Tonga Focus Issue 2, 2021

Volume 1 Issue 2 Your Fortnightly updates of Government news and events

Friday 29th October 2021

Longreach Exercise 2021

Disaster risk reduction simulation exercise with Australian Defense Force support NUKU’ALOFA (MEIDECC): The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication (MEIDECC) in partnership with the Australian

CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u

Defense Force conducted a Longreach exercise 2021 in preparation for the upcoming Tropical Cyclone season on Thursday 21 October 2021.

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Tonga Pavilion hosts New Zealand’s Commissioner General

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Tonga Focus Volume 1 Issue 2

Friday 29th October 2021

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Disaster risk reduction simulation exercise with Australian Defense Force support from page 01 Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) along with First Responders, Cluster representatives, included non-government and auxiliary organisations participated in a virtual exercise with Brisbane based ADF, counterparts to the His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF).

The activities focused on strengthening the existing disaster risk reduction focussed network, particularly during hazards and with the added complexity of the global pandemic, COVID19.

It was an opportunity to further clarify roles and identify gaps to enable an effective and efficient coordinated emergency response to support our Tongan communities, and residents. It was also an opportunity to enhance response capacity to build the affected communities’ resilience and ensure that no one gets left behind, in times of a disaster.

The simulation exercise was delivered from Brisbane virtually with the Australian High Commissioner’s Defense Advisor providing support on the day.

The day was opened by CEO of MEIDECC, Mr Paula Ma’u who encouraged all participants to share their input said “It is a good opportunity to test our preparedness and response plans, using technology that we have become more reliant on due to COVID19 to also

remind us of its availability and potential limitations.”

NEMO, the First Responders, Cluster Representatives and MEIDECC continue to prepare for the upcoming Tropical Season and encourage Tongans to start preparing family, community and environment to minimise risks this cyclone season.

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Tonga Pavilion hosts New Zealand’s Commissioner General

New Zealand Commissioner-General, Mr. Clayton Kimpton with Tonga Pavilion Director Mr Tele Faletau inside the pavilion. Photo: SUPPLIED

Nuku’alofa (Nuku’alofa Times): The Tonga Pavilion received high praise from the New Zealand Commissioner-General, Clayton Kimpton this week at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

This followed a visit made to the Pavilion by Mr Kimpton on Wednesday, October 20.

Mr Kimpton was greeted by the Tonga Pavilion staff and given a walk-through by Pavilion Director, Mr Tele Faletau.

A statement from the Tonga Pavilion team said Mr Kimpton admired the work put into the displays at the pavilion.

“During the walk through he expressed admiration for the interactive systems and focus on children and instilling responsibility for the environment while also showcasing the untouched beauty of Tonga as a potential tourist hotspot for nature and water lovers,” the statement said.

“It was a real pleasure to visit the Tonga Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. I was deeply impressed with the creative design of the space and how informative the exhibition was on such key environmental issues. I am sure that children will love the pavilion, but there’s also a lot for adults to discover and learn. And it made me want to visit Tonga again,” Mr Kimpton told Tonga Pavilion staff.

He relayed his warm congratulations to the Tonga team for a job well done and extended an invitation for a visit to the New Zealand pavilion.

Mr Tele Faletau said that “it was an honour and a great pleasure to welcome one of our closest neighbour and Pacific leader, New Zealand and the whole of the Tonga Expo team would be visitng the New Zealand pavilion soon”.

The Expo 2020 will end in the middle of 2022.

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Vava’u International Airport Redevelopment Nuku’alofa (PMO): The Prime Minister’s Office announced today the Government’s approval for the redevelopment of the Lupepau’u Airport with Tongan nationals set to benefit from the project – boosting tourism, air freight capacity, employment and renewable energy infrastructure. The project commences with an initial due diligence and feasibility study in November 2021 with redevelopment completion in 2024.

The project will be developed by a United Kingdom registered company Raw Mana Ltd who are a global construction and services group specialising in civil engineering, renewable energy, international airport and port developments. Raw Mana were chosen to lead the project after being referred to the Tongan Government.

The new project has the blessing of His Majesty King Tupou VI who has long held a desire to develop the economic potential of Vava’u.

The TONGA FOCUS is published fortnightly for Tonga by NUKU’ALOFA TIMES MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS of Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu KINGDOM OF TONGA Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: ILIESA TORA EMail: iliesatora2012@gmail.com Phone: (+676) 864-2633 Production: TEVITA SILIVA EMail: silvergreen8@gmail.com Phone: +676 7745984

The estimated US$121m project will be funded from foreign investment and it will see Vavaʻu International Airport’s existing building replaced with a proposed new 8,000sqm terminal and cargo facility along with an extended runway capable of accommodating long-range aircraft. When completed in 2024, the new airport will be Tonga’s largest and one of the world’s first to be designed to meet the needs of a post COVID tourism market. It is considered a key component of the strategy in the regeneration and development of a high-quality tourism market for Tonga. The new 2,700m extended runway will provide direct access from higher value destinations including

New Zealand, Australia, US, UAE and key Asian markets such as Japan and China.

Eighty percent of the new roles offered during construction have been earmarked for locals, with further employment opportunities expected in a range of new business ventures created as new export trade routes open up.

A multi-megawatt renewable energy plant to be built as part of the development will harness solar and wind to power the airport as well as contribute to Vavaʻu’s resident population of over 13,700 – reducing emissions and working towards eliminating the need for imported diesel, which supplies 90% of power to the island. It is anticipated that the project will

provide cargo infrastructure for a wider range of import and export opportunities for Tonga.

The development project would not be possible without the support of His Majesty King Tupou VI, the High Commission of Tonga in London UK, and local representative Palms Tonga. Raw Mana will work closely with Government’s key agencies such as Tonga Airport Limited and the Tongan Tourism Authority who they will engage with fully on all tourism activities.

The Prime Minister and Government of Tonga look forward to initiating this important project in collaboration with Raw Mana and key stakeholders, for the benefit of the people of Tonga.

Tonga Focus Volume 1 Issue 2

Friday 29th October 2021

Transportation Stakeholders Workshop as TERMPLUS Nears Completion

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VACANCY

Chief Executive Officer Tonga Post Limited (TPost) is a 100% Tongan and state owned Public Enterprise. The Company is also a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and the Asia and Pacific Postal Union (APPU), representing the Kingdom of Tonga since October 2013.

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The Department of Energy, under the Ministry of MEIDECC with Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), held a Government Transportation stakeholders workshop on October 19 and discussed low emission transportation measures as part of the development of the Tonga Energy Road Map 20212035 (TERMPLUS). The TERMPLUS work is funded

by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade under their Low Emission Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) funded program as well as other initiatives.

The workshop was held at the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) and was attended by over 25 participants from across the Transportation departments -Roads (Land), Maritime, Civil Aviation Division under MOI, other key relevant government agencies, relevant Public Enterprises, Civil Society Forum Tonga and representatives from the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) and Tonga Chamber of Commerce.

Led by Mr William Rolston and Ms Andrea Tora, the objective of the workshop was to inform, engage and gain input from relevant agencies on low emission interventions that could facilitate the transition to a low carbon transportation system as part of TERMPLUS.

The workshop was an opportunity to discuss the necessary shift and measures to promote reduction of transportation energy demand; providing alternatives to motorize modes; improving efficiency of transport, fuel and technologies such as electric vehicles and alternatives to the private car such as high volume public transport, walkway and cycling.

The objectives of the workshop identify with the existing realities of Tonga’s energy and transportation landscape and the need to leverage critical policy tools in the sector to mobilize low carbon measures.

Importance of TERMPLUS – The policy will set directions in transforming and decarbonizing Tonga’s economy as we commit to meeting our NDC and SDG goals and targets. TERMPLUS also intends to address inadequate energy supplies and the high reliance on imported fossil fuels although the energy pathway becomes an even challenging one nowadays.

Climate Change remains the most important security and development issue facing the Pacific region today and collective actions on climate change ensure that we do not lose momentum on the transition to low carbon climate-resilient communities and economies in the Pacific.

TPost is looking for an individual to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer will work closely with the ICT Shared Board of Directors, serving as managing director of corporate operations and as the main link between the different divisions within the company.

A. ROLE The Chief Executive Officer reports to the ICT Board of Directors of Tonga Post Limited and the primary responsibilities include: Providing overall leadership and vision in developing, in concert with the Board of Directors, the Company’s vision, strategic direction, the Company’s values and the tactics and business plans necessary to realize corporate objectives; and Managing the overall business to ensure strategic and business plans are effectively implemented within the authority limitations delegated by the Board, the results are monitored and reported to the Board, and financial and operational objectives are attained; managing the business to create sustainable long-term shareholder value.

B. EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree with preference for Post Graduate Degree.

EXPERIENCE At least 10 years of working experience. Preferable at top management level.

Extensive people management preferably in a commercial environment.

Significant Management experience; with at least 10 years strategic and operational management at a senior level (postal, marketing, financial, and people management experience).

Experience in postal and print industry in particular working strategically on post and print capacity and development activity is an advantage.

In-depth understanding of investment markets, particularly portfolio management.

Strong people management experience with proven ability to lead and motivate.

C. REMUNERATION AND PACKAGE An attractive package will be offered to the most suitable candidate.

Please send typed application, CV and copy of your degree results / transcripts to address below no later than 15th November 2021.

Mrs. Petunia Tupou Chairperson - ICT Shared Board of Directors Tonga Post limited For enquiries: (Telephone: 21700 or 23465) Email: admin@tongapost.to

Tonga Focus Volume 1 Issue 2

Friday 29th October 2021

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Monday November 8th 2021 – Trial Day for School at Home in Preparation for COVID-19 Nuku’alofa (Ministry of Education): The Minister for Education and Training, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku had approved that on Monday 8 November 2021, the Ministry of Education and Training will conduct a Lockdown Trial of the various modes of accessible learning delivery for our students, should a school closure occur due to COVID-19. The 8th of November is a Public Holiday and it will be a perfect simulation of a total lockdown where parents and guardians will be at home to assist and support their children with their studies.

The Trial will involve students

of both government and nongovernment schools from Early Childhood Education, Inclusive Education, Class 1- 6 in Primary Schools and Class 7 & 8 (Form 1 & 2) in the Middle Schools in Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Haʻapai, Vavaʻu, Niuatoputapu and Niuafoʻou.

Every student in these levels will be provided with printed study materials for the day’s lessons and the schedules (Timetable) for the radio broadcasting of those lessons through the Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s Television Tonga and the AM radio (A3Z).

The lessons and video resources are available in the

Government of Tonga Ministry of Fisheries

Ministry’s Hama e-Learning Platform (HeLP): https://tonga. inclusivlearningplatform.com, this can be accessed through the internet at any time during the trial.

After the Trial Program, parents are requested to complete the Survey Form provided and we would appreciate it very much if your child could return the completed form to her/ his teacher at school on the following day. Your feedback is important for us to assess what needs to be improved in our methods of delivery and the quality of the learning resources being prepared for students.

The Tonga Accelerated and Resilience Program (TARP) is funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), supported by the Save the Children Australia (Grant Agent) and DFAT (Co-ordinating Agent). The main purpose of the program is to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 or natural disaster on Tonga’s education systems with a strong focus on distance and flexible learning.

Information regarding the Trial will be sent to schools; each school will notify you of the details. Your full support and participation in this Trial Day of learning at home is most appreciated.

Two Vacant Positions: Fisheries Officer Fisheries Assistant

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Friday 29th October 2021

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Tonga validates its draft NDC Implementation Roadmap and Investment Plan

CEO for MEIDECC, Mr Paula Maú (seated, centre) and the workshop participants

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): As a follow up to the consultation workshop in August this year, the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of MEIDECC and its working partners, the Regional Pacific NDC Hub and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) with consultancy counterpart Castalia, conducted a national stakeholder workshop to validate the draft Tonga Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Roadmap and NDC Investment Plan (including project pipeline) at the Basilica of St Anthony of Badua Conference Room, Nukuálofa.

The NDC Implementation Roadmap and Investment Plan including Project Pipeline is a plan for the Government of Tonga to achieve its Second NDC targets through mitigation projects in the Agriculture,

Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) and waste sectors and adaptation projects in the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) sector. Through successful implementation of the 15 projects identified in the AFOLU, waste, and MPAs sector, Tonga will be on track to achieve its 2020 Second NDC targets.

It is also intended that this national document, once completed, will help generate interests from potential implementation partners, including donors and private investors, to fund the robust pipeline of projects included in the NDC Implementation Roadmap and Investment Plan and other projects in Tonga.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Paula Ma’u, CEO for MEIDECC stated that the draft document being validated will “expedite the accomplishment of Tonga’s

Second NDC targets, through mitigation and adaptation project opportunities in the sectors of; Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land-Use (AFOLU); Waste and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).”

Mr. Maú also thanked the national stakeholders for their contributions to Tonga’s NDC works and “climate actions, resilience-building efforts and commitments to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.”

During the workshop, the participants were provided with an overview of the project and the process undertaken to develop the NDC Implementation Roadmap and the Investment Plan with project pipeline consisting of 15 projects

and their green-house gas emission reduction potential, costs, co-benefits, capacity requirements, and potential to attract funding. The workshop participants were also provided ample opportunities for final feedback on the draft document.

The national validation workshop was attended by over 50 representatives from government and nongovernment organizations relevant to the AFOLU, waste and MPAs sectors. The draft NDC Implementation Roadmap and NDC Investment Plan will be finalized for submission to the Cabinet before it can used to support the implementation of Tonga’s Second NDC.

Tonga Focus Volume 1 Issue 2

Friday 29th October 2021

Ministry of Police, Fire and Emergency Service Procurement Notice

This notice of invitation to bid is issued in line with Regulation no. 29 of the Public Procurement Regulations 2019

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