AGP Executive Report

Undersea cables, big stakes: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to celebrate the completion of the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—its second international undersea link—aimed at boosting reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past network disruptions. Media accountability: The Tonga Media Association is pushing for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting the Prime Minister, including a code of ethics and options for monitoring press conferences. Sovereignty and sport collide: Moana Pasifika’s future stays in limbo as liquidation moves forward, while Kanaloa’s takeover bid gains backing from four Pacific rugby unions—Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue—framing it as “100 per cent sovereignty.” Origin spotlight: Two Tongan-heritage players, Addin Fonua-Blake and Tolu Koula, are set for NSW debuts in State of Origin Game I tonight. Earthquake hit: A 5.4-magnitude quake shook the Tonga Islands region. Local governance pressure: Separately, Tonga-linked public debate continues over overseas travel allowances allegations involving MPs and ministers.

NRL Shock for Tonga-linked Sharks: Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes is ruled out with a calf injury, forcing a halves reshuffle with Niwhai Puru set to debut as the Sharks prepare for Manly on Friday. NRL Transfer Watch: The Cowboys have confirmed a major backline raid, signing Sharks outside backs Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa on two-year deals from 2027—another blow for Cronulla as Origin fallout looms. Tonga-Samoa Royal Moment: King Tupou VI arrives in Samoa on Wednesday for a USP Alafua campus graduation, with no other engagements announced yet. Weather Update: A tornado hit Haʻafeva in Tonga’s Ha’apai group this morning, causing minor roof and tree damage, with no injuries reported. Pacific Security Push: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime, calling for better laws, support, borders, and coordination across agencies. Maritime Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand marked completion of Tonga’s second international undersea cable branch system, aimed at boosting reliability and disaster resilience.

NRL Shockwaves: Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes is ruled out with a calf injury for Friday’s clash with Manly, with Niwhai Puru set to debut in his place, while the club also weighs Origin players’ ability to back up. Cowboys Raid Cronulla: North Queensland has confirmed a major recruitment double—Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa—on two-year deals for 2027-28, dealing the Sharks another blow ahead of next season. Moana Pasifika Fallout: Former All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino’s consortium has lodged a second bid to buy Moana Pasifika after shareholders voted to wind up the Super Rugby franchise, with the Pasifika Medical Association unable to keep funding it. Tonga’s Connectivity Upgrade: Australia and New Zealand marked completion of Tonga’s second international undersea cable, boosting reliability and disaster resilience. Crime and Consumer Protection: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime—needs whole-of-government action—while an unregistered South Auckland lender targeting Tongans has been banned for two years after threats via social media. Health Watch: The Cooks Islands is dengue-free, but Tonga reports 66 cases, with hospitalisations in Ha’apai and ’Eua.

Film Homecoming: Tonga’s big-screen moment is locked in: the official trailer for the documentary LOMU is out, tracing Jonah Lomu’s rise from South Auckland to global rugby stardom, and it’s heading back to Tonga for a public screening at Teufaiva Rugby Stadium on July 29. Visa Shock: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending default multi-entry visas, but officials warn it could cost $1–2 million a year and add pressure to the immigration system. Maritime Security: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana 2026, a three-week fisheries surveillance push involving Tonga and neighbours, with patrols and monitoring aimed at stopping illegal fishing and other sea crimes. Elections Update: Tonga has appointed Samiuela Vao as the new Supervisor of Elections and CEO of the Tonga Electoral Commission, effective 8 May 2026. Police Alert: Tonga Police are seeking an armed domestic violence suspect, Viliami Tapaʻatoutai Naʻa, asking the public to call 922 with any sightings.

Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard’s USCGC Hollyhock has been running its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol with Tonga, carrying out bilateral maritime law enforcement in Tonga’s exclusive economic zone and hosting senior officials in Vava’u after port calls in Nuku’alofa and Vava’u. Domestic Safety: Tonga Police have issued an urgent public alert for armed domestic-violence suspect Viliami Tapaʻatoutai Naʻa, asking anyone with sightings to call 922 or report to the nearest station. Housing Resilience: Habitat for Humanity and partners say Tonga is strengthening community-led disaster recovery and housing planning, with lessons drawn from the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption and ongoing outer-island logistics challenges. Sports—Grassroots & Rugby: A Tonga U12 football tournament at Veitongo pushed early skills development, while Tonga’s rugby conversation stays loud as the NRL shifts into State of Origin with big eligibility changes and looming squad impacts. Regional Preparedness: Samoa and the US have launched a Tsunami Ready Recognition Program to boost coastal evacuation planning, drills, and warning systems.

NRL State of Origin fallout: With Round 13 kicking off and byes plus Origin call-ups reshaping squads, the big headline is Taumalolo’s return as teams juggle late-week selections and fresh injuries—while the Storm are also staring at a brutal 24-year low. NRL selection drama: The Bulldogs’ shock selection headache is still reverberating after Jacob Kiraz’s stand-in role at fullback, and Sharks’ Addin Fonua-Blake is set to debut for NSW under the new eligibility rules. Pacific immigration pressure: In the U.S., a new green-card rule requiring temporary visa holders to return home for processing is deepening anxiety in the Tongan diaspora, coming on top of earlier visa restrictions. Pacific security at sea: Australia’s ADF is supporting Tonga and Cook Islands efforts to curb illegal fishing through Operation Tui Moana. Sporting pride in Darwin: Team NMI’s Simon Tang and Landen Taflinger win gold and silver at the Oceania Athletics Championships. Health and policy watch: A new global obesity analysis says rich countries are largely plateauing while poorer nations are taking the hit.

NRL State of Origin ripple effects: With the Origin period now in full swing, teams are scrambling around absences and injuries, and NSW’s Addin Fonua-Blake is set to debut under the updated eligibility rules—while Sharks recruitment talk heats up, including reports Queensland could pursue winger Sione Katoa. Pacific security push: Australia’s ADF is backing Tonga and the Cook Islands to crack down on illegal fishing through Operation Solania, feeding into the Pacific-led Operation Tui Moana. US immigration anxiety in the Tongan diaspora: A White House shooting has added to worry among Tongans as a new US rule would require many green-card applicants to return home to apply. Rugby spotlight: Super Rugby’s Hurricanes have locked in top seeding, and Moana Pasifika’s future remains uncertain as they fight for a last stand at home. Community sport: Tonga’s secondary schools rugby and netball seasons have kicked off in Nuku’alofa, with youth competitions drawing big crowds.

Patriots roster watch: Cory Durden is being tipped to break out in his second year after Khyris Tonga’s departure, with analysts saying he could move from rotation to starter as training camps begin. Champions Cup buzz: In rugby’s big spotlight, Union Bordeaux-Begles powered past Leinster 41-19 for back-to-back Champions Cup titles, with Tonga prop Ben Tameifuna calling it “special” and coach Yannick Bru urging the team to show its “true selves” in the Top 14. Moana Pasifika uncertainty: Coach Tana Umaga says there’s “nothing else like” Moana Pasifika as the franchise’s future hangs in the balance, even after a tough Super Rugby Pacific fight at home. Tonga sport at school level: Secondary schools rugby and netball seasons kicked off across Tongatapu, while middle school rugby league also began with packed sidelines. Regional security: Tonga’s PM warned Pacific nations are increasingly becoming destination countries for illicit drugs and transnational crime. WWE entertainment: SmackDown’s go-home show for Clash in Italy featured Cody Rhodes vs Sami Zayn, plus more fallout heading into Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Moana Pasifika: The home side fought hard in their last Super Rugby Pacific game of 2026, pushing the Reds to the brink before falling 33-31 in Albany. Sporting highs: Tonga’s athletes kept shining at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, with medals and record-breaking runs and throws, including a silver in the women’s 400m hurdles. Crime and security: Tonga’s Prime Minister warned the Pacific is increasingly becoming a destination for illicit drugs and transnational crime, urging stronger collective action. Regional cooperation: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana, a major fisheries surveillance push involving Tonga and others to crack down on illegal fishing. Politics: Tonga’s Electoral Commission appointed Samuiela Vao as the new Supervisor of Elections, taking effect May 8. Community health: Tonga Police arrested two people in Mataika over alleged meth dealing, seizing drugs, tablets and cash.

NRL State of Origin build-up: With byes and key absences, tipping is getting harder as teams enter the Origin period—Round 12 action includes the Raiders vs Dolphins clash and late injury fallout, while the Dragons face a major blow after Jaydn Su’A is ruled out with a calf injury, forcing changes in the centres. Pacific health upgrades: In Samoa, Church-supported projects are handing over a renovated mobility facility, a mobile prosthetics clinic, and a new 14-passenger dental van to expand care beyond Apia. Disaster readiness: The US and Samoa have launched Samoa’s Tsunami Ready Recognition Program, focusing on evacuation planning, warning systems, drills, and coastal response. Tonga in sport: Tonga’s runners and bodybuilders are stacking medals at the Oceania Athletics Championships, while Team NMI adds more podium finishes. Governance: Tonga’s Electoral Commission has appointed Samuiela Vao as new Supervisor of Elections and CEO. Regional security debate: New Zealand is pushing deeper Pacific defence integration as concerns grow about militarisation and social licence.

NRL Spotlight: Tolu Koula is set to make his NSW State of Origin debut at Stadium Australia, with Manly coach Kieran Foran backing the speedster to “make the Maroons pay” if he gets even a sliver of space. Local Security: Tonga Police have arrested a man and a woman in Mataika over alleged meth dealing, seizing meth, tablets, drug utensils, and cash in multiple currencies. Pacific Defence Debate: RNZ reports New Zealand is pushing Pacific defence integration as Australia and NZ deepen cooperation on transnational crime, while Pacific leaders worry about the region’s “Ocean of Peace” slipping. Tech for Language Survival: A Tongan founder has launched Talanoa AI, letting Pacific communities teach AI their languages to keep them visible online. Health & Climate: Tonga urged shared global action at the World Health Assembly, focusing on digital health, climate-resilient financing, and stronger primary care. Education Milestone: Ocean of Light International School marks 30 years in Nuku’alofa with a new science and lab facility.

Origin crunch time: With the NRL season sliding into State of Origin, teams are juggling byes and injury absences, and the Dolphins vs Raiders clash is being tipped as Raiders’ chance to strike despite Origin losses on both sides. Outback culture: Opera Queensland’s Festival of Outback Opera is back, bringing big-name performances to remote Queensland towns under the night sky. Climate in court: The UN General Assembly has backed a landmark ICJ climate ruling, with 141 countries voting for clearer legal duties on states to prevent climate harm. Pacific policy push: Tonga hosted the 101st USP Council Meeting in Nuku’alofa, while Pacific trade leaders urged PACER Plus to deliver real, measurable benefits. Local spotlight: Tonga’s teen athletes are turning heads at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, including a silver medal in under-18 discus. Warning for investors: US regulators say BG Wealth participants are being pushed toward a new “HQIEX” platform—another potential advance-fee trap. Sporting results: Fiji swept Tonga in men’s netball, winning all three matches in Suva.

UN Climate Ruling: The UN backed a landmark ICJ climate advisory opinion, with New Zealand joining 141 countries—cementing climate harm as a legal responsibility, not just a policy fight. Māori Seats Strategy: New Zealand’s National says it will contest Māori electorates Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Hauāuru, continuing its 2023 push after a long gap. Pacific Fuel Alarm: Pacific Islands Forum leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to looming fuel-supply risks. Police Co-operation: Tonga’s PM Mark Brown backed Pacific-led, prevention-focused policing at a Fiji meeting tied to the transnational crime summit. Local Pressure Points: Tonga National University students warn intensive farming may be raising soil acidity across Tongatapu. Tonga in the News Mix: Tonga’s first national chess championship is set for 23–25 June at Tonga High School. Sports & Youth: BYU secured a commitment from Granger High’s Maa’imoa Havili, while young entrepreneurs and athletes kept the week’s momentum going.

Surgery Update for George Williams: Wire and England captain George Williams says his neck surgery went well, posting that he’s “not done just yet,” after earlier fears he’d be out indefinitely; coach Sam Burgess had pointed to a best-case recovery of about 12 weeks plus more time. WWE Tag Team Shake-up: WWE is reportedly planning a tag-team rebuild after WrestleMania cuts, leaning on new pairings and NXT call-ups rather than chasing outside teams. Pacific Drug Crackdown: New Zealand Customs warns Pacific islands are being used as storage and trafficking hubs, and flags concerns about Tonga’s supply chain after a major operation. Tonga in the spotlight: Tonga hosts its first national chess championship next month, while Tonga’s budget sets aside $3.2m for struggling Lulutai Airlines despite crisis warnings. Regional security push: Fiji and AFP launched a Pacific transnational crime summit, with an international joint investigations team set up in Colombia. Local justice: A Vava’u woman’s funeral is set after a fatal targeted shooting, with her husband arrested.

Pacific Drug Crackdown: Fiji and the AFP have launched a Pacific Transnational Crime Summit in Suva, with chiefs pushing tougher, coordinated action against cartels after 17 tonnes of illicit drugs were seized in the region since January. Regional Policing: Ministers at the Pacific Police Ministers’ Meeting agreed to report outcomes to leaders in Palau, aiming for Pacific-led, intelligence-driven cooperation. Tonga Spotlight: Tonga will host its first national chess championship next month, with an open call for players and a path to the Chess Olympiad. Sports—Origin Shake-up: NSW’s May 27 opener is set with new faces after eligibility rule changes, including Tonga-linked prop Addin Fonua-Blake and England’s Victor Radley, while Laurie Daley’s Blues debutants face a tough Queensland test. Local Governance: Tonga’s 2026/27 budget backs Lulutai Airlines with $3.2m despite earlier crisis warnings, reigniting questions over public support for the struggling carrier. Justice & Safety: Samoa has distanced itself from the alleged BG Wealth crypto scam after ministers were pictured with promoters.

Budget Watch: Tonga’s new government tabled a $929.5m paʻanga national budget for 2026/27, with a projected $38.1m deficit, driven by electricity subsidies, a cost-of-living adjustment for civil servants, and support for Lulutai Airlines. Community Tragedy: In Vava’u, the family of Taiana Oneone Koluse announced her funeral for 20 May after she was shot dead earlier this month; police say her husband is in custody and a daughter was injured. Regional Ties: A Tonga parliamentary delegation has wrapped up its official visit to China, aiming to deepen cooperation and understanding. Sports: Fiji thumped Tonga 79-18 in the Men’s Invitational Series, while in rugby league Dane Gagai avoided sanction after an NRL judiciary outcome. Health & Culture: Fiji Airways launched its FlyWell wellness program, and a Pacific documentary reignited debate on colourism across the region.