AGP Executive Report

Tonga Land Court: The Tonga Development Bank’s bid to strike out Vila Malia Vaka’uta’s land claim was rejected, with the court saying the dispute needs proper trial review over a Ma‘ufanga lease and a long-running debt/possession arrangement. Budget & governance: Parliament is set to resume on Tuesday, 9 June, to continue the 2026/27 Budget Estimates, following a Finance and Public Accounts Committee review and a UNDP-supported briefing workshop for MPs. Energy costs & inflation watch: Tonga’s central bank warning about potential double-digit inflation is tied to fuel price pressure across the Pacific, with Samoa moving to an “amber alert” and power-shedding risk as diesel caps surge. Maritime security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring capacity, as new tracking tech rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Regional business & trade compliance: EU freezer rules are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, after training for national food-safety authorities on the new -18°C brine requirements. Sports with economic spillovers: Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as liquidation follows $8m+ debts, with Samoa and Tonga-led plans among options to keep Pacific rugby pathways alive.

Land & Finance: Tonga Development Bank has lost a bid to throw out a land claim by Vila Malia Vaka’uta, with the Land Court saying the dispute over a Ma‘ufanga lease needs proper trial review. Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit Tuesday, 9 June, to continue work on the 2026/27 Budget Estimates after a Finance and Public Accounts Committee briefing workshop. Energy Costs: Pacific fuel pressure remains a major economic drag, with Tonga’s central bank warning of possible double-digit inflation linked to fuel prices, while other Pacific states move to higher diesel caps or fuel alerts. Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring capacity, as new tracking tech rolls out for the EEZ. Regional Rugby Economics: Moana Pasifika’s future is expected to become clearer within weeks as liquidation follows debts of over $8m and discussions focus on a Samoa-and-Tonga-led plan. Food Exports: New EU freezer rules are set to affect most Pacific Island vessels exporting to the EU, pushing compliance upgrades for fisheries operators. Women & Vulnerability: Pacific women leaders warn global conflict is raising costs and hitting women and vulnerable communities hardest, urging commitments to shift into practical action.

Parliament & Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly will sit on Tuesday 9 June to continue deliberations on the 2026/27 Budget Estimates, with the Finance and Public Accounts Committee set to report on its review of the 2026 Budget. Energy Costs & Inflation Watch: A Pacific Business Brief flags fuel price pressure across the region, linking Tonga’s central bank warning of possible double-digit inflation this year directly to rising fuel costs. Regional Health & Security: A Lowy Institute expert warns Tonga is showing “warning signs” of an expanding illicit drug trade, with meth traces reportedly appearing in Tonga wastewater and health risks rising alongside HIV and TB concerns. Super Rugby Finance Shock: Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led discussions gather momentum after liquidation and reported debts over US$4.69m. Maritime Monitoring & Illicit Activity: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring capacity, as new tracking tech rolls out. Women Leaders & Costs: Pacific women leaders urge action over policy as global conflict drives up costs, with women and vulnerable communities hit hardest.

Fuel & Inflation Watch: Samoa has moved to an “amber alert” over diesel reserves, triggering power shedding and remote learning, while Tonga’s central bank warns double-digit inflation risks tied to fuel costs; across the Pacific, diesel caps are rising again (Samoa +71% since April; Fiji up to about FJ$4.58–4.62/litre). Climate Displacement: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement with Pacific-led frameworks, after research found nearly one million people displaced by climate disasters (2010–2021). Pacific Women & Resilience: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ chair warned global conflicts and rising costs are hitting women, youth and vulnerable communities hardest, calling for policy-to-action delivery. Moana Pasifika Rescue Plan: A decision on the Super Rugby franchise could come within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led options are discussed after liquidation and reported debts above US$4.69m. Maritime Security for Tonga: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected due to limited monitoring, as new tracking tech rolls out. Digital Lifelines: New research flags subsea telecom cable risks near island coastlines, underlining the need for resilience investment for small island nations. Oil Shock Warning: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20b annually to vulnerable economies’ oil import bills.

Pacific Gender & Cost Pressures: Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting say Middle East conflict-driven price rises and disrupted supply chains are hitting women, girls and remote communities hardest, with transport and essential services costs climbing. Energy Shock Watch: UN trade agency UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over US$20b a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, squeezing budgets for basic services across the Pacific. Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: A decision on the franchise’s future is expected within weeks as liquidation follows $8m+ debts; Samoa and Tonga-backed plans and possible new ownership options are being discussed with New Zealand Rugby. Tonga Maritime Security: PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered Tonga’s waters undetected due to past monitoring limits, as new tracking tech rolls out to strengthen EEZ surveillance. Tonga Subsea Connectivity: New research highlights subsea cable vulnerability near island coastlines, underscoring the need for resilience planning and investment for small island nations’ internet and banking links. Samoa Forestry Skills: FAO and Fiji support Samoa’s forestry officers with training on sustainable teak and pine production to build climate resilience. Pacific Worker Welfare: A viral case in Sydney has renewed scrutiny of PALM scheme pastoral care after reports of men living rough under a bridge. Tourism Data for Niue: SPTO and Niue Tourism share 2024 International Visitor Survey findings to guide more resilient tourism strategy. Tonga Tourism Leadership: Tonga appoints a new Tourism CEO.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand Rugby Players Association says a decision on Moana Pasifika’s future could come within weeks after liquidation and reports of debts over $8m, with a Samoa-and-Tonga pathway plan being shaped for a licence handover and a possible 2027 rebuild. Pacific Rugby Governance: Cook Islands and Tonga rugby leaders back Kanaloa’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific-led decision-making must protect local pathways as NZ Rugby weighs “long-term, sustainable” options. Maritime Security & Illicit Trade: Tonga PM Fakafanua admits illegal vessels may have entered undetected due to past monitoring limits, as new maritime tracking technology rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ amid illegal fishing and drug-crisis concerns. Tourism Data for Growth: Pacific Tourism Organisation and Niue Tourism share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting visitor sources and preferences to guide sustainable tourism strategy. Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO reports Samoa forestry officers completed training in sustainable teak and pine production with Fiji, strengthening seed propagation and harvesting skills to close technical gaps. Energy Cost Risk: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could lift oil import bills for vulnerable economies by $20.4b annually, squeezing small island states already facing high fuel exposure.

Maritime Security & Illicit Trade: Tonga’s PM Fakafanua says illegal vessels may have entered the kingdom’s waters undetected in the past, citing limited monitoring capacity, as new maritime tracking tech rolls out to strengthen surveillance of the EEZ. Rugby Business Rescue: Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby future is in limbo after liquidation and $8m+ creditor claims, with New Zealand government officials now tasked to explore options for a financially sustainable path—while Pacific unions (Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue) rally behind the Kanaloa takeover bid and a separate Hawaii relocation proposal also emerges. Pacific Labour Welfare: A viral case in Sydney shows former Pacific Australia Labour Mobility workers allegedly living rough under a bridge, renewing calls for stronger welfare and support systems for seasonal workers. Regional Tourism Data: Niue and the Pacific Tourism Organisation share findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor sources and preferences to guide tourism strategy across Pacific destinations. Insurance Market Update: Fiji’s TISA Insurance officially launches under a new brand identity, signalling a fresh push for resilience in the Pacific insurance sector. Energy Costs: Fuel price pressure continues across the region, with Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands rationing power and borrowing diesel to bridge supply gaps. Governance & Integrity: Tonga’s Deputy PM Viliame Latu is acquitted in an electoral bribery case, following a Supreme Court clearance of a former cabinet minister’s allegation.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders have backed the Kanaloa consortium bid to take over Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby licence as the franchise faces financial pressure after 2026, while New Zealand Rugby weighs “long-term, sustainable” plans amid competing offers including a separate Hawaii relocation proposal. Local Business Lending Bottlenecks: Tonga’s PM Fakafanua says hardship support and subsidised loans worth $30m are stuck behind stricter eligibility, heavy paperwork, and affordability checks, with only part of the first tranche disbursed—prompting calls to ease Tonga Development Bank rules and help applicants without enough collateral. Energy Cost Pressure: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could lift oil import bills for vulnerable economies by over $20b a year, a hit that matters for Pacific SIDS reliant on imported fuel. Tourism Data for Planning: SPTO and Niue Tourism released International Visitor Survey findings under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, with NZ the dominant source market—useful for Tonga’s tourism strategy. Digital Resilience for Media: PNG hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference on resilient, cooperative journalism as misinformation and economic pressures grow. Fuel Rationing in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run down its diesel and is borrowing from a patrol boat while restricting power use as regional fuel prices rise. Climate-linked Voyage Delays: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia adjust the Moananuiākea voyage due to El Niño, pushing departure to late August and reshaping routes for safety. Insurance Rebrand in Fiji: TISA Insurance launches in Fiji as TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd, signalling a new Pacific identity for the insurer. Tonga’s Rugby Talent Pathways: Tonga appoints a new Tourism CEO, adding to the week’s focus on strengthening services and economic resilience. Fraud Fallout: Tongan-linked promoters of the collapsed BG Wealth Sharing scheme face scrutiny as an alleged “Professor” persona posts farewell messages before channels go silent.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand has stepped in to explore “all possible options” to keep Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika alive, after owners said they would stop funding and shareholders moved toward liquidation; Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials will begin talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders, with the franchise’s future flagged as important to Samoa and Tonga. Pacific Rugby Ownership Debate: Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue rugby unions have backed the Kanaloa consortium bid, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals. New Bid Emerges: A separate consortium led by a Los Angeles-based tech multimillionaire is reportedly exploring relocating Moana Pasifika to Hawaii, aiming for better broadcast timing and a new market. Fuel Pressure in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel and is borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat while restricting power use; regional fuel prices are rising again, with Samoa also reporting increases tied to Middle East-driven refined product costs. Tonga Business Finance Bottleneck: PM Lord Fakafanua says hardship support and subsidised loans worth $30m are delayed by stricter eligibility, heavy documentation and affordability checks, with the Tonga Development Bank urged to relax lending rules and help applicants lacking collateral.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand has stepped in after the franchise was put into liquidation, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters directing officials to begin talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders to find a financially sustainable future. Pacific rugby voices: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific futures must be shaped by Pacific voices. New takeover angle: A separate proposal is also emerging to relocate Moana Pasifika to Hawaii, aiming to improve broadcasting and market access. Tonga Development Bank loan delays: PM Lord Fakafanua says subsidised loan support worth $30m is stuck due to stricter eligibility, heavy documentation, and affordability checks, with only part of the first $10m tranche disbursed. Fuel squeeze in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat while restricting power use; regional fuel prices are rising again. Insurance branding in the region: TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd officially launched in Suva, rebranding from Capital Insurance Ltd and signalling a new Pacific chapter. Tonga cable boost: Tonga completed a second international subsea cable link, strengthening digital resilience.

Fuel & Energy: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel (last 100 litres) and borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use to 6am–10pm as regional fuel prices rise again. Small Business Finance: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua says $30m hardship support and subsidised loans are stuck in slower processing at the Tonga Development Bank due to tighter eligibility, heavy paperwork, and affordability checks—plus collateral and financial-statement hurdles for applicants. Tourism Jobs: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, to support tourism growth and service delivery. Public Procurement: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, citing unfair limited bidding and transparency breaches. Connectivity & Trade: Tonga completed a second international subsea cable link (“Tu‘i Vava‘u”), boosting digital resilience. Regional Security & Borders: Tonga’s PM says Pacific leaders are coordinating to tackle illicit drugs, while Pacific customs chiefs meet in Fiji to scale up border protection and cooperation. Climate & Voyaging: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea voyage due to an El Niño-linked weather outlook, with a revised departure planned for late August. Rugby Economy: New Zealand is exploring options to save Moana Pasifika after liquidation pressures, with talks involving NZ Rugby and stakeholders.

Tonga Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, after an open recruitment process—an important move for strengthening tourism delivery and governance. Connectivity & Infrastructure: Tonga has completed its second international undersea cable link, “Tu‘i Vava‘u,” boosting digital resilience and long-term connectivity for the islands. Aviation & Outer-Island Access: Lulutai Airlines says its priority is reliable, resilient and affordable domestic flights, with a focus on serving outer islands despite thin demand and fuel-cost pressure. Procurement Accountability: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, finding flawed procurement, lack of fair competition, and transparency breaches—setting a clear warning for public contracting. Regional Fuel & Cost Pressures: New Zealand’s Winston Peters met Polynesian leaders in Samoa, flagging fuel supply and cost impacts across the region and discussing coordination with partners to manage the crisis. Pacific Security & Trade: Pacific customs leaders are meeting in Fiji to scale up border cooperation against drug trafficking and organised crime—directly tied to protecting trade, revenue and community safety.

Tonga Connectivity Boost: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to complete the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, Tonga’s second international undersea cable, aimed at more reliable, higher-capacity internet for businesses and essential services and stronger disaster resilience. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, with a mandate to strengthen tourism development and public service delivery. Procurement & Water Security: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, finding limited bidding, lack of fair competition, and transparency breaches—an important signal for how public tenders should run. Regional Security & Drugs: Tonga’s PM said Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs moving through regional waters, warning the Pacific is increasingly used for storage and transhipment. Pacific Trade & Borders: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drug trafficking, organised crime, illicit finance, and smuggling—directly tied to protecting trade and government revenue. Green Finance in the Region: PNG banks are preparing to introduce green loan standards after a training workshop with regulators and the IFC, pushing banks to classify green loans and manage environmental and social risk.

Supreme Court Procurement Ruling: Tonga’s Supreme Court says MEIDECC broke procurement rules and a binding agreement when it awarded multi-million paʻanga water tank and septic contracts using a limited process that effectively pre-selected a supplier, and it also faulted the ministry for not publishing the contract award as required—raising transparency and competition concerns for public spending. Digital Infrastructure Boost: Tonga marked the commissioning of its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, named Tuʻi Vava‘u, jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand, to improve internet reliability and reduce outage risks during disasters. Regional Security on Drugs: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drug flows through the ocean, warning the region is increasingly used for storage and transhipment, not just transit. Regional Trade/Geopolitics: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to develop Fiji port infrastructure, with Pacific observers watching for new US-China flashpoints. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term starting 15 June 2026. Social Policy Documents: Government launched national documents on child poverty, disability inclusion in disasters, and a disability welfare scheme manual, aiming to strengthen social protection and leave no one behind.

Illicit Drugs Crackdown: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drug flows, warning the region is shifting from transit to a storage and transhipment hub. Digital Infrastructure Boost: Tonga commissioned its second international undersea cable, the Tu‘i Vava‘u (405km), jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand, to improve internet reliability and disaster resilience after past outages. Regional Security & Trade: The Quad agreed to build new port infrastructure in Fiji, raising fresh questions in the Pacific about outside powers shaping decisions. Fuel Crisis Watch: NZ Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters is set to discuss Samoa’s fuel crisis and regional security during Independence celebrations, with budget support for power and water services. Tonga Social Policy: Government launched national documents on child poverty, disability inclusion, and welfare reform, aiming to translate findings into stronger social protection. Tourism Leadership: PSC appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term from 15 June 2026. Media Standards Push: Tonga Media Association is seeking a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after talks with the PM. Business & Crime Links: Australian police raids targeted the “Coconut Cartel,” with reports suggesting Tongan men among those facing serious charges.

Digital Infrastructure Boost: Tonga officially commissioned its second international undersea fibre optic cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—named Tu‘i Vava‘u—a 405km link jointly funded by Australia (AIFFP) and New Zealand to improve internet reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past outages. Trade & Policy Update: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s trade ministry to MCCTIL (Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour), expanding focus on consumer protection, innovation, labour development and private sector growth. Social Protection Moves: Government launched three national policy documents targeting child poverty, disability inclusion and welfare scheme operations, with UNICEF and WFP support, aiming to strengthen social protection so “no one is left behind.” Regional Business & Security: The Quad backed Fiji port infrastructure plans, renewing debate in the Pacific about distant powers shaping outcomes without enough local voice. Sports Economy Watch: Moana Pasifika’s future remains in limbo after liquidation moves, while a Kanaloa-led consortium says it has endorsement letters from Pacific rugby unions—raising stakes for Tonga and the wider Pacific talent pipeline.