Continuation of the ‘’Toe Talatalanoa Overseas Program’’ in Sydney, Australia
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – After successful sessions in Melbourne and Canberra, the Toe Talatalanoa Australia program, moved to Sydney from December 14th to 19th, 2023. The program in Sydney included three Talatalanoa sessions and three appointment sessions at various venues.
Event Highlights
- Appointment and Talatalanoa Sessions Venue:
- December 16th, 2023: Appointment at Roger Page Hall, Uniting Church, Auburn, NSW, and the Talatalanoa session 2- at Sydney Fofo’anga, Bankstown.
- December 18th, 2023: Visit to Tonga’s Consul General, Hon Louise Waterhouse, and the Talatalanoa session 3- at Tokaikolo, Fetu’u Pongipongi, South Granville.
Key Outcomes per appointment and talatalanoa session:
- Appointments
- The Honourable Minister’s discussions with Tongans in Sydney focused on addressing:
- Communication gaps between MLNR and Tongans in Australia
- Challenges authorizing third parties for land-related work
- Concerns of elderly individuals unable to travel to Tonga for their land matters
- Talatalanoa Sessions
- Discussions revolved around:
- Importance of Tongan citizenship in land registration and succession
- Opportunities for Australian women in Tongan land ownership
- Land occupiers registering claims for occupied land
- Effective communication methods with MLNR from Australia
Meeting with Tonga’s Consul General in Australia
The Honourable Minister thanked Hon. Louise Waterhouse for coordinated relief efforts during the crisis. Hon. Waterhouse highlighted her support for Tonga's economic prosperity through land and agriculture, initiating the Homesick Investment project utilizing unfarmed land for cocoa planting. Plans were set for a follow-up meeting in May in Sydney for this project.
Special acknowledgments are extended to Tasimani Telefoni, First Secretary of Tonga’s High Commission in Australia, Mr. Koniseti Liutai from the Tonga community in Sydney, churches, and Fofo’anga Sydney for their invaluable contributions in managing the program and supporting local logistics.
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources at +(676) 7401301 or visit our website at www.lands.gov.to.