Nuku’alofa, Tonga – The Tonga Ministry of Health’s digital systems were hit by a cyberattack on Sunday, crippling critical services as hackers demanded an undisclosed ransom.
Health Minister Dr Ana ‘Akau’ola confirmed the breach during a press conference this afternoon, apologising to the public but stating that the ministry remains powerless while the systems remain offline.
The attack has disrupted health operations nationwide, though emergency services continue to function manually.
Minister ‘Akau’ola did not disclose the ransom amount and failed to assure the public that no sensitive patient data had been compromised.
In negotiations with the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa, the government has enlisted an Australian cybersecurity team, which arrived in the kingdom last night to assist in restoring the systems.
The minister acknowledged the delays in service recovery, urging patience as technicians work to resolve the issue.
Authorities have yet to identify the hackers while investigations are ongoing, according to the Minister.
The incident highlights growing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the Pacific region, where cybercriminals increasingly target critical infrastructure.
It follows the ransomware attack experienced by Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC), the state-owned telecommunications provider, in the year 2023.
At the time, TCC reportedly said:
“Ransomware attack has been confirmed to encrypt and lock access to part of TCC’s system. This does not affect voice and internet service delivery to the customers, however, it may slow down the process of connecting new customers, delivering of bills and managing customers’ enquiries.”
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a decisive move against the illegal drug trade, Tonga Police’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) arrested a 38-year-old man from Ngele’ia on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
The suspect faces charges of possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils after authorities seized methamphetamine, cannabis, and drug-related equipment during the operation.
The arrest highlights Tonga Police’s unwavering efforts to eradicate the scourge of illegal drugs from local communities.
“This operation underscores Tonga Police’s continued commitment to removing illegal drugs from our communities.” a statement said.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious or drug-related activity by contacting Tonga Police at 740-1657 or 922.
“Tonga Police remain committed to a drug-free Tonga and thank the community for their ongoing support in this vital national effort.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further arrests and seizures anticipated as part of the broader crackdown.”
Analysis The reported Trump administration memo proposing a travel ban on Tonga and two other Pacific nations has exposed uncomfortable truths about our nation’s governance—truths we can no longer ignore.
King Tupou VI
The memo’s claim that Tonga is among 36 countries involved in “widespread government fraud” warrants attention.
Widespread Government Fraud
But what does “widespread government fraud” mean? The term refers to systemic, large-scale dishonest or illegal activities within a government that involve deception for financial or political gain. It implies that corruption is not isolated to a few individuals but permeates multiple levels or departments of governance.
This definition leads us to a critical question: Which instances of fraud in Tonga might be sufficiently systemic and severe to warrant consideration of a travel ban by the Trump administration?
It can be determined that among various cases of Tongan government fraud, the widespread illegal passport sales stand out as particularly egregious.
While this government fraud took place over fifty years ago, its detrimental consequences have persisted, creating many of the systemic issues observable in Tonga today—a situation the US administration might have perceived as seriously threatening its national security.
Royal Family Involvement
The ongoing involvement of Tonga’s royal family and nobility in passport issuance—or their greater influence in granting passports to foreigners—amid a deeply flawed and unchecked democratic system, could be the reason the U.S. has no choice but to impose a travel ban.
But what exactly was this passport scam?
It was a secretive passport sales scheme that ran from 1983 until pro-democracy leader ‘Akilisi Pōhiva exposed it in the 1990s, challenging official claims that only Tongan Protected Person Passports (TPPPs)—not state passports—were sold.
TPPPs, it must be noted, are merely travel documents that confer neither Tongan nationality nor citizenship rights. Holders face significant restrictions, including potential denial of re-entry to Tonga and limited international recognition.
However, according to reports, since the TPPP did not grant automatic residence rights in Tonga, a growing number of countries, including Australia and New Zealand, refused to recognise it. This situation prompted the then-King to grant naturalisation to any foreigner of “good character on humanitarian grounds.”This means that the scam also involved selling Tongan citizenship passports.While the official naturalisation fee was US$20,000, additional charges often increased the total cost to more than $35,000.
Passports, Lies, Scandal
The response in Parliament falsely telling Pohiva that only the TPPP was on sale took a turn in the early 1990s after a dramatic surge of Chinese migrants entering Tonga became so conspicuous that it ultimately prompted an inquiry by Pōhiva. He ultimately discovered the shocking truth—authentic Tongan citizenship passports—not just TPPPs—were being illegally sold to Asian buyers, directly contradicting the government’s earlier claims.
The illegal sale originated after the late King Tupou IV sought revenue-raising advice from Tonga’s Honorary Consul in Hong Kong, Mr George Chen Kai-cheng, who subsequently facilitated the scheme. It resulted in 426 Chinese citizens obtaining Tongan citizenship.
Since they had not resided in Tonga for the constitutionally mandated five years prior to application, their acquisition of citizenship passports was unlawful. Pōhiva subsequently sued the government in 1989 over these illegal sales.
Royal Complicity Endures
In response, King Tupou IV acknowledged his government could not revoke the passports or provide refunds to the Chinese recipients. He therefore convened an urgent Cabinet meeting in 1991 to amend the constitutional citizenship provisions, granting legal status to the 426 Chinese nationals.
This Tongan case exemplifies systemic corruption whose enduring patterns not only continue today but directly mirror Trump’s characterisation of “widespread government fraud.”
How and Why?
Although only 426 Chinese nationals were officially identified as having obtained passports through these illegal sales and travelled to Tonga, no documents made available reveal the full scale of the operation, which some estimate reached thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of passports sold.
Although it was publicly announced that the sales had stopped, later incidents revealed the involvement of the royal family and government leaders in the ongoing sale of passports to individuals from Asia.
Blank Passports, Three Favours
As Kaniva News reported in 2013, the then Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano’s office had been asked to respond to a letter from the parliament’s opposition party asking to clarify why 15 Tongan passports were issued to a Chinese couple.
Mr. Sien Lee, the male, was issued with eight Tongan ordinary passports, and Ying Sien Lee, the female, was issued with seven.
The audit report listed the dates each passport was issued from June 2001 to October 2012. The expiry dates range from 2012 to 2021.
In that report, Kaniva said Pohiva told the House he had information that Tongan blank passports were being abused.
He described the mishandling of the Tongan blank passports as a “net that was thrown outside the circle of the Tongan authorities”.
We also reported that citizens of Tonga and China who hold valid diplomatic, official, and public affairs passports are allowed to enter China and Tonga without a visa.
MP Sunia Fili, however, questioned Deputy Prime Minister Sāmiu Vaipulu in the House in August 2012 regarding the Tongan government’s allowing the Chinese to use diplomatic, official, and service passports.
Fili said the deal for free visas between the two countries allows Tongans to enter China without a visa, but when the Chinese come to Tonga, they are given the diplomatic passport, official passport and service passports.
In his response, Vaipulu said the reason why they are given the three passports was to facilitate Chinese diplomats, officials and “service providers” along with the group of architects and planners that come to Tonga for the construction of the St George Palace.
The opposition party said the concern now was over the degree to which the passport would be used only for diplomatic and employment reasons.
It opened a door for the authorities to abuse it.
Notorious Passport Beneficiaries
The Tonga passport scandal became an international disgrace after it was revealed that international criminals exploited these passports for global travel.
Imelda Marcos, wife of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, got a Tongan passport. The former Hong Kong Stock Exchange chief, Ronald Li, serving a four-year jail term for bribery, and textile billionaire Chen Din-hwa were also reportedly among the now legal passport holders.
Pōhiva claimed that Asian middlemen facilitated the sales. Whether these intermediaries properly managed the proceeds or all funds reached the Tongan government remains unclear.
Despite pocketing $26 million from the illicit passport sales, the entire sum was lost in 1999 by the king’s court jester, Jesse Bogdonoff, during financial dealings in the United States.
Monarchy, Corruption, and Consequences
The Trump administration’s travel ban memo did not emerge in a vacuum—it reflects decades of the U.S., one of the world’s largest democracies, scrutinising Tonga’s systemic fraud, enabled by a centralised power structure and feeble oversight.
While Tonga has taken steps toward democracy since the 2010 reforms, the lingering influence of royal and noble privilege continues to weaken institutional integrity.
Tonga’s democracy now faces a constitutional crisis, the king is overstepping his authority, reclaiming executive powers that his late brother, King George V, had surrendered. This regression into royal overreach perpetuates systemic corruption, weakens governance, and explains why Tonga remains under international scrutiny—as highlighted by the U.S. travel ban memo.
Now, the king’s son serves as the head of Tonga’s Immigration Department, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, where his decisions on passports can be final. Given the history of passport-related corruption in Tonga—including illegal sales and elite manipulation—the U.S. administration may have seen this concentration of authority in the monarchy as a red flag.
While the Trump administration has not yet detailed the terms of the travel ban, the king should prioritise constitutional reform to fulfil the late King George V’s intent: vesting all executive powers in Parliament and the Cabinet. Such measures are critical to eliminating systemic fraud.
New Zealand has paused nearly $20 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands over its recent dealings with China.
The Cook Islands and New Zealand must co-operate and consult on defence and security issues. (Source: 1News)
New Zealand raised concerns in February, after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown travelled to China, prior to signing its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the global powerhouse. The deal covered economic, infrastructure and maritime cooperation, as well as seabed mineral development.
It comes amid concerns around China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
In a statement this morning, a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said $18.2 million in development funding for the 2205/26 financial year allotted to the Cook Islands, which is in free association with New Zealand, would not continue “until the Cook Islands Government takes concrete steps to repair the relationship and restore trust”.
Significant new funding would also not be considered.
“This decision was taken by Minister Peters in early June, and communicated at the time via letter to Cooks Prime Minister Mark Brown.”
An agreement between Cook Islands and China is signed, in a video snapshot supplied by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. (Source: Reuters)
According to the statement, New Zealand had provided $194.2 million to the Cook Islands through its development programme over the last three years.
It said the “breadth” of the agreements signed between the Cook Islands and China, and the lack of consultation with New Zealand, “illustrate a gap in understanding between the Cook Islands and New Zealand governments about what our special relationship of free association requires”
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“Trust and meaningful engagement are fundamental to free association.”
Under the constitutional agreement between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, the nations must cooperate and consult on any issues of defence and security and advise each other of any risks to either state.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. (Source: 1News)
The spokesperson said New Zealand assessed its development plan in the Cook Islands to ensure it wasn’t undermined by the “increased cooperation” the island nation was planning with China.
“This was required because the Cook Islands Government did not engage with New Zealand in advance of their discussions and agreements with China to ensure our shared interests were not put at risk.”
It said New Zealand’s concerns and the assessment were “clearly foreshadowed” to the Cook Islands’ Government.
Peters this morning told media he had not spoken to anyone from the Cook Islands Government over the last couple of days as “they’d been told about that a long time ago”.
“This is not new,” he said.
The Minister’s spokesperson said payments and new funding would not continue until the Cook Islands’ Government took “concrete steps to repair the relationship and restore trust”
“New Zealand hopes that steps will be taken swiftly to address New Zealand’s concerns so that this support can be resumed as soon as possible.”
The announcement came as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visits China. He was due to meet with President Xi Jinping this week.
Peters said he was not worried that China would perceive New Zealand’s move negatively.
“I went and told the Chinese about our special relationship a long, long time ago. And I went back on my last visit to iterate that there.” He said the constitutional arrangement was “totally understood” by China.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters speaks to media this morning. (Source: 1News)
He said it would not impact Luxon’s visit to China, as it was a matter between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
“It’s to do with our relationship, and what we’ve committed ourselves to.”
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, senior National Minister Chris Bishop said that while he was “just getting my head around” New Zealand’s move, it reflected that the Cook Islands’ growing relationship with China had been of concern to New Zealand
Labour’s McAnulty and National’s Bishop on NZ’s Cook Islands move
“The special relationship we have of free association between the Cooks and New Zealand has been essentially tarnished somewhat.”
Labour’s Kerian McAnulty said that while the Cooks’ recent move had been concerning, an “extraordinary piece of news had been thrown at us”, especially while the Prime Minister was in China.
“Winston Peters has a lot to answer for today.”
He did say, however, the concerns raised by Peters were “entirely valid” but pulling funding was a “different matter” that should have been further consulted on.
Their relationship with New Zealand meant the Cook Islands were free to make its own moves on policies and partnerships — at home and abroad — while enjoying the benefits of a New Zealand passport and citizenship, plus substantial investment and aid. However, it must consult with New Zealand on any issues of defence and security.
Protesters had concerns around a proposed Cook Islands passport, which had since been put on the “back burner”, a controversial cryptocurrency bill, and the country’s recent deals with China.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Lawmakers are raising urgent concerns about the high maintenance costs of Tonga High School’s sports complex, with the Minister of Education Dr Pingi Fasi, revealing that the facility’s electricity bills alone cost $9,000 per month.
The Minister of Education Dr Pingi Fasi
The minister described the expenses for upkeep, care, and maintenance in Tongan as a “pa’anga lahi faka’ulia ‘oku fakamole ki ai” (substantial amount of money needed for payment) and called on Tonga High School alumni to assist with the costs.
The complex, funded by Beijing, cost over US$25 million and has been officially open to the public since March.
Mr Fasi’s revelation comes amid growing criticism of Tonga’s decision to host the Pacific Games in 2031.
Critics argue that the country lacks the financial capacity to support such a large-scale event.
The Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi has also expressed concerns, noting that Tonga may struggle to secure the $36 million needed to renovate and prepare sporting facilities for the Games.
The debate over the school’s power bill in Parliament yesterday highlighted a critical issue. Even after the Pacific Games conclude, Tonga will still be responsible for maintaining expensive sporting facilities that may have little long-term use.
Previous debates, when Tonga won the bid to host the 2019 Pacific Games before it was revoked in 2017, indicated that many venues, such as specialised training centres or competition-level pools, are unlikely to be regularly used by local athletes, yet they will continue to incur significant upkeep costs.
With Tonga’s economy propped up by overseas remittances and aid, critics slam Pacific Games hosting plans as fiscally reckless.
However, Prime Minister Eke stated that the government supports hosting the Games, which were secured through a successful bid by the former Hu’akavameiliku administration.
No Plan in Place
Parliamentary reports expose Tonga’s lack of preparation for the 2031 Pacific Games.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, who oversees sports, admitted that the plans remain unfinished, with TASANOC still budgeting and seeking donors.
The Deputy Prime Minister raised further concerns, noting that TASANOC has not presented the Cabinet Committee with a clear analysis of the Games’ potential benefits for Tonga.
His alarm grew after revelations that TASANOC intends to redirect the local sports levy, currently earmarked for improving domestic athletic performance, toward Games preparations over the next six years, leading up to 2031.
An overwhelming 99% of Facebook comments on Kaniva News‘ Pacific Games posts urged Tonga to abandon its hosting plans.
A SAAB aircraft successfully landed at Ha’apai Airport this week following recent runway extensions that now enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.
Chatham Pacific SAAB aircraft landing in Ha’apai airport
Social media footage captured the milestone moment, showing the Chatham SAAB touching down on the newly expanded runway.
The footage, showing the SAAB’s historic landing, was uploaded to Facebook by Lindsay Walter, who identified herself as an airport terminal worker in Ha‘apai.
It shows what appears to be a brand-new, black-coloured runway at Ha’apai Airport—a key upgrade that enabled the historic SAAB landing.
The fresh surfacing contrasts sharply with the island’s previous infrastructure limitations.
“This is a game-changer for our island,” a commenter wrote in Tongan.
“After years of limited air access, we can now welcome larger planes like the SAAB for the first time.”
The successful landing comes as the government confirms Lulutai Airlines’ full operational status, marking a dual advancement for Tonga’s aviation sector following previous controversies.
The government said the infrastructure upgrade could significantly improve tourism and economic opportunities for Ha’apai.
Nuku’alofa, TONGA—Tonga’s Retirement Fund Board has allegedly fired a couple following explosive allegations of defrauding $491,922.52 in pension funds from 2022 to 2024.
The dismissals follow a recent warning from Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke regarding an ongoing investigation into accusations of embezzling “hundreds of thousands” from the civil servants’ organisation.
It remains unclear whether the Prime Minister’s claim was linked to the couple’s termination.
The specific details of the incident remain unknown. Authorities could not be reached for comment.
The couple’s dismissal comes after civil servants raised growing concerns about the loan from their investments that was used to fund Lulutai Airlines’ purchase of its controversial Twin Otter aircraft last year.
The former Hu’akavameiliku government borrowed approximately $4.5 million for the purchase but also faced strong criticisms from the Opposition for not addressing the loan transparently and in a timely manner in the House.
It has been reported that the Retirement Fund Board acquired shares in Lulutai Airlines as part of the loan agreement.
The Retirement Fund Board oversees the administration of the retirement fund, which has grown to over $50 million since its establishment in 1999.
This couple’s case follows a growing trend of Tongan courts convicting employees for embezzlement and workplace theft.
As Kaniva News reported previously, a woman from Vava‘u who embezzled over TOP$50,000 from her employer, Heilala Vanila, had been sentenced to 29 months in prison.
Luseanne Ngaluafe Fatafehi, 33, was sentenced after she destroyed and burned records showing payments to farmers provided by a government ministry to the company.
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that America will not target Iranian leadership “for now,” even as the aerial conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify.
The crisis, now in its fifth day, was sparked by Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear facilities last Friday, which killed dozens of top scientists and military officials. In response, Iran and Israel have engaged in relentless retaliatory attacks, with explosions reported in Tehran today following Israeli warnings for residents to evacuate.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters confirmed that the government remains “constantly in touch” with citizens in the region and reiterated advice for them to leave immediately.
Rising death tolls and casualties continue to mount. In Israel, 24 people have been killed since hostilities began, while Iran has reported 224 fatalities.
The violence began when Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear program, a move it said was necessary due to Iran’s long-standing threats to “wipe Israel off the map.”
Since then, both nations have traded blows, with missile strikes and explosions rocking Tehran and Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that a Mossad office in Tel Aviv was targeted, while an alleged high-level assassination occurred in Tehran. The situation remains volatile, with no signs of de-escalation as both sides continue their attacks.
President Trump has asserted that the U.S. now has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” signalling a strong military posture. His vice president, JD Vance, suggested that further action might be taken to halt Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.
Trump’s remarks about refraining from targeting Iran’s leaders—at least for now—highlight the precarious balance between deterrence and all-out war. The U.S. stance is being closely watched, as any direct involvement could significantly alter the conflict’s trajectory.
Amid the escalating violence, New Zealand has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in Israel and Iran. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasised that the government is maintaining close contact with Kiwis in the region, urging them to depart while commercial flights remain available.
“The situation is highly unpredictable, and we strongly advise all New Zealanders to leave as soon as possible,” Peters said. The government is also monitoring the potential impact on global stability, particularly in terms of energy markets and regional security.
The conflict has already sent shockwaves through international markets, with oil prices surging amid fears of prolonged instability. The direct state-on-state hostilities between Israel and Iran mark a dangerous escalation in a region already fraught with tension.
Diplomatic efforts to mediate the crisis are underway, but with both sides deeply entrenched, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.
The world watches anxiously as the situation develops, with the potential for broader regional consequences looming large.
As explosions continue to echo across the Middle East, the international community faces a critical test of diplomacy and crisis management.
For now, the focus remains on containing the violence and protecting civilian lives, while world leaders grapple with the challenge of preventing a wider war.
NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA –The Tongan government has affirmed the operational viability of state-owned Lulutai Airlines, describing the carrier as fully functional.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Lulutai is “operative”, “flying” and “break even,” describing the successful review in Tongan as: “ko ē e ngāue ko ē na’a mau fai ki he Lulutaí ko eni kuo si’i mo’ui kuo puna holo.”
Break even, he meant the airline is generating just enough revenue to cover costs without turning a significant profit.
The remarks came amid mounting scrutiny of the former Hu’akavameiliku government’s airline management, accused of making multimillion-dollar decisions without parliamentary transparency.
Critics highlighted controversial purchases like last year’s Twin Otter aircraft, which shocked the public and raised questions about fiscal oversight.
Potential Foreign Buyers
Prime Minister Aisake Eke , also serving as the Finance Minister, confirmed the new budget allocates no funding to Lulutai and ruled out government loans, citing “interest from foreign potential stakeholders” in acquiring shares.
“This is exciting, and we’re exploring partnerships,” he said, without naming interested parties.
He expressed in Tongan that this was an exciting (“fakafiefia”) new phase, as there had never been an airline like this before, referring to the previously government-sponsored airlines.
Controversial Investments Collapse
Lulutai Airlines has plunged into deep debt following controversial investments totaling approximately $50 million, according to the Minister of Public Enterprises.
This includes government funding and the use of Australian budget support. The airline also secured a $4.5 million loan from the National Retirement Fund Board to purchase a new $14 million Twin Otter. Reports indicated that the Board acquired equity in Lulutai Airlines under the terms of the agreement.
Despite these substantial investments, the carrier continued to face significant challenges, including an insurance company’s refusal to replace its SAAB 340 aircraft that crashed in December 2024.
Government Review
When Prime Minister Eke’s government took office earlier this year, it vowed to conduct comprehensive reviews of all government ministries and state-owned entities. At the time, only one of Lulutai Airlines’ three aircraft – the Twin Otter – remained operational.
The new administration terminated then-CEO Poasi Tei, who had been appointed by the former Hu’akavameiliku government after Tei lost his parliamentary seat due to an electoral bribery conviction.
In an effort to revive the airline, the government hired Tevita Palu, the Real Tonga aviation engineer, as the new CEO.
The Public Enterprises Minister said at the time that privatisation was impossible because Lulutai’s poor condition deterred potential buyers, and previous investments would be wiped out.
Aviation Transparency Demands
While the airline’s performance data remains undisclosed, the government’s update offers hope—a turning point for Tonga’s troubled domestic aviation sector, which has grappled with service failures and allegations of secrecy since Chatham Airlines left in 2013.
Tourism and aviation experts – including those from the IMF and World Bank – consistently maintain that no government-operated airline could survive in Tonga.
Their cited reasons include the small domestic market, political instability, high aircraft maintenance costs, and volatile fuel prices. Lulutai Airlines, launched in 2020 to boost domestic connectivity, has faced operational challenges. Opposition members argue its financials remain opaque, demanding audits of past expenditures.
