AGP Executive Report

Tonga & Pacific scams: Tonga’s financial watchdogs warn crypto investment fraud is targeting Pacific communities, using WhatsApp-style recruitment, “professor” promises of huge returns, and fake trading apps that let early victims withdraw—then demand fees and trap money. Deep-sea science (Tonga Trench): Scientists have filmed the elusive goblin shark alive in the Tonga Trench, adding real habitat sightings to decades of mystery and showing the species is healthy far deeper than expected. Climate accountability: Pacific leaders backed a landmark UN push supporting Vanuatu’s climate case at the International Court of Justice, calling it a turning point for responsibility and reparations. Moana Pasifika future: New Zealand Rugby says a decision on who takes over Moana Pasifika’s licence is due by 30 June after liquidation, with options including the Kanaloa Consortium. Tonga football: Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe bowed out of OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands. Health: WHO released a practical manual for Western Pacific health workers to strengthen diagnosis and curb antimicrobial resistance.

Tonga Politics: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh fallout after the Supreme Court convicted Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi of electoral bribery, with sentencing and possible by-elections now looming. Parliament & Cost of Living: MPs grilled the budget over fuel prices, electricity support and a proposed school breakfast programme, with ministers pointing to global drivers behind rising costs. Miss Heilala Watch: Organisers warn the public about fake contestant announcements online after unauthorised posts used the event’s logos, urging people to stick to verified channels. OFC Football: Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe exited the OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands. Climate & Energy: Pacific climate groups, including Tonga, are pushing governments to back a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of major talks in Bonn. Science From Tonga’s Deep: Researchers filmed the elusive goblin shark alive in the Tonga Trench for the first time, adding new detail to its deep-sea range.

Deep-Sea Science: Scientists have captured the first-ever footage of goblin sharks swimming alive in the Pacific, including sightings linked to the Tonga Trench, ending decades of mystery about the “living fossil” that’s usually only seen after accidental fishing catches. Climate & Energy: Pacific climate warriors are urging governments to back a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate talks, arguing the region can’t afford more delay on renewables. Tonga Politics: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh strain after the Supreme Court convicted a third cabinet minister for electoral bribery, raising by-election questions. Budget Watch: MPs grilled Tonga’s budget over fuel prices, electricity support, spending priorities and a proposed school breakfast programme. Sports: Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe U19s were knocked out of the OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands. Culture & Community: Miss Heilala organisers warned the public about fake contestant announcements online ahead of the 25 June pageant opening.

Moana Pasifika Future: New Zealand Rugby says a decision on who takes over Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific licence is due by 30 June, with options still being considered after the club was liquidated. Court Crisis in Tonga: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh pressure after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty of electoral bribery for donating a Starlink terminal; earlier convictions also hit Tourism Minister Semisi Sika, with by-elections now a real possibility. OFC Football: Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe bowed out of the OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands, setting up a decisive Cook Islands vs Papua New Guinea showdown. Whale Rights in the Pacific: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released draft model laws for public consultation that would strengthen whale protection and recognise whales through legal rights. Fuel Price Pressure: Tonga’s budget debate heard concerns over high fuel prices and whether spending plans, including electricity subsidies, do enough to protect households. Pageant Warning: Miss Heilala organisers warn of fake contestant posts online after registrations closed. Maritime Security: Fiji authorities investigate suspected cocaine packages found in Lau waters, including whether drops came from one point or multiple.

Deep-Sea Discovery: University of Hawaii researchers filmed two goblin sharks in the Pacific, including one near the Tonga Trench southeast of Fiji, offering rare insight into the elusive species. Vaccine Push: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, including 9,000 to Tonga, as outbreaks continue to strain health systems. Tonga Politics: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh instability after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was convicted of election bribery over a Starlink terminal donation, joining other senior minister convictions and raising by-election risks. Parliament & Cost of Living: Budget debate in Nuku’alofa focused on fuel prices, spending priorities, overtime, and a proposed school breakfast programme, with MPs pressing for stronger action on rising petrol costs. Sports—OFC U19: Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe bowed out of the OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands, setting up a decisive Cook Islands vs Papua New Guinea showdown. Community Alert: Miss Heilala organisers warned the public about fake contestant announcements online after registrations closed. Drugs & Security: Authorities are investigating suspected drug packages found in Lau waters and a separate “ice” discovery reported in Vava’u, as maritime trafficking concerns grow.

Tonga Politics: Tonga’s coalition government is in deeper trouble after the Supreme Court convicted Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi of electoral bribery over a Starlink terminal donation during the 2025 election, adding to earlier rulings against Tourism Minister Semisi Sika and Finance Minister Lata Tangimana and raising the risk of by-elections and reshuffles. Parliament & Cost of Living: Budget debate in Nuku’alofa zeroed in on fuel prices and household pressure, with MPs questioning whether the plan meaningfully tackles rising costs and how spending priorities line up with proposals like a school breakfast programme. Pageantry & Integrity: Miss Heilala organisers warn the public about fake contestant posts using their logos, stressing only verified channels will announce confirmed contestants after registrations closed. Drugs & Security: Authorities are investigating suspected “ice” found on Vavaʻu beaches, following earlier major cocaine discoveries, while officials also look at whether Lau drug packages came from one drop or multiple dumping points. Sports (OFC U19): Tonga’s U19 campaign took a hit as the Cook Islands beat Tonga 4-0 at Rarotonga, setting up a winner-takes-all clash with Papua New Guinea for qualification. Regional Diplomacy: Tonga marked a milestone at UN disability rights talks (COSP19) after Pacific countries secured representation on the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Tonga Election Fallout: Tonga’s political crisis deepened again after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty of electoral bribery for providing a Starlink terminal during the 2025 campaign, becoming the third cabinet minister convicted and raising the risk of MPs being unseated, by-elections, and a cabinet reshuffle. Sports—OFC U-19: Tonga’s U-19s were hit 4-0 by Papua New Guinea in Rarotonga, while Cook Islands then beat Tonga 4-1, setting up a winner-takes-all final group match between Cook Islands and PNG for qualification to the Samoa championship. Drugs on the Coast: In Vavaʻu, police are investigating reports that two packages of “ice” were found on a beach and handed to Neiafu Police, following the 2021 cocaine haul that led to major arrests and prison sentences. Regional Security: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua warned the country is vulnerable to regional drug trafficking and urged tighter preparedness as Fiji faces a surge in large-scale busts. Diplomacy: Israel says it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea, signalling continued diplomatic push across the Pacific. Pacific Watch: A tsunami advisory was issued across much of the Pacific after a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, including Tonga, with authorities urged to follow local safety instructions.

Election Court Shock: Tonga’s political crisis deepened after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty of electoral bribery for providing a Starlink terminal during the 2025 campaign, making him the third senior cabinet minister convicted over election misconduct. Legal Fallout: Earlier rulings also found Tourism Minister Semisi Sika guilty for failing to declare a TOP$10,000 payment to a dance academy, while Finance Minister Lata Tangimana was convicted for providing fish to constituents (he has resigned but is appealing). By-election Risk: Under Tonga’s election laws, bribery convictions can lead to MPs being “unseated,” with the Speaker formally notified and by-elections and reshuffles now looming. Outer Islands Drugs Alert: In Vavaʻu, residents reported two packages of “ice” found on a beach, following the 2021 cocaine wash-up that triggered a major Tonga Police and Navy operation. Regional Sport: At OFC U-19 qualifying in Rarotonga, Papua New Guinea started with a 4-0 win over Tonga, while the Cook Islands opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Tonga. Pacific Security: Tonga’s proximity to trafficking routes is again in focus as PM Lord Fakafanua warns of rising drug threats across the region.

Drug Watch in Vavaʻu: Two packages of “ice” were found on a Vavaʻu beach and handed to police, reviving memories of the 2021 cocaine wash-up near Hōleva and Haʻalaufuli that triggered a major Tonga Police and Navy operation. Maritime Patrols: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including assistance to Tonga’s Royal Navy during law-enforcement boardings in Tonga’s EEZ and port calls in Nuku’alofa and Vavaʻu. Regional Security by Air: Australia’s RAAF C-27J Spartan flew surveillance missions over Cook Islands and Tonga waters to detect illegal fishing, identifying vessels of interest as part of Pacific fisheries enforcement. Tonga Football Pathway: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win over Tonga, with David Tita scoring a hat-trick, while Tonga’s next match is set against the Cook Islands. Pacific Tsunami Alerts: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Tonga, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels. Cybercrime Push: Fiji hosted Pacific legal officers finalising a regional handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws, with Tonga among the countries involved.

Tonga Drug Crackdown: PM Lord Fakafanua says Tonga is on high alert after a surge in large-scale drug busts in Fiji, urging tougher regional cooperation and better preparedness as Tonga’s “proximity” makes it vulnerable. Pacific Cybersecurity Push: Fiji’s justice minister says Pacific countries are moving to strengthen cybercrime laws, with Tonga among legal experts meeting in Fiji to finalise a regional handbook for better digital-border protection. Tsunami Monitoring After Philippines Quake: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across much of the Pacific, including Tonga, with officials told to inform coastal communities and watch for hazardous ocean conditions. Water Security Upgrade: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water daily for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Land Court Ruling: Tonga’s Land Court found a lease over Kolofo’ou land was secured through forgery and fraud using a false power of attorney, involving family members. Football (OFC U-19): Papua New Guinea beat Tonga 4-0 in Rarotonga as the qualifiers continue, putting PNG in a strong position for the lone qualification spot.

Cybercrime & Justice: Legal experts from across the Blue Pacific met in Nadi, Fiji, to finalise a regional handbook to help countries strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with Tonga’s Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga saying it will protect “digital borders” and the rule of law. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for parts of the Pacific including Tonga, urging coastal agencies to inform communities and stay out of the water where conditions are hazardous. Outer-Island Water Security: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, easing long-running freshwater shortages. Land Court Update: Tonga’s Land Court found a lease over Kolofo’ou land was obtained through forgery and fraud using a false power of attorney, though it paused any final cancellation until other defendants are heard. Sports (OFC U-19): Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win over Tonga, with David Tita scoring a hat-trick. Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is set to resume budget deliberations on Tuesday, 9 June, following a Finance Committee review of the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates.

Tsunami Watch: Pacific emergency agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful 7.8 quake struck off Mindanao, with regional advisories issued for Tonga and other islands as waves are forecast to be under 0.3m above tide levels. Outer-Island Water Boost: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water a day for Hunga and Matamaka, easing long-running freshwater shortages. Road-to-Home Power Disruptions: Tonga Power Limited says a crash in ʻĀhau hit a power pole, causing a temporary outage across parts of Tongatapu, with most areas restored and remaining repairs expected within about three hours. Football (OFC U-19): Papua New Guinea opened their OFC U-19 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win over Tonga, with David Tita scoring a hat-trick as PNG moved closer to qualification. Politics (Te Tai Tonga): Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris is pressing Labour to explain why its Te Tai Tonga candidate was left off the party list, arguing it limits Māori representation. Sports (NRL): Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A faces a likely long spell after a suspected torn pectoral, while Tonga’s local fans also saw a busy weekend of domestic football and school competitions kick off.

Election Politics (NZ): Labour released its 2026 election list, with some big surprises including Greg O’Connor missing entirely after losing his electorate option, while foreign affairs spokeswoman Vanushi Walters surged to number 8 and education MP Willow-Jean Prime held at 7. OFC Football (Tonga focus): Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 qualifiers in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, powered by David Tita’s hat-trick, putting PNG one victory from the lone qualifying spot. Local Court (Tonga): Tonga’s Land Court rejected the Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta, saying the issues must be tested at trial. NRL (regional sport): Cronulla beat St George Illawarra 34-12 at Shark Park, while Wests Tigers were thrashed 68-0 by Penrith. Community Sport (Tonga): Tonga’s secondary schools football season kicked off, and the Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu.

Water Crisis Response: Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni region says illegal water connections and fast-growing informal settlements are behind ongoing supply disruptions, and it’s now using solar-powered boreholes as an interim fix while bulk water schemes for Tonga and surrounding areas move ahead. Land Court Ruling: Tonga’s Supreme Court ordered a brother and his family to vacate a Kolofo’ou town allotment in a long-running family land dispute over a house built without consent. Football—OFC U-19 Qualifiers: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifying stage with a 4-0 win over Tonga, with David Tita scoring three as PNG took an early edge in the race to qualify. Domestic Sport: Tonga’s 2026 Major League kicked off with Nukuhetulu taking on Veitongo, while secondary schools football also began with multiple boys’ and girls’ matches across age groups. Cycling for World Cycling Day: Tonga Cycling Federation held a 48km group ride across Tongatapu, promoting road safety and wider participation. Health & Safety Warning: A Pacific drug-trade warning flags meth traces in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” in the region, raising concerns about rising health risks.

Tonga Football: The Tonga Football Association Major League kicked off today with Nukuhetulu taking on Veitongo in an opening-round clash that set the tone for a competitive season. Secondary Schools Sport: The 2026 secondary schools football competition also began this week at Veitongo Soccer Field, with Under-16 and Under-18 boys and girls matches running across three fields. Cycling & Community: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu, backed by police support and focused on road safety and growing participation. OFC U-19 Qualifiers: Tonga is among the teams in the regional OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament, with Cook Islands hosting and Papua New Guinea joining—aiming for a spot at the main championship in Samoa. Land Court: The Land Court rejected Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim tied to Lease No. 5442 in Ma‘ufanga, ruling the issues must be examined at trial. Budget Watch: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit Tuesday, 9 June, to continue work on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, including a Finance and Public Accounts Committee report.

Storm & Tonga Rugby Watch: Storm confirm Eli Katoa won’t play this year, continuing recovery from serious head injuries after a Tonga Test collision, with a possible return to contact work targeted for 2027. Sports Courtroom: The Land Court rejects Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta, saying the dispute needs proper trial review over a Ma‘ufanga lease and when she was notified. Youth Football: OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying kicks off in Rarotonga with hosts Cook Islands joined by Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with finalists earning FIFA U-20 World Cup spots. Pacific Schools Rugby League: Tonga Junior Girls dominate Ratu Latianara College 36-0, while Ba Methodist beat Tonga Junior Boys 28-14 in the Pacific Schools Rugby League Championship. Tonga in Sport: Team Tonga returns from the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin with 38 medals (10 gold, 14 silver, 14 bronze) and new national records. Community & Health: A new report warns “warning signs” of drugs and related health risks are showing up in Tonga via wastewater, echoing the regional crisis seen in Fiji.