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COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.

COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.

Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.

They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.

Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.

However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.

Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.

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In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.

MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.

He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority  in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.

The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.

The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.

Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.

Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.

This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular. 

A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.

UK weighs historic move to remove Andrew from royal line of succession

By
Kaniva Staff
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The UK government is weighing the possibility of introducing legislation that would formally remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — from the royal line of succession, following his recent arrest and an intensifying police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, whose ties to Jeffrey Epstein remain under police investigation.

Andrew, who remains eighth in line to the throne, continues to be legally eligible to become King despite having been stripped of his princely titles and facing ongoing scrutiny over his long‑standing association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On Friday (local time), police conducted a second search of Andrew’s former home, one day after his arrest and nearly 11 hours in custody. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to claims that, while serving as a UK trade envoy, he shared sensitive information with Epstein.

Investigators are also questioning former members of his close protection unit, with the Metropolitan Police urging them to report anything they “saw or heard” that might assist in the inquiry into Epstein-linked activities. Police say the widening probe includes reviewing allegations involving flights connected to Epstein and the possible movement of trafficked individuals through UK airports.

Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, denies any wrongdoing in relation to his associations with Epstein.

Government reconsidering earlier stance on legislation

Until recently, the British government had argued that passing a law to alter the royal line of succession would not be an appropriate use of parliamentary time. However, that position has now shifted.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray confirmed that the government is reassessing the need for legislation and is “not ruling anything out,” though any formal action would only be taken once the police investigation has concluded.

The move would require an Act of Parliament, as well as agreement from the other Commonwealth realms where King Charles III is head of state — a process constitutional experts warn would be “really complicated.”

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said such matters were “purely for Parliament” and that the Palace would not interfere with any legislative process.

Public and political pressure increases

Public support for removing Andrew from the line of succession is significant. A YouGov poll conducted immediately after his arrest showed that 82% of respondents favour his removal.

Multiple senior politicians, including Defence Minister Luke Pollard, have indicated that preventing Andrew from being “a heartbeat away from the throne” is the right course of action, regardless of the investigation’s outcome. Pollard said the government and Buckingham Palace have been working together toward this end, though any formal steps must wait for the police process to finish.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell has also reiterated calls for Andrew to be stripped of all royal roles and responsibilities, saying the country must be left with “Andrew the citizen” — fully accountable under the law.

A rare and historic move

Removing a royal from the succession line through legislation would be highly unusual. The last comparable instance occurred in 1936, following the abdication of King Edward VIII.

With investigations deepening and political will shifting, Andrew’s position in the line of succession is now more uncertain than ever. The government is expected to decide its next steps once police complete their inquiry, signalling that a historic constitutional change may be on the horizon.

Why Former Prince Andrew Lost His Royal Titles

Former Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles after years of controversy driven by his close association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a series of damaging allegations. His friendship with Epstein — including evidence that he shared official trade documents while serving as a UK envoy — fuelled public and political pressure on the monarchy.

Andrew also faced sexual assault allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who said she was forced to have sex with him as a teenager. Although he denied the claims, he later settled the civil lawsuit out of court. These allegations, resurfaced repeatedly through legal filings and Giuffre’s later memoir, intensified scrutiny.

His credibility suffered further after a widely criticised 2019 BBC interview, which led him to step back from public duties. As pressure mounted to protect the Crown’s reputation, King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove Andrew’s remaining titles, styles, honours, and royal privileges. He was also required to leave his long‑time residence at Royal Lodge.

Despite denying wrongdoing, Andrew’s continued ties to Epstein, conflicting accounts about their relationship, and the gravity of the accusations ultimately led Buckingham Palace to conclude that revoking his princehood was necessary to safeguard the monarchy’s integrity

QSC Committee denies claims of unpaid contractors amid centenary preparations

By
Kalino Latu
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The Queen Sālote College (QSC) Committee has issued an official statement refuting recent allegations circulating on Facebook that contractors engaged in college projects have not been paid for weeks.

Queen Salote College campus, where preparations continue ahead of the centenary celebrations.

The online claims quickly triggered debate, with some highly committed former students defending the allegations while others sided firmly with the complainants.

According to the Committee, all QSC contractors have been fully paid according to the agreed contracts and arrangements.

In a firm response, the Committee emphasised that “ALL CONTRACTORS HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL,” and clarified that every payment has been “properly completed” as stipulated in the contractual agreements.

The Committee advised the public, including former students and community members, to exercise caution when consuming unverified information shared on social media.

They stated that any claims not released directly by the contractors themselves or by the QSC Committee should not be trusted, urging people to rely solely on official channels for accurate updates.

Complaints Spark Online Debate

The Committee’s statement follows multiple posts made on Facebook in recent weeks by individuals claiming to be workers on the QSC building project.

Some alleged they had not received payment for weeks, with a few stating they had families to support and were struggling financially while awaiting wages.

The controversy quickly triggered debate across online Tongan community spaces, raising concerns about worker welfare and transparency surrounding the college’s centenary projects.

Significance Amid 100-Year Anniversary

The timing of the allegations is particularly notable as the College marks its 100-year centenary this year — a milestone of major cultural and historical significance.

The building project at the centre of the dispute is reportedly one of the key memorial initiatives planned to commemorate the three‑day anniversary celebration scheduled for March 12–15.

The Committee’s statement aims to reassure stakeholders, alumni, and the wider public that the college’s centenary preparations remain on track and that financial obligations to contractors have been honoured.

Videos of teen NRL sensation Heamasi Makasini go viral in Tonga, drawing comparisons to Jonah Lomu

By
Kaniva Staff
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Videos and images of Wests Tigers young gun Heamasi Makasini have surged across Tongan Facebook groups this week, with supporters enthusiastically sharing clips of his explosive runs and labelling the 18‑year‑old as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in years.

Wests Tigers rising star Heamasi Makasini, whose explosive performances have Tongan fans sharing his highlights across social media.

Footage taken from playing fields — alongside highlights from recent trial matches — is being widely reposted, with many Tongan fans celebrating his raw power, acceleration and instinctive attacking style.

Several online groups have described him as an “attacking prodigy,” with some commenters even likening his barnstorming carries to the legendary Jonah Lomu, whose impact on world rugby remains iconic in Tonga and beyond.

Makasini, standing 192cm tall and weighing 105kg, has quickly become one of the brightest young talents in the NRL system.

His breakout 2025 debut earned him early “rising star” recognition, but it was his dominant 2026 pre‑season performance — including a hat‑trick against the Roosters in a trial match — that ignited a new wave of excitement across the Tongan community.

Clips of his performances have spread rapidly, with many Facebook pages posting slow‑motion replays of his fend‑offs, line breaks and powerful finishes.

Supporters are praising his combination of size, speed and confidence — traits they say echo the style of Tonga’s most celebrated sporting figures.

“Every time he runs, defenders bounce off him. This is Lomu‑level stuff,” wrote one commenter in a popular Tonga supporters’ group.

Others say Makasini represents the next generation of elite rugby league talent emerging from the Tongan diaspora, noting his potential to become a major figure for both the Wests Tigers and the Tonga national team.

With the 2026 season approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating what he will deliver next — and whether his rising profile will translate into international honours.

For now, however, his highlight reels continue to dominate online spaces in Tonga, where supporters are praising not just his talent, but the growing pride he brings to the kingdom.

As one fan wrote in a post shared hundreds of times:
“Tonga’s future is already here — and everyone can see it.”

Tonga Police issues urgent reminder on domestic violence as new survey reveals alarming levels of abuse

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Police has issued a fresh public alert on domestic violence, posting a new advisory to its official Facebook page today, urging families to recognise the seriousness of violence within the home and to report incidents early.

The notice, titled “Domestic Violence Is a Crime,” reinforces that abuse of any form remains a prosecutable offence and stresses the need for collective community action to keep families safe.

The advisory outlines six key forms of domestic violence: physical assault, verbal and emotional abuse, threats and intimidation, sexual abuse, financial control or deprivation, and damage to property. Police reiterated their zero‑tolerance stance, promising firm action against offenders and prioritising the protection of victims.

The public message comes at a critical time, following the release of new data that paints a stark picture of the scale of violence occurring in Tongan homes.

According to the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), findings from Tonga’s 2024 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) reveal that 86.1% of children aged 1–14 experienced physical punishment and/or psychological aggression from household members within the previous month.

Meanwhile, 33.68% of women aged 15–49 reported suffering physical, sexual, or psychological violence from an intimate partner in the past year.

WCCC says these figures expose not only widespread abuse but deeply rooted attitudes that continue to normalise violence. The survey found 23.6% of women and 14.5% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances. Overall, 38.1% of respondents agree it is acceptable to beat a woman in some situations.

“These are not just statistics – they are reflections of daily pain and fear endured by our women and children,” said WCCC Monitoring & Evaluation Advocate Soana Pongi.

The Police advisory, posted just hours after the WCCC statement, includes practical guidance for those needing help. Members of the public are urged to report incidents immediately to 922, reach out to trusted family or community leaders, and take action early to prevent further harm.

Police say they issued today’s reminder because many cases remain unreported, and the harm caused—especially to children—can have long‑lasting effects on wellbeing and relationships. The advisory reinforces the national message: “Safe Homes. Safe Communities. Safe Tonga.”

With both law enforcement and frontline advocates calling attention to the escalating problem, authorities are urging the public to take domestic violence seriously and to support efforts to break what they describe as a cycle of silence, fear, and generational trauma.

Eleven arrested as Police dismantle dark web drug import network

By
Kaniva Staff
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Auckland, NZ – A nine‑month police investigation has uncovered what authorities describe as a sophisticated drug‑importation and distribution ring using the dark web to smuggle large quantities of illicit substances into New Zealand.

Cocaine seized during Operation Solana (Source: NZ Police )

Operation Solana — led by the National Organised Crime Group — culminated in coordinated raids across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday, resulting in the arrest of 11 people.

The operation targeted an alleged network involved in sourcing and supplying methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.

Police executed 16 search warrants, seizing significant quantities of drugs alongside approximately $500,000 in cash and three firearms, one of which was a 3D‑printed weapon.

Investigators say the group relied on encrypted messaging platforms, anonymous online marketplaces and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial trails.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt said the inquiry began after investigators identified a local syndicate suspected of using anonymous dark‑web trading sites to conduct illegal activity.

“We have established this group allegedly imported and distributed these controlled drugs across the country,” Hunt said.

Police believe the drugs were shipped from multiple overseas sources, including the UK, Europe and the United States.

Working with New Zealand Customs and international agencies — among them US and European law‑enforcement partners and the Australian Border Force — authorities intercepted more than 200 kilograms of controlled drugs offshore before they could reach the network.

Additional quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine were discovered during the execution of this week’s search warrants.

The 11 arrested individuals, aged between 24 and 42, were expected to appear in the Auckland District and Hamilton District Courts today.

They face a raft of charges, including the importation, possession and supply of Class A, B and C drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and participation in an organised criminal group.

Hunt said Operation Solana demonstrated the growing capability of police to track offending in encrypted and anonymous online environments.

“Offending on the dark web is not invisible,” he said. “These arrests send a clear message: If you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”

What is wastewater drug testing, the method Tonga’s Police Commissioner wants to use?

By
Kalino Latu
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Explainer – Tonga’s Police Commissioner, Geoff Turner, told Matangi Tonga he is seeking government approval to authorise wastewater drug testing in the kingdom.

Police Commissioner Geoff Turner. Photo/Tonga Police (cropped)

Turner said the approach would help police measure illicit drug consumption trends nationwide.

If approved, he said wastewater testing could initially be carried out at police stations, where officers would be tested first as a lead‑by‑example measure before the programme is expanded to the wider community.

While wastewater testing works best in countries with centralised sewage networks like New Zealand, Tonga lacks such infrastructure.

Instead, local authorities would need to rely on sampling from individual septic systems and other decentralised wastewater sources.

The programme would be backed by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, which has secured funding to carry out wastewater testing initiatives across several Pacific nations.

But what exactly is wastewater testing — and how has it been used overseas?

Wastewater Drug Testing

Wastewater drug testing, known scientifically as wastewater‑based epidemiology (WBE), analyses raw sewage for traces of illicit drugs excreted by users. Daily samples are collected from wastewater systems and examined using advanced laboratory methods such as chromatography‑mass spectrometry.

These tests detect drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, heroin, fentanyl and new synthetic substances. The findings are usually expressed as estimated milligrams per 1,000 people per day, offering an anonymous and real‑time picture of drug use across regions.

The technique can also distinguish whether drugs were consumed or simply dumped into the sewer, using chemical profiling to compare parent drugs with their metabolites.

WBE is now widely used by law enforcement, public‑health agencies and policymakers to identify emerging drug threats and assess the effectiveness of interventions.

How New Zealand Uses Wastewater Testing

New Zealand operates one of the world’s most comprehensive wastewater drug monitoring programmes, covering more than 75% of the population. Regular reports from New Zealand Police show consistently high levels of methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine across multiple districts.

In late 2024, RNZ reported that wastewater data revealed a sharp increase in methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA use, prompting police to investigate the cause and consider enforcement responses.

Earlier nationwide testing summarised by Water New Zealand also noted that methamphetamine was the dominant illicit drug detected, with an estimated $20 million per week in associated social harm.

Wastewater Testing Leading to Police Action

In December 2025, The New Zealand Herald reported that three people were arrested and drugs, weapons and cash seized during raids in Hawke’s Bay. According to the report, the arrests followed a six‑month police operation codenamed Operation Tukutuki, which police launched specifically in response to high levels of methamphetamine detected in wastewater testing.

Police said wastewater analysis indicated methamphetamine had “an increasingly strong grip” on the region, prompting targeted enforcement. Multiple search warrants were executed, uncovering methamphetamine, cash, a 3D‑printed firearm and stolen property.

This case is a clear example of how wastewater data can directly influence police operations — not by identifying individual users, but by guiding strategic enforcement in high‑consumption areas.

Why Tonga Must Adopt the Same Method

Turner reportedly said a large proportion of drugs transhipped through the region were not destined for domestic markets.

This assessment is consistent with reports from experts in Fiji and Samoa, who say their islands have become strategic transit points in a wider trafficking network funnelling drugs toward New Zealand and Australia.

While the bulk of these shipments move onward, portions are believed to be left behind as part of the transactional arrangements that enable the smuggling routes to operate.

In Tonga, however, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. A steady succession of arrests involving alleged illicit drug dealers — including cases brought before the courts as recently as last week and earlier this month — points to a deeper, largely unseen flow of narcotics within the country.

The frequency of these cases raises questions about how much contraband escapes detection and whether Tonga is now facing the domestic consequences of a trade long thought to pass through the region rather than settle in it.

Given the precision and evidentiary strength of wastewater testing, its adoption in Tonga is widely viewed as long overdue.

The system would allow police to better target resources and avoid unnecessary or failed operations that stem from unreliable tip‑offs.

Family dispute leads to demolition of property in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A building in Tonga has been demolished after what is understood to be a family dispute, according to video footage shared online.

An excavator demolishes a building in Tonga following a family land dispute, as seen in footage shared on social media. Photo/Screenshot

The video, posted to social media, shows a large excavator tearing down the structure while bystanders recorded the incident from outside the property’s gate.

The footage shows the excavator positioned on top of piles of broken timber, roofing iron, and other debris as it continues to pull apart what remains of the building.

Kaniva News understands the destruction stemmed from a disagreement related to land rights.

In the video, a woman can be heard alleging that the conflict arose because of a legal issue involving land registration. She claimed that under Tongan law, “no one should register two land allotments, only one.”

Her comments suggest the dispute involved questions about whether one party held more than a single legal allotment, an issue that has historically caused tension within some families under Tonga’s land tenure system.

The location of the property and the identity of its owner remained unknown.

Authorities and those involved in the dispute could not be reached for comment.

Strong Reactions from the Public

The footage has prompted a wave of responses across social media.

Some commenters expressed sympathy for those affected, with several alleging that the demolished building was worth “millions,” though no official estimate has been confirmed.

Others offered religious reflections, quoting verses from the Holy Bible and urging patience, forgiveness, and compassion.

Some urged families to pursue peaceful resolution rather than resorting to actions that cause visible and emotional destruction.

No Official Statement Yet

As of publication, authorities have not released any statement regarding the cause of the demolition or whether any legal proceedings will follow.

It remains unclear whether the dispute had been taken through any formal mediation channels before the situation escalated.

Kaniva News will continue to monitor developments and report as more information becomes available.

Photos reveal dangerous state of disrepair inside Ngū Hospital in Vavaʻu

By
Kalino Latu
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Shocking images exposing dangerous structural decay inside Ngū Hospital in Vavaʻu have unleashed fierce criticism, as frustrated residents point to years of government promises to build a replacement facility — promises that vanished without action.

Photos uploaded by Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota reveal the deteriorating state of Ngu Hospital, with a hazardous floor hole and crumbling door frame among the visible damage.

One of the photos shows a gaping hole in the hospital floor, directly beside a hospital bed or medical trolley.

The hole exposes broken flooring material and a dark cavity beneath—posing an immediate danger to anyone walking or working near it. The image highlights how parts of the hospital appear to be literally falling apart under the feet of staff and patients.

Another photo reveals severe structural failure around a doorway, with crumbling concrete, broken wall surfaces, and debris scattered across the ground.

The area inside the room appears filled with damaged materials, giving the impression of long‑term neglect and abandonment rather than an operational health facility.

It comes after Kaniva News reported about four years ago, in 2022, that Ngū Hospital was facing serious infrastructure problems, including leaking and outdated buildings. At the time, senior cabinet ministers described the situation as urgent and unacceptable.

The then Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Dr Viliami Uasikē Lātū, said the conditions were “inappropriate and pitiable” (“’tu’unga ‘ikai fe’unga mo faka’ofa”). Posting in Tongan on Facebook after a ministerial site visit, he wrote: “It is in a dangerous state and really needs reconstruction urgently.”

Dr Lātū inspected the hospital alongside the then Minister for Health, Dr Saia Piukala, and the Minister for Justice, Sāmiu Vaipulu. They were accompanied by the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Tonga, Ms Lucy Joyce, and the First Secretary to the Australian High Commission.

Two years later, on 7 November 2024, the World Bank announced the approval of a US$30 million grant to help Tonga address the growing burden of non‑communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and heart disease. The funding was also intended to support the reconstruction of Ngū Hospital.

Public Outcry as Photos Confirm Years of Neglect

Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota published the images on Facebook this week, describing the condition as rotten (“popo”), triggering a wave of frustration among local residents, many of whom say the photos confirm long‑standing warnings about the hospital’s deteriorating condition.

Some commenters expressed disbelief that the main hospital for the Vavaʻu island group could be allowed to fall into such disrepair, while others questioned how patient safety and dignity could be maintained in such conditions.

One outraged commenter pointed out that while authorities are urging the public to clean up amid dengue outbreaks, the very institution that should embody cleanliness and safety — the hospital itself — is in a state of chaos and neglect.

“We never thought one of the main hospitals in Tonga could ever end up in this kind of danger,” a commenter wrote.

Another commenter pointed out that past governments repeatedly promised to renovate the hospital, yet none of those pledges ever materialised.

Last year, the Australian High Commission in Tonga announced on Facebook that the redevelopment of Vavaʻu’s Prince Wellington Ngū Hospital was “a project close to our hearts,” noting that work with key partners was progressing.

The post said the Australian team had joined the Ministry of Health and the World Bank to mark early milestones, confirming that design work for the new hospital building would begin soon. Tonga’s Ministry of Finance has allocated AUD $10 million from Australia’s budget support funds to the national project.

Remaining land from Hunga eruption continues to erode, new aerial survey finds

By
Kalino Latu
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The last fragments of land created by the devastating 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai eruption are continuing to erode, according to new aerial observations released by Tonga’s Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.

The remaining remnant of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai continues to erode, as shown in this aerial image captured during the recent volcanic survey. Photo/Supplied

The deadly eruption and tsunami resulted in three confirmed deaths in Tonga, according to official reporting by the Tongan government and the United Nations at the time.

The victims included British national Angela Glover, a 65‑year‑old woman from Mango Island, and a 49‑year‑old man from Nomuka Island.

The tsunami’s impact was also felt internationally, with high waves causing two deaths in Peru, bringing the total number of fatalities linked to the disaster to at least five.

The latest finding emerged during a United States–supported reconnaissance flight conducted on 17 February 2026.

The Ministry confirmed that during the survey, the remaining section of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai showed no visible signs of volcanic activity, but the landmass continues to shrink as the sea steadily reclaims what is left of the once‑significant island formed in the years before the 2022 explosion.

The update was issued in a public notice following an invitation from the United States Embassy in Fiji, which arranged for the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, MEIDECC CEO Mr Sione Akau‘ola, and Deputy CEO for Natural Resources Division, Mr Rennie Vaiomounga, to board a demonstration flight of a U.S. Government Pacific regional jet.

The flight doubled as an opportunity to assess multiple active volcanic sites across Tonga.

Aerial checks confirmed that no steam, ash, discoloured water, or other indicators of unrest were visible at Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai. The Ministry reported that only the eroding remnant of the island formed prior to the 2022 eruption remains, highlighting how dramatically the landscape has changed since the explosion that triggered a Pacific‑wide tsunami.

Images released with the notice show the reduced landmass from both distance and close‑range perspectives.

The survey team also inspected Tofua Volcano, where gas emissions confirm the volcano remains active but stable. Low to moderate steam and gas emissions were observed at the Lo‘uta crater, with plumes rising to moderate heights.

The Ministry reported no ash emissions or volcanic explosions during the flight.

The mission included an assessment of Home Reef, one of Tonga’s most active submarine volcanoes in recent years. While the notice did not include detailed observations in the visible section, the Ministry confirmed the site was part of the aerial survey.

The U.S. regional jet, originally intended for Pacific Heads of Government travel, allowed Tongan officials an opportunity to view remote volcanic areas from the air—an important component of hazard monitoring in a nation vulnerable to rapidly changing geological conditions.

The Ministry said such cooperation strengthens Tonga’s ability to track volcanic unrest and respond effectively to emerging risks.

One man still missing as search continues after dramatic rescue of two Tongans at sea

By
Kaniva Staff
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A search operation remains underway for one man still missing at sea after two Tongans were rescued following more than ten days adrift about 200 kilometres off the coast of Tonga.

The vessel Mysterious Wonder, from which one crew member remains missing after two men were rescued more than ten days adrift off Tonga.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, the pair were located yesterday morning by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P‑8A Poseidon and brought safely on board the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Canterbury last night.

Tonga Police have not yet issued a public statement on the rescue or the ongoing search.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau confirmed to local media that one man from the vessel Mysterious Wonder remains missing, and that his identity is being withheld.

Taumoepeau described the missing man’s details as “critical information”, saying they would not be released while the search continues.

The RNZAF aircraft had originally been en route to conduct maritime surveillance related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the South West Pacific when it was diverted for the emergency search.

The request came from Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre after the vessel was reported overdue.

The 11.5‑metre wooden boat had departed Tongatapu on 8 February. Authorities were formally notified on Tuesday that the vessel and its crew had not returned as expected.

The search is being carried out as a large-scale joint operation involving the New Zealand Defence Force, Tonga Police Maritime, the Tonga Navy, Tonga Meteorology Services, and several private agencies that have offered vessels and support.

Inspector Kisina of Tonga Police Maritime is leading and coordinating the mission on the Tongan side, with multiple agencies working together under challenging conditions.

Taumoepeau said all agencies remain on standby and will continue the search until Tonga Police Maritime issues formal direction.

“We are all waiting upon the Maritime before the operation is suspended,” Taumoepeau reportedly said.

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