Latest news in Tonga? September 13th, 2026
13-09-2026
- New Zealand Visa Application Centre opening: New Zealand is set to open a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nukuʻalofa on September 14, 2026, aimed at streamlining travel, work, and student visa processing for Tongans. talanoaotonga.to
- Healthcare and overseas referrals: The Ministry of Health highlighted recent successes with government-supported specialized treatments, as Tongan cardiac patients returned with successful outcomes following subsidized procedures at regional partner facilities in Fiji.
- Support for small businesses: MBf Bank, alongside a New Zealand-backed enterprise initiative, rolled out a new low-interest loan scheme targeting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reduce borrowing costs and stimulate economic activity. talanoaotonga.to
- Governance and whistleblower protections: Public discussion remains focused on recently passed anti-corruption legislation providing formal protections for whistleblowers, alongside continuing scrutiny by the Auditor-General regarding public sector grant allocations and staffing vacancies at the Public Service Commission. tongaindependent.com
- Regional weather and climate coordination: Regional representatives from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services concluded high-level meetings in Nukuʻalofa to finalize the Pacific Meteorological Council’s updated long-term strategic direction. talanoaotonga.to