New in-country testing advances breast cancer care in Samoa and Tonga

The Pacific Community (SPC) is enhancing breast cancer diagnosis and management in the Pacific Islands, where it stands as the most common cancer affecting women. Through a vital new laboratory strengthening initiative, Samoa and Tonga are now...

Tonga could face potential financial and legal risks if Deep Sea...

By Marc Ake Tonga is one of the sponsoring states for The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian deep sea mining company trying to secure rights to mine in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) between Hawai’i and Mexico. It’s been 5 years since TMC first...

Sharks head for New Zealand to enjoy our summer: Researcher Dr Riley Elliott explains why they come

“There’s this perception that sharks are invading because there’s warmer waters, but it’s not. It’s purely a seasonal movement from deep ocean water into the coastal shallows for food and for pupping.” Shallow coastal waters are a nursery ground...

Tonga mining deal sparks outrage over transparency

A Tongan advocate says the renewal of an agreement between the island Kingdom and Canadian deep sea mining company, The Metals Company (TMC) contradicts the will of the people. Elizabeth Kite says she’s concerned that the Tongan government has...

Rare white humpback whale sighting off Kaikōura sparks excitement

“And you just saw a glimpse the first time it came up to the surface, but we ended up watching for maybe an hour and a half.” Phelps had been tipped off about their rare visitor by friends Abi and Megan, who had seen the white whale heading...

Life Sciences Cloud Content Migration: Separating Fact from Fiction

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Tongan engineer recognised as Next Generation Leader in infrastructure

From shadowing her mother during night shifts as a child to becoming a structural engineer and a leader in Aotearoa New Zealand’s infrastructure sector, Karina Kaufusi’s journey is one of perseverance, cultural grounding, and representation. The...

Scientists track marine life return after 2022 Tonga volcano eruption

CANBERRA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Life is gradually returning to the seafloor around Tonga's Hunga Volcano, over three years after its massive 2022 eruption, research shows. Microbial and small marine species are recolonizing the volcanic mud and ash...

Historic royal visit marks 200 years of Tonga–Australia friendship

Canberra, Australia — Marking a powerful milestone in two centuries of friendship, His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga have arrived in Australia for a historic state visit from 18 to 24 September, celebrating 200 years of...

Global Economists Demand Urgent African Debt Relief

More than 20 leading economists call for comprehensive reform as crushing debt costs prevent millions from accessing clean water and basic healthcare Over 20 prominent global economists, including Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, have issued an...

Nick Aldis, Bayley, Tonga Loa, and more WWE stars react to Charlotte Flair's heartbreaking update

WWE personalities, including Nick Aldis, Bayley, and Tonga Loa, recently took to social media to react to Charlotte Flair's heartbreaking update about her friend, Britney's passing. The Queen dedicated a post to her friend. Charlotte Flair...

Sailors Celebrate the Navy’s 250th Birthday

OCTOBER 13, 2025 – Multinational service members deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 celebrated the Navy’s 250th Birthday embarked on the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) underway in the Western...

Life returns to Hunga Tonga seafloor after massive volcanic eruption

Researchers mapping the sea floor at the site of a massive 2022 volcanic eruption say microscopic marine life has returned to the area. The Hunga Tonga volcano erupted three years sending ash 58 kilometres into the earth's atmosphere and...

Queen of Tonga visits UNSW to support women’s health initiatives

Strengthening partnerships to eliminate cervical cancer UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the visit was a powerful endorsement of the University’s partnership with Pacific nations in advancing women’s health. “It is a...

A Royal Diplomacy: Tonga’s King and Queen mark 200 years of friendship in Australia

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga are in Australia for their first official visit, commemorating 200 years of friendship between the two countries. The historic visit started with a traditional welcome ceremony, which included a smoking...

Australia and Tonga launch “Kaume’a Ofi” to deepen alliance

Australia has formally committed to a new bilateral pact, Kaume’a Ofi, during this week’s historic Tongan royal visit. From 18 to 24 September, His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u are in Australia as Canberra seeks a “peaceful, stable...

Australia Welcomes Tongan Royal Family

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade The Australian Government welcomes the historic visit to Australia from 18 to 24 September of His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga as we strengthen our partnership and shape a peaceful,...

Australia welcomes Tongan Royal Visit

King Tupou VI accompanied by Queen Nanasipau’u made a courtesy call with Governor General HE the Hon.Ms Sam Mostyn AC at Government House, Canberra, Australia, 19 September 2025. Photo: AHC HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u were welcomed by...

Marine life returns slowly after Tonga’s 2022 volcano blast

A scientific expedition reveals early signs of recovery on the seafloor devastated by Tonga’s 2022 Hunga eruption. On 15 January 2022, the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano unleashed the most powerful eruption globally in over a century, sending...

China-Aid Phase VII boosts Tonga layer farming skills

The China Aid Agricultural Technical Assistance Project Phase VII, together with Tonga’s Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forests, organised a comprehensive technical session on layer breeding. The training combined...