AGP Executive Report

Moana Pasifika future in limbo: New Zealand Rugby says a decision on who will take over Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific licence is due by 30 June, with proposals still being considered after the franchise was put into liquidation by Pasifika Medical Association. Tonga law and order: Tonga’s Registrar General warns that false information in birth, death and marriage registrations is a criminal offence under the Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act 2025, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Sports—OFC U19 heartbreak: Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe bowed out of the OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands. Regional security and cooperation: A US Coast Guard crew returned to Honolulu after Operation Blue Pacific, including port calls in Tonga and Vava’u and assistance to Tongan Royal Navy operations in Tonga’s EEZ. Pacific environment and science: Scientists report the first live sightings of goblin sharks in the Tonga Trench, captured on video during expeditions. Whale rights push: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released model Pacific whale-protection laws for public consultation.

Moana Pasifika rescue plan: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is set to review a proposal to redirect funds to keep the Super Rugby club alive after its previous owner pulled out, with officials estimating 20–50 jobs (or 80–120 if revenue targets are met). Politics and courts: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh pressure after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty of election bribery for donating a Starlink terminal, following earlier convictions involving Tourism Minister Semisi Sika and Finance Minister Lata Tangimana. Civil registration warning: The Registrar General’s Office warns people that false details in birth, death and marriage registrations under the 2025 Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act can lead to up to two years in prison and fines. Justice and scams: Tonga’s FMA warns about AI deepfakes and fraudulent investment platforms targeting communities, including a Tonga-linked scam using WhatsApp/Viber and fake trading apps. Football (OFC U19): Tonga’s Tu’ulalupe bow out of the OFC Under-19 qualifiers after back-to-back defeats, including a 4-1 loss to hosts Cook Islands, who now face Papua New Guinea for the final spot. International ties: King Tupou VI visits the Marshall Islands, meeting President Hilda Heine and reaffirming shared priorities like climate resilience and energy security. Science and Tonga: NASA and ESA findings say the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption’s effects reached space, disrupting Earth’s ionosphere.

Tonga election fallout: The Supreme Court has convicted Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi of electoral bribery after he donated a Starlink terminal during the 2025 campaign, making him the third cabinet minister hit by election-related rulings and raising the risk of by-elections and cabinet reshuffles. Parliament & cost of living: Budget debate in Nuku’alofa zeroed in on fuel prices and whether the government’s spending plans, including a school breakfast proposal, are doing enough to ease pressure on households. Civil registration warning: Tonga’s Registrar General says knowingly providing false information for birth, death or marriage registrations is a criminal offence under the Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act 2025, with penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment. Pageant integrity: Miss Heilala organisers warn of fake contestant posts using their logos after registrations closed, urging the public to rely only on verified announcements. Sports—Ikale Tahi: Tonga Rugby named an Ikale Tahi squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup starting 4 July, with a mix of returning internationals and overseas-based players. OFC U19 qualifier: The Cook Islands beat Tonga 4-0 at home, setting up a winner-takes-all clash with Papua New Guinea for qualification.

Tonga Election Fallout: Tonga’s political crisis deepened after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty of electoral bribery for donating a Starlink terminal during the 2025 campaign, following earlier court rulings against Tourism Minister Semisi Sika and Finance Minister Lata Tangimana—raising the risk of by-elections and a cabinet reshuffle. OFC U-19 Qualifiers: Tonga’s Under-19s were beaten 4-1 by the Cook Islands in Rarotonga, leaving qualification to be decided in a winner-takes-all clash with Papua New Guinea. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Israel says it will open a representative office in Papua New Guinea after talks with PM James Marape, as Israel expands ties across the Pacific including Tonga. Community & Health: In South Auckland, Alexander Cafe is tackling fast-food and high-sugar diets by offering fresh meals and a safe community hub for Pacific families. Drugs Alert in Tonga: Police are investigating reports of “ice” found on a Vavaʻu beach, after a major cocaine wash-up in 2021.

Election Court Crisis: Tonga’s political pressure keeps rising after Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty of electoral bribery for donating a Starlink terminal during the 2025 campaign, making him the third senior minister convicted and raising the risk of by-elections and a cabinet reshuffle. Earlier Rulings: The court also found Tourism Minister Semisi Sika guilty for failing to declare a $10,000 dance academy payment, while Finance Minister Lata Tangimana was convicted for providing fish to constituents (he has resigned his portfolio but is appealing). Youth & Sport: Tonga’s football pathway got a boost and a test as the Cook Islands opened the OFC U-19 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win over Tonga, setting up a key match for a spot at the Samoa finals. Community Health: In South Auckland, Alexander Cafe is tackling fast-food habits by offering fresh meals and a safe community hub for Pacific families. Drugs & Safety: In Vavaʻu, police are investigating reports of “ice” packages found on a beach, following a major cocaine wash-up in 2021.

OFC U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifying in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, led by David Tita’s hat-trick as Tonga struggled to find an equaliser. Maritime Patrol: The US Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock returned to Honolulu after its first Operation Blue Pacific patrol, including port calls in Nuku’alofa and Vava’u and assistance to the Tongan Royal Navy with fisheries enforcement. Drugs Update (Vava’u): Two packages of “ice” were found on a Vava’u beach and handed to police, coming years after a major cocaine wash-up in 2021 at the same area. Deep-Sea Mining: Nauru and Tonga-backed mining companies have filed UNCLOS claims against the International Seabed Authority over deep-sea exploration contract compliance. Governance: Tonga’s court rulings continue to mount pressure on Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua’s government, with electoral bribery convictions involving multiple ministers. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga’s first notification under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies moves forward, supported by a WTO Fish Fund project.

Tonga Politics: Tongan Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi has been found guilty of electoral bribery after a Starlink terminal donation to his constituency was ruled bribery, joining other convictions tied to the 2025 election and raising fears of cabinet shake-ups and possible by-elections. Ocean Governance: The State of the Pacific Ocean convening opened in Suva, urging Pacific people to “let an old story die” and rethink ocean relationships as leaders tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Regional Security: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says rising drug busts in Fiji show Tonga’s “proximity” demands tougher vigilance, as Tonga expands enforcement and introduces wastewater testing to track drug use. Maritime Safety: Auckland’s proposed lifejacket rules for small boats are drawing Pacific input, with Coastguard urging stronger protections after past drownings. Water Resilience: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for Hunga and Matamaka, easing chronic shortages on Tonga’s remote islands. Earthquake Watch: Tsunami advisories remain in place across parts of the Pacific after a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, with Tonga included in monitoring lists.

Cybercrime & Law Reform: Pacific legal experts meeting in Fiji are finalising a regional handbook to help countries strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with Tonga among the participants. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US advisories put many Pacific coasts—including Tonga—on alert for hazardous ocean conditions, while New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it. Water Security: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water daily for Tonga’s remote islands Hunga and Matamaka. Politics & Representation: Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris says Labour should explain why its Te Tai Tonga candidate was left off the party list, arguing it limits Māori representation under MMP. Local Justice: South African police report four arrests in Mpumalanga over unlicensed firearms and ammunition linked to a stolen Toyota Hilux probe, with Tonga Visible Policing Unit and Tonga detectives involved. Sports (OFC U-19): Papua New Guinea opened OFC U-19 qualifying with a 4-0 win over Tonga, led by David Tita’s hat-trick. Land Court: Tonga’s Land Court found a Kolofo’ou lease was obtained through forgery and fraud using a false power of attorney, involving family members and a Chinese leaseholder.

OFC U-19 Football: Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers with a 4-0 win over Tonga in Rarotonga, with David Tita scoring a hat-trick as Tonga struggled to find a breakthrough. Tsunami Watch: After a powerful 7.8 quake struck the southern Philippines, Pacific agencies issued regional tsunami advisories and coastal monitoring alerts, including Tonga—authorities say New Zealand is not under threat. Local Power Disruption: Tonga Power Limited reported a temporary outage in ʻĀhau after a vehicle hit a power pole, affecting parts of the Hihifo network with restoration expected within about three hours. Water Security: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for remote Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Politics: Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris says Labour must explain why its Te Tai Tonga candidate was left off the party list, arguing it limits Māori representation. Justice: Tonga’s Land Court found a lease over a Kolofo’ou town allotment was secured using forgery and fraud involving a false power of attorney. Community Safety: Auckland Council is consulting Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules for small vessels, aiming to reduce drownings. Sports (NRL): Dragons forward Jaydn Su’A faces a likely 12-week spell after a suspected torn pectoral, while Tonga-linked players continue to feature in regional rugby league storylines.

Election Watch (NZ): Labour released its 2026 election list, with surprises including foreign affairs spokeswoman Vanushi Walters jumping to No. 8 and Greg O’Connor left off entirely after missing selection for the new Wellington North seat. OFC Football (Pacific): Papua New Guinea opened the OFC U19 qualifiers in Rarotonga with a 4-0 win over Tonga, led by David Tita’s hat-trick, putting PNG one victory from the lone qualifying spot. Tonga Courts: The Land Court rejected Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out Vila Malia Vaka’uta’s land claim, ruling the issues must be heard at trial. Local Justice (Kolofo’ou): Tonga’s Supreme Court ordered a brother and his family to vacate a Kolofo’ou allotment in a long-running family land dispute. Sports (NRL): Cronulla beat St George Illawarra 34-12 at Shark Park, while the Wests Tigers were thrashed 68-0 by Penrith. Pacific Community: Tonga’s Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu.

Court & Land Rights: Tonga’s Land Court has rejected the Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim, with Justice Tupou KC saying the dispute needs proper trial review over Lease No. 5442 in Ma‘ufanga. Water & Services: In South Africa’s Ehlanzeni region, authorities say illegal water connections and fast-growing informal settlements are driving outages, and have installed solar-powered boreholes as an interim fix while bulk water schemes for Tonga and surrounding areas progress. Sports—Football: OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifiers are underway in Rarotonga with Tonga in the mix, after Papua New Guinea opened with a win over Tonga; Tonga’s domestic football season also kicked off with the Tonga FA Major League and secondary schools competition starting this week. Sports—Netball: Melbourne Mavericks beat the Vixens 59-50, with Tongan shooter Uneeq Palavi starring for the Mavericks. Crime & Community Safety: Police in Sydney launched an investigation after shots were fired at a funeral linked to the alleged “Coconut Cartel,” described as having Tongan connections. US Immigration: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration policies affecting asylum and other decisions for applicants from 39 countries, including Tonga.

Tonga Football: The Tonga Football Association’s 2026 Major League kicked off today with Nukuhetulu taking on Veitongo, setting the tone for a competitive season and a pathway for local talent. Secondary Schools Sport: Secondary schools football also began at Veitongo Soccer Field, with multiple Under-16 and Under-18 matches across boys’ and girls’ divisions. Cycling & Community: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu, backed by police support and aimed at road safety and growing participation. OFC U-19 Qualifiers: The Cook Islands host Tonga and Papua New Guinea at CIFA Complex in Rarotonga for OFC U-19 Men’s Championship qualifying, with the winner earning a place at the 2026 finals in Samoa. Land Court: Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta was rejected, with the case set to be examined at trial. Sports (International): Saints’ late loss to Harlequins keeps their playoff build-up in focus, while WWE’s King and Queen of the Ring brackets are now set for Night of Champions.

Tonga Land Court: The Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta has been rejected, with the court saying the dispute needs proper examination at trial. Youth football: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship 2026 qualifying tournament kicks off in Rarotonga with hosts Cook Islands joined by Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with finalists earning FIFA U-20 World Cup spots. Sport—Tonga rugby league: Tonga’s junior girls delivered a statement 36-0 win in the Pacific Schools Rugby League Championship, while Ba Methodist beat the Tonga junior boys 28-14. Storm injury update: Storm star Eli Katoa will not play again this year as he continues recovery from serious head injuries, with contact work still uncertain. WWE SmackDown: Royce Keys suffered a third straight loss after Solo Sikoa’s faction interference, as the Bloodline-style conflict keeps expanding. Parliament: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit Tuesday 9 June to continue work on the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates. Athletics: Tonga returned from the Oceania Championship Cup in Darwin with 38 medals and multiple records, including Under-20 shot put gold for Penisimani Taeiloa.

Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit Tuesday, 9 June, to continue work on the 2026/27 Budget Estimates, with MPs receiving briefings on the 2026 Budget review led by the Finance and Public Accounts Committee. Pacific Health & Drugs: A Pacific Islands expert warns illicit drugs are showing up beyond Fiji, with meth traces reported in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—raising concern for HIV and TB risks. Moana Pasifika Future: A decision on Moana Pasifika’s future is expected within weeks as New Zealand Rugby Players Association talks progress on a Samoa-and-Tonga-led plan after the franchise was placed into liquidation. Fuel Costs: Pacific leaders say rising fuel prices and supply pressures are hitting women, youth and vulnerable communities hardest, with Tonga’s central bank warning of possible double-digit inflation. Sport (Tonga): Tonga returned from the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin with 38 medals, including new national records. Youth Rugby: Tonga’s secondary schools rugby league teams prepare to compete at the Pacific Secondary Schools Championship, aiming to build elite experience and life skills.

Moana Pasifika future: A decision on the Super Rugby franchise could come within weeks as New Zealand Rugby Players Association talks continue on a new Samoa and Tonga-led rescue plan after Moana Pasifika was placed into liquidation with debts reported at more than $8 million. Pacific climate displacement: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning there’s no dedicated framework for people forced to move across borders, with World Vision research estimating nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Fuel pressure across the Pacific: A Pacific Business Brief reports diesel and fuel caps still rising, with Tonga’s central bank warning of possible double-digit inflation linked to fuel costs, while Samoa moved to an “amber alert” and prepared for power shedding. Women leaders push for action: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands Minister John Maneniaru said women, youth and vulnerable communities are hit hardest by rising costs, conflict impacts and climate pressures, calling for commitments to become practical action. Tonga youth sport: Tonga’s Secondary Schools rugby league teams are set for the Pacific Secondary Schools Championship, with both boys’ and girls’ Under-18 squads ready to compete and games broadcast live on FBC 2. Local safety alert: Police are seeking a woman in the US accused of scamming a Tongan customer over a kiekie order that was never delivered.

Pacific Women & Cost of Conflict: Leaders at the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting say Middle East conflict-linked price rises are hitting food, transport and health hardest for women, girls, youth and people with disabilities. Moananuiākea Voyage: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the sail plan as El Niño and storm risks grow, with a revised Tonga–Samoa–Fiji route and a later August departure. Tonga Methane Clue: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the volcanic plume helped dispose of some methane in the stratosphere, pointing to possible climate-fighting ideas. Moana Pasifika Lifeline: A decision on the franchise’s future is expected within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led rescue talks continue after liquidation and reported debts. Tonga Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga undetected before new tracking tech, as authorities strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Health Partnership: Tonga’s Ministry of Health signs an MOU with China’s GX Foundation to expand healthcare cooperation. Digital Connectivity Risk: New study flags subsea cable faults near island coastlines as a major vulnerability for small island nations. Sports & Community: Tonga’s rugby and school-level teams gear up for matches against Tonga’s best, while NRL Round 14 fixtures roll on.