AGP Executive Report

Tongan Language Week: Tongan artist Folau has released the deeply personal single “Mamahi Moe Kona,” written and recorded in a single night after the passing of his grandparents, as the country marks 17–23 August and continues to celebrate Lea Faka Tonga in music. Pacific Climate Resilience: Fiji will lead an $11.8m Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project to restore ecosystems and build climate resilience across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati, with women, youth and people with disabilities central to nature-based solutions. Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, signing a Statement of Intent in Parliament and joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with a major focus on schools and youth pathways. Tonga in the spotlight at home: Tonga’s inflation hit 9.3% in July, driven by sharp rises in transport, housing and restaurant prices, adding fresh pressure on households. Tonga leadership: Tonga has sworn in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—as the Cabinet reshuffle follows court-ordered removals. All Blacks call-up: Injury-hit New Zealand has called up Tongan-born prop Saula Ma’u for the Springboks Tests after Ollie Norris returned home with a knee injury.

Tonga Cabinet shake-up: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has sworn in three new ministers—Tevita Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—as “renewed blood” follows court-linked removals tied to the 2025 election. Cost of living pressure: Tonga’s annual inflation jumped to 9.3% in July, driven by big rises in transport, housing utilities and restaurant prices, even as some costs eased month-to-month. Regional security and jobs: A major Pacific illegal fishing operation flagged 16 vessels of interest across 27.5 million sq km, while Tonga’s links to Pacific policing and leadership continue through Commonwealth appointments in PNG. Pacific connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, a boost for trade and services. Culture and education: A Tongan scholar has returned to teach at the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts, and Tonga’s Anglican Church opened its 67th General Synod in Nuku’alofa. Sports in the region: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership with PNG, Samoa and Tonga.

Tonga Cabinet shake-up: Royal Warrants were read for three new Tonga Ministers—Tevita Fatafehi Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—effective Monday, replacing Semisi Sika and Lata Tangimana after bribery findings. Election 2026 (NZ): Te Pāti Māori launched its campaign in Gisborne for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidate Haley Maxwell, pushing a “two votes” strategy: candidate votes for Te Pāti Māori to grow Māori representation, while party votes back the left bloc. Anglican Church in Tonga: King Tupou VI opened the 67th Anglican General Synod in Nuku’alofa, bringing together the church’s three Tikanga under “One Mission – One Ocean – One Vaka.” Tonga media access: Questions are raised after an 88.1FM reporter was stopped by security at a government press conference, with the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly behind the restriction. Pacific visas: The US Visa Bond Programme is defended after Vanuatu was permanently included, with Tonga also listed among Pacific states under the scheme. Culture & heritage: Tonga’s Parliament building project update at USP highlighted construction progress toward early 2028 and archaeological finds at Mataki’eua.

Cultural Tourism Push: Tonga’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture says demand for cultural tourism is rising, urging cultural groups to build visitor-ready sites like performance arenas and display spaces to grow local income and the economy. Heritage Recovery Funding: New Zealand’s Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says the government is “open” to more money to recover an ancient waka from the Chatham Islands, as MP Tākuta Ferris presses for $3.5 million to safely extract it. Pacific Climate Scholarships: A Samoan student is one of three recipients of the 2026 Tower Climate Change Scholarship at the University of Waikato, planning to return home to help tackle climate impacts across Pacific nations. Tonga in the Spotlight Abroad: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards in environmental stewardship, highlighting community-led work across Tonga. NRL Round 24 (Regional Interest): The Dragons beat the Tigers 24-22, with Tonga forward Loko Pasifiki-Tonga continuing to impress as the Red V chase a stronger finish. Waka & Tonga Language Week: A Tongan artist and Elam lecturer, Dr Sione Faletau, returns to teach at the University of Auckland, stressing representation for Pacific students.

Tonga Fuel Security: Tonga’s main fuel supplier will get a U.S.-funded feasibility study to strengthen fuel storage and cut transport costs, including options for larger tankers and raising reserves from about 15–20 days to around 60. Health Policy: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, using WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” to boost early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding as a non-communicable disease prevention push. Community & Youth Sport: Binga South Constituency’s inaugural Heroes Day soccer and netball tournament drew 23 teams over three days, with organisers saying it helped steer young people toward positive activities and away from drugs, crime and early child marriage. Regional Rugby: Fiji Warriors captain Enele Malele says the team still has “one more job” after beating Manuma Samoa, with a final match against Tonga A this Saturday in Apia. Tonga Recognition Abroad: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards in environmental stewardship for community-led work across Tonga. Local Business: Pacific Brewing Tonga is set to relaunch in Nuku’alofa tomorrow under female Tongan ownership, aiming to rebuild operations, create jobs and expand its locally made drinks including Sparkling Kava.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw: England have been handed a “favourable” route after the pools were confirmed for the tournament in Australia, with Tonga placed in Band 3 alongside Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA and Chile. Tonga’s Sports Focus: Fiji’s Warriors captain Enele Malele says there’s “one more job to do” after beating Manuma Samoa 50-25, with Tonga A the final test this Saturday in Apia. Community & Environment: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards in environmental stewardship, recognising community-led work across Tonga. Immigration Update (NZ): New Zealand has set out four requirements for a Pacific Access Category Resident Visa that can lead to indefinite stay for citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu aged 18-45. Health Policy: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, aiming to cut NCD risk by boosting early and exclusive breastfeeding. Energy Security: A US-funded feasibility study will explore bigger fuel tankers, longer storage (up to 60 days), and better distribution to outer islands. Local Business: Pacific Brewing Tonga is set to relaunch in Nuku’alofa under female Tongan ownership, with plans to showcase beers and sparkling kava. Drug Response: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, including education, rehab capacity and stronger border cooperation.

Fuel Security for Tonga: A new USTDA-funded feasibility study will help Tonga cut fuel transport costs and strengthen supply resilience, including options for larger tankers, boosting storage from 15–20 days to about 60, and improving fuel distribution to outer islands. Health Policy: Tonga’s Ministry of Health has launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, using WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” to tackle NCD risk, with early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding rates still below targets. Local Business: Pacific Brewing Tonga is set to relaunch in Nuku’alofa tomorrow under female Tongan ownership and management, aiming to rebuild operations, create jobs, and expand its Sparkling Kava range. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific unity faces a test ahead of the Palau Forum Leaders Meeting as members disagree on how to respond to China’s recent missile test. Sports—NRL & Tonga Links: The NRL match review committee fined two young forwards after Manly’s 22-0 win over the Dolphins, including Tongan forward Simione Laiafi. Sports—Netball in Tonga: Fiji’s Oceania Qualifiers in Tonga (Sept 14–19) will decide World Cup berths, with local players Nicol Tiaore and Nicole Marurai in the travelling squad.

Tonga & Pacific Security: Pacific unity faces a fresh test ahead of the Palau Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, after disagreement over how to respond to China’s July missile test left ministers unable to agree on a joint statement. Regional Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers also want stronger nuclear language in the 2026 communique and call for a collective response, alongside pushes for better financing for gender-based violence prevention and the Pacific Resilience Facility. Tonga Governance & Delivery: Tonga has started a coordinated push to improve public-sector data collection and reporting, aiming to strengthen monitoring across education, health, infrastructure and growth. Tonga Infrastructure: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge project is again delayed, with management weaknesses and unresolved land issues adding to costs and timelines. Tonga Drugs Response: King Tupou VI says illicit drugs are a national emergency needing urgent, integrated action, including funding for rehabilitation and stronger border cooperation. Sport (Tonga-linked): International Rugby League says Rugby League World Cup pay will be AU$850 per week for standard match fees, with Pacific players including Tonga receiving lower weekly amounts plus higher tiers for top-four and finals.

Rugby League World Cup Pay: The International Rugby League says all 2026 World Cup players get a standard AU$850 match fee, with prize money split across squads; Tonga (along with Fiji, PNG, Samoa and the Cook Islands) is set for AU$2,550 for three weeks, AU$3,440 for top-four and AU$4,250 for finalists. Drug Response in Tonga: King Tupou VI urged an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, calling for faster education, border control, rehab facilities and funding. Pacific Gender-Based Violence Funding: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger, sustainable financing for gender-based violence prevention and urged gender-responsive budgeting and climate-linked support. SPREP in Samoa: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting is underway, focusing on climate, biodiversity loss and pollution priorities for the Blue Pacific. Tonga Tourism Boost: Tonga’s refreshed “Friendly Islands” tourism brand reached the Skift IDEA Awards finals, citing local consultation and reported big gains in online engagement and bookings. Immigration (Tonga): New Zealand confirmed only citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu can register for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot. NRL Round 24: Manly vs Dolphins and other key matches headline the weekend’s NRL action.

Pacific Security & Nuclear Policy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers are pushing for stronger nuclear language in the 2026 Leaders’ communique after China’s July ballistic missile test into the Pacific, and they’re calling for a coordinated regional response plus action on nuclear legacy issues. Regional Resilience Funding: The same meeting backed stronger economic integration and urged Pacific members to increase capitalisation of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-led financing tool now operational after its May 2026 entry into force. Tonga Tourism Spotlight: Tonga’s refreshed “Kingdom of Tonga: The Friendly Islands” tourism brand has reached the Skift IDEA Awards final, with the Tonga Tourism Authority saying the rebrand was built through extensive community and values-based consultation. Tonga Justice & Disability Rights: Tonga Police have charged a man from Te’ekiu with causing bodily harm to a person with a disability, reminding the public to respect and protect people with disabilities as the case heads to court. US Visa Bond Impact: The US has made its visa bond requirement permanent for 50 countries, but reporting warns it may sharply reduce travel—an issue that could affect Pacific visitors and tourism planning. Pacific Climate Gender Focus: Pacific delegates at CSW66 urged urgent climate action that puts women and girls at the centre of resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Tonga Tourism: Tonga’s refreshed “Kingdom of Tonga: The Friendly Islands” brand has made the 2026 Skift IDEA Awards shortlist, with the Tonga Tourism Authority saying the rebrand was built from extensive community and Royal Family input and is already lifting website use and bookings. Tonga Governance & Finance: A U.S. State Department fiscal transparency review says Tonga is improving public access to budget information, but needs faster end-of-year reporting and tighter control so spending and revenue match approved budgets. Tonga Justice & Safety: Tonga Police have charged a man from Te’ekiu over an alleged assault of a person with a disability, with the case now before the courts. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push for climate action ahead of COP31, including more climate finance and Pacific-led planning meetings, with Tonga among those attending. Pacific Sports: Tonga’s presence in global sport continues, from NRL coverage featuring Tongan players to a Pacific sport roundup noting Tonga’s athletes at the World Athletics U20 Championships. Global Spotlight on Tonga-linked People: A BYU coach Kalani Sitake returned to Tonga for a week of service tied to the We Are One Tonga Center, aimed at supporting remote work opportunities.

Tonga Budget Watch: A new U.S. Fiscal Transparency report says Tonga’s budget documents are accessible and generally reliable, but flags late end-of-year reporting and a big gap between approved plans and actual spending. Tonga Politics: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says a Cabinet reshuffle is likely by week’s end after two ministers lost seats through court rulings; by-elections are set for 8 October. Earthquake Update: Tonga Geological Services reports 62 earthquakes in July, with two felt in Tongatapu/Ha’apai and no tsunami warnings. Fangaʻuta Bridge Costs: Delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge are rising as unresolved land disputes keep construction stalled. Media & Regulation: 88.1FM says it will fight proposed licence action through legal process after receiving a regulatory notice. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers back a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, including more climate finance and Pacific-led leadership. Pacific Sport (Tonga links): Ma’a Nonu answered the All Blacks’ haka in an emotional return to South Africa, while Tonga’s Keaon Koloamatangi weighs World Cup plans amid possible surgery. Community Spotlight: Friends of Tonga named a finalist in the .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship work.

Legal Challenge: Justice for Palestine has filed a judicial review in Wellington High Court challenging New Zealand ministers’ approvals for BlackSky spy satellite launches from Rocket Lab in Māhia, arguing the satellites could supply Israel with targeting data used in Gaza. Public Finance Watch: A U.S. Fiscal Transparency report says Tonga shares budget and procurement information publicly, but needs faster end-of-year reporting and tighter control as actual spending and revenue have deviated from approved budgets. Infrastructure Costs: Tonga’s Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge project is facing rising penalties and delay costs as unresolved land disputes keep construction stalled, with the contract signed in September 2025 and completion still targeted for end-2028. Earthquake Update: Tonga Geological Services reports 62 earthquakes in July, including two felt events in ʻOhonua/Nukuʻalofa and Haʻapai/Tongatapu, with no damaging quakes or tsunami warnings. Community & Environment: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards in Environmental Stewardship for volunteer-led climate resilience, water projects, and plastic pollution work. Regional Fisheries: Samoa says WCPFC discussions are focused on monitoring and managing fish stocks and coordinating E-zone boundaries, including joint surveillance with Tonga and others. Sports (Tongan interest): Manly centre Tolu Koula says he’s aiming to become the game’s best centre as he nears 100 NRL games, while NRLW and NRL team news continues to shape Round 24 matchups.

Tonga Politics: Tonga’s Electoral Commission has set the by-election date for two vacant Legislative Assembly seats, with the Fale Alea ‘o Tonga vote to be held on 8 October after writs were issued by King Tupou VI. Nominations run 2–3 September, and candidates must be backed by at least 50 registered voters. The seats were vacated when Semisi Sika (Tongatapu 2) and Lata Tangimana (Niua 17) were unseated following court findings tied to election bribery and campaign expense breaches. Cabinet Watch: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua says a cabinet reshuffle is likely by the end of the week as ministers removed by the courts are replaced, with due process underway. Culture & Policy: Tonga has ratified UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on Cultural Diversity, with the treaty entering into force on 7 October 2026, strengthening protections for cultural expressions and creative industries. Pacific Region: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected by undersea cables, boosting access to digital services across the region.

Tonga Politics: Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says a Cabinet reshuffle is likely by the end of the week after two senior ministers were unseated by court rulings for bribery and election expense breaches. By-elections: The Tonga Electoral Commission confirms by-elections for Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 will be held on 8 October, with nominations set for 2–3 September. Fuel Relief: Senior citizens will receive a one-off $100 top-up amid the fuel crisis, added to July and paid with August benefits. Media & Governance: Government rejects allegations from 88.1FM and The Tonga Chronicle, saying the matter is before regulatory and legal authorities and raising concern over misuse of the King’s name in political statements. Culture & UNESCO: Tonga ratified UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on cultural diversity, with the treaty entering into force on 7 October 2026. Pacific Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected via undersea cables, including support for second connections for Tonga. US Visa Bond: The US made a $20,000 refundable visa bond permanent for B-1/B-2 travellers from Tonga and other Pacific nations, aimed at reducing overstays.

Tonga Politics: Tonga’s Electoral Commission confirms by-elections for Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 after court rulings unseated MPs, with writs expected by the end of the week and nominations set for 2–3 September; the seats were vacated over electoral bribery (fish distribution) and election expense breaches. Fuel Relief: The National Retirement Benefits Fund says senior citizens will get a one-off extra $100 payment to help cushion the ongoing fuel crisis, on top of July and alongside August entitlements. Media & Governance: Government rejects allegations aired by 88.1FM and published by The Tonga Chronicle, saying the claims are being examined by regulatory and legal authorities and raising concern about unauthorized use of the King’s name in political statements. Culture & International Commitments: Tonga ratifies UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on cultural diversity, with the treaty entering into force on 7 October 2026. Regional Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected via undersea cables, including Tonga, boosting access to digital services. Sports (Nuku’alofa): Tonga Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government will host the first ‘Ikale Tahi vs First Nations & Pasifika XV’ clash in Nuku’alofa on 4 September.