Tonga

Both of the Pacific teams at the Netball World Cup in South Africa are through to the second stage of eliminations after a tough opening weekend in Cape Town.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Tonga on Wednesday for bilateral talks.

The 'Ikale Tahi kicked off their pre-Rugby World Cup preparations on a high note after they defeated Australia A, 27-21, at Te'ufaiva Park in Nuku'alofa on Friday.

Tonga's only domestic airline, Lulutai, has remained operational, despite problems with one aircraft last week in Eua.

The Pacific's three star-studded Rugby World Cup-bound teams are in camp at home as they look to build cohesion before they head to France.

Tonga's largest-ever budget will ensure the country can recover from covid and natural disasters, RNZ Pacific's correspondent says. Audio

The Tongan Tala coach says they will travel to Cape Town for the 2023 Netball World Cup confident they have as much of a chance as any other team to create history at the event.

Multiple earthquakes struck near Tonga from Friday to Monday.

One of Tonga's most celebrated royals, the late Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu, has been laid to rest in Nuku'alofa.

A funeral visitation has been held for Tongan Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu in Auckland, with leaders from the Pasifika community in attendance. Audio

A New Zealand charity is on the lookout for second-hand tractors to send to Tonga and help farmers there till their ash-laden soil. Audio

Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu of the Kingdom of Tonga has died aged 75.