AGP Executive Report

Sea Creatures, Tonga Trench: Australian researchers have captured the first-ever footage of the “ugliest shark,” the goblin shark, alive in its natural deep-sea habitat in the Tonga Trench, with sightings published together from 2019 (near Jarvis Island) and 2024 (in the trench). Film & Storytelling: Maui’s Wailuku Film Festival is launching as a homegrown push for local voices, while a new Jonah Lomu documentary is set for a Tonga homecoming screening at Teufaiva Stadium on 29 July. Music Spotlight: Ghanaian-Tongan audiences get a global nod as Joey B’s “Tonga” star profile and new EP “Sexy Highlife” get featured by Rap Life Radio, and Australian-Tongan sisters Vika and Linda Bull are inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Sport & Community Pride: Team Tonga names netball captain Hulita Veve and swimmer Finau Ohuafi as flag and baton bearers for Glasgow 2026. NRL & Tonga Connections: Dolphins forward Kurt Donoghoe faces a careless high tackle charge, while Dragons’ Luciano Leilua’s release request is knocked back.

Medical & Community Pride: Emeline Mafi’s six-year journey to a medical degree is celebrated as a family achievement, with her brothers pitching in and her graduation moment turning into a public, Pacific-style tribute to collective sacrifice. Deep-Sea Science (Pacific-linked): Scientists report the first-ever footage of goblin sharks alive in their natural habitat, including sightings tied to the Tonga Trench, adding fresh detail to a species long known only from rare accidents. Music Spotlight (Tongan connection): Ghanaian rapper Joey B—behind the hit “Tonga”—talks how a school freestyle and a street encounter shaped his name and career, while Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio spotlights his “Sexy Highlife” era. Sport & National Representation: Tonga names netball captain Hulita Veve and swimmer Finau Ohuafi as flag and baton bearers for Glasgow 2026. Pacific Media Narratives: Alifereti Sakiasi examines how information and media networks are now central to Pacific influence battles, not just diplomacy and aid.

Music Spotlight: Ghanaian rapper Joey B says his stage name “Tonga” came from a school nickname and a freestyle session with producer Lil Shaker, with Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio also featuring him this month. Pacific Media & Narratives: Alifereti Sakiasi highlights a new study on how China is shaping Pacific media landscapes as newsrooms face pressure and audiences shift online. Tonga in Sport (Commonwealth): TASANOC names netball captain Hulita Veve and swimmer Finau Ohuafi as Team Tonga’s flag and baton bearers for Glasgow 2026. Moana Pasifika Future: RNZ reports NZ Rugby is still weighing options after liquidation threats, with decisions expected by June 30 and potential pathways involving new backers. NRL & Tongan Connections: Kurt Donoghoe faces a careless high tackle charge; Dragons reject Luciano Leilua’s release request; and State of Origin selection drama swirls around Haumole Olakau’atu. Arts/Screen: Tagata Pasifika features a Tonga-UK royal link and a live-music project, while Disney’s Moana live-action trailer lands with ticket sales open. Science Curiosity: Scientists share first-ever footage of goblin sharks alive in the Tonga Trench.

Tongan Sports Spotlight: Moana Pasifika’s future is still up in the air as New Zealand Rugby weighs options after the franchise was put into liquidation, with a decision expected by June 30 and new potential backers discussed by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. NRL & Tongan Connections: St George Illawarra’s Luciano Leilua won’t be leaving before the end of the 2026 season after the Dragons knocked back his release request, while Dolphins forward Kurt Donoghoe was charged over a careless high tackle. State of Origin Drama: Haumole Olakau’atu’s shock relegation to the bench for Game 2 sparked backlash and defence from Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran. Arts & Film: Tongan co-director Vea Mafile’o says the new Jonah Lomu documentary is heading back to the Pacific, with a cinema release in September after festival premieres. Music & Pop Culture: Ghanaian rapper Joey B is featured on Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio, and the live-action Moana trailer has landed ahead of its July 10 release. Science Curiosity: Rare goblin shark footage from the Tonga Trench marks the first confirmed alive-in-habitat video, adding new depth and range to what scientists know.

Film & TV: Jack Thorne talks adapting Lord of the Flies for TV, returning to the island-crash story with BBC’s four-part tension—after his BAFTA-winning Adolescence run. Ocean Science (with Tonga links): Scientists have captured the first-ever footage of goblin sharks alive in the Tonga Trench, including sightings at 4,058 and 6,552 feet, expanding what’s known about the elusive species. Music: Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio spotlights Ghanaian star Joey B for June, plus new tracks from Rush-Awa and Cassper Nyovest. Sport (Pacific spotlight): Team Tonga names Hulita Veve (netball) and Finau Ohuafi (swimming) as flag and baton bearers for Glasgow 2026. Rugby & community: Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika’s future may still be salvageable with new supporters, while NZR weighs options by June 30. Arts & culture: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering triple bill tours Sydney, featuring a work inspired by Tongan man Daniel Mateo.

Moana Pasifika Future: New Zealand Rugby says it’s still weighing options after the franchise was put into liquidation, with a decision on who could take over the licence expected by June 30 as potential backers, including a Hawaii-based Kanaloa Consortium, circle. Local Sports Drama: Tonga’s Ikale Tahi have named a 31-man squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup starting 4 July, with Macron announced as kit supplier. Tongan Arts on Screen: Tongan co-director Vea Mafile’o says a new Jonah Lomu documentary is “nerve-wracking” but deeply personal, tracing Lomu from Ha’apai and South Auckland to global fame, with Pacific cinema release in September. Music & Community: Ghanaian hip-hop artist Joey B talks introversion and releasing his EP Sexy Highlife, while a South Auckland café hub (Alexander Cafe) supports families with fresh meals and backs local Pacific artists. Arts Beyond Tonga: Disney drops the final Moana live-action trailer, tying its star-compass to real Polynesian navigation. Sports Briefs: Manly Sea Eagles’ Kieran Foran defends Haumole Olakau’atu after his Origin benching, and the Sea Eagles map out options after Reuben Garrick’s 2027 Roosters move.

Moana Pasifika rescue: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says there’s still a pathway to save the Super Rugby club, rejecting any direct government bailout and pointing to a sustainable business model as the franchise faces liquidation fears. Pacific sport squads: Tonga Rugby has named an experienced Ikale Tahi 31-man squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup (starting 4 July), with Macron set as the new kit partner. Tongan film at home: Tongan co-director Vea Mafile’o says the new Jonah Lomu documentary is heading back to the Pacific, with a New Zealand cinema release in September after festival premieres. Music spotlight: Ghanaian hip-hop artist Joey B talks introverted club life and previews his new EP Sexy Highlife, including tracks like “Tonga” and “U x Me.” Health aid: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped one million doses, with Tonga receiving 9,000. Arts & culture: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s triple-bill Sheltering tours Sydney Opera House, featuring a work inspired by a Tongan man’s poetry and identity.

NRL Return Watch: Israel Folau’s brother says “four or five clubs” have shown interest in a possible NRL comeback, though past comments could still be a hurdle for the league. Tonga Rugby: The Ikale Tahi have named a 31-man squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup, with a mix of seasoned campaigners and overseas-based talent, plus a new Macron kit deal. Moana Live-Action: Disney dropped the final Moana trailer and opened tickets, spotlighting the real-world star-compass science behind the story’s navigation. Pacific Arts & Film: Tongan co-director Vea Mafile’o says a new Jonah Lomu documentary is heading home to the Pacific, tracing Lomu from Ha’apai to global fame. Community Through Food: In South Auckland, Alexander Cafe is building a neighbourhood hub for healthier meals and local artists. WWE Pop Culture: WWE Raw in Paris kept King and Queen of the Ring momentum, with Je’Von Evans advancing and LA Knight’s path looking clearer. Sports Diplomacy: QUAD port-development claims in the Pacific raise questions about “aid” versus influence, with Tonga and other islands in the spotlight.

Tongan Film Spotlight: Vea Mafile’o, co-director of the feature documentary on Jonah Lomu, says bringing Lomu’s story home is “nerve-wracking” but deeply personal, with the film premiering in NZ cinemas in September after festival stops in Glasgow and Sydney. Pacific Rugby Business: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika’s future isn’t over, pointing to new potential supporters and ruling out a direct government bailout as the club seeks a sustainable path after liquidation fears. Arts & Identity on Stage: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s triple-bill Sheltering lands at Sydney Opera House, including Brown Boys—inspired by the lived experience of a Tongan man—and Keeping Grounded and Sheoak, celebrating connection, community and Country. Music Personality: Ghanaian hip-hop artist Joey B (known for “Tonga” and “U x Me”) talks about being introverted—even sleeping beside speakers in clubs—and previews his EP Sexy Highlife with guests including Bisa Kdei. Sport in Tonga: Secondary schools football kicked off at Veitongo, while Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km ride across Tongatapu promoting health and road safety.

Pacific Rugby & Community: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika “can still be saved,” pointing to new potential backers and ruling out a direct government bailout as the club rebuilds after liquidation fears. Tongan Film Spotlight: Tongan co-director Vea Mafile’o talks about the documentary Jonah Lomu heading home to the Pacific, tracing Lomu from Ha’apai and South Auckland to global fame ahead of cinema releases. Sport in Tonga: Secondary schools football kicked off at Veitongo with Under-14 to Under-18 boys and girls matches across 11 schools, while the Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride promoting road safety. Arts & Dance: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering returns to the Sydney Opera House, featuring works including Brown Boys (inspired by a Tongan man’s poetry and experiences). WWE Pop Culture: WWE Raw’s King and Queen of the Ring continues from Paris, with LA Knight’s path potentially opening after tournament chaos. Health & Food: In South Auckland, Alexander Cafe is building a neighbourhood hub for fresh meals and community support, backing Pacific artists and local operators.

WWE & Pacific pop culture: WWE’s King and Queen of the Ring kept rolling on Raw from Paris, with The Vision’s interference costing Seth Rollins and Je’Von Evans becoming the third confirmed King of the Ring semifinalist; the Queen bracket also advanced as Liv Morgan beat Chelsea Green in a fatal four-way. Tongan film spotlight: Tongan co-director Vea Mafile’o says a new Jonah Lomu documentary is “nerve-wracking” but deeply personal, tracing Lomu from Ha’apai to global fame, with Pacific audiences set to catch it after premieres in Glasgow and Sydney. Arts & movement: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering triple bill lands at the Sydney Opera House, including Brown Boys (inspired by a Tongan man’s experiences) alongside Keeping Grounded and Sheoak. Community sport in Tonga: Secondary schools football kicked off at Veitongo, and the Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu. Local justice: Police charged a 22-year-old over a viral tavern assault on an elderly woman, with the suspect due to appear in court.

Performing Arts: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s triple-bill Sheltering lands at the Sydney Opera House (June 3–13), pairing First Nations movement and music across Keeping Grounded, Brown Boys (inspired by a Gamilaroi and Tongan man’s poetry and identity), and Sheoak—a story of strength drawn from the resilient sheoak tree. Pacific Sports & Community: New Zealand’s Moana Pasifika may still be saved, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying new backers have shown interest as the club navigates liquidation fears. Tonga in the Spotlight: Tonga Cycling Federation marks World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu, promoting healthy living and road safety. Local Sport: Tonga’s secondary schools football season kicks off at Veitongo Soccer Field, with Under-14 to Under-18 boys and girls matches across 11 schools. Arts & Culture (Regional): Polynesian Voyaging Society and ʻIolani Palace mark Hōkūleʻa’s 50th anniversary with hula, panels, star compass demos, and free public events on June 14.

Polynesian Voyaging Society / Hōkūleʻa 50th: ʻIolani Palace and Inspiration Hawaiʻi Museum team up with PVS for a free June 14 Kamaʻāina Sunday celebrating the 1976 maiden voyage with hula, music, panels, star-compass demos, knot-tying, mini canoe models, and a film festival. WWE King of the Ring: Je’Von Evans becomes the third confirmed King of the Ring semifinalist after a fatal four-way win on Raw; SmackDown sets the next opponent, with finals slated for Night of Champions (June 27). WWE Rhodes vs Gunther rematch: Cody Rhodes and Gunther lock in a stateside rematch after Clash in Italy’s controversial finish, leaving Sami Zayn stuck in the middle. Tonga sport on the ground: Tonga’s secondary schools football season kicks off at Veitongo with multiple boys’ and girls’ matches, while the Tonga Cycling Federation marks World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu. Tonga community sport: A four-week government ministries volleyball competition begins, with close men’s and women’s games at Queen Salote Memorial Hall. Local arts & culture: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Sheltering triple-bill lands at the Sydney Opera House, spotlighting First Nations stories through Sheoak, Keeping Grounded, and Brown Boys.

Tonga Sports & Community: Tonga’s secondary schools football season kicked off at Veitongo, with Under-14 to Under-18 boys and girls matches across three pitches, bringing 11 schools into the annual competition. Health & Lifestyle Through Sport: The Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride around Tongatapu, promoting road safety and wider participation. Arts & Performance: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s “Sheltering” triple-bill lands at the Sydney Opera House, blending First Nations stories with contemporary movement in works including Sheoak, Keeping Grounded and Brown Boys. Pacific Connections: Australia’s diplomat Ewen McDonald and Melbourne sonographer Peter Coombs were honoured for services to Pacific ties, with McDonald citing projects including an undersea cable for Tonga. Local Culture Spotlight: Comedian Inah Evans announced his first major solo live show, “The Baklang Kanal Show Live,” set for July 10 at the Music Museum. Sports Drama (Regional): Netball’s Melbourne Mavericks surged to a derby win, with Tongan shooter Uneeq Palavi a key contributor.

Pacific diplomacy & health: Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG and roving Pacific envoy Ewen McDonald, plus Monash Health sonographer Peter Coombs, were made Members of the Order of Australia for work including a Tonga undersea cable and Pacific education/health support. Tonga sport at home: Secondary schools football kicked off at Veitongo with Under-14 to Under-18 boys and girls matches, while the Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu. Community sport: Tonga’s government ministries launched a four-week volleyball competition, with close contests across men’s and women’s divisions. Tongan connections in the wider region: Netball’s Melbourne Mavericks beat the Vixens with Tongan shooter Uneeq Palavi starring, and rugby league’s Storm confirmed Eli Katoa won’t play this year as he continues specialist recovery after a serious head injury. Arts & entertainment: Comedian Inah Evans announced his first major solo live show in July, and Bangarra Dance Theatre’s “Sheltering” is set for a Sydney Opera House triple-bill.

NRL & Local Rivalries: Sharks’ “topsy-turvy” season story continued as they beat Dragons 34-12 after leading 12-6 at halftime, while Wests Tigers copped a brutal 68-0 loss to Penrith and coach Benji Marshall called it “embarrassing.” Netball (Tonga connection): Melbourne Mavericks surged into Super Netball finals with a derby win over Vixens, with Tongan shooter Uneeq Palavi a key scorer in the 59-50 upset. Community Sport (Tonga): Secondary schools football kicked off at Veitongo with Under-16 and Under-18 girls and boys matches across 11 schools, and Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km ride across Tongatapu. Volleyball (Tonga): Government ministries launched a four-week volleyball competition, with close men’s and women’s games across agencies. Arts & Entertainment: Comedian Inah Evans announced his first major solo live show in July, and Bangarra Dance Theatre’s “Sheltering” lands at the Sydney Opera House with a triple-bill of new and returning works. Wider Pacific spotlight: PMN Fiji won Best Pacific Language Programme at the NZ Radio and Podcast Awards.