AGP Executive Report

Miss Heilala 2026: Silia Matelau (Miss Lady Maria Australia 2026) was crowned Miss Heilala 2026 at the ‘Atele Indoor Stadium, winning most judging categories including Interview, Tau‘olunga, Talent and Sarong Wear, plus a special dancing-costume award; she’ll represent Tonga at the 2027 Miss Pacific Islands pageant. Moana live-action spotlight: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson shared why playing Maui feels deeply personal, linking his whakapapa and New Zealand childhood memories to the film’s Polynesian storytelling. World Rugby Nations Cup (Tonga): Tonga named their match-day 23 for the Nations Cup opener against Zimbabwe in Denver on 5 July, with Hilton Mudariki captaining Zimbabwe and Ian Prior returning at flyhalf. Pacific rugby squads: Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have confirmed teams for the new World Rugby competitions, kicking off a busy weekend of Pacific international action. WWE SmackDown (Sami Zayn): Sami Zayn is set to appear on SmackDown as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, with announced matches including Rey Fenix vs El Hijo del Vikingo. Academy Awards voting access: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o and Samoan director Tusi Tamasese were invited to join the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Tongan Fashion & Craft: Miss Heilala’s judging night on 2 July turned into a showcase of island-made style, with Meleane Pulotufietau Brown (Miss Tikaway Creations) wowing crowds in an “island creation” built from kie leaf back splits and fotulona seeds, plus a dramatic cloak and headpiece that traced ta’ovala origins. Pacific Rugby Spotlight: Tonga, Fiji and Samoa have named squads for the new World Rugby Nations Championship and Nations Cup this weekend, with Tonga set to face Zimbabwe in the Nations Cup opener. Film & Global Recognition: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, joining fellow Pacific filmmaker Tusi Tamasese—another big step for Pasifika storytelling on the world stage. Rugby on the Move (NZ): Otago and the Highlanders have added Australian-born Tongan first five Patrick Pellegrini for the 2026 NPC season, aiming to strengthen depth ahead of a new campaign.

Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Oscars’ Academy, joining 529 global film professionals and adding a Pacific storytelling voice to the voting table. More Pacific film wins: Mafile’o’s invitation comes alongside Samoan director Tusi Tamasese also being invited, underlining growing recognition for Pasifika screen work. Nations Cup spotlight (Tonga): Zimbabwe’s Sables name Ian Prior back at flyhalf as they open the World Rugby Nations Cup against Tonga in Denver on 5 July, with Hilton Mudariki captaining. Tonga in the spotlight (broadcast + format): The new Nations Championship kicks off this weekend, with ITV securing major Rugby World Cup 2027 coverage in the UK—good news for fans tracking Pacific teams and matchups. Sports culture, Pacific focus: A look at how Australia’s sport funding for the Pacific is shaping pathways and high performance, while raising questions about community impact. Local arts + satire: The Bald Archy Prize opens in Holbrook on 3 July, with a big political-and-pop-culture mix for the 30th-year exhibition.

Rugby Nations Cup: Tonga’s match-up is set in Denver as Zimbabwe Sables name a 23-man squad for their opener against Tonga at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on 5 July, with Hilton Mudariki captaining Piet Benade’s side. Tongan leadership in sport: Tonga Rugby League president PM Lord Fakafanua and Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho attended Jason Taumalolo’s 300th NRL game in Townsville, celebrating the milestone as a proud moment for Tonga and a boost for young Tongan players. Film & Oscars: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, joining Pacific storytelling at the Oscars voting table; she’s joined by Samoan director Tusi Tamasese. Music & heritage: Sungura star DT BiO Mudimba releases “Pakala Africa” on 10 July, drawing on Tonga traditions along the Zambezi River for a year-round celebration of African identity. Entertainment premiere buzz: Disney’s live-action Moana lands in US theatres on 10 July, with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia (Samoan and Tongan heritage) stepping into the title role.

Pacific film & Oscars: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, joining fellow Pasifika filmmaker Tusi Tamasese—an Oscars voting-seat moment for Pacific storytelling. Disney Moana buzz: Live-action Moana opens July 10 in the US, starring newcomer Catherine Laga’aia (with Samoan/Tongan heritage) as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui; premieres in Sydney also spotlight Pacific talent. Tonga in sport spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Sables kick off their Nations Cup campaign against Tonga in Denver this weekend, with the match live on RugbyPass. Rugby league milestone: Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo is honoured for his historic 300th NRL game, with Tonga leadership attending and praising his impact on young Tongan players. Rugby league bans & moves: Tevita Pangai-Junior faces a six-match ban after an eye-gouging charge; Oryn Keeley is switching from the Dolphins to the Storm, while NRLW returns with Sharks vs Knights and Broncos debut attention on Jesse Southwell.

Academy of Film & Oscars: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, joining 529 global film professionals and giving Pacific stories a bigger voting seat at the Oscars; More Pacific film wins: Samoan director Tusi Tamasese is also set to join, with both highlighting how Pacific voices are pushing into global cinema; NRL & Tonga pride: Tonga Rugby League leaders and visiting dignitaries honoured Jason Taumalolo as he became the first Tongan to reach 300 NRL games, celebrating his impact on heritage and young players; NRL broadcast shake-up: The NRL has agreed a major $5.3b seven-year TV deal keeping Fox Sports and Channel 9, with clauses that could boost value if a 20th franchise is added and debate continuing over State of Origin’s place on the schedule; Pacific sport funding debate: A look at Australia’s growing sport spend in the Pacific argues the “development” money often favours elite pathways over community sport’s deeper social role.

Tongan film on the Oscars radar: Vea Mafile’o, a Tongan-New Zealand documentary filmmaker, has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, joining 529 new members worldwide and giving Pacific storytelling a bigger voting seat. Pacific arts spotlight: Another Pasifika filmmaker, Tusi Tamasese, is also among the new invitees, with both expected to help shape future Academy Awards. Moana momentum: Disney’s live-action Moana is set for July 10, with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia (Samoan and Tongan heritage) starring as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui—plus a Sydney premiere celebration that leaned hard into Pacific culture. Tonga in rugby league headlines: Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo was honoured for his historic 300th NRL game in Townsville, with the Cowboys upsetting Penrith 26-12 as Nanai starred. NRLW returns: The NRLW kicks off with Sharks vs Knights, while Broncos debut talk and Roosters’ returns add extra buzz for fans.

Pacific cinema: Tongan-New Zealand filmmaker Vea Mafile’o has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a major Oscars voting milestone that she says gives Pacific storytelling “a seat at the table.” Moana live-action buzz: Disney’s live-action Moana lands in US theatres July 10, starring 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia (with Samoan and Tongan heritage) as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, with Pacific-led premiere coverage in Sydney. Tonga on the global sports stage: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Princess Angelika honoured Jason Taumalolo in Townsville for his historic 300th NRL game as the Cowboys upset Penrith 26-12. NRL injury update: Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa faces scans after a dislocated wrist, while the club’s winning streak takes a hit ahead of key fixtures. Cultural community spotlight: Canberra’s AustIndia Fair drew thousands with Pacific and Tongan performances, live music, and food at South.Point. Arts & heritage: A new publication documents Zimbabwe’s Matepe mbira tradition, moving oral knowledge into print.

Tongan Rugby League Spotlight: Tonga’s Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho and PM Lord Fakafanua travelled to Townsville to honour Jason Taumalolo as he became the first Tongan—and first Cowboys player—to reach 300 NRL games, with North Queensland celebrating an upset 26-12 win over Penrith. NRL Injury Update: Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa faces scans after a dislocated wrist early in the loss to the Warriors, a blow to the club’s finals push. NRL Career Path: Junior Amone has been cleared to return to rugby league and will link up with Wynnum-Manly Seagulls, a Broncos feeder, as he chases an NRL comeback. Tonga in Sport (3x3): Tonga’s men and women both qualified for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan after strong results at a regional tournament in New Caledonia. Arts & Culture (Pacific on screen): Disney’s live-action Moana heads to theatres July 10, with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia (Tongan/Samoan heritage) starring as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui.

NRL & Tonga Pride: Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo marked a historic 300th NRL appearance in Townsville, with Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho in the stands as the North Queensland Cowboys upset Penrith 26-12, inspired by Taumalolo’s milestone win and a big Jeremiah Nanai double. Injury Update (Tongan): Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa faces a serious setback after scans confirmed a fractured/dislocated wrist, with surgery booked and recovery potentially weeks-long. Pathway & Return: Tongan international Junior Amone has been cleared to return to rugby league, linking with the Broncos’ feeder Wynnum-Manly Seagulls as he chases an NRL comeback. Pacific Arts & Screen: Sydney’s Darling Harbour rolled out a blue-carpet Moana premiere celebrating Pacific talent, with Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the lead role and director Thomas Kail praising her “light” and range. Community Culture: Canberra’s AustIndia Fair drew thousands to South.Point with performances including Tongan dance, live music, stalls and food. Tonga in Sport (Chess): Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the national chess tournament in Nuku’alofa, finishing unbeaten.

RIMPAC in the Pacific: Tonga is among the nations taking part in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, with drills spanning live-fire marksmanship, amphibious landings, diving operations and humanitarian disaster-response simulations—plus shore-phase cultural exchanges and ship visits. Tonga sports spotlight: Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo was honoured in Townsville for his 300th NRL game as the Cowboys upset Penrith 26-12, with Jeremiah Nanai starring in the win; meanwhile Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa faces scans after a dislocated wrist early in the Warriors clash. Tonga arts & culture: Matariki 2026 reflections bring artists and scientists together, while Tonga’s Miss Heilala 2026 contestants made their first public appearance in Nuku’alofa. Community creativity: Queer Arts Festival’s Skátne put sound and script in focus at a DIY warehouse screening event. Local talent: 13-year-old chess player Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the national chess competition in Nuku’alofa. Music scene: Pacific Music Awards 2026 finalists were announced, with A.R.T and Sam V leading nominations.

Rugby World Cup 2027 draw: Tonga is in Band 3, placed in Pool C for the Australia-hosted tournament, setting up a major run for the island nation on the global stage. NRL milestone with royal spotlight: Jason Taumalolo’s 300th NRL game became a Tonga moment in Townsville, with Princess Angelika and PM Lord Fakafanua attending as the Cowboys upset Penrith 26-12. Injury update for Tongan star: Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa faces scans after dislocating his wrist early in a loss to the Warriors, with recovery uncertain. Pacific arts & culture in the spotlight: Canberra’s South.Point AustIndia Fair drew thousands with performances including Tongan dance, plus music, stalls and food. Tonga’s chess talent: 13-year-old Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the national chess tournament in Nuku’alofa, finishing unbeaten. Basketball breakthrough: Tonga men and women qualify for the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup after strong results in New Caledonia.

NRL & Tonga pride: North Queensland marked Jason Taumalolo’s 300th NRL game with a 26-12 upset over ladder-leading Penrith, with Tonga’s king and PM Fakafanua in the stands and Jeremiah Nanai starring twice. Royal visit: Princess Angelika and PM Fakafanua travelled to Townsville to honour Taumalolo’s milestone, spotlighting his role as a Tongan ambassador abroad. Tonga sports pathway: Tonga’s men and women both qualified for the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup after a regional tournament in New Caledonia, with the women going undefeated. Chess in Tonga: Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the national chess tournament in Nuku’alofa, finishing unbeaten. Pacific arts & music: The 2026 Pacific Music Awards finalists were announced, with A.R.T and Sam V leading nominations, alongside language and gospel-focused categories. WWE entertainment: Night of Champions set up SummerSlam title shots after King and Queen of the Ring finals, while SmackDown in London saw Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline crumble.

NRL & Tonga pride: North Queensland marked Jason Taumalolo’s 300th game with a 26-12 upset over ladder-leading Penrith, powered by two tries from Jeremiah Nanai and a huge milestone performance from the Tonga international watched by the King and Prime Minister. Injury update: Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa left early with a dislocated wrist and will go for scans after the club reset it. Tonga arts & culture: Matariki 2026 brought artists, scientists and storytellers together, with reflections on te reo Māori and connection through the stars. Local chess: Thirteen-year-old Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the national chess tournament in Nuku’alofa, finishing unbeaten. Queer arts spotlight: Skátne at the Queer Arts Festival used film and music videos by queer Indigenous artists to explore displacement, chosen family and belonging. Beauty pageant: Miss Heilala 2026 contestants made their first public appearance in Nuku’alofa, drawing attention to their puletaha and pre-pageant topics. Pacific music buzz: Finalists for the 2026 Pacific Music Awards were announced, with A.R.T and Sam V leading the nominations.

Tonga Basketball: Tonga’s men and women have both qualified for the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup in Wuhan after a regional tournament in New Caledonia, with the women going undefeated and the men taking the overall title despite two losses on the final day. Tonga Chess: Thirteen-year-old Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the first national chess tournament in Nuku’alofa, finishing unbeaten against local opponents before a close loss to international arbiter Tony Dowden. Queer Arts Festival: Skátne at the Queer Arts Festival put sound and script front and centre, screening short films and music videos by queer Indigenous artists at Vancouver’s DIY Birdhouse venue. Miss Heilala 2026: Fifteen contestants made their first public appearance at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’alofa, showcasing puletahas and setting up their pageant interviews. Pacific Music Awards: The 2026 Pacific Music Awards finalists were announced, with Porirua trio A.R.T and Auckland RnB powerhouse Sam V leading nominations across multiple categories. Moana Pasifika: New Zealand Rugby rejected rescue bids, ending Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific run after funding requirements weren’t met.

Tonga 3x3 Breakthrough: Tonga’s men and women both secured qualification for the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup in Wuhan after a dominant run at the FIBA 3x3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific in New Caledonia, with the women going undefeated and the men winning the overall title despite two losses on the final day. Chess Rising Star: Thirteen-year-old Mohe Lomu was named Tonga’s best local player at the first national chess tournament in Nuku’alofa, finishing unbeaten against local opponents and earning praise for her composure. Queer Arts Festival Spotlight: Skátne at the Queer Arts Festival put sound and script front and centre, screening short films and music videos by queer Indigenous artists in a DIY warehouse setting. Sporting Culture & Community: Miss Heilala 2026 contestants made their first public appearance in Nuku’alofa, showcasing puletahas and drawing attention ahead of the pageant. Moana Pasifika Shock: New Zealand Rugby rejected rescue bids, ending Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific future after funding requirements weren’t met—leaving a major gap for Pacific rugby pathways.