AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Update: A 5.1-magnitude quake struck 89 km northeast of Hihifo, Tonga, according to the USGS, with a depth of 10 km. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Reports say Australia and Fiji’s new defence push is part of a wider Pacific “knife fight” as China’s missile tests raise regional alarm, with Tonga and other leaders calling for vigilance and peace. Tonga in Sports Spotlight: Daniel Tupou made history with a hat-trick in his 300th NRL game, with Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua and Tonga Princess Latufuipeka Tuku’aho in attendance at Allianz Stadium. Tonga at the Commonwealth Games: World bowls champion Milika “Millie” Nathan will represent Tonga at Glasgow 2026 alongside her brother Chad. Community & Culture: Friends of Tonga partnered with a local civil group to host former NFL star Haloti Ngata for a hands-on cultural and environmental exchange. Science Curiosity: Researchers report finding 73 likely previously unknown submarine volcanic calderas across the ocean floor.

Pacific Security: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua says Tonga will back a Pacific leaders’ joint statement over China’s long-range ballistic missile test, stressing a shared “Ocean of Peace” vision after the launch drew strong regional criticism. Rugby League Investment: Tonga is “daring to dream” with a AU$250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership that will fund school programs, violence prevention and a high-performance push, plus possible NRL/NRLW matches in the Pacific. Tonga at Commonwealth Games: World bowls champion Milika “Millie” Nathan will represent Tonga at Glasgow 2026 alongside her brother Chad. Tuna Crackdown: Pacific fisheries agencies in Solomon Islands are running sting operations to curb illegal fishing, targeting vessels that misreport catch. Cyclone Season Alert: SPREP urges Pacific communities to stay vigilant and follow daily forecasts as the cyclone season continues. Power Recovery (Regional): Guam’s power authority reports most feeders restored after a major storm, with crews continuing repairs and returning for remaining pockets. Sports (Tonga-linked): Richie Mo’unga says Tonga approached him about switching nations, but he remains focused on the All Blacks.

Pacific Security: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua joined regional leaders condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, saying it has “created tension” and that Tonga supports the Pacific family stance against militarising the ocean. Pacific Rugby League: Tonga is set to benefit from a AU$250 million, 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership signed in Brisbane, with plans to upgrade Nuku’alofa’s Teufaiva Stadium, build a high-performance centre, fund school rugby league and youth/violence-prevention programs, and open the door for NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Tuna Crackdown: Pacific fisheries agencies are running coordinated operations to curb illegal fishing, using surveillance and checks on catch and declared logs to target vessels operating outside normal patterns. Tonga Sports & Community: Christina Tukuafu won three gold medals at Coast 2 Coast, while Tonga’s public-sector volleyball competition crowned the Ministry of Education and Training as champions in both men’s and women’s divisions. Local Safety: A kidnapped man was rescued unharmed and a suspected hijacked vehicle recovered after rapid police action in Tonga.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says the AU$250m, 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership will help build school rugby league, violence prevention and youth programs, with Tonga’s top priorities including upgrading Nuku’alofa’s Teufaiva Stadium and creating a high-performance centre. Regional Security: Tonga joins Pacific leaders condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with Fakafanua saying it “caused a bit of a stir” and that Tonga supports the Pacific family stance against militarising the ocean. Tonga Sports: Tonga’s women reached the Oceania Tennis Cup semi-finals in Tahiti after an unbeaten group run, while the men missed out after a narrow loss to Tuvalu and injuries affected their doubles hopes. Hydro-met Recognition: Nominations are open for the Pacific Meteorological Council Awards 2026, to be held in Tonga in September. Public Safety: A kidnapped man was rescued unharmed and a suspected hijacked vehicle recovered in Tonga after rapid police action. Climate Finance: Tonga received another climate insurance payout to support drought preparedness in the Niuas.

Tonga Environment & Youth Exchange: Super Bowl champion Haloti Ngata and family joined a community-led cultural and environmental exchange in Tonga, helping plant 60 mangrove seedlings and propagate 700 more as part of local reforestation and marine conservation work coordinated with Tonga youth and citizen science groups. Pacific Security: New Zealand is weighing whether it can afford to join Australia and Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace Alliance,” as Pacific leaders push for a united response after China’s missile test in the region. Rugby League Boost for Tonga: Tonga signed onto a AU$250m, 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership with Australia, Samoa, Fiji and PNG, aiming to grow grassroots programs, pathways, and even explore NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Rugby World Cup Horizon: World Rugby confirmed the next four Rugby World Cups’ hosts: Australia (2027 men, 2029 women) and the USA (2031 men, 2033 women). Science from Tonga Waters: Scientists filmed rare goblin sharks alive near the Tonga Trench, expanding the species’ known Pacific range and pushing its depth record deeper.

Pacific Security: Pacific leaders are preparing a strong joint statement condemning China’s submarine-launched missile test, with Australia pushing for a united regional message while Tonga, Samoa and PNG weigh how to respond. Rugby League Partnership: Tonga has signed onto an AU$250m, 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership with Australia, Samoa, Fiji and PNG, funding grassroots and youth programs and promising opportunities for NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. World Cup Boost: Bank South Pacific (BSP) has been confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, backing regional pride and community engagement ahead of the Oct 15 kickoff. Science & Tonga: Researchers report 73 previously unknown underwater volcanic calderas, and separate reporting revisits how a Tonga underwater eruption cut the island’s international internet cable. Community Watch: A Rotorua Tongan community group says ongoing rubbish dumping at a rented hall is harming volunteers and sending the wrong message to youth. Sports Spotlight: Josiah Maama, a proud Tongan from Glen Innes, has landed a coaching role connected to the NBA Summer League.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Australia has signed a A$250m (NZ$303.64m) Pacific Rugby League Partnership with Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG, aiming to grow grassroots rugby league, add school programs, expand youth and violence-prevention work, and “identify opportunities” for NRL and NRLW matches to be played in the Pacific over 10 years. Regional Security Talks: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is hosting Tonga’s Lord Fakafanua, Samoa’s Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and PNG’s James Marape in Brisbane for security and economic talks, with leaders pushing a “very strong” joint statement condemning China’s recent submarine-launched missile test. Tonga in Sport: Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi opened the World Rugby Nations Cup with a 36-26 win over Zimbabwe in Denver, with the forward pack driving late as they set up their next match against Spain. Nuclear Test Ban: Tonga ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, completing universalisation across the Pacific region. Tonga Connectivity Shock: A 2022 underwater volcanic eruption severed Tonga’s international internet cable, leaving the country effectively cut off for a period and forcing a return to older ways of keeping records.

Pacific Security: Tonga and other Pacific leaders are weighing a “very strong” joint statement condemning China’s submarine-launched missile test, after Tuvalu called it a grave threat to the nuclear-free Pacific and warned superpowers against using the region for military trials. Defence Diplomacy: Australia’s mutual defence treaty with Papua New Guinea (Pukpuk) has come into force, with leaders also meeting Tonga and Samoa ahead of the State of Origin decider—part of a wider push to deepen ties as China’s activity raises regional concern. Tonga Governance & Safety: Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho launched Tonga’s first national child protection policy, Mataʻikoloa, aiming to strengthen systems and coordination to prevent abuse. Nuclear Ban Milestone: Tonga ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), completing universalisation across the Pacific region. Sport & Community: Australia unveiled a $250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership with Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG, including school programs, youth and violence-prevention work, and a plan to identify opportunities for NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific. Local Environment: Super Bowl champion Haloti Ngata joined Tonga volunteers to plant mangroves and support sustainable farming training to boost climate resilience. Tech Disruption: Telstra’s nationwide outage was blamed on a software fault that reset a GPS time node, with investigations continuing.

Pacific Security: Australia and the Solomon Islands condemned China’s nuclear-capable missile test from a submarine in the Pacific, calling it provocative and destabilising, as Canberra pushes more Pacific treaties and leaders meet in Brisbane for the State of Origin decider. Tonga Diplomacy: Tonga ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at the UN in New York, completing CTBT universalisation in the Pacific and reinforcing the country’s nuclear-free stance. Regional Governance: Palau is gearing up to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, with Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua among leaders at Troika talks on climate resilience and the Blue Pacific agenda. Climate & Resilience: Tonga received a second parametric insurance payout (TOP$114,168) for Niua drought preparedness, while the Pacific faces extreme weather impacts from super typhoons to record cold. Economy: Tonga posted a T$185.5m trade deficit in Q1 2026, with imports far outpacing exports. Sports (Tonga-linked): Leigh may be without Tongan prop Joe Ofahengaue for weeks with a thigh/calf strain, and Tonga’s Lord Fakafanua is set to attend the Origin decider.

Pacific Security: Australia and the Solomon Islands condemned China’s submarine-launched, nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, calling it “provocative” and “destabilising” after Beijing provided little notice; leaders also pushed for deeper ties and a broader security treaty as regional governments weigh how to respond to rising military competition. Defence Deals: The missile test landed as Australia signed Fiji’s Ocean of Peace mutual defence alliance and economic Vuvale Union, with Canberra signalling more Pacific partners could join, including Tonga, while officials warn Beijing’s capability build-up is the real concern. Tonga Resilience: Tonga received a second PCRIC parametric insurance payout (TOP$114,168) to support drought preparedness in the Niua Islands. Tonga Economy: Tonga posted a T$185.5m trade deficit in Q1 2026, with imports far outpacing exports. Sport & Culture: Tonga’s Ikale Tahi opened the Nations Cup campaign with a win over Zimbabwe, and a Tongan artist collaboration is featured in a winter music roundup.

Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, a mutual defence pact plus the Vuvale Union economic-and-climate deal, as Canberra pushes to strengthen Pacific security ties and keep China’s influence in check. Nuclear Missile Shock: Hours after the Fiji-Australia signing, China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range missile with a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific, drawing condemnation from Australia and New Zealand and renewed alarm across the South Pacific. Tonga in the Sports Spotlight: Tonga featured in the Rugby Nations Cup opener, with the Sables’ campaign against Tonga ending 36-26, while the Rugby League World Cup countdown hit 100 days, with Tonga among the participating nations. Climate & Food Security: A University of the South Pacific researcher is developing climate-smart taro farming solutions for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, aiming to protect soil health and boost yields under harsher weather. Community & Culture: Tongan-Māori sisters in Aotearoa won a children’s music award for a bilingual Matariki waiata, helping young tamariki connect with Māori and Pacific traditions through song.

Australia–Fiji Defence Deal: In Suva, PM Anthony Albanese and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, a mutual defence pact that commits both countries to consult and act if a “common danger” threatens Pacific peace and stability, alongside the Vuvale Union economic and climate agreement with over A$1b in investment over 10 years. China Missile Test: Hours after the signing, China confirmed a nuclear-capable ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, drawing sharp criticism from Australia and concern from New Zealand, as regional leaders weigh what it means for the Pacific’s security. Tonga Connection: The new alliance is reported as potentially open to other Pacific states with militaries, including Tonga, while Tonga’s Prime Minister also met China’s envoy Qian Bo in Suva to discuss China–Tonga relations. Food Security Research: The University of the South Pacific says a researcher is developing climate-smart taro farming methods for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to protect soil health and yields as drought, flooding and saltwater intrusion intensify. Local Culture Spotlight: In New Zealand for Matariki, Tongan-Māori sisters won a children’s music award for a bilingual waiata teaching tamariki about hautapu traditions.

Pacific Diplomacy: China’s envoy Qian Bo met Tonga PM Fatafehi Fakafanua in Suva, with talks focused on China–Tonga ties and wider regional issues. Regional Security & Trade: Australia PM Anthony Albanese is set to sign Fiji’s Vuvale Union in Suva, then push a wider Pacific diplomacy blitz that includes meetings with Tonga and PNG leaders in Brisbane around State of Origin. Local Impact: Tonga’s Prime Minister is also in the spotlight as Australia’s Pacific push ramps up, with Tonga named for Brisbane talks tied to security and economic cooperation. Tonga in the News: Five soldiers were reported killed in an attack on an SSPDF base in Upper Nile, with attackers said to have fled toward Jonglei. Sport (Tonga): Tonga opened the Nations Cup in Denver with a 36-26 win over Zimbabwe’s Sables, after a dominant first half. World Rugby (Pasifika): All Blacks debutant Fehi Fineanganofo admitted he vomited at halftime before his France match appearance, as NZ edged 34-32.

Tonga Climate Resilience: Tonga received a TOP$114,168 parametric insurance payout from PCRIC to boost early drought preparedness in the Niuas after below-average May rainfall, with officials also discussing expanding coverage to key infrastructure like energy and communications. Nations Rugby — Tonga in the spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Sables were beaten 36-26 by Tonga in the Nations Cup opener in Denver, after a brutal first-half where Tonga scored five tries, then a stronger Sables second half that still fell short. All Blacks & Pasifika momentum: New Zealand edged France 34-32 in Christchurch to start the David Rennie era, with Pasifika connections front and centre and debutant Fehi Fineanganofo describing nerves so intense he vomited at halftime. World Rugby rankings shake-up: After the Nations Championship opening weekend, South Africa stayed top, New Zealand held second, and Scotland jumped to fifth, moving above England and Argentina. Regional security talks: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to travel to Fiji and the Solomon Islands as momentum builds for a wider South Pacific regional security agreement. Samoa rugby preparations: Samoa’s Cabinet approved renovations for Apia Park ahead of international fixtures, including Moana Pasifika’s match against the Queensland Reds. Local culture & tourism: Miss Heilala 2026, Silia Matelau, was crowned in Nuku’alofa and will represent Tonga in the 2027 Miss Pacific Islands pageant.

Regional Security Talks: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua is set to join Pacific leaders’ push for a wider security deal, as Australia’s Anthony Albanese heads to Fiji and the Solomon Islands ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Climate Resilience for the Niuas: Tonga received a TOP$114,168 parametric insurance payout from PCRIC to speed up drought preparedness after below-average May rainfall, with officials also discussing expanding coverage for critical infrastructure. Drought Planning: Tonga’s agriculture authorities are urging farmers and households to prepare for dry months under El Niño, warning Ha’apai’s sandy soils and rainwater reliance make food security especially vulnerable. Communications Governance: Tonga officially launched the Communications Commission Tonga headquarters, with leaders stressing independent regulation for fair competition, consumer protection, and reliable connectivity. Sport—World Rugby Nations Cup: Tonga has named its match-day squad for the new Nations Cup, set to face Zimbabwe, as Fiji and Samoa also open their campaigns this weekend. Miss Heilala 2026: Silia Matelau was crowned Miss Heilala 2026, winning multiple judging categories and taking the role as Tonga’s tourism ambassador.

Climate Resilience for the Niuas: Tonga received a TOP$114,168 parametric insurance payout from PCRIC to speed up drought preparedness in the Niuas after below-average May rainfall, with officials also discussing expanding coverage to key infrastructure. Food Security Under El Niño: Tonga’s agriculture ministry is urging farmers and households to plan for dry months, warning sandy Ha’apai soils and rainwater dependence could hit crops like yam, taro, cassava and watermelon. Communications Governance: Tonga officially launched and commissioned the Communications Commission Tonga (CCT) headquarters, with leaders stressing independent regulation for fair competition, consumer protection and reliable digital services. Regional Leadership: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva to push governance reforms ahead of the Palau leaders’ summit, including progress on the Suva Agreement and regional architecture review. Tonga in the Spotlight: Tonga’s Crown Prince attended the CCT launch, while Miss Heilala 2026 crowned Silia Sitoafa Matelau, a US-born Tongan, as tourism ambassador for the Kingdom. Sport—Tonga on the World Stage: Fiji, Samoa and Tonga named squads for new World Rugby Nations competitions, with Tonga set to face Zimbabwe in the Nations Cup.