Tongan leader backs ‘renewed blood’ as 3 ministers join Cabinet

Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says his new Cabinet marks a shift towards “renewed blood” and new ideas.

The appointments come as three ministers were sworn in following the loss of two Cabinet members through the courts.

Tongatapu One MP Tevita Puloka is the new Minister of Infrastructure while former Ministry of Finance deputy chief executive, Sivoki Lavemaau, has taken over the Finance portfolio.

Former Ministry of Health chief executive, Dr Siale 'Akau'ola, is the new Health Minister.

Lavemaau and 'Akau'ola have been appointed from outside Parliament as allowed under Tonga’s Constitution.

The changes follow the removal of two former Cabinet ministers after the courts found them guilty of offences linked to the 2025 general election.

Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says the Cabinet reshuffle brings “renewed blood” and new ideas into government. Photo/Supplied

Lavemaau is among the youngest ministers in Tonga’s history and brings experience from within the Finance Ministry where she previously served as deputy chief executive.

Her appointment has also been welcomed by women’s and youth organisations in Tonga.

The Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) says having a woman lead the Finance Ministry sends an important message to the next generation.

Vika Sivoki Lavemaau, right, is Tonga's new Minister of Finance and one of the youngest people to hold the portfolio. Photo/Prime Minister's Office, Tonga

“The appointment of a woman at the head of the Ministry of Finance is an important signal to young women and girls about opportunities for leadership."

Youth leadership network Take The Lead also welcomed Lavemaau’s appointment, highlighting her age and experience and saying she should be given the opportunity to prove herself in the role.

The organisation says she becomes “the youngest person to hold the Finance portfolio” and should be given the opportunity to demonstrate her leadership.

Fakafanua told ABC Pacific Beat that Lavemaau's appointment reflects his push to bring younger people and new thinking into government.

“It’s a bit of a change in gear, looking at renewed blood, new ideas, and also empowering the youth, which is something that I’ve been advocating for for many years.”

Fakafanua says she was one of several young candidates considered for the role before being chosen to lead the ministry.

“She was one of a few young candidates that we had a look at and I think we landed on our best, on the best minister of finance," he told the network. "Just happens to be a woman but very capable one.”

He says her experience preparing the national budget was also important.

“She has a history of working within the government ministry at finance itself as a deputy CEO. And she’s been in charge of drafting the budget and after speaking to the potential candidates for finance, I think that we have a winner.”

The Prime Minister says the appointments were made now rather than waiting for by-elections in October because key government portfolios needed permanent ministers.

“It didn’t seem necessary to wait until the by-elections in October to fill some of these portfolios, especially the ones in finance and infrastructure, they’re very essential that we have someone take over as soon as possible,” Fakafanua told the ABC.

Former Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has also been moved from Health to become Minister for Public Enterprises and Tourism.

Former Tonga Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has moved from the Health portfolio to become Minister for Public Enterprises and Tourism. Photo/PMN News composite

Tourism was previously held by former Tongatapu Two MP Semisi Sika, who lost his seat after being found guilty of misreporting campaign funds.

Fakafanua says the reshuffle was always expected as his government worked to fill the vacancies.

“There was ultimately going to be a reshuffle once we fill the vacant posts within government. And I’m happy that now we have a full cabinet.”

He says 'Akau'ola brings valuable experience to the Health portfolio, having previously led the Ministry of Health.

“He has both those experiences that he brings to the table. And I think he’s very capable of pushing forward a lot of the reforms that we have, especially with the challenges faced in health.”

The Prime Minister says there is currently no medical professional elected to Parliament, making 'Akau'ola's experience particularly important as Tonga works on health reforms.

Former Tongatapu Two MP Semisi Sika lost his parliamentary seat after being found guilty of misreporting campaign funds linked to the 2025 general election. Photo/pacnews

Tonga’s Constitution allows the Prime Minister to appoint up to four Cabinet ministers from outside Parliament while Cabinet is limited to 12 members, including the Prime Minister.

Lavemaau and 'Akau'ola join Crown Prince Tupouto'a as the three unelected members of Cabinet.

The three new ministers are expected to be formally sworn into the House following their Cabinet induction.

Fakafanua says he now wants the three ministers to get straight to work.

“Finance is the engine room of any government. And I wish her all the best and thank her for taking the challenge as well as new Minister of Infrastructure and new Minister of Health. They’re both very capable of doing the job.”

By-elections for the vacant Tongatapu Two and Niua 17 seats are scheduled for 8 October.