AGP Executive Report

Storm Update: Tonga superstar Eli Katoa will not play for the Melbourne Storm again this year, with the club saying he’s still working with specialists and neurosurgeons after a serious head injury, while winger Xavier Coates’ Achilles rupture rules him out for all of 2026. OFC Football: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament kicks off in Rarotonga this weekend with hosts Cook Islands joined by Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with finalists earning spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Pacific Schools Rugby League: Tonga’s junior girls sent a statement at the Pacific Schools Rugby League Championship, thrashing Ratu Latianara College 36-0, while Ba Methodist dominated the Tonga junior boys 28-14. Tonga in Sports News: Tonga’s athletics team returned from the Oceania Championships in Darwin with 38 medals, including 10 gold, plus new national records. Local Governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will convene Tuesday 9 June to continue work on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, including a Finance and Public Accounts Committee review. Community & Health: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting urged practical action as rising fuel costs, supply pressures, conflict impacts and climate effects hit women and vulnerable communities hardest.

Tonga Budget Watch: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit Tuesday, 9 June, to continue work on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates, with MPs set to receive the Finance and Public Accounts Committee’s review of the 2026 Budget after a briefing workshop supported by UNDP and New Zealand. Tonga Sports Success: Tonga returned from the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin with 38 medals (10 gold, 14 silver, 14 bronze), plus new national records in the 400m hurdles and mixed 4x400m relay. Youth Rugby League: Tonga’s Under-18 secondary schools rugby league teams are gearing up for the Pacific Secondary Schools Championship, aiming to build teamwork and elite experience ahead of tomorrow’s kick-off. Pacific Health & Drugs Warning: A Lowy Institute expert says “warning signs” of illicit drug spread are showing across the region, including meth traces in Tonga wastewater, alongside rising HIV and TB concerns in nearby island states. Climate & Voyaging: Polynesian navigators are adjusting the Moananuiākea voyage plan due to El Niño and storm risks, delaying departure and reshaping stops across Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Moana Pasifika Update: A decision on Moana Pasifika’s future is expected within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led discussions explore returning the licence to regional rugby pathways.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: A decision on the troubled Super Rugby franchise could come within weeks as New Zealand Rugby Players Association discussions continue on a new Samoa and Tonga-led plan after liquidation and debts of more than $8 million. Pacific Women & Rising Costs: Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders urged action over policy as fuel prices, conflict and climate impacts push up costs, hitting women, youth, children and people with disabilities hardest. Fuel Pressure Across the Region: A Pacific Business Brief reports diesel and petrol caps and “amber alert” measures as energy costs keep climbing, with Tonga’s central bank warning of double-digit inflation risk tied to fuel. Climate Displacement Push: Leaders called on New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters between 2010 and 2021. Tonga Maritime Monitoring: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga undetected due to limited monitoring, as new tracking tech rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Volcano Methane Clue: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption suggests a natural process may have helped destroy some methane, offering a potential pathway for future climate solutions.

NRL Round 14: The first full round of fixtures in three weeks kicks off with Manly hosting South Sydney, followed by the Roosters in Canberra, Queensland derbies (Cowboys vs Dolphins; Broncos vs Titans), Sharks vs Dragons, and Bulldogs vs Eels on the King’s Birthday holiday. Moananuiākea Voyage: Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the sail plan as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised departure now targeted for late August from Aotearoa and stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Climate & Tonga volcano science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the ash cloud helped destroy some methane in the stratosphere—fuel for climate-fighting ideas. Pacific connectivity risk: A new study flags that subsea cable faults affecting small island nations cluster near coastlines, putting communications, banking and emergency services at particular risk. Moana Pasifika lifeline: A decision on the franchise could come within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led plans gain traction to return the licence to Pacific pathways. Tonga-China health ties: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signs a new MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation. Maritime monitoring: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga undetected in the past, as new tracking tech rolls out to strengthen EEZ surveillance.

Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past, as new maritime tracking tech rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the kingdom’s EEZ. Health Diplomacy: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signs an MOU with Hong Kong-based GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation, following recent Chinese medical support at Vaiola Hospital. Pacific Rugby Power Play: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders back the Kanaloa consortium’s 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 Rugby Players Association warns the franchise is “approaching D-Day,” with a need for quick commitments on players, coaches and sponsors to keep a 2027 plan alive. Child Poverty Watch: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds 25.3% of children face multiple deprivations, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Fulbright Spotlight: Māori scholar Luke Rowe wins a 2026 Fulbright–Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga award for research linking sport, mental health and indigenous wellbeing. Scam Alert: A Tongan woman in the US is seeking help after paying $300 for a kiekie that was never delivered, with a Facebook account allegedly involved. Regional Climate Resilience: FAO supports Samoa and Fiji with a forestry training exchange on sustainable teak and pine production to help build climate resilience.

Tonga Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have slipped into Tonga’s waters in the past due to limited monitoring, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the kingdom’s EEZ. Tonga Courts: Deputy PM Viliami Latu has been acquitted in an electoral bribery case, though the Supreme Court’s written grounds are still pending. Child Poverty in Tonga: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds one in four children in Tonga live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Moana Pasifika Lifeline: The Rugby Players Association warns Moana Pasifika is “approaching D-Day” as liquidation follows a 21-19 win over the Brumbies, with a push for a fast resolution on the franchise’s future. Pacific Rugby Power Play: Tonga and Cook Islands leaders back the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby must be shaped by Pacific voices. Regional Welfare Concern: Fiji is urging PALM scheme workers not to disengage after a viral case of Pacific workers living rough under a Sydney bridge. Sports Spotlight: Tonga has named its first ‘Ikale Tahi squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup, with Dragons players Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi and Anzelo Tuitavuki included.

Pacific Rugby Power Play: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific rugby’s future should be shaped by Pacific voices as New Zealand Rugby weighs competing proposals ahead of the franchise’s 2026 exit. Diplomacy Watch: An editorial says Israel’s new embassy in Fiji is about strengthening ties with “friends” in the Pacific, pointing to Pacific votes in major UN debates. Child Poverty in Focus: Tonga and UNICEF report 25.3% of children in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest, pushing calls for stronger social safeguards. Regional Sports: PNG’s U-19 men’s team has departed for OFC qualifiers in the Cook Islands, with Tonga and hosts also chasing the sole spot. Aviation Governance: Papua New Guinea has been elected chair of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office Council, with Tonga’s Dr Vinolia K Salesi named deputy chair. Touring Update: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s Moananuiākea voyage is delayed again due to El Niño conditions.

Tonga Rugby: Dragons trio Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi and new signing Anzelo Tuitavuki have been named in Tonga’s squad for the World Rugby Nations Cup, with Tonga set to face Zimbabwe, Spain and Portugal as they build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Pacific Media: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on “Resilient Voices” and how Pacific broadcasters can strengthen storytelling and newsroom safety. Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials have been told to start talks with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders to find a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika after liquidation steps—while a separate bid explores relocating the franchise to Hawaii. Child Poverty in Tonga: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds 25.3% of Tongan children live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. NRL (Tongan interest): Manly’s Tolutau Koula is set to return for Thursday’s clash after clearing concussion protocols, while the NRL Round 14 team lists bring more movement across the competition.

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 the Super Rugby franchise after it was put into liquidation. Peters met Samoa and Tonga leaders and stressed it would be “seriously regrettable” if the team can’t play on. 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 should be shaped by Pacific voices. Tonga Child Poverty: A new Tonga and UNICEF report says 1 in 4 Tongan children live in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children hit hardest. Tonga Hardship Loan Delays: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says $30m in hardship support and subsidised loans is stuck by processing delays, stricter eligibility, heavy documentation, and affordability checks. Regional Media Resilience: PNG hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference focused on protecting Pacific journalism from misinformation and digital disruption. Tonga Rugby Squad Named: Fiji and Tonga have named July international squads, with some Moana Pasifika players reportedly unavailable due to NZ Rugby interest and injuries.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand foreign affairs minister Winston Peters says NZ is exploring “all possible options” to keep Moana Pasifika alive after the franchise was placed into liquidation, with officials told to begin talks with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders; Peters met Samoa and Tonga leaders and called it “seriously regrettable” if the club can’t play future Super Rugby seasons. Child poverty in Tonga: A new Tonga–UNICEF report finds 25.3% of children in Tonga live in multidimensional poverty, with rural children and the youngest age groups most affected. Road safety crackdown: Tonga Police arrested 27 people in a DUI operation; in May, 248 of 3,147 drivers tested positive for alcohol. Fuel prices rise: Petrol, kerosene and diesel prices increased for Tongatapu and outer islands from 1 June. El Niño voyage changes: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea voyage due to developing El Niño conditions, with plans to depart Aotearoa in late August and reach Fiji mid-October. Pacific honours and diplomacy: Two Tongans were recognised in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours, while Peters also shared updates on regional support during Samoa’s Independence Day.

Child Poverty in Tonga: A new Tonga-UNICEF report says 25.3% of children in Tonga live in multidimensional poverty, with gaps across nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and housing. Supreme Court Update: Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū has been acquitted by the Supreme Court in an election bribery case. Fuel Prices: Petrol, kerosene and diesel prices rise for Tongatapu and the outer islands from today, with petrol up to $4.15/litre. Weather & Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia route due to El Niño-linked conditions, including a higher risk of cyclones. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Tonga, Samoa and Tokelau leaders in Samoa, discussing fuel costs and Moana Pasifika’s future. Honours in Aotearoa: Two Tongans were recognised in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours for language education and community leadership. Connectivity: Tonga and partners complete a second international undersea cable link, boosting digital resilience.

Tonga Governance: Tonga’s Supreme Court has ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, saying it breached procurement rules by using limited bidding that effectively pre-selected a supplier and failed to publish required contract award details. Tonga Appointments: The Public Service Commission has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as Tonga’s new Ministry of Tourism CEO, starting 15 June 2026, after an open recruitment process. Pacific Regional Security: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are stepping up cooperation to stop illicit drugs moving through regional waters, warning the Pacific is increasingly used as a storage and transhipment hub. Climate Science (Tonga link): New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption suggests volcanic chemistry may have destroyed methane at unusually large scale, offering a possible natural clue for tackling warming. Community & Education: More than 200 graduates (161 women) were conferred degrees at USP’s Samoa graduation, with King Tupou VI presiding. Sports (Tonga interest): In NRL, the Dragons ended a historic losing streak with a 30-26 upset over Brisbane; in Super Netball, Tongan shooter Uneeq Palavi starred for Melbourne Mavericks.

Regional Security: Tonga PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs moving through regional waters, warning the Pacific is shifting from transit to a hub for storage and transhipment. Diplomacy & Ceremonies: Fakafanua arrived in Samoa for the 64th Independence Anniversary, welcomed with a guard of honour, as leaders also prepare to discuss regional security and shared priorities. Community & Culture: In Auckland, Tongan communities honoured elders as “Vaasi Koula” during the Month of the Family, celebrating the elderly as the “golden vase” foundation of society. Sports (Tonga in the spotlight): Tongan netballer Uneeq Palavi helped Melbourne Mavericks beat Fever 60-57 in a Super Netball thriller, while Tonga volleyball teams battled in the 2026 Community Volleyball Tournament. Science & Climate: Research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the blast may have revealed a way to break down methane, a key planet-heating gas.

Community Sport: Families packed Atele Indoor Stadium for the 2026 Community Volleyball Tournament’s third round, with Vaotu’u edging Holonga 15-13 in a tight men’s deciding set, while Talafo’ou and Sazzy Girls delivered an entertaining women’s clash. Regional Security: PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are tightening cooperation to stop illicit drugs moving through the region’s oceans, warning syndicates are increasingly using the Pacific as a hub for storage and transhipment. Diplomacy & Ceremonies: Fakafanua arrived in Samoa for the 64th Independence Anniversary, welcomed with a Guard of Honour, underscoring close Tonga–Samoa ties. Community & Culture: In Auckland, Tonga’s Month of the Family celebrations honoured elders as “Vaasi Koula” (“golden vases”), recognising the elderly as the foundation of family life. Tonga in the spotlight (sport): Addin Fonua-Blake hit back at Origin criticism after a low-impact first stint, saying he hopes to play alongside returning Payne Haas in Origin II. Cost of living: Tonga’s fuel prices stay above TOP$4 from 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu and up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas.

Tonga Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand have backed Tonga’s second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, boosting faster, more reliable links and strengthening disaster resilience. Fuel Costs: Tonga’s retail fuel prices will stay above TOP$4 per litre from Monday 1 June, with petrol at TOP$4.15 on Tongatapu and up to TOP$5.05 in the Niuas, adding pressure to household budgets and transport. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to visit Samoa for Independence talks, with the fuel crisis and regional security on the agenda. Pacific Security & Influence: The Quad is moving to build a Fiji port, raising fresh questions about great-power competition in the Pacific. Moana Pasifika Future: Super Rugby’s Moana Pasifika face their swansong match as funding ends at season’s end, with coach Tana Umaga urging pride and a strong finish. Local Safety: A newly installed roadside barrier near Nuku’alofa’s Royal Palace has been damaged again after another crash, despite recent safety upgrades.

Tonga Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to complete the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, Tonga’s second international undersea cable, aimed at boosting reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past network disruptions. Regional Diplomacy: Tonga’s King Tupou VI is in Samoa for USP-related events, including a King-hosted USP Samoa Campus graduation, while New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to visit Samoa for Independence celebrations and discuss the fuel crisis and regional security. Samoa Independence Security: Samoa plans a major Independence Week with 400 police officers on duty and emergency services on standby as festivities kick off with Independence Games. Local Safety Update: In Nuku’alofa, a newly installed roadside barrier near the Royal Palace fence was damaged again in another crash, raising questions about repeated traffic impacts on the same stretch. Sports (Tonga-linked): Moana Pasifika’s final Super Rugby match looms as the club faces an uncertain future after funding ends, while Tonga’s Just Play programme won a Best Messaging Award at a Pacific sports-for-development meeting in Fiji.