AGP Executive Report

Super Rugby Pacific: New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Moana Pasifika will not play in 2027 after rejecting rescue bids, saying no party met the required committed capital and business plan standards; NZR says the door stays open beyond 2027 for a Pacific-based team that can meet the commercial numbers. Tonga & Pacific sport: The fallout lands as Pacific governments and rugby stakeholders tried to keep the franchise alive, but the licence transfer was ruled out and the competition is set to move to a 10-team format. El Niño impacts: Tonga Meteorological Services says El Niño is now declared, raising the risk of droughts and cyclones across the Pacific. Food security crisis: Papua New Guinea faces severe shortages in the Highlands as frost and prolonged dry conditions damage crops and livestock, with Oxfam warning millions could be affected. Fuel crisis follow-up: A new look at the fuel crisis shows diesel and electricity costs spiking across the Pacific, including major increases in Tonga’s Tongatapu. Local spotlight: Miss Heilala 2026 contestants made their first public appearance in Nuku’alofa, drawing attention to the pageant ahead of the crown. Science & region: Scientists report the first live sightings of the elusive goblin shark near the Tonga Trench.

Moana Pasifika shock: New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Moana Pasifika is out of Super Rugby Pacific in 2027 after rescue bids failed to meet required committed capital and a workable business plan, despite talks involving Pacific governments; NZR says the door stays open beyond 2027 for a Pacific-based team that can meet the commercial numbers. Tonga sports spotlight: Tonga made history at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific, winning both men’s and women’s titles and qualifying two teams for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup. Drug response in Tonga: Tonga’s National Drugs Taskforce has approved new anti-drug measures, including a remand centre, prison vocational training, reintegration hubs, police tactical support and CCTV expansion. Cyber security push: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative aimed at boosting intelligence sharing and coordinated operations across Pacific nations. Fuel and climate pressure: Pacific finance ministers meet in Majuro amid a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, higher import costs and food vulnerability, while El Niño warnings raise drought and cyclone risk concerns. Road safety update: Cook Islands police report road crashes up 9% in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key drivers. Science from the deep: Scientists report the first live observations of goblin sharks in the Central Pacific, including near the Tonga Trench.

Moana Pasifika Exit: New Zealand Rugby has rejected every rescue bid and will not approve any transfer of the Moana Pasifika licence for Super Rugby Pacific in 2027, ending the franchise’s run after liquidation and leaving the competition set for a 10-team format. Tonga Sports Spotlight: Tonga made history at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific, winning both men’s and women’s titles and qualifying two teams for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup. Tonga Anti-Drugs Push: Tonga’s National Drugs Taskforce has approved new prison, rehabilitation and security projects, including a remand centre, vocational training, reintegration hubs, tactical policing support and more CCTV. Cyber Security Boost: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinated operations as ransomware and scams rise. Local Economy Update: Tonga’s Parliament approved the 2026/27 budget of $949.4m, with cost-of-living support including electricity tariff relief. Community Concern: A viral livestream alleges Tongan women were forced into marriage in China, but the claims have not been independently verified.

Moana Pasifika Funding Crisis: NZ Rugby has rejected a rescue bid, dealing a major blow to the Islands franchise and raising concerns about a $5m next-year funding gap and the club’s ability to build sponsorship and gate revenue. Tonga Budget Approved: Parliament passed the 2026/27 budget worth about $949.4m, including $735.2m cash and $214.2m in in-kind support, with a $38.1m deficit covered via bonds and reserves and cost-of-living relief such as electricity tariff support. El Niño Warnings for Tonga: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions, with meteorologists flagging below-average rainfall, drought risk, marine heatwaves and higher cyclone activity; drought alerts are already in place for several islands. Cybercrime Push: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative after a ransomware attack exposed digital weaknesses, aiming for intelligence sharing, training and coordinated operations. Finance for Pacific Resilience: Pacific finance ministers meet in Majuro amid a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, import costs and food vulnerability, with Tonga noting rising diesel prices. Tonga in Sport: Tonga won both men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League 2026–Pacific, qualifying two teams for the U23 World Cup for the first time. Infrastructure Delay: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge is stalled by unresolved land disputes at ʻUmukisia, with penalty fees expected while work remains paused. Public Safety: Suspected drug packages have reportedly washed ashore on Vava’u beaches, with items handed to police for investigation.

Tonga Budget Passes: Parliament has approved Tonga’s 2026/27 budget, unlocking about $949.4 million in spending (including $735.2m cash and $214.2m in-kind) with a forecast $38.1m deficit. El Niño Warning: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions in force, with meteorologists warning of below-average rainfall, higher drought risk, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching, plus a more active cyclone season. Cybercrime Support: Tonga has joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative to boost intelligence sharing, training and coordinated operations after a ransomware attack exposed digital weaknesses. Fuel Pressure Across the Pacific: Pacific finance ministers meet in the Marshall Islands to tackle a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, rising import costs and food vulnerability, with Tonga reporting higher diesel prices. Drug and Crime Alerts: Police are investigating suspected illicit drug packages reportedly washed ashore in Vava’u, while an MP has been suspended after a heated Parliament exchange over organised crime allegations. Sports Spotlight: Tonga made history at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League—Pacific, winning both men’s and women’s titles and qualifying two teams for the U23 World Cup.

Budget Watch: Tonga’s Parliament has approved the 2026/27 national budget of $949.4 million, including $735.2m cash and $214.2m in-kind, with a $38.1m deficit to be covered by bonds and cash reserves, and cost-of-living relief such as electricity tariff support. El Niño Preparedness: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions in force, warning of below-average rainfall, higher drought risk, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching, plus an increased tropical cyclone outlook; drought alerts are already in place for several islands. Infrastructure Delay: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge is still stalled after unresolved land disputes at ʻUmukisia, with the government facing millions of paʻanga in penalty fees while the project remains paused. Drugs on Vava’u Shores: Suspected illicit drug packages have reportedly washed ashore on Vava’u beaches, with police investigating and authorities urging people not to handle suspicious items. Parliament Tensions: Independent MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended for one day after a heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa over organised crime and drug trafficking allegations. Science & Tonga Links: New deep-sea footage documents live goblin sharks, including sightings along the Tonga Trench, offering rare insight into “living fossil” species.

El Niño hits Tonga: Tonga Meteorological Service says El Niño conditions are now in force, with drought risk, reduced rainfall, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching expected, plus a potentially more active cyclone season; drought alerts are already out for several islands. Youth and democracy push: A Pacific Youth and Democracy Forum in Fiji urged young people to move beyond passive roles and take ownership of governance, with Tonga among participating countries. Climate training for Pacific youth: Solomon Islands youth and officials completed a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, including participants from Tonga, focused on climate-smart farming, aquaculture and practical adaptation. Infrastructure delay: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge is stalled by unresolved land disputes at ʻUmukisia, with the government facing millions of paʻanga in penalty fees while work remains paused. Drugs and policing tensions: Suspected drug packages have reportedly washed ashore on Vava’u beaches, while Parliament saw a heated suspension of MP Paula Piveni Piukala after drug-related allegations sparked clashes with Lord Tu‘ilakepa. Regional security and crime: Tonga Police highlighted how crime is shifting from local to transnational and increasingly coordinated digitally, as Pacific experts call for stronger regional responses. Tongan investors targeted in US crypto case: A US man pleaded guilty in a HyperFund scam that prosecutors say fraudulently took about $1.8b from investors worldwide, including members of the Tongan diaspora. Sports (Tonga rugby pride): A roundup piece notes Tonga’s continued rugby strength and national pride, even as football dominates elsewhere.

Infrastructure Delay: Tonga’s long-awaited Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge is still stalled after unresolved land disputes at ʻUmukisia, with the government facing millions of paʻanga in penalty fees to McConnell Dowell Constructors while only the Folaha side is ready. Public Safety & Crime: Suspected illicit drugs have reportedly washed ashore on Vava’u beaches, with packages handed to police for investigation as authorities urge people not to handle suspicious items. Justice & Parliament: Independent MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended for one day after a heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa over allegations tied to organised crime and illicit drug trafficking, including questions about a figure linked to a major overseas investigation. Regional Security: Law enforcement experts say Tonga and other Pacific island states face a growing shift from local to transnational crime, with digital methods making investigations harder. Trade & Fisheries: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to close legal and policy gaps to meet harmful subsidies rules. Climate Watch: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions in force, warning of below-average rainfall, drought risk, and a potentially more active cyclone season. Cybercrime Alert: Interpol reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighting vulnerabilities for small island states.

Drugs on Vava’u Coast: Suspected illicit drug packages have reportedly washed ashore on Vava’u beaches, including a partially embedded package photographed near Koloa; local officials say items were handed to police for investigation, with no public confirmation yet on whether it’s linked to earlier finds near Holeva Island. Parliament Tensions: Independent MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended for one day after a heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa over allegations involving organised crime and illicit drug trafficking, including questions about a figure linked to a past Tonga drug-trafficking investigation. Climate Watch: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions in force, warning of below-average rainfall, drought risk across islands, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching, plus a potentially more active cyclone season. Regional Crime Response: Law enforcement experts at a Pacific peace and security dialogue urged stronger community and regional cooperation to tackle rising transnational crime, with Tonga Police highlighting digital crime and maritime surveillance challenges. Heilala Manongi Football: Longolongo and Lapaha opened the 2026 Heilala Manongi Women’s Football Cup with a win for Longolongo, as the tournament also launches in Vava’u with champions set to travel to Tongatapu. Fisheries Trade Compliance: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to review legal and policy frameworks to meet transparency and compliance requirements. Royal Visit in the Pacific: King Tupou VI received a traditional Cook Islands welcome at Atupare Marae in Puaikura ahead of USP graduation ceremonies.

Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly has approved the national annual Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga for FY 2026-2027, with 735.2 million in cash and 214.2 million in in-kind support, and ministries set to start programmes from 1 July. Justice & Governance: Speaker Lord Vaea says the government moved too slowly in informing Parliament about the judiciary’s denial of serious allegations involving Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop. Crime & Drugs: A regional push is underway to tackle rising transnational crime in the Pacific, with Tonga Police warning that overseas networks are increasingly coordinating digital drug crime. Climate Watch: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions are now in force, bringing below-average rainfall, drought risk, marine heatwaves and a more active cyclone season; drought alerts are already out for several islands. Health: Hawai‘i health officials report a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu involving a visitor, with local spread risk expected to be low. Sports (Local): Longolongo beat Lapaha in the Heilala Manongi Women’s Football Cup opener, with more Tongatapu matches and a Vava’u-Tongatapu showdown ahead. Diaspora Finance: A U.S. man pleaded guilty in a HyperFund crypto scam that prosecutors say targeted members of the Tongan diaspora. Trade & Fisheries: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to meet transparency and compliance requirements.

Heilala Manongi Women’s Football Cup: Longolongo beat Lapaha in the opening round as Tongatapu’s women’s teams kicked off their 2026 Heilala Manongi Cup campaign, with Marist also taking on Navutoka in another tight match; organisers say the tournament is running in Vava’u too, and the Vava’u champions will later travel to Tongatapu for a championship showdown. Tonga in regional sport: Tonga is named among teams for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games netball debut, with Melbourne Mavericks goaler Uneeq Palavi set to spearhead the Tala. Parliament & governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed the FY 2026–2027 national Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga, authorising spending from 1 July 2026, after a late sitting. Climate watch: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions in force, warning of below-average rainfall, drought risk, marine heatwaves and a potentially more active cyclone season. Fisheries trade: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to meet transparency and compliance requirements.

Tonga Budget Passes: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the FY 2026-27 national Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga, with 735.2 million in cash and 214.2 million in-kind support, setting ministries up to start programmes from 1 July 2026. El Niño Watch: Tonga has declared El Niño conditions in force, warning of below-average rainfall, drought risk, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching, plus a potentially more active cyclone season; drought alerts are already out for several island groups. Crime Turning Transnational: Tonga Police say crime is now coordinated across countries and accelerated by digital methods, money movement and maritime routes—pushing police to rethink how they investigate and respond. Regional Security Training: Tonga is part of the Pacific Response Group, which is building disaster-ready capability through exercises like MARARA 26 in French Polynesia. Fisheries Trade Compliance: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to review laws and reporting systems to meet harmful subsidy rules. Health Alert (Regional): Hawai‘i reported a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor, with local spread risk expected to be low.

Tonga Budget Passes: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the national annual Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga for FY 2026-2027, with 735.2 million in cash and 214.2 million in-kind support, clearing the Appropriation Bill with amendments and setting ministries up to deliver from 1 July. Parliament Tensions: Speaker Lord Vaea criticised the government’s slow response over Parliament’s handling of serious allegations involving Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC, after the judiciary rejected the claims and said the matter spread quickly via social media and overseas outlets. Fisheries Trade Move: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to review fisheries management and subsidy administration gaps to meet the deal’s transparency requirements. Regional Security & Disaster Readiness: Tonga featured in Pacific-wide cooperation efforts, including the Pacific Response Group’s disaster relief training exercise MARARA 26, while regional leaders push for stronger security arrangements. Maritime Surveillance Returns: Operation Ika Moana is back after a five-year pause, strengthening Pacific leadership in coordinated maritime surveillance. Sport Spotlight: Uneeq Palavi has been named in Tonga’s first Commonwealth Games netball team for Glasgow.

Tonga–Trade & Fisheries: Tonga has submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO, with help from the WTO Fish Fund, aiming to plug gaps in fisheries data, subsidy reporting, and compliance with the global push to end harmful subsidies. Royal & Regional Ties: King Tupou VI received a ceremonial Cook Islands welcome in Rarotonga, including elevation on a pa’ata by Tongan warriors, ahead of his role as USP Chancellor at the graduation ceremony. Budget & Governance: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the national annual Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga for FY 2026–2027, authorising ministries to start programmes from 1 July 2026. Sports: Uneeq Palavi has been named in Tonga’s first Commonwealth Games netball team for Glasgow, set to debut in late July. Security & Crime: Tonga police say the criminal threat is now transnational and digital, with drugs, money, forged documents and scams moving through maritime routes and online networks. Health: Dengue activity remains a concern across the Pacific, with Tonga listed among countries reporting increased cases, while Hawai‘i also flagged a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu. Business: Business Link Pacific is expanding SME support in Tonga as the Tonga National Business Conference 2026 opens, focusing on finance, skills, logistics and innovation.

Dengue Alert: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu tied to a visitor, with local transmission risk expected to be low, but urging people to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Tonga in Sport: Melbourne Mavericks goaler Uneeq Palavi has been named in Tonga’s first Commonwealth Games netball team for Glasgow, set to debut in late July. Regional Security & Crime: Tonga police say the criminal threat is now transnational and digital—drugs, money, forged documents and scams moving across borders—pushing a rethink of how policing works. Pacific Disaster Readiness: The UN’s Pacific Resident Coordinator stresses everyone must be counted in disaster response, from pre-positioning supplies to community drills and private-sector logistics. Tonga Governance: Tonga’s budget talks continued with allocations for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, His Majesty’s Armed Forces and the Prime Minister’s Office, including plans for a new diplomatic mission in Suva. Health & Diplomacy: King Tupou VI received a ceremonial welcome in Rarotonga and will preside over the USP graduation ceremony. Business Support: Business Link Pacific expanded enterprise support at Tonga’s National Business Conference 2026. Marine Life: Scientists filmed the “world’s ugliest shark,” the goblin shark, alive in the wild—new sightings include the Tonga Trench area.

Disaster Preparedness: The UN’s Pacific Resident Coordinator urged Pacific governments, communities and the private sector to “step up and be counted,” stressing pre-positioning supplies and regular drills after Palau’s emergency exercise highlighted gaps. Regional Response Readiness: Tonga is among nations building interoperability through Exercise MARARA 26, part of the Pacific Response Group’s push to improve logistics, medical support, communications and crisis coordination. Tonga Business & Trade: Business Link Pacific expanded SME support at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, linking local firms with advisers, grants and finance opportunities. Fisheries Cooperation: Tonga backed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, boosting regional advocacy and science-based enforcement. Health Watch: Dengue activity is rising across the Pacific, with Tonga among the countries reporting outbreaks as cases and hospitalisations remain elevated. Tonga Governance: Budget deliberations continued in Tonga’s Parliament, including allocations for Diplomatic Services, Armed Forces and the Prime Minister’s Office, while the Judiciary raised concern over a serious allegation made during House debates. Sports: Tonga international Siua Wong re-signed with the Sydney Roosters for two more seasons.