AGP Executive Report

NRL & Sports Business: Leigh Leopards have signed Tongan powerhouse Tevita Pangai Junior on a multi-year deal from 2027, adding 147 NRL games of front-row power after a tough 2026 at Hull KR that included suspensions. UN Diplomacy & Climate Finance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua used UNGA81 to push reform of the global system, stronger Pacific climate action, and faster access to finance and technology for Small Island Developing States, linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection. Ocean Governance: Tonga is calling for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and wants to lift its ocean protection ambition from 30% to 50%, arguing healthier seas underpin fisheries, livelihoods and resilience. AI & Data Sovereignty: UN leaders warned of “colonisation by data,” urging developing countries to have a real voice in AI regulation and fair access to technology. Pacific Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme has confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Tonga, with the programme aimed at easing labour shortages. Infrastructure & Resilience: Tonga’s wider Pacific region focus on resilience continues as El Niño warnings and flood-preparedness projects highlight the cost of climate shocks. Media & Leadership: Pacific media leaders elected PNG journalist Neville Choi as the new PINA president, with Tonga’s journalist Moala stepping aside.

UN diplomacy & AI governance: Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua warned the Pacific must not become a staging ground for military escalation, urging UN reform and stronger climate and ocean action at UNGA81. Ocean policy: Tonga also pushed for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and aims to lift ocean protection from 30% to 50%, linking healthier seas to fisheries, livelihoods and resilience. Climate finance & SIDS priorities: Pacific leaders at UNGA stressed climate threats as present realities, with calls for grants at scale and investment that protects jobs, education and resilient infrastructure. Pacific labour mobility: Australia confirmed PALM work-placement eligibility for 10 countries including Tonga, opening legal pathways to address labour shortages. Tonga infrastructure dispute: Former PM Dr ʻAisake Eke rejected claims that his government caused delays to the Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying requirements were met and delays came after Fakafanua took office. Regional media leadership: Papua New Guinea journalist Neville Choi was elected new PINA president, with Tonga’s media leaders urging youth pathways and better support for women in leadership. Blue Pacific conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund pledged US$25m more for tropical Pacific conservation, including Tonga, to scale marine protection efforts.

Ocean Governance & Climate Finance: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua pushed for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and a move to lift ocean protection ambitions from 30% to 50%, arguing healthier seas underpin fisheries, livelihoods and resilience. UNGA Climate Push: Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly platforms to stress sea-level rise as “present reality” (Tuvalu) and to demand climate finance as grants at scale for loss and damage. Tonga Infrastructure Dispute: Former PM ʻAisake Eke rejected claims that his government left unresolved land and contract preparations behind for the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying delays occurred after Fakafanua took office. Skills & Credentials: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and qualifications authorities pledged to fix certificate recognition problems affecting some TNU graduates. Maritime Security Funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian maritime security investment, including efforts targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements. Media & Women in Leadership: Pacific media leaders urged stronger pathways for young journalists and better support for women’s leadership as advertising declines and digital disruption reshapes newsrooms.

Tonga–UN Ocean Governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua is pushing for a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs, arguing the ocean underpins Tonga’s fisheries, livelihoods and climate resilience, as Tonga also targets lifting ocean protection from 30% to 50%. Infrastructure & Public Works: Former PM Dr ʻAisake Eke disputes PM Lord Fakafanua’s claims over delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge, saying required preparations were met and delays came after the new government took office. Education & Jobs: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and the qualifications authority have pledged to fix certificate recognition problems affecting some TNU graduates, after Parliament heard PSC refused to recognise certain business qualifications. Labour Mobility & Travel: Australia’s PALM scheme confirms Tonga among 10 eligible countries for legal work placements in Australia, while New Zealand’s ACT leader David Seymour says he’d trial visa-free travel for Sāmoa for a year if conditions aren’t abused. Maritime Security & Enforcement: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment in Pacific maritime security, including efforts targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime. Digital Safety for Women: A new Face Forward initiative will provide real-time protection from online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams across Tonga and the region. Regional Climate Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants to support tropical Pacific conservation, including projects in Tonga.

Ozone & Climate Risk: Antarctica’s ozone hole hit 27.4 million sq km in September—one of the biggest on record—while officials stress the Montreal Protocol is still working as ozone-depleting chemicals keep falling. SIDS Investment & Debt: Tonga’s PM Godwin Friday told a UN summit that small island states must be backed to build resilient infrastructure without breaking debt—so jobs, education, and reliable power can survive disasters. Tonga Skills & Credentials: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and the qualifications board pledged to fix certificate recognition problems affecting some TNU graduates, after Parliament raised accreditation concerns. Maritime Security Funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australia-backed maritime security money, including moves targeting illegal fishing and cross-border crime, with shiprider-style enforcement in Tonga’s waters. Regional Defence Cooperation: Defence leaders including Tonga met in Nadi to push stronger Blue Pacific cooperation, focusing on maritime jurisdictions and crisis roles. Pacific Finance Watch: BSP Financial Group shares jumped 8.07% on the ASX, highlighting ongoing banking momentum across Tonga and the wider Pacific. Governance & Accountability: Former PM ʻAisake Eke denied claims that his government caused Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge delays, escalating a public blame dispute over the US$97m project. Women’s Online Safety: A new Face Forward initiative will fund real-time protection against online abuse for women and gender-diverse political candidates across Tonga and other Pacific countries.

India-Pacific diplomacy: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the second FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, with Tonga’s Finance Minister among participants, reaffirming cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building. Tonga skills & jobs: Tonga National University, the Public Service Commission and the qualifications authority pledged to fix issues around TNU certificate issuance and recognition, after MPs raised concerns that some graduates’ qualifications were not accepted. Maritime security funding: Tonga is set to benefit from new US and Australian investment aimed at tackling illegal fishing, drug trafficking and cross-border crime, including shiprider-style enforcement in Tonga’s waters. Women’s political safety: A new regional initiative, Face Forward, will provide free online protection for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams across Tonga and other Pacific countries. Health project setback: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after the US-based sponsor failed to secure promised funding. Labour mobility: Australia released the list of countries eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, including Tonga.

Tonga Health: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US-based sponsor failed to secure promised funding, with the Health Minister saying the promised facility can’t proceed. Pacific Governance & Integrity: UNODC warns Pacific governments to bake transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster planning, launching a Pacific Integrity Toolkit for Disaster Planning to protect public funds during emergencies. Digital Safety for Women: A new regional initiative, Face Forward, will provide real-time online abuse protection for women and gender-diverse political candidates and teams across Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and the Solomon Islands until March 2028. Labour Mobility: Australia has named 10 PALM scheme eligible countries, including Tonga, alongside Fiji, Samoa and others—aimed at skills, income and remittances. UN Funding Pressure: A UN budget liquidity crisis could delay agreed development and humanitarian work across the Pacific if assessed contributions keep running late. Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing shared climate and resilience priorities at UNGA81, including ocean governance and finance for sea-level rise. Organised Crime Watch: PINA says Tonga’s drug networks have grown more sophisticated over decades, with concerns about locally manufactured meth and links to regional trafficking. Business & Tourism: SPTO and partners launched a Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030 to improve regulation, data and community benefits for yacht tourism.

Health & Infrastructure: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for plans aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. Aviation & Public Finance: PM Lord Fakafānua says Lulutai Airlines is draining government finances, blaming payload limits and low seat fill rates (only 12 of 19 seats) tied to passenger weight classifications, with reduced freight as the alternative. Crime & Security: PINA President Kalafi Moala warns organised crime in Tonga has grown and become more sophisticated, including alleged local meth manufacturing and links to Australia and New Zealand. Labour Mobility & Remittances: Australia has named 10 PALM-eligible countries, including Tonga, highlighting work opportunities and remittances as key economic support for Pacific families. Digital Connectivity: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua joined Pacific leaders at UNGA81 to push for affordable, secure digital connectivity and safer online spaces. Ocean Economy & Conservation: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including support for marine protected areas involving Tonga. Governance & Integrity: UNODC urges Pacific governments to build transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster planning to protect public funds during emergencies. Regional Business & Tourism: SPTO launched a Pacific yachting strategy (2026–2030) focused on regulation, SME support, sustainability, and improving yacht tourism data. Sports with Economic Links: Fiji Rugby is exploring moving a home Test against South Africa to Western Australia to capture wider tourism and commercial benefits. Gambling Pressure: A bigger Powerball jackpot and a new $12 prize tier could increase gambling spending in Pacific communities already under financial pressure.

Tonga Health & Finance: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major blow for plans aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. Aviation & State Costs: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says state-owned Lulutai Airlines is a drain on public finances, blaming payload limits and low seat fill rates tied to passenger weight, while also pointing to past procurement concerns around the Twin Otter aircraft. Governance & Integrity: PINA President Kalafi Moala warns corruption is shifting into Tonga’s civil service, including alleged manipulation of land records—an issue that climate displacement and vulnerable climate finance can worsen. Crime & Public Safety: Moala also says organised crime networks in Tonga have grown more sophisticated, with claims of local meth production and links to Australia and New Zealand. Pacific Digital Economy: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua joined Pacific leaders at UNGA81 to push digital connectivity priorities, including cybersecurity and safer digital spaces. Labour Mobility: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, naming Tonga among 10 Pacific countries whose citizens can qualify for work and remittances. Ocean Economy: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including support for marine protected areas involving Tonga. Media & Skills: BBC Media Action ran a Pacific workshop in Savusavu on using social media responsibly as misinformation rises—relevant for Tonga’s business and public trust environment.

Pacific Labour Mobility: Australia has published the full PALM eligibility list, naming 10 countries whose citizens can qualify to work in Australia—Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga and Timor-Leste—framed as a skills-and-remittances boost for Pacific families. Tonga Health: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after the US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for plans aimed at tackling diabetes and kidney disease. Tonga Corruption & Crime: PINA President Kalafi Moala says organised crime in Tonga has grown more sophisticated, with allegations of meth being manufactured locally and networks still operating despite arrests. Pacific Digital Push: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 backed digital connectivity priorities—affordable access, cyber-security and safer online spaces—while stressing sovereignty and data protection. UN Anti-Corruption in Disasters: UNODC urges Pacific governments to build transparency and integrity safeguards into disaster planning, warning that weak accountability leaves communities most exposed. Tonga Transport Costs: PM Lord Fakafānua links Lulutai Airlines losses to payload limits, saying the DHC-6 Twin Otter often carries far fewer passengers than seats allow. Regional Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including support for Tonga. Business & Infrastructure: A Tonga bridge project over Fanga’uta Lagoon faces delays due to a landowner dispute, with funding from the ADB and World Bank.

Health & Aid Accountability: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major blow for diabetes and kidney-care plans. Infrastructure & Land Rights: A 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project in Tongatapu is slowed by a dispute with landowners over fair treatment and land acquisition terms, despite ADB/World Bank funding. Governance & Corruption: UNODC says Pacific disaster planning must include transparency and anti-corruption safeguards, warning that weak integrity in preparedness leaves communities exposed when disasters hit. Media & Trust: A BBC Media Action survey finds people increasingly get information from social media, pushing Pacific newsrooms toward better verification and fact-checking skills. Regional Policy & Development: Pacific leaders head to the UN General Assembly with a united push on climate, ocean governance and development finance, while UN DESA flags low social protection coverage in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS. US Immigration Rules: New US exchange-visitor “two-year home” requirements and broader public-benefits scrutiny could affect some Tongans and other Pacific applicants. Tourism & Mobility: Stats NZ shows record New Zealand-resident travel returns from Tonga and the Cook Islands, underlining strong diaspora-driven demand.

Health & Infrastructure: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for plans aimed at tackling rising diabetes and kidney disease. Governance & Integrity: PINA President Kalafi Moala says corruption is increasingly shifting into Tonga’s civil service, with land administration allegations highlighted as climate displacement and climate-finance risks grow. Economy & Cost of Living: Tonga’s inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs, with housing/utilities up 26.8% year-on-year. Business & Services: PSH Hospitals has begun groundwork for a private hospital in Samoa’s Savai’i, aiming to cut the need for patients to travel for specialist care. Policy & Mobility: New Zealand is expanding visa-waiver travel for Pacific families under a Labour plan, targeting easier, cheaper visits for weddings, funerals and family events. Regional Development: Pacific leaders are taking a united climate-and-finance message to the UN General Assembly, pushing action on sea-level rise, ocean governance and resilience funding.

UN diplomacy: Pacific leaders head to UNGA81 in New York with a united message on climate change, sea-level rise, ocean governance and development finance, warning that some planning is being undermined by inaccurate elevation data. Tonga inflation: Tonga’s annual inflation jumped to 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs, with local prices rising faster than imports. Lulutai Airlines costs: Tonga’s PM says payload limits and passenger weight constraints are hurting state carrier Lulutai Airlines’ finances, leaving it short of seats and forcing lower freight options. Fanga’uta bridge dispute: A 720-metre bridge project across Fanga’uta Lagoon is delayed as landowners challenge how their leased land is being negotiated for the ADB/World Bank-funded $97m crossing. Fisheries push: Tonga and other Pacific states pressed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna and fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome. Regional resilience: UN DESA says Tonga and several Pacific SIDS still have low social protection coverage, leaving households exposed to climate and economic shocks. Weather readiness: Tonga chairs a Pacific meteorology push to strengthen early warning systems, including a new Tonga radar and upgrades across the region.

Tonga Inflation Watch: Tonga’s annual inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing. Food rose 10.3% year-on-year, transport jumped 22.3%, and housing/utilities climbed 26.8%, with local goods increasing faster than imports. Tonga Infrastructure & Land: A 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project is slowed by a dispute with landowners over fair treatment and long-running Land Act negotiations, even as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank fund the estimated US$97m crossing. Pacific Social Protection: A UN DESA brief says Tonga and other Pacific SIDS need stronger social protection to cut poverty and better handle climate and economic shocks; Tonga’s coverage is reported below 30%. Pacific Weather Readiness: Pacific Ministers reaffirmed the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, with Tonga’s new C-band radar flagged as a key early deliverable. Visa Costs for Families: Labour in New Zealand promises wider visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens to help families reconnect for weddings, funerals and major cultural events. Tourism Signals: Stats NZ shows record New Zealand-resident travel back from Tonga (30,000 arrivals in the year to July) alongside record Cook Islands numbers.

Tonga Inflation Watch: Tonga’s annual inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport and housing costs, with local goods rising faster than imports. Infrastructure & Land Rights: A major 720-metre Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge project is slowing as landowners dispute compensation and fairness with the government, despite ADB/World Bank funding and a NZ contractor. Pacific Social Protection: A UN DESA brief says social protection coverage is too low in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS, leaving households exposed to climate and economic shocks. Tourism Flows: New Zealand-resident travel back to Tonga and the Cook Islands reached record highs, highlighting strong family and cultural travel links. Weather Readiness: Pacific Ministers reaffirmed the Weather Ready Pacific programme, with Tonga’s new C-band radar and upgraded observing stations part of the push for earlier warnings. Regional Business Link: An India–Fiji partnership (Kritilabs and RC Manubhai) signed a three-year pact to expand AI/IoT and video analytics across Pacific markets including Tonga. Visa Policy for Families: Labour in New Zealand says it would expand visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens to cut costs for family visits.

Tonga Inflation Watch: Tonga’s annual inflation hit 12.0% in August, driven by food, transport, and housing costs, with transport up 22.3% and housing/utilities up 26.8%—a reminder that household budgets are still under pressure. Fanga’uta Bridge Dispute: A major $97m ADB/World Bank-funded bridge project in Tongatapu (720m across Fanga’uta Lagoon) has slowed after a U-turn by landowners and ongoing negotiations over land rights and fair treatment. Tourism Flows: New Zealand-resident travel back to the Pacific stayed strong: Tonga recorded a new high of 30,000 arrivals (year to July), signalling resilient VFR demand. Pacific Social Protection: A UN DESA brief says social protection coverage is below 30% in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS, urging stronger systems to handle climate and economic shocks. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific Ministers reaffirmed Weather Ready Pacific and early-warning investment, with Tonga’s new C-band radar flagged as a key deliverable. Visa Relief Push: Labour in New Zealand says it would expand visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens to ease family visits amid cost-of-living strain. Business & Tech: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RCM signed a three-year pact to roll out AI/IoT solutions across Pacific markets, including plans for Tonga. Pacific Fisheries: Pacific leaders at COFI37 backed stronger support for Pacific-led tuna management, highlighting regional cooperation and compliance.