Limerick Leader

Continuing volcanic activity at the Home Reef in Tonga was spotted today by two pilots who reported seeing white clouds or steam emissions from the location rising to 10,000 feet. Home Reef is about 45 nautical miles from the Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u. Tonga Geological Services stated today that the volcanic activity poses a low risk to the communities of Vava’u and Ha’apai,

Steam emissions from Home Reef spotted by pilots at 10,000ft ↗

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Tonga does not register foreign vessels engaged in international voyages. “Any foreign vessel currently transmitting under the Tongan flag is doing so fraudulently and without authorization from the Kingdom of Tonga,” the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement last night.

Tonga does not register foreign vessels says PM's Office ↗

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Tongan maritime authorities are probing reports that at least ten sanctioned vessels operating in the East and South China seas are falsely flying Tonga’s flag.

Tonga govt probes reports of vessels flying false flags ↗

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The 2026 session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was officially opened today, 15 January 2026. The address from the throne by HM King Tupou VI, read by Lord Fakatulolo, struck a biblical tone. The King warned the House and the country to be wary of wickedness.

King warns new Legislature to avoid favouritism and decline gifts ↗

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At the end of 2025, Tonga had five confirmed cases of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), alongside more than 700 reported cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis and chlamydia, according to health authorities. They are very concerned with Fiji's growing HIV epidemic and encourage returning students to take HIV tests either in Tonga

Tonga records five HIV cases as Health officials urge awareness and testing ↗

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Tongans who are looking to travel to the United States on short-term visas will be required to post bonds of up to USD $15,000 ($36,774 TOP), starting on 21 January 2026.

Tongans face US visa bond expansion ↗

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Moana Pasifika announced Miracle Faiilagi from Samoa, today as the new team captain that will lead them into the 2026 DHL Super Ruby Pacific Season.

Moana Pasifika announces new team captain ↗

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The Ministry of Education officially released the 2025 Tonga National Form Seven and Six Certificate examination results today, 9 January 2026. The results were distributed and eagerly picked up by the candidates from their respective schools at 2:00pm today.

Tonga High stands out in 2025 Form 6 & 7 national exams ↗

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