The Supreme Court has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for her role in importing methamphetamine into the country.
The court found ‘Anita Toutaiólepo, 45, guilty on two charges.
The primary charge was that she knowingly, and without lawful excuse, caused to be imported approximately 137.36 grams of methamphetamine, a Class A illicit drug.
The second charge related to the knowing importation of drug utensils, namely six smoking pipes used for consuming illicit drugs.
The court was told a container arriving in Tonga aboard the vessel “Papalan Poly” on April 4, 2024, was inspected at SF Oceania Limited.
The court found that the container held illicit drugs shipped from Anthony Vea in San Francisco, California, USA, and that the shipment was intended for the accused, Toutaiolepo.
During the inspection, a drum within the container was found to contain a bag holding illicit items.
These items included a coffee bottle concealing a package of a white crystal substance, a pair of pants hiding six smoking pipes, and a second package containing another bottle with two more packages of the same crystalline material.
Police were immediately notified and subsequently arrested Toutai’olepo at the scene.
While she admitted the drum was hers, she denied any knowledge of the illicit contents, claiming they belonged to someone else and had been sent through her consignment.
Laboratory testing later confirmed the substances to be methamphetamine. The total net weight of the drugs seized was 137.36 grams.
Based on the evidence, defense lawyer Mr. Corbett argued that his client should be acquitted. He presented a positive defense, asserting that the illicit drugs were actually placed into the drum by another individual, Uinikoni.
Mr. Corbett pointed to three key factors that he stated should raise reasonable doubt: the absence of any forensic evidence linking his client to the drugs, the specific timing of when the drum was opened, and a lack of transparency in the procedural handling of the evidence. He contended that these grounds were sufficient for his client to be found not guilty.
Presiding Judge Tupou KC, however, found the account of Uinikoni to be credible, siding with his version of events. The court accepted that the broker, not Uinikoni, was the individual who opened the drum containing the illicit goods.
Furthermore, the judge believed Uinikoni’s testimony that he was with his supervisor, Fa’one, in a designated clearing area when the black bag containing the drugs was brought to them, supporting his claim that he was not directly involved in the discovery.
Justice Tupou delivered the stern sentence, emphasising the severity of the crimes which contravene Tonga’s Illicit Drugs Control Act.
In addition to the life imprisonment term, Justice Tupou ordered the immediate destruction of all illicit drugs and utensils seized during the investigation.
The order was made pursuant to section 32(2)(b) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act, which mandates the disposal of such materials to prevent them from re-entering the community.
Two people were killed in a drive-by shooting in Fremont, California, last week, according to US police.
Edwards Paasi and his parents. Photo/Supplied
Edward Paasi, a Tongan man, was among those killed in the shooting on Stevenson Boulevard.
According to a CBS report, two people were in a large parking lot when someone in a vehicle approached them.
An occupant of the vehicle then opened fire and struck them.
Police said one person died at the scene, and another victim died at the hospital.
It is understood Paasi and his family were attending a wedding reception at the Banquet Hall.
Witnesses said the parking lot was full, with many people attending.
The owner of the Banquet Hall, Jamal Saddiqi, declined to comment. When approached by CBS News Bay Area in front of the business, he shut the door without answering questions.
This is not the first time violence has erupted at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall, CBS reported. In May 2017, a wedding with an estimated 900 guests ended in multiple fights. Police said at the time, about 70 people were involved, and one man was beaten so badly he was left in a coma.
A Tongan family in Sydney is grieving the sudden loss of a beloved mother-of-four, Vaimoana Feohi-Moe-Langi Fonua, who passed away from a heart attack while holding her seriously ill infant son in a hospital.
A Sydney family is mourning the sudden loss of mother-of-four Vaimoana Feohi-Moe-Langi Fonua, who suffered a fatal heart attack while cradling her seriously-ill infant son in hospital.
Vaimoana was comforting her young son, who remains hospitalised, when she suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.
Her passing has sent shockwaves through her family, kāinga (extended family and community), and the broader Tongan diaspora in Australia.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in on social media, reflecting the profound love and respect she inspired.
One grieving family member wrote on Facebook: “Wake me up from this bad dream. Tell me it was all a dream a nightmare. Haueee my beautiful big sister Vaimoana Lanivia-Fonua I miss and love you so dearly. God called you home too soon. You left your husband Liongi Jr Fonua heartbroken sis 😭😭😭😭 I do my absolute best for your babies and make sure Mou is okay.”
Another close relative shared: “Vaimoana Lanivia-Fonua I praise God with all of my heart, for who you are my beautiful sister, I call my day one, my best friend…. Fakafeta’i kia Sihova he ko ia pe Pule ‘o mo’ui [Thank you to Jehovah, for He is the Lord of life]. It truly is an honour to live life with you. I thought we would grow old together, I love you so much. Thank you Vai for being our family’s rock and always putting others before your needs.”
Vaimoana is remembered as a selfless caregiver, a pillar of her family, and a devoted friend. Her passing underscores the immense emotional strain faced by families with critically ill children.
A fundraising page has been established to support her husband, Liongi Jr Fonua, and their four children during this profoundly difficult time, particularly to help cover costs associated with both Vaimoana’s passing and their son’s ongoing medical needs.
The family has requested privacy as they navigate this double tragedy.
Videos and reports circulating on social media appear to show passengers disembarking from what is believed to be the Lulutai Airlines Y12 aircraft, amid claims of mechanical issues.
The footage, which has yet to be independently verified, depicts individuals exiting the aircraft on the tarmac as emergency workers—including firefighters in full uniform—are seen attending the scene.
The presence of emergency personnel suggests precautions were taken in response to a reported incident, though the exact nature and severity of the situation remain unconfirmed.
Sources citing the videos indicate the aircraft may have experienced technical difficulties prior to departing or landing.
Kaniva News is working to verify the authenticity of the footage and the accuracy of these claims.
Lulutai Airlines has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident, and repeated attempts to contact the airline for comment have been unsuccessful.
The airline recently expanded its fleet with a Twin Otter aircraft, which was intended to enhance connectivity across Tonga’s island groups.
This news follows a meeting held last month between the Civil Aviation Office (CAO) and Lulutai Airlines to discuss the carrier’s Air Operating Certificate (AOC) renewal.
A formal audit was scheduled to begin at Lulutai’s head office.
The audit will be conducted by inspectors from CASA PNG, who have been appointed by the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO).
The initiative is co-funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and CASA PNG.
Analysis – The new King’s Diplomatic Services Act, recently approved by the government, is a dangerous step backward for Tonga’s fragile democracy.
Dr Taniela Fusimalohi (L) and PM Dr ‘Aisake Eke
Despite the bill’s high risks, the government’s defence of the legislated King’s board has revealed two startling possibilities.
Was it an attempt to mislead the public about the dangers, or was it merely ignorant of them?
Let’s set the record straight.
The approved bill, under Part II, Clause 5(1), states: His Majesty The King is authorised to establish and maintain the diplomatic and consular services of the Kingdom. Crucially, Clause 5(2)(a) stipulates that this Diplomatic Services must be funded by the government.
This is where the danger arises: the board will be government-funded, yet there is no guarantee that the King and his board of directors will be held accountable for any issues arising from the use of those funds. Previously, funding for foreign affairs and diplomatic services was under the purview of the Minister and Chief Executive Officer of Foreign Affairs, ensuring its processing was transparent and accountable. This significant change to the legal framework directly contradicts claims by Prime Minister Eke and Deputy Prime Minister Fusimalohi that the controversial bill made no major alterations.
Absorbing Ministry Into King’s Board
The members of the royal board are handpicked by the King and are responsible for making decisions regarding diplomatic services, controlling and implementing these services, and monitoring their processes, as stipulated in Clause 7 of the bill. This distinguishes it from all other government boards governed by the Public Enterprise Act 2016, which mandates accountability to the Minister and the government. This reflects another inconsistency in the government’s insistence that the new bill makes no major changes.
While Section 9 of the controversial bill designates the Minister for Foreign Affairs as responsible for administering and managing His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, clause 17 mandates that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs be dismantled and absorbed into the King’s new board. Clause 16 stipulates that any decision made by the Minister must be approved by the King and his board. This provision illustrates the extent of the power vested in the board, effectively making it the controlling authority. This highlights yet another contradiction in the government’s claim that the bill introduces no substantial reforms.
These developments are dangerous to the country’s economic and political stability and represent a regression to the pre-2010 era. The king’s inherent social and traditional authority renders him unchallengeable, irrespective of any errors in judgment. This effectively eliminates any mechanism within the board’s structure to guarantee the proper management of public funds, a further inconsistency in the government’s position that the legislation entails no significant alterations.
The Government’s Misguided Argument
The Eke government asserted that it was merely updating Clauses 39, 40 and 41 to reflect the King’s entitlements.
The clauses are as follows:
39. Treaties
It shall be lawful for the King to make treaties with Foreign States provided that such treaties shall be in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom. The King may appoint his representatives to other nations according to the custom of nations.
40. Foreign ministers
The King shall receive Foreign Ministers and may address the Legislative Assembly in writing regarding the affairs of the Kingdom and matters which he may wish to bring before the Assembly for deliberation.
41. King’s powers – Signature to Acts
The King is the Sovereign of all the Chiefs and all the people. The person of the King is sacred. He reigns the country but ministers are responsible. All Acts that have passed the Legislative Assembly must bear the King’s signature before they become law
These clauses did not authorise the King to make decisions and finance them from the public purse. Instead, if any of his constitutional duties required funding, the law mandated that approval was a matter for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief Executive Officer. This approval process was a critical safeguard, ensuring the King’s decisions were legally scrutinised. The new law enacted by the Eke government fundamentally violates these constitutional safeguards.
Misleading on Major Changes
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi downplayed the high risks posed by this bill to public funds by telling the press last Friday that there were “no big changes” to the current law, and it was only name changes, removing the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and replacing it with His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services. He also stated that the Minister for Foreign Affairs would still manage and operate the department as usual, according to the current Acts and constitution.
His explanation was deceptively appealing to a public that failed to read the controversial law between the lines. It demonstrates his failure to grasp the bill’s core principle: that the King’s board must be funded from public funds. This represents a significant departure from the accountability measures enshrined in the constitution, particularly Clause 50, which outlines the function, constitution, and powers of the Cabinet.
He also claimed the king’s board was analogous to other government boards, such as the Ministry of Education’s. This was misleading, as those boards are accountable to their Minister and the government, with appointments made transparently under the Public Enterprises Act. In contrast, the King’s new board operates without oversight, solely under the King’s control.
Codifying Unchecked Royal Power
The bill is profoundly dangerous as it codifies the King’s traditionally unchecked authority, permitting him to appoint individuals to a board that spends public funds without independent oversight from a body like the Public Service Commission (PSC). The risk, as evidenced by past instances, is that appointments will be based on personal loyalty rather than the skills and qualifications essential for handling the nation’s significant diplomatic interests. This power, exercised without transparency and enforced by silencing dissent, has been proven to be at the core of many failed royal projects in the past, prompting the urgency of the 2010 democratic reforms.
A puppet Minister of Foreign Affairs
Fusimalohi further claimed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs would retain full operational control of the department. However, he failed to state that, under the new bill, the Minister is compelled to manage diplomatic services in accordance with the directives of the King and his appointed board—a body that holds no accountability to Parliament.
A more critical flaw in this argument is the evident trend that future appointments to this ministerial office will require alignment with the King’s preferences.
The King’s son, Crown Prince Tupouto’a, is the current Minister for Foreign Affairs. It appears that any future government would continue to appoint him to the role to appease the King.
This was demonstrated during the former Huʻakavameiliku government when the King insisted on trying to control the ministry, even though the Attorney General advised that it was unconstitutional. The King’s insistence persisted until he forced his noble MPs in the Huʻakavameiliku Cabinet to resign ahead of a vote of no confidence, which led to Huʻakavameiliku’s ouster.
Given this trend, any future Minister of Foreign Affairs would effectively be a puppet of the King and would enact the wishes of the King and his board regarding the use of public money. Furthermore, because the King and his board are not accountable to the public, their budget would lack transparency and accountability.
The government has faced widespread criticism both for its failure to conduct public consultation on the bill and for submitting it to Parliament for urgent approval on the eve of the annual adjournment. This haste has prompted widespread concern over why such a significant change was rushed through.
“Based on Rev 22:18-19, Examine Yourself: Have You Kept the Word According to the Bible?”
On the 18th, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Tanzania Church (led by Head Instructor Yoon Hyun-chul, hereafter referred to as Shincheonji Tanzania Church) conducted an open Revelation Bible exam with local Protestant pastors and Shincheonji members in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
On the 18th, Shincheonji Peter Tribe Tanzania Church conducted an “Open Revelation Bible Exam” in four major Tanzanian cities with 98 local Protestant pastors and 40 Shincheonji members.
The purpose of this exam was to evaluate whether believers who hope for heaven have kept the words of Revelation (Rev 22:18-19) and to encourage each person to stand rightly before God. The exam consisted of 10 main questions and 33 sub-questions, all centered on Revelation. Participants reflected not just on knowledge, but on whether they truly believed and practiced according to the Word.
A total of 138 participants took the exam, including 98 local Protestant pastors and 40 Shincheonji members. Unlike last year’s exam in Korea, where only one pastor from a traditional denomination participated, this marked the first time a large number of pastors overseas took part.
The results showed a notable difference between groups (Shincheonji members scored an average of 95 points, while Protestant pastors scored an average of 7 points). However, the primary goal was not to rank participants, but to create an opportunity for self-reflection through Revelation and to draw closer to God.
Local Tanzanian pastors and Shincheonji members who took the “Open Revelation Bible Exam” on the 18th pose for a commemorative photo holding their exam papers.
One participating pastor said:“Seeing Shincheonji members write their answers so confidently today made me reflect on my faith and calling as a pastor. I will study Revelation through the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center, lead my congregation on God’s path, and teach them correctly so they can enter heaven.”
Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus has consistently emphasized Revelation 22:18–19, saying, “To enter heaven, one must not add to or subtract from the words of Revelation, but fully understand and keep them.”
He has also stated, “The standard for discerning truth and falsehood, orthodoxy and heresy, is not human tradition or doctrine, but the Word of God alone,” highlighting the necessity of testing faith by the Bible.
Previously, Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a similar Bible exam in Korea with pastors from traditional churches, drawing attention at the time. Among 313 participants, only one pastor from an established denomination joined. This Tanzanian event, therefore, is significant as the first instance of large-scale pastor participation overseas.
A Shincheonji Church representative commented:
“The Bible exam is not just a test of knowledge, but a way to confirm whether one’s standard of faith is truly the Word of God. We are grateful that more pastors are gradually joining both domestically and internationally. We hope more churches and believers will unite and interact based on Scripture.”
A Tanzanian Protestant pastor answering questions during the “Open Revelation Bible Exam” on the 18th
Meanwhile, since its establishment in 2018, Shincheonji Tanzania Church has grown steadily, with about 2,440 members as of August this year. The church continues to work toward spreading Scripture-centered faith through active exchanges with local pastors.
The man accused of firing the shot that killed Charles Pongi during a violent confrontation has been formally identified in court as George Mahoni.
The details emerged during a hearing at the Auckland High Court, where prosecutors outlined their case against multiple individuals connected to the incident, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Devonte Iakopo, George Anthony Mahoni, Vili Laungaue, Lika Feterika and Vini Mahoni have all pleaded not guilty to Pongi’s murder in Auckland’s Pt England on August 5, 2023.
While naming Mahoni as the alleged triggerman, prosecutors offered a note of caution, acknowledging that while their theory points to him firing the fatal shot, they cannot yet state this with absolute certainty.
The court was shown CCTV footage of the event, which prosecutors allege shows Mahoni at the centre of the confrontation.
The individual identified as Mahoni was described as wearing a distinctive outfit: a broad-brimmed hat, a colourful LA Lakers hoodie, a brown bandana covering his face, and a bullet-proof vest as he advanced and opened fire.
Pongi, 32, suffered a single gunshot wound to the collarbone.
The court heard that the bullet had tragically lodged in his spine. The moment he was struck was captured on the same CCTV footage presented to the judge.
In a desperate attempt to save his life, associates drove Pongi to Auckland Hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Mahoni has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.
The trial is set to continue next week as the prosecution continues to present its evidence.
Commentary – The Eke government’s justification for transferring Foreign Affairs to the King—that it simply reflects powers already vested in the crown by the constitution—is not only invalid but reveals a profound misunderstanding of the constitution’s democratic intent.
The King of Tonga, King George Tupou V is photographed on his throne in Nuku’aloka,Tonga, Friday, Aug. 1, 2008. The coronation, which included singing by a choir of more than 300, was the first in Tonga since 1967 when King George V’s father, the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, ascended to the throne. (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald)
For 15 years now, since the promise of democratic reform in 2010, the people of Tonga have continued to struggle, still living with the illusion of a change that never fully arrived.
The democratic reforms were meant to transfer all of the King’s executive powers to the people’s elected representatives. If the 2010 transition failed to achieve this goal, then the system must be fixed to finally deliver on its promise of genuine democracy.
The justification for Eke’s controversial amendment to the constitution was recently revealed by the Minister of Police Piveni Piukala, during his weekly show on VPON media.
This defence relies exclusively on Tonga’s current constitution, which is famously condemned as the “most poorly written” among all the Commonwealth countries.
A key intention of the 2010 democratic reforms, according to King George V, was that the King’s power would no longer be exercised “at will” but “must be exercised solely on the advice of the Prime Minister.”
It was the king’s ambition that all executive branch structures must be accountable to Parliament.
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates under this executive authority, it must—from a democratic perspective—remain under the control of people’s elected leaders who are accountable to taxpayers through Parliament.
The core democratic principle here is that the people must be able to scrutinise their leaders and hold them accountable for any misguided decisions made while overseeing a ministry funded by public money.
Therefore, the King, who is neither elected by nor accountable to the public, must not be involved in controlling any executive branch structures.
The unresolved royal scandals of the 1980s-2000s, which cost taxpayers millions, prove that the monarchy can no longer hold a role in the executive branch.
Authorising on flaw is flaw to authorise
Any legitimate attempt to amend the constitution—especially while the country is grappling with allegations of corruption among its leaders—must be grounded in the clear democratic precedent established by King George V.
The Eke government’s failure to anchor its actions in this historical promise reveals a troubling disregard for both constitutional principles and Tonga’s democratic trajectory.
King George’s democracy proclamation record provides the clearest rebuttal to the Eke government’s flawed justification.
During a comprehensive interview with Bruce Hill of ABC Radio Australia in 2010, the late King himself outlined the philosophical and practical foundations for transferring power to an elected government.
He made himself clear about the political pathway and his intention.
It began after King George Tupou I successfully staged a revolution against the Tu’i Tonga dynasty. Vowing to democratise the government, Tupou I introduced democratic principles to Tonga with the 1875 constitution, even while retaining key powers for the crown. This established a foundational balance between monarchy and popular representation.
Over a century later, and in the 2000s, King George V framed his historic reforms not as a break from this past, but as its ultimate fulfilment. He presented the act of relinquishing his executive powers not as a diminishment of the monarchy, but as the natural and necessary conclusion of his predecessor’s work, adapted for a modern era.
King George V’s Unfulfilled Democratic Promise
King George V articulated this profound connection between the original constitution and his democratic mandate clearly during his interview with Hill as follows:
“I think it’s the natural development of the original 19th century constitution. It’s an attempt to take the principles of that Constitution and apply them in 21st century idiom, which of course has to be democracy.
King George V did not see the democratic reform as a mere political ideal, but as a practical necessity for Tonga’s progress. He argued that for a nation to thrive, its system of government must evolve in lockstep with its economy. This belief was at the heart of his vision, as he explained:
“…I have always wanted to do this for the country, and it’s a very practical idea in that our political life has to travel at the same speed and same level as the development of our economic life.”
He firmly rejected calls from the nobility to revert to the old system, arguing that progress required a new path:
“People expressed to me their views … my fellow Nobility expressed to me their views, that perhaps Tonga was far better off as it was before under the old system. Well I had a simple answer to that … and that was, you can’t expect to keep repeating the same mistakes and expect a different result because that would be totally unreasonable.”
Crucially, King George viewed the new model not as a final product, but as a starting point that must be adapted over time, stating:
“Well what we have done is we have given it our best shot and said, this is the model we have come up with … that’s the present government and I. But I hope that in the future if the government or the parliament, find that what we’ve put up or what we’ve proposed is inadequate in any way that they will feel free to make the necessary adjustments …you know…. It’s not an unchangeable thing. I think our constitution should be kept alive with minor changes and adjustments to suit life … as the country progresses.”
Tonga must reclaim King George V’s democratic vision, and this is a call for his brother, King Tupou VI, to fulfil it. The only way to overcome a legacy of corruption allegations and royal scandals is to embrace a future of transparent and accountable governance.
The ‘Ikale Tahi of Tonga have started their Pacific Nations Cup 2025 campaign and 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier on a high, defeating Samoa 30-16 in Nuku’alofa on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams in the middle of the field in a team huddle after the game at Te’ufaiva Stadium. Tonga defeated Samoa 30-16. Photo: Supplied / Tonga Rugby
Strengthened with at least 12 of their 2023 Rugby World Cup campaigners, the Tongans gave their fans at Te’ufaiva Stadium something to celebrate, dominating the game early and taking control from the opening minutes.
In the end they scored three tries to Manu Samoa’s two, the difference coming from the boots of Tongan flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini.
The game was the first in the PNC series for the year, and also kicked off the world cup qualification for Oceania.
It kicked off with the traditional game challenges, Tonga laying down their sipitau challenge while Manu Samoa replied with their ‘Manu Samoa’ sivitau.
Captain Ben Tameifuna, one of the survivors from the 2023 campaign in France, thanked God and fans for their support post match, adding the win was critical for their campaign.
“Thankful to everyone for their support, Manu Samoa for the game and the boys for sticking to the fight,” he said.
“It was a tough match, as we expected, but glad we were able to get the win.
“The job is not done yet and we will re-focus on what’s next.”
Next is Fiji in Suva next weekend.
Head coach Tevita Tuifua, who with assistant Nili Latu, have been working on re-shaping the team since last year, said it was good to win the first match and get that out of the way.
“Thank the boys for sticking with the game plan,” he said.
“We planned to work hard throughout and start well and the players did that. Now we can come back next week and work on what we need to before we tackle Fiji.”
Manu Samoa captain Theodore MacFarland congratulated Tonga and said his team will go back to the drawing board and work on areas they need to before they face Fiji in Rotorua on 6 September.
“Tough one but Tonga played well and we will re-group,” he added.
Tonga started the scoring in the game, taking just seven minutes to get on the scoreboard.
Led by big Tameifuna, the forwards went into a drive towards the Samoan line after six minutes, with flanker Siosiua Moala diving over the line. Pellegrini converted for Tonga to lead 7-0.
The forward battle were fierce and physical, both packs trying to out-do each other for possession and control.
The home team had the upper hand as Tameifuna, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Siua Maile, Halaleva Fifita, Tanginoa Halaifonua, and tough Moana Pasifika number eight Lotu Inisi combined to slowly dominate the ground battle.
Veteran halfback Sonatane Takulua, who had to comeback from retirement, scored the team’s second try in the 24th minute when he chased a loose ball from a Samoan lineout.
Samoa had tapped the ball back from a lineout close to their line and Takulua ran in, collec ted and diver over the line. Pellegrini’s conversion saw Tonga lead 17-0, having slotted a penalty earlier.
Tonga’s backline of Pellegrini, wingers John Tapueluelu and Fine Inisi, centres Fetuli Paea and Solomone Kata, plus fullback Salesi Piutau kept changing options and pushed the Samoans hard in defense.
Manu Samoa fought hard to get on the scoreboard and a penalty to flyhalf AJ Alatimu converted a penalty inside the Tongan half to put their first points on the board.
Pellegrini added another penalty before Alatimu got his second through the posts, as Tonga led 20-6 at the break.
The second half was intense and play went from one end of the field to the other.
Samoa’s MacFarland and his pack of Aki Seiuli, Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Michael Alaalatoa, Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, Samuel Slade, Taleni Seu and Iakopo Mapu worked hard in their set-pieces and the battle for possession.
It paid off for the side when winger Tuna Tuitama finished off in the corner, after some good exchanges in the 60th minute.
That brought Samoa back within range, with nine points to chase.
But Pellegrini kicked another penalty before replacement hooker Samiuela Moli finished off a strong Tongan forward maul in the 80th minute.
The conversion from the Moana Pasfika flyhalf saw Tonga’s lead go to 30-11.
Manu Samoan winger Melani Nanai finished off with a spectacular dive in the corner following a counter from Samoa, and with time running out it was a case of too little, too late for the visitors to Nuku’alofa.
Fans at Te’ufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa following Saturday’s opening 2025 Pacific Nations Cup clash and 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier clash between Samo and Tonga. Tonga won 30-16. Photo: Supplied / Tonga Rugby
Samoa will have a bye next week when the second round of the Pacific zone is played, with Tonga travelling to Suva to face the Flying Fijians.
The Asia/America zone kicked off this afternoon (Saturday NZ time) as well with Canada defeating United States of America 34-20 in Calgary.
Three rounds of round-robin matches will be played in the two different zones or pools, before the play-off across the zones will be staged in the United States of America.
Three teams from Canada, Samoa, Tonga and USA will qualify from the series for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Fiji and Japan already qualified.
