AGP Executive Report

Pacific Fuel Shock: Pacific leaders are coordinating under the Biketawa Declaration as fuel costs keep squeezing island economies, with emergency measures already appearing across the region. Tonga Budget: Tonga’s Parliament has approved the 2026/27 national budget of $949.4m, including $735.2m cash and $214.2m in-kind, targeting cost-of-living relief and resilience, with a $38.1m deficit to be covered via bonds and reserves. Super Rugby Pacific: Moana Pasifika’s future is expected to be decided this week, with NZR saying an announcement is due before or by Friday as bidders and a Samoa–Tonga government buy-in plan circle. Infrastructure & Costs: Tonga’s Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge is delayed by unresolved land disputes, with the government facing millions of paʻanga in penalty fees while work remains stalled. Trade & Logistics: A Tonga produce shipment to the US arrived extensively spoiled, raising fresh questions about handling and refrigeration during transit. Digital Crime: Interpol reports a sharp rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighting growing risk for small island states. Finance Ministers: Pacific finance ministers meet in the Marshall Islands to tackle the Middle East crisis and push regional economic resilience, including a new Pacific Resilience Facility. Crypto Case: A US man pleaded guilty over the HyperFund crypto scam that affected members of the Tongan diaspora.

Infrastructure & Land: Tonga’s biggest bridge project, the Fangaʻuta Lagoon crossing, is stalled as unresolved land and compensation disputes at ʻUmukisia force the government to pay millions of paʻanga in penalty fees to McConnell Dowell while the bridge remains delayed. Trade & Food Security: A Tonga root-crops shipment (cassava and taro) arrived in the US extensively spoiled, raising questions about container handling and refrigeration during transit and highlighting losses for growers and importers. Finance & Regional Policy: Pacific finance ministers will meet in the Marshall Islands for the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, with the Middle East crisis, economic resilience, and a new Pacific Resilience Facility on the agenda. Climate Risk: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway, stressing early action to reduce impacts on families and livelihoods. Governance & Justice: Tonga’s Speaker Lord Vaea says Parliament is being slow to receive updates after the judiciary denied serious allegations involving Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC, with concerns amplified via social media. Digital Crime: Interpol reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, warning that small island states face major gaps in preparedness and enforcement. Fisheries Compliance: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to strengthen legal and policy frameworks for compliance. Security & Crime: Law enforcement experts call for stronger regional cooperation to tackle transnational crime and drug threats, noting Tonga’s shift from local to coordinated digital crime. Youth & Democracy: A Pacific youth and democracy forum hears that young people remain underrepresented in governance due to cultural, economic, and social barriers.

Tonga Budget Passes: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the FY 2026-2027 national Budget of $949.4 million pa’anga (18 June), with $735.2m cash and $214.2m in-kind support, aiming to “accelerate delivery” for sustainable, inclusive growth. Infrastructure Hold-Up: The long-awaited Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge remains stalled after unresolved land disputes at ʻUmukisia, with the government facing millions of paʻanga in penalty fees to McConnell Dowell Constructors. Food Trade Shock: A Tonga root-crops shipment arrived in the US extensively spoiled, raising questions about refrigeration and handling during transit. Cybercrime Alert: Interpol reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, with many countries reporting major financial losses. Crime Goes Transnational: Tonga police say crime is now coordinated across borders, using digital tools and maritime routes, forcing a rethink of enforcement priorities. Fisheries Compliance Move: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, targeting gaps in fisheries management and reporting. Regional Governance: Tonga highlighted ocean governance reforms at an Australia–Pacific Ocean Business Leaders Summit, including Ocean7 coordination and a new Ocean Management Act.

Trade & Logistics: A Tonga root-crops shipment (cassava and taro) arrived in the US extensively spoiled after a refrigerated container reportedly failed during transit, with receivers saying the produce was unsalvageable—raising urgent questions for exporters on handling and cold-chain reliability. Financial Crime & Diaspora Risk: A US court case shows how crypto scams can hit Tongans abroad: Miami promoter Rodney “Bitcoin Rodney” Burton pleaded guilty over the HyperFund scheme, accused of taking about $1.8b from investors worldwide and blocking withdrawals. Parliament & Governance: Tonga’s MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended for one day after a heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa over drug-allegation claims tied to a visa and a Colombian-linked case. Budget & Growth: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly passed the FY 2026–27 national budget of 949.4m pa‘anga, with 735.2m cash and 214.2m in-kind support, aiming to accelerate delivery for inclusive growth. Fisheries & WTO: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, starting a review of legal and policy frameworks to meet transparency and compliance requirements. Security & Policing: Tonga police warn transnational crime is now coordinated across countries, using digital tools and maritime routes—pushing a rethink of digital forensics, financial investigations, and surveillance capacity.

Tonga Budget Passes: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the FY 2026-2027 national Budget of $949.4 million pa’anga (18 June), with $735.2m cash and $214.2m in-kind support, aiming to “accelerate delivery” for sustainable, inclusive growth starting 1 July 2026. Business Support for SMEs: Business Link Pacific expanded enterprise support for Tonga’s private sector at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, focusing on access to finance, workforce development, labour mobility, logistics, innovation and digital transformation, with advisers and advisory projects already underway. Fisheries Trade Compliance: Tonga became the first nation to submit a fisheries subsidy notification under the WTO’s Fish Fund, using support to review legal and policy frameworks and identify gaps to meet harmful subsidy deal requirements. Crime & Digital Scams: Tonga police say the threat is now transnational and digital, with criminals using faster, harder-to-trace online methods plus maritime routes—fueling scams, money laundering and forged documents. Regional Security Talk: Pacific leaders and officials pushed for stronger regional cooperation on peace and security, with Tonga Police highlighted in calls for coordinated responses to organised crime.

Crypto & Diaspora Risk: A US man, Rodney “Bitcoin Rodney” Burton, pleaded guilty for promoting the HyperFund crypto scam that took about $1.8bn from investors worldwide, including Tongan diaspora victims, after allegedly running unlicensed money transmission and blocking withdrawals. Parliament & Justice Tensions: Tonga’s MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended for a day after a heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa over organised crime and drug allegations linked to Antonio Gomez, with the dispute also spilling into wider court and social media concerns. National Budget: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the FY 2026-2027 national Budget of 949.4m pa’anga, with 735.2m cash and 214.2m in-kind support, aiming to accelerate delivery of government initiatives from 1 July 2026. Business Support: Business Link Pacific expanded SME advisory support in Tonga at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, focusing on finance access, workforce development, logistics, innovation and digital transformation. Fisheries Trade Compliance: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, supported by technical assistance to meet transparency and compliance requirements. Security & Crime Shift: Tonga police warned that crime is now transnational and digital, with drugs, money, forged documents and scams moving across borders and maritime routes.

Tonga Budget Passes: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly approved the FY 2026-2027 national Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga, with 735.2 million in cash and 214.2 million in-kind support, paving the way for ministries to start programmes from 1 July 2026. Trade & Fisheries: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to close legal and policy gaps so the country can fully comply with the global push to end harmful fisheries subsidies. Business Support: Business Link Pacific expanded SME support in Tonga at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, focusing on access to finance, workforce development, labour mobility, logistics, and digital transformation. Crime & Digital Risk: Tonga Police warned that crime is now transnational and digital, with drugs, money, forged documents, and scams moving faster across borders—raising the need for stronger regional cooperation. Regional Tuna Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Tonga and partners closer on science-based fisheries and international negotiations.

Parliament & Rule of Law: Tonga’s Speaker Lord Vaea says government responses have been too slow after Parliament was suspended over allegations involving Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop, with the judiciary rejecting the claims and concerns spreading via social media. National Budget: The Legislative Assembly approved Tonga’s FY 2026-27 Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga, with 735.2 million in cash and 214.2 million in-kind, to fund ministries from 1 July 2026. Business Support: Business Link Pacific expands SME support at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, highlighting access to finance, workforce development, logistics, and digital transformation through a network of accredited advisers. Trade & Fisheries: Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, aiming to align fisheries management and reporting with subsidy transparency rules. Security & Crime: Tonga police warn that crime is now transnational and digital, involving drugs, money movement, forged documents, scams, and maritime drug trafficking. Regional Cooperation: Tonga is set to host the secretariat for the Pacific Resilience Facility, a climate adaptation finance mechanism backed by the Pacific Islands Forum.

WTO & Fisheries: Tonga has submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO’s Fish Fund, with support aimed at improving fisheries data and reporting so the country can meet subsidy transparency requirements. Tonga Budget: Parliament approved Tonga’s FY 2026-27 national Budget of 949.4 million pa’anga, with 735.2 million cash and 214.2 million in-kind assistance, to start ministry programmes from 1 July. Inflation Watch: Tonga’s annual inflation hit 7.9% in May, driven by transport (+25.9%) and housing/utilities (+25%), squeezing household budgets in an import-dependent economy. Business Support: Business Link Pacific is expanding SME support in Tonga at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, focusing on access to finance, workforce skills, labour mobility, logistics and digital transformation. Crime & Finance Risks: Tonga police say organised, cross-border crime is accelerating—using digital tools, maritime routes and scams—raising risks around money laundering and unauthorised foreign exchange. NRBT Scam Alert: The National Reserve Bank of Tonga warned the public about a fake Facebook page using its logo, urging people not to pay or share personal details. Regional Shipping Deal: Pacific transport ministers formalised the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, with Tonga expected to sign, aiming for a cleaner, more resilient maritime transition.

Pacific Health Workforce: New Zealand welcomes a record 55 Pacific medical graduates into its health system, including 19 starting at busy Middlemore Hospital—highlighting how shared language and culture can improve patient communication and care. Tonga Business Support: Business Link Pacific is expanding SME advisory support in Tonga ahead of the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, with focus areas including access to finance, workforce development, labour mobility, logistics, innovation and digital transformation. Tonga Security & Crime Trends: Tonga police say crime is increasingly regional and digital, with organised groups using cyber-enabled methods, scams, unauthorised foreign exchange dealing, money laundering and drug trafficking by sea—pushing police to rethink how they operate. Climate & Ocean Economy: Pacific leaders are translating long-term climate strategy into practical priorities, with the Pacific Resilience Facility set to establish in Tonga later this year, while Pacific countries also formalised a clean shipping pact to help decarbonise maritime routes. Regional Trade & Fisheries: Tonga is among countries backing a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, aiming to boost jobs and protect shared ocean resources. Parliament & Governance: Tonga’s budget talks continued with allocations for Diplomatic Services, Armed Forces and the Prime Minister’s Office, including funding for a proposed Suva diplomatic mission and questions over command locations.

Māori Design Protection: A New Zealand fashion designer warns shoppers about an online store (Polynesian Pride) selling “Māori” and Pacific-themed items that may be copied or not genuine—raising red flags for consumers and local IP. SME Support in Tonga: Business Link Pacific is expanding enterprise support in Tonga at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, focusing on access to finance, workforce development, labour mobility, logistics, and digital transformation, with advisers already active across the Pacific including Tonga. Tonga Budget Watch: Tonga’s Parliament budget debate continues with allocations for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, Armed Forces, and the Prime Minister’s Office, including plans for a new diplomatic mission in Suva and questions over command placement. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: Tonga is set to benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, strengthening regional advocacy and science-based fisheries management. Clean Shipping Push: Pacific transport ministers formalised the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership to coordinate a low-carbon, climate-resilient maritime transition, with Tonga expected to sign. Financial Scams Alert: Regulators across the Pacific are warning communities about crypto schemes using social trust and public figure links, including scams flagged in Tonga and New Zealand.

SME Support Boost: Business Link Pacific is expanding enterprise support for Tonga’s small and medium-sized businesses at the Tonga National Business Conference 2026, with a focus on access to finance, workforce development, labour mobility, logistics, innovation and digital transformation. Fisheries Cooperation: Tonga’s Cabinet has endorsed an MoU to strengthen regional cooperation on sustainable South Pacific albacore tuna management, bringing together Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga to improve advocacy and science-based fisheries decisions. Tourism Investment Push: Fiji’s AHICE Islands Investment in Tourism Conference wrapped in Nadi after three days and 420+ attendees, highlighting deal-making momentum and renewed interest in midscale hotel brands across the Pacific. Hotel Sector Expansion: New Zealand’s Hind Management says it’s launching a third-party hotel operating model for investors and asset owners across the region, aiming to support performance, brand compliance and long-term asset value. Maritime Clean Transition: Pacific transport ministers have formalized the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, with Tonga expected to sign, to coordinate a cleaner, more resilient shipping transition for island routes. Parliament & Governance: Tonga’s Parliament adjourned after an MP raised an allegation involving the Chief Justice, with proceedings paused over sensitivity and lack of substantiation. Ocean Protection: Pacific leaders urged stronger ocean stewardship as Tonga and other island states push for better marine governance amid climate and pollution pressures.

Tonga Budget Watch: Tonga’s Parliament is debating funding for key government arms, with His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services set at $20.9m (95.7% government-funded) and a push to expand diplomacy— including a planned mission in Suva, plus calls to consider Geneva to boost trade links with Europe. Regional Shipping Decarbonisation: Pacific transport ministers have signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate a cleaner, more climate-resilient maritime transition across Oceania; Palau and Tonga are expected to sign next. Parliament Adjournment: Tonga’s Legislative Assembly briefly suspended after an MP raised a sensitive allegation about the Chief Justice’s health, with the Chair rejecting the claim without substantiation. Ocean Governance & Jobs: Pacific leaders and ocean ministers are urging stronger marine protection and stewardship, pointing to new legal momentum and Tonga’s early move toward dedicated ocean institutions. Financial Scams Warning: Regulators across the Pacific are again warning communities about crypto investment scams that exploit social trust— including alerts tied to BG Wealth/DSJ EX targeting Tonga and beyond.

Tonga Governance: Tonga Parliament adjourned after an MP raised a sensitive allegation involving Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop, with the Chair ordering a break and refusing the claim without substantiation. Maritime & Climate Finance: Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate a low-carbon shipping transition, upgrade climate-resilient ports, and reorient climate funding for island routes; Tonga is expected to sign. Ocean Law & Deep-Sea Mining: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd has filed a case at ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber against the International Seabed Authority, arguing due-process and contract breaches tied to compliance “specific attention,” as exploitation rules remain unsettled. Trade & Fisheries: Tonga marked a WTO fisheries milestone with its first subsidy notification, a step that matters for market access and compliance. Regional Peace & Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed a global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as fuel and freight pressures bite smaller economies. Business Risk Watch: Regulators across the Pacific, including Tonga’s National Reserve Bank, have warned about crypto scams using community trust and public figures to target households.

Tonga Governance: Tonga Parliament adjourned after an MP raised a sensitive allegation about Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop’s health, with the Chair rejecting the claim as inappropriate without substantiation. Maritime Transition: Pacific transport ministers formalized the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate a cleaner, more resilient shipping shift across Oceania; Tonga is expected to sign. Ocean Protection: Vanuatu’s climate minister urged stronger ocean stewardship as the BBNJ treaty enters into force, pointing to Tonga’s early move on dedicated ocean institutions. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. has filed a case at ITLOS against the International Seabed Authority, seeking provisional measures tied to due process and contract treatment. Fuel & Cost Pressure: A Pacific-wide warning highlights how oil price shocks keep driving inflation and higher freight costs, underlining the need to accelerate renewable energy delivery. Security & Peace: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed a global appeal for peace, urging adherence to the UN Charter amid rising tensions. Local Economy & Trust: Regulators warn crypto scams are exploiting community trust in Tonga and beyond, including platforms linked to BG Wealth/DSJ EX.

Tonga WTO & Fisheries Governance: Tonga has submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the World Trade Organization, supported by the WTO Fish Fund, after a Nuku’alofa workshop built a fisheries subsidy inventory and improved reporting coordination—an important step under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Tonga Politics & Accountability: Tonga’s coalition faces fresh pressure after the Supreme Court convicted a third cabinet minister for election bribery; Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi was found guilty after donating a Starlink terminal to his constituency, with sentencing and possible by-election implications now in focus. Budget Watch: Parliament’s budget debate zeroed in on fuel prices and household costs, with MPs questioning whether the budget tackles rising fuel (including June prices up to $6/litre in the Niuas) and how spending priorities and overtime allocations align with economic relief. Pacific Clean Shipping Pact: Pacific transport ministers formalized the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to coordinate a cleaner, more equitable maritime transition—low-carbon vessels, resilient ports, and skilled workers—while Tonga is expected to sign. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Stakes: New ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber cases were filed by Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd., challenging ISA compliance processes and seeking provisional measures as exploitation rules and benefit-sharing terms remain unsettled. Pacific Peace Appeal: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as tensions rise and fuel and freight shocks hit small economies. Crypto Scam Warning: Regulators renewed warnings about crypto investment scams targeting Pacific communities, including Tonga, highlighting how “trust” and community networks are used to pull victims into fake trading apps.