Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Today's rugby news as Wales international makes debut for new country and coach demands pride
Wales Online
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August 30, 2025
These are your latest rugby headlines on Saturday, August 30. Ex-Wales star makes Test return Former Wales international Uilisi Halaholo has made his international rugby return ast the age of 35. The centre came off the bench for Tonga in second...
NZTBC launches business mission in Tonga
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 27, 2025
A delegation of 14+ business representatives from the New Zealand Tonga Business Council (NZTBC) arrived in Nuku‘alofa this week, launching today a two-day business mission at the Tanoa Hotel. The mission, held from 27 to 29 August 2025, is...
Tonga’s economy remains highly vulnerable to external shocks, says IMF
Matangi Tonga Online
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August 27, 2025
The Tongan economy is growing at a solid pace but remains highly vulnerable to external shocks including natural disasters, global trade policy uncertainty, and the risk of reduced concessional financing, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF)...
Rulers of Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain receive Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education
The National News
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Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, both received Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, on Wednesday. The minister was praised by Sheikh Dr Sultan for “the hard...
UniFiji and Tonga’s Atenisi Institute partnership to strengthen Pacific higher education
Fijivillage
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UniFiji and Tonga’s Atenisi Institute partnership to strengthen Pacific higher education The University of Fiji and Tonga’s Atenisi Institute have formed a partnership to work together in strengthening higher education in the Pacific through...
Triple Threat: Black Ferns Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jorja Miller, Maia Joseph shine in new Sky docuseries
The New Zealand Herald
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August 29, 2025
Jorja Miller When it comes to contrasts, it’s hard to beat enjoying the glitz and the glam of the World Rugby Awards in Monaco, then weeks later, highland dancing at the Temuka and Geraldine A&P show. Yet nothing is a more fitting reflection of...
Start the week with a film: ‘Dekh Tamasha Dekh’ skewers self-declared guardians of religion
Scroll.in
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Alongside a flourishing career on the stage, Feroz Abbas Khan has also pursued filmmaking. Dekh Tamasha Dekh (2014), his second movie after Gandhi, My Father (2007), unleashes playwright Shafaat Khan’s satirical gifts onto an examination of the...
Activist slams Pacific’s ‘dreadful response’ to Palestine amid growing links with Israel
Asia Pacific Report
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August 22, 2025
By ‘Alakihihifo Vailala of Pacific Media Network As Israel expands its relationships with Pacific Island nations, an activist is criticising the region for its “dreadful response” to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict,...
Idaho athlete Hallie Taufoou shines on international rugby stage
IdahoNews
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MERIDIAN, Idaho (CBS2) — MERIDIAN, Idaho — Hallie Taufoou, a former basketball and soccer player from Meridian High School, is now representing Team USA at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England. Taufoou's journey to the international stage...
The nine books our critics couldn't put down in August
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
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August 29, 2025
Welcome to the ABC Arts wrap of the best new releases. This month, we bring you a nine-book bonanza, including the latest novel from a much-admired Australian author, an exploration of motherlessness by an Instagram poet-turned-novelist and a...
Education ministry launches new official website
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 19, 2025
The Ministry of Education and Training (MET) unveiled its new website, www.education.gov.to, on Monday, offering a centralised, secure platform for education information across Tonga. The launch ceremony in ʻApi Mataka was led by the Hon. Minister...
VEITALANOA | Fijian lore and culture
The Fiji Times
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August 23, 2025
As Pacific Island cultures grapple with the relentless combination of globalisation and digital distraction, a passionate Fijian academic is determined to turn the tide. Dr Tarisi Sorovi Vunidilo, renowned archaeologist, museum curator, and...
Tonga ends dengue outbreak as Sāmoa faces surge in cases
Pacific Media Network
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Tonga’s Ministry of Health has declared the end of the dengue fever outbreak, which started six months ago. Since the outbreak, a total of 907 cases were recorded, along with three dengue-related deaths. Thankfully, no new cases have been reported...
This Private Island Paradise in Tonga Lets You Sleep in Treehouses and Swim in Crystal Clear Seas
Go World Travel Magazine - Colorado
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August 22, 2025
Mandala Resort by Tradewinds is a private island in Tonga that hosts just 10 guests each week. Photo by Benjamin Rader It’s almost 7 am when I awaken to the sounds of the sea. Opening my eyes, I see the first rays of the sun bringing a new day to...
Tongan language is at the heart of its people's identity - academic
RNZ
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August 18, 2025
Tongan cultural performers at Polyfest 2018. Photo: PeninaJoy/ Coconet A Tongan law academic credits Tonga's "strong leadership" for its unique history. Tongan Language Week is being celebrated in Aotearoa this week under the theme 'Our language...
New Tongan book aims to restore traditional worldview on art
Pacific Media Network
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A new book exploring the breadth of Tongan arts launched on Friday at the Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, after 13 years of research and collaboration. The art book, Sio FakaTonga ‘ae ‘Aati FakaTonga Faivā, Tufunga & Nimamea‘a FakaTonga -...
Tonga’s foreign policy: King’s gamble
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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August 18, 2025
Tonga’s foreign policy has always belonged to the King. Not figuratively, not in the “influence behind the scenes” way, but in the literal constitutional sense. Clause 39 hands him the power to make treaties and appoint diplomatic representatives....
Tongans divided over bill granting monarch control of key ministries
RNZ
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August 18, 2025
King Tupou VI inspects the guard of honour during his official state visit to Fiji in July 2025. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government The recent move by Tonga's Legislative Assembly to introduce and pass a bill that transfers oversight of two key...
Fmr. Foreign Affairs Minister of Tonga to lead Commonwealth Observer Group for Guyana’s elections
News Room
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August 21, 2025
The Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey will deploy a Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to observe the forthcoming general and regional elections in Guyana, scheduled for 1 September 2025. Led by Mrs Fekitamoeloa Katoa...
Concerns about the incorporation of customs into Tonga’s constitution
Kaniva Tonga
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August 20, 2025
University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji. August 21, 2025. The Editor, Kaniva News, New Zealand. Subject: Concerns on the incorporation of customs into Tonga’s Constitution. To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my...