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3 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu |Doug Dingwall
As Sunday dawns in Tonga's capital, an unbroken silence blankets the streets. Almost every shop in Nuku'alofa — including petrol stations — stays closed. Only church bells eventually disturb the quiet, as it comes time to worship. "The Sabbath day here in Tonga is kept very well in my opinion," US missionary elder 'Aiona said. "Everyone is at home preparing and getting ready for church.
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1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu |Nick Sas
In the turquoise waters off Vava'u, in Tonga's north-east, humpback whales migrate to breed and birth each year. It is a true natural spectacle; one that brings in tourists from across the world. From July to October, they are given the unique opportunity to watch and even swim with the migrating humpback whales. But today, the future viability of Tonga's whale-watching industry is hanging in the balance.
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1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic |Belinda Kora |Marian Kupu
If you walk down a street in Honiara, Port Moresby or Nuku'alofa and ask about the federal election in Australia, you might well draw a polite — but blank — stare. While 18 million voters will troop to the polls across Australia, many citizens across the Pacific will only be vaguely aware of the festival of democracy thousands of kilometres to their south and west.
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Jan 3, 2025 | 
abc.net.au | Doug Dingwall |Marian Kupu |Leah Lowonbu
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Dec 23, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu |Doug Dingwall
Tonga's parliament has elected former finance minister 'Aisake Eke as its new prime minister in a Christmas Eve sitting. He was elected in a secret ballot of Tonga's members of parliament on Tuesday afternoon (local time), winning the vote against the only opponent, Trade Minister Viliame Latu, by 16 votes to eight. "We are all here today to support each other to build Tonga," he said shortly after the result was announced.
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Dec 8, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu |Doug Dingwall
Tonga's prime minister has resigned ahead of an expected vote of no-confidence in parliament. Siaosi Sovaleni Hu'akavameiliku made the announcement on Monday morning before a motion for the vote was tabled. Mr Sovaleni broke down in tears as he addressed his fellow MPs.Later, he told the ABC he had considered "what option is best for Tonga" in making the decision. "I look forward to supporting whoever may be the next prime minister to actually continue the works we already put in motion," he said.
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Dec 1, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu
A no-confidence vote against Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has been postponed to next week. The Prime Minister will now have until Wednesday to respond to a no-confidence motion lodged by the Opposition. ABC reporter Marian Kupu says there are mixed views on the street of the capital Nuku'alofa, on whether the no-confidence motion is in the best interest of the country.
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Nov 25, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu
Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni is facing a Motion for vote of no confidence. It's set to be tabled in parliament next Tuesday, 3rd December. It's the second motion of no confidence face by the PM since he took office in 2021. At a press conference held on Monday, 26 November, Hu'akavameiliku says he bears no ill feeling against those who have launched a no confidence motion against him. "It's their right to put forward their motion of no confidence," said the Prime Minister.
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Nov 3, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu
The US presidential elections are only two days away. It's predicted by many to be tightly contested race. We speak to a Samoan community leader in California, Papali'i Manumalo Ala'ilima, to get his observation on how American Pacific Islanders are reacting. "We found different views, people had strong views on both sides," said Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku.
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Sep 5, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Marian Kupu
The Ikale Tahi face an uphill task in Nuku'alofa, as they strive to qualify for the semi-finals of the Pacific Nations Cup. To get there, Tonga will have to topple the Flying Fijians by at least 27 points at Teufaiva Stadium. But the omens are not good, with new coach Tevita Tui'fua yet to secure a win after four attempts. Losses on home turf to Italy, Spain and the Queensland Reds, were followed by a 43-17 defeat in their opening PNC match against Manu Samoa in Apia last weekend.
