AGP Executive Report

US-Pacific push: The United States announced over US$150m for Pacific nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, including a proposed US$60m regional energy security plan, US$17m to tackle illegal fishing, port upgrades (including a Tonga feasibility study for fuel storage and data centres), and support for secure cloud migration and policing cooperation. Digital resilience for Tonga: Tonga and the US agreed to study modernising Tonga’s government data centre and network, with a feasibility study focused on cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and resilient hosting of critical public services. Health watch: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi County, with no active cases currently tracked there—while noting dengue risk across parts of the Pacific. Maritime safety: Tonga Police confirmed a 22-year-old woman died after a boat capsized near Faua Wharf, as investigations continue. Environment & diplomacy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua urged greater Pacific action on Antarctic krill fishing, warning it could affect humpback whales and coastal livelihoods. Rugby ties: Wycliff Palu is set to coach First Nations and Pasifika against Tonga President’s XV in Nuku’alofa for the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy, backed by PacificAus Sports.

Pacific Resilience Facility: Tonga’s Finance Minister Vika Sivoki Lavemaau called the Pacific Resilience Facility a “game-changer” and urged partners to fully capitalise the Pacific-owned climate and disaster fund, saying it is already supporting anticipatory action and preparedness. Climate mobility: Tonga signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNOPS to strengthen national capacity on climate mobility planning, with cooperation under the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative. PRF projects at COP: PRF is taking 14 community projects to global climate events, including water security, food production, coastal restoration and sanitation, to show money is reaching communities. Tonga elections: Nominations are open for Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 by-elections on 8 October, after court rulings unseated the previous MPs. US-Pacific push: The US announced over US$150m for Pacific priorities including energy security, illegal fishing, infrastructure and law enforcement, with a Tonga port feasibility study among items. Blue corridors: Tonga backs a push to protect “whale highways” across the Pacific, urging coordinated action to safeguard marine migration routes. Media sector: The Media Association of Tonga opened a new office to strengthen journalist cooperation and training.

Blue Corridors/Whale Highways: Ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, WWF-backed calls are growing for Pacific countries to protect “blue corridors” that keep whales, turtles and other marine life moving safely across borders. Tonga–Climate Mobility: Tonga has signed a partnership with UNOPS to strengthen national planning and capacity on climate mobility, with cooperation under the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative. Pacific Resilience Facility: PRF is taking 14 community projects to global climate talks, aiming to show investors the Pacific-owned climate finance facility can deliver direct funding for water security, food, coastal restoration and more. Media in Tonga: The Media Association of Tonga has opened a new office, part of efforts to strengthen Tonga’s media network and professional cooperation. Justice/Medical Certificates: A Supreme Court decision is prompting debate on whether Tonga’s courts should routinely verify medical certificates that excuse defendants from proceedings. Sports Funding: Tonga is set to open applications for 2026–27 sports grants, as questions continue over how sports levy money is used. US Visa Curbs: Tongan athletes faced US visa denials under tighter entry rules, disrupting plans for an international pickleball tournament. Drug Trafficking: Australia announced a major step-up to tackle drug trafficking through the Pacific, with funding aimed at stopping contraband reaching Australia. Deep-Sea Mining Warnings: Civil society and regional leaders are being urged to consider long-term legal and financial risks before seabed mining moves ahead.

Justice & Health: Tonga’s courts are urged to make independent verification of medical certificates standard, after a Supreme Court judge pushed for clarification—raising concerns about mental-health claims and public trust in small, closely connected communities. Environment: World Environment Day coverage spotlights Pacific Community support for nature-based solutions to protect biodiversity as reefs and species face mounting pressure from warming and extreme weather. Sports Funding: Tonga opens applications for 2026–27 sports grants, but questions linger over future sports levy funding and grant acquittals as preparations build toward the 2031 Pacific Games. Labour & Living Wage: A Living Wage rise is framed as “time back” for workers, with Pacific workers still earning less than the wider workforce. Tonga in the Region: Tonga’s Prime Minister argues the kingdom’s future is tied to Antarctic decisions, warning industrial krill fishing could threaten whales and whale-watching livelihoods. Deep-Sea Mining: Pacific civil society warns deep-sea mining could trigger long-term legal and financial liabilities, urging science, consultation and stronger safeguards. Apprenticeships: Tonga launches its first National Apprenticeship Policy to strengthen the education-to-work transition and grow skilled employment. International Brief: Thailand confirms visa-free entry will drop to 30 days from Sept 15, 2026.

Deep Sea Mining: Pacific civil society in Palau warns seabed extraction could expose countries like Tonga to long-term legal, financial and environmental liabilities, calling for stronger science, national consultation and legal safeguards before any move to mining. Regional Diplomacy: As leaders gather for the Pacific Islands Forum in Koror, Palau, the summit is already marked by absences and political drama, with security and climate expected to dominate talks. Tonga Governance: Tonga’s Auditor-General flags a TOP$277.86m gap in government asset records and “major malpractice” tied to procurement controls, raising fresh questions about accountability for overseas funding partners. Workforce & Skills: Tonga’s Crown Prince launches the kingdom’s first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding placements beyond tourism and hospitality into more sectors. Sports Diplomacy: Australia pledges $15.6m to develop Pacific athletes for Brisbane 2032 and the lead-up games, including support for training and qualification. Climate & Oceans: Tonga PM Lord Fakafānua argues the country’s future is tied to Antarctic waters, urging stronger Pacific influence and protections for the Southern Ocean. Nuclear Security: The UN warns that any resumption of nuclear testing by states that haven’t ratified the test ban treaty could trigger an arms race.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, with talks expected to focus on security, climate resilience, oceans and economic development. Deep-sea mining pushback: Civil society at the Forum is renewing calls for a ban, warning seabed extraction could leave Pacific states facing major legal and financial liabilities. Climate mobility in action: Fiji launched a regional climate mobility partnerships programme, funded by New Zealand, supporting community-led relocations and rights-based planning. Tonga apprenticeship boost: Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala launched the kingdom’s first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding placements beyond tourism and hospitality into more sectors. Governance concern: Tonga MP Dr ʻAisake Eke warned worsening government audit results could shake overseas partners’ confidence in budget support. Regional funding milestone: The Pacific Resilience Facility has entered its operational phase, with countries now collecting pledged funds and seeking more. Local justice link: A Tongan man in Australia faces charges after police seized 125kg of kava and more than NZ$118,000 cash.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, with security, climate resilience, ocean governance and economic development expected to dominate talks. Regional politics and unity: The summit is already strained by high-profile absences, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale returning home after a leadership challenge, plus other leaders not attending. Kava crackdown in Australia: A 50-year-old Tongan man has been charged in Australia’s Northern Territory after police seized 125kg of kava and more than NZ$118,000 in cash near Ramingining. Tonga governance warning: A Tongatapu MP says worsening government audit results could shake overseas partners’ confidence in budget support. Culture and youth arts: South Island rangatahi are finding Pacific identity through Māfana, a 15-week cross-region dance and music showcase featuring Tongan ta‘olunga and Sāmoan sāsā. Climate mobility push: A New Zealand-backed programme launched to help Pacific communities plan for climate-related displacement, keeping people at the centre of decisions.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, with talks on security, economic development, climate resilience, ocean governance and regional direction running Aug 30–Sept 4. Diplomacy and pressure: Palau is pushing back on Beijing by allowing Taiwan to participate in Forum events, arguing Taiwan is a development partner. Regional politics: The Solomon Islands’ leadership drama has spilled into the Forum week, with PM Matthew Wale returning home after a no-confidence motion. Hū Louifi controversy: Tonga’s PM’s Office says Lord Fakafanua accepted a proposal for a Hū Louifi to the King, but it was stopped after Palace direction—while questions remain over a leaked internal memo and taxpayer funding. Local enforcement: A Tongan man in Australia faces charges after police seized 125kg of kava, $100,981 cash and a vehicle near Ramingining. Road safety: Tonga Police report 69 arrests after breathalyser tests on more than 2,800 drivers. Youth and policy: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030) to strengthen the education-to-work pathway.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has arrived in Koror for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (30 Aug–4 Sep), with Tonga pushing priorities on climate resilience, ocean governance, disaster readiness, connectivity and economic development. Hū Louifi dispute: Tonga’s PMO says Lord Fakafanua accepted a proposal for a Hū Louifi to the King, after it was halted when the Palace Office told it not to proceed; the office denies any earlier claim was wrong and says a leaked memo may not be final. Online safety debate: A new commentary argues social media bans won’t fix the root causes of online harm and may cut young people off from connection. Education and jobs pressure: Parliament heard concerns that Tongan students paid, passed, and completed TNU courses, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise their qualifications, raising questions about accreditation and delivery. Skills for youth: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), aiming to strengthen the path from training into employment. Community and culture: A free Ōtara Music Festival is set for 19 Sep, spotlighting South Auckland Pacific talent and stories. Regional environment warning: A report warns deep-sea mining could trigger investor-state lawsuits that chill Pacific governments from tightening environmental rules.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from 18 forum members will meet Aug. 30–Sept. 4, with Tonga among them, as the summit tests whether island nations can keep a united voice while the US, China and partners compete over security, Taiwan, and ocean resources. Deep-sea mining legal risks: A new Pacific report warns countries including Tonga could face investor-state lawsuits that may “chill” efforts to tighten environmental rules. Tonga education accountability: Parliament heard concerns that students paid for and completed TNU courses, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise some qualifications over accreditation issues. Tonga politics: A second candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, citing an apparent deal to complete 2010 democratic reforms. Community and culture: The Prime Minister’s Office denied allegations of a taxpayer-funded Hū Louifi ceremony seeking the King’s forgiveness. Sports and talent: Hamish Chimanlal won gold for Tonga in taekwondo in South Korea, while Tonga’s National Apprenticeship Policy 2026–2030 was launched to expand pathways from training into jobs.

Wildlife crackdown and rescue: The Aquarium of the Pacific says it took in nearly 1,000 marine animals after two separate smuggling busts, including a June truck haul of about 2,000 creatures; officials say around a quarter died after arrival, with staff working overnight to quarantine and acclimatise survivors. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A Pacific NGO report warns countries including Tonga could face investor-state lawsuits if they tighten rules or halt licences, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. Pacific diplomacy in Palau: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to join leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau, with defence, policing and regional security cooperation among the headline deals. Tonga politics: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, citing an apparent agreement to complete Tonga’s 2010 democratic reforms. Education accountability: Parliament heard concerns that students paid for and completed TNU courses that the Public Service Commission would not recognise, raising questions about accreditation and delivery. Apprenticeships push: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), building on a 2024 pilot to expand pathways from training into jobs. Sports spotlight: Tonga-born All Blacks prop Saula Ma’u made his debut for New Zealand in South Africa, coming on late to help spark a 41-35 comeback win.

Deep-sea mining: A new Pacific report warns Tonga and other island states could face costly investor lawsuits if they tighten environmental rules or change deep-sea mining plans, creating a “chilling effect” on future protections. Pacific security & diplomacy: The U.S. says it remains firmly committed to the Pacific ahead of the Palau summit, while Palau prepares for about 2,000 leaders for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum. Climate mobility: A NZ-backed programme worth NZ$17.9m launches to help Pacific islands plan people-centred responses to climate mobility. Tonga politics: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi under an apparent deal to complete 2010 democratic reforms. Education & accreditation: Parliament was told students paid, passed, but had TNU qualifications rejected by the Public Service Commission, raising questions about accreditation. Sports (Tonga): Tonga-born All Blacks prop Saula Ma’u makes his debut for New Zealand, while taekwondo gold medallist Hamish Chimanlal celebrates his win in South Korea. Community & culture: Tonga launches its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030) to strengthen the path from training into jobs.

Climate & Mobility: A NZ$17.9m regional climate mobility programme has launched to help Pacific islands plan people-centred responses to displacement and relocation, with partners including IOM and the Pacific Islands Forum. Whale Protection: Tonga is pushing “blue corridors” ideas to protect whale highways beyond national waters, as conservation groups call for safer international routes. Labour Rights: A new look at PALM worker welfare says support is extensive on paper but hard to access in practice, with welfare officers tied to approved employers. Politics & Reform: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi under an apparent deal to complete 2010 democratic reforms. Education Accountability: Parliament heard concerns that Tongan students paid, passed, then had qualifications rejected by the Public Service Commission due to accreditation issues. Justice in Utah: After a fatal funeral shooting in Kearns, prosecutors say an “old quarrel” led to charges over the gun and alleged obstruction, including against a father and others. Sports Spotlight: Tonga-born All Blacks prop Saula Ma’u made his debut for New Zealand, while Tonga’s taekwondo star Hamish Chimanlal won gold in South Korea. Environment & Safety: Questions remain after an unlicensed whale-watching boat capsized off Tongatapu, leaving passengers in the water and some taken to hospital.

Education & Accreditation: Parliament heard concerns that students at Tonga National University paid, studied and passed courses, but the Public Service Commission rejected their TNU qualifications—raising questions about accreditation timing and whether some programmes were delivered before being recognised. Government Accountability: The Prime Minister’s Office denied allegations of a taxpayer-funded Hū Louifi ceremony seeking King Tupou VI’s forgiveness, after claims of a TOP$50,000-plus cultural package. Youth Skills: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), a four-year plan to expand apprenticeships and better link training to jobs, building on a 2024 pilot. Disaster Readiness: Tonga joined Pacific partners in Honiara to push coordinated earthquake, tsunami and volcanic resilience, including better monitoring, data sharing and workforce support for 2026–2030. Sovereignty & Deep-Sea Mining: A new report warns Pacific governments—including Tonga—could face investor-state legal threats if they tighten environmental rules or change deep-sea mining plans. Health & Safety: Questions remain after an unlicensed whale-watching boat capsized off Tongatapu, with passengers reportedly lacking lifejackets and some taken to hospital. Sport & Pride: Tonga-born All Blacks prop Saula Ma’u made his debut for New Zealand, while Fiji’s Pearls prepare to face Tonga in Netball World Cup qualifiers next month.

Tonga Education & Qualifications: Parliament has been told students paid, passed and completed Tonga National University (TNU) courses, but the Public Service Commission (PSC) rejected their TNU qualifications—raising questions about accreditation and whether some courses were delivered before approval. PM Accountability: The Prime Minister’s Office has denied allegations of a taxpayer-funded Hū Louifi ceremony seeking King Tupou VI’s forgiveness, after Kaniva News reported a proposed TOP$50,000+ package including cash, a pig, handicrafts, yams and kava. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Tonga joined Pacific partners in Honiara to push coordinated earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, with priority actions for 2026–2030 including better data sharing and stronger early-warning systems. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments—including Tonga—could face investor-state legal challenges if they tighten environmental or regulatory rules on deep-sea mining. Gender & Disability Funding: Australia announced AUD$20m over three years to support Tonga’s WEGET III and disability inclusion, plus violence prevention and survivor support. Sport & Culture: Tonga-born All Blacks prop Saula Ma’u marked his debut at Ellis Park, while Tonga also features in upcoming regional netball qualifiers in the lead-up to World Cup selection.

All Blacks Spotlight: Tongan prop Saula Ma’u made his All Blacks debut off the bench in Ellis Park, helping New Zealand rally to beat the Lions 41-35, and he says it’s a “dream come true.” Governance & Royal Land Questions: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua has not yet answered claims his government planned an expensive Hū Louifi ceremony seeking King Tupou VI’s forgiveness over Matatoa royal land subleasing. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: Pacific governments face possible costly investor lawsuits if they tighten or change deep-sea mining rules, with Tonga named among countries exposed to investor-state dispute risks. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific states met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring and early warning, including Tonga’s participation in planning 2026–2030 priorities. Road Safety Crackdown: Tonga Police arrested 69 people for drink-driving after breath tests on more than 2,800 motorists. Gender & Disability Funding: Australia announced AUD$20m for Tonga over 2026–2029 to back women’s empowerment, disability inclusion and violence prevention. Sports Qualifiers Watch: Fiji netball coach Michelle Parsons says Tonga and Samoa are the biggest threats as qualifiers in Tonga approach. Climate & Resilience: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua urged Pacific leaders to turn economic ambition into action, calling for know-how, capital and niche export growth.