Eke leads Tonga push at World Bank–IMF talks

The Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Aisake Eke is heading the Kingdom’s delegation at the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings. Meeting in Washington from 13 to 18 October, Tonga will press for support on climate resilience, debt relief and sustainable...

Tributes pour in for Matangi Tonga founder Pesi Siale Fonua – ‘a steady voice of truth’

RNZ Pacific Pesi Siale Fonua, a veteran Pacific journalist and the publisher-editor of Tonga’s leading news website Matangi Tonga Online, has died at the age of 78. Fonua’s family announced his passing on Monday. “It is with profound sadness that...

Veteran Journalist and Publisher of Matangi Tonga Online Passes Away

Pesi Siale Fonua, a veteran Pacific journalist and the publisher-editor of Tonga’s leading news website, Matangi Tonga Online, has died at the age of 78. Fonua’s family announced his passing on Monday. “It is with profound sadness that we announce...

Pasifika, Māori called to reclaim ocean tradition and safety culture to reduce drowning rates

A water safety advocate is urging Pacific and Māori men to restore respect and connection with the ocean after a coroner found that safety lapses contributed to a fatal boating incident near Auckland. The Coroner’s report, released this week,...

Teachers and their unions use innovative and empowering approaches to ensure the right to education for girls in all their diversity

On the International Day of the Girl Child and every day, educators around the world are fully committed to advancing girls’ rights through education. “Access to quality education for girls in all their diversity is a fundamental right and an...

Tributes pour in for Pesi Siale Fonua, 'a steady voice of truth' and Matangi Tonga founder

Fonua's family announced his passing on Monday. Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta Pesi Siale Fonua, a veteran Pacific journalist and the publisher-editor of Tonga's leading news website, Matangi Tonga Online, has died at the age of 78. Fonua's family...

Would these 5 in-demand football coaches leave their alma maters?

Brent Key to Clark Lea, one question applies to several top potential coaching candidates: Would they leave their alma mater? If Florida can't land Lane Kiffin, Jeff Brohm would be great backup plan. Kalani Sitake is a great fit for BYU. That...

USP graduation highlights education as a force for progress

The University of the South Pacific’s 2025 Tonga Graduation has celebrated the institution’s core values and commitment to shaping a stronger Pacific. Held at the Tonga High Indoor Stadium, the ceremony was attended by USP Chancellor King Tupou...

'Asking for help is not a weakness': Tongan researcher on mental health awareness

As Aotearoa marks Mental Health Awareness Week, a Tongan academic is calling for mental health services to better reflect Pacific perspectives. The national theme, Top Up Together, emphasises that a shared, community-based approach to wellbeing...

UPND Has No Moral Right to Talk About Tribalism- Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist

UPND Has No Moral Right to Talk About Tribalism By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) should be the last political entity in Zambia to lecture anyone about tribalism. Under the...

Six Indigenous players will represent the Kangaroos. That number looks set to grow

“It won’t be long before you watch an Origin game and the back line for both states features players who do not make themselves available for Australia. “I think of the likes Will Kennedy, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes, and Josh Curran, guys who...

Meningitis Day: raising awareness in Tongan and Samoan languages

The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand launched new Tongan and Samoan editions of its educational coloring book ahead of World Meningitis Day on 5 October. The new bilingual editions, which include the Tongan and Samoan languages aim to...

Global immigration news round up

This week, the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following recent updates from Denmark, Hong Kong, Namibia, Portugal and Qatar. Denmark: No residence permits for nurse authorisations On 7 October 2025, the...

Celebrating Fijian Language Week: Honouring identity, culture and connection

Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti - Fijian Language Week - is a time to celebrate the richness of the island nation's culture and identity - a living taonga carried by generations and woven into the fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand. This year’s theme is ‘Na...

Borderers Roy Laidlaw, Rob Moffat and Richie Dixon among 13 new additions to Scottish Rugby’s hall of fame

Three Borderers are among 13 new additions to Scottish Rugby’s hall of fame. Jedburgh’s Roy Laidlaw, Melrose’s Rob Moffat and Chirnside’s Richie Dixon were inducted into the hall at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s Virgin Hotel last Thursday, along with...

The Pacific Islands Challenge

As the strategic rivalry between China and the United States intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, the Taiwan Strait is often seen as the key flash point. Yet whether the regional balance holds or tips into conflict will also be shaped by choices...

Karen Guregian: Ranking who deserves the most credit for Patriots' surprise start

FOXBOROUGH - With the NFL trade deadline Tuesday, there’s considerable interest in what the Patriots will do, given their AFC East-leading standing roughly at the midway point of the season. Few, if any, expected them to be 6-2, riding a five-game...

Hayley Sproull, JP Foliaki, Scotty Morrison finalists for Screen Personality award

The New Zealand Screen Awards has unveiled its finalists for the 2025 Screen Personality of the Year, with TVNZ talent front and centre in this year's fan-voted category. Finalists include Hayley Sproull, JP Foliaki, and Scotty Morrison...

From Abraham’s Sons to the Bread of Unity

Gregory Fortuin Wellington, November 3, 2025 This is not a scholarly journey through the ages of Israel, from the Patriarchs and Canaanite rule to the empires of Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and beyond. Rather, it is a Gospel vision for...

Time capsule from Japanese Church of Christ in Salt Lake City revealed to public Saturday

Discovery of the time capsule According to Schmitt, Lorraine Crouse, a trustee of the Japanese Church of Christ and former University of Utah historian, suspected a time capsule may exist, considering the popularity of time capsules at the time of...