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...

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,...

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’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...

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...

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...

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...

Kieran Foran reveals the real reason why he chose to rejoin Manly as he lifts the lid on his coaching ambitions

Former Gold Coast Titans star Kieran Foran has outlined his desire to one day become a head coach at an NRL club. Foran will retire from professional rugby league after this year’s Pacific Championships campaign, with the halfback set to lead New...

Orchids upbeat

THE Orchids have fallen short in their Pacific Bowl Championship campaign, but their spirits remain high in anticipation for Saturday’s clash against Tonga in Port Moresby. Skipper Elsie Albert says the mood in the camp is positive, with the...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's style statement: Couple deliver subtle message of unity as they 'mirror' each other at A-list baseball game - as Royal Family's battles continue

As lines are drawn within Royal household amid Andrew's uncertain future, Prince Harry and Meghan appeared closer than ever as they stepped out for a baseball match in California last night. On the same day that the Duchess of Sussex, 44, unveiled...

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...

Tonga marks Constitutional milestone, pushes Climate Justice and UN reform at…

Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, used his address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly last week to highlight Tonga’s constitutional legacy, call for urgent global climate action, and press for reforms to strengthen...

Tonga Airport CEO suspended over alleged misuse of power: Public Enterprises Minister

Nuku’alofa — The chief executive officer (CEO) of Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL), Edgar Cocker, has been suspended pending an investigation into alleged misuse of power, Minister of Public Enterprises and Police Piveni Piukala revealed today. Tonga...

Tonga table tennis supports deaf community

Deaf players from left: Deborah Faith Puloka, Pualena Pepa (development officer), Ananau Kali and Emily Mafi. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 2 October 2025. Photo: Supplied. A new sports initiative for the Tongan deaf community was formally implemented...

Tonga Claims Fifth Place With 2-1 Win Over Tahiti

Press Release – OFC Faletau doubled the advantage soon after, again showing strength and composure in the box to finish cleanly and reward Tongas early dominance. Tonga have claimed 5th place at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2025, defeating...

Scotland v USA: Liam McConnell reveals his surprise at earning first call-up from Gregor Townsend

Liam McConnell admitted he did not anticipate being called up by Scotland so early in his development. Prior to this season, the 21-year-old back-rower had made only five senior appearances for Edinburgh – four of them as a substitute. After...

Tonga co-hosts Global Summit on Living Systems

Tonga co-hosted the Summit on the Future of Living Systems during UNGA 80 in New York. Tonga has strengthen its climate diplomacy credentials by co-hosting the Summit on the Future of Living Systems, held on 24 September alongside the 80th session...

Young talent time for Tonga as Woolf adds star rookies

With the game’s most exciting young talent joining with some of the NRL’s top forwards, coach Kristian Woolf is confident Tonga will make an impact in this year’s Pacific Championships. All three NRL rookie of the year nominees Leka Halasima,...