In a landmark diplomatic and cultural engagement, Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga will undertake an official State Visit to Fiji from 8 – 12 July 2025, following an invitation extended by the Head of Mataqali Vuanirewa, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
The visit, endorsed by the Fijian Cabinet, underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds between Fiji and Tonga, particularly the longstanding ties between the Lau Islands and the Tongan monarchy. The highlight of the visit will be Their Majesties’ attendance at the installation ceremony of the Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau on 10 July 2025 in Tubou Village, Lakeba, Lau.
The Lau archipelago, with its strong Tongan cultural influences, holds special significance in Fiji-Tonga relations.
The installation ceremony is expected to be a grand cultural spectacle, reaffirming the enduring kinship between the two Pacific nations.
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, a key figure in Lauan traditional leadership, emphasised the importance of the royal visit, stating: “This is a momentous occasion that honours our shared ancestry and strengthens the unity between our people.”
The Fijian government has formed an inter-agency task force to ensure seamless coordination of the State Visit, covering protocol, security, logistics, and cultural arrangements. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his enthusiasm, noting that the visit will further enhance bilateral relations and regional solidarity.
Aside from the installation ceremony, Their Majesties are expected to meet with Fijian President and senior government officials.
They are also expected to discuss regional cooperation, climate resilience, and cultural preservation and participate in traditional ceremonies and community engagements in Lau.
This visit marks a significant chapter in Fiji-Tonga relations, celebrating their shared history while paving the way for deeper collaboration in the Pacific.
EDITORIAL – The recent actions in Tonga’s Parliament are deeply troubling. Instead of fostering open debate and transparency, the Opposition appears more focused on stifling dissent.
Former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku and the Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu‘ilakepa, recently criticised the Minister of Police for making allegations they claimed could ‘mislead the public.’ Hu’akavameiliku even went further and told the Minister that if he had evidence, why not take him to court?
This reasoning and argument are dangerous and threaten democracy, which demands urgent resistance.
Without immediate pushback, Parliament—the most powerful institution in the country—could further restrict MPs from freely expressing their views, known in Tongan as fakakaukau, fakaofioifi, lau, or fakamahamahalo, effectively silencing dissent under the guise of preventing misinformation.
The public, as well as politicians, have the right to freely express and form their opinions based on their emotions, understanding or intuition regarding what they observe in their society. They may then selectively use facts to support these opinions.
Allegations or fakamahamahalo
Allegations, referred to in Tongan as fakamahamahalo or mahalo, are neutral—neither true nor false until proven—but their use must be responsible. An allegation is a claim or assertion that someone has engaged in particular conduct, often used to indicate suspicion without confirmation of guilt. The term suggests there may be reasonable grounds for suspicion, but the accused has not been proven guilty.
In news writing, using the word alleged when accusing leaders is not about shielding them but about upholding fairness, legal integrity, and accurate reporting. It balances the need for accountability with the protection of rights, ensuring that accusations are investigated properly before conclusions are drawn.
While defamation laws exist to address false claims, merely raising concerns and allegations must never be criminalised. If leaders believe their critics are wrong, they should counter them with facts, not by suppressing and misrepresenting our notions of fakamahamahalo, lau, fakaofiofi, or fakakaukau (opinions or allegations).
We have just seen a press conference organised by former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku to counter allegations by the Eke government regarding Lulutai Airlines. However, Hu‘akavameiliku presented largely his fakamahamahalo and opinions in the press conference.
He never presented any audited financial reports or documents from the insurance company that insured the Lulutai-leased aircraft, the Saab 340, which crashed. Nonetheless, it is his right to express his opinion, and he should refrain from doing the opposite to his critics.
Parliamentary Sovereignty
History shows that taking Tonga’s leaders to court fails to resolve systemic wrongdoing. In 2022, the Supreme Court convicted three ministers of electoral bribery, and Parliament later dismissed them, yet Hu’akavameiliku rewarded two of them with high-profile government positions. Therefore, Hu’akavameiliku’s argument that allegations should go to court before being made public is specious.
One of Tonga’s major problems is that the laws seem designed to protect leaders. If MPs are brought to court, they simply argue that the judiciary has no authority over parliamentary matters—and that’s the end of the discussion.
Eke Government Popularity
The Eke administration maintains significant public support, partly due to its persistent allegations against the preceding Hu‘akavameiliku government. The public wants the current government to address their concerns and challenge decisions that appear reckless or poorly justified.
Holding wrongdoers accountable in court was not a priority. Instead, they sought guidance to help shape their opinions and find comfort amid serious accusations.
The key issues within these allegations against the former Hu‘akavameiliku administration included an $8 million increase in ministers’ travel allowances, while only about a million dollar was allocated to support urgent poverty policies.
Lack of transparency surrounds high-risk investments in Lulutai Airlines, with the government’s estimate now at $50 million and undisclosed payments to the Pacific Games Council. Critics argue the case was legally justified in withholding financial payments to the PGC.
Most recently, the Auditor’s report revealed missing receipts and records detailing how the $60 million COVID fund was spent.
The public and politicians have the right to voice allegations and should not remain silent until a court determines their validity.
Celebrated Tongan-New Zealand artist Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts (honoris causa) by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Pacific art and culture.
Dr Filipe Tohi
Tohi, born in Nuku‘alofa, Tonga, and now based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, is renowned for his innovative fusion of traditional Pan-Pacific lashing techniques (lalava) with contemporary art.
His work transforms this ancient craft into an abstract language, conveying cultural history, identity, and philosophy.
“Lalava patterns advocate balance in daily living and are ties to cultural knowledge,” Tohi explains. “They carry our memories and connect us across the Pacific.”
Tohi’s art has been exhibited worldwide, including in Japan, Germany, the U.S., and the U.K.
His pieces are held in prestigious collections such as the Auckland Art Gallery, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
A defining moment in his career was the 2004 commission by Samoa’s Head of State, who bestowed upon him the title Sopolemalama (“Bringer of Light”) for his work on a Fale Maota celebrating Tongan-Samoan connections.
Beyond his artistry, Tohi has shaped future generations as the Pacific Heritage Artist in Residence at the University of Auckland, an instructor at the Rangimarie Arts and Crafts Centre, and a contributor to the University of Hawai‘i’s Department of Art.
Soana Pomaka, Principal of Tāmaki College, praised Tohi’s impact: “His work embodies creativity, cultural preservation, and innovation. This honor inspires future Polynesian artists.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Margaret Maile highlighted Tohi’s influence at Massey University, where his sculpture Poutaha stands as a symbol of Pacific cultural expression. Dean Pacific Professor Palatasa Havea stated, “Mr. Tohi is highly respected internationally—his work bridges cultures and generations.”
This honorary doctorate cements Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi’s legacy as a visionary artist and cultural guardian. For more details, visit Massey University’s official announcement.
In a coordinated effort to combat illegal drug operations, Tonga Police conducted targeted raids in the Vaini area today, resulting in multiple arrests and significant seizures of drug-related items.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the Drug Squad executed a search operation targeting a suspected drug distribution network.
During the raid, officers confiscated drug paraphernalia, including two test tubes and five empty packets.
A 54-year-old male suspect from Vaini has been apprehended and is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Later the same day, police received additional reports of drug-related activities at a bush allotment in Vaini.
A subsequent search uncovered:
1 pack of cannabis weighing 304.23 grams
Cannabis leaves weighing 5.30 grams
2 bottle bongs
1 test tube
2 bottles containing air gun bullets
Two male suspects, aged 42 and 28 and both residents of Vaini, were arrested in connection with the findings.
They are currently detained while authorities continue their investigations.
Tonga Police have reiterated their commitment to eradicating illegal drug activities and urge the public to report any suspicious behavior.
“Community cooperation is vital in our fight against drugs,” stated a police spokesperson.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact their nearest police station or the Tonga Police Media and Public Relations Office at 740-1614.
This latest crackdown underscores Tonga Police’s ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and curb the proliferation of illicit substances in the region.
EDITORIAL – The recent revelation that the Auditor General found no trace of Tonga’s $60 million COVID fund could constitute a violation of the constitution.
The Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, and Prime Minister Eke agreed that the auditor found no records of how the fund was spent. They also acknowledged that there appeared to be no rule requiring those responsible for the expenditures to provide receipts or maintain proper records. They stated that COVID-19 was unforeseen, and the government has learned how to prepare for future situations. The Speaker urged the government to create rules to ensure this would not be repeated, according to the Auditor’s recommendation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi argued that the former government, under Hu‘akavameiliku, had been careless. Fusimālohi told the House that systems were in place to ensure proper documentation of the funds. He accused the previous administration of failing to instruct ministries to retain receipts and maintain records.
In Tongan he said: “Na‘e failure pe kapineti ia e ‘aho ke nau warned e ngaahi potungāue ke tauhi e lekooti he oku ‘osi ha pe ia he palakalafi 49. Osi mahino pe ‘oku fe‘unga e sisitemi”.
Hu’akavameiliku and his former Cabinet ministers sought to redirect the discussions and occasionally participated in contentious exchanges with the government ministers.
Following the debates on the Auditor’s report last week, it appeared that the missing receipts issue would be swept under the carpet.
The feeble excuse that COVID-19 was unexpected does nothing to justify such reckless mismanagement—it is both pathetic and inexcusable. Transparency and accountability should have been a priority during the crisis, and they should have been established before any funds arrived for distribution.
The constitution requires receipt
The Constitution, clause 53, outlines the Minister for Finance’s responsibility to provide a report to the Legislative Assembly on behalf of the Cabinet. This report must detail all money received and spent during the current year or since the last Assembly meeting, along with the nature of these receipts and expenditures.
This is not the first time Tonga has faced criticism for mismanaging funds, which can be traced back decades. The Auditor General has warned from time to time about the government’s poor record-keeping. The World Bank has repeatedly flagged corruption and the kingdom’s poor record-keeping, imposing penalties and providing guidance—yet the government continues to ignore these warnings.
Every ministry operates with its accounting division, staffed and funded by taxpayers, to ensure transparent and responsible management of the public money it receives. Keeping accurate records isn’t a favour—it’s the absolute baseline of its duty. No reminders should be needed, and no excuses should be tolerated.
When these officials fail to meet even the most basic standards of financial accountability, only two conclusions remain: gross incompetence or deliberate negligence. Either way, such failures render them unfit for their entrusted responsibilities.
No records suggest deeper issues
When the government fails to provide records and receipts to auditors upon request, it raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and governance. The absence of these records suggests deeper systemic issues that undermine public trust and effective administration.
It could imply unauthorized or improper spending, meaning taxpayer money may have been diverted without proper oversight or justification. In some cases, officials may be actively hiding illegal transactions or off-the-books spending, preventing auditors from uncovering financial misconduct.
If the government and parliament refuse to investigate the missing receipts, the public will be left with one inevitable conclusion: the $60 million allocated for COVID relief was likely misappropriated or misused. Taxpayers deserve answers, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Tropical Cyclone Tam has strengthened into a Category 1 system near Vanuatu.
Tonga is closely monitoring its path while New Zealand braces for potential severe weather impacts in the coming days.
As of 7pm, April 15, the cyclone was located approximately 420 km south-southeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu, and 1,490 km west of Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.
The storm has sustained winds of 35-40 knots (70-80 km/h) and is moving south-southeast at 18 knots.
While Tonga faces no immediate threat over the next 24-48 hours, authorities maintain close surveillance.
The Tonga Meteorological Service will issue its next advisory at 9am on Wednesday, April 16.
New Zealand’s NIWA Weather warns that Tropical Cyclone TAM could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas to the upper North Island from late Wednesday through Thursday.
Although the cyclone’s center is expected to remain west of Cape Reinga, severe weather conditions may still affect the region.
Urgent Advice for Tongan Communities in NZ
With a large Tongan population in Auckland and surrounding areas, residents are urged to:
Monitor updates from MetService NZ and local emergency advisories.
Prepare for possible power outages, travel disruptions, and coastal flooding.
Tonga Meteorological Service: Next update at 9am, April 16.
NZ Civil Defence: Further warnings expected as the cyclone nears.
Authorities in both nations are coordinating to ensure public safety as Cyclone TAM progresses. Residents in affected areas should stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Tonga Police have arrested a 41-year-old man from Popua for breaking into a house and stealing items.
The police said this was made possible through fingerprint analysis and information collected by the Tonga Police Forensic Unit.
During an executed search warrant, officers recovered a significant haul of stolen items, including:
1 gold chain
1 silver watch
1 silver tablet
1 black power bank
2 flash disks
1 speaker
1 diamond chain
2 black scopes
1 BSP Visa Card
2 cartons of Green Lucky Tonga tobacco and a loose Lucky Tonga tobacco
1 carton of Red Lucky Tonga tobacco and 5 loose tobacco
1 carton of Palataisi tobacco and 4 loose tobacco
2 boxes of Long Beach loose tobacco
1 black tablet
1 test tube
1 pack of cannabis leaves
1 SONY camera
7 mobile phone devices
In addition to the recovered items, the suspect admitted to stealing the following food items:
2 Palm 120x corned beef
13 Salisbury 12oz
8 Salisbury 1lb
14 Palm 1lb corned beef
12 Salisbury corned beef 3lb
2 Palm corned beef 3lb
This totals 41 cans of corned beef.
The suspect remains in custody as police continue their investigations.
Tonga Police have urged the public to stay vigilant and take precautions to protect their property, noting that theft remains a persistent issue across Tongatapu.
For further details, contact the Tonga Police Media and Public Relations Office at 740-1614.
Analysis – Former Secretary to the Cabinet Aholotu Palu’s Tonganising of key English terms during his presentation in last week’s national summit struck a chord among those concerned about the imminent threat to the Tongan language.
Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) chief executive Aholotu Palu
The four-day summit was titled, ‘A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage’.
Led by the Prime Minister, the summit opened a dialogue between government and civil society, inviting tough questions and revealing reports on service delivery failures, governance weaknesses and needed reforms.
Palu, who is now the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) chief executive, was presenting his paper about various international funding that Tonga could tap into. He used his own translated terms during his presentation, such as “lōkale” for local, “lisinale” for regional, and “kolōpale” for global.
While Palu’s Tonganisation demonstration may not have been among the summit’s planned themes, its significance cut through sharply: in a forum dominated by English presentations to a predominantly Tongan audience, his deliberate use of lea faka-Tonga became an act of quiet defiance – proving our language can and should be the medium for discussing our nation’s future
This pattern runs deeper than a single summit. Repeatedly, at gatherings by Tongans, for Tongans—whether debating national development or preserving cultural heritage—we default to English or fractured code-switching.
The unspoken assumption is clear: that our language cannot bear the weight of our most critical conversations. Yet history proves otherwise—from the 19th century’s Tohi Tapu (Holy Bible translation) to Palu’s lōkale, Tongan has always expanded to meet new challenges when given the chance.
Palu’s intervention exposed this paradox: we fear Tongan’s extinction yet deny it the oxygen of official use.
He reminds us of a fundamental truth that translation has always been the lifeblood of lea faka-Tonga.
Anglicisation
There is growing recognition that Tongan has become increasingly anglicised in public discourse, particularly among most of the people who frequently code-switch between English and Tongan both in official and grassroot settings on daily basis.
The erosion reaches even our most intimate daily rituals. Where Tongan households once spoke naturally of kai pongipongi at dawn, kai ho‘atā under the midday sun, and kai efiafi as evening fell, we now default to the clinical English triad: breakfast, lunch, dinner. This linguistic surrender at the dining table mirrors a deeper displacement – when we cannot sustain conversation about basic nourishment in our own tongue, how shall we articulate the soul of our nation?
This code-switching, once occasional, has become so routine it barely draws notice, yet it speaks volumes about the quiet erosion of Tongan as a language of authority.
Tongan language threats
For decades, linguists like Japanese Professor Yuko Otsuka have raised urgent warnings: the Tongan language, spoken by just 200,000 people worldwide, is drifting toward endangerment as English becomes the dominant language of economic opportunity and global mobility.
This shift has been further solidified by the Tongan government’s decision to adopt English as an official language for official communications. This decision is based on the assertion that the limitations of the Tongan language could hinder clear messaging and lead to delays in the timely dissemination of important information.
These are just a few situations that further reinforce the notion that our language is inadequate.
The simple fix
As fears grow over the potential extinction of the Tongan language, we overlook a readily available solution embedded in our own history: the proven translation methodologies pioneered by early missionaries and educators—methods still in use today.
Kaniva News’ two decades of experience translating English news into Tongan have led us to estimate that 30-40% of modern Tongan vocabulary consists of adapted English terms. From mīsini (machine) to toketā (doctor), lao (law), and tiuta (tutor), these thousands of translated words now form the invisible backbone of how we discuss national development, often used unconsciously by speakers.
This reveals a powerful truth: translation isn’t just a linguistic act—it’s a survival strategy. The path forward isn’t to resist English but to systematise what our ancestors began: a sustained, well-resourced campaign to Tonganise modern vocabulary, ensuring lea faka-Tonga remains a living language, not a museum piece.
Government intervention
However, the challenge of Tonganisation demands more than borrowed words; it requires skilled linguists, literary scholars and cultural experts to craft terms that feel authentically Tongan rather than makeshift transplants.
The lack of systematic, professional translation efforts may explain why code-switching has become the default—it’s easier to insert English terms than to coin Tongan equivalents that stick.
This is where government intervention will be required. It needs to invest in dedicated translation initiatives and implementing concrete measures like including compulsory translation subject in school curriculum. The government must also reconsider its current English communication polices where English is the official language.
Colonial-era language policies that prohibited lea faka-Tonga in schools like Tonga High School—privileging English as the sole language of education—require fundamental reform. In 21st-century Tonga, we need bilingual policies that actively develop academic Tongan alongside English rather than treating our mother tongue as an obstacle to learning.
Translation frameworks
The first major translation in Tonga’s history was the Tongan Holy Bible in the late 1800s. Every name of people and places in it—from Sīsū Kalaisi (Jesus Christ) to Nasaleti (Nazareth)—has been directly adapted from English into Tongan. These transliterations have gone beyond the range of the scripture, embedding themselves deeply into Tongan culture as personal names used by the people, such as Mele for Mary and Selusalema for Jerusalem.
Below are several examples of these translation frameworks in the existing literature.
Adaptive translation
It is the process of making significant changes to a text to accommodate the cultural, social, or situational context of the target audience. One notable example is Rev Dr James Eagan Moulton’s translation of the hymn Rock of Ages.
Here is how he did it:
The first and second lines read – Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee. He translated these lines as Ava ‘o e makatu‘u, tuku ke u hūfanga atu. When contextually translated back into English, it can be interpreted as a rock in the ground (makatu‘u) with open holes (ava). The term makatu‘u also figuratively denotes a steadfast person. Dr Moulton compared the Tongan context of ava ‘o e makatu‘u as symbolically equivalent to Jesus’ with his five holy wounds suffered during the crucifixion, culminating in his pierced hands, feet, and side.
Transliteration translation
Another word for this type of translation is phonetic borrowing, or converting a word from English to Tongan by matching its sound. For example, Christmas is translated as Kilimasi, while the word “man of war” is translated as manuao.
Cultural Adaptation
Another word for this approach is contextual translation—rendering concepts through cultural practices rather than literal meanings. A striking example is using the word tu‘asila, which is Tongan for residential address. It emerges from the historical practice of writing addresses on the back of envelopes. Tu‘asila is formed by two words —tu‘a (back) + sila (seal).
The term tu‘asila finds its roots in Tonga’s pre-digital past, when senders traditionally wrote mailing details on the reverse flap of envelopes that folded inward to seal the letter.
Loanword hybridisation
It refers to the practice in which translators blend a borrowed or adapted foreign term with a native word to form a new phrase.
For example, the word policy is mostly translated as palani ngāue. Palani was adapted from English word plan while ngāue is a native Tongan word that means work. Another word is ‘Otu Felenite. It is a combination of the Indigenous word ‘otu, meaning a long group of islands, while felenite refers to the English word friendly. It is Tongan for the Friendly Islands.
We must act now towards the next ten years, ahead of the upcoming summit in 2035, to ensure the vitality of our linguistic heritage. Tonga’s 10-year plan must make lea fakaTonga the skeleton of development, not just decorative flesh.
There is a saying that links development to language, adapted from Kenyan scholar Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o that says, “A nation’s development is measured by the vitality of its language.”
Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has welcomed the New Zealand government’s move to introduce multiple-entry visas for Tongan and other Pacific island travellers, but insists more must be done to strengthen ties with Pacific nations.
NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters (L), Green MP Teanau Tuiono
Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced in Tonga that, starting in July, Tongans can travel to New Zealand on 24-month multiple-entry visas.
While this extends visa flexibility, Tuiono argues it doesn’t go far enough.
The Green MP said on Facebook: “We continue to call for our Pacific relatives to be granted Visa Waiver status as a necessary step to strengthen and honour our relationships in the region.”
While acknowledging that extended visas reduce financial and administrative burdens, Tuiono criticised the policy for still requiring Pacific Islanders to pay fees and face delays not imposed on travellers from visa-waiver countries.
“This is a missed opportunity to deliver what our Pacific whānau deserve,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Greens launched a petition advocating for visa-free access to Aotearoa for all Pacific Island Forum members and other Pacific nations.
Tuiono emphasised that New Zealand, as part of the Pacific family, should remove “unfair barriers to entry” for its neighbours.
He reportedly said the visa barriers that prevent visitors from Pacific Island nations entering New Zealand are “unfair” – and a hangover of racism and the days of the dawn raids.
The Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples launched a petition calling on the government to extend visa-free travel to visitors from Pacific Island nations.
Tuiono put the same request before the last Parliament under the Labour government, but to no avail.
Following Peter’s announcement in Tonga last week, several critics took to Facebook to assert that the application process for such opportunities is typically straightforward.
However, based on their personal experiences, they encountered numerous tedious requirements that ultimately led them to forgo the application process entirely.
The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued its first advisory on Tropical Disturbance TD11F, currently located approximately 1,760 kilometers west-northwest of Nuku’alofa.
As of 10pm on Monday, April 14, 2025, the system was positioned near latitude 14.4°S and longitude 169.8°E.
Authorities report that TD11F has a low to moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.
While the disturbance is under close observation, it does not pose an immediate threat to Tonga over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Earlier, Met said a strong wind warning remains in force for all of Tonga’s land areas.
It said a fresh to strong easterly wind prevails over all of Tonga, and it is expected to bring cloudy conditions with showers of rain to most parts of Tonga today.
The next update from the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications (MEIDECC) will be released at 12pm on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels for further developments.
