Tonga

Tonga's Salote Adi Lopaukamea Sisifa was confirmed as president at the 10th Oceania Netball annual general meeting in Nuku'alofa on Thursday.

The Tongan government has yet to reveal more details about a cyber breach of its health records that occured 10 days ago.

The NZ foreign minister made the comment in response to the Trump administration's proposal to impose travel restrictions on three dozen nations, including three in the Pacific. Audio

"The time has come to recognise whales not merely as resources but as sentient beings with inherent rights."

Greg Devine said mosquitos that carry the virus "hitchhike around the world" and the increased movement of people is increasing those infected by dengue.

Tonga is so serious about the Sabbath that it banned most Sunday trading. Now the king and plice are urging people to keep the day holy.

It comes amid widespread drug issues in the region.

Tonga's 'Aisake Eke Government has produced its first budget, pumping up spending by more than 10 percent compared with last year.

Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands have all declared dengue outbreaks.

The researchers used numerical modelling to establish that wave heights of around 50 metres, and lasting around 90 seconds, would have been needed to dislodge the boulder from its cliff-edge origin.

Kava farmers need more facilities and resources to improve production, according to the island's National Kava Committee chariman Fe'ilokitau Tevi.