AGP Executive Report

NRL & Tonga World Cup: Dolphins star half Isaiya Katoa is facing a nervous wait after an ankle injury in the preliminary final loss to the Roosters, with scans set to determine whether he could miss Tonga’s mid-October World Cup. NRL Transfers: Tongan enforcer Tevita Pangai Junior has signed a multi-year deal with the Leigh Leopards, moving from Hull KR for 2027. Pacific Netball: Tonga and Samoa both secured World Cup spots after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with Tonga beating Samoa 71-63 and Samoa also qualifying—now attention turns to preparations for 2027. Arts & Culture: Disney Music Group released a Moana crossover performance video with the USA Artistic Swimming Team, featuring a new recording of “We Know the Way” by Dinah Jane and Stan Walker. Fashion: Pacific designers Vasemaca Tavola and Czarina Wilson’s MOTHER VAKA brought unapologetic Pacific stories to the World of WearableArt stage, placing runner-up in Aotearoa. Music & Community: Reggae legends UB40 announced a 2027 NZ/Australia tour, with special resonance for Tongans given the band’s past Tonga show and long-running Pacific following.

NRL & Tonga World Cup: Tonga’s World Cup hopes face a nervous wait after Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa suffered an ankle injury in the preliminary final loss to the Roosters, with scans looming and surgery a risk. NRL Signings: Leigh Leopards have signed Tongan forward Tevita Pangai Junior on a multi-year deal from Hull KR for 2027, despite a tough 2026 marked by suspensions. Netball: Tonga and Samoa both secured Netball World Cup invites after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with Tonga beating Samoa 71-63 and Samoa also booking their spot—now attention turns to preparation for 2027. Pacific arts & fashion: WOW stage spotlight for MOTHER VAKA, a Pacific-inspired garment using Tongan quilting, while Disney Music Group released a Moana collaboration video with the USA Artistic Swimming Team featuring “We Know the Way.” Music: UB40 announced a 2027 NZ and Australia tour, with special resonance for Tongans after the band’s massive 2006 Tonga show.

Tonga at the UN: Tonga’s government denies reports it walked out during Netanyahu’s UN address, saying its delegate stayed seated. NRL & World Cup nerves: Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa injured his ankle in the preliminary final loss to the Roosters and will race scans for Tonga’s mid-October World Cup; Roosters’ Sam Walker returned from injury in the same match. Pacific music & Moana: Disney Music Group released a Moana-inspired artistic swimming performance video with the USA Artistic Swimming Team, featuring “We Know the Way” with Dinah Jane and Stan Walker. Reggae in the diaspora: UB40 announced a May 2027 NZ and Australia tour, spotlighting the band’s long-running Tongan connection and the huge 2006 Tonga show. Fashion on the world stage: Pacific designers Vasemaca Tavola and Czarina Wilson’s MOTHER VAKA took runner-up at the World of WearableArt Aotearoa section, celebrating Tongan quilting and Pacific migration stories. Netball World Cup build-up: Tonga and Samoa secured World Cup spots after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with Tonga finishing undefeated and both teams now planning for the 2027 tournament.

Pacific Music & Diaspora: UB40 marks nearly 50 years with a May 2027 NZ/Australia tour, a homecoming that speaks directly to the huge Tongan diaspora and the band’s past Tonga crowd-draw. Moana Crossover: Disney Music Group teams up with the USA Olympic Artistic Swimming Team for a “We Know the Way” performance video, adding fresh Pacific voices to the Moana: Voices Across the Ocean soundtrack. Tonga at the UN: Tonga denies reports it walked out during Netanyahu’s UN address, saying its delegate stayed seated. Netball World Cup Build-Up: Tonga and Samoa secure invites to the 2027 Netball World Cup after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with both teams now shifting to preparation. Pacific Fashion on Stage: MOTHER VAKA brings unapologetic Pacific stories to WOW, earning runner-up in Aotearoa. Sports Spotlight: Tonga-linked athletes and Pacific rugby league storylines keep rolling—while the Dragons’ URC opener ends in a 19-19 draw and the Roosters’ finals run crushes the Dolphins 36-20.

Pacific fashion & identity: MOTHER VAKA, a Pacific-inspired WOW garment using Tongan quilting, took runner-up honours in the Aotearoa section, with designers Vasemaca Tavola and Czarina Wilson calling it “unapologetically Pacific.” Tonga netball on the rise: Tonga Tala booked a 2027 Netball World Cup invite by winning the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa and beating Samoa 71-63, after also defeating Fiji, PNG and the Cook Islands. Tongan music experiment: Punake Theory’s Creative NZ Fellowship shares early Tongan-number-system song drafts (Peau 1 & Peau 2), presented as evolving creative tests. Sport diplomacy & rugby league: Australia’s PNG Chiefs push is framed as “sport diplomacy” with strategic trust, while Fiji Police continue investigating Fiji National Rugby League sexual harassment allegations involving a board member. Arts & design spotlight: Omnibird, a children’s ornithology book, won top honours at the 2026 PANZ Book Design Awards in Aotearoa.

Pacific sport diplomacy: Australia’s “PNG Chiefs” NRL push is framed as strategic trust and influence in the Pacific, with funding tied to security choices and a possible pullback if China deals are signed. Fiji rugby league controversy: Fiji Police are investigating sexual harassment allegations involving an FNRL board member; due process is central as an independent committee is cited but questions remain about how it was set up. Tonga netball World Cup build-up: Tonga and Samoa both lock in 2027 Netball World Cup spots after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with Tonga’s Tala going undefeated and Samoa edging through tight results. Tonga arts & culture on stage: MOTHER VAKA brings unapologetic Pacific stories to WOW, using Tongan quilting and vaka-inspired symbolism. Design spotlight: Omnibird wins top honours at the PANZ Book Design Awards in Aotearoa, praised for immersive, journal-like scientific storytelling. Creative music fellowship: Punake Theory shares early experiments using tuʻungafasi number notation, with Peau 1 and Peau 2 as starting points for a six-month fellowship. Pacific fashion runway: Mareva Bower’s Genesis runway collection blends Samoan heritage, Australian upbringing, faith, and craft.

Pacific fashion & identity: MOTHER VAKA, a Pacific-inspired wearable artwork by Vasemaca Tavola and Czarina Wilson, took centre stage at the 2026 World of WearableArt (WOW), winning runner-up in the Aotearoa section with Tongan quilting and migration stories. Tonga netball on the rise: Tonga Tala and Samoa both secured invites to the 2027 Netball World Cup after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with Tonga finishing undefeated and beating Samoa 71-63 and Fiji 72-60. NRL spotlight on Tonga talent: Tonga international Leka Halasima scored two tries in the Warriors’ 12-10 semifinal loss to Newcastle, in a match marked by a late refereeing flashpoint. Sports culture & community: Selwyn Cobbo’s Dolphins contract extension story ties back to Cherbourg and cricket great Eddie Gilbert, with Cobbo pushing a “hunger for dreams” message. Arts & music experiment: Punake Theory’s Creative NZ Fellowship shares early Tongan numerical music notation experiments (Peau 1 & Peau 2), blending tradition with new creative testing. WOWS Kids on faith and grief: WOWS Kids co-founders recall daughter Tae’s acceptance of death as “victory,” sharing how music and prayer carried the family through.

Netball World Cup build-up: Tonga and Samoa both secured invitations to the 2027 Netball World Cup after the Oceania Championship in Nuku’alofa, with Tonga Tala going undefeated and beating Samoa 71-63, then Tonga also topped Fiji 72-60. NRL finals drama: Roosters and Panthers head into a big weekend with injury and selection pressure front and centre, while debate over refereeing calls continues to swirl around key moments. Tongan rugby league talent: Warriors forward Leka Halasima scored twice in a semifinal loss to Newcastle, and the Dragons confirmed young forward Jacob Webster’s retention through 2028, alongside contract talk around Loko Pasifiki Tonga. Arts & music in Tonga: Punake Theory’s Creative NZ Fellowship work is shared through early tuʻungafasi-based song experiments, while WOWS Kids co-founders recall their daughter Tae’s faith-filled acceptance of death through music and journaling. Pacific identity on the runway: Mareva Bower brought Samoan heritage, faith, and Pacific identity to the Genesis runway in PNG Fashion Week.

NRL & Pacific talent: Tonga international Leka Halasima scored both Warriors tries, but Newcastle edged them 12-10 in a tense Eden Park semifinal, ending the Warriors’ season in front of a record 48,511; the match also sparked controversy in the dying moments. NRL contracts: St George Illawarra confirmed Jacob Webster will stay through 2028, while Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga’s deal includes a secret clause tied to coach Dean Young running the joint-venture through 2029. NRL coaching & culture: Dolphins are set to extend Kristian Woolf long-term, with the club aiming to lock in its next era after his strong start, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki re-signed after buying into Woolf’s “eat your greens” discipline. Sports + identity: Mareva Bower brought Samoan heritage, Christian faith and 90s streetwear energy to the Genesis Runway in PNG, blending deconstruction and bold colour. Health & community: Fiji’s escalating HIV crisis is framed as a wake-up call for Samoa and the wider Pacific, with young people hit hardest and a national health emergency declared. Arts & remembrance: Services were held for Alison M. Convery, remembered as an oil painter and illustrator.

NRL & Pacific talent: Tonga-born Warriors forward Leka Halasima scored both tries in a 12-10 semifinal loss to the Knights at Eden Park, with the match ending on a contentious refereeing moment as the Warriors’ season finished in front of a record 48,511. NRL contracts: St George Illawarra Dragons confirmed Jacob Webster will stay through 2028, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga’s deal includes a secret clause tied to coach Dean Young. NRL coaching & culture: Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf is set for a long-term extension, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki says “eat your greens” helped shape his disciplined diet and new role. Rugby league spotlight: Roosters’ Rob Toia says his hardest job comes with family nearby for the preliminary final, where cousins Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong join him in the squad. Fashion & identity: Mareva Bower brought Samoan heritage, faith and streetwear energy to the Genesis Runway in PNG, using deconstruction and bold Pacific colour to stand apart. Bodybuilding: Tongan bodybuilder Sepuloni Koloa returns to the pro stage for the Aotearoa South Pacific ProAm in Auckland after rapid wins in Tonga and Oceania events. Netball: Fiji Pearls missed the 2027 Netball World Cup after losses in Tonga, with chair Vasiti Vugakoto stressing a multi-year rebuild. Health & society: Fiji’s HIV emergency is framed as a wake-up call for Samoa and the wider Pacific, with youth hit hardest.

Pacific identity on the runway: Mareva Bower brought Samoan heritage, Christian faith and 1990s streetwear energy to the Genesis runway in Port Moresby, using bold desert tones and garment deconstruction to tell a personal Pacific story. Tonga in the spotlight (sports): Warriors forward Leka Halasima starred with two tries in a semifinal loss at Eden Park, with the match also marked by a contentious late refereeing call. NRL contract and coaching moves: Dolphins are set to extend coach Kristian Woolf long-term, while St George Illawarra confirmed Jacob Webster’s retention and reports surfaced of a secret clause tying Loko Pasifiki Tonga’s deal to coach Dean Young. Pacific peace debate: “Ocean of Peace” is being floated as a regional security idea, but coverage questions how far it can go without real agreement. Health and urgency: Fiji’s HIV emergency is framed as a wake-up call for Samoa and the wider Pacific, with youth hit hardest. Arts & culture voice: Cook Islands short films are highlighted through Ruta Mave’s call to tell Polynesian stories on screen, not just repackage others.

NRL & Tonga talent: Warriors’ Tongan-born forward Leka Halasima starred with two tries in their 12-10 Eden Park loss to the Knights, but the season ended amid contentious refereeing calls in front of a record 48,511. NRL contracts: St George Illawarra confirmed Jacob Webster’s extension to 2028, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga’s deal reportedly includes a “secret clause” tied to coach Dean Young staying on. NRL player spotlight: Chiefs’ Khyiris Tonga (Tongan) turned heads with a jumbo-set carry in a 33-30 overtime win over the Colts, as Kansas City’s under-center run game clicked again. Pacific arts & culture: Cook Islands filmmaker Ruta Mave argues Polynesian stories deserve the spotlight in short films, pushing back on how Western media retells Pacific history. Sports health & community: Fiji’s HIV emergency is framed as a wake-up call for Samoa and the wider Pacific, with youth hit hardest. Tongan sport beyond rugby: Sepuloni Koloa, a rising Tongan bodybuilder, heads to Auckland’s Aotearoa South Pacific ProAm after earning pro status.

NRL & Tonga talent: Leka Halasima lit up Eden Park with two tries, but the Warriors’ 2026 season ended in a 12-10 loss to Newcastle, with a late refereeing flashpoint stealing the spotlight. NRL contracts: St George Illawarra Dragons confirmed Jacob Webster will stay through 2028, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga’s deal reportedly includes a secret clause tied to coach Dean Young. Tongan in the spotlight (rugby): Wales’ Sisilia Tuipulotu, from a Tongan rugby family, scored twice as Wales thrashed South Africa 50-19 in the WXV opener. Sports health & community: Fiji’s HIV emergency is framed as a Pacific-wide wake-up call, with young people hardest hit. Arts & culture: Soprano Louise Keast won the $43,000 John Lamble Foundation Scholarship at Sydney Eisteddfod Opera. Local loss: Tonga darts community mourns young player Tuʻilea, with tributes and a donation box for his family.

NRL & Tonga spotlight: Tonga international Leka Halasima starred with two tries for the Warriors in their Eden Park semifinal, but Newcastle edged them 12-10, ending the Warriors’ 2026 run amid a late refereeing flashpoint. Pacific rugby: Japan ended Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup reign with a 20-15 win in Tokyo, while Fiji’s women bounced back with a 54-26 victory over Hong Kong China. Women’s rugby (Tongan heritage): Wales’ Sisilia Tuipulotu—Tongan family roots—scored twice as Wales beat South Africa 50-19 in the WXV opener. Arts & culture: Canberra-trained soprano Louise Keast won the $43,000 John Lamble Foundation Scholarship at the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship. Community arts/sport: Tonga darts mourns the sudden death of young player Tuʻilea, while Tongan bodybuilder Sepuloni Koloa gears up for the Aotearoa South Pacific ProAm in Auckland. Health & public message: TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart shared her Grade 3 breast cancer journey to urge women not to delay mammograms.

NRL Contracts: South Sydney Rabbitohs utility Jamie Humphreys is close to signing an extension beyond 2027, keeping the versatile halves/dummy-half option in Maroubra as the club works through key roster spots. NRL—Tonga in the spotlight: St George Illawarra Dragons rising outside back William Memea Epe signs a two-year development deal, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga’s new contract reportedly includes a secret clause tied to coach Dean Young’s tenure, potentially allowing an early exit if Young is sacked. Tonga at the World stage: Tonga’s darts community mourns the death of promising young player Tuʻilea (Fituʻilea Kilifi Jr Kalavaki), with tributes and a donation drive for his family. Rugby—Tongan heritage: Wales prop Sisilia Tuipulotu scores twice in a 50-19 win over South Africa, celebrating her Tongan family roots. Health & community: TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart shares her Grade 3 breast cancer journey, urging women to get mammograms on time. Sports—bodybuilding: Sepuloni Koloa returns to the pro stage for the Aotearoa South Pacific ProAm in Auckland after earning professional status.

NRL & Tonga pathways: St George Illawarra Dragons have signed 17-year-old rising outside back William Memea Epe from the Parramatta Eels on a two-year development deal, with him progressing through SG Ball in 2027. NRL contract drama: Dragons’ Loko Pasifiki Tonga is set to stay put, but a newly revealed clause could let Pasifika Tonga explore an early release if coach Dean Young is sacked before the deal ends in 2029. Pacific sport spotlight: Samoa’s Terrell May and four other internationals were confronted by a knife-wielding man in Auckland last year, a flashpoint now coming to light. WWE entertainment: Sami Zayn retained the Undisputed WWE Championship in a chaotic SmackDown main event, with CM Punk’s surprise attack adding more fuel to the rivalry. Tongan community arts & sport: Tonga darts is mourning the death of promising young player Tuʻilea, while young jiu-jitsu champion Achillea Hennesy (Tongan and Fijian descent) added a fourth world title in Tokyo and is already aiming for 10. Health & culture: TVNZ journalist Indira Stewart shared her Grade 3 breast cancer journey to urge women not to delay mammograms.