AGP Executive Report

Bridge Dispute in Tonga: Landowners have hit pause on a new 720-metre bridge across the Fanga’uta Lagoon in Tongatapu, saying negotiations over needed land have not been fair, even as the project is funded by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank and built by NZ firm McConnell Dowell. Netball Glory at Home: Tonga Tala finished the Oceania Women’s Netball Championship undefeated, taking the title and securing a 2027 Netball World Cup spot after beating Samoa 71-63 and Fiji 72-60. Regional Weather Push: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s plan to establish a weather radar in Vavaʻu, saying it could strengthen cyclone monitoring and early warning across the Pacific. Inflation Watch: Tonga’s inflation rose to 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs. Tonga’s Hunga Tonga Seafloor Update: New research says a major seafloor collapse during the 2022 eruption helped drive the tsunamis that hit Tonga and beyond. Tourism and Safety: New Zealand-resident travel to Tonga and the Cook Islands hit record levels, while a whale-watching boat accident in Vavaʻu has renewed calls for stronger boating safety.

Regional Security: Tonga PM Siaosi Sovaleni says Tonga is closely monitoring Solomon Islands’ security pact with China and will raise the issue at the next Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. Netball (Tonga): Tonga Tala booked their spot at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 after beating Fiji 72-60, keeping their unbeaten run alive with one match left against Samoa. Netball (Fiji): The Fiji Pearls missed out after a second straight loss to Tonga, leaving them unable to finish in the top two. Sports (OFC U-16 Women): Samoa finished fifth at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, beating Solomon Islands 2-0; Tonga’s campaign ends after a 3-2 loss to Cook Islands. Disaster & Science (Tonga): A new study details how the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption triggered rapid seafloor collapse, helping drive the tsunamis. Climate & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers wrapped up renewed commitments to strengthen weather, climate and early warning services, with Tonga’s radar upgrades highlighted. Tourism: NZ-resident travel to Tonga and the Cook Islands hit record highs, pointing to strong Pacific travel demand. Social Protection: A UN brief says social protection coverage is below 30% in Tonga and several other Pacific SIDS, leaving communities exposed to shocks.

Netball World Cup qualification (Tonga): Tonga Tala booked their place at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 with a 72-60 win over Fiji, their third straight victory at the Oceania qualifiers in Nuku’alofa, and they still have one match to go against Samoa. Netball World Cup qualification (Samoa): Samoa also qualified after beating the Cook Islands 72-50, with captain Kristiana Manu’a calling the run “a feeling” and a deep team connection. Netball World Cup qualification (Fiji): Fiji Pearls missed out after a second straight loss, going down 72-60 to Tonga after earlier defeat by Samoa. Safety and tourism (Vavaʻu): A whale-watching boat accident in Vavaʻu has raised fresh concerns after recent boating incidents, with officials noting the licensing status of today’s vessel is still unclear. Climate resilience (Pacific): Pacific Ministers renewed commitment to stronger, more integrated weather, climate and early warning services, backing the Weather Ready Pacific programme. Disaster science (Tonga): A new study says the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption involved rapid seafloor collapse that helped drive the tsunamis. Social protection (Pacific SIDS): A UN DESA brief warns Tonga’s social protection coverage is below 30%, urging stronger systems to reduce poverty and improve resilience to shocks. Tonga legal education: Senior judges backed plans for a law school at Tonga National University, including scoping a Bachelor of Laws focused on Tonga’s needs.

Weather & Early Warnings: Pacific Ministers wrapped up PMMM-4 with a renewed push for stronger, more integrated weather, climate, ocean and water services, backing the Weather Ready Pacific programme and calling for aligned investment across governments and partners; Tonga’s new C-band radar is flagged as a first deliverable, with more observing upgrades planned. Fisheries: Pacific leaders at COFI37 in Rome urged stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management, highlighting regional cooperation and compliance systems. Disaster Preparedness: Vanuatu formally registered interest in hosting a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific, citing growing monitoring capacity across weather and geo-hazards. Tonga Development: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, including health support via a new MoU with WHO. Immigration & Visas: New Zealand released 2025/26 deportation and 2026 overstayer lists, with Tonga featuring in both; Labour also promises visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders via NZeTA changes, though numbers of extra arrivals remain unclear. Sport (Tonga in the spotlight): Tonga Tala secured a Netball World Cup spot after beating Fiji in Oceania qualifiers, while Rugby League World Cup countdown hits one month, with Tonga set to play Lebanon and Samoa in group-stage fixtures.

Netball World Cup Qualifiers: Tonga Tala beat Fiji 72-60 in Nuku’alofa, while Fiji’s Pearls also suffered a second straight loss, leaving both Tonga and Samoa on track to qualify from the Oceania group. El Niño & travel risk: NOAA and WMO warn the 2026 El Niño is strengthening fast, with a split weather picture across destinations—good news for some hurricane-prone areas, but higher risk of disruption elsewhere. Pacific mobility: Labour is promising visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders to Aotearoa NZ via an NZeTA for three months, as overstayer rates rise. Tonga legal education: Senior judges back plans for a Tonga National University law school, urging a Tonga-focused Bachelor of Laws. Climate readiness: Pacific ministers renew commitments to stronger weather, climate and early warning services, as Fiji moves to activate drought response plans. Health link: Fiji declares an HIV national emergency, a concern for Tonga given close cross-border ties. Transport controversy: PM Fakafanua says Lulutai’s Twin Otter is struggling to profit, with passenger weight limiting how many seats can be used.

Tonga–SPC Partnership: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua met SPC DG Dr Paula Vivili to push stronger cooperation on Tonga’s national development priorities, with SPC support spanning health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate and disaster resilience. Tonga–Law Education: Senior judges backed plans for a Tonga National University law school, offering help to scope a Bachelor of Laws focused on Tonga-relevant needs and language/culture. Netball Qualifiers (Tonga): Tonga Tala started strong at the Netball World Cup Oceania qualifier in Nuku’alofa, beating PNG 71–47 and Cook Islands 81–55, with a key match-up against Fiji next. Cyclone Season Prep: Habitat for Humanity says families in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are taking practical steps to protect homes ahead of severe weather, including safer water access and local shelter plans. Climate Warning (El Niño): Pacific Meteorological Council briefings warn El Niño could be among the strongest since 1950, with below-normal rainfall likely in parts of the western Pacific. Regional Health (Fiji HIV): Fiji declared its HIV epidemic a national emergency, a move with wider relevance for Tonga due to close movement between the two countries. Weather Tech Caution: WMO urged Pacific services to embrace AI in forecasting, but keep human judgment front and centre.

Moana Pasifika Funding: Rugby great Sir Michael Jones has written to Foreign Minister Winston Peters seeking urgent funding for the Moana Pasifika franchise after its liquidation, saying “immediate priority” is confirming support so NZ Rugby can plan for FY2027. NRL & Tonga Talent: Canberra centre Simi Sasagi’s shoulder surgery rules him out of the World Cup, while Warriors hooker Sam Healey is set for a sold-out Eden Park semi-final atmosphere as Tonga-linked players keep shaping the league. Netball World Cup Qualifiers (Tonga): Tonga Tala started strong at home, beating the Cook Islands 81–55, and then moved to two wins from two after a 71–47 victory over Papua New Guinea; Cook Islands also fell to Fiji 65–63 in the other match. Aviation & Profit Woes: PM Lord Fakafanua says Lulutai Airlines’ Twin Otter is struggling to make a profit because passenger weight limits how many seats can be used on some flights. Weather Readiness: WMO warns Pacific services to embrace AI in forecasting but keep human judgment switched on, as AI can confidently deliver wrong answers. Health & Travel: Three Tongan heart patients are receiving specialist treatment in Fiji after local doctors determined care wasn’t available at home. Sports Star Spotlight: Seven-year-old Tongan-New Zealand jiu-jitsu prodigy Achillea Hennessy has won her fourth world title in Tokyo.

Netball World Cup Qualifiers: Tonga Tala opened their Oceania campaign at home with an 81–55 win over the Cook Islands, while Samoa beat Papua New Guinea 72–56 in the other opener—two World Cup spots are up for grabs in the five-team tournament. Tonga–Samoa Health Links: Garvan Institute researchers met Tonga’s diplomatic delegation in Sydney to discuss genetic health collaboration aimed at tackling Tonga’s high non-communicable disease burden. Card Care in Fiji: Three Tongan patients received heart procedures in Fiji after doctors at Vaiola Hospital found specialist treatment was unavailable at home, with the government covering travel and medical costs. Tsunami Readiness Drive: Tonga launched a UNESCO-IOC programme targeting 20 communities for international Tsunami Ready recognition by December, building on evacuation planning, warning systems and community exercises. Weather Warnings That Must Be Acted On: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting in Tonga heard calls for “Early Warnings for All” to reach remote communities—and for systems that help people act, not just receive forecasts. Oceania Football: Tonga Tala also featured in the wider qualifiers week, while regional football continues with OFC U-16 Women’s Championship semi-final spots decided.

Netball World Cup Qualifiers (Tonga): The Crest Fiji Pearls kicked off their Oceania campaign with a 65–63 win over the Cook Islands, leading 36–32 at halftime before fighting back in the final quarter; Fiji now face Samoa tomorrow and then host Tonga on Thursday, with the top two teams booking spots for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney. Health (Tonga–Fiji): Three Tongan heart patients have received angiography and stents in Fiji after doctors at Vaiola Hospital said specialist care wasn’t available at home, with the Tongan government covering travel, accommodation and medical costs. Climate & warnings (Pacific): Tonga is hosting the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting, where leaders pushed for stronger early warnings that reach remote communities and urged people to act on alerts—after a Vanuatu ferry disaster highlighted the gap between warnings and action. Sports (OFC U-16 Women): Papua New Guinea reached the OFC Under-16 Women’s semi-finals for the first time since 2016, beating Samoa 2–0, while Tonga’s match-up picture continues after New Caledonia’s 4–1 win over Tonga. Courts (Tonga): A Tongan businessman was jailed for life after a meth shipment of 5.8kg was found to be bound for New Zealand, with the judge clarifying how life imprisonment works under Tonga’s law.

Netball World Cup Qualifiers in Tonga: Five Oceania teams are in Nuku’alofa for two World Cup spots in Sydney, with Tonga hosting against Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea—Tonga Netball Association says home-court confidence and lessons from recent tournaments will help. OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: Fiji and Papua New Guinea reached the semi-finals, with PNG ending a decade-long wait after beating Samoa 2-0; Tonga’s match-up details weren’t in this week’s reports. Pacific early warnings push: Tonga is hosting the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting, with updates on PIMS/Weather Ready Pacific progress—new radar use in Tonga and a focus on getting people to act on warnings, not just receive them. Vanuatu ferry disaster warning gap: After the MV Matui sank in rough seas, Vanuatu’s meteorology chief said warnings were issued days earlier but there’s no rule stopping vessels once warnings are out—calls for stronger action systems. Health in the region: Three Tongan heart patients received cardiac procedures in Fiji and urged people not to ignore chest pain. Education spotlight: A new Pacific literacy and numeracy assessment flags Tonga’s serious Year 6 reading challenge, even as numeracy looks comparatively stronger.

Weather & Early Warnings: Pacific leaders meeting in Tonga say warnings are improving, but the hard part is getting people and systems to act—Vanuatu’s MV Matui ferry sinking showed the gap between alerts and action, with officials noting they can warn but lack power to stop vessels. Tonga’s Preparedness: Tonga highlighted progress at the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council, including a new Joint Multi-Hazard Early Warning Services Centre and a national policy roadmap. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers from Tonga and across the Pacific will shape regional waste policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for community realities to be heard in recycling decisions. Health in the Region: Three Tongan men received cardiac treatment in Fiji after blocked arteries were found; one urged people not to delay when chest pain hits. Education Watch: A new Pacific literacy and numeracy report flags Tonga’s serious Year 6 reading challenge, even as some recovery appears region-wide. Women’s Safety: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is running a four-week regional training for violence prevention and support, with Tonga among participating countries. Netball (Tonga): Tonga hosts World Cup qualifier action next week, with teams including Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tonga chasing two spots.

Pacific Climate & Early Warnings: Pacific meteorological leaders meeting in Tonga are calling for stronger early-warning systems and more investment as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise intensify, with warnings also stressing that communities must act on alerts. Tonga Reading Focus: A new Pacific education report based on PILNA 2025 shows modest recovery in literacy and numeracy since the pandemic, but Tonga’s Year 6 reading challenge remains especially severe, with earlier results showing most students below the minimum expected level. Health in the Region: Three Tongan heart patients say they’re grateful after cardiac treatment in Fiji, highlighting growing regional medical tourism and the role of Pacific Specialist Healthcare. Vava’u Conservation Win: In Vava’u, community-led rat eradication around Mount Talau is helping the Hengehenga (Tongan Whistler) return, with birdsong now heard again. Netball Qualifiers Build-Up: Fiji’s Crest Pearls coach urges players to find their “new best” ahead of Oceania World Cup qualifiers in Tonga, where Tonga hosts matches against Cook Islands, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Medical Tourism: Three Tongan patients say Fiji’s PSH Hospitals has been life-changing after cardiac care in Nadi, including angiography and stenting, with officials pointing to Fiji’s growing specialist services for Pacific travellers. Weather Safety: Fiji’s meteorology chief urges people to take cyclone-season warnings seriously as El Niño brings rough seas, stressing that knowing the forecast isn’t enough—people must act, especially for island travel by sea. Community Conservation: Vava’u’s VEPA reports the return of the Hengehenga (Tongan Whistler) after long-running rat control on Mount Talau, with birdsong now a sign of recovery. Education Watch: A new Pacific literacy and numeracy assessment shows modest regional gains, but Tonga’s Year 6 reading remains a major concern, with many students still below expected reading levels. Seismic & Volcanic Risk: New research highlights how the 2022 Hunga eruption’s caldera collapse could improve volcanic-tsunami monitoring, while another report notes a fresh burst of earthquakes across the Pacific Ring of Fire. Governance & Rights: Tonga’s passport revocation case sparks debate over state powers and emergency travel options for people abroad.

Education & Literacy: A new PILNA 2025 report shows modest recovery in Pacific reading and numeracy since 2021, but Tonga’s Year 6 reading remains a major weak spot, with only 30% meeting the minimum expected reading level in the last country results. Health & Regional Care: Three Tongan heart patients say they’re grateful after life-changing cardiac treatment in Fiji, including stenting and angiography, as Tonga continues to rely on overseas services for specialist care. Sport (Netball): Tonga is hosting World Cup qualifier netball next week with five Pacific teams chasing two spots, and Tonga Netball Association says home-soil confidence will matter. Sport (Football): Tonga’s U-16 women’s team bounced back after a loss to Samoa and now faces Papua New Guinea in a key match for FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification. Disaster Risk & Climate Warnings: At PMC-8 in Tonga, leaders stressed that early warnings must reach every community, not just those near major centres, as El Niño and sea-level risks intensify. Volcano Science: New research highlights how the 2022 Hunga eruption’s rapid caldera collapse reshaped the seafloor and could improve volcanic-tsunami monitoring.

Volcano Science & Tsunami Readiness: New research on the 2022 Hunga eruption shows how the caldera collapse reshaped the seafloor and could improve monitoring for volcanic tsunamis, after the blast triggered deadly waves and damaged subsea cables. Health (Tonga–Fiji): Three Tongan heart patients say Fiji’s PSH Hospitals changed their lives after angiography and stenting, thanking the Tongan government for covering treatment travel. Netball (Tonga): Tonga netball is confident ahead of home-soil World Cup qualifier action next week, with five Pacific teams chasing two spots and Samoa and Fiji tipped as key threats. Climate & Early Warnings (PMC-8): Tonga’s deputy PM and Pacific meteorological leaders pushed for “warnings for all,” stressing that tech only matters if communities in remote islands can understand and act on alerts. El Niño Water Pressure (Cook Islands): Cook Islands highlights a weather split under El Niño and urges sustainable early-warning systems that reach every resident. Sport (OFC U-16 Women): Tonga’s U-16 women bounced back after a loss to Samoa and now face Papua New Guinea in a must-win clash for FIFA U-17 World Cup hopes.

Pacific Weather & Warnings: Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr Viliami Uasike Latu urged Pacific leaders to make early warnings reach every community, saying no village is too small or too remote to get information people can act on. Climate & Sea-Level Risk: SPC ocean experts warned that some global sea-level maps may misread land height, while a new UN report says the Pacific will still face higher seas and flooding even if warming is limited. El Niño Water Stress: Fiji says some remote islands are already asking for drinking water as El Niño dries conditions, while Cook Islands highlighted a weather split—drier south, wetter north—pushing for sustainable early warning systems. Tonga Rugby League Name Dispute: Tonga’s 40th Mate Ma‘a Tonga celebrations are set for Auckland, but the current national team is not expected to take part due to the unresolved rights dispute over the team name. Oceania Rugby 7s in Rotorua: Rotorua will host the 2026 Oceania Rugby 7s Cup next month, with Tonga among the men’s and women’s teams competing. Tonga in the Spotlight: Tonga’s OFC U-16 women’s team bounced back after a Samoa loss and now face Papua New Guinea in a key match. Regional Crime & Prisons: Fiji’s justice minister warned that transnational organised crime could exploit prisons without safeguards, as Pacific corrections officials meet with UNODC. Travel & Mobility: Tonga’s passport was reported ranked 74th globally, while Solomon Islands sits 59th—both reflecting shifting visa access across the region.