AGP Executive Report

Banking Alert: ANZ has warned people in Tonga about callers posing as bank staff to obtain personal and financial details. The bank says to hang up and contact it through official channels if unsure. Climate Risks: A Commonwealth report says sea levels around Tonga have risen about 7.3 millimetres a year since 1993, while roughly 84% of the population lives within a kilometre of the coast. It warns that existing coastal protections may no longer be adequate. Health Services: China’s seventh medical team in Tonga is providing specialist care and community health checks, with an outreach clinic scheduled at Houma Health Centre. Tonga has also backed a regional proposal to pool purchases of essential medicines. Crime: Eneasi Taumoefolau has been jailed for 12 years for helping establish a Comancheros chapter in Tonga, in the country’s first trafficking conviction since 2011, according to a US report. Rugby League: Tonga’s World Cup side is preparing to face Lebanon after its 30–12 win over England. Veteran Tui Lolohea is set to extend his record with a 23rd cap, while Haumole Olakau’atu has earned the honour of leading the Sipi Tau.

Crime: A Tongan man who established a Comancheros chapter has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. The judge called his actions a threat to Tongan society. Climate Risk: Tonga’s sea level has risen 7.3mm a year since 1993, faster than the global average, a Commonwealth report warns. About 84% of Tongans live within one kilometre of the coast. Development: ADB’s new five-year Pacific plan puts climate resilience, infrastructure and essential services at the centre of its work with Tonga and 11 other island countries. Tonga is also set to receive $15.39 million in emergency ADB aid as fuel costs rise. Health: Tonga supports a proposed regional pool to help Pacific countries secure essential medicines. Rugby League: Veteran Tui Lolohea is set to extend his Tonga appearance record to 23 caps against Lebanon after helping the team beat England. Study: Tongan students are among those eligible for Australia’s reduced student visa fee, provided they apply using a valid Tongan passport.

Pacific Development: ADB’s new five-year strategy includes Tonga, with priorities spanning jobs, essential services and climate resilience. The bank has also approved US$15.39 million in emergency support to help Tonga Power maintain affordable electricity as fuel costs rise. Rugby League World Cup: Tonga’s 30–12 win over England has set up a strong campaign; former NRL player Talatau Amone has been named among the reserves for the Lebanon match, while injured star Eli Katoa is supporting the squad off the field. Trade and Law: Tonga has joined the Advisory Centre on WTO Law as its 48th developing-country member, gaining access to specialist legal advice and training on trade issues.

World Cup Momentum: Tonga’s 30–12 defeat of England has launched a powerful Rugby League World Cup campaign. Eli Katoa, still sidelined by a serious head injury, has returned to the squad in a behind-the-scenes role, while Junior Amone has been named among the reserves for the Lebanon match. Trade Access: Tonga has joined the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, becoming its 48th developing-country member and gaining specialist legal advice and training to help defend its trade interests. Energy Support: The Asian Development Bank has approved US$15.39 million for Tonga to help keep electricity affordable as imported fuel costs rise. Tonga Power has also added two generators amid ongoing outages on Tongatapu. Basketball: Tonga opened its FIBA Polynesian Cup campaign with a hard-fought 71–67 win over Samoa, rallying in the final quarter.

Trade: Tonga has joined the WTO’s Advisory Centre on WTO Law as its 48th developing-country member, gaining legal advice and training to help defend its interests in trade disputes. Rugby League: After Tonga’s 30-12 World Cup win over England, Junior Amone was named among the reserves for Friday’s match against Lebanon, though his NRL ban remains in place following his conviction over a hammer attack. Eli Katoa, still recovering from a serious head injury, is also supporting the squad behind the scenes. Basketball: Tonga opened its FIBA Polynesian Cup campaign with a tense 71-67 win over Samoa, rallying in the final quarter. Energy: Tonga is set to receive US$15.39 million in ADB emergency assistance to help keep electricity affordable amid rising fuel costs. Tonga Power has also added two generators as the country continues to face long-running outages.

Clean Energy: A planned offshore geothermal project could bring up to six generators to Tonga in 2027, offering an alternative to costly imported diesel. Regional officials also warn that limited finance and infrastructure are slowing efforts to make Pacific shipping cleaner and more affordable. World Cup Pride: Mate Ma’a Tonga’s 30–12 win over England has electrified Tongan communities, with Pacific flags celebrating strong ties to homeland. Some Auckland celebrations drew criticism after a traffic sign was allegedly taken. Energy Relief: The Asian Development Bank has approved US$15.39 million for Tonga to help cushion rising fuel costs, support Tonga Power and protect essential electricity services and vulnerable households. Public Services: Tonga’s Diplomatic Services has acknowledged passport-processing delays after applicants reported equipment breakdowns and poor communication. Community Support: A Guangdong delegation handed over solar equipment, tractors, fishing-boat engines and other assistance during a visit to Tonga; the package’s value and maintenance arrangements were not disclosed.

Community Support: A Guangdong delegation handed over solar equipment, tractors, fishing-boat engines, sports gear and school and community upgrades during a visit to Tonga. A separate regional mission will train nurses and community champions in Hihifo to recognise mental health needs and connect families with support. World Cup Triumph: Tonga’s 30–12 win over England—the nation’s first—sent celebrations across Tongan communities, though alleged reckless behaviour by some fans in Auckland drew criticism. Public Services: Passport applicants have reported long waits and broken processing equipment; Diplomatic Services cites a surge in applications, amid wider questions over its restructuring and oversight. Energy and Economy: Tonga Power has added 3.52 megawatts of generation capacity at Popua as the country faces longstanding outages. Tonga is also set to receive US$15.39 million in ADB emergency aid to help offset fuel-cost pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. Justice: Tonga has secured its first human-trafficking conviction since 2011, according to a US report.

Community Support: A Guangdong delegation handed Tonga solar equipment, tractors, fishing-boat engines and other assistance, though the package’s value and plans for distribution and upkeep were not disclosed. Mental Health: An upcoming Ngalu Fānifo mission will train Hihifo nurses and community champions to recognise concerns and connect people with support. Rugby League: Tonga’s 30–12 win over England was its first-ever victory over the side; celebrations in Auckland drew criticism after supporters allegedly removed a traffic sign. Passport Services: Applicants report long journeys and broken processing equipment, while Diplomatic Services attributes delays to a surge in applications. Energy and Aid: Tonga Power has added generators at Popua, while the Asian Development Bank is providing $15.39 million in emergency aid as fuel costs rise. Education and Accountability: Women made up about 73% of 199 USP Tonga graduates. Tonga also recorded its first trafficking conviction since 2011, but a US report flags gaps in victim identification and protection.

Historic World Cup Win: Tonga stunned England 30–12 in Perth for its first-ever victory over the rugby league side, strengthening its position in the group and sending a powerful message about the rise of Pacific teams. Education: Women made up nearly three-quarters of the 199 graduates at USP Tonga’s ceremony on Saturday, earning qualifications across fields including education, law, agriculture and engineering. Electricity and Fuel: Tonga Power has added 3.52 megawatts of generation at Popua to help ease outages, while the Asian Development Bank is providing Tonga $15.39 million in emergency aid to help manage rising fuel costs and protect electricity services. Team Identity: Tonga’s World Cup side is competing as Tonga 13 amid a dispute over the Mate Ma’a Tonga name, though the TNRL says it is not preventing the team from using the brand on the field. Human Trafficking: Tonga secured its first trafficking conviction since 2011, but a US report says victim identification and support remain weak.

Netball: Tonga will join Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands at the inaugural PacificAus Sports Netball Challenge in Brisbane from November 23–28, a key test ahead of next year’s World Cup. Rugby League: Tonga stunned England 30–12 in Perth for its first-ever win over the side, taking control of its World Cup group with a fierce defensive display. Power and Fuel: Tonga Power has added 3.52 megawatts at Popua to help curb outages, while the Asian Development Bank will provide $15.39 million in emergency aid to ease fuel-cost pressures and support affordable electricity. Education: Women made up nearly 73 percent of the 199 graduates at USP Tonga’s latest ceremony. Trafficking: Tonga recorded its first trafficking conviction since 2011, but a US report flagged gaps in victim identification, support and funding. Culture: Tonga mourns singer and ukulele player ʻElenoa Bloomfield, whose performances helped preserve the country’s musical heritage. World Cup Identity: The team is competing as Tonga 13 amid a dispute over use of the Mate Ma’a Tonga name.

Rugby League: Tonga stunned England 30–12 in Perth, earning their first-ever win over the rugby league powerhouse and taking control of their World Cup group. Education: USP Tonga celebrated 199 graduates, 145 of them women, across fields including education, agriculture, law and engineering. Human Trafficking: Tonga secured its first trafficking conviction since 2011, but a US report flagged ongoing gaps: no victims were referred to care and support for protection services remained unfunded. Power and Fuel: Tonga Power added 3.52 megawatts of generation capacity to help stabilise supply, while the Asian Development Bank approved $15.39 million in emergency aid to help protect electricity services from rising fuel costs.

Trafficking: Tonga has secured its first human-trafficking conviction since 2011, with a forced-labour offender jailed for seven and a half years. A US report warns that victim identification and support remain inadequate. Power and Fuel: Two generators have added 3.52 megawatts at Popua to help ease outages, while Tonga is set to receive US$15.39 million in ADB emergency aid to help manage rising fuel costs. Education: Women made up nearly three-quarters of the 199 graduates at USP Tonga’s latest ceremony. Rugby League: Tonga opens its World Cup campaign against England amid a dispute over the Mate Ma’a Tonga name; the team is competing as Tonga 13. The squad also welcomed back Eliesa Katoa as a trainer and cultural adviser after his recovery from a serious head injury.**

Power Supply: Tonga Power has commissioned two generators at Popua, adding 3.52 megawatts to help ease Tongatapu’s recurring outages. Fuel Relief: Tonga is set to receive US$15.39 million in ADB emergency aid to cushion rising fuel costs and support affordable electricity. Drought: A drought has been declared across Tonga as El Niño strengthens, raising concerns about water and food security. Rugby League: Tonga open their World Cup campaign against England in Perth. Amid a dispute over the Mate Ma’a Tonga brand, its trademark owners say they are not seeking payment for the team to use the name on the field. Health: Five Tongan children are among 15 Pacific children set to receive life-saving heart surgery in Fiji. Culture: Tonga mourns singer and ukulele player ʻElenoa Bloomfield, whose performances helped preserve the hiva kakala tradition. Regional Security: Tonga has backed a new Pacific policing body aimed at strengthening cooperation, training and shared security efforts.

Mate Ma’a Tonga: The Tonga National Rugby League says it is not blocking the national team from using the name at the World Cup, clarifying that any compensation request concerns commercial merchandise, not on-field use. World Cup: Tonga face England on Saturday in Perth, led by Jason Taumalolo and a squad featuring Addin Fonua-Blake and Isaiya Katoa. Drought and power: Tonga has declared a drought as El Niño strengthens; separately, Tonga Power has added 3.52 megawatts of generation capacity at Popua. Children’s health: Five Tongan children are among 15 Pacific patients set to receive life-saving heart surgery in Fiji through the Uto Bulabula initiative. Accountability: A Tonga Independent report says only four of 37 complaints to the Anti-Corruption Commission reached full investigation, as the commission acknowledged procurement failures. Community: Friends of Tonga won a 2026 .ORG Impact Award for environmental work, including rainwater storage projects.

World Cup: Tonga open their campaign against England in Perth on Saturday at 8:05pm Tonga time, led by Jason Taumalolo and featuring Addin Fonua-Blake and Isaiya Katoa. Team Name Dispute: Tonga will compete as “Tonga 13” after a dispute over the Mate Ma’a Tonga trademark. The TNRL says it is not seeking payment for the team to use the name on the field, but says modest compensation could apply to merchandise sales. Drought: Tonga has declared drought as El Niño strengthens. Former agriculture minister Siosiua Halavatau says monitoring soil moisture could give farmers earlier warning and more time to protect crops and livestock. Integrity: Tonga’s anti-corruption commissioner says independence must be demonstrated through fair decisions and clear handling of conflicts of interest in close-knit communities. Environment: Friends of Tonga has won a global award for its community-led environmental work, including rainwater cisterns and climate resilience projects.

Rugby League: Tonga’s men will compete as “Tonga 13” at the World Cup after a trademark dispute left the team unable to use its beloved “Mate Ma’a Tonga” name. Tonga opens against England on Saturday. Fair Pay: Tongan international and players’ union leader Felise Kaufusi is pushing to narrow a sharp pay gap: Australian players receive $40,000, while players from other nations can earn at most $4,250. Environment: Friends of Tonga has won a 2026 .ORG Impact Award for community-led environmental work, including rainwater cisterns and climate-resilience projects. Drought: Drought has been declared in Tonga as El Niño strengthens. Former agriculture minister Siosiua Halavatau says monitoring soil moisture could give farmers earlier warning to protect crops and livestock. Public Integrity: Tonga’s anti-corruption chief says independence must be demonstrated in decisions, with clear safeguards against personal connections influencing outcomes.