A 5.0‑magnitude quake felt in Tonga, no tsunami threat

A magnitude‑5.0 earthquake hit near Tonga at 3.40 pm today, centred east of Tongatapu. The Tonga Meteorological Centre reported the quake struck at a depth of 88 km, with its epicentre located about 77 km east of Tongatapu and 62 km northwest of...

Home Reef volcano (Tonga) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 11 June-17 June 2025 (Continuing Activity)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025, 14:00 | BY: VN The Tonga Geological Services reported that the eruption at Home Reef continued during 11-17 June. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-level scale, the Maritime Alert Level...

Tonga princess calls for legal rights for whales

Photo: konart/123RF Tonga's Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho is calling for whales to have legal rights. "The time has come to recognise whales not merely as resources but as sentient beings with inherent rights," Princess Angelika told the...

VSIS Group powers Tonga’s digital transformation with integrated digital ID and civil registration platform

VS ONE WORLD, the international business arm of VSIS Group, is set to transform the delivery of public services and enhance the end-user experience for the people of Tonga. The Government of Tonga announced a significant leap forward in its...

Tongan creative pays homage to Queen Sālote in latest contemporary piece

For this year’s Pacific Dance Festival, Tongan creative and choreographer Lyncia Muller pays tribute to Queen Sālote in her latest stage work, Kuini. The show kicks off tomorrow and tickets can be found here .

Tonga’s Devout Sabbath Rules – Could they be More Relaxed for Tourists?

By Tonga reporter Marian Kupu and Doug Dingwall, ABC News. As Sunday dawns in Tonga’s capital, an unbroken silence blankets the streets. Almost every shop in Nuku’alofa — including petrol stations — stays closed. Only church bells eventually...

New biosecurity equipment to support Tongan produce exporters

By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.a Over $185,000 AUD worth of biosecurity equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry today, 18 June 2025. The equipment includes a state-of-the-art fumigation chamber, protective gear, inspection...

King Tupou VI hits it off with Tonga’s Prime Minister Eke

There is growing evidence that King Tupou VI has found a kindred spirit in Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke and that they are hitting it off. This is in clear contrast to the working relations between the King and the past three Prime Ministers,...

Tonga remains a strict keeper of the Sabbath — but some say not strict enough

As Sunday dawns in Tonga's capital, an unbroken silence blankets the streets. Almost every shop in Nuku'alofa — including petrol stations — stays closed. Only church bells eventually disturb the quiet, as it comes time to worship. "The Sabbath day...

Solo voyager en route from Tonga to Savusavu saved following swift local response

Nasau villagers from Moce rescued a lone sailor yesterday after his yacht ran aground. The 66-year-old had departed Neiafu, Tonga, bound for Savusavu. After failing to reach his destination, the sailor’s wife, who is in France, alerted the Rescue...

Mataliki coach disappointed over Fiji football training ground

Tonga’s Mataliki Coach Kilifi Uele openly shared his disappointment regarding the Bidesi park allocated to his team for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup training. This was raised during Wednesday’s press conference at the Fiji Football headquarters in...

‘Why us?’ NZ raises alarm as U.S eyes travel ban on Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu

The New Zealand Government has voiced serious concerns over a proposed United States travel ban that could block citizens from three Pacific nations, Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu from entering the country. It’s part of U.S President Donald Trump’s...

Eruption of Tonga Underwater Volcano Found to Disrupt Satellite Signals Halfway Around the World

An international team has used satellite- and ground-based ionospheric observations to demonstrate that an air pressure wave triggered by volcanic eruptions could produce an equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) in the ionosphere, severely disrupting...

Admiral Sir Derek Reffell, naval commander and governor of Gibraltar

One fine weekend in June 1975 the carrier HMS Hermes, under the command of Derek Reffell, sailed into Quebec harbour on a courtesy visit. Among the ship’s company was the Prince of Wales, now the King, serving as a Wessex helicopter pilot with the...

Pacific immigration conference opens in Tonga

The Minister for Foreign Affairs HRH Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala has officially opened the 27th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) at Fa‘onelua Convention Centre today. The five‑day conference, running...

What's Trending: Tonga Whales and Soapbox Race

Pacific lawyers meet in Tonga to develop cybercrime toolkit

The Attorney‑General’s Office hosted the first in‑person Pacific Islands Law Officers’ Network (PILON) Cybercrime Legislation Implementation Handbook Subcommittee workshop from 11–13 June at the Tano’a Hotel in Nuku’alofa. Attended by delegates...

Haumole Olakau’atu, a rising Tongan rugby star

Manly Sea Eagles forward Haumole Olakau’atu is emerging as a key figure for Tonga as the Rugby World Cup approaches. The 25-year-old, born in Tonga and raised in Australia, has impressed with a standout 2023 season in the NRL. Known for his...

"Yall gotta do better" - WWE Universe reacts to controversial Jacob Fatu comment

The WWE Universe has reacted to a controversial word being used by Jacob Fatu. The SmackDown star lost the United States Championship to Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions 2025 last weekend in Saudi Arabia. Fatu and WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi...

FR. FRANK BWALYA URGES PF TO CONDEMN TRIBAL REMARKS OVER REJECTED TONGA GOSPEL SONG AT FUNERAL GATHERING

FR. FRANK BWALYA URGES PF TO CONDEMN TRIBAL REMARKS OVER REJECTED TONGA GOSPEL SONG AT FUNERAL GATHERING Lusaka, Thursday 12 June 2025 — United Party for National Development (UPND) Presidential Support System Director General for Media, Fr. Frank...