His Majesty’s Prisons in Tonga has signed a contract with Luna’eva & Sons to complete construction of a new female prison, with the facility expected to be finished in May 2027.

The contract was signed on 13 October 2026, and work commenced on 19 October, according to an announcement published on the department’s official Facebook page.

His Majesty’s Prisons said on its Facebook account that the facility would improve infrastructure for the safe custody and welfare of female inmates.

Female prisoners have historically been accommodated in separate sections of Huʻatolitoli Prison.

Funding and Tender

Tonga’s 2024/25 Budget Statement identified an estimated TOP$1.2 million for a female prison facility, with construction expected to begin during the final quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.

A separate parliamentary budget briefing referred to TOP$240,000 for completing construction. His Majesty’s Prisons subsequently advertised a tender for the remaining work in August 2026.

The latest announcement did not disclose the contract value or details of the new prison’s planned capacity and services.

Previous Concerns Over Conditions

The project follows previous concerns about conditions for female prisoners, including shortcomings in maternity care documented in a 2023 Supreme Court judgment and issues raised in earlier US human rights reports.

In its 2023 judgment in Rex v Kapeni Tamoʻua and Others, the Supreme Court recorded an acknowledgement by the Prisons Department that funding was insufficient for proper prenatal and postnatal care. The Court was also informed that facilities for mothers with young children were unavailable and that female prisoners from Vavaʻu had to serve their sentences in Tongatapu.

Earlier US State Department human rights reporting raised concerns about prison overcrowding and the lack of separate accommodation for female inmates requiring psychiatric care.

The reports described conditions at the time and do not establish whether those problems persist.

According to the World Prison Brief, Tonga had 21 female prisoners in 2022, representing approximately 3.8 percent of the prison population. A 2024 regional corrections report estimated that around 20 women were incarcerated.

Tonga’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, has issued an urgent warning over the country’s water supplies, urging the public to conserve water amid Super El Niño conditions and prolonged drought.

It comes as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns that the current El Niño could become one of the strongest on record, potentially peaking in December 2026.

The phenomenon disrupts global weather patterns, causing severe drought and water shortages in parts of the western Pacific, including Tonga, while increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding elsewhere. Its impacts could threaten agriculture, food security and public health well into 2027.

The notice, released through the Minister’s Facebook account, highlights concerns about water sources and drinking-water levels in storage tanks.

The Minister said in Tongan: “The Ministry of Lands, through its Natural Resources Division, will issue a notice today concerning the current water situation, water sources and the need to use water wisely because of the Super El Niño conditions and prolonged drought currently affecting us. The notice will also cover the levels of drinking water available in water storage tanks.”

It comes as photographs of withered crops and plants in Tonga have been shared on Facebook, highlighting the damage already caused to plantations by the prolonged drought.

According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advisory, drought conditions have been declared in Tongatapu, ʻEua and Haʻapai, while the Niuas are under a drought warning.

The advisory also warns that dry conditions could spread to other island groups.

Strong El Niño raises concerns

International climate assessments indicate that El Niño conditions are intensifying, with potentially significant consequences for Pacific island countries.

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported in its October assessment a high probability of strong to very strong El Niño conditions continuing into early 2027.

The World Meteorological Organisation has also warned that the event could peak towards the end of 2026, affecting rainfall and temperature patterns across the region.

El Niño is commonly associated with reduced rainfall and increased drought risks in parts of the southwest Pacific, although its effects vary between countries and seasons.

Other Pacific nations face similar threats

Several Pacific countries have already taken measures in response to worsening dry conditions.

In Samoa, authorities have warned about declining rainfall and potential effects on agriculture.

The Solomon Islands has issued meteorological drought warnings, while Palau has activated the first stage of its national drought response plan.

El Niño can influence cyclone activity and tracks across the South Pacific, meaning communities may face both drought and severe storms during the same season.

Editor’s Note: What is El Niño?

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, disrupting weather patterns worldwide.

It can bring prolonged drought, extreme heat and water shortages to parts of the Pacific, including Tonga, while increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding elsewhere.

The name El Niño, Spanish for “the Christ Child”, originated with fishermen along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador who observed unusually warm ocean waters around Christmas. Scientists later adopted the term to describe this recurring climate phenomenon.

Construction of Tonga’s new Parliament building has advanced from its early foundations to the installation of its distinctive sweeping timber roof, with a recent aerial photograph revealing the emerging architectural design of the NZ$60 million complex.

The new parliamentary complex at Talangaholo is being built to replace the former Parliament House and Legislative Assembly offices destroyed by Cyclone Gita in February 2018, leaving Tonga without permanent facilities for its national legislature for more than eight years.

The photograph, shared by the Facebook page Tonga Parliament Building Updates, shows workers installing large curved timber frames above the central parliamentary chamber, while adjoining sections are already partially roofed.

Workers can also be seen on elevated platforms, with construction equipment positioned around the site to support the installation.

The roof design draws inspiration from traditional Tongan fale architecture, incorporating cultural elements into the modern parliamentary complex.

The latest image marks a significant change since Kaniva Tonga News reported in April on the project’s early structural development, when photographs released by the New Zealand High Commission showed steel reinforcements, timber formwork and foundation work.

However, the photograph does not establish how much of the overall project has been completed or whether construction is proceeding according to schedule.

In August, senior project adviser Dr Fakaʻiloatonga Taumoefolau told University of the South Pacific students and staff in Tonga that the building was expected to be completed by early 2028, provided work proceeded smoothly.

The revised timeframe extends beyond the 2027 completion date previously reported.

New Zealand and Australia are jointly financing the reconstruction in partnership with the Government of Tonga, with New Zealand managing procurement and construction.

Westland Construction is the main contractor, working alongside Ca’Bella Pacific Construction Tonga as the prime subcontractor.

The building is designed to withstand cyclones, storm surges and earthquakes, with plans also including a public gallery, dedicated media facilities and an education centre to improve public access to parliamentary activities.

The status of interior installations and finishing work remains unknown.

A 39-year-old man from Veitongo has been arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm following an alleged machete attack that left a 30-year-old man hospitalised in Tonga.

Tonga Police confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 25.

The victim, a 30-year-old man from Haatēiho, remains at Vaiola Hospital recovering from his injuries.

Preliminary police investigations indicate that alcohol was involved in the incident.

The accused remains in police custody awaiting trial.

Police have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, the extent of the victim’s injuries or whether the two men knew each other.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when consuming alcohol, warning that drinking can lead to serious injuries or death.

In a separate statement issued the same day, police reported arresting and charging 14 people, including 13 men and one woman, for public drunkenness during an operation on Friday, October 23.

The Supreme Court of Tonga has ruled in favour of ʻEpalahame Lingikoni Taukeiʻaho in a leadership dispute involving the Liahona/Saineha Alumni Association, known in Tongan as Kautaha Kolisi Tutuku Liahoana/Saineha, finding that constitutional amendments used to justify his removal had never been lawfully adopted.

In a ruling delivered on 26 October 2026, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC determined that the association remained governed by its constitution confirmed on 12 July 2018.

The dispute arose after an emergency board meeting on 8 October 2023 purportedly suspended Taukeiʻaho, who had been elected president three months earlier, and appointed Pita Foliaki Hopoate as interim president.

Taukeiʻaho challenged the decision, arguing that the meeting was improperly convened, that he had been denied the hearing required under the constitution and that the defendants lacked authority to remove him.

The case was brought against Hopoate and nine other defendants.

Court finds constitutional amendments invalid

The Court found that the defendants failed to establish that changes to the association’s constitution had followed the required three-stage approval process involving the Executive Committee, Production Committee and General Committee.

Despite relying on different versions of what they described as an amended constitution, the defendants produced no evidence that the proposed changes had been properly considered and approved.

The disputed provisions included changes relating to permanent membership, the removal of officers and mandatory disciplinary hearings.

Justice Bishop found that the purported amendments could not lawfully replace the 2018 constitution.

The ruling also examined the defendants’ reliance on records suggesting that certain members had been elected to permanent positions. The Court found that the minutes did not support those claims.

These findings undermined the constitutional basis on which the defendants had sought to justify the October 2023 leadership decision.

Incorporation did not invalidate legal challenge

Another central issue was whether the association’s incorporation under Tonga’s Incorporated Societies Act on 19 January 2024 affected Taukeiʻaho’s claims.

The defendants argued that the association had previously been registered in October 2002 and that its subsequent incorporation affected the proceedings.

However, the Court found insufficient evidence that the association had been properly incorporated in 2002.

Justice Bishop ruled that the January 2024 incorporation did not retrospectively alter the legal position governing the disputed events.

The Court also recognised that an association’s constitution could create enforceable contractual obligations between its members, regardless of whether it had been formally incorporated.

Consequently, the defendants could not rely on the later incorporation to defeat claims arising from the 2023 leadership dispute.

Defendants’ counterclaim dismissed

The defendants also sought orders concerning the association’s incorporation records, including the removal of its January 2024 registration.

The Court dismissed the counterclaim, finding no sufficient legal basis for the requested orders.

Justice Bishop noted that the Registrar, whose records would have been affected, was not a party to the proceedings.

The Court further rejected the defendants’ argument that Taukeiʻaho had pursued his case against the wrong legal entity.

Plaintiff awarded costs

The Supreme Court ordered that Taukeiʻaho was entitled to the costs of the proceedings, to be assessed if the parties could not agree.

In closing, Justice Bishop appealed to both sides to resolve their differences in a spirit of Christian unity.

Citing Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, he encouraged the parties to overcome their divisions and become united in mind and thought.

Shocking footage of a street brawl in Sydney following Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup victory over Lebanon has emerged, raising concerns about public safety during celebrations by Tongan supporters in Australia.

Australian broadcaster 9 News Sydney released footage of the confrontation in Parramatta following Tonga’s 36–0 victory over Lebanon at CommBank Stadium on Friday, October 23.

The incident follows a separate case in Queensland earlier this month in which a 22-year-old woman, believed to be Tongan, was fined more than AU$6,000 for multiple traffic offences, including driving on a learner licence without supervision.

Footage shared by 9 News shows several people confronting one another outside commercial premises in Parramatta, with one person apparently wielding a long pole.

The cause of the confrontation, the identities of those involved and whether anyone was injured or arrested remain unclear.

It has not been confirmed whether those involved attended the rugby league match.

Auckland celebrations raise concerns

In New Zealand, recent celebrations during the current Rugby League World Cup have also raised public safety concerns.

Kaniva News reported last week that a man was seen removing a traffic pole during celebrations in Auckland and using it as part of the festivities.

Police have also dealt with traffic disruptions and complaints about excessive noise during large gatherings of Tongan supporters in South Auckland, particularly around Ōtāhuhu.

The incidents serve as a warning to supporters ahead of Tonga’s highly anticipated clash with Samoa, highlighting the importance of celebrating safely without endangering others or disrupting public roads.

Woman fined $6,077

In Queensland, police intercepted a Hyundai iLoad in Ipswich on October 14 after allegedly observing a teenage passenger waving a flag through a window.

Officers discovered four 14-year-old passengers allegedly travelling without seatbelts, while the driver was operating the vehicle on a learner licence without an authorised supervisor.

The woman received seven infringement notices totalling A$6,077 and 25 demerit points.

Queensland Police warned that carrying unrestrained passengers posed serious risks of injury or death.

The incidents have drawn attention to public safety as Tongan supporters across Australia celebrate their national team’s World Cup campaign ahead of its highly anticipated clash with Samoa.

Tonga Rugby XIII has apologised after members of the Tonga national rugby league team were photographed wearing T-shirts bearing the offensive Tongan swear word ʻel_ in the slogan “DON’T BE EL_”, admitting the clothing was distributed without the organisation’s knowledge or approval.

The controversy comes as Tonga has made a strong start to its Rugby League World Cup campaign, defeating England 30–12 in its opening match.

Tonga will head into Saturday’s showdown with Samoa unbeaten after securing a convincing 36–0 victory over Lebanon on Friday night.

The 2026 tournament, running from 15 October to 15 November across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, features 26 teams from 14 nations competing in men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions.

However, celebrations of Tonga’s victories were overshadowed by heated debate after members of the Tongan community shared photographs of players wearing the controversial T-shirts, alongside images of boxes that appeared to have been used to package the clothing.

Cultural concerns raise questions

While some members of the online Tongan community expressed outrage, others suggested the wording may have been intended as encouragement rather than an insult.

They pointed out that although ʻel_ literally means “stink” and is regarded as a swear word in Tonga, it is also used in the expression kete ʻel_, gutless, to describe someone who lacks courage or is afraid to confront an opponent, particularly in sport.

Some commenters suggested this may have been the case, noting that the T-shirt sponsors were understood to have grown up overseas and may not have fully appreciated how offensive the word is considered in Tonga.

In its questions to Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who is also Chair of Tonga Rugby XIII, Kaniva News highlighted concerns that displaying the word ʻel_ breached the Tongan fakaʻapaʻapa of veitapui and veitokai, particularly given the team’s prominent role in representing Tonga before thousands of supporters.

Organisation takes corrective action

“There was no intention by the team to offend or disrespect the people of Tonga, our Pacific communities, or the cultural values we proudly represent,” Tonga Rugby XIII Secretary General Tavake Fangupō said in an official statement to Kaniva News.

“We sincerely regret the hurt and disappointment this incident has caused.”

The organisation acknowledged that appropriate checks had not been carried out.

“The T-shirts were handed to the players to wear without the knowledge or approval of Tonga Rugby XIII,” the statement said.

“This was an oversight, and we acknowledge that appropriate checks should have been in place to prevent this from happening.”

Tonga Rugby XIII confirmed that it had removed social media content featuring players wearing the T-shirts from its official platforms and introduced improved procedures to prevent similar incidents.

However, the statement did not identify who supplied or authorised the T-shirts, whether the sponsor understood the offensive meaning of the wording, or who distributed them to players.

Team appeals for support

The organisation said the incident did not reflect the identity of the national team or the country it represents.

“This incident does not reflect who we are as a team, an organization, or a nation,” it said.

Tonga Rugby XIII appealed for the community’s understanding and continued support as the team prepares for its upcoming match against Samoa.

His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services has issued another public notice acknowledging ongoing difficulties affecting passport printing operations, warning that normal processing times will remain longer than usual.

The announcement, issued on Friday, 23 October, follows an earlier notice attributing passport processing and printing delays to an increased volume of applications, amid public complaints about equipment failures and poor communication.

“His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service wishes to inform the public that, owing to difficulties currently affecting passport printing operations, normal processing times are expected to be longer than usual,” the latest notice said.

“Normal passport printing services will resume as soon as circumstances permit a return to normal operations, and the public will be advised accordingly.”

Earlier complaints remain unresolved

The latest notice follows a Kaniva News report highlighting conflicting accounts of the disruptions and public criticism of the department’s handling of passport applications earlier this week.

While the department previously attributed the problems to a surge in applications, complainants on the Tonga Felafoaki Facebook group, which has more than 160,000 followers, reported that passport processing equipment had broken down.

Some said applicants had travelled from eastern and western districts only to be informed by staff that the equipment was not working.

One complainant questioned why the department had not warned the public before people made lengthy and potentially unnecessary journeys.

Other commenters criticised poor communication and customer service, while one called for refunds of urgent passport processing fees paid by affected applicants.