Two officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Tou’anga Vaomotou and Lemoto Faka’osi, are currently on the island of Niuatoputapu assisting the Government Representative in finalising logistics for the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year.
The luxury vessel Silver Cloud, operated by Silversea Cruises, will dock on May 16, 2025, bringing 434 passengers to the remote island.
The Silver Cloud departed Lautoka, Fiji, on May 6, as part of a 14-day Pacific voyage ending on May 20.
The itinerary includes stops in several Pacific destinations, such as Tuvalu, Western Samoa, and other Tongan islands. It offers travellers an all-inclusive experience featuring gourmet dining, butler service, premium beverages, and curated shore excursions.
For Niuatoputapu, the arrival marks a significant opportunity to boost local income.
The island’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, including copra, limes, breadfruit, and traditional weaving, a vital source of livelihood for women.
Tourism presents a promising supplementary revenue stream, with passengers expected to purchase local handicrafts and experience the island’s unique culture.
Government and tourism officials are working to ensure smooth operations during the ship’s visit, coordinating transportation, cultural activities, and market opportunities for local vendors.
This visit could pave the way for more cruise tourism in the future, further supporting Niuatoputapu’s sustainable development.
As the island prepares to welcome its international guests, excitement grows among residents, who see this as a chance to showcase their traditions and natural beauty.
A noticeable earthquake was reported in Tonga earlier today, with residents taking to social media to share their experiences.
Several Facebook users confirmed feeling the tremors, though official details from local authorities are still pending.
One concerned poster wrote, “Why this earthquake?” reflecting the unease among some residents. While the magnitude and epicentre remain unconfirmed, the quake appears strong enough to be felt across parts of the island nation.
In the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga frequently experiences earthquakes.
However, any noticeable tremor raises awareness due to the region’s vulnerability to tsunamis.
Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement, but experts advise residents to stay alert for aftershocks.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
The Tonga Police have issued a public notice stating that they will shoot any stray pigs found on the property of the Longolongo Police Station from May 13 to May 15, between 5pm and 6am.
Authorities cited Section 18 of the Tonga Animal Control Act, which permits the killing of stray animals causing damage to private property.
The measure aims to prevent the destruction of police facilities and ensure safety in the area.
In the same announcement, police also urged dog owners to ensure their pets wear collars with identification to avoid confusion with strays.
Residents near Longolongo are advised to secure their livestock during the specified hours.
For further inquiries, the public is encouraged to contact local police authorities.
The highly anticipated retrial appeal of former MPs and Cabinet Ministers ‘Etuate and ‘Akosita Lavulavu is set to be heard this week, marking another dramatic turn in what has been dubbed the “court case of the century.”
‘Etuate Lavulavu (L) and Akosita Lavulavu
The couple, previously convicted and jailed for misusing over TOP$500,000 in government funds, won an appeal while in prison, leading to their release and an order for a retrial.
The couple’s appeal succeeded because former Justice Cooper, the presiding judge, failed to maintain impartiality.
The case stems from a 2016 Auditor General’s report, which uncovered alleged financial mismanagement involving the Lavulavus’ school, ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute.
In July 2021, the couple was found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Justice Langi reportedly stated during one of the retrial hearings that the material in the Auditor General’s report was considered hearsay and ruled it out as evidence.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) submitted that the whole report was not based on hearsay.
The DPP said the voir dire hearing was conducted at various times from 7 November 2023 to 30 April 2024 to determine whether the auditor’s report would be admissible in court.
On 6 September 2024, Chief Justice Bishop KC agreed to submit the Crown’s appeal against Mrs Langi’s decision to the Court of Appeal.
The Lavulavu couple also submitted a cross-appeal on 21 November 2024, which Justice Bishop KC had also approved.
Meanwhile, it is understood that the decision on the appeal was expected to be announced before this Friday.
The case has gripped the nation, and many are watching closely to see whether justice will be reaffirmed or whether new legal challenges will further prolong the saga.
Iunisi Finau credits constant family support as the driving force which saw her graduate with a Masters of Indigenous Studies on Saturday – her third graduation from the University of Otago.
An exciting morning for Iunisi Finau as she is pictured in front of the University clock tower on graduation day.
Born in Tonga and raised in Dunedin, Iunisi previously graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology before going on to complete her Honours and then her Masters.
She says her family has been a constant source of inspiration throughout her academic journey.
“We moved to Dunedin from Tonga when I was three, and I am forever grateful to my parents for that decision because I love being from Dunedin,” Iunisi says,
“My parents would move heaven and earth to get things done for us and my dad worked in every job you could possibly think of just to provide for us.
“Their commitment to raising my siblings and our cousins was with no complaint, so me studying was my way of showing my commitment to their dreams for their kids.”
Iunisi acknowledges that balancing student life, studies and family commitments were not always simple.
Being the eldest of seven siblings meant she also took on responsibilities at home, and didn’t always have the luxury of focusing solely on lectures and assignments.
“I had to lead by example for my siblings because my responsibilities at home didn’t stop just because I was at University,” she says.
“I could not sit back and watch my parents do it all. They have already done so much for us, so I tried to help where I can.”
Her father’s constant encouragement helped her get through the hard days.
“All throughout my academic journey he kept saying to me, ‘Ai pe ke osi’ – Just keep at it until it’s finished. Even after I completed my Masters, his first reminder to me was, ‘this is not the end, keep on going while you are young and motivated’.”
Now, with her remarkable third graduation, Iunisi carries not only the weight of her achievements but also the pride of her entire family.
“I look at my parents and think, this is their first time living too and it makes my ‘why’ that much more special.
“My parents will always be the biggest part of that story.”
Iunisi says she’s also grateful for the support she’s received from the University community.
Being part of the Pacific On-Campus Experience (POCE) in 2018 before first enrolling to study was a turning point in how she viewed the University.
“POCE made me feel like I belonged here. It gave me a sense of home away from home because you were in a programme which had so many other Pacific students who looked like me. That was the start of building my community.”
Reflecting on her Honours year, Iunisi says having a strong supervisor like Professor Patrick Vakaoti also made a huge difference.
“Honours was one of my toughest years, but Patrick’s mentorship was instrumental in getting me through.”
However, Iunisi says the proudest moment in her academic journey has not been her own milestones, rather watching her younger sister graduate from polytechnic and then start her own journey at the University of Otago, enrolling in a Bachelor of Commerce.
“Having my sister graduate and then share that she wanted to follow in my footsteps … that moment meant everything to me.”
For others now following a similar path, her advice is simple.
“Don’t fall into the pressure of trying to meet everyone’s expectations, you need to just remember the passion that drove you to be here,” Iunisi says.
Talanoa by Pacific Communications Adviser Viena Faiva
Tonga faces severe weather conditions today, with a gale warning remaining in force across all islands.
The government continues to coordinate response efforts, prioritizing public safety as Tonga weathers this storm. Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve. Photo/Tonga Power
The Fua’amotu Weather Forecasting Centre reports that while heavy rain and flash flood advisories have been lifted for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua, the Niuas region remains under alert due to ongoing heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
The adverse weather has forced the closure of many schools nationwide as a precautionary measure to ensure student and staff safety.
A low-pressure system currently affecting Tonga is expected to move eastward and away from the region by this evening.
The system has brought strong to damaging winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rain, particularly in northern areas.
In the Niuas, moderate to gale-force southwesterly winds and persistent rain may cause flooding in low-lying areas, though conditions are forecast to ease by noon.
Meanwhile, the southern islands, including Tongatapu, will see occasional showers this morning, with weather improving to fine conditions by afternoon.
Looking ahead, Wednesday is expected to bring calmer weather across Tonga, with light to moderate winds and generally fine conditions, though isolated showers may still occur.
In Nuku’alofa, temperatures will reach a high of 28°C today, dropping to 21°C overnight.
Authorities urge residents, especially those in the Niuas, to remain cautious and stay updated on official advisories.
Emergency services are on standby to respond to any weather-related incidents as the nation weathers the storm.
Power Outages Hit Multiple Areas Tonga Power Limited has notified residents of extensive power outages affecting numerous communities across Tongatapu, including Pea, Tokomololo, Lomaiviti, Hauloto, and several others.
The outages, caused by fallen trees damaging high-voltage power lines, may take 6 to 7 hours to repair, it said.
Authorities warn that continued strong winds could further disrupt additional areas.
Crews work tirelessly to restore electricity, and residents are advised to prepare for prolonged outages.
A Tongan commercial pilot faces a potentially career-ending prison sentence after being convicted of engaging in sexual acts with a minor, a case that has shocked the aviation community and raised urgent questions about child protection protocols.
Mikaele Halafihi, 26 of Vailele and New Zealand appeared before the Supreme Court this month for hearing to charges of rape and two counts of sexual conduct, Apia, Samoa media have reported.
The alleged offence occurred on 21 September 2024 at Vailele, with the complainant being a 15-year-old from New Zealand and Tonga.
The court has already imposed a Departure Prohibition Order on the defendant until the conclusion of his case.
At the start of the trial, Halafihi withdrew his initial not guilty plea and pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual conduct with a minor after prosecutors dropped the more serious rape charge.
The defendant, who previously worked at Talofa Airways, was represented by lawyer Alex Sua.
The Samoan Global News reported that Halafihi’s supporters in court included strong family backing, with members traveling from Tonga.
Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke has scheduled June 6 as the date to deliver his sentencing.
Halafihi was remanded on bail and remains out on bail until sentencing.
A Facebook comment by Viliame Takayawa, based on information he reportedly received from a relative in Tonga, has drawn serious concern from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
MED Minister Kapeliele Lanumata and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon. Manoa Kamikamica
Takayawa, who serves as General Secretary of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), has publicly apologised but characterised Rabuka’s threat to remove SODELPA from the governing coalition as an overreaction to what he described as merely a personal social media post, Fijilive reported.
The controversy emerged following a Fijian delegation’s visit to Tonga last week, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Hon. Manoa Kamikamica. The delegation aimed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two nations.
While Fijian media reports did not detail Takayawa’s specific comments, the visit was regarded as successful.
Tonga’s Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Kapelieli Lanumata, said Tonga has much to learn from Fiji’s rapid economic advancement.
He noted that Tonga has remained largely dependent on primary sector production, while there is an urgent need to develop secondary industries and manufacturing capabilities.
This meeting complements regional economic integration efforts, mirroring the recent focus of the PACER Plus trade ministers on boosting cross-border trade, investment, and cooperation.
Discussions focused on enhancing private sector collaboration, revisiting trade frameworks like the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), and exploring new bilateral agreements aligned with national interests and emerging economic opportunities.
Key areas identified for collaboration include tourism, aviation connectivity, foreign investment, and labour mobility.
A shocking video has surfaced showing a grey caravan driver making a reckless and illegal pass on the left side of slow-moving traffic, narrowly avoiding a serious accident in Tonga.
The incident, captured on camera, has drawn sharp criticism from road safety advocates.
Kaniva News was unable to verify the authenticity of the footage.
It reveals the driver growing visibly frustrated behind a line of vehicles slowed by a slow-moving car ahead.
Instead of waiting, the driver abruptly swerved into the left lane, speeding past multiple cars. In doing so, the caravan came dangerously close to sideswiping a power pole and colliding with another vehicle.
“This kind of behavior puts lives at risk,” a commenter wrote.
“There is no excuse for such reckless driving, especially when a moment of impatience could result in tragedy.”
The video has since gone viral, with many calling for stricter enforcement against aggressive driving.
No injuries were reported, but the close call serves as a stark warning about the dangers of impatience on the road.
Editorial – The revelations this week by the Acting Prime Minister about the lack of funding and support for Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are deeply troubling.
Anti-Corruption Commissioner James Christopher LaHatte
The public has demanded action against corruption for years, with high hopes pinned on establishing this Commission.
Yet, the government’s failure to allocate a proper budget, leaving the Commissioner understaffed and reliant on police assistance, raises serious questions about its commitment to fighting graft.
The Acting Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi said yesterday that the previous government had only allocated enough funds for the salaries of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) Commissioner.
He also stated that the Eke government plans to allocate a budget for the Commission in the upcoming fiscal year.
Even more baffling is Parliament’s sudden announcement of its Anti-Corruption Committee, which remains inactive, supposedly awaiting the complete setup of the ACC office.
If the Commissioner was appointed nearly a year ago, why is the government still dragging its feet?
The delays suggest gross incompetence or a deliberate attempt to weaken the Commission before it begins its crucial work.
With 16 corruption complaints already lodged, according to the Acting Prime Minister, Tongans deserve answers.
We have seen controversial investments accused of wasting millions, such as the disputed Lulutai Airlines and the former government’s travel allowances, yet the Commission’s budget was disregarded.
Is the government truly dedicated to accountability, or is this another hollow gesture meant to placate public anger?
If leaders are serious about combating corruption, they must urgently fund the ACC, empower its operations, and stop the excuses.
The people are watching and will not tolerate further delays in the fight for transparency and justice.
