AGP Executive Report

Politics & Representation: Te Pāti Māori has named Lisa Marie Murch as its Te Tai Tonga candidate for the 2026 election, highlighting her Murihiku roots, bilingual teaching work, and kaupapa Māori focus. Culture & Storytelling: Maui’s Wailuku Film Festival kicks off June 17–21, shifting attention from outsider glamour to homegrown filmmaking, with dozens of Hawaiʻi entries and local student work. Royal & Commonwealth Ties: Tonga’s High Commissioner to the UK, HE Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, reflects on decades of family service linking Tonga and Britain. Tonga in the Spotlight: The Kingdom of Tonga won a BIE Gold Award at Expo 2020 Dubai for exhibition design, praised for visitor discovery and a child-centred message on culture and plastic waste reduction. Pacific Safety & Community: Auckland’s proposed lifejacket rules for small boats are under consultation, with Coastguard and Pacific groups urging stronger protections after past drownings. Ocean Protection: Moananui Sanctuary Trust released model whale-rights laws for Pacific consultation, blending Indigenous stewardship with modern legal frameworks. Regional Security: Fiji authorities are investigating suspected drug packages found in Lau waters, including whether they came from one drop or multiple dumping points. Youth & Opportunity: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player, Braxton Matene, is seeking community support to fund a tournament in America.

Expo & Culture: Tonga has won the BIE Gold Award at Expo 2020 Dubai for exhibition design that blends “supreme aesthetic functionality” with standout visitor discovery, with Deputy Commissioner General Sue ‘Akau’ola receiving the honour on behalf of the Kingdom. Women, Work & Migration: A report highlights how Pacific Islander women working on Australian farms face pregnancy-related injury, debt, secrecy and fear when employers use under-the-table labour and workers lack proper visas. Scams & Community Trust: Regulators warn crypto promoters are exploiting Pacific relationships and respectability, including concerns raised around BG Wealth/DSJ EX targeting Tongan communities. Climate Accountability: A UN vote backs the International Court of Justice climate ruling, strengthening the push for countries to take legal responsibility and consider reparations. Ocean Protection: Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released draft model whale-rights laws for Pacific consultation, rooted in the idea of whales as kin and “fellow voyagers.” Local Life & Safety: Auckland Council is consulting Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules for small boats, aiming to cut preventable drownings. Sports & Identity: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player has been selected for a tournament in America and is seeking community support to cover costs.

Pacific workers’ rights: A new report spotlights Pacific Islander women in Australia facing pregnancy-related harm, under-the-table employment, and visa uncertainty—showing how exploitation can hide behind “work” and silence. Scam warnings: Regulators are urging Pacific communities to watch for crypto schemes that borrow trust, including concerns raised about BG Wealth/DSJ EX targeting Tongan communities in Tonga and beyond. Fuel pressure at home: Tonga’s budget debate turns to fuel prices and school breakfast funding, with MPs questioning why rising costs aren’t directly tackled while electricity subsidies are set. Maritime security in the region: Fiji authorities investigate suspected drug packages found in Lau waters, checking whether they came from one drop or multiple dumping points as patrols intensify. Ocean & culture: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust releases model whale-rights laws for Pacific consultation, blending Indigenous stewardship with modern legal ideas. Community life: Auckland Council seeks Pacific input on proposed lifejacket rules for small boats, after past drownings. Sports & identity: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player is fundraising to represent his Pacific roots in America.

Climate Accountability: UN members back a landmark International Court of Justice climate ruling, with over 140 countries voting to support the idea that failing to act on climate change is a wrongful act that can lead to reparations. Ocean & Whale Rights: Moananui Sanctuary Trust releases Pacific-inspired model laws for public consultation, framing whales as kin and pushing for stronger legal protection of ocean life. Tonga Budget Watch: Tonga’s parliament debates fuel prices and household pressure, with MPs questioning whether the budget tackles rising costs beyond electricity subsidies. Drug Trafficking Probe (Lau): Fiji authorities investigate whether suspected drug packages washed ashore in Lau came from one offshore drop or multiple dumping points, while patrols intensify. Pacific Migration Pressures: A Suva meeting hears how conflicts, economic shocks, and climate change are reshaping migration, alongside growing risks from trafficking and document fraud. Community & Culture: Auckland Council seeks Pacific input on proposed lifejacket rules, while local language celebrations highlight how libraries help keep Pacific languages alive. Youth & Opportunity: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player is selected for a tournament in America and needs community support to cover costs.

Whale Rights in the Pacific: Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released two model law frameworks for public consultation, inspired by Pacific traditions that see whales as kin, and calling for legal rights and stronger ocean guardianship after a petition of 450,000+ supporters. Tonga Budget Watch: In Parliament, MPs grilled the national budget over fuel prices and the school breakfast programme, with lawmakers saying the electricity subsidy plan doesn’t directly tackle rising costs. Drug Drop Investigation (Lau): Fiji authorities are probing whether suspected drug packages found near Ogea Island came from one offshore drop or multiple dumping points, while patrols intensify across the eastern islands. Pacific Migration Pressure: A Pacific immigration meeting in Suva heard warnings that conflicts, economic shocks, and climate change are reshaping migration patterns, alongside rising risks from trafficking and document fraud. Community & Culture in Motion: Auckland’s Manurewa Library marked the end of Samoan Language Week, highlighting how libraries help people learn Pacific languages and cultures. Youth Support: A young Tongan-Niuean basketball player in New Zealand, Braxton Matene (13), is seeking community help to fund a tournament in America. Food & Health Lifestyle: South Auckland’s Alexander Cafe is building a family-friendly hub for fresh meals and community connection, aiming to counter fast-food pressure.

Whale Rights in the Pacific: Moananui Sanctuary Trust has released two draft model laws for public consultation, aiming to protect whales by blending Indigenous ocean stewardship with modern legal rights—backed by a petition of 450,000+ and inviting a Pacific talanoa on ocean guardianship. Tonga Budget Watch: In Tonga’s parliament, MPs grilled the national budget over rising fuel prices and the school breakfast programme, with concerns that electricity subsidies don’t tackle household fuel costs directly. Fuel Shock Reality Check: A wider Pacific report links global oil price spikes to inflation and pressure on tourism, arguing the region must speed up renewable energy to cut dependence on imported diesel. Drug Finds in Lau: Fiji authorities are investigating whether suspected drug packages found near Ogea Island came from one offshore drop or multiple dumping points, while patrols intensify as yacht traffic rises. Pacific Migration Pressure: Pacific immigration leaders in Suva warned that conflict, economic shocks, climate change, and organised criminal networks are reshaping migration and straining border systems. Community & Culture: Auckland’s Manurewa Library marked the end of Samoan Language Week with Pacific language support through public spaces, while Tonga’s own government ministries kicked off a four-week volleyball competition promoting healthy lifestyles. Youth Spotlight: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player has been selected for a tournament in America and is seeking community help to cover costs.

Tongan Community & Culture: A funeral livestream for slain Tongan-born ʻAlaipulotu ʻAhio is drawing Pacific-wide viewers, with fine mats and ngatu draped over the coffin and ta‘ovala worn in mourning as police investigations continue. Sports & Youth: Braxton Matene, 13, has been selected for Hoop 33 Academy in America and is seeking community support for an estimated $8,500 tournament cost. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Tonga’s budget debate in Nuku’alofa zeroed in on fuel prices and whether the school breakfast programme and electricity subsidy plan ($18m) do enough to ease household pressure. Public Safety: Authorities in Fiji are testing whether Lau drug discoveries came from a single offshore drop or multiple dumping points, while patrols intensify as yacht traffic rises. Pacific Lifestyle & Belonging: Auckland Council and Coastguard are consulting Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules for small vessels, after past drownings involving Pacific families. Pacific Arts: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering tour spotlights First Nations stories, including Brown Boys inspired by a Tongan man’s poetry and identity. Regional Migration: Pacific leaders warn that conflict, economic shocks and climate change are reshaping migration pressures across the region.

Tonga Budget Watch: Parliament debates fuel prices and whether the school breakfast programme and spending priorities are doing enough as June fuel hits $5–$6 a litre, with officials pointing to global drivers and lawmakers pushing for fixed-price or subsidy relief. Drug Probe in Lau: Fiji authorities investigate whether 25 suspected drug packages found near Ogea Island came from one “drop” or multiple dumping points, with drift-pattern checks and tougher patrols planned. Pacific Migration Pressure: A Pacific Immigration meeting in Suva hears how conflict, economic shocks and climate change are reshaping migration, while criminal networks and document fraud add new strain on border systems. Moana Pasifika Lifeline: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says the club’s future isn’t over, with new backers and a Samoa-and-Tonga rescue plan that could decide the franchise within weeks. Community & Culture: Auckland libraries and groups mark Samoan Language Week with Pacific language support, while South Auckland’s Alexander Café tackles fast-food habits by offering fresh meals and a safe community hub. Youth Sports: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player is selected for a tournament in America and needs community funding for flights and costs. Boating Safety: Auckland consultation pushes mandatory lifejackets on small vessels, with Pacific leaders citing past drownings and urging stronger rules. Sports & Culture Abroad: The Moana live-action final trailer drops, and the star-compass story is linked to real Polynesian navigation science.

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talk: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Super Rugby franchise still has a pathway to survive, ruling out a direct government bailout as new backers show interest and a Samoa-and-Tonga plan is being shaped. Community Health in Ōtara: Alexander Cafe in South Auckland is tackling high sugar and fast-food diets by turning into a neighbourhood hub for fresh meals, sports teams, school groups, church communities, and local Pacific artists. Pacific Migration Pressure: Tonga’s Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto warns wars, economic shocks, and climate change are reshaping Pacific migration, while criminal networks and document fraud are adding new strain. Boating Safety Push in Auckland: Auckland Council is consulting Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules for small vessels, after past drownings and calls for stronger protections. Sport & Youth Support: A 13-year-old Tongan-Niuean basketball player, Braxton Matene, has been selected for a tournament in America and is seeking community funding to cover flights and costs. Culture & Language: Manurewa Library marked the end of Samoan Language Week, with leaders stressing that sharing language helps the wider community understand Pacific identity. Pacific Ocean Stewardship: A Suva convening urged Pacific people to “let an old story die” and rethink ocean relationships amid climate and pollution threats. Remembering ʻAlaipulotu ʻAhio: A livestreamed funeral in Australia drew Pacific-wide mourners, with cultural mourning practices visible as police investigations continue.

Tonga & Pacific Sports: Moana Pasifika’s future is still in play, with New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying new backers have shown interest and ruling out a direct government bailout as talks continue over a Samoa-and-Tonga-led rescue plan. Community Health & Culture: In South Auckland, Ōtara Health’s Alexander Cafe is tackling fast-food and high-sugar diets by turning into a neighbourhood hub for fresh meals, sports teams, school groups, church communities, and local Pacific artists. Pacific Migration Pressures: A Pacific Immigration meeting in Suva heard how conflict, economic shocks, and climate change are reshaping migration patterns, while criminal networks and document fraud add new pressure on border systems. Pacific Languages & Belonging: Auckland’s Deputy Mayor marked the end of Sāmoan Language Week at Manurewa Library, highlighting how public spaces help others understand Pacific culture and language. Ocean Stewardship: A Suva convening for World Oceans Day urged Pacific people to renew their relationship with the ocean, calling for a shift from extraction to connection. Women, Youth & Vulnerable Communities: Pacific leaders at the Forum Women Leaders Meeting warned that rising costs from global conflict and climate impacts are hitting women and vulnerable groups hardest, pushing for action beyond policy talk. Boating Safety: Auckland Council is seeking Pacific input on proposed lifejacket rules for small vessels, with Coastguard pointing to past drownings and urging stronger protections. Sports & Identity: Super Rugby Women’s Reds are leaning into Pasifika influence and language week vibes as the season builds toward the 2029 World Cup. Remembering ‘Alaipulotu ‘Ahio: A livestreamed farewell in Australia drew mourners across the Pacific, with cultural mourning attire and fine mats as the community grieves a Tongan-born man killed in Sydney.

World Cup & Migration: FIFA’s first Somali referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been left out after being denied entry to the USA, with other football figures also facing harsh airport checks—another reminder of how strict immigration rules collide with global sport. Ocean Stewardship: Pacific leaders and faith voices gathered in Suva for the State of the Pacific Ocean convening, calling for a new relationship with the sea as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss intensify. Pacific Migration Pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister says wars, economic shocks, and climate impacts are reshaping Pacific movement, while organised crime networks are adding new pressure on border systems. Moana Pasifika Survival Talk: New Zealand Rugby Players Association says a decision on Moana Pasifika’s future could come within weeks as a Samoa-and-Tonga-led rescue plan is discussed. Culture & Language in Auckland: Manurewa Library marked the end of Sāmoan Language Week, highlighting how public spaces help others understand Pacific languages and heritage. Community Safety: Auckland’s lifejacket consultation is urging Pacific communities to have their say as rules move toward mandatory wear on small vessels. Sport for Wellbeing: Tonga’s government ministries kicked off a four-week volleyball competition aimed at healthier lifestyles and stronger relationships across agencies. Arts Spotlight: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering returns to Sydney Opera House, including a work inspired by a Tongan man’s identity and belonging.

Pacific Migration & Security: Tonga’s Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto says wars, economic shocks and climate change are reshaping Pacific migration, while organised criminal networks are making border work harder. Moana Pasifika Survival: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved as new backers show interest, with a Samoa-and-Tonga rescue plan expected to bring clarity in weeks. Boating Safety for Pasifika: Auckland Council is consulting Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules for small vessels, with Coastguard urging stronger protections after past drownings. Tongan Community in Mourning: A livestreamed farewell for slain Tongan-born ʻAlaipulotu ʻAhio in Australia highlights cultural mourning practices as police investigations continue. Women Leaders Call for Action: Pacific women leaders warn that conflict-driven costs and climate impacts are hitting women and vulnerable communities hardest, urging practical outcomes, not just policy. Culture & Identity: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sydney Opera House season “Sheltering” spotlights First Nations stories, including a work inspired by a Gamilaroi and Tongan man. Climate Displacement: Pacific leaders push New Zealand for a dignity-first framework as climate disasters displace nearly one million people across the region.

Community & Culture: A livestreamed farewell in Australia is drawing mourners across the Pacific for slain Tongan-born ʻAlaipulotu ʻAhio, with fine mats, ngatu and ta‘ovala central to the service as police investigations continue. Safety at Sea: Auckland Council is urging Sāmoan and Tongan communities to have their say before consultation closes on proposed lifejacket rules, which would make lifejackets mandatory on small vessels under six metres. Language & Identity: Manurewa Library marked the end of Sāmoan Language Week with a celebration of pule tasi, leis and Pacific language—highlighting how libraries help others understand Pacific culture. Sport & Pathways: Moana Pasifika’s future could be decided within weeks as discussions continue over a Samoa and Tonga-led rescue plan after liquidation and reported debts of more than $8 million. Tonga Social Impact: A new Tonga and UNICEF report says about a quarter of Tonga’s children live in multidimensional poverty, with rural and youngest children hit hardest. Women’s Leadership: Pacific women leaders warned that rising costs and global conflict are disproportionately affecting women, girls and vulnerable communities, calling for action not just policy.

Community & Safety: Auckland Council is consulting Pacific communities on proposed lifejacket rules, with Coastguard saying mandatory wear on small vessels could cut drownings—especially after past tragedies involving Tongan and Samoan families. Culture & Language: Manurewa Library marked the end of Sāmoan Language Week with a packed celebration of pule tasi, leis and community-led learning, with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson stressing libraries help others understand Pacific culture. Sports & Identity: Moana Pasifika’s future is expected to be decided within weeks as liquidation follows debts over $8m; the Rugby Players Association says a Samoa-and-Tonga-led plan could keep the franchise focused on pathways. Women & Youth: Pacific women leaders at the Forum warned rising fuel costs, conflict and climate impacts are hitting women, girls and vulnerable communities hardest—pushing calls for practical action, not just policy. Tonga Social Snapshot: A new Tonga-UNICEF report says about a quarter of Tonga’s children live in multidimensional poverty, with rural and very young children most affected. Arts & Heritage: Tonga marks 200 years since Christianity took hold, with new research and a six-volume Methodist/Wesleyan history project tied to the commemorations. Remembering: A livestreamed farewell in Australia is drawing wide Pacific attention for slain Tongan-born ʻAlaipulotu ʻAhio, with cultural mourning practices at the centre.

Pacific diplomacy & health: Australia’s envoy Ewen McDonald and Monash sonographer Peter Coombs were honoured for work strengthening Pacific ties, including support for education, health and an undersea cable for Tonga. Samoan language in everyday life: Auckland’s Manurewa Library closed Sāmoan Language Week with community leaders and families, highlighting how public spaces help others learn Pacific languages and culture. Moana Pasifika survival talks: A decision on the Super Rugby franchise could come within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led plans are discussed after liquidation and reported debts of more than $8 million. Women leaders push action: Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting urged practical steps as fuel prices, supply disruptions, conflict and climate impacts hit women and vulnerable communities hardest. Tonga child poverty snapshot: A new Tonga–UNICEF report says about one in four children face multidimensional poverty, with the youngest and rural children most affected. Sport for wellbeing: Tonga’s government ministries launched a four-week volleyball competition to promote healthy lifestyles and teamwork across public service agencies. Pacific climate displacement warning: Leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, calling for Pacific-led frameworks that protect dignity. Hidden tech lifeline: New research flags how subsea cable faults cluster near island coasts, underscoring the need for resilience planning for small island nations. Culture & faith history: Tonga marks 200 years since Christianity was firmly established, with new research and publications tracing Methodist and Wesleyan roots.

Immigration & Asylum Rulings (US): A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for people from 39 “high-risk” countries, calling the delays unlawful and driven by anti-immigrant bias—an outcome that could affect Tongans among those listed. Pacific Culture & Language: Auckland’s Manurewa Library closed Sāmoan Language Week with community-led celebrations, highlighting how public spaces help others learn Pacific languages and identity. Moana Pasifika Update: New Zealand Rugby Players Association says a decision on Moana Pasifika’s future could come within weeks as Samoa and Tonga-led plans are discussed after the franchise was placed into liquidation. Women & Community Resilience: Pacific leaders at the Forum Women Leaders Meeting urged turning commitments into action as fuel prices, supply disruptions, conflict and climate impacts hit women and vulnerable communities hardest. Tonga Child Poverty: A new Tonga-UNICEF report finds about one in four children face multidimensional poverty, with rural and youngest children most affected. Sport & Wellbeing: Tonga’s government ministries kicked off a four-week volleyball competition to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen relationships across agencies. Climate Displacement (NZ): World Vision research warns Aotearoa lacks a dedicated framework for climate-displaced people, as Pacific movement with dignity becomes more urgent.