AGP Executive Report

US-Pacific Funding: The United States pledged over US$150m for Pacific Island countries, targeting energy security, illegal fishing, infrastructure, digital tech and law enforcement, including a proposed US$60m Regional Energy Security Initiative and US$17m to tackle IUU fishing. Media & Skills: Tonga’s Media Association of Tonga opened a new office, boosting journalist networking and training as the sector seeks a stronger professional role. Climate Mobility: Tonga signed a partnership with UNOPS to strengthen capacity on climate mobility planning, with cooperation under the Pacific Climate Mobility Initiative. Community Climate Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP events and COP31, with each member allocated up to US$20,000 for community impact demonstrations. Energy & Retail: TotalEnergies relaunches its Nabua service station in Fiji as the company’s first directly operated outlet in the country, adding fuel, servicing, car wash and food/coffee. Labour & Employment: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding placements beyond tourism and hospitality into more trades. Governance Watch: Tonga’s Auditor-General flagged a TOP$277.86m asset-record gap and “major malpractice” tied to procurement controls in transactions over TOP$6m.

Pacific Labour & Wages: A Living Wage rise is giving Pacific workers “time back,” highlighting the pay gap still faced by Pacific earners. Tonga Skills & Jobs: Tonga has launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding placements from a pilot in tourism and hospitality into more trades like construction. Tonga Economy & Accountability: Tonga’s Auditor-General flags a TOP$277.86m asset-record gap and “major malpractice” tied to procurement controls, raising concerns for overseas funding confidence. Sports Funding: Tonga opens applications for 2026–27 government sports grants, but questions remain over sports levy funding and grant acquittals. Fuel Costs: September petroleum prices cut petrol on Tongatapu but lift kerosene and diesel, with remote islands facing the biggest gaps. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: Civil society and regional leaders warn deep-sea mining could trigger long-term legal and financial liabilities, with Tonga named among exposed countries. Antarctic & Ocean Policy: Tonga’s PM argues industrial krill fishing and weak Southern Ocean protections threaten whale tourism and livelihoods, urging stronger Pacific influence. Regional Resilience Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility moves into operations, targeting US$173m already pledged and raising more for climate and disaster readiness. Visa & Travel Policy: Thailand confirms a cut to visa-free stays from Sept 15, affecting travel planning for regional visitors.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua and senior ministers are in Koror for the 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting, with discussions expected to cover security, climate resilience, ocean governance and economic development. Deep-sea mining pushback: Civil society is warning Pacific leaders that seabed mining could trigger long-term legal, financial and environmental liabilities, while Tonga is also named among countries with exposure to investor-state dispute risks. Sovereignty vs investor risk: A new report says stronger environmental rules or licence changes could invite costly claims, with the Cook Islands urging a science-first approach before any move to extraction. Tonga governance watch: Tonga’s Auditor-General flags a TOP$277.86m asset-record gap and “major malpractice” tied to procurement controls, raising concerns for overseas funding confidence. Skills and jobs: Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala has launched the kingdom’s first National Apprenticeship Policy to expand industry-driven training and placements. Household costs: Fuel prices shift again in September—petrol down on Tongatapu, but diesel and kerosene rise, with remote islands facing the steepest rates. Sports diplomacy: Australia pledges $15.6m to support Pacific athletes toward Brisbane 2032 and other major events through 2030. Climate mobility funding: Fiji launches a NZ-funded regional climate mobility partnerships programme to support community-led relocations and protect vulnerable groups.

Tonga Skills & Jobs: Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala has launched the kingdom’s first National Apprenticeship Policy, expanding a 2024 pilot beyond tourism and hospitality into more trades including construction, with support from the ILO and local training and business partners. Tonga Public Finance Risk: A former PM warns worsening government audit results for 2024/25 could alarm overseas budget partners, after Parliament heard concerns that ministries are not adequately addressing Audit Office findings. Pacific Summit Watch (Palau): Tonga is sending PM Lord Fakafanua to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Koror under “Building Economies: Life, Action, Unity,” with leaders expected to focus on climate resilience, ocean governance, security and economic development. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Civil society groups at the Forum renew calls for a ban on deep-sea mining, warning of major legal and financial liabilities for Pacific states. Climate Mobility Funding (Fiji): Fiji launched a NZ-funded Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme (NZD17.9m), supporting community relocations and rights-based planning. Regional Resilience Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility has entered operations, targeting US$173m already pledged and raising a further US$327m. Sports Diplomacy (Australia): Australia announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes reach Brisbane 2032 and other major events, linking sport with regional engagement.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Leaders Meeting (30 Aug–4 Sept), with discussions expected to focus on security, climate resilience, ocean governance and economic development, and he will also hold bilateral talks with partners. Regional unity under strain: The summit is starting with empty seats after Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale’s sudden return and other absences, while Taiwan’s participation is also a live diplomatic flashpoint. Tonga governance risk: Tongatapu 5 MP Dr ʻAisake Eke warned worsening 2024/25 audit performance could erode confidence from overseas budget-support partners. Hū Louifi controversy: Tonga’s PMO says Lord Fakafanua accepted a proposal for a Hū Louifi to the King, but it was stopped after Palace direction, following claims of taxpayer-funded arrangements. Deep-sea mining legal threat: A new report warns Pacific governments—including Tonga—could face investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining. Fuel and imports pressure: Fiji’s June trade data shows fuel driving import growth, a reminder of how energy costs can ripple across Pacific economies. Whale economy and protection: Tonga is pushing whale conservation with a “blue corridor” idea to safeguard migration routes beyond national waters.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (30 Aug–4 Sep), with discussions set to cover climate resilience, ocean governance, security and economic development—key issues for Tonga’s growth and disaster planning. Diplomacy with economic stakes: Palau is pushing back against Beijing by allowing Taiwan’s participation in Forum events, arguing Taiwan is a development partner that funds regional work—an approach that could shape future Pacific financing and partnerships. Regional security and leadership churn: The Forum has opened amid political drama in the Solomon Islands, with a leadership challenge forcing PM Matthew Wale’s departure—raising uncertainty for regional coordination. Tonga governance controversy: Tonga’s PMO says Lord Fakafanua accepted a proposal for a Hū Louifi to the King, but that it was paused after Palace Office direction; an earlier leaked memo claim about taxpayer funding is disputed. Youth and skills for jobs: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), aiming to expand apprenticeships and strengthen the education-to-employment pipeline with support from the ILO and industry partners. Human capital and trust: Parliament was told TNU students paid, studied and passed, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise some qualifications—fueling questions about accreditation and delivery. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules, potentially discouraging stronger environmental protections. Fuel and costs: Fiji’s trade data shows imports rising sharply in June, with fuel driving much of the increase—an indicator of how energy prices can quickly feed into Pacific household and business costs. Tonga remittances as infrastructure: A fintech-focused brief highlights how remittances underpin Tonga’s economy and why digital finance could make transfers cheaper, faster and more resilient.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has arrived for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (30 Aug–4 Sep), with discussions on security, economic development, climate resilience, ocean governance and regional direction—plus bilateral talks with Forum members and partners. Hū Louifi controversy: Tonga’s PMO says Lord Fakafanua accepted a proposal for a Hū Louifi to the King, after Palace Office direction to stop it; the office disputes earlier claims and says a leaked memo may not be authentic. Digital policy debate: A new commentary argues social media bans won’t fix online harm, urging regulators to focus on the practices of companies shaping the digital environment instead. Skills for jobs: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), aiming to expand apprenticeships and link training to employment across sectors like tourism, hospitality, cookery and fashion. Deep-sea mining risk: A report warns Pacific governments—including Tonga—could face investor-state disputes if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining. Tonga’s economic lifeline: A fintech-focused piece highlights how remittances underpin Tonga’s economy and why cheaper, faster digital finance matters for resilience.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from 18 Pacific states will meet Aug. 30–Sept. 4 under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” with security, Taiwan, ocean minerals and defense partnerships likely to test whether the region can speak with one voice. Deep-sea mining risk: A new report warns investor-state dispute rules could trigger costly lawsuits and a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental protections, naming Tonga, PNG, Nauru and the Cook Islands among those exposed. Tonga skills push: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), aiming to expand apprenticeships and improve the education-to-work transition, building on a 2024 pilot now involving 36 apprentices and 19 employers. Tonga education accreditation dispute: Parliament heard claims that TNU students paid, completed and passed courses, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise some qualifications due to accreditation issues. Tonga remittances as finance: A fintech-focused view highlights that remittances are a core economic lifeline for Tonga, raising the case for cheaper, faster and more resilient digital finance.

Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could expose Tonga, PNG, Nauru and the Cook Islands to costly lawsuits and a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental protections. Pacific Diplomacy & Security: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to open “summit season” in Palau with a push for new defence links, regional policing support and broader Pacific security cooperation. Tonga Skills & Jobs: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), building on a 2024 pilot to expand apprenticeships and tighten the education-to-work pipeline. Tonga Remittances & Digital Finance: A fintech-focused look at Tonga highlights how remittances are a core economic lifeline—and why cheaper, faster digital finance matters. Education Accreditation Clash: Parliament heard claims that TNU students paid, passed, but had qualifications rejected by the Public Service Commission, raising questions on accreditation and delivery. Whale Economy & Ocean Protection: Tonga’s whale sanctuary value is put at $US2m per whale, with new “blue corridor” thinking aimed at protecting whale routes beyond national waters. Fuel-Led Imports (Fiji): Fiji’s June import surge was driven largely by fuel, with diesel and aviation fuel boosting totals.

Deep-sea mining & sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns that if Tonga (along with PNG, Nauru and the Cook Islands) shifts course on deep-sea mining, foreign investors could sue under investor-state dispute rules—raising the risk of costly claims and a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental safeguards. Pacific policy & security diplomacy: The U.S. says it remains firmly committed to the Pacific ahead of the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit, stressing security ties, disaster resilience, trade and private-sector investment. Forum in Palau: Palau expects about 2,000 people for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with security support already mobilising across the region. Tonga skills & jobs: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), building on a 2024 pilot to expand apprenticeships and link training to employment. Tonga education accreditation dispute: Parliament heard concerns that some Tonga National University students paid, passed and completed courses, but the Public Service Commission refused to recognise their qualifications. Fuel-driven trade signals (Fiji): Fiji’s June import surge was led by fuel—diesel, residual fuel oil and aviation turbine fuel—highlighting how energy costs can quickly move regional trade flows. Whale “blue corridor” idea: A push for “blue corridors” aims to protect whale routes beyond national waters, tying conservation to Pacific cultural and economic value. Remittances as Tonga’s financial backbone: A fintech-focused view highlights how remittances underpin Tonga’s economy and why digital finance could make transfers cheaper and more resilient.

Tonga Skills & Jobs: Tonga has launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), a four-year push to link training to work and tackle skills shortages, building on a 2024 pilot now involving 36 apprentices and 19 employers across tourism, hospitality, cookery, accommodation, fashion and hairdressing. Education Credentials: Tonga National University is facing scrutiny after Parliament was told students paid, passed, and still had qualifications rejected by the Public Service Commission, raising questions about accreditation and whether courses ran before approval. Remittances & Finance: A fintech-focused look at Tonga highlights how remittances are a core economic lifeline—making digital finance crucial to cut costs, speed transfers, and strengthen resilience. Labour Mobility Welfare: A new review of Australia’s PALM scheme says welfare support is extensive on paper but poorly understood and weakly connected in practice, with workers potentially hesitant to raise issues. Blue Pacific Economy & Sovereignty: Pacific governments are warned that deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes, with Tonga listed among countries exposed to legal “chilling effects” if environmental or regulatory rules change. Whale Economy & Protection: Tonga’s whale “blue corridor” idea is gaining attention, with whales valued for tourism and ocean health—raising the question of how protections work once animals move into international waters.

National Skills & Jobs: Tonga launched its first National Apprenticeship Policy (2026–2030), building on a 2024 pilot and aiming to strengthen the education-to-employment pipeline across tourism, hospitality, cookery, accommodation, fashion and hairdressing, with construction expected to join later this year. Education Accountability: Parliament heard concerns that Tonga National University students paid, passed, and completed courses, but their qualifications were rejected by the Public Service Commission—raising questions about accreditation timing and TNQAB recognition. Labour & Trade Links: Australia committed $20 million to Tonga for ender equality and inclusion, while a separate report highlights how Pacific agricultural exports to Australia have surged, with imports of key commodities rising more than threefold over five years. Sovereignty & Mining Risk: A new Pacific report warns deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes if governments tighten environmental or regulatory rules, flagging Tonga among exposed countries. Pacific Resilience: Tonga joined regional efforts to improve geohazard and tsunami readiness, with Pacific states coordinating early-warning priorities for 2026–2030.

Tertiary Accountability: Parliament heard claims that Tonga National University students paid, studied and passed courses, but the Public Service Commission rejected their qualifications—raising questions about accreditation timing and whether some programmes were delivered before Tonga’s qualifications board approval. Sovereignty & Mining Risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes, putting Tonga and other states at risk of “chilling effects” if they tighten environmental rules. Regional Resilience: Pacific governments met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and geohazard readiness, agreeing priorities to improve seismic data sharing, monitoring coverage and workforce capacity for 2026–2030. Trade & Jobs: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua told Pacific leaders the region needs capital, know-how and expertise to turn blue-economy ambition into action, while Australia’s imports from Pacific agriculture have more than tripled in five years. Governance Scrutiny: Questions remain over allegations of a taxpayer-funded Hū Louifi ceremony seeking King Tupou VI’s forgiveness, with the PM yet to respond. Local Business & Skills: A USP Market Day story highlights how students earn income and build customer service and management skills—education beyond the classroom.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental or regulatory protections, creating a “chilling effect” on policy change; Tonga is named among countries facing exposure. Hū louifi controversy: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua has not yet answered claims that a taxpayer-funded Hū louifi ceremony is planned to seek King Tupou VI’s forgiveness over royal land subleasing at Matatoa, with alleged costs of at least TOP$50,000. Pacific economic push: Ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Fakafanua says the region has ambition for a sustainable “blue economy,” but needs know-how, capital and expertise to turn plans into action. Trade opportunity: A new report says Australia’s imports of Pacific agricultural products have more than tripled in five years, with over 200 exporters and officials joining a webinar to expand sales. Education & livelihoods: A USP student from Tonga says Market Day helps ease study costs while building real customer service and business skills.

Education & Skills for Work: A Tonga-born USP student in Fiji says Market Day helps students earn extra income while building business communication, customer service and management skills—though balancing study, work pressure and family time remains tough. Flood Risk & Cultural Loss: A NZ Science Awards finalist flood model for Wairau Bar blends advanced flood modelling with mātauranga Māori, warning up to 75% of low-lying areas could be affected in a one-in-100-year storm by 2130, with cultural impact built into risk planning. Pacific Economic Ambition: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua tells Pacific leaders the region has the ambition for a sustainable “blue economy,” but needs know-how, capital and expertise to turn plans into action. Trade Growth: A new report says Australia’s imports of selected Pacific agricultural commodities have more than tripled since 2020, with 200+ exporters and officials pushing to expand market opportunities. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns Investor-State Dispute Settlement could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments over environmental and public-interest decisions. US Visa Bonds Hit Families: Coverage highlights the US$20,000 visa bond becoming permanent for Tonga and other countries, raising costs and blocking family travel for events like funerals. Maritime Safety Question: RNZ Pacific reports questions after an Anglican whale-watching boat capsized in Tonga, with passengers waiting for rescue and concerns raised about the role of Tongan authorities.

Pacific Economic Ambition: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua told Pacific leaders that the region has the ambition for resilient, sustainable “blue economy” growth, but needs more capital, know-how and technology to turn plans into action ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Trade & Jobs: A new Pacific Trade Invest Australia review says Australia’s imports of Pacific agricultural goods have more than tripled in five years, with 200+ exporters and officials pushing to expand market opportunities. US Travel Costs Hit Families: The US visa bond scheme is now permanent for 50 countries, with Tonga included, raising bonds up to US$20,000 and making trips for weddings and funerals far harder for families. Maritime Safety Questions: RNZ Pacific reports questions after an Anglican whale-watching boat capsized in Tonga, with passengers reportedly waiting in the water and Tongan authorities absent from rescues. Energy & Security Cooperation: Fiji and Japan reaffirmed cooperation on maritime surveillance, energy resilience and public health under the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership. Tonga Power Land Dispute: Tonga’s PM and cabinet discussions continue over a cancelled Tonga Power sublease and whether proper process and payments were followed for MEIDECC-related land use.