AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past, blaming limited monitoring capacity as Tonga rolls out new maritime tracking to strengthen surveillance of its EEZ. Child Poverty: A new Tonga and UNICEF report finds one in four children in Tonga are living in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Rugby Futures: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back the Kanaloa bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making and pathways must be protected as NZ Rugby weighs options. Moana Pasifika Deadline: The Players Association warns the franchise is “approaching D-Day” with liquidation pressures and a need for a firm decision within weeks to keep a 2027 pathway on track. Regional Diplomacy: Tonga’s PM joins Samoa’s Independence Day celebrations, with Tonga Police Band performances and renewed ties highlighted. Pacific Voyaging: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will delay departure from Aotearoa until the third week of August due to El Niño conditions. Sports Spotlight: Tonga names its first ‘Ikale Tahi squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup, kicking off in July.

Pacific Rugby Politics: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals. Government & Social Policy: Tonga and UNICEF report shows one in four Tongan children (25.3%) live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest, pushing calls for stronger safeguards. Sports—Tonga on the world stage: Tonga has named its first ‘Ikale Tahi squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup, with Nations Cup matches running across July and November as teams build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Regional Aviation: Papua New Guinea is elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office Council, with Tonga’s Dr Vinolia K Salesi and the Cook Islands’ John Hosking as deputy chairs. Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism Office released 2024 International Visitor Survey findings, including Niue’s key visitor markets and age profile. Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s Moananuiākea voyage is delayed again due to El Niño conditions affecting sailing routes. Youth Football: PNG U-19 men’s team departs for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands, with Tonga and hosts also chasing the lone qualification spot.

World Rugby Nations Cup (Tonga): Dragons trio Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi and new signing Anzelo Tuitavuki have been named in Tonga’s squad for the July and November Nations Cup, with coach Tevita Tuifua saying the tournament will help build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Tonga open against Zimbabwe before matches vs Spain and Portugal. Pacific media push: The 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference is under way in Port Moresby, with NBC and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union focusing on resilient storytelling, safety in journalism and regional newsroom collaboration. Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to explore all options to keep Moana Pasifika financially sustainable after liquidation steps, with discussions involving NZ Rugby and stakeholders following the franchise’s uncertain future. Tonga child poverty report: A new Tonga and UNICEF report finds 1 in 4 Tongan children live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Fuel squeeze in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has restricted power use and borrowed diesel from a police patrol boat after its supply ran out, as regional fuel prices keep rising.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to start talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders to find a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika after shareholders moved the franchise toward liquidation, with Peters stressing the team matters to Samoa and Tonga as well as Pacific rugby fans. Pacific rugby voices: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals. Child poverty in Tonga: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds one in four Tongan children live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest, pushing calls for stronger social safeguards. Tonga undersea connectivity: Tonga has completed a second international subsea cable, boosting digital resilience and regional connectivity. Regional aviation leadership: The Pacific Aviation Safety Office has elected PNG’s Benedict Oraka as chair, with Tonga’s Dr Vinolia K Salesi and the Cook Islands’ John Hosking re-elected as deputy chairs. Fuel pressure in the Pacific: Fuel prices continue rising across the region, with Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands rationing power and borrowing diesel from a police patrol boat. Climate and voyaging updates: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are adjusting Moananuiākea voyage plans due to a developing El Niño pattern, with a revised departure and route aimed at safer conditions.

Child Poverty in Tonga: A new Tonga-UNICEF report says 25.3% of children in Tonga live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest children and rural areas hit hardest. Road Safety & DUI Crackdown: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI operation; in May, 248 of 3,147 drivers tested positive for alcohol. Fuel Prices Rise: New retail prices take effect today: petrol up to $4.15/litre, kerosene to $4.30, and diesel to $5.05. Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand has stepped in to explore options to keep Moana Pasifika alive after liquidation, with Winston Peters saying officials are in talks with NZ Rugby and stakeholders. Moananuiākea Voyage Adjusted: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will change sailing plans due to an El Niño-linked forecast, with a revised route targeting Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Regional Aviation: PASO elected PNG’s Benedict Oraka as council chair for the next 12 months, with Tonga’s Vinolia Salesi and Cook Islands’ John Hosking re-elected as deputy chairs. Governance Update: Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū was acquitted by the Supreme Court in an election bribery case.

Child Poverty in Tonga: A new Government of Tonga and UNICEF report says 25.3% of children are living in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest children and rural areas hit hardest as families miss out on nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and secure housing. Supreme Court Update: Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū has been acquitted by the Supreme Court in an election bribery case, clearing him of allegations brought by political rival ʻEtuate Lavulavu. Road Safety Crackdown: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI enforcement operation, with May results showing 248 positive alcohol readings out of 3,147 drivers tested. Fuel Prices: Petrol, kerosene and diesel prices have increased for Tongatapu and the outer islands, effective 1 June. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June. Regional Aviation: Tonga’s Dr Vinolia K. Salesi was re-elected as a deputy chair as PASO elected Papua New Guinea’s Benedict Oraka as chair, reinforcing regional aviation safety oversight. Climate and Voyaging: El Niño conditions are prompting the Polynesian Voyaging Society to adjust the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia voyage plans, including a route that will take them via Tonga and other islands.

Tonga governance: Tonga’s Supreme Court has ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully when it awarded multi-million paʻanga water tank and septic contracts without fair competition, including using a limited process that effectively pre-selected a supplier and failing to publish award details. Tonga connectivity: Tonga has completed a second international undersea cable, boosting digital resilience and strengthening links for the country. Outer-island air access: Lulutai Airlines says its priority is reliable, affordable domestic flights for Tonga’s outer islands, with fuel and safety planning front and centre. Volcano climate science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption suggests volcanic chemistry may have destroyed large amounts of methane, offering a possible clue for tackling global warming. Community sport: Tonga’s 2026 community volleyball tournament continues, with men’s and women’s matches drawing strong local support. Regional security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking and other cross-border threats. USP graduation: More than 200 students (161 women) graduated at USP’s Samoa campus ceremony, with King Tupou VI presiding.

Court Watch: Tonga’s Supreme Court says MEIDECC acted unlawfully when it awarded multi-million paʻanga water tank and septic contracts without fair competition, including using a limited process that invited only one supplier and failing to publish the award properly. Public Safety: A car crash in Tonga snapped a roadside power pole and strained overhead lines, raising fears of outages and hazards while repairs are likely needed. Regional Security: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs moving through regional waters, warning the ocean is being used for storage and transhipment. Diplomacy & Culture: Fakafanua arrives in Samoa for the 64th Independence Anniversary with a Guard of Honour welcome, as Tonga and Samoa mark shared history. Science & Climate: Research linked to Tonga’s 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption suggests volcanic chemistry may have accelerated methane cleanup, offering a possible new angle on tackling planet-heating gas. Community Sport: Tonga’s 2026 Community Volleyball Tournament continues with strong crowds and close matches, including Vaotu’u edging Holonga in a deciding set.

Community Sport: Tonga’s 2026 Community Volleyball Tournament roared on at Atele Indoor Stadium, with Vaotu’u edging Holonga 15-13 in a tight men’s deciding set, while Talafo’ou and Sazzy Girls delivered a lively women’s clash as families packed the stands. Regional Security: PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are stepping up cooperation to tackle illicit drugs, warning the region is shifting from a transit route to a storage and transhipment hub. Diplomacy & Ceremonies: Fakafanua arrived in Samoa for the 64th Independence Anniversary, welcomed with a Guard of Honour, as dignitaries—including Tonga’s King Tupou VI—gather for the milestone. Family & Culture: In Auckland, Tongan elders were honoured as “Vaasi Koula” during the Month of the Family, celebrating the elderly as the “golden vase” of society. Health Snapshot: New data highlights Tonga’s very high adult obesity rate (about 60%), placing it among the highest globally. Connectivity Boost: Australia and New Zealand marked completion of Tonga’s second international undersea cable branch system, strengthening digital resilience for communities and businesses. Cost of Living: Tonga’s regulated fuel prices stay above TOP$4 per litre from 1 June, with remote islands facing even higher petrol and diesel costs.

Tonga Connectivity Boost: Australia and New Zealand backed Tonga’s second international undersea cable, completing the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System to improve reliability and disaster resilience for communities and businesses. Fuel Costs: Tonga’s regulated fuel prices rise from Monday 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu and up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas, pushing transport and household costs higher. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters heads to Samoa for Independence talks, with the fuel crisis, aid and regional security on the agenda. Pacific Security Watch: The Quad plans Fiji port infrastructure, a move some Pacific voices see as another big-power decision made without island representation. Samoa Independence Readiness: Samoa says 400 police officers will cover Independence events, with emergency services on standby. Local Sport & Youth: Tonga Table Tennis Federation runs a beginner festival for Government Middle School students in Nuku’alofa to build skills and confidence. Moana Pasifika Scrutiny: RNZ reports on the business case behind Moana Pasifika’s troubled model, adding fresh pressure ahead of its final Super Rugby match.

Digital Resilience: Tonga marked the completion of its second international undersea cable, the 405km Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, with leaders from Tonga, Australia and New Zealand in Vava’u; the project is jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand and aims to boost internet capacity and cut outage risks during disasters. Regional Diplomacy: Tonga’s King Tupou VI is already in Samoa for USP Samoa Campus graduation, where the Head of State hosted a luncheon in his honour, while New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to visit Samoa for Independence talks including fuel crisis and regional security. Independence Security (Samoa): Samoa has announced nearly 400 police officers for Independence Week events, with emergency services on standby as festivities kick off. Pacific Economy: The Pacific Business Brief reports ADB fuel relief planning for Pacific countries, alongside critical minerals diplomacy and fallout at a publicly funded trust. Sports (Tonga): Tonga Football Association’s Just Play programme won Best Messaging Award at the TeamUp meeting in Fiji, recognising sport-based inclusion and gender equality work.

Undersea Connectivity Boost: Tonga’s second international undersea fibre optic cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—now commissioned and named Tu‘i Vava‘u—has been completed with funding from Australia and New Zealand, aiming to improve reliability and capacity and cut outage risks seen in 2019 and 2022. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn is confirmed to attend Samoa’s 64th Independence celebrations, including the opening of a new $27M Parliament building funded by Australia. Public Safety: Tonga Police report 19 arrests during a recent DUI alcohol operation, warning drink-driving remains a serious threat to road safety. Sports for Development: Tonga Football Association’s Just Play programme has won the Best Messaging Award at Fiji’s TeamUp meeting, recognising its inclusion and education work through sport. Education & Sport: Government Middle Schools in Tongatapu took part in a table tennis festival at Queen Salote Memorial Hall, with drills and games focused on confidence, coordination and teamwork. Media Standards Push: The Media Association of Tonga is seeking a stronger Media Complaints Council and a code of ethics after meeting Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua.

Undersea Connectivity Boost: Tonga officially names and commissions its second international undersea fibre cable, “Tu‘i Vava‘u”, to strengthen reliability, capacity and disaster resilience for communities and businesses. Local Governance & Media Standards: The Media Association of Tonga (MAT) meets the Prime Minister to push for a Media Complaints Council, a code of ethics and stronger press conference rules. Public Safety: Tonga Police confirm 19 arrests in a nationwide DUI alcohol operation, warning drink-driving remains a serious road-safety risk. Education & Regional Leadership: The University of the South Pacific (USP) Council holds its 101st meeting in Nuku‘alofa, adopting audited 2025 accounts and reviewing the 2026 outlook amid rising costs and student affordability pressures. Sport With a Purpose: Tonga Football Association’s Just Play programme wins Best Messaging Award at Fiji’s TeamUp meeting, recognising inclusion-focused storytelling through sport. Tonga Youth Pathway: A new American football programme at Tonga High School is creating a structured route for young athletes to pursue education and opportunities in the United States. Earthquake Update: A 5.4-magnitude quake hits the Tonga Islands region, reported by GFZ.

Undersea Connectivity: Tonga officially names and commissions its second international undersea fibre optic cable, “Tu‘i Vava‘u,” a 405-kilometre link jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand to boost capacity, reliability and disaster resilience after past outages. Road Safety: Tonga Police report 19 arrests in a nationwide DUI alcohol operation, warning drink-driving endangers lives and saying enforcement will continue. Local Governance & Media: The Media Association of Tonga pushes for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting the Prime Minister, including a possible code of ethics and press conference monitoring. Parliament Watch: Fresh concerns over MPs’ overseas travel allowances have resurfaced, with Speaker Lord Vaea raising issues about ministers missing their oath. Sports Pathways: A new American football programme is opening a US pathway for about 15 Tongan youth via training at Tonga High School. Weather: A tornado hit Haʻafeva in Ha’apai, causing minor roof and tree damage, with no injuries reported.

Undersea Cables: Australia and New Zealand have officially completed Tonga’s second international cable link, the 405-kilometre Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—aimed at boosting reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past network disruptions. Media Accountability: The Tonga Media Association is pushing for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, including ideas like a code of ethics and monitoring during press conferences. Politics & Trust: Fresh concerns over overseas travel allowances are again in the spotlight, with Speaker Lord Vaea raising questions about MPs’ travel and renewed public unease over earlier claims of large travel-related payments. Sports Spotlight: In rugby league, Tonga’s Addin Fonua-Blake and Tolu Koula are set for State of Origin Game I debuts for NSW tonight, as the Origin series kicks off in Sydney. Weather Watch: A 5.4 quake hit the Tonga Islands region, and a tornado earlier struck Haʻafeva in Ha’apai, causing minor damage but no reported injuries.

NRL & Origin fallout: Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes is sidelined with a calf injury, forcing a reshuffle in Cronulla’s halves for Round 13, while the wider Origin hangover keeps clubs cautious as more injury updates loom. Cowboys raid: North Queensland has confirmed double signings from the Sharks—Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa—locking in two-year deals that reshape the backline for 2027–28. Royal spotlight: King Tupou VI arrives in Samoa this Wednesday for the USP Alafua campus graduation, with no other engagements announced yet. Weather watch: A tornado hit Haʻafeva in Tonga’s Ha’apai group around 9am, causing minor roof and tree damage; no injuries reported. Pacific security & fishing: Australia’s ADF backed Cook Islands and Tonga in anti-illegal fishing operations tied to Operation Tui Moana, while New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the region can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime. Connectivity: Tonga’s second international undersea cable branch system is complete, boosting reliability and disaster resilience. Health: The Cook Islands is dengue-free again, but Tonga’s cases have reached 66.