The journey to crown the next Miss Heilala has officially begun, with seven stunning contestants taking the stage at the Fā’onelua Convention Centre for the first judging event: the Pre-Pageant Interview.
Seven shining stars, one unforgettable journey! ✨👑 These inspiring young women light up the stage as they compete for the prestigious Miss Heilala 2025 crown. Each bringing their unique voice, passion, and beauty to celebrate Tonga’s culture and future. Who will take the throne?. Photo/Tonga Tourism, Facebook.
The festival is Tonga’s national beauty pageant, offering young women the opportunity to compete for the prestigious annual title.
The contestants, each representing different sponsors and causes, spoke passionately on topics ranging from technology and tourism to mental health and climate change.
Miss Tika Way, Malia Toatepi Tonga’uiha, from Houma, Tongatapu—now residing in Auckland, New Zealand—wore what has been widely described on social media as the Samoan an ‘ie sina.
Her photos, showcasing the artwork on Facebook, stunned the online community, especially those familiar with Samoan handicraft.
Many praised Miss Tika Way’s ‘ie sina as exceptionally beautiful.
The contestants:
Miss Lady Maria Tonga Australia
Miss Pangaimotu Island
Miss Tongatapu 2
Miss Ha’apai Masani
Miss S & S USA
Miss Current of Love Charity Vava’u
Miss Tika Way Creation
The competition will continue with additional events, including the traditional wear showcase, talent performance, and evening gown presentation, culminating in the grand finale, where the new Miss Heilala 2025 will be crowned.
Air New Zealand has rebooked passengers to Tonga for Thursday, July 3, after their flight NZ970 from Auckland was forced to return due to an engineering issue.
The affected passengers were initially scheduled to arrive in Tonga on Wednesday, July 2.
The incident comes amid allegations that the airline would cease services to Tonga starting July 1—a claim Air New Zealand has denied.
In an email to Kaniva News, Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren clarified the situation, stating:
“NZ970 Auckland to Tonga returned to Auckland this morning due to an engineering issue, as per standard operating procedure. As a result, NZ971 Tonga to Auckland has been cancelled, and all customers have been rebooked to travel tomorrow. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank customers for their understanding.”
It is understood that the disruption was unrelated to any broader operational changes.
The Tongan government’s push to renationalise luggage handling has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether the transition could disrupt airline operations.
Air New Zealand’s denial clarified the situation and reassured passengers that today’s incident was an isolated technical issue, not a consequence of policy changes.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – A leaked email has intensified tensions between the Tongan government and local media over conflicting claims about Air New Zealand’s future operations in the kingdom, as the government moves forward with its controversial plan to renationalise airport ground handling services.
Left: A copy of the email (on black background) purportedly from an Air NZ staff member, shared by Radio FM 87.5 on Facebook. Right: Air New Zealand’s email response to Kaniva News confirming no plans to cancel July 1 flights to Tonga.
The dispute erupted after Marian Kupu, a reporter for ABC in Tonga, repeatedly challenged Minister of Police Piveni Piukala during press conferences, asserting that Air New Zealand had privately warned it would cease services to Tonga if the government stripped ATS (Airlines Terminal Services) of its ground handling role. Piukala stated that the government was “aware” of the issue and was working to resolve it.
In a mixture of Tongan and English, Kupu alleged: “Air New Zealand has already stated, ‘ikai ke nau tō mai nautolu ia ‘okapau ‘oku take over ‘e he pule’anga’. Fefe leva ‘a e kau folau ko ia ‘i he ‘aho ‘uluaki ‘o Siulai?”
Kaniva News, unable to independently verify Kupu’s claims, sought comment from Air New Zealand, which denied any plans to suspend flights.
An Air NZ Public Affairs officer responded last Friday and said the Airlines has “no plans to withdraw services to Tonga.” Kaniva News published a story about the backlash against Kupu and FM87.5 Radio, where critics accused them of spreading misinformation.
Email Disputes Claims
However, the debate took a dramatic turn this morning when FM87.5 Radio publicly shared an email purportedly from Air New Zealand to justify Kupu’s claims. The email shared by the radio station has sparked debate, dividing the online community over conflicting reports and fueling demands for clarity between Kaniva’s coverage and the claims made by Kupu and FM87.5.
The radio-shared email, addressed to an unnamed recipient, warns:
“As I recall the current lease arrangements for ATS were due to expire at the end of this month, can I please get an urgent update on the ability for ATS to continue to provide our ground handling services at Nuku’alofa. Air New Zealand will not be able to provide services to Tonga without a ground handler that we have approved and in my letter of last October, that process takes significant time.”
The radio station posted a caption alongside the purported Air New Zealand email, stating that reporters had received the email on June 25, 2025 – one day before the June 26 press conference where they raised the question. This suggests Kupu’s allegations about Air New Zealand were based on this correspondence.
This is the translation of Kupu’s mixed English and Tongan allegation made to Piukala during the press conference: “Air New Zealand has already stated it will not land here [in Tonga] if the government takes over the ground luggage handling service.”
However, the email shared by FM87.5 Radio does not support Kupu’s specific claim.
The email, instead, focuses on operational requirements, stating only that Air NZ cannot operate without an approved ground handler. This key distinction raises questions about whether Kupu’s interpretation accurately reflects the airline’s position.
Her assertion carries significant weight, as it implies Air New Zealand’s potential refusal to fly to Tonga on July 1 could be politically motivated—a protest against the government’s intervention in ground services.
Air NZ Email Discrepancy
Kaniva News has analysed the email shared by FM87.5 Radio regarding Air New Zealand’s provisional warning about its operations in Tonga and found no confirmation that the airline planned to suspend flights on July 1, as claimed by journalist Kupu.
This was further supported by Air New Zealand’s flight to Tonga yesterday, which departed Auckland at 11am as listed on the airline’s official schedule.
The leaked email, purportedly from Air New Zealand, states that the airline “will not be able to provide services to Tonga without a ground handler that we have approved.“ This clarifies that the airline’s ability to operate depends on having a certified ground service provider in place, not an immediate suspension of flights.
The email does not mention a specific halt to services on July 1, contradicting Kupu’s earlier assertions.
This aligns with Air New Zealand’s direct response to Kaniva News, in which the airline confirmed it had “no plans to withdraw services to Tonga.“ The discrepancy appears to stem from a misunderstanding of the airline’s conditional warning about future operations if no approved ground handler is available.
The Tongan government’s push to renationalise airport services has raised concerns about potential disruptions, but for now, Air New Zealand’s flights remain unaffected.
The government, in its move to rationalise the service, will employ staff from ATS, according to Piukala.
Clash Between Media and Government
The revelation follows heated exchanges between Minister Piukala, Kupu, and FM87.5 Radio Director Katalina Tohi, who has stood by her reporter’s claims.
Piukala, however, remained defiant, reiterating that the government’s decision to take over ground handling was non-negotiable and that “arrangements to address the issue” were being made.
The radio reported that a signed contract was processed on June 30, extending the agreement for three months. No details were provided, but it appeared that this extension was intended for the ATS, with its contract now extended until September.
The Tongan public remains divided, with some accusing the media of sensationalism, while others demand transparency from both the government and Air New Zealand.
The Tongan Ministry of Health has confirmed that hackers stole critical patient information from the national health information system and leaked it online.
This follows the June 15 hack of the databases, an attack that Health Minister Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola described (in Tongan) as having emotionally affected the IT professional responsible for maintaining the system.
The most recent update indicates that what was leaked on June 27 represents merely “a small sample” of “confidential” data.
“No information was deleted or changed as part of this attack,” the Ministry said in a statement this evening.
It is expected that more “information about Tongan patients could be published online, in the future”, by the hackers.
The leaked data is believed to have included “patient information and medical records.”
The Ministry stated that its primary concern is “for vulnerable groups”, who are most acutely affected by breaches of this nature.
It confirmed that the government was expected to directly contact individuals in these groups to ensure they understand the risks and take additional precautions regarding their cybersecurity and personal safety.
The Ministry earlier reported that the Australian Cyber RAPID team restored the system using backups, with recovery “progressing steadily.”
It stated that health records remain accessible as repairs continue.
Ransom Demand Rejected
The INC Ransom group, which demanded US$1 million (approximately TOP$2.4 million) from Tonga, was behind the attack; however, the government rejected the payment.
The Minister of Police, Piveni Piukala, confirmed the demand, stating that paying the money is not globally recommended.
The Ministry’s statement says similar breaches have increased across the Pacific, including a 2022 incident in Australia where hackers accessed limited patient records.
However, the Tonga breach appears more severe, given the confirmed leak and threats of additional disclosures.
The Government of Tonga’s Cyber Security Committee was working in a coordinated effort to continue responding to the attack, with support from Australian Government cybersecurity experts.
The government has established a dedicated hotline for concerned individuals and has pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Cybersecurity experts emphasised the need for enhanced digital protections across Pacific health networks to combat the rising threat of such attacks.
Tonga’s consulates in Auckland and Canberra are set for a major expansion, with plans to increase office space, staffing, and services to better reflect the significant financial and developmental support provided by New Zealand and Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi recently announced the upgrades, emphasising the need to strengthen diplomatic operations in these key locations.
Fusimālohi revealed that the improvements are part of a broader strategy to modernise Tonga’s overseas missions, with potential upgrades also under consideration for other diplomatic posts, including those in New York and London.
Part of the upgrade includes a new Tongan embassy in Fiji. Tongan Prime Minister ʻAisake Eke expressed concern over why Tonga had not established one there earlier, especially since major offices of foreign donors to Tonga—as well as the University of the South Pacific (USP), where the kingdom is a key sponsor—are based in Fiji.
The move aims to enhance consular services, boost trade and investment opportunities, and improve support for Tongan communities abroad.
Fusimālohi stated that the action was necessary to acknowledge the significant number of Tongans living in Australia and New Zealand.
According to the 2018 New Zealand census, 82,389 people identified as being of Tongan ethnicity, representing 1.7% of the country’s total population. In Australia, the 2021 census recorded 43,469 people with Tongan ancestry. Meanwhile, approximately 78,871 individuals of Tongan descent reside in the United States.
“The governments of New Zealand and Australia have been vital partners in Tonga’s development, and it’s only fitting that our consulates there reflect the growing cooperation,” Fusimalohi stated in Tongan.
In 2022, Tonga announced that all requirements for new passports, renewals, and related services can now be processed through the Consul’s office at ‘Atalanga residence in Auckland’s Mount Eden. This marked the first time Tonga officially permitted these services to be conducted outside the country.
The consulate’s upgrade announcement follows Australia’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Tonga’s development with a major $54 million (NZ$54m) investment to strengthen the kingdom’s health infrastructure and economic resilience.
The announcement, made last month by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, was reinforced during her visit to Tonga last week, where she emphasised Australia’s support for Pacific sovereignty.
As part of the deepening partnership, the two nations have also agreed to jointly fund Tonga’s new $60 million parliament complex, a key infrastructure project set to begin construction soon. The amount means New Zealand will donate $41.5 million while Australia provides $18.5 million.
Over the last 15 years, since 2007, 7,150 Tongans have arrived in New Zealand through the RSE worker programme, according to Devpolicy Blog.
In June 2019, the Blog reported that 3,600 Tongan workers had arrived in Australia via the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) in the first 11 months of that financial year.
The initiative underscores Australia’s long-term commitment to Tonga’s stability and self-determination
Aotearoa, NZ – The owners of Moana Pasifika have strongly denied allegations of misusing public funding, as an independent review is launched into two Whānau Ora commissioning agencies.
The controversy comes at a difficult time for Tongan rugby, still reeling from the cancellation of Moana Pasifika’s historic home game in Nuku’alofa earlier this year.
Te Puni Kōkiri, the NZ Government’s principal policy adviser on Māori wellbeing, announced the investigation following “serious” claims of inappropriate use of taxpayer money by Te Pou Matakana Ltd and Pasifika Futures Ltd.
Pasifika Futures, a charity and controlled entity of the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA)—which owns Moana Pasifika—has held the Whānau Ora commissioning contract for Pasifika communities since 2014.
The contract, worth $44.35 million this financial year, has been a major revenue source for PMA. Records show that in 2022/23 and 2023/24, PMA directed $770,000 annually from the Whānau Ora funds to the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust, raising questions about financial transparency.
Moana Pasifika’s management insists no taxpayer money was used to support the Super Rugby Pacific team.
In a statement to the NZHerald, chairman Dr Kiki Maoate said PMA “strongly reject” any claims that public funds had been used in an inappropriate manner.
Maoate said Moana Pasifika became part of PMA on July 1, 2024 – at which time the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust was formally established to hold both the professional rugby team and the Moana Pasifika Community Sports Programme.
“Moana Pasifika has always been more than a rugby team. From the outset, it was established as a platform for social good and long-term transformation for Pacific people.
“That founding purpose made it a natural strategic fit for PMA, which recognised the opportunity to strengthen and expand Moana Pasifika’s reach. With that alignment of values and mission, PMA invested to optimise the organisation’s positive impact, capability and connection to Pacific communities.”
However, the controversy has cast a shadow over the franchise, which has already faced backlash from Tongan fans after relocating its scheduled match against the Chiefs away from Nuku’alofa in March.
Moana Pasifika CEO Debbie Sorensen cited “logistical challenges” as the reason for the cancellation, disappointing many in Tonga who had eagerly awaited the historic game.
“Our hearts are in the Pacific, and that is where we want to be, but it wasn’t possible this time,” Sorensen reportedly said at the time. “We are committed to bringing a game to Tonga in 2026.”
With Tongan rugby still struggling financially and the national team’s future uncertain, this latest controversy adds further strain.
Moana Pasifika was founded to create a professional pathway for Pasifika rugby talent, especially for players who might otherwise be missed by traditional systems. More than just a team, it represents a movement for social change, empowering Pacific communities through sport.
As a not-for-profit, it reinvests earnings back into grassroots development, youth programs, and cultural pride, ensuring rugby becomes a force for long-term growth and opportunity across the region.
Auckland, NZ – A homicide investigation is underway after a man died following an incident in Ōtāhuhu last night.
Emergency services were called to a property on Beatty Street around 8.30pm after reports of a seriously injured person.
Upon arrival, police found a man in critical condition. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries overnight.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB stated that authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene, and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing.
“We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.
“Those involved are believed to be known to each other, and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”
Detective Inspector Bright says a scene examination is underway at the address,s and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
“Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external)
Further information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga’s new parliamentary complex, the Fale Alea, is set to become a beacon of democracy and human rights in the Pacific, thanks to a NZ$60 million funding partnership between New Zealand and Australia.
A bird’s-eye perspective of Tonga’s new Parliament building, set to begin construction shortly. The modern design honors Tongan architectural traditions while meeting 21st-century governance needs. Photo/Australia in Tonga (Facebook)
A document released by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week confirms the final cost, with New Zealand contributing NZ$41.5 million and Australia providing NZ$18.5 million.
The project, initially estimated at NZ$41 million in November 2021, faced delays after the catastrophic Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in January 2022 triggered a tsunami that destroyed the original parliament site.
Reconstruction was paused until September 2023 while the Tongan government secured a new location.
Following the site selection, New Zealand approved an additional NZ$19.25 million, drawn from its existing International Development Cooperation budget, bringing its total contribution to NZ$41.5 million.
Boosting Democracy and Media Freedom
The new Fale Alea has been designed with a strong emphasis on human rights and accessibility.
It states that it follows the Universal Design Guidelines to ensure the building is fully accessible for people with disabilities, while procurement processes require supplier compliance with international human rights standards.
“Both the process and outcome of this Activity will contribute to the positive realisation of human rights for Tongans; through improved parliamentary and democratic processes, enhanced political participation and promotion of cultural identity”, the document says.
Inside the future Parliament: The chamber’s seating arrangement (left) and media gallery (right) reflect Tonga’s commitment to transparent democracy, blending cultural symbolism with functional design. Photo/Australia in Tonga (Facebook)
“Further, an education centre is included in the design to support the promotion of the Fale Alea as a site for civic engagement, particularly for youth and under-represented groups such as women.
The Fale Alea will feature a public gallery and media facilities to promote civic engagement. New Zealand’s support for this Activity will further facilitate our continuing conversations with Tonga on human rights issues.”
The new parliamentary complex will rise on the Lakalakaimonu Estate within the Tufumahina Royal Estate on Tongatapu, with completion expected in 2027.
Tonga has secured a new medical referral partnership with China, offering patients treatment at Shandong’s elite Qilu Hospital—a deal the government says matches India’s affordability while providing world-class facilities.
Tonga’s Health Minister Dr. Ana Akau’ola meets with Chinese health officials during her visit to Qilu Hospital in Shandong Province, as the two nations strengthen medical cooperation. Photo/Chinese Embassy in Tonga (Facebook)
The arrangement follows after Chinese officials discovered Tonga’s established medical tourism connections with India, leading them to propose a competitive alternative.
Health Minister Dr Ana Akau’ola confirmed the arrangement but did not disclose specifics about which patients would be sent or the types of medical conditions to be treated.
She revealed that Qilu Hospital in China’s Shandong Province—one of the country’s top medical facilities—has been designated as the primary institution for Tongan patients.
Dr ‘Akau’ola also said that during her recent visit to China, she toured not only the designated hospital but also a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. She also spoke with another medical facility in the country that could assist with laboratory needs, such as X-rays.
The move comes after an invitation from the Chinese Ambassador, according Dr ‘Akau’ola, expanding on existing medical assistance that already includes six Chinese volunteer doctors working at Tonga’s main hospital.
Previously, Tonga relied on India for affordable overseas treatment, but Dr Akau’ola said China has now offered comparable costs with the added advantage of cutting-edge facilities.
“China has yet to engage in medical tourism where patients are sent abroad for care, but they have agreed to assist Tonga in the same way India has,” she said in Tongan.
“We chose India because it was cost-effective, but after discussions with China, we found the expenses would be similar, and China’s hospitals are among the most modern in the world.”
The minister praised Qilu Hospital’s standards, calling it in Tongan “‘Oku lelei” and well-equipped, though she did not provide further details on funding arrangements or patient selection criteria.
The Chinese Embassy in Tonga hailed a “New Milestone in China-Tonga Health Cooperation” early this month after Dr Ana Akau’ola visited Shandong’s Qilu Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital, culminating in the signing of a collaborative agreement.
Qilu Hospital of Shandong University is ranked among China’s elite medical institutions, placing 20th nationally and 3rd in Eastern China in a 2015 evaluation by Fudan University. It boasts six specialities on China’s ‘Best Medical Disciplines’ list, with 10 others nominated, and ranks 6th nationwide for research output, making it Shandong Province’s top hospital.
A Strategic Shift in Health Diplomacy
This development underscores China’s growing involvement in Tonga’s healthcare sector, which builds upon years of medical assistance, including equipment donations and the deployment of medical personnel.
However, it also raises questions about the long-term implications of deepening ties with Beijing, particularly since Tonga has traditionally aligned with Western and regional partners, such as Australia and New Zealand, for health support.
Some observers view the move as part of China’s broader soft-power strategy in the Pacific, where it has steadily increased its influence through infrastructure projects, disaster relief, and now healthcare initiatives.
A century-old connection between Tonga and the United States is facing new challenges as Tongans on both sides of the Pacific grapple with the fallout of the Trump Administration’s restrictive immigration policies.
Tupou Hettig (left), one of the first known Tongans to settle permanently in the U.S., arrived in 1924 with the aid of Latter-day Saint missionaries
As reported by Kaniva News, the Tongan government is now crafting a response to appease the Trump administration following threats to ban the kingdom’s citizens from travelling to the United States.
A memo from the Trump administration demanded that Tonga and several other countries take action to address what it described as “widespread government fraud”, reduce visa overstays by their citizens in the U.S., and demonstrate that they have “a competent or cooperative central government authority capable of producing reliable identity and civil documents.
These countries were also asked whether they would accept third-country nationals deported from the United States or agree to a ‘safe third country’ arrangement—measures that might alleviate further concerns.
It remains unclear which of the listed concerns specifically apply to Tonga or whether all are relevant. Tongan Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke stated he was “seriously alarmed” upon receiving the notification from the U.S. government. He confirmed that a formal response is currently being drafted.
Forgotten Pioneers’ Legacy
The historic ties between the two countries, dating back to 1924, were quietly forged by what appeared to be the first known Tongans to settle in the U.S. permanently—two German-Tongan boys, Tupou Hettig and Rudy Wolfgramm—whose stories have long been overlooked.
Newly uncovered records from the now-defunct Tonga News, based in Utah, reveal that Hettig arrived in 1924, followed by Wolfgramm in the early 1930s. Both were descendants of German-Tongan families and were aided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While their journeys marked the beginning of permanent Tongan migration, earlier arrivals included Tongans in Hawaii as early as 1916 and a Tongan man who travelled to Utah in 1924 for education.
Most documented records indicate that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church), an American-founded denomination, began its presence in Tonga in 1891.
The first missionaries arrived that same year, though the church was not officially established there until 1924.
Today, as modern Tongan communities navigate visa hurdles and fears of deportation, this little-known history highlights the deep yet fragile roots of a diaspora caught in the crossfire of shifting U.S. policies.
Migration, Money, Identity
There are approximately 80,000 people in the U.S. who identify as of Tongan descent, according to the U.S. Census.
Reports indicate that tens of thousands of Tongans are overstayers in the United States, with some sources estimating the number as high as 10,000.
As Kaniva News previously reported, a leaked ICE document listed 151 Tongans among 1.4 million individuals marked for deportation. While some reports focus on those facing removal, others emphasise the broader challenge of a sizable Tongan diaspora, many of whom lack legal status.
In 2023, Tonga received $222 million (USD) in remittances from the U.S.—a lifeline for its economy, as these funds typically make up roughly 44% of the nation’s GDP, according to The Global Economy.
Influence Across Borders
Tongans in the U.S. represent a close-knit community whose influence is deeply reflected in their achievements across various fields, including religion, politics, education, and every sector of society. The renowned band The Jets, for example, is of Tongan descent.
Many notable Tongan Americans have made celebrated contributions in diverse fields, including professional athletes like Tony Finau (golf) and Haloti Ngata (NFL), musicians such as Dinah Jane (singer) and influential figures like Kalani Sitake (BYU head football coach) and Vai Sikahema (former NFL player and television personality). William ‘Iam’ Tongi, the American singer who won Season 21 of American Idol, is of Tongan descent through his father.
Perhaps the most critical link between Tonga and the U.S. is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Not only was the Church established in Tonga by Americans, but its profound influence extends far beyond religion, shaping the nation’s economy, education, politics, and all walks of life.
The Church’s Brigham Young University (BYU) in Hawaiʻi serves as a vital source of knowledge for Tongan members, many of whom return home to contribute to the development of their kingdom.
