Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Eased NZ travel rules welcomed
Samoa Observer
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Samoans are excited and optimistic about New Zealand’s new immigration changes, which allow Pacific Island citizens to be issued a two-year multiple-entry visa. The changes, which came into effect on 6 July 2025, have sparked positive responses...
Tonga welcomes 2025 whale season with new visitor experiences
Travel Weekly
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July 10, 2025
The Kingdom of Tonga is welcoming the official start of its annual whale season with early sightings and new visitor experiences that are shaping it up to be one of the best yet. With more than 50 confirmed humpback whale sightings in the waters...
Miss Heilala embraces her calling to inspire Tonga’s future
Pacific Media Network
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“It’s been a whirlwind,” is how Miss Heilala 2025, Siosi'ana Patricia Lavulo Robert Taumoepeau, describes the past few days following her crowning glory last weekend. Speaking from the island Kingdom to PMN Tonga, Taumoepeau shared the...
Fiji welcomes Tonga's bid for a diplomatic mission in Suva
Pacific Media Network
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Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has formally acknowledged and expressed keen appreciation for Tonga’s recent declaration of interest in establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Suva. In a high-level meeting with the King of Tonga,...
Fiji and Tonga reinforce deep rooted bilateral ties
Pacific News Service
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The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations. During the high-level...
Tongan royals on historic visit to Fiji, strengthening ties and celebrating heritage
Pacific Media Network
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The Tongan King is feeling more at home after arriving in Fiji to attend the installation of one of the country’s paramount chiefs. King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho arrived in Suva on Tuesday ahead of their visit to Lakeba in the Lau...
Visa free Pacific-Australia travel is the next logical step in the relationship
The Interpreter
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July 9, 2025
On my first visit to Vanuatu, I spent a week on the island of Pentecost. Among its many colourful inhabitants was a 30-something teacher from the United Kingdom, who’d made his way there on holiday and never left. He’d married, settled into island...
Tongan royals begin historic state visit to Fiji
FBC News
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July 7, 2025
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u. [Photo Credit: Fiji Government] King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga will begin their state visit to Fiji today and will also travel to Lau for the installation of the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau,...
The U.S. Is About To Slap The World's Most Positive Country With A Travel Ban
The Travel
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July 7, 2025
The "New American Travel Anxiety" is real, and it's not limited to foreigners planning to visit the U.S. amid the Trump administration's controversial border policies. Experts also revealed that Trump's tariffs are impacting almost half of...
Dept. of Health posts dengue fever travel alert
Samoa News
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July 7, 2025
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Health has issued a travel health alert on social media after confirmation of three imported cases of dengue fever. The department said the disease was found in travelers who had...
9th Traveler Visits Hawai'i With Dengue Virus
Precision Vaccinations
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(Vax-Before-Travel News)The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) recently confirmed its ninth travel-related case of dengue in 2025. As of the end of June 2025, the DOH reported eight dengue cases on Oʻahu and one case on Maui. Several countries in...
Tourism’s role in peace and prosperity
Newsroom
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July 4, 2025
The Nobel Peace Prize has been won by presidents, fighters for the oppressed, people who’ve changed history and put their lives on the line for a cause. So when Washington-based Auckland-educated Lelei Tuisamoa Lelaulu found out he’d been...
Tongan coach disappointed over Bidesi training ground
FBC News
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July 4, 2025
[Source: Tongan Football] Tonga Mataliki Coach Kilifi Uele openly shared his disappointment regarding the Bidesi park allocated to his team for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup training. This was raised during yesterday’s press conference at the Fiji...
Pacific leaders address U.S deportation distress and regional unity at Micronesian meeting
Island Times
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July 11, 2025
MAJURO (PMN) — The latest wave of deportations of Pacific people from the United States was among a range of issues discussed at the recent Micronesian Islands Forum in the Marshall Islands. The three-day summit brought together leaders from...
'We're still in disbelief': Tongan archers return home after record-breaking run in Palau
RNZ
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July 5, 2025
Hans Arne Jensen told RNZ Pacific the entire archery squad is still in "disbelief" over what they achieved at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Photo: Facebook / onga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee Tonga's archery team headed...
My Lions dream team – the best XV players of the modern era
The i paper
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July 11, 2025
The i Paper's rugby correspondent picks his greatest Lions XV from the past 30 years How can you possibly assemble a team of the greatest British & Irish Lions of the open era, since 1995? With a load of fun and a tiny degree of flick-of-a-coin...
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...
Regional Pacific Workshop Strengthens Link Between Agriculture and Tourism
Hospitality Net
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July 3, 2025
UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), concluded a successful three-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy...
New lights at Teufaiva Stadium brighten Tonga’s sporting future
Talanoa 'O Tonga
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July 3, 2025
Teufaiva Stadium witnessed a major upgrade yesterday evening when HRH Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala ceremonially commissioned the new international‑level night‑lighting system. The inaugural night‑time match featured ‘Apifo’ou College against...