Press Releases

Young PALM with H.E Mr. Yasuo Takase.

Tongan students attend ‘Young PALM’ in Okinawa, Japan

Two High School students from the Kingdom of Tonga have been selected to participate in the first Young PALM meeting hosted by the Okinawa Prefecture Government from May 21st to 27th, 2012 in Japan. Mr. Mosese Uili from Tonga College and Miss ‘Ilaisaane G. Namoa from Queen Salote College paid… Read More

Participants at the Workshop.

Four Pacific countries to benefit from Island Biodiversity project

A USD 1.7 million dollar project to conserve island biodiversity in the Cook Islands, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu was launched at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Apia, Samoa. Under this three year initiative the island nations will carry out a range of activities with their… Read More

Pacific growth to moderate: ADB report

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (11 April 2012) – Economic growth in the Pacific region is expected to slow to 6.0% in 2012, decelerating further to 4.1% in 2013, while inflation is expected to hold at moderate levels in much of the Pacific, according to the Asian Development Outlook 2012, released today by… Read More

Mr. Busby Kautoke

Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet suspended by PSC

THE Public Service Commission have suspended the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Mr Busby Kautoke while they carry out disciplinary procedure, effective 4.30pm, Thursday 5 April 2012. The Prime Minister. Lord Tu’ivakano has appointed Deputy Secretary, Alfred Soakai to be the Acting Chief Secretary and Chief Secretary to Cabinet.… Read More

Na’ina’i mei he Komiti Ngaue ki he Konisitutone ‘a e ‘Iunioni ‘Akapulu

‘Oku faka’amu ‘a e Komiti Ngaue ki he Konisitutone ‘a e ‘Iunioni ‘Akapulu ‘a Tonga ke fakama’ala’ala ki he kau poupou mo e kau mamahi’i ‘o e maa’imoa ni ‘o fekau’aki mo e ngaue kuo lava mo e Konisitutone Fakaangaanga (Draft constitution) kuo fakahu ki he Sea mo e Poate… Read More

New Zealand and SPC sign grant agreement

New Zealand and SPC sign grant agreement

    New Zealand’s new Consul-General to New Caledonia, H. E. Linda Te Puni signs New Zealand’s grant agreement with SPC Director-General Dr Jimmie Rodgers on Thursday 1 March 2012.  Within days of taking up her appointment as New Zealand’s new Consul-General to New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and… Read More

Australia: helping Tonga out in hard times

The Australian Government today announced it will provide $5 million to support health and education professionals in Tonga.    These funds will ensure the salaries of Tonga’s health and education workers, such as primary and secondary school teachers, doctors and nurses continue to be paid.    Australia’s support aims to assist the… Read More

Vakameasina extended three years for RSE employees

AFTER the successful two-year Pilot of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Worker Training programme, or ‘Vakameasina’ as it is more commonly known, the New Zealand Aid Programme has signed a contract with Fruition Horticulture to extend the training for another three years. This means that each year, up to 500… Read More

ANZ provides loan assistance for customers affected by Cyclone Jasmine

ANZ  announced on Tuesday their assistance package for customers affected by flooding as a result of Cyclone Jasmine. Acting ANZ CEO Tonga, Dennis Quayle said: “With the extreme rainfall last week, it’s especially important that the community gets the support it needs. “The floods have had a very real impact… Read More

Ms Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu, Peter Eafare, and Ms. Saipora Mataikabara.

SPC, 65 Years of Commitment to the Region

“The SPC mission is to help the Pacific Island people respond effectively to the challenges they face, and make informed decisions about their future and the future they wish to leave for the generations to follow.” said Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).… Read More