AGP Executive Report

Pacific diplomacy at PIF: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese says Canberra will keep pushing talks with Tonga and Solomon Islands on key regional agreements, aiming for progress but avoiding firm deadlines. Tonga climate finance: Tonga’s Finance Minister Vika Sivoki Lavemaau calls the Pacific Resilience Facility a “game-changer,” urging partners to fully capitalise the Pacific-owned resilience fund. PRF money moving to communities: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the PRF has shifted from idea to pledges, and now the focus is getting funds into communities hit hardest by climate change. US backing Pacific priorities: The US announced $150m+ for Pacific partners, including a $60m energy security push, $17m to tackle illegal fishing, and a feasibility study on upgrading Tonga’s port facilities. Blue corridors for whales: Tonga is backing a WWF-led push for protected “whale highways” across the Pacific to safeguard migration routes from fishing, shipping, pollution and climate impacts. Tonga climate mobility deal: Tonga signed a partnership with UNOPS to strengthen capacity on climate mobility planning, via the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative. Tonga justice system: An editorial urges Tonga’s courts to standardise independent verification of medical certificates that can excuse defendants or halt proceedings. Sports—OFC U-16 Women’s: Tonga’s U16 women’s team is set to play in Honiara, with group matches against New Caledonia, PNG and Samoa. Visa squeeze hits players: US visa denials tied to tighter entry rules left some Tongan pickleball players unable to compete in Salt Lake City.

Whale “blue corridors”: Pacific countries are being urged to protect the ocean routes whales and other marine species use, with Tonga backing the WWF-led push for protected “whale highways” across borders. US-Pac support: The United States pledged over $150m for Pacific energy security, anti-illegal fishing, infrastructure, digital tech and law enforcement, including a $60m energy initiative. Tonga climate mobility deal: Tonga signed a partnership with UNOPS to strengthen climate mobility planning, sharing information and building national and regional capacity. Pacific resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP events and COP31 to show investors it can deliver funding directly to communities. Tonga media boost: The Media Association of Tonga opened a new office as the association works to strengthen Tonga’s media role and professional cooperation. Visa squeeze hits Tongans: Tighter US entry rules have left some Tongan athletes stranded after visa denials, including pickleball players unable to compete in Salt Lake City. New Zealand visa centre in Tonga: A new VFS-run Visa Application Centre in Nukuʻalofa will open Sept 14, with RSE applications compulsory through the centre. Deep-sea mining warnings: Civil society and regional voices warn deep sea mining could bring long-term legal and financial liabilities, with Tonga named among exposed countries. Fuel and services in Tonga region: TotalEnergies relaunches a directly operated service station in Nabua, expanding fuel and customer services.

Courts & Health Records: A Supreme Court judge has pushed for medical certificates to be independently verified, raising a big question for Tonga’s justice system about how courts handle claims of mental incapacity and protect public trust. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: Pacific civil society and regional leaders are warning that deep sea mining could trigger long-term legal and financial liabilities, with Tonga named among countries exposed to investor-state dispute risks. Antarctic & Tonga’s Future: Tonga’s Prime Minister argues Tonga’s interests are tied to Antarctic decisions, warning that industrial krill fishing could harm whales and the whale-watching tourism Tonga relies on. Visa Access in Tonga: New Zealand will open a Visa Application Centre in Nukuʻalofa on September 14, with RSE applications required to be lodged there from that date. Skills & Jobs: Tonga’s Crown Prince has launched the kingdom’s first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding apprenticeships beyond tourism into more sectors. Fuel Prices: Petrol drops on Tongatapu, but diesel and kerosene rise for September, with the Niuas still facing the highest costs. Sports Diplomacy: Australia announces $15.6m to support Pacific athletes aiming for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics, with training and qualification pathways through major regional events.

Deep-Sea Mining: Pacific civil society in Palau is warning leaders that seabed extraction could saddle countries with long-term legal, financial and environmental liabilities, urging stronger science, national consultation and legal safeguards before any move to extraction. Sovereignty Risk: The Cook Islands PM says his government will stay cautious and stick to science, even as a new report warns investor-state rules could trigger costly legal action if environmental rules tighten or licences are changed—naming Tonga among those exposed. Tonga in the Southern Ocean: In an op-ed, Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua argues the kingdom’s future is tied to Antarctic waters, warning industrial krill fishing could harm humpback whales and whale-watching livelihoods, and calling for Pacific clout in Southern Ocean decisions. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: As leaders gather in Palau, New Zealand’s Winston Peters says absences are disappointing, while Tonga’s MP Dr ʻAisake Eke warns worsening government audit performance could shake confidence from overseas budget partners. Tonga Visa Access: New Zealand will open a Visa Application Centre in Nukuʻalofa on September 14, with RSE applications compulsory through the centre. Fuel Prices: September petroleum prices bring lower petrol but higher diesel and kerosene, hitting outer islands hardest. Sports Diplomacy: Australia pledges $15.6m to boost Pacific athletes toward Brisbane 2032.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, with regional security, climate resilience, ocean governance and economic development on the agenda as key leaders—including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale—are missing. Deep-sea mining pushback: Civil society groups at the Forum renewed calls for a ban, warning seabed extraction could bring major legal and financial liabilities for Pacific states. Tonga visa access: New Zealand will open a Visa Application Centre in Nukuʻalofa on September 14, with VFS Global handling paper applications and making RSE submissions compulsory through the centre. Labour and skills: Tonga has launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding placements from a tourism pilot into more trades, including construction expected later this year. Governance watch: A Tongatapu MP warned worsening government audit results could shake confidence from overseas funding partners. Pacific resilience funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility has entered its operational phase, with pledged support now being collected.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with talks expected to focus on security, climate resilience, ocean governance and economic development. Regional unity under strain: The summit is starting with empty seats after Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale flew home over a no-confidence challenge, while Kiribati, Samoa and Vanuatu leaders are also absent—raising questions about how far Pacific countries can stay aligned. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Tonga and other Pacific states could face costly investor lawsuits if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. Tonga audit warning: Tongatapu 5 MP Dr ʻAisake Eke says worsening government audit results could shake overseas partners’ confidence in budget support. Culture and youth: South Island rangatahi in Māfana are using Pacific dance and music to build cultural identity and representation across the region. Sports spotlight: Ashlee Matapo’s rapid rise from NZ Warriors development player to Cook Islands Test debut is highlighted as Tonga-linked Pacific talent keeps breaking through.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with talks set to focus on security, economic development, climate resilience, ocean governance and regional direction. Regional diplomacy pressure: The summit is already hit by drama, including Solomon Islands leadership turmoil, while Palau pushes ahead with Taiwan participation despite Beijing pressure. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments—including Tonga—could face investor-state lawsuits that may “chill” efforts to tighten environmental rules. Blue Pacific whale protection: Tonga is backing a “blue corridors” approach to safeguard whale highways beyond national waters, valuing whales for culture and tourism. Tonga politics—by-election: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to support Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, linked to an apparent deal to complete Tonga’s 2010 democratic reforms. Tonga economy—remittances: A fintech-focused look at Tonga highlights how remittances are central to daily life and why digital finance could make them cheaper and more resilient.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with talks set to focus on security, economic development, climate resilience, ocean governance and regional direction. Deep-sea mining warning: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they change course on deep-sea mining, raising fears of a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental rules. Climate mobility push: A New Zealand-backed regional programme has launched to keep Pacific people at the centre of climate mobility decisions, supporting practical, people-led responses across a dozen islands. Tonga politics—by-election deal: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, after an apparent agreement to complete Tonga’s unfinished 2010 democratic reforms. Local skills drive: Tonga has launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), aiming to expand apprenticeships and improve the education-to-work transition, starting with sectors like tourism and hospitality. Whale protection and “blue corridors”: Tonga is pushing ocean protection that values whales as taonga, while a “blue corridor” plan seeks safer routes for whales across international waters. Sport—Tongan talent: Hamish Chimanlal won gold in taekwondo in South Korea, adding to Tonga’s growing medal momentum.

Tonga Politics: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, after an apparent deal aimed at completing Tonga’s unfinished 2010 democratic reforms. Education & Accountability: Tonga National University is facing serious questions after Parliament heard students paid, completed and passed courses, only to have their qualifications rejected by the Public Service Commission—raising concerns about accreditation and whether courses ran before approvals. Labour & Skills: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), a four-year plan to expand apprenticeships and improve the education-to-work transition, building on a 2024 pilot now involving 36 apprentices and 19 employers. Economy & Remittances: A new look at Tonga’s financial system highlights how remittances act as core economic infrastructure—driving everyday spending and shaping the need for cheaper, faster digital finance. Sports & Community: Tonga’s taekwondo star Hamish Chimanlal won gold in South Korea, while Tonga’s Crown Prince officially launched the apprenticeship policy in Nuku’alofa; plus, Fiji’s Pearls prepare for World Cup qualifiers in Tonga next month. Environment & Culture: A Tonga-linked push for “blue corridors” focuses on protecting whale highways beyond national waters, tying conservation to cultural and economic value.

Tonga Politics: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, after an apparent democratic-reform understanding aimed at completing Tonga’s unfinished 2010 reforms. Education & Accountability: Parliament heard concerns that Tonga National University students paid for and completed courses, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise their qualifications, raising questions about accreditation and delivery. Jobs & Skills: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), a four-year framework to expand apprenticeships and improve the education-to-employment pathway, starting with a pilot in tourism and hospitality. Sports Spotlight: Tongan taekwondo fighter Hamish Chimanlal won gold in South Korea, adding to Tonga’s growing medal momentum. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Australia’s push for deeper Pacific alliances is in focus, while the US reiterates its commitment to the region. Ocean & Environment: A new plan seeks to protect parts of the high seas “whale highways,” as Tonga and others value whales both culturally and economically. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risks: A report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they change course on deep-sea mining.

Deep-Sea Mining: A new Pacific report warns Tonga, PNG, Nauru and the Cook Islands could face costly investor-state lawsuits if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining, with a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. Regional Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. says it remains firmly committed to the Pacific ahead of the Palau forum, stressing security ties, disaster resilience, trade and private-sector investment. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Palau expects about 2,000 people for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with climate resilience, ocean stewardship and energy security on the agenda. 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. Tonga Education: Parliament heard concerns that Tongan students paid for and passed courses at Tonga National University, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise their qualifications. Safety Watch: Questions remain after an unlicensed whale-watching boat capsized off Tongatapu, leaving 13 Anglican delegates injured and raising oversight concerns. Skills for Jobs: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030) to expand apprenticeships and link training to employment. Sports Spotlight: Hamish Chimanlal won gold for Tonga in taekwondo in South Korea, while Tonga’s remittance-driven economy and whale “blue corridor” ideas keep drawing regional attention.

Climate & Mobility: New Zealand-backed Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme (NZ$17.9m) was launched in Suva to help islands plan people-centred responses to climate displacement, with partners including IOM and the Pacific Islands Forum. Tonga Politics: A second potential candidate has withdrawn from the Tongatapu 2 by-election to back Dr Malakai Koloamatangi under an apparent democratic-reform deal tied to the 2010 unfinished reforms. Education & Jobs: Parliament heard concerns that Tonga National University students paid for and completed courses, but the Public Service Commission would not accept their qualifications due to accreditation issues. Apprenticeships: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), building on a 2024 pilot to expand pathways from training into work. Safety & Tourism: Questions remain after an unlicensed whale-watching boat capsized off Tongatapu, carrying an Anglican delegation; passengers reported poor oversight and some lacked lifejackets. Sport Spotlight: Nuku’alofa-born taekwondo fighter Hamish Chimanlal won gold in South Korea, while Tonga’s remittance-driven economy and welfare support for PALM workers both drew fresh attention.

National Apprenticeships: Tonga has launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy 2026–2030, a four-year plan to grow apprenticeships and improve the jump from training into jobs, starting with a 2024 pilot in tourism and hospitality and expanding to areas like cookery, accommodation, fashion and hairdressing. Education Accountability: Parliament has been told students paid for and passed Tongan National University courses, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise their qualifications, raising questions about accreditation and whether some courses ran before approval. Safety at Sea: A whale-watching boat carrying 13 Anglican Church delegates capsized off Tongatapu; the Ministry of Tourism says it was not licensed, and concerns remain over oversight and passenger safety after several were taken to hospital. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten or change rules on deep-sea mining, naming Tonga among countries exposed. Disaster Preparedness: Tonga joined regional meetings in Honiara to push coordinated earthquake and tsunami resilience, focusing on better monitoring, data sharing and early warning systems. Road Safety: Police say a high-speed crash at Fatai overturned a vehicle; a 26-year-old from Nukunuku was admitted then discharged, with authorities urging safer driving. Sports & Culture: Tonga’s netball qualifiers in Tonga next month loom large for Fiji Pearls, while Polynesian wayfinding stories and a home-based Tongan/Samoan food business highlight Pacific culture beyond the islands.

Tonga Education Accountability: Parliament heard that Tonga National University students paid, studied and passed courses, but the Public Service Commission rejected their qualifications—raising questions about accreditation timing and whether some programmes were delivered before approval. Netball World Cup Build-Up (Fiji): Fiji Pearls coach Michelle Parsons says Tonga hosts and Samoa are the biggest threats in next month’s qualifiers, while defender Vutaeli Tokaduaudua stresses team unity as Fiji ramps up preparations. Pacific Voyaging & Culture: Native Hawaiian captain Archie Kalepa was inducted as a Pwo Navigator, highlighting ongoing leadership and stewardship across Polynesian navigation traditions. Regional Disaster Readiness: Tonga joined Pacific partners in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring and early warning systems for 2026–2030. Deep-Sea Mining Sovereignty: A new report warns investor-state dispute risks could chill Pacific governments’ ability to tighten environmental rules as deep-sea mining interest grows. Tonga Road Safety: Police say a 26-year-old man from Nukunuku was discharged after a high-speed crash at Fatai, urging careful driving. Pacific Trade & Food Links: A Tonga-linked story spotlights Polynesian food businesses and community ties, including Tongan and Samoan plates served in East Palo Alto.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental or regulatory protections for deep-sea mining, naming Tonga among the exposed countries. Governance & Royal Land Claims: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua has not yet answered allegations his government planned a taxpayer-funded Hū Louifi ceremony seeking King Tupou VI’s forgiveness over controversial royal land subleasing. Disaster Readiness: Pacific officials met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring and early warning, with Tonga among participating countries. Sports (Netball): Fiji Pearls coach Michelle Parsons says Tonga and Samoa are the biggest threats in next month’s Netball World Cup qualifiers in Tonga, while warning not to overlook other teams. Road Safety: Tonga Police say a 26-year-old man from Nukunuku was discharged after a high-speed crash at Fatai on 23 August. Earthquake Update: A 5.1-magnitude quake hit the Tonga Islands region, reported by Germany’s GFZ.

Education and work: A Tonga-born USP student says Market Day helps students earn income and build real skills, but also brings stress and tough balancing acts. All Blacks debut: Saula Ma’u, born in Tonga, made an emotional All Blacks debut for the Highlanders’ prop after being called up as an injury replacement. Pacific sovereignty and deep-sea mining: A new report warns Investor-State Dispute Settlement could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental protections. Ocean protection push: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua backs turning Pacific ambition into action, while leaders prepare for Palau and COP31 talks with “Blue Corridors” in focus. Tonga road safety: Police say a 26-year-old man from Nukunuku was discharged after a high-speed Fatai crash. Tourism compliance: Tonga’s Tourism Ministry says a whale-watching boat that capsized with Anglican delegates was not licensed for the activities. Gender and disability support: Australia announces AUD$20m (2026-2029) for locally led inclusion work in Tonga. Climate and disasters: A 5.1 quake hit the Tonga Islands region, and a researcher warns more major earthquakes could come before year-end.