‘Means the world’: Payne Haas opens up on defection to Samoa

Payne Haas says representing Samoa “means the world” after starring in his side’s emphatic 34-6 victory over Tonga in the Pacific Championships. The Brisbane Broncos prop scored his first try for Toa Samoa at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, sealing a...

Luai’s big call, snubbed prodigy and shock expendables as $12m signing spree looms

In just a few days, a fierce feeding frenzy will begin. From Saturday, November 1, several of the game’s brightest stars and some of the NRL’s most exciting young talent will be free to negotiate with rival clubs. Among the red-hot signing targets...

Kiwis axe giant for Pacific clash

Tonga’s hopes of pulling off a Pacific Championships miracle have received a major boost with inspirational lock forward Jason Taumalolo cleared to return from a knee issue as his side looks to produce a big win over New Zealand. Last week’s heavy...

Scotland’s new defence coach Lee Radford impressed by what he has seen so far

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

21-year-old Māori-Tongan rangatahi secures council seat in rural Tararua

Tararua District Council Māori Ward Councillor Keshaan Te Waaka. Photo: Supplied/Keshaan Te Waaka Keshaan Te Waaka, 21, has secured the Tamaki nui-a-rua Māori ward at the Tararua District Council, unseating incumbent Naioma Chase in a close race....

Paula Vivili first Tongan named SPC Director-General

Dr Paula Vivili has been appointed Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), the first Tongan to hold the post. His Royal Highness Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, chairing the 14th SPC Conference in Nuku‘alofa, announced Vivili as the organisation’s...

Tama Tonga sends a five-word message after returning to WWE and joining The MFT

Tama Tonga sent a five-word message after returning to WWE and joining forces with MFT. The faction stood tall over Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura on last week's SmackDown. Tonga aligned himself with Solo Sikoa post-WrestleMania XL and joined the...

Robert Toia reveals emotional reaction to Tonga call-up ahead of Pacific Championships bow

Robert Toia’s decision to represent Tonga at this year’s Pacific Championships has been a deeply emotional one, not just for him, but for his entire family. The Sydney Roosters centre, fresh off a breakout NRL season and a Queensland Origin...

King welcomes Mate Ma'a Tonga at Royal Palace

MMT captain and co-captain, Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo greet the King. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 17 October 2025. Photo: Matangi Tonga. By Katalina Siasau HM King Tupou VI welcomed Mate Ma'a Tonga to the Royal Palace on 17 October, granting an...

Better fumigation to support horticulture exports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF) is enhancing fumigation services to lift Tonga’s horticulture export capacity. The initiative, backed by the Australia-New Zealand funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access...

New Patriots: Get to know Patriots free-agent standout Khyris Tonga

FOXBORO — The Patriots went on a free-agent splurge this offseason, but the signing of defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga went under the radar. The Patriots signed Tonga, 29, on the first day of the NFL’s open tampering period, and he didn’t quite...

Ex-MP alleges several Ministers face five charges ahead of Tonga elections

A former government minister has made a startling claim, alleging that several current Cabinet Ministers are facing criminal charges. ‘Etuate Lavulavu made the revelation during a press conference last week but did not provide any details about...

Reviving black tapa - traditionally reserved for Tongan royalty

“My family… was like a tapa factory. We as boys, we grow them and then look after them for three years, and then we harvest them and bring them back home… with my mum and sisters, it's more like, my family was a tapa factory.”

Supporting Safe And Strong Tonga

Department of Defence Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will travel to the Kingdom of Tonga today to represent the Australian Government at the commissioning ceremony for His Majesty’s Armed Forces’ new landing craft, VOEA Late, at the...

Chinese naval hospital ship arrives in Tonga for week-long visit

The Chinese naval hospital ship, Silk Road Ark, arrived at Tonga's Nuku'alofa Port on Monday, starting a seven-day visit featuring medical services and cultural activities during its "Mission Harmony 2025."

Toia relishing chance to debut for Tonga

Te Pāti Māori executive under pressure as suspension process faces backlash

Te Pāti Māori’s National Council is facing mounting questions after it voted to suspend its Te Tai Tokerau MP and reset the electorate’s executive, following what it described as serious breaches of the party’s constitution, documents seen by Te...

Timeout With Running Back George Holani

5. Growing up in New Zealand as one of 10 siblings, what was the best part about having so many brothers and sisters? "Being able to play football against them. I have three brothers, and we would always play football together and tackle each...

Tonga preparing for CRGA55 and 14th Conference of the Pacific Community

The Tongan Government is currently preparing to host some of the high-level officials and ministers from member countries of the Pacific Community – SPC. The 55th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations, as...

Tonga adopts One Health Strategy in National Bridging Workshop

Tonga has week joined the global One Health framework in a three-day National Bridging Workshop (NBW) held in Nuku‘alofa. The Department of Environment (Ministry of MEIDECC) hosted the NBW at Fa’onelua Convention Centre last week, bringing...