09^th October 2017 The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga His Excellency Mr. Andrew Ford officially opened the Tonga National Mental Health and Disabilities Symposium known as the Langi Ma’a this morning at Tano’a International Hotel.

Langi Ma’a Symposium is Tonga’s first ever meeting that brings together all stakeholders on mental health and disabilities in Tonga to start a formal dialogue to understand mental health issues, learn about available treatment and support services available and lastly to discuss the interaction between mental health and Tonga Culture.

The objective is to understand the state and place of mental health in Tonga, what is working, what is not, and to bring together relevant stakeholders to propose improvements to our mental health system.

The Guest of Honor, H.E Mr. Andrew Ford stated that Australia has been supporting Tonga on mental health issues and is a long-term close partner in Tonga’s health system strengthening and has committed more than 13 million Australian dollars to Tonga’s current health support program.

“We are working towards the goal that in Tonga ‘people with disabilities to have access to high quality and affordable health care on an equal basis as others and access to rehabilitation and assertive devices to maximize their independence and potential”.

He said that this symposium is a great step for Tonga towards that goal.  For these are the voices most often ignored, but they are also the voices from which we learn the most.

He urged the gathering to listen most closely this week to the voices of those who have lived, experienced mental health condition or disability.

“We also hope that you will take the messages and ideas that are discussed here this week, back to your organizations, your communities and your families and work to make improvement where you can.”

Tonga’s Head Psychiatrist Dr. Mapa Puloka emphasized that we must all become role models and which role model is one of the weakness here in Tonga. “and let us take the work of our eyes so that we can see clearly, because if we know ourselves we are likely to know others.”

President of Tonga Mental Health Association Mr. Leonaitasi Hoponoa said mental health is the rule of all human action.

“whenever we talk about problems in our society starting from personal to family, socially, economically, technologically and politically this new chapter tells us that mental health is a priority in Tonga, mental health is no longer a silent issue, it’s everyone’s business, we tend to forget that the reason of having this symposium is to raise awareness on the state, place and value of mental health on our society.”

The ceremony was blessed by Dr. Rev. Taliai Niumeitolu. Personal experiences were also shared by two mental health patients.

Also attending the event was the Acting Minister for Health and Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries Hon. Dr. Semisi Fakahau, patients from the psychiatrist ward, representatives from Line Ministries and Public Sectors.

ENDS

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication

Public Notice

From: Tonga Power Limited

To: All electricity consumers in the area of Tatakamotonga, Lapaha, Talasiu, Hoi, Nukuleka, Makaunga, Talafo’ou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afa pea mo Niutoua.

Please be informed that the power supply to your areas will be switched off temporarily on Saturday, 14^th October 2017 from 7:00am in the morning to 3:00pm in the afternoon.

This is to enable our linesmen to repair the high voltage lines in these areas as part of the Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project.

Once the proposed work is complete, the power supply to your areas will be switched on with no further announcements.

Once again we regret for any inconvenience that may be caused by this power disruption.

Thank you,

Tonga Power Limit.

________________________

Fanongonongo

Mei he: Tonga Power Limited

Ki he: Kau ma’u ‘uhila kotoape ‘i he ‘elia ‘o Tatakamotonga, Lapaha, Talasiu, Hoi, Nukuleka, Makaunga, Talafo’ou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afa, Niutoua,

Mou kataki ‘o fakatokanga’i ange ‘e tamate’i fakataimi atu ho’omou ma’u’anga ‘uhila he ‘aho Tokonaki, 14 ‘o ‘Okatopa 2017 mei he taimi 7:00 pongipongi ki he 3:00 efiafi .

‘Oku makatu’unga ‘eni kae lava hono fakalelei’i ‘a e laine volota ma’olunga ‘i he ngaahi feitu’u ni, ko e konga ia  hono fakalelei’i ‘o e laine ‘uhila ki he ngaahi kolo.

Ka lava lelei pe ‘a e ngaue ‘e fakamo’ui atu leva ho’omou ma’u’anga ‘uhila ‘o ‘ikai ke toe fanongonongo atu.

‘Oku ‘oatu aipe ‘a e kole fakamolemole tu’unga ‘i ha maumau ‘e hoko.

Malo moe faka’apa’apa atu,

Kautaha ‘Uhila ‘a Tonga.

All applications are to be received no later than 4.30pm Monday 23rd October, 2017. All civil servants who wish to apply must have their applications endorsed by their respective Chief Executive Officer plus all their relevant documents. All applications should be addressed to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC)

2^nd Floor O.G. Sanft Building

Taufa’ahau Rd, Nuku’alofa

For further enquires please do not hesitate to contact the Undersigned Officer at telephone 28170 or email tfisiihoi@mic.gov.to

11th October, 2017 New Zealand’s Chief Ombudsman has embarked on the first ever visit to the Kingdom of Tonga since his office was established 55 years ago.

Peter Boshier, a former Chief Judge of the New Zealand Family Court arrived in Tonga last night and will be in the country until Friday.

“I’m very proud to be the first ever New Zealand Ombudsman to pay a formal visit and I’m delighted by the warm reception I have received”.

Mr Boshier’s says New Zealand and Tonga have always enjoyed close ties and the Ombudsman’s functions in Tonga are closely aligned with those of the New Zealand Ombudsman, which has operated since 1962.

Mr Boshier’s visit reciprocates a number of earlier visits by the Tonga Office of the Ombudsman to New Zealand.

“This is an opportunity for me to visit my colleague and fellow Ombudsman, ‘Aisea Havea Taumoepeau SC in his home country and to learn about the many initiatives he is undertaking first hand”.

Mr Taumoeeau has welcomed Mr Bosheir’s visit.

“This is a chance to foster the relationship between our respective offices and to discuss the broad opportunities to cooperate in relation to the International Ombudsman Institute, Australasia and the Pacific”.

Tonga is a foundation member of the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance and a member of the International Ombudsman Institute. Mr Bosheir is one of 18 worldwide directors of the International Ombudsman Institute and has particular responsibility for the Pacific region.

“I want to support Tonga in its efforts to have its voice heard in the international environment,” Mr Boshier says.

He will also meet with the Speaker and Parliamentarians, Law Lords and Justice Sector representatives.

“Tonga clearly recognizes the importance of the role of the Ombudsman in society. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with a number of senior politicians and officials during the course of my visit including Prime Minister, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva and members of his cabinet and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Tu’ivakano”.

Mr Boshier says the Office of the Ombudsman is a well-established international institution.

“Many countries have appointed Ombudsman. It is clear many see the benefits of having an independent figure listen to the complaints of ordinary citizens and deal with issues of importance to them. Ombudsmen also ensure that governments are accountable”.

“I’m here to talk about international best practice and share information and ideas in my efforts to support Tonga’s Office of the Ombudsman. For Ombudsman around the world, there is everything to be gained from bilateral relationships and dialogue,” Mr Boshier says.

ENDS

Issued by the: Office of the Ombudsman, Tonga

The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) now invites applicants to submit Applications for a DRIVER/MESSENGER for the Pacific Resilience Project (PREP).

For further enquires please do not hesitate to contact us at telephone 23-160 or email lika_fifita@yahoo.com.au

Applications must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 24 October 2017.

Attention: Paula Ma’u
The Chief Executive Officer
MEIDECC
P. O. Box 1380
1st Floor OG Sanft Building
Nuku’alofa
TONGA
Tel: (676) 23-160 or 28-170
E-mail: paulm@mic.gov.to

12 ‘Okatopa 2017 Na’e kamata ‘aneafi ‘a e sivi ‘ahi’ahi ‘a e Sivi ‘a e Pasifikí (Pacific Islands Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PILNA) ‘i he fai fiká, laukongá mo e tohí ‘i he ngaahi ‘apiako lautohi Pule’anga ‘e tolu ‘i Tongatapú ni.

Ko e sivi ko ‘ení ‘oku fakahoko ia ‘i he kalasi fa pea mo e kalasi ono. Ko e ngaahi ‘apiako Lautohi Pule’anga ko ‘ení ‘oku fakahoko ai ‘a e sivi ‘ahi’ahi ‘oku kau ki ai ‘a e Lautohi Pule’anga ‘a Houmá, Vaini pea mo Havelu.

Ko e sivi ko ‘ení ‘oku fakataumu’a pe ia ki he kalasi fa mo e kalasi ono ‘i he ngaahi ‘apiako lautohi Pule’angá.

Fakatatau ki he fakamatala kuo tuku mai mei he ‘Ofisi ‘o e Potungāue Akó ‘oku fakataumu’a ‘a e sivi ‘ahi’ahí ni ke siofi ‘a e ngaahi mata vaivai he ngaahi tafa’aki kuo ako’í koe‘uhi  ko e teuteu atu ko ia ki he fakahoko ‘o e PILNA ‘i he ta’u fo’ou.

Ko e PILNA ‘oku kau atu ki ai ‘a e ngaahi fonua ‘o e Pasifikí ‘oku nau mēmipa ‘i he SPC ‘a ia ‘oku fakahoko fakata’u ‘e tolu.

Na’e kamata’aki ‘a e sivi laukonga mo e tohí  ‘aneafi pea ‘e faka’osi’aki ‘a e sivi fiká ‘i he ‘ahó ni. Fakatatau ki he fakamatala kuo tuku maí ‘oku ‘amanaki ke fakahoko ‘a e PILNA ‘i he ta’u fo’ou ‘o fakafuofua ki he ‘osi ‘a e sivi hū ‘a e kalasi onó ki he ngaahi kolisí.

‘Oku tataki ‘a e polokalama ko ‘ení ‘e he Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) ‘o fakamalumalu ‘i he SPC.

NGATA’ANGA

Tukuatu mei he Potungaue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Tokangaekina ngaahi fakatamaki fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki

12th October, 2017 On Thursday 5 of October 2017, the Government of Japan and the people of ‘Uiha Island in Ha’apai, celebrated the handover and installation of a new Ice-Machine System for the island, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.

His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga was in ‘Uiha Islands for the ceremony. Present also at the ceremony were Mr. Vili Manuopangai Hingano, People’s Representatives for Ha’apai Constituency # 12, Mr. Maikolo Fonua, representative of the Ha’apai Governor’s office, Contractor’s representatives and the community of ‘Uiha Island.

The Ambassador addressed the community that he was pleased that the new ice machine system had been installed on the island, saying that “it will boost the fisheries industry of this area by allowing the people to have easier access to flake ice” He emphasized that the GGP stands with the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals “No one will be left behind”, and that assisting communities deprived of basic goods and services due to geographical disadvantages in order to accelerate development is the important purpose of the scheme. The assistance also included the installation of 10 water tanks on the island.

The Sosaieti ‘Uhila ‘a ‘Uiha mo Felemea sought for Japan’s assistance to provide for the high demand of flake ice which is required for the preservation of the marine products of ‘Uiha and the other neighboring island communities, so that their fresh catch can be sent to large markets in Lifuka and Nuku’alofa. Japan’s assistance will ease daily difficulties of not only the 550 people living on ‘Uiha Island, but also over 2,000 people living in the neighboring outer islands of Ha’apai.

Japans Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects was introduced in 1990 and to date have been granted to over 270 projects in different sectors throughout Tonga. The assistance also epitomizes Japan’s commitment to support the efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to achieve its National Strategic Planning Framework, and strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Attachment: Project Factsheet & Photos

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP)

Project Fact Sheet

ENDS

For further enquires please contact: Ms. Hitomi Obata, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Tonga. Level 5, National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building / Telephone: 22-221 / Fax 27-025

13th October, 2017 Twenty private sector energy businesses from around the Pacific region took part in a week long South-South capacity building and knowledge exchange program from 2 to 6 October Suva, Fiji. Participants explored opportunities to expand their business models and heard how the newly established Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) could provide them with on-going support in networking and coordination efforts.

Electrical contractors and renewable energy system distributors made up the majority of the participants however, the importance of energy efficiency to a broad range of business areas was evident. The revelation that energy usage can account for 60% of the operational costs for a typical hotel or motel the Pacific for example, was an eye-opener for opportunities in the tourism industry.

Participants also learned how energy efficiency can help the agricultural sector. Solar drying to improve the quality of cocoa, coconuts, taro, cassava and kava; the use Bio-digesters in pig and dairy farms and; the cost benefits of solar pumps for irrigation, all made a significant impression.

Mr. William Reiher of Green Energy Solutions in the Marshall Islands, provides energy audit services to hotels and commercial buildings in Majuro. He was impressed with the potential of renewable energy for his work, “I provide them with more energy efficienct air conditioners, lights and maintenance services but I am struggling to meet the demands. Looking at the success of the Suva-based CBS Power Solutions and Sunergise, I can see an opportunity for the use of renewable energy.”

Fe’ao Teutau, General Manager of the Kingdom Energy in Tonga also saw the value of investing in this area, “I have concentrated on installing solar photovoltaic systems and solar water pumps in Tonga,” said Mr. Teutua, “and now I see that with a little bit of new equipment and market approach, I can venture into energy efficiency as well.”

During the week, the importance of using high quality products and services and maintaining standards was emphasised. The experience of Papua New Guinea was highlighted for its establishment of the Solar Energy Association of PNG (SEAP). Created in 2016, the SEAP provides a united voice that represents the interests of the industry and helps to ensure that high standards are followed. SEAP promotes solar energy usage, maintains industry standards and aids in off grid electrification. Just as importantly, SEAP provides guidance for policy development and support, training and education to its members.

Participants were keen on replicating the PNG experience in their respective countries and committed to exploring ideas with the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI) and PCREEE to help establish and support sustainable renewable energy businesses.

PCREEE is co-hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Tonga Government at Nuku’alofa, and is a collaboration between SPC, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, SIDS Dock, the Government of Tonga and the Government of Austria.

Media contact:

Atishma Lal, SPC Project Information Assistant, atishmal@spc.int or +679 3379402

 PCREEE contact:

Solomone Fifita, Manager, PCREEE, Corner of Taufa’ahau and Wellington Roads, Nuku’alofa

Phone +676 25209, solomonef@spc.int

13th October, 2017 A tree planting and fencing program was conducted this morning at the Government Primary School of Kolomotu’a as part of the Climate Change Awareness Program.

The event was facilitated by the Department of Climate Change and funded by the Australian Government.

Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Poasi Tei stated that this program will benefit the current and future generations of Kolomotu’a Government Primary School but most importantly it will help to address climate change.

He also thanked the Government of Australia for their continuous support in funding this project.

“Your continuous support to address climate change is greatly acknowledged and appreciated. Your support will benefit the current, and future generations.”

Australian High Commissioner to Tonga H.E. Mr. Andrew Ford said Australia is providing 20 million Pa’anga to Tonga on climate financing for 5 years and this project is a smaller scale example of all the work they have been doing to address climate change.

He also said that every tree makes a different including the trees that will be planted in this program.

“Plants are very important, they provide shade, shelter, fresh air for these schools and communities not only that but they promote food security and healthy diet but they also have historical and cultural significance and most importantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission’s impact on climate change.”

Acting CEO for the Ministry of Education Mr. Ponapate Taunisila said sustainable development starts from education.

“Your commitment to the foundation of education helps us to not only teach tree planting and conserving our plants for the prosperity of our people but we hope it will become their behavior and that they will value that duty and responsibility in the future.

To mark the event, Hon. Poasi Tei, Minister for Education and Training Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Mr. Andrew Ford and Mr. Taunisila each planted a tree and a Shooter Group from the Australian Navy assisted them in putting up fencing support to protect the trees.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.

13th October, 2017 The Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Poasi Tei launched a sanitation intervention mini-project at Nukunukumotu Island this afternoon.

The intervention is a combination of three rainwater tanks and two composting toilets, funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and co-sponsored by UNDP through Tonga Ridge to Reef (R2R) Project.

Hon. Poasi Tei said, “In addressing the issue of poor water quality of Fanga’uta, due to concerns of increased water contamination from human sewage or fecal material of other animals found at Pea and Fangakakau in the catchment area, it was recommended to establish a sanitation intervention to track its efficiency in improving water quality at the coastal areas.”

He said that Nukunukumotu proposed the intervention in order to minimize the issue of poor water quality within Fanga’uta Lagoon.

Hon. Tei also extends his sincere gratitude to development partners for their continuous financial support and providing administrative support for the Tonga R2R Project.

CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Ma’u said that one of the outputs of the project is the establishment of pilot sites on sanitation to minimize the impacts of domestic sources of pollution in the Fanga’uta Lagoon Catchment.

The water resource in Nukunukumotu is limited as community members reported that existing water tanks are empty several times during the year. The three new water tanks estimated storage capacity would be sufficient for the community.

The sanitation project is a replication of the IWRM project that was implemented in Vava’u. The are a water free toilet system, designed to accommodate the issue of lack of water resources and minimize pollution to groundwater. The composting system not only saves on water but will also provide fertilize for garden use.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.

16th October, 2017

16 ‘o ‘Okatopa, 2017

For official news reference here are their links:

Australia |  Japan  | New Zealand | People’s Republic of China | United Kingdom | United States of America

1. Chinese Embassy in Tonga
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China
3. Xinhua News
4. CGTN
5. People’s Daily Online
6. China Plus
7. China Daily

16^th October 2017

Summary

The tropical cyclone (TC) activity expected in the 2017/18 Tropical Cyclone Season to affect Tonga is likely to be around average. This means that Tonga could expect up to 2 cyclones this season with a 40-50% chance that at least 1 could be Severe (Category 3 or above).

Any tropical cyclones passing close to the country, associated active cloud and rain bands may occasionally affect Tonga with marked rainfall and possible flooding, including sea flooding of low‐lying coastal areas.

With the expectation of tropical cyclone formation (genesis) to lie to the west of the Dateline towards the Coral Sea region, there is high chance that any tropical cyclone affecting Tonga would approach from the Northern, Western and Southern sectors.

About 4 to 6 named Tropical Cyclones are expected for the South West Pacific in 2017/2018 season.

Analysis and Outlook

For Tonga

The official 2017/18 TC Season will begin on 1st of November 2017, and will end on 30th April, 2018. It should be noted that tropical cyclones have occasionally formed outside this period e.g. Tropical Cyclone “Keli” which affected Northern Tonga in June 1997. The peak time for the occurrence of tropical cyclones in Tonga is from January to March with most events occurring in February.

International forecast guidance has changed markedly in the past month. Previously, there was a strong consensus for continuation of ENSO-neutral conditions. Now there is an approximate 50:50 split between La Niña and neutral conditions being forecast through to March 2018, with very little chance of El Niño development (<5%) through this period.

On record, about 1.88 cyclones affect Tonga during El Nino, 1.63 during La Nina and 1.67 during neutral years.

Cyclones that have affected Tonga in the past where current and forecast conditions are similar to the 2017/18 Cyclone Season

For the South West Pacific

La Niña-like signals in the ocean—atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific Ocean have become more prominent in September 2017, although have not yet reached the thresholds required for a La Niña event to be declared.

The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) for September 2017 was positive at +0.6, on the La Niña side of neutral conditions. Wind observations also indicated enhanced trade-winds which is a pattern consistent with a developing La Nina.

Moreover, rainfall patterns in the tropical Pacific have become more La Niña-like than they were in August; that is, more rainfall closer to Australia and drier than normal conditions about and east of the Dateline.

The average number tropical cyclones that form in the Southwest Pacific is 8.1 During El Nino Years 6.1 during La Nina and 6.3 during neutral years.

The outlook indicates that about 4 to 6 named tropical cyclones are expected for the South West Pacific in 2017/2018 season. Tropical cyclone activity is expected to shift to west in the coming season consistent with cyclone tracks expected during La Nina.

Note of caution

It should be noted that the information provided is only to be used as guidance and the given range of tropical cyclone numbers is indicative only. It is expected that the total number of tropical cyclones could be in the vicinity of the listed values, and not necessarily within the given range. The values are the most likely number of tropical cyclones based on statistical and scientific evidence, including the influences by regional and global weather and climate variability drivers and indices.

All communities should remain alert and prepared throughout the 2017-18 Tropical Cyclone Season and take heed of tropical cyclone alerts, warnings and advisories seriously whenever it is issued to reduce the effects on life and property. All communities are urged to be vigilant and follow forecast information provided by the Meteorology Department of the Ministry of MEIDECC throughout the season.

-END-

For further information please contact the Meteorology Division on 35355 or metstaff@met.gov.to. More information is also available at www.met.gov.to

17th October,  2017 The Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour wishes to advise that the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) has approved the new petroleum prices for October – November 2017 to be effective from Monday, 16th October 2017.

Crude oil prices have continued to climb reaching USD59/bbl on 25th September, the highest price for two years. Indicators are showing stronger economic growth with higher petroleum demand supporting crude oil prices. Dated Brent averaged USD 56.05/bbl for September which was USD 4.41/bbl higher than August.

Regional diesel and kerosene prices rose slightly more than crude oil with good demand related to strong economic growth. The opportunity to export west (to Europe) is sustaining margins following the closure of the post hurricane export opportunity to the United States of America.
Comparing the September month average prices with August, crude oil (Date Brent) was up USD 4.41/bbl (8.5%). Petrol was up by USD 2.88/bbl (4.5%), jet was up by USD 4.98/bbl (7.9%) and diesel was up USD 4.98/bbl (7.8%)

The freight rate has strengthened increasing the cost of shipping to Tonga (albeit from a fairly low level). The disruptions in the wake of Hurricane Harvey have tightened the shipping market with more ships allocated to longer voyages.

The Tongan Pa’anga has been steady therefore the increase in Singapore prices has flowed through local prices.

The petroleum prices for October – November increases with the wholesale price of petrol and kerosene by 6.26 seniti/litre and 9.78 seniti/litre respectively, while diesel recorded the largest increase of 9.85 seniti/litre. The retail price will be 253.13 seniti/ litre for petrol, 168.95 seniti/litre for Kerosene and 251.32 seniti/ litre for Diesel. All price changes include consumption tax.

END

For further information please contact the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour at telephone 23688

17 ‘Okatopa 2017 Na’e fakaava ‘e he Minisitā ki he Potungāue Tanaki Pa’anga Hū mai mo e Tuté Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa ‘a e fuofua Uike Tukuhau ‘a Tonga 2017 ‘aki ‘a e kaveinga “Pa’anga mei he kakaí ma’ae kakaí” ‘i he pongipongi ‘aneafi ‘i Nuku’alofa.

‘I he me’a fakaava ‘a e ‘Eiki Minisitā na’a ne pehē ‘oku fakataumu’a ‘a e Uike Tukuhau 2017 ke fakamālohia mo fakamamafa’i ‘a e fatongia ‘oku fakahoko ‘e he potungāué pea ke toe fakamahino ki he kakai ‘o e fonuá ‘a honau fatongiá mo hono mahu’inga ko ia ‘a e tānaki tukuhaú.

Na’á ne fakahā foki ko e fo’i fakakaukau ‘eni na’e talu pē hono fofoa’i mei mu’a, pea mo e feinga ke ‘ilo ‘e he tangata’i fonua mo e fefine’i fonua ‘a hona fatongia ki he totongi ‘o e tukuhaú.

“Ko e taimi lahi ‘oku mau nofo pē ‘o tali ke tautea’i ‘a e kakaí ‘o fakatatau ki he laó ka kuo pau kemau hū ki tu’a ‘o takai ki he ngaahi pisinisí mo e kakai ‘oku nau totongi e tukuhau ki he fonuá, talanoa mo kinautolu, mo fa’u ha ngaahi founga faingofua ke fakakakato’aki ‘a e ngaahi fatongia tukuhaú.”

Na’e pehē foki ‘e he ‘Eiki Minisitā ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e ngaahi lelei ‘oku ma’u ‘e Tonga mei he tanaki ‘o e tukuhaú ‘o kau ai ‘a e kei monū’ia pē ‘a Tonga ‘oku kei ta’etotongi pē ‘a e falemahaki, pea ‘oku kei ako ta’e totongi mo ‘etau fānaú ‘i he ngaahi Lautohi ‘a e Pule’angá.

Na’a ne me’a foki ko e kamata eni ‘a hono fakamamafa’i ‘a e uike tukuhau pea ‘e fakahoko ‘a e polokalama ni fakata’u ‘a e potungāué.

‘I he lea talitali na’e fakahoko ‘e he Pule Lahi Le’ole’o ‘a e potungāue, Magdalena Fifita na’á ne fakahā ko e ngāue mo e fua fatongia ‘oku nau fakahokó ‘oku fakafolofola pē ia ‘o talu mei mu’a.

“Ko e ngāue ko ‘eni ‘oku mau faí ‘oku fakafolofola pē ia, ke ‘ave ‘a e me’a ‘a Sisa kia Sisa, ko e ngāué ia ke fakahoko, ko e me’a pē ‘oku mau ‘amanaki ki he kakai ke nau mea’i ko e ngāue mo e tānaki ko ‘eni ‘oku fakahokó ‘e toe foaki kātoa pē ia ma’a kimoutolu, ko e ngaahi lelei mo e fakalakalaka ‘o e fonuá ko e pa’anga ia ‘oku mau feinga’i ke tānaki he ‘aho kotoa.”

Taimi tatau na’e fakahā ‘e he Tokoni Pule Lahi ‘o e Potungāué Kelemete Vahe, ‘oku ‘i ai pē ‘a e ngaahi fakaanga mo e ta’efemahino’aki mo e kakai ‘o e fonuá ‘i he fua fatongia ‘oku nau fakahokó.

“Ko e fakaanga ia na’e mei fuoloa pē ia, ko e taimi ‘oku fakama’ala’ala atu ai ki he kakai ‘oku totonu ke nau totongi mai ‘enau tukuhaú ‘oku nau talamai ‘e kinautolu he ‘ikai ke nau totongi ‘e kinautolu, ko ia ‘oku fa’u ‘a e polokalama ko ‘ení ke tau lava ‘o fetakinima mo e tangata totongi tukuhaú katau lava ‘o mafuesia hotau fatongiá.”

‘Oku ‘i ai foki mo e ngaahi polokalama kehe ‘e fakahoko ia ‘i he toenga ‘o e uiké ni ‘o kau atu ki ai ‘a e ngaahi polokalama felāfoaki ‘i he Letiō 87.5, ko e fe’auhi talanoa fakatātā mo e fe’auhi lau maau ‘e fakahoko ia ‘i he ‘aho Pulelulú ki he ‘aho Falaité, pea mo e float ‘e fakahoko ia ‘i he ‘aho Tokonakí pea faka’osi’aki ‘a e lotu taha ki he Falelotu Senitulí ‘i he ‘aho Sāpate.

NGATA’ANGA

Tukuatu mei he Potungāue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatalá, Tokangaekina ngaahi Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki

17^th October 2017 The Marine and Ports Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure completed an Outreach Program to Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua as part of its Maritime Safety Campaign: Be Ready, Be Safe in partnership with stakeholders such as Ministry of Fisheries and Tonga Police.

“We recognize that our oceans are like roads for most of our people in the outer islands and in line with the Ministry’s workplan, we are committed to maritime safety and sent out an Outreach team to share lessons and continue dialogue on how to be proactive and be prepared,” said Meliame Tu’alau, Officer in Charge of Marine and Ports Division.

The Outreach Program teamed up with Tonga Police’s Search and Rescue team in Vava’u and visited Hunga, Ovaka, Noapapu and Matamaka and also held a meeting at the Governor’s Office with district and town officers.

“I am so glad for this initiative and Government’s efforts. We have experienced personal tragedy at sea and welcome this program and the lessons,” said Ovaka Town Officer Vaisima after a brief presentation by Marine Officers Eric Vaka’uta and Colin Langilangi as well as Acting Sergeant Latu from Vava’u’s Police Search and Rescue.

The need for preparedness was more marked in Ha’apai where the Outreach team including Fisheries Officer Pouanoa ‘Ahoafi visited Lofanga, Kauvai and ‘Uiha and a meeting was also held in Pangai.

“We rely too much on our experience but we must learn to be more prepared especially as we are not as sheltered here in Ha’apai and we brave the open seas to get to Pangai from our respective islands,” said ‘Onesi Siulua of Lofanga.

The visit to ‘Eua facilitated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs echoed similar concerns and confirmed the boat owners’ willingness to better equip themselves and their boats.

“We welcome this meeting as fishing is our livelihood,” said ‘Afasa Loni, President of ‘Eua’s Fishing Association.

The Maritime Safety Campaign will culminate to a Maritime Day on 27 October at Vuna Wharf with the international theme: Connecting ships, ports and people.

The Maritime Safety Campaign is supported by the Transport Sector Consolidated Project.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Marine and Ports Division:           22-555

18th October, 2017 The Meteorology Department today joined with various stakeholders from the Community, Private Sector, other Government Agencies and Non-government agencies for a 2 day workshop on collecting and documenting weather and climate related traditional knowledge. The workshop is funded by the Government of Australia under the Climate and Ocean Support Program for the Pacific (COSPPAC) initiative and implemented by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, SPREP and the Tonga Meteorological Service.

In his opening statement at the workshop the Acting CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Leveni stated “Local communities in Tonga and throughout the Pacific have always made decisions related to climate and weather in their own context. By observing their surroundings and the environment, they have been able to make predictions and forecasts about extreme events such as tropical cyclones, tsunamis, flooding and droughts.

History has shown great adaptive value in the use of traditionally based science. However, the value of Traditional Knowledge (TK) is being eroded by rapid loss of knowledge due, in part, to rapid urbanization and emphasis on western science. Modern school systems, emigration and the growing interest in the cash economy and western goods have also left the traditional based knowledge, a thing of the past. In some communities, there may be less than a handful of elders left who still hold this wealth of knowledge. Perhaps a few of them still remain in the more resilient and self-reliant outer islands”

Leveni also added, “One of the biggest challenge in conveying the weather and climate information is that the language is too technical and at times not understood. Through this project the Ministry together with its various stakeholder partners will use traditional knowledge to improve the delivery and the understanding of weather and climate forecast. The Tonga Meteorological Service (TMS) and the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) recognize the value of preserving TK for use by future generations. This Project will attempt to address this chall enge by collating historical and current TK, verifying it with elders and storing it for posterity.

The project will also enable the TMS staff to outreach with communities in Tonga together with yourselves the stakeholder partners present here today to document and assess the reliability of different TK indicators of weather and climate and store it in a database as well as developing communication products. It also provides an opportunity to discuss with the community modern methods of forecast and their relevance to traditional methods to improve decision-making.”

In her opening remarks during the opening of the workshop, Ms. Madeleine Scott, Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission Office in Tonga also stressed the importance of the use to traditional knowledge and the importance to use not only weather and climate prediction purposes but also use those passed down knowledge to improving other sectors such as health.

The Director of the Tonga Meteorological Service, Mr. Ofa Fa’anunu also reflected on the training “we need to improve the way we convey the weather and climate information to the users. If we can’t get that message across to the users of weather and climate information then we are not doing our job well. It is our intention to explore all opportunities to improve the information we provide so people are able to respond to the warnings we give out from the Met Office effectively and accurately. Looking at use of traditional knowledge and traditional language is one of those opportunities.

The training includes introducing to the participants the tools used for collecting traditional knowledge as well as instructions on how to conduct interviews as well as correctly document the traditional knowledge ready for archiving into the national traditional knowledge database build developing. The training will be completed tomorrow (18 October 2017) with hands on experience in doing actual live interviews out in the field.

The training workshop is being lead conducted Dr. Lynda Chambers from the Australia Bureau of Meteorology and Ms. Siosinamele Lui from COSPPAC (through SPREP).

ENDS

For further information please contact the Meteorology Division on 35355 or metstaff@met.gov.to. More information is also available at www.met.gov.to

18 ‘o ‘Okatopa, 2017 Na’e kau atu ‘a Tonga ki hono faka’ilonga’i ‘o e ‘Aho Fakamāmani Lahi ‘o e Me’atokoní ‘i he ho’atā ‘aneafi ‘aki ha polokalama ne tataki ‘e he Potungāue  ki he Ngōue, Me’atokoni, Vao ‘Akaú pea mo e Toutaí.   Koe taumuá naé fakatefito ai e áho ko e ‘Tokoni’i ‘a e kakai nofo ‘i ‘utá ke malu mo mahu ‘a e ma’u’anga me’atokoni mo lelei ange ‘a e ma’u’anga pa’angá ke holoki ‘a e fehikitaki ‘i he kaha’ú.’

‘I he me’a ‘a e ‘Eiki Palemia Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva na’a ne fakahā ai ko e kuonga ˊni ‘oku mo’umo’ua ‘a e kakai ‘i he ngaahi ‘uhinga kehekehe ka ‘oku faka’amu ki he ngaahi mātu’a ‘oku nau kei ‘i he vaha’a ta’u uofulu mo tolungofulu tupu kenau fakatokanga’i ke kei fakahoko pē e ngaohi ‘o e me’atokoní mei ‘api ke pau, hao mo mo’ui lelei ki he longa’i fānaú.

Na’a ne lave foki ki hono tālanga’i ‘e he Kapinetí ke hiki ‘a e totongi tukuhau ki he ngaahi koloa me’akai ‘oku fakatupu mahamahaki ki he kakai ‘o Tongá.

‘I he me’a ‘a e ‘Eiki Ministā ki he Potungāue Ngōue, Me’atokoni, Vao ‘Akaú mo e Toutaí Hon. Semisi Fakahau,  na’a ne fakahā ai ‘a e fēkau mahu’inga  na’e tuku mai mei he Kautaha Fakamamani Lahi ki he Me’atokoní (FAO).

“Koe ngaahi fonua mēmipa kehekehe ‘e 150 ‘o mamani kau ai ‘a Tonga ˊni. ‘Oku fakataumu’a ma’u pē ‘a e kātoanga ke fakamanatu mai ki mamani mo kitaua he ‘aho ni ‘a e ngaahi ngāue ‘oku fiema’u ki he kakai ko ia ‘oku lolotonga mo’ua he hongé mo e fiekaiá mo fakapapau’I ‘oku malu e ma’u’anga me’atokoní pea mo mohu ivi foki.”

“Ko e faingamālie ia kiate kitautolu hono kotoa ke toe fakama’u ‘etau tukupā ki he kaveinga fika ua ko ia hotau pule’anga fakatahataha ko e a’u ki he ta’u 2030 kuo hala fiekaia ‘a māmani.”

“’Oku ngāue fakataha ‘a e ngaahi potungāue ‘a e pule’angá, ngaahi kulupu fakalakalaká, ngaahi pisinisí, mo e kupu kotoa pē ke a’usia e taumu’a ngāue hala fiekaia ‘a e Pule’anga Fakatahatahá ki he ta’u 2030.”

Na’e fakahā foki ‘e he ‘Eiki Minisitaá ko e vahe fā ‘e taha ‘o māmani ‘oku fu’u sisino mo nge’enge’e pea ‘oku tokolahi e kakai ‘oku mate he hongé mo e fiekaiá ka fakataha’i kotoa e kakai ‘oku nau mālōlō ‘i he ngaahi mahaki faka’auha ‘o hangē ko e mahaki fatafata vaivaí, taifotí, ‘eitisí.

Na’a ne lave foki ko e vahe tolu ‘e taha ‘o e me’akai fakakatoa ‘oku ngaohi ‘i māmaní ‘oku maumau pea mole ‘o ‘ikai faka’aonga’i ka ‘oku fiema’u ke hiki hake ‘aki ha peseti ‘e 60 ‘a e me’akai mei he ngoué, fanga monumanú mo e toutaí ke fafanga ‘aki e kakai ‘o mamani ‘i he ta’u 2050.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he: Potungāue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatalá, Tokangaekina ngaahi Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki