Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Dragons' new backs could miss URC opener after Tonga call-ups for World Cup bid
South Wales Argus
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Wing Inisi and centre Paea have been selected in their national squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, where qualification for the 2027 World Cup is on the line. Tonga host Samoa on Saturday, August 23 and then travel to defending champions Fiji the...
Royal visit cements Tonga–Fiji chiefly bonds
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 2, 2025
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u will attend Ratu Tevita’s Lau chiefly installation in Fiji next week. King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u will make a State visit to Fiji from 8 to 12 July, attending the installation of Lau chiefly titles, Sau...
Tongan royals to celebrate age-old ties with Fiji at high chief’s installation ceremony
Pacific Media Network
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The King and Queen of Tonga are visiting Fiji to attend the installation ceremony of the chiefly titles of Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau, Tui Nayau, and Tui Lau. The installation ceremony will be held on Lakeba Island, and the royal couple has been invited...
Tonga Government face US$1M ransom for cyber-attack on health system
Island Times
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July 1, 2025
NUKU’ALOFA (TALANOAOTONGA) — A cyberattack on Tonga’s National Health Information System (NHIS) has entered its second week, crippling access to vital health records. Police Minister Dr. Paula Piukala revealed at a press conference Thursday that...
Customs Urges Kiwi Travellers To Give Digital Declarations A Go
Scoop
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With the start of the winter school holidays, Customs is urging all arriving travellers to use the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration instead of the paper version available on flights. Customs Manager New Zealand Traveller Declaration,...
Hawaii reports 9th case of travel-related dengue this year
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Hawaii
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June 30, 2025
The Hawaii Department of Health on Friday confirmed another case of travel-related dengue on Oahu, bringing the total reported in the state to nine so far this year. The latest case comes almost two months after the eighth case of dengue, which...
Tama Tonga sends a cryptic message after his brothers join Solo Sikoa's new Bloodline at WWE Night of Champions
Sportskeeda
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June 28, 2025
Tama Tonga has reacted to Solo Sikoa forming his new Bloodline at the WWE Night of Champions Premium Live Event. At the show, Tama's brothers, Tonga Loa and Hikuleo, joined forces with Sikoa. Sikoa defeated Fatu to win the WWE United States...
Bhutan acts to stay off travel ban list
The Bhutanese
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June 28, 2025
After working very hard to stay off any travel ban list and cooperating with United States (US) authorities, Bhutan was congratulating itself when the USA, earlier this month, announced a list of countries facing full and partial travel ban that...
Tongan RSE workers thrive in Hawke’s Bay after cyclone disaster
Pacific Media Network
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Hundreds of Tongans are working in Hawke's Bay under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, two years after Cyclone Gabrielle left them stranded. A Tongan government official says around 1800 workers are engaged in pruning and harvesting...
Pacific Workshop to Promote Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 27, 2025
UN Tourism, in partnership with the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), will officially launch the “Development of...
MVA urges tree planting in line with global travel trend
Marianas Variety
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(MVA) — “Enjoy nature,” is the #1 activity visitors to The Marianas plan when they visit, according to the latest visitor exit survey by the Marianas Visitors Authority. MVA is raising awareness of the importance of preserving and planting trees...
These alternative holiday ideas make for great August escapes
The Times
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Such is the clamour for southern Europe and the Mediterranean that August’s other temptations tend to escape our attention. Instead of the Greek islands, for instance, what about Greenland and its wondrous glaciers? Or consider venturing to Africa...
What a Potential Travel Ban on Tuvalu Reveals About US Foreign Policy Under Trump
The Diplomat
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June 25, 2025
In mid-June 2025 reports emerged that the Trump administration would consider adding to its existing travel ban on 19 countries (signed in early June) an additional 36 countries, including three in the Pacific: Vanuatu, Tonga, and Tuvalu. In an...
Tonga mobilises as US travel ban threatens nationals
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 20, 2025
Tonga is preparing a response to the US travel restrictions affecting its citizens. The Prime Minister ʻAisake Eke says the US State Department has placed Tonga on a list of 36 countries facing restrictions, citing concerns over national security,...
WWE Staff Given The Week Off After Saudi Arabia Trip, Raw/SmackDown Double-Taping (WWE News)
WhatCulture
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July 1, 2025
WWE talent get some rare time off to enjoy Independence Day. WWE.comFollowing a hectic week or so for WWE personnel, it looks as if the bulk of those wrestlers and staff will be getting a nice little break from the grind. As per Fightful Select,...
Could Anything Be More Bigoted Than Trump’s Travel Bans?
The American Prospect
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June 23, 2025
In her early nineties, my mother had emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder, which had somehow managed to flip over and begun to rot. The physician who performed the surgery—from which she recovered completely—was an Iranian immigrant. I was...
Charting a Resilient Future: Tonga Launches 2025–2030 Tourism Roadmap at National Forum
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 11, 2025
The Kingdom of Tonga has taken a bold step toward revitalizing its tourism industry with the successful hosting of the National Tourism Forum, held from March 13–14, 2025 at the Fa’onelua Conference Centre in Nuku’alofa. The forum focused on...
Pacific Tourism Organisation Backs Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing in Tonga
Pacific Tourism Organisation
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June 20, 2025
The Pacific’s marine wildlife—majestic whales, playful dolphins, and graceful sea turtles—draws thousands of visitors each year to its pristine shores. But with growing popularity comes greater responsibility. Recognising the need to protect these...
Travelers From These 36 Countries May Soon Be Banned From Entering the U.S.
Fodors Travel Guide
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June 16, 2025
And other travel news you may have missed. This week in travel, we’ve uncovered several stories that might have flown under your radar. Among them: locals fire squirt guns at tourists (again); a woman has an epic meltdown in Milan over excess...
Tonga among 36 nations under fresh US travel‑ban threat
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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June 16, 2025
Tonga is one of 36 countries facing possible US visa and travel restrictions. A recent report by the Washington Post states that the US State Department has flagged 36 nations—including Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu—under consideration for full or...