AGP Executive Report

Moana Pasifika Rescue Talks: New Zealand has stepped in to explore “all possible options” to keep Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika alive, after owners said they would stop funding and shareholders moved toward liquidation; Foreign Minister Winston Peters says officials will begin talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders, with the franchise’s future flagged as important to Samoa and Tonga. Pacific Rugby Ownership Debate: Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue rugby unions have backed the Kanaloa consortium bid, arguing Pacific rugby’s future must be shaped by Pacific voices as NZ Rugby weighs competing proposals. New Bid Emerges: A separate consortium led by a Los Angeles-based tech multimillionaire is reportedly exploring relocating Moana Pasifika to Hawaii, aiming for better broadcast timing and a new market. Fuel Pressure in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel and is borrowing fuel from a police patrol boat while restricting power use; regional fuel prices are rising again, with Samoa also reporting increases tied to Middle East-driven refined product costs. Tonga Business Finance Bottleneck: PM Lord Fakafanua says hardship support and subsidised loans worth $30m are delayed by stricter eligibility, heavy documentation and affordability checks, with the Tonga Development Bank urged to relax lending rules and help applicants lacking collateral.

Moana Pasifika rescue talks: New Zealand has stepped in after the franchise was put into liquidation, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters directing officials to begin talks with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders to find a financially sustainable future. Pacific rugby voices: Tonga and Cook Islands rugby leaders backed the Kanaloa consortium’s bid to take over Moana Pasifika, arguing Pacific futures must be shaped by Pacific voices. New takeover angle: A separate proposal is also emerging to relocate Moana Pasifika to Hawaii, aiming to improve broadcasting and market access. Tonga Development Bank loan delays: PM Lord Fakafanua says subsidised loan support worth $30m is stuck due to stricter eligibility, heavy documentation, and affordability checks, with only part of the first $10m tranche disbursed. Fuel squeeze in the Pacific: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel and is borrowing from a police patrol boat while restricting power use; regional fuel prices are rising again. Insurance branding in the region: TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd officially launched in Suva, rebranding from Capital Insurance Ltd and signalling a new Pacific chapter. Tonga cable boost: Tonga completed a second international subsea cable link, strengthening digital resilience.

Fuel & Energy: Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has run out of diesel (last 100 litres) and borrowed 5,000 litres from police patrol boat Te Kukupa II, while restricting power use to 6am–10pm as regional fuel prices rise again. Small Business Finance: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua says $30m hardship support and subsidised loans are stuck in slower processing at the Tonga Development Bank due to tighter eligibility, heavy paperwork, and affordability checks—plus collateral and financial-statement hurdles for applicants. Tourism Jobs: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appoints Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, to support tourism growth and service delivery. Public Procurement: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, citing unfair limited bidding and transparency breaches. Connectivity & Trade: Tonga completed a second international subsea cable link (“Tu‘i Vava‘u”), boosting digital resilience. Regional Security & Borders: Tonga’s PM says Pacific leaders are coordinating to tackle illicit drugs, while Pacific customs chiefs meet in Fiji to scale up border protection and cooperation. Climate & Voyaging: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea voyage due to an El Niño-linked weather outlook, with a revised departure planned for late August. Rugby Economy: New Zealand is exploring options to save Moana Pasifika after liquidation pressures, with talks involving NZ Rugby and stakeholders.

Tonga Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, after an open recruitment process—an important move for strengthening tourism delivery and governance. Connectivity & Infrastructure: Tonga has completed its second international undersea cable link, “Tu‘i Vava‘u,” boosting digital resilience and long-term connectivity for the islands. Aviation & Outer-Island Access: Lulutai Airlines says its priority is reliable, resilient and affordable domestic flights, with a focus on serving outer islands despite thin demand and fuel-cost pressure. Procurement Accountability: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, finding flawed procurement, lack of fair competition, and transparency breaches—setting a clear warning for public contracting. Regional Fuel & Cost Pressures: New Zealand’s Winston Peters met Polynesian leaders in Samoa, flagging fuel supply and cost impacts across the region and discussing coordination with partners to manage the crisis. Pacific Security & Trade: Pacific customs leaders are meeting in Fiji to scale up border cooperation against drug trafficking and organised crime—directly tied to protecting trade, revenue and community safety.

Tonga Connectivity Boost: Australia and New Zealand joined Tonga to complete the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, Tonga’s second international undersea cable, aimed at more reliable, higher-capacity internet for businesses and essential services and stronger disaster resilience. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, starting 15 June 2026, with a mandate to strengthen tourism development and public service delivery. Procurement & Water Security: Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts, finding limited bidding, lack of fair competition, and transparency breaches—an important signal for how public tenders should run. Regional Security & Drugs: Tonga’s PM said Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drugs moving through regional waters, warning the Pacific is increasingly used for storage and transhipment. Pacific Trade & Borders: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drug trafficking, organised crime, illicit finance, and smuggling—directly tied to protecting trade and government revenue. Green Finance in the Region: PNG banks are preparing to introduce green loan standards after a training workshop with regulators and the IFC, pushing banks to classify green loans and manage environmental and social risk.

Supreme Court Procurement Ruling: Tonga’s Supreme Court says MEIDECC broke procurement rules and a binding agreement when it awarded multi-million paʻanga water tank and septic contracts using a limited process that effectively pre-selected a supplier, and it also faulted the ministry for not publishing the contract award as required—raising transparency and competition concerns for public spending. Digital Infrastructure Boost: Tonga marked the commissioning of its second international undersea cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, named Tuʻi Vava‘u, jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand, to improve internet reliability and reduce outage risks during disasters. Regional Security on Drugs: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drug flows through the ocean, warning the region is increasingly used for storage and transhipment, not just transit. Regional Trade/Geopolitics: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to develop Fiji port infrastructure, with Pacific observers watching for new US-China flashpoints. Tourism Leadership: Tonga’s Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of the Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term starting 15 June 2026. Social Policy Documents: Government launched national documents on child poverty, disability inclusion in disasters, and a disability welfare scheme manual, aiming to strengthen social protection and leave no one behind.

Illicit Drugs Crackdown: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders are coordinating to stop illicit drug flows, warning the region is shifting from transit to a storage and transhipment hub. Digital Infrastructure Boost: Tonga commissioned its second international undersea cable, the Tu‘i Vava‘u (405km), jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand, to improve internet reliability and disaster resilience after past outages. Regional Security & Trade: The Quad agreed to build new port infrastructure in Fiji, raising fresh questions in the Pacific about outside powers shaping decisions. Fuel Crisis Watch: NZ Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters is set to discuss Samoa’s fuel crisis and regional security during Independence celebrations, with budget support for power and water services. Tonga Social Policy: Government launched national documents on child poverty, disability inclusion, and welfare reform, aiming to translate findings into stronger social protection. Tourism Leadership: PSC appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as new CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term from 15 June 2026. Media Standards Push: Tonga Media Association is seeking a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after talks with the PM. Business & Crime Links: Australian police raids targeted the “Coconut Cartel,” with reports suggesting Tongan men among those facing serious charges.

Digital Infrastructure Boost: Tonga officially commissioned its second international undersea fibre optic cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—named Tu‘i Vava‘u—a 405km link jointly funded by Australia (AIFFP) and New Zealand to improve internet reliability, capacity, and disaster resilience after past outages. Trade & Policy Update: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s trade ministry to MCCTIL (Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour), expanding focus on consumer protection, innovation, labour development and private sector growth. Social Protection Moves: Government launched three national policy documents targeting child poverty, disability inclusion and welfare scheme operations, with UNICEF and WFP support, aiming to strengthen social protection so “no one is left behind.” Regional Business & Security: The Quad backed Fiji port infrastructure plans, renewing debate in the Pacific about distant powers shaping outcomes without enough local voice. Sports Economy Watch: Moana Pasifika’s future remains in limbo after liquidation moves, while a Kanaloa-led consortium says it has endorsement letters from Pacific rugby unions—raising stakes for Tonga and the wider Pacific talent pipeline.

Digital Infrastructure: Tonga marked the commissioning of its second international undersea fibre optic cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System, named Tu‘i Vava‘u, to boost internet reliability and cut outage risks after 2019 and 2022 disruptions—jointly funded by Australia (AIFFP) and New Zealand. Social Policy: Government launched three national documents targeting child poverty, disability inclusion in emergencies, and a disability welfare scheme—aimed at making social protection more equitable nationwide. Trade & Business Governance: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s Ministry of Trade and Economic Development to the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, sharpening consumer protection and innovation alongside trade and labour support. Tourism Leadership: The Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as CEO of the Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term from 15 June 2026. Regional Economy & Connectivity: The week’s Pacific Business Brief flagged fuel relief efforts (including ADB support), critical minerals diplomacy, and leadership fallout at a publicly funded Pacific trust. Pacific Sports Finance: Moana Pasifika’s future remains uncertain as liquidation looms and bids surface, with Tonga’s rugby stakeholders watching closely.

Connectivity & Resilience: Tonga marked a major digital milestone with the commissioning of its second international undersea fibre cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—named Tu‘i Vava‘u—jointly funded by Australia (AIFFP) and New Zealand, boosting capacity and reliability for Tongan communities and businesses while reducing outage risks seen in 2019 and 2022. Trade & Business Policy: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s Ministry of Trade and Economic Development to the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, signalling stronger consumer protection and a wider push for innovation, labour development and private sector growth. Tourism Leadership: The Public Service Commission appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as CEO of the Ministry of Tourism for a four-year term from 15 June 2026, bringing decades of public service experience across tourism and related portfolios. Media Governance: The Media Association of Tonga (MAT) is pushing for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting the Prime Minister, alongside plans to recruit an office coordinator to improve day-to-day operations and engagement. Finance & Consumer Protection: In New Zealand, an unregistered lender targeting Tongans in South Auckland—Ilaisaane Malupo (Nane Easy Loan Finance Services NZ)—was banned for two years and ordered to pay reparations after charging up to 15% weekly interest and threatening borrowers via social media. Regional Crime Response: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says Pacific countries can’t “arrest” their way out of organised crime, calling for better legislation, border strengthening and coordinated support across health, immigration, customs, revenue and justice. Tourism Data: Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey 2025, using visitor spending and satisfaction data to guide marketing and development decisions. Public Health Watch: Tonga reported 66 dengue cases, with two hospitalisations as of 25 May, while the Cook Islands declared dengue-free after 26 days without new positives.

Undersea Connectivity: Tonga officially commissioned its second international undersea fibre cable, Tu‘i Vava‘u, to boost resilience and capacity for businesses and essential services, funded by Australia (AIFFP) and New Zealand, and designed to reduce outage risks seen in 2019 and 2022. Trade & Business Policy: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s Ministry of Trade and Economic Development to the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, expanding consumer protection, innovation, labour development and private-sector growth. Regional Trade Talks: The Cook Islands joined PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings in Nuku‘alofa, pushing priorities around trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity and private sector development. Education & Finance: The USP Council meeting in Tonga adopted audited 2025 financial statements and reviewed 2026 forecasts, flagging rising costs and student affordability pressures while focusing on governance and institutional sustainability. Finance & Consumer Protection: Tonga-linked lender enforcement in New Zealand saw an unregistered operator banned for two years after targeting vulnerable borrowers with high weekly interest and social-media threats. Immigration Costs: New Zealand’s planned visa fee reductions and longer Pacific visa terms could cut revenue by $1–2m a year, with funding shifted to manage the impact. Governance Scrutiny: Fresh Tonga allegations around ministers’ overseas travel allowances have resurfaced, reviving public concern over potential misuse of travel-related payments.

Connectivity & Resilience: Tonga officially commissioned its second international undersea fibre optic cable, Tu‘i Vava‘u, a 405km link jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand to boost capacity, reliability, and disaster resilience after past outages. Regional Trade & Policy: Cabinet approved renaming Tonga’s trade ministry to Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, widening focus on consumer protection, innovation, labour development and private sector growth. Pacific Integration: Tonga hosted PACER Plus budget and joint committee meetings with the Cook Islands, shaping proposals on trade facilitation, customs, standards, biosecurity and private sector development. Media Governance: The Tonga Media Association pushed for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting the Prime Minister, including a possible code of ethics and press conference monitoring. Finance & Consumer Protection: In New Zealand, an unregistered lender targeting Tongan borrowers was banned for two years and ordered to pay reparations after charging up to 15% weekly interest and threatening shaming on Facebook. Immigration Costs: New Zealand’s planned Pacific visa fee reductions and longer default visas could cut revenue by about $1–2m per year, with funding pressure on immigration systems. Sports & Business Risk: Moana Pasifika’s future remains uncertain after liquidation moves, with bids from Pacific-backed consortiums raising stakes for Pacific rugby investment and jobs.

Undersea Connectivity: Australia and New Zealand have joined Tonga to complete the Tonga Hawaiki Cable Branch System—its second international undersea cable—boosting capacity and reliability while cutting disruption risk seen in 2019 and 2022. Media Governance: The Tonga Media Association is pushing for a Media Complaints Council and stronger standards after meeting Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, including a possible code of ethics and tighter press-conference rules. Moana Pasifika Crisis: With Moana Pasifika placed into liquidation, New Zealand MP Winston Peters hints at “good news,” while Kanaloa’s takeover bid gains backing from four Pacific unions (Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue). Pacific Trade & Travel: New Zealand is set to reduce Pacific visa fees and extend longer visas, with officials warning of a revenue hit. Crime & Finance Watch: Tonga’s wider region focus on transnational crime continues, while New Zealand courts have banned an unregistered Tongan lender after Facebook-based threats to borrowers.

Pacific Crime & Borders: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime, calling for better legislation, health/immigration/customs coordination, stronger borders and justice-system support after the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit in Fiji. Fisheries Crackdown: Australia’s ADF has joined Cook Islands and Tonga efforts under Operation Tui Moana, with Operation Tui Moana 2026 running 04–22 May and regional patrols covering huge sea areas to deter illegal fishing. Tonga Connectivity: Tonga marked completion of the second international undersea cable branch system, boosting more reliable, higher-capacity internet for communities and disaster resilience. Loan-Shark Clampdown: An unregistered South Auckland lender targeting Tongans with up to 15% weekly interest and Facebook threats has been banned for two years and ordered to pay reparations. Visa Cost Relief (Risk to Revenue): New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees and extending timeframes, with officials warning of a $1–2m annual revenue hit. Health Watch: Tonga reports dengue cases (66 total), while the Cook Islands declares its outbreak over.

Moana Pasifika Fallout: Super Rugby’s Pacific franchise is set to be liquidated after shareholders voted to wind up the team, and a new bid has landed from a consortium led by All Blacks legends Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino—raising fresh questions about how Pacific talent pathways survive financially. Consumer Credit Crackdown: An unregistered South Auckland lender targeting Tongan borrowers has been banned for two years, hit with $15,000 in reparations, and ordered community service after threats to shame people on Facebook. Crime Response Debate: New Zealand’s Customs Minister says the Pacific can’t “arrest” its way out of organised crime—calling for better laws, border strength, and coordination across health, immigration, customs, revenue and justice. Connectivity Boost: Tonga’s second international undersea cable branch system is complete, promising more reliable, higher-capacity internet and stronger disaster resilience. Health Watch: Tonga reports 66 dengue cases, with no deaths so far, while the Cooks are declared dengue-free—though other Pacific areas still see cases. Regional Security at Sea: Operation Tui Moana 2026 continues to show up in results, with Pacific-led fisheries surveillance and interdictions across multiple EEZs.

Visa Shock to Pacific Travel: New Zealand is cutting Pacific visa fees from $216 to $161 and extending default multi-entry visas to two years for Pacific Forum countries, but officials warn the move could cost the government about $1–2 million a year and add pressure to an immigration system mainly funded by fees. Maritime Security Push: Tonga is also in the middle of wider regional enforcement—U.S. Coast Guard patrols are running bilateral maritime law operations in Tonga’s waters, while Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up with Pacific-led fisheries surveillance across 10 EEZs, including Tonga. Crime and Militarisation Debate: Tonga’s PM warns Pacific nations are increasingly becoming destination markets for illicit drugs and transnational crime, as Pacific concerns grow about militarisation and New Zealand’s role. Culture and Community: LOMU, the Jonah Lomu documentary, released an official trailer and will screen in Tonga on July 29 ahead of Australasian premieres. Politics Abroad: Zambia opposition leader Enock Tonga escalated rhetoric by calling President Hichilema a “Fake Messiah.”