Tonga Police carried out a series of safety operations over the weekend, leading to the arrest of 51 individuals for various offences, including drunk driving, public intoxication, and drug-related crimes.
The operations, which involved roadblocks and targeted patrols across Tongatapu, were part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and curb alcohol-fueled disturbances.
Among those arrested, 16 drivers were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, while three others faced charges for refusing to undergo mandatory alcohol testing.
Additionally, 29 individuals were detained for public drunkenness, and three were arrested for drug-related offences. The arrested individuals ranged in age from 16 to 61, with 45 males and six females taken into custody.
Concerns Regarding the Well-Being of Youth
Authorities expressed concern over young people’s involvement in these offences and urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities, particularly on weekends.
Tonga Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy toward drugs, emphasising their commitment to removing illegal substances from communities and protecting residents from their harmful effects.
The police also reminded the public that refusing to participate in alcohol testing is a criminal offence, and those who do so will be held accountable.
They thanked community volunteers for their support in promoting a safer environment.
Residents are encouraged to report any illegal or suspicious activities to their nearest police station or by calling the emergency line at 922. For further media inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740-1614.
Tonga’s pioneering legacy in marine conservation will take centre stage at this Sunday’s World Oceans Day Pelagos Sanctuary Voyage at Monaco’s Port Hercules.
His Majesty King Tupou VI’s daughter, Princess Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho, will represent the kingdom, marking 47 years since its historic whale hunting ban.
The move preserved Tonga’s waters as a critical breeding ground for humpback whales and set a precedent for Pacific marine protection.
The Pelagos Sanctuary Voyage for World Oceans Day is an initiative that uses new technologies to raise awareness and educate the public, particularly younger generations, about the importance of conserving the Pelagos Sanctuary.
Whale Hunting Ban
In 1978, King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV made global headlines by issuing a Royal Decree prohibiting all whaling in Tongan waters.
This established one of the world’s first whale sanctuaries years before the International Whaling Commission’s 1986 commercial whaling moratorium.
A report said that “Since the Royal decree, which banned the hunting of whales in Tongan waters, the Tongan breeding populations have recovered from less than 50 to more than 2000 whales”.
The government of Tonga reaffirmed its commitment to the Royal Proclamation of His Majesty King Tupou IV from 1978 by declaring that all Tongan waters would be designated a Sanctuary for Whales in 2017.
As Kaniva News reported in 2021, following a whale stranding in Ha’apai where locals enthusiastically harvested the meat, social media has seen renewed calls to legalise whale hunting, considered a delicacy by some.
These recurring demands, which resurface periodically, are supported by critics who believe whale meat could help address Tonga’s obesity crisis, as the country currently ranks among the world’s most obese populations.
The Pelagos Sanctuary Voyage in Monaco provides a fitting platform to celebrate Tonga’s achievements while addressing current ocean threats. The Pelagos Sanctuary—a protected marine area spanning the waters of France, Italy, and Monaco—serves as a Mediterranean counterpart to Tonga’s conservation model.
During the event, experts will discuss critical issues including the expansion of global marine protections, with a focus on achieving the ambitious “30 by 30” goal to safeguard 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga’s Parliament is in session today, deliberating the country’s largest-ever budget—a historic $992.8 million proposal—with live broadcasts enabling citizens to witness the debate in real time.
Prime MInister and Minister of Finance Dr ‘Aisake Eke
This follows Parliament’s approval of the Prime Minister’s submission of the 2025-2026 government budget, which passed with 21 votes in favour.
This decision allows the Prime Minister, Dr Aisake Valu Eke, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, to present the details of the budget to the House before it is finalised by July 1.
The budget breaks down into $560.4 million (59%) in recurrent cash expenditures, covering essential government operations, and $389.8 million (41%) for developments.
Detailing the $560.4 million (59%) in recurrent expenditures, Dr Eke highlighted a $29.1 million deficit, meaning the government will need to secure additional funding, raising total recurrent costs to $589.5 million.
Dr Eke defended the allocations, stating the budget aligns with the King’s directives, national priorities, public feedback from recent summits, and government partnerships.
The Minister of Finance announced that the government will secure a $43 million bond to fund the $29.1 million budget deficit. Of this amount, $13 million will be allocated to bond repayments in the new fiscal year, while the remaining $30 million will be directed to the private sector through the new domestic bond market.
Domestic Bond Market
Dr Eke revealed that by the next fiscal year, the government plans to establish a domestic bond market with an initial $30 million allocation. He noted that $300 million in government funds currently held in banks remains unspent.
The new bond policy will utilise $30 million (10%) of these funds to offer bonds to private businesses at an interest rate of 2-3%, significantly lower than the 6-10% rates charged by commercial banks.
He described this as a major shift, providing businesses with cheaper, more accessible financing while reducing reliance on traditional bank loans.
He emphasised his administration’s policy of funding and supporting the private sector, citing a historical lack of financial assistance.
He said that previously, private businesses relied heavily on banks for funding, which often imposed strict lending requirements.
However, opposition lawmakers have raised concerns over reduced infrastructure and long-term investment funding, questioning whether the budget sufficiently addresses Tonga’s development needs.
As deliberations continue live, the nation awaits Parliament’s final decision, which will determine Tonga’s economic direction for the coming year.
The new budget marks a shift from last year’s $899 million budget, which was 52% domestically funded ($452.3 million) and 48% reliant on overseas partners.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi has sternly warned reporters about the dangers of inaccurate reporting while providing an update on a complaint he lodged against former Cabinet Minister Sevenitiini Toumo‘ua.
Former Minister of Infrastructure and Civil Aviation Seventeen Toumo’ua
Toumo’ua alleged that staff from Fusimālohi’s Ministry of Infrastructure had dismantled a house previously provided to a family in Ha’asini.
His Facebook allegations included what appeared to be photos of himself and the family living in the house.
The allegations had been promptly raised in Parliament, leading to heated exchanges between Toumo’ua and Fusimālohi, who vehemently dismissed them as false. Fusimālohi said at the time the matter was reported to the Police.
He told reporters on Friday during a press conference that the Police are investigating (“fai e ngāue ki ai”) the complaint.
The disputed house was reportedly part of a government project involving hundreds of prefabricated homes built for the recent Pacific Leaders Forum in Tonga.
After the event, some of these temporary structures were allocated to needy families.
Fusimālohi previously emphasised in the House that the former minister’s claims were false.
On Friday, he urged reporters to verify facts before publishing analyses.
“Inaccurate reporting could land you in court,” the Deputy Prime Minister cautioned, referencing Tonga’s sedition laws, Section 48 and the Electronic Communication Abuse Offences Act (2020).
The latter criminalises using digital platforms to harass or spread harmful content, with penalties of up to $10,000 in fines or three years’ imprisonment, or both.
Deputy Prime Minister Fusimālohi issued this update following his warning to FM 87.5 regarding its analysis program, which inaccurately reported that the government had illegally terminated contracts of former directors of government boards.
Fusimālohi clarified that the contracts had expired naturally in March of this year as per their original terms, and the Eke government had simply declined to renew them.
He noted that the Caretaker government had pre-signed extension of these contracts in December 2024, a move the Eke government maintains was illegal, citing the Caretaker government’s limited authority under the law.
Police investigations into the former minister’s social media posts are ongoing.
In a shocking turn of events, a 21-year-old probationary constable from Tonga Police has been arrested for possession of illicit drugs following a successful operation by the Drug Enforcement Unit.
A Tongan Police officer. Photo/Kaniva Tonga
The arrest occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 31, 2025, during a targeted crackdown on drug-related activities in Nuku’alofa.
Acting on a tip-off about a vehicle allegedly involved in drug sales, officers swiftly mobilised and apprehended the suspects.
A 31-year-old male passenger was also arrested alongside the suspended without pay constable.
Authorities seized methamphetamine, cash, and drug paraphernalia during the operation.
Both individuals remain in custody as investigations continue.
The Tonga Police Commissioner condemned the incident, emphasising that such behaviour undermines public trust.
“This is not a reflection of who we are,” the Commissioner stated, praising the dedication of the majority of officers while reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance on crime within the force.
The public is urged to report suspicious activities as the Tonga Police intensify efforts to combat the spread of illicit drugs in communities.
For media inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740-1614.
NUKU’ALOFA—The king has approved the Eke government’s bill to eliminate the practice of Cabinet Ministers selecting members of the government’s board of directors based on cronyism.
King Tupou VI
The move delivers on a campaign promise to overhaul all government bodies, targeting reform and alleged corruption.
The reforms significantly reduced the cost of board salaries by 29%, slashing annual spending from $1.4 million to just $400,000 and shrinking the total number of directors from 35 to 16.
The seven government boards had been consolidated into five, with appointments now guided by strict “fit and proper” standards.
The government said the move would end the old practice of selecting directors based on personal ties, church affiliations, or political favouritism.
King’s approval
Prime Minister Eke announced the King’s approval of the law on Friday, marking two milestone decisions. First, any government-owned business registered as a company must also be processed and registered as a public enterprise entity.
He said the law also mandates publicly advertised recruitment processes for all director appointments.
The Prime Minister, his Deputy Prime Minister, and several Cabinet Ministers were holding a press conference on Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi claimed significant financial losses across government boards resulted from unscrupulous decision-making.
He said the government’s new mandatory “fit and proper person” criteria for selecting qualified, experienced directors will make sure only decent members are selected.
Fusimālohi questioned the appointments of the former board members when he saw a list of names.
He warned that the public would ultimately bear the financial consequences of poor board decisions.
He said this was why the government sought suitable and decent people to operate the government’s businesses.
“Look at Lulutai Airlines. What is happening there raises the question of a fit and proper person.
“Tonga Development Bank, there is the same question there, a fit and proper person”.
“This is not just about saving money—it’s about ensuring qualified, independent leaders oversee public resources,” Fusimālohi said in Tongan.
“No more appointments just because someone is a friend or sits in the same pew on Sundays.”
Questions about the selection process follow a May 2022 Supreme Court case in which former Minister Poasi Tei admitted appointing Saia Penitani—a campaign helper in Houma village and ex-Ministry of Health staffer—to three boards (Tonga Power Ltd, Tonga Water Board, and Tonga Waste Authority) as Minister of Public Enterprises with Cabinet approval.
Tei denied in court that this was political payback, insisting he appointed Penitani based on trust in his ability to deliver results.
The new law
The new law mandates that government businesses be registered as companies and become public entities.
It follows allegations that the former Hu’akavameiliku government failed to register Lulutai Airlines as a Public Entity within the legally required one-year period – an omission that allowed Cabinet Ministers serving on the Lulutai board to retain their positions.
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga—Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi has revealed that none of the board directors whose contract renewals were rejected by the Eke government pursued legal action, despite earlier claims of illegality.
Katalina Tohi (L) and Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi
Fusimālohi also clarified that reports claiming the government had illegally terminated the contracts of former directors were misleading.
He explained that the directors, appointed by the previous government, had remained in their board roles until March this year—the official end of their contracts.
The Eke government rejected the pre-renewal of those contracts, which the Caretaker government approved around December 2024.
Fusimālohi defended the government’s decision, stating that the Caretaker government lacked the authority to renew contracts as it held limited powers pending the incoming government’s transition.
Agreement with former directors
Fusimālohi revealed that the Minister for Public Enterprises had a “productive discussion” with the former directors.
Fusimālohi said the Minister met with them and explained the government’s new policy and guidelines for all government boards.
According to Fusimālohi, the Minister informed the former directors of their contract end dates, explained the new restructuring process, noted that a new recruitment would occur, and stated they could reapply.
Fusimālohi said in Tongan: “Pea’ ne ‘osi fai e talanoa lelei ia ‘a e Minisitaá mo kinautolu. Ko e kaha‘u ē te tau fokotu‘utu‘u lelei. Ko ho‘omou me‘á ē ‘oku ha‘u ‘o ngata hē. ‘E toe fai e likulutimeni fo‘ou. Mou kei ‘enitaitolo pe ki ai.”
The revelation and clarifications come amid escalating tensions between the government and local media, particularly after Fusimalohi called for the removal (“to‘o”) of FM 87.5’s radio show in which host Siaosi Lavaka featured Tongan-based Auckland lawyer Nalesoni Tupou, who allegedly claimed that the contract terminations were unlawful.
Directors’ Exit Sparks Legal Debate
However, critics, including broadcaster Katalina Tohi, who owns FM 87.5, have accused the Eke administration of disregarding natural justice.
Tohi warned that the former directors had legal rights and referenced past cases where similar government actions led to costly court rulings.
Responding to Tohi, Fusimālohi emphasised that journalists (kau faiongoongo) must verify their facts before presenting commentary or analysis.
He explained that this is why the government holds one-hour press conferences every Friday—to ensure the media receives accurate information.
He said he had already advised journalists to read Parliamentary Hansard and government statements before reporting.
Commentary – The Eke government’s recent update, confirming the Prime Minister’s regular meetings with the King, signals a positive relationship between the monarchy and the current administration.
PM Dr. ‘Aisake Valu ‘Eke holds regular meetings with the king, marking improved executive-royal relations under Clause 50(a)3 of Tonga’s Constitution.
This development carries particular significance, given the stark contrast with former Prime Minister Huʻakavameiliku’s tenure, when tensions with the palace escalated to the point where the King promptly approved his resignation letter.
The late Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa once sought membership in the King’s Privy Council, proposing this would allow him to advise the monarch in real time on governmental matters. The King denied the request, maintaining that both leaders must adhere to their constitutionally mandated roles.
It appears Tu’i’onetoa failed to recognise the superior opportunity available under Clause 50(a)3, which empowers the Prime Minister to report to the King on state affairs formally.
The warm King-PM meetings also mark a striking departure from years of royal friction with previous governments. Where past prime ministers faced cold shoulders—despite constitutional obligations for regular briefings—the King’s openness to Eke suggests cautious approval of the current administration.
Constitutional Duties Defined
This shift raises questions: Is this mere symbolism, or does it reflect genuine progress in governance?
The answer lies in what sets Eke apart from his predecessor. Unlike Huʻakavameiliku, under whose administration corrupt systems persisted, Eke’s demonstrated commitment to dismantling Tonga’s entrenched patronage structures appears to have earned him the King’s confidence.
Eke’s administration has demonstrated exceptional transparency through its unprecedented weekly hour-long press conferences—a practice maintained every Friday since taking office.
The government has also established a high benchmark for accountability by delivering on key campaign promises, including comprehensive reforms of Lulutai Airlines, a thorough review and restructuring of all government boards, and the resolution of the protracted Tonga Development Bank/National Reserve Bank dispute, among other significant policy achievements.
This leads us to the next critical question: What does Tonga’s Constitution actually say about King-PM meetings? To understand this, we must examine the constitutional text itself.
Clause 50(a)3 of Tonga’s constitution says:
“The Prime Minister shall regularly and as required report to the King upon matters that have arisen with the government and upon the state of the country.”
From an analysis point of view, the phrase “matters that have arisen with the government and upon the state of the country” could refer to pressing issues impacting both national leadership and the nation as a whole.
These typically involve government-related controversies, such as corruption scandals, financial mismanagement, or lack of transparency, that undermine public trust.
At the same time, they reflect broader national challenges, including economic instability, social inequality, or systemic failures in public services.
FakalotofaleDrives Reforms
In other words, these meetings are fakalotofale (a Tongan term for confidential in-house discussions) between the King and Prime Minister, where open dialogue on any matter is permitted.
Late Prime Minister Akilisi Pōhiva told Kaniva News the King reviewed Cabinet travel records during a meeting and objected to two ministers’ excessive trips. The PM then warned ministers about the King’s concerns.
In the context of Lulutai Airlines’ failures, including the $60 million in missing records and the Tonga Development Bank/National Reserve Bank saga, these matters absolutely warrant reporting to the King under constitutional Clause 50(a)3. Since the government’s announcement of its board restructuring plans and director appointments, these are key reforms the King deserves to know, and they must be reported to the King.
This meeting enables the Prime Minister to inform the King about parliamentary obstructions, particularly opposition from the nobility regarding critical bills, that undermine governance efficiency. This communication is crucial, as the King holds unique influence over the nobility that could help resolve such impasses.
These meetings are not limited to presenting a strategic opportunity for the Prime Minister. Demonstrating government competence, he can build royal trust while tactfully advocating for Tonga’s most urgent need: systemic political reforms.
Transparency here builds confidence in the government’s overhaul of Tonga’s compromised systems.
The Tonga Police have reinforced their warning against Sunday trading, following King Tupou VI’s recent reaffirmation of the nation’s Christian values and strict Sabbath observance.
The monarch’s remarks come amid reports by Kaniva News highlighting uneven enforcement of Sunday trading laws, with some businesses allegedly remaining open for tourists while locals face restrictions.
Under Tongan law, operating or shopping at businesses on Sundays is prohibited, with penalties for vendors and customers.
The police statement this evening follows numerous complaints about shops operating across Tongatapu on Sundays, which violates national law.
Under Tongan law, opening or operating a shop on Sundays, as well as selling or purchasing goods on this day, is illegal.
Authorities have made it clear that both shop owners and customers found breaking these rules will face consequences.
The police emphasised the importance of upholding Tonga’s cultural and religious traditions, urging the community to respect Sunday as a sacred day.
In their announcement, the Tonga Police called on the public to honour the country’s faith-based values by refraining from commercial activities on Sundays.
The statement concludes with a respectful tone, reaffirming the police’s commitment to maintaining the law while preserving the nation’s way of life.
It comes after the king reminded citizens of broader biblical commandments such as “Thou shalt not steal” and “Thou shalt not covet,” urging Tongans to reject jealousy and materialism.
New Zealand Customs officers made a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, intercepting 67.8kg of methamphetamine and 1.1kg of cocaine at Auckland International Airport in two separate operations on 29 May 2025.
The combined street value of the seized drugs is estimated at up to NZ$25.81 million, marking one of the most significant drug busts at the border this year.
In the first interception, customs officials discovered 50kg of methamphetamine hidden in unaccompanied baggage arriving on a flight from Malaysia.
Hours later, officers identified 17.8kg of methamphetamine and 1.1kg of cocaine concealed in the luggage of a 22-year-old male passenger arriving from New York. The suspect was immediately arrested and now faces serious drug importation charges.
Customs Acting Manager Donnelle Nicholson commended the officers involved, stating, “Both these seizures were the result of the excellent skills of our frontline officers who recognised tell-tale signs that prompted further investigations. Customs officers are relentless in their drive and commitment to protect our border and people from harm. They take a great deal of pride when they achieve successes like these overnight”
Nicholson emphasised that customs officers remain unwavering in protecting New Zealand’s borders from illegal substances.
The latest seizures add to an already impressive record for 2025, with customs officials stopping approximately half a tonne of illicit drugs from entering New Zealand through Auckland International Airport alone this year.
Authorities attribute this success to enhanced screening technologies, improved intelligence sharing, and the sharp observational skills of border protection staff.
New Zealand Customs encourages the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug smuggling through their 24-hour confidential hotline at 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The recent intercepts serve as a stern warning to criminal organisations attempting to traffic drugs through New Zealand’s borders.
As investigations continue, authorities have not ruled out further arrests concerning these cases.
The massive haul underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border security agencies in combating the international drug trade while demonstrating New Zealand’s strong stance against narcotics trafficking.
