Hospital ship Silk Road Ark arrives in Tonga with free medical aid

The Chinese PLA Navy hospital ship Silk Road Ark docked at Tonga’s Vuna Wharf yesterday to offer free medical consultations and services. Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi welcomed the vessel, saying the visit highlights the...

Hale T-Pole on running workshops in Tonga for retired Pacific rugby players to thrive beyond the sport

Former Ikale Tahi and professional rugby player Hale T-Pole is now the CEO of Pacific Rugby Players - an association dedicated to ensure that Pacific rugby players have a voice at the decision-making tables and that players' needs are being met....

Tonga's Stefano set for round two with big bopper Haas

Paul Alamoti, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Addin Fonua-Blake (capt), Moeaki Fotuaika, Leka Halasima, Siliva Havili, Lehi Hopoate, Eliesa Katoa, Isaiya Katoa, Sione Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Tolu Koula, Isaiah Iongi, Soni Luke, Will Penisini, Jason Taumalolo...

3 WWE Superstars who could follow in Tama Tonga's footsteps and join Solo Sikoa's MFT

Tama Tonga was introduced as the newest member of MFT this past week. He made his return during Sami Zayn's WWE United States Championship defense on the go-home edition of SmackDown ahead of Crown Jewel: Perth. Tama joined forces with the Sikoa's...

Matangi Tonga Online publisher Pesi Fonua Dies aged 78

Tonga mourns veteran journalist and Matangi Tonga founder Pesi Siale Fonua. Photo: Koro Vaka’uta Well known Tongan news outlet Matangi Tonga Online is today mourning the loss of their publisher and editor Pesi Fonua who passed away on Sunday. In a...

Jason Taumalolo leads Tonga XIII to visit Tonga this week

Tonga XIII final squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships. Photo: TRL. Jason Taumalolo will be leading the Tonga XIII team, better known as Mate Ma'a Tonga (MMT) on a visit to Tonga this week. The team is scheduled to arrive tomorrow afternoon, 14...

Fotofili secures noble seat before Tonga general election, 71 candidates registered

The Tongan general election has formally begun with Fotofili confirmed as the sole noble candidate. Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili was declared the Noble Representative for the Niuas after standing unopposed, marking an early milestone in Tonga’s...

Publisher and Editor of Matangi Tonga Pesi Fonua dies

Respected Pacific Islands journalist and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online, Pesi Siale Fonua, has died at the age of 78. He passed away on 12 October 2025 at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga. Pesi Fonua was a pioneering figure in Pacific journalism, known...

Chinese naval hospital ship provides medical services in Tonga

SUVA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese naval hospital ship, Silk Road Ark, arrived at Nuku'alofa Port, Tonga, on Monday, starting a seven-day visit featuring medical services and cultural activities during its Mission Harmony 2025. This is the...

Tonga Government denies walking out during Israeli PM’s UN speech

The Tongan government has rejected as false reports circulating on social media that its delegation walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations two weeks ago. The claims sparked backlash online,...

Matangi Tonga Online Editor and veteran Pacific journalist Pesi Fonua passes away at 78

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Pesi Siale Fonua, editor and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online and a distinguished figure in Pacific Islands journalism, has passed away at the age of 78. Matangi Tonga editor, Pesi Fonua Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka’utaFonua was a...

Tonga’s support for Israel amid genocide allegations sparks deep community division

Tonga’s vote at the United Nations in support of Israel—despite widespread international condemnation over alleged genocide in Gaza—has triggered sharp divisions within the Tongan community both at home and abroad. The United Nations General...

Tributes pour in for Pesi Siale Fonua, 'a steady voice of truth' and Matangi Tonga founder

Fonua's family announced his passing on Monday. Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta Pesi Siale Fonua, a veteran Pacific journalist and the publisher-editor of Tonga's leading news website, Matangi Tonga Online, has died at the age of 78. Fonua's family...

Announcement: passing of Pesi Fonua, publisher-editor of Matangi Tonga

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pesi Siale Fonua (78), well known Pacific Islands journalist, publisher of Matangi Tonga Online, and beloved husband, father and grandfather, who died on 12 October 2025, at Vaiola...

Former Leigh and Salford star extends stay with Super League newcomers

Experienced half-back Ata Hingano has penned a contract extension with Super League newcomers York ahead of the 2026 campaign. Former Tonga international Hingano, who boasts eight Test caps on his CV, has been with the Knights since July 2022....

Fuming NRL star lashes out at officials for failing to sin bin opponent who knocked him out of a match with a brutal high tackle: 'It's s***'

A seething Stefano Utoikamanu has fumed at officials, claiming it was unfair that Francis Molo was not sent to the sin bin for a high shot on the Melbourne Storm star, which brought a premature end to his Tonga debut. The 25-year-old prop forward,...

Tongans turn on each other as celebrations turn sour

Victory turned into a vicious onslaught as jubilant Tongans armed with poles turned on each other, felling victims with brutal head butts, the Daily Telegraph reports. New footage has emerged of a night of shocking violence as Tongan supporters...

Judge blasts cops after charges dropped

A judge has blasted police and slapped them with a $4000 bill after they dropped 30 charges against two alleged taggers. Olive German-Ross, 21, and Magnus Augustus Kendall-Laven, 20, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday, where police...

Tonga prepares to appoint first local police commissioner after 15 years of foreign leadership: Police Minister

Tonga is set to reclaim local leadership of its police force for the first time in over 15 years, as current Police Commissioner Geoff Turner prepares to hand over the role to a Tongan successor once his contract ends. Minister of Police Piveni...

Sophie Siers new chair of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Siers thanked former chair Hinewai Ormsby for her hard work and dedication, especially after the cyclone, and also on partnerships with Māori in the region. Ormsby was first elected chair in 2022, becoming the youngest regional council chair in...