breed.
  • Using mosquito nets and repellents, especially during peak biting times (dawn and dusk).
  • Seeking medical care immediately if symptoms appear.

With hospitals on high alert, the government is ramping up fumigation efforts and public awareness campaigns.

As fears grow over a potential new strain, health experts warn that the outbreak could worsen if preventive measures are ignored. “This is not just a health issue—it’s a community fight,” the Minister stressed.

“We must act now to save lives.”

Tonga’s cyclone season officially ends, but unexpected cyclones still possible

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tonga Meteorological Service has officially declared the end of the 2024-2025 Tropical Cyclone (TC) season, which typically runs from November to April.

However, authorities caution that cyclones can still develop outside this timeframe, so residents are urged to remain vigilant.

This year’s cyclone season was marked by average activity, aligning with predictions made in October 2024.

A total of 11 tropical disturbances formed in the Southwest Pacific region, with four strengthening into cyclones:

  • TC ‘Pita’ (Category 1)
  • TC ‘Rae’ (Category 2)
  • TC ‘Seru’ (Category 2)
  • TC ‘Tam’ (Category 1)

While the forecast anticipated 1–2 cyclones and a 50% chance of a severe cyclone (Category 3+), no severe cyclones materialised.

Most systems, including Pita and Rae, affected Tonga’s western and southwestern waters.

Despite the season’s official closure, the Meteorological Service emphasised that cyclones can occasionally form before or after the typical November–April window.

Such systems would still be included in the annual tally.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. For updates, contact the Meteorology Division at 35355 or visit www.met.gov.to.

Fact Checking: Former PM Hu‘akavameiliku’s Treasury records claim on $60M Covid fund is misleading  

By
Kalino Latu
-

Former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku’s claims that all receipts and records of the $60 million Covid fund were stored correctly in the Treasury have been called into question, with the Auditor General and senior government officials contradicting his claims. 

Seita (L) and Former PM Hu’akavameiliku

The Auditor General’s report found no records of how the COVID-19 fund at the Ministry of Health was spent. It also highlighted the need for all ministries to maintain proper documentation of allocated funds. 

In a response to RTTI on Tuesday night, Hu‘akavameiliku insisted that Tonga’s centralised financial system ensured all expenditure records were kept in the Treasury, denying any misappropriation of funds. 

However, his statement appears misleading and evasive, as the Auditor General’s recent performance report, tabled in Parliament, revealed no clear documentation of how the COVID funds had been used. 

Kaniva News has looked into the facts behind some of Hu’akavameiliku’s key claims.

Parliament Raises Concerns 

The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu‘ilakepa, echoed the Auditor General’s findings in Parliament by saying in Tongan:  

“Ko e mahino na‘e ‘omai mei he Atita ko e pa’anga na’e ‘ave ki he ngaahi kulupu. Ka ko hono tauhi ko e lekooti ‘oku ‘ikai ha me’a pehe ia”. 

This translates into English as:  

“What was clear from the Auditor was that the funds were provided to clusters, but keeping records of how those funds were spent, there was nothing like that”.  

He then pressed the Minister of Finance, who is also the current Prime Minister, Dr Eke, for answers.  

In Tongan, Lord Tu’ilakepa asked:  

“Na‘e ‘i ai ha lisiiti ‘o e ‘u me‘a ko eni hange ko e fakamatala ‘a e minisita polisi. Pe ‘oku ke tauhi pe ‘a e mata‘ifika mo e kulupu na’e ‘ave ki ai kae ‘ikai ha lisiiti ia ‘e ‘oatu”. 

This translates into English as:

“Were there any receipts, as asked by the Minister of Police, or are you just keeping the various amounts of the fund and clusters they received without any receipts provided to you?” Lord Tu’ilakepa asked.  

In his response, Dr Eke admitted there was no proper documentation tracking the fund’s expenditure.  

He provided an example, explaining that if the Ministry of Tourism allocated $10 to an individual (“A”) to build a house, there was no way to verify whether the full amount was used as intended.  

“After building the house, the Ministry asked (“A”) whether he had used all the $10 to build it. There was no answer to that question,” Dr ‘Eke told Parliament.  

Lack of Accountability 

The Minister of Police and Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed in Parliament that no records were found detailing how the Covid funds had been spent.  

They claimed the Treasury had records of the fund allocations to the clusters, but “no one returned with the changes and receipts”, the Minister of Police alleged in the House.  

This directly contradicts Hu‘akavameiliku’s claims that all documentation was available in the Treasury.  

 With the Auditor General’s report and multiple government officials, including the Minister of Finance, confirming the absence of records, Hu‘akavameiliku’s statements appear to be unsubstantiated.  

Asian man found dead in Nuku’alofa Hotel; No foul play suspected

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A 40-year-old Korean national residing in Australia was found deceased in his hotel room in Nuku’alofa on Friday, 18 April 2025.

Tonga Police confirmed that no criminal activity was involved in the incident.

According to the police report, the man had arrived in Tonga on 16 April and was scheduled to return to Australia on 18 April.

His body was discovered early Friday morning, prompting an immediate investigation.

Authorities determined that the death was due to natural causes, with an autopsy conducted by an Australian pathologist confirming cardiac arrest as the cause.

The deceased’s body has been released to his family.

Tonga Police expressed their condolences, stating, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved and hope they find peace during this difficult time.”

No further details were released, but the police assured the public that the case is closed with no suspicion of foul play.

For additional inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media and Public Relations Office.

Justice Paul Garlick KC sworn in as Tonga’s new supreme court judge

By
Kaniva Staff
-

In a historic ceremony this morning, The Hon. Justice Paul Garlick KC officially took his oath as the newest Judge of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Tonga, marking a new chapter in the nation’s judiciary.

The Hon. Justice Paul Garlick KC was officially sworn in as the newly appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Tonga.

The swearing-in took place in Cabinet, presided over by His Majesty’s Government and witnessed by Acting Prime Minister Dr Taniela Likuohihifo Fusimalohi, alongside senior members of Cabinet.

Justice Garlick’s appointment follows the recent conclusion of former Justice Nicholas Cato’s term, ensuring continuity in Tonga’s highest court.


Justice Garlick, a King’s Counsel (KC), brings decades of legal expertise to Tonga’s judiciary.

With a distinguished background in common law jurisdictions, including senior judicial and advisory roles, his appointment is expected to further strengthen the rule of law in the Kingdom.


The Acting Prime Minister extended “heartfelt congratulations” to Justice Garlick, stating:
“We are confident that his vast experience and unwavering commitment to justice will greatly benefit Tonga’s legal system and uphold the rights of our people.”

Justice Garlick’s appointment comes at a critical time for Tonga’s legal system, which faces mounting challenges, including a worsening drug epidemic marked by surging methamphetamine (“ice”) and cannabis-related arrests that are straining law enforcement capabilities.

As Kaniva News reported previously, the courts, already understaffed and overburdened, are grappling with severe case backlogs.

This leads to prolonged pretrial detention for many detainees, as hearings face significant delays. Some cases reportedly take years to resolve.

These systemic issues have sparked growing calls for judicial reform, with demands for expedited trials and increased resources for legal aid. Legal experts previously warned that without urgent action, these delays could further erode public trust in Tonga’s justice system.


With Justice Garlick now formally instated, the Supreme Court is expected to resume its full caseload, including pending constitutional matters and high-profile cases.

The authority to select and appoint judges lies with the King and his Judicial Appointment Panel.

New free apps Tau Laukonga bring Tongan stories to life, tackling childhood literacy crisis 

By
Kalino Latu
-

In a world where screens often distract rather than educate, a new free app—Tau Laukonga—is turning smartphones into gateways for Tongan children to discover the joy of reading.  

Over a dozen supporters representing Tonga, the United States, and New Zealand, including current and former Peace
Corps Volunteers, contributed narration, translation work, and more to make the project possible.

Developed through a unique international partnership, the app brings over 100 vibrant, culturally rich stories to life in both Tongan and English, complete with native-speaker narration.  

Tau Laukonga, a pair of new Tongan and English reading apps for kids, is now available to download for free on Android and iPhone. 

Developed by United States Peace Corps Volunteer Andrew Pavey in partnership with the American NGO Friends of Tonga, the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training’s Curriculum Development Unit, and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Education Department, each app offers 100+ fun, culturally-relevant books across various difficulty levels, topics, and genres.  

The majority of books also feature read-along audio narration recorded by native speakers. 

Around 70% of Tongan households lack reading materials for kids, according to a 2017 World Bank report. Tau Laukonga gives all families instant access to a free digital library that can be enjoyed even without internet access.  

The apps will help preserve and uplift the Tongan language around the world, as well as boost English literacy achievement. 

“This initiative is one key milestone to children’s development in the era of information technology,” says Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala, a vocal proponent of Tau Laukonga. 

“Supporting literacy, Tongan heritage, and youth development are all cornerstones of Peace Corps’ work in the Kingdom of Tonga, and Andrew has created a project which serves as a beautiful testament to the potential of this type of service,” says Peace Corps Tonga Country Director Elizabeth Neason.  

“Through hard work, international cooperation, and local partnerships, he has put together something truly unique and powerful.” 

“It is exciting to see how Peace Corps Volunteers can collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to design and implement such a useful learning tool,” says Michael P. Hassett, President of Friends of Tonga. “Tau Laukonga could change the trajectory of literacy attainment for an entire nation.” 

“For a love of reading to take root in the Kingdom, Tongan kids need engaging and educational alternatives to TikTok and smartphone games,” says Pavey, the app’s developer and a teacher in Houma, Tongatapu. “Tau Laukonga is the first step towards making this vision a reality.” 

Over a dozen supporters representing Tonga, the United States, and New Zealand, including current and former Peace Corps Volunteers, contributed narration, translation work, and more to make the project possible.  

More books and features will be added in future updates later this year. Authors interested in donating the rights to their work, especially children’s books in the Tongan language, should contact taulaukonga@gmail.com. 

Download the Tau Laukonga apps for Android here: https://tinyurl.com/4j5ca57k 

Download the Tau Laukonga apps for iPhone here: https://tinyurl.com/mre4zc4z 

Deputy PM warns against rubber-stamping reports as $60m Covid missing records nearly go unchecked   

By
Kalino Latu
-

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi has raised concerns about Parliament’s dangerous (“fakatu’utāmaki”) practice of approving critical reports without proper scrutiny. 

He was pointing to the near-automatic approval of the Auditor General’s explosive findings, which revealed $60 million in unaccounted Covid-19 funds, without discussion.   

The Auditor General’s revelation, previously reported by Kaniva News, revealed no records detailing how the pandemic relief money was spent—a direct violation of the Constitution Clause 53, which mandates the Finance Minister to report all government expenditures to Parliament with full documentation.   

Fusimālohi was visibly frustrated while condemning the legislative shortcut.

“Ko e fa’ahinga founga ia ‘oku fakatu’utāmaki,” he said in Tongan.

This translates to English as “That procedure is dangerous.”   

The Speaker of Parliament Lord Fakafanua was contacted for comment.  

Near-Miss for Accountability  

During an interview on RTTI’s livestream show, Fusimālohi claimed that the damning audit was on the agenda for bulk approval alongside routine documents but since he had read all reports that had been handed over to MPs he was well aware of the Auditor’s Covid report. He said he then asked that the report be tabled for discussion.  

Fusimālohi reiterated that the Auditor had repeatedly attempted without success to obtain records of the funds’ expenditure from the relevant ministries. He noted that the Minister of MEIDECC overseeing these funds at the time was former Prime Minister Huʻakavameiliku.   

He warned that the Auditor’s work can’t be ignored just to expedite agendas, Fusimālohi said, warning that sidelining audits erodes trust.  

“Transparency and accountability are two vital mechanisms for the government’s operation,” he said in Tongan, adding that Tonga must account for every dollar of foreign aid.

A pattern of unchecked reports  

The Covid fund scandal mirrors past failures.    

A Parliamentary Select Committee investigation in 2012 found that the TOP $119 million Nukuʻalofa CBD reconstruction loan was illegal, citing breaches of the Public Finance Management Act. No parliamentary resolution followed.   

In the same year, a Land Royal Commission Report was submitted to Parliament after a government team consulted residents in Tonga and the diaspora, but it was never debated.  

New Police Commissioner appointed for Tonga Police

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tonga Police will welcome a new leader next week as Commissioner Shane McLennan prepares to conclude his three-year term.

Commissioner-Designate Geoff Turner

His successor, Geoff Turner, currently a Commander with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), has been approved by His Majesty King Tupou VI and will be sworn in on 12 May 2025.

Commander Turner brings a wealth of international experience to the role.

Born in New Zealand, he began his career in the Royal New Zealand Navy before migrating to Australia in 1900 and joining the AFP.

Over his distinguished career, he has served in various high-profile roles, including drug and organised crime operations in Sydney, close personal protection for the Israeli Consul General, and multiple United Nations deployments to Cyprus, East Timor, and Afghanistan.

His expertise extends to leadership positions such as Detective Superintendent in the AFP’s money laundering taskforce and Contingent Commander in Timor-Leste.

Most recently, he served as Commander of Specialist Operations, overseeing search and rescue, canine operations, and tactical teams.

Commissioner-Designate Turner holds degrees in Business and Policing, along with two master’s degrees in business management and anti-money laundering.

His appointment marks a new chapter for Tonga Police as they transition under his leadership.

Commissioner McLennan’s Marching Out Parade is scheduled for Friday, 9 May, ahead of Turner’s official swearing-in ceremony.

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