AGP Executive Report

Tongan-Australian Music: Sisters Vika and Linda Bull reflect on four decades of singing together, from backing vocalists to ARIA Hall of Fame inductees. Their different voices and personalities, they say, are their strength — and family comes first. Tongan Community Culture: Cardinal Mafi took to the dance floor as Tongan Catholics in Australia marked 50 years, celebrating the community’s cultural traditions.

Rugby League World Cup: Tonga have named a 24-player squad, with one final cut still to come. Tyson Frizell is set to become the first player to represent three countries at three World Cups, while Roosters premiership centre Robert Toia has chosen Tonga over Australia. Football Facilities: Work is set to begin on Tonga’s first purpose-built artificial football pitch at Veitongo. The TOP$2.5 million FIFA-funded project is scheduled for completion in March 2027. Women’s Rugby League: Tonga will face the Cook Islands in Sydney on October 10, keeping both teams active after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Tongan Culture: Cardinal Mafi joined the dance floor as Tongan Catholics marked 50 years in Australia.

Rugby League World Cup (Tonga squad): Tonga has confirmed a stacked 24-man Rugby League World Cup squad, with Tyson Frizell set to play for a third country and Robert To’ia and Jojo Fifita choosing Tonga after being in contention for Australia. NRL-to-World Cup allegiance: Roosters centre Rob Toia has declared for Tonga instead of the Kangaroos, while Daniel Tupou has retired after a one-club, four-premiership career. World Cup build-up (Pacific fixtures): Cook Islands and Tonga women’s teams will meet in Sydney on Oct 10 as both nations keep momentum after missing RLWC26 qualification. Football infrastructure (Tonga): Tonga breaks ground on its first artificial football pitch at Veitongo, a TOP$2.5m FIFA-funded project aimed at year-round play. Community & culture: Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi dances at Australia’s Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of faith and service.

Rugby League World Cup squads (Tonga focus): Tonga has confirmed a stacked 24-man Rugby League World Cup squad, with Tyson Frizell set to play for a third country and Roosters centre Robert Toia declaring for Tonga ahead of the tournament opener vs England in Perth on Oct 17. Rugby League World Cup squads (wider Pacific): Samoa’s squad is unveiled with Payne Haas ruled out after hand surgery, while England name their 23-man squad with Mikey Lewis selected over Jake Connor. Football infrastructure: Tonga breaks ground on its first FIFA-funded artificial football pitch at Veitongo (TOP$2.5m), aiming for year-round training and matches through wet and dry weather. Community & culture: Tongan Catholics in Australia mark 50 years of chaplaincy with celebrations featuring Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi dancing at the Golden Jubilee events. Honours: Pacific fashion pioneer Talaleomalie Mena Loheni receives an MNZM for services to Pacific fashion, after expanding her Mena Designs business from Samoa to New Zealand.

Rugby League World Cup (Tonga): Tonga has confirmed a stacked 24-man Rugby League World Cup squad, with Tyson Frizell set for a third-country World Cup run and Kristian Woolf still holding a final cut before the Oct 15 tournament start. Robert To’ia and Jojo Fifita have also locked in Tonga, while Jason Taumalolo is named and Junior Amone returns despite a long layoff. Rugby League World Cup (England): England’s 23-man squad is out for the Oct 17 opener against Tonga, with Mikey Lewis selected over Jake Connor in a surprise call by coach Brian McDermott. Rugby League World Cup (Pacific): Samoa unveiled its squad too, but Payne Haas misses out due to hand surgery. Tonga football infrastructure: Tonga broke ground on a TOP$2.5m FIFA-funded artificial pitch at Veitongo, aiming to keep football training and matches going year-round through wet and dry weather. Pacific community & fashion: Pacific fashion pioneer Talaleomalie Mena Loheni received an MNZM for services to Pacific fashion after being honoured at investiture ceremonies. Security & fitness tech: NZDF staff movements were exposed via Strava data, raising concerns about how public fitness tracking can be used to map “pattern of life” across Pacific bases.

Tongan Football: Tonga broke ground at Veitongo on a TOP$2.5m FIFA-funded artificial football pitch, a four-year planning effort meant to keep training and matches going through wet and dry weather, with construction due to start soon and completion targeted for March 2027. Rugby League World Cup (Tonga): Sydney Roosters centre Robert Toia has declared for Tonga for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, choosing the “special team” over an Australia path; Tonga open against England in Perth on Oct 17. Rugby League World Cup (England): England named a 23-player squad for the tournament with Mikey Lewis selected over Leeds halfback Jake Connor, as coach Brian McDermott defended the omission and highlighted a more “point of difference” gameplan. Pacific honours: Seven Pacific community leaders, athletes, educators and advocates received national honours at investiture ceremonies in Auckland, including Pacific fashion pioneer Talaleomalie Mena Loheni (MNZM) for services to Pacific fashion. Tongan Catholic jubilee: Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi danced at celebrations marking 50 years of the Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy of Australia, with tributes to key priests and community remembrance across Sydney events.

Rugby League World Cup squad buzz: Australia’s Kevin Walters has named a 23-man Kangaroos squad with Latrell Mitchell returning after injury, plus six debutants (Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, David Fifita, Sam Walker, Jacob Preston, Blayke Brailey), while the halfback picture stays murky with Sam Walker and Mitchell Moses both in the mix. Tonga pride on the line: Sydney Roosters centre Robert Toia has confirmed he’ll represent Tonga (not Australia) at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Tonga set to open against England in Perth on Oct 17. Tongan Catholic jubilee: Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi danced at celebrations marking 50 years of the Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy of Australia in Sydney, blending remembrance with community joy. Youth rugby spotlight: New Zealand U18 Schools edged Australia Schoolboys in a high-quality thriller, with standout defense moments and a historic Māori win. Local governance and sport: Tonga’s PM raised concerns about Tonga Rugby Union accountability, saying he hasn’t heard of an AGM and expects transparency over public funding.

Rugby League World Cup: England have left Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor out of their 23-player squad, with Brian McDermott set to name the full team Monday—while Tonga-linked selection drama continues around Roosters centre Robert Toia, who’s caught between Australia and Tonga ahead of the Oct 15 tournament. Tonga in the spotlight: Tonga’s Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi danced at the Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy of Australia Golden Jubilee in Sydney, marking 50 years of faith and community service. Tongan rugby governance: Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says he’s still waiting for Tonga Rugby Union accountability, including an AGM, and wants proof that public funding is properly used. Sports culture & memory: Dame Valerie Adams paid tribute to New Zealand sports journalist Phil Gifford, recalling how he and his wife Jan became “like family” during their book work. Pacific youth sport: Tonga is among Pacific teams confirmed for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with athletics and swimming leading the entries.

NRL World Cup build-up: With Rugby League World Cup squad talk heating up, Australian coach Kevin Walters will name the Kangaroos on Monday, with Roosters centre Robert Toia caught between Australia and Tonga as he weighs his next Test allegiance. Tonga rugby governance: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says he’s still waiting to hear whether the Tonga Rugby Union has held its required AGM, warning the Government expects transparency and proper use of public funding. Tongan talent on the move: Catalans Dragons have signed Tongan international Hame Sele on a two-year deal (with an option), while St George Illawarra’s Dean Young is reportedly targeting former Dragons teammate Nathan Fien for his 2027 coaching staff. Tonga history remembered: Niuafoʻou’s 1946 eruption and mass evacuation—captured in a diary and later published—returns to the spotlight as the island marks 80 years since thousands fled into darkness. Arts & culture: Dame Valerie Adams pays tribute to New Zealand sports journalist Phil Gifford, recalling his humour and their close friendship.

Tonga Rugby Union governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says he’s still not heard of the Tonga Rugby Union holding its annual general meeting, raising concerns about transparency and accountability for public funding. NRL & Tonga links: Catalans Dragons have signed Tongan international Hame Sele on a two-year deal, while Australia’s Kangaroos selection talk continues after medical clearance for Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi. Pacific arts spotlight: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating Pacific creative work across eight categories, with comedian/actor Tofiga Fepulea’i among recipients. Remembering a sports storyteller: Dame Valerie Adams paid tribute to late New Zealand sports journalist Phil Gifford, describing him as kind, funny, and a close collaborator on her autobiography. Niuafoʻou history: A feature marks 80 years since the 1946 Niuafoʻou eruption forced thousands to flee as darkness and volcanic smoke swallowed the village. Youth sport on the horizon: Tonga is among Pacific teams preparing for the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, with athletics and swimming key events.

Tongan Rugby Union governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says he’s still waiting for the Tonga Rugby Union to hold an annual general meeting as required by its constitution, warning the Government expects transparency and proper use of public funding. Tongan league talent abroad: Catalans Dragons have signed Tongan forward Hame Sele on a two-year deal (with an option), while St George Illawarra’s Keaon Koloamatangi has received medical clearance for Australia’s Rugby League World Cup after knee surgery. World Cup countdown (rugby): With one year to go to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, Wales’ Pool F route is outlined (including Tonga and Zimbabwe), and the tournament’s stadium lineup and match venues are being mapped out. Pacific arts spotlight: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating Pacific creative work across eight categories with grants up to $25,000, including a Special Recognition Award for Tofiga Fepulea’i. Sports culture & memory: Dame Valerie Adams paid tribute to New Zealand sports journalist Phil Gifford, recalling how he and his wife Jan became “like family” during their book collaboration. Youth & community: Pacific teams are finalising squads for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with Tonga among the confirmed island contingents.

Tongan Rugby Union governance: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says he’s still waiting to hear that the Tonga Rugby Union has held its AGM, warning that public funding must come with transparency and proper accountability. Tonga in international sport: English Super League Catalans Dragons have signed Tongan forward Hame Sele on a two-year deal, while Australia’s Kangaroos get a World Cup boost with Rabbitohs enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi cleared medically after knee surgery. World Cup countdown (Rugby): With the 2027 Rugby World Cup one year away, coverage highlights the expanded 24-team tournament across seven Australian cities, plus the opening match schedule context that includes Tonga in England’s pool-stage path. Pacific arts spotlight: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating Pacific creative work across eight categories, including Special Recognition for PMN’s Tofiga Fepulea’i. Remembering Phil Gifford: Olympic great Dame Valerie Adams pays tribute to legendary NZ sports writer Phil Gifford, recalling how he and his wife Jan became “like family” during their book collaboration. Tonga-related community culture: WOWS Kids co-founders Taholo and Sina Kami share the emotional story of the King of Tonga visiting their daughter Tae before his coronation, with music helping her through terminal cancer.

Pacific Arts & Culture: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating 30 years of recognising Pacific creative work across heritage arts, contemporary practice, performing arts and creative business, with grants of $7,500–$25,000 and a Special Recognition Award for PMN’s Island Time host Tofiga Fepulea’i. Film & Storytelling: Toronto-set spotlight on darkly funny thriller God Bless You, Mr Kopu, where a Tongan immigrant in Auckland navigates ambition, identity and performance in what director Alex Liu calls a “Pacific New Wave.” Sports, Heritage & Community: Dame Valerie Adams pays heartfelt tribute to late NZ sportswriter Phil Gifford, recalling how he and his wife Jan became “like family” during her book collaboration. Youth Sport in the Region: Tonga is among Pacific teams finalising squads for the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, with athletics and swimming leading the programme. Royal & Music Moments: WOWS Kids co-founders recall the King of Tonga’s emotional visit to their daughter Tae, with music helping her through terminal cancer.

Sports & Culture Tributes: Tonga-New Zealand Olympic great Dame Valerie Adams paid an emotional tribute to legendary NZ sports journalist and broadcaster Phil Gifford, recalling how he and his wife Jan became “like family” during their book collaboration. Rugby World Cup Build-Up: With the countdown to the biggest-ever Rugby World Cup in 12 months, coverage highlights record ticket demand, the 24-team expansion, and the eight host stadiums across Australia. Tongan Rugby Futures: Fehi Fineanganofo will stay in New Zealand for another year after his Newcastle move was reshaped, signing with NZR and the Hurricanes through 2027 before joining England later. Pacific Youth Sport: Tonga and other Pacific nations are finalising squads for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with athletics and swimming leading entries. Pacific Arts Spotlight: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating Pacific creative work across eight categories, including a Special Recognition for PMN’s Tofiga Fepulea’i. Community & Leadership: Hawke’s Bay’s Bay academy is helping young Pasifika become leaders through culture, wellbeing, and performance—ending with a major concert turnout.

Rugby World Cup build-up: With the 2027 Rugby World Cup one year away, Australia’s tournament schedule and stadium line-up are in focus, alongside fresh training-venue news for Craigieburn’s Bridges Recreation Reserve in Melbourne. Tonga in the spotlight: Tonga-linked storylines keep popping up—from England’s World Cup lessons with Tonga in their pool, to Tonga’s World Cup campaign facing a potential blow after Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa’s ankle injury. Pacific arts & culture: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating Pacific creative work across eight categories, while a new Pacific-focused thriller, God Bless You, Mr Kopu, spotlights a “Pacific New Wave” in film. Community & media: WOWS Kids co-founders recall a deeply personal meeting between the King of Tonga and their daughter Tae, and Pacific public broadcasters are pushing for better access to climate loss and damage information. Sports beyond rugby: UB40 announces a 2027 NZ and Australia tour, and Disney’s Moana music gets a fresh crossover with USA artistic swimming.

Tongan Rugby World Cup nerves: Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa suffered an ankle injury in the Roosters’ preliminary-final win, with scans looming and a possible surgery risk that could derail Tonga’s World Cup campaign. Pacific arts spotlight: WOWS Kids co-founders Taholo and Sina Kami recalled the King of Tonga’s emotional visit to their daughter Tae before her death, with music central to her final days. Tongan talent stays in NZ: Fehi Fineanganofo’s Europe move was reshaped, keeping him with the Hurricanes and NZR through 2027 before an extended deal to 2029. Pasifika culture in Aotearoa: Arts Pasifika Awards return to Tāmaki Makaurau after 15 years, celebrating Pacific creative work and funding across eight categories. Film for a Pacific new wave: Interview coverage of Alex Liu’s darkly funny thriller God Bless You, Mr Kopu follows a Tongan immigrant’s slide into a manufactured identity. Music & diaspora: UB40 announces a 2027 NZ/Australia tour, highlighting the band’s long-running Tongan/reggae connection. Media & climate accountability: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding better access to loss-and-damage climate information and stronger government transparency.