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RNZ News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Tonga claims shot put gold as 2025 Pacific Mini Games draw to a close
Tu'utafaiva, 28, is mentored by former world and Olympic Games champion Valerie Adams, and recorded a throw of 14.76 metres to claim top spot. Photo: Facebook / Tonga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee Tonga's Ata Ma'ama Tu'utafaiva won gold in the women's shot put finals at the 2025 Pacific Games in Palau on Tuesday evening. Tu'utafaiva, 28, is mentored by former world and Olympic Games champion Valerie Adams and recorded a throw of 14.76 metres to claim top spot. Her performance broke a day of dominance by Tahiti and Papua New Guinea in the athletics competition in Koror. The Tonga Association of National Sports and Olympic Committee (TASANOC) said it was a massive throw by their top athlete. "Ata Ma'ama secures gold for Tonga with strength, focus, and heart. Ata delivered a golden moment for Team Tonga rising to the top of the podium and making the Kingdom proud," TASANOC said. Tu'utafaiva beat Australia's Taylor Laarson for the gold, while Fiji's Maryann Macedru took home the bronze medal. Her golden win added to the two golds won by archer Arne Jensen , giving Tonga three gold medals on the medal standing, tying with Nauru, the Federated State of Micronesia and Vanuatu in the gold medal haul. Tonga's Ata Ma'ama Tu'utafaiva, middle, proudly shows her country's flag and gold medal along with silver medalist Taylor Laarson of Australia. left, and Fiji's Maryann Macedru. Photo: Facebook / Tonga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee The Mini Games have one more day of competition today (Wednesday). Palau, which welcomed just over 1500 athletes on 29 June, will hand over the Pacific Mini Games flag to 2029 hosts, the Cook Islands, at the closing ceremony. While some contingents have made the return trips home following the completion of their respective competition, others have stayed on to finish off what they are in Koror for. Tahiti has stamped its mark as the team to beat when it hosts the Pacific Games in two years' time. On Tuesday, Team Tahiti extended its lead on top of the medal tally, winning a number of medals. Just as they did on Monday, the Tahitians won the first gold medal on offer in the mixed triathlon relay event. Salome De Barthez de Marmorieres, who claimed the first gold of the day when day seven of the competition started on Monday, led her country's mixed relay team to claim gold on Tuesday. The 27-year-old and her team raced to victory in 1 hour 17 minutes and 33 seconds, ahead of arch rival New Caledonia and bronze winner, Guam. They also dominated in the judo competition, which included the open men's title claimed by Cyril Gaudemer. Gaudemer defeated Australia's Jake Bell 21 points to nil (21-0). Tahiti has claimed a total of 70 gold, 40 silver and 27 bronze medals, heading into the final day. Their gold haul is 43 more than Samoa, which is sitting in second spot on the medal tally, and 46 more than Fiji and Australia, which have 24 golds each to their names. The only country not to have won a medal at the Games so far is Norfolk Island, with Tokelau having claimed a bronze through their lone athlete, judoka Ilai Elekana Manu. New Zealand managed two gold medals, through champion weightlifter David Liti. Some of the highlights of Tuesday's competition were: American Samoa defeated Guam 13-5 in the women's softball final to claim gold at the Meyuns Softball Field in Koror. In the women's competition, American Samoa beat Tahiti 3 sets to 2 in a tight contest. Tahiti won the first set 25-21 but American Samoa bounced back to win set two and three 25-20 and 25-16. Tahiti fought back to win the fourth set 25-20 before American Samoa stamped their mark as the new champions, winning the decider 15-13. Wallis and Futuna won gold in the men's competition, scoring a 3-0 win over Papua New Guinea in a one-sided scoring finale. Tahiti claimed the bronze. PNG dominated this competition, claiming gold, silver and bronze. Dorna Longbut won gold with a throw of 9.15 metres, ahead of teammates Manega Tapari and Regina Edward. It was another PNG victory in this competition, with Jerome Bunge claiming gold ahead of Tahiti and Vanuatu. Australian Raphael Idris, 19, finished ahead of the pack, winning gold by 0.90 metres, ahead of Fiji's Reki Roberts, who claimed silver with a jump of 11m. Palau's Sydney Francisco won bronze. PNG claimed all three medals on offer in the event, with Daniel Baul taking gold when he finished the race in 55.55s. Another PNG athlete dominated the final in the men's competition, with Tovetuna Tuna claiming gold this time around, ahead of Fiji's Waisake Tewa and Team PNG mate Johnny Bai. The 100m gold medallist Pais Wisil finished fourth in the race. The women's competition Fijian Heleina Young, who played sevens rugby for Fiji last year, established her mark as the champion in the final race. She outsprinted PNG's Isila Apkup and Australia's Kayedel Smith to the tape, finishing with a time of 24.01s. Fiji's Heleina Young blazed her way to gold in the Women's 200m Final, clocking an impressive 24.01 seconds. Photo: Facebook / Team Fiji PNG ran away with the gold medal also in this event, beating Fiji and Tahiti to the tape. Team PNG's Lakona Gerega struck gold in the men's javelin and broke the national record he previously set at the 2024 Oceania Championships in Suva. His new record throw of 67.43m surpasses his former mark of 66.73m. Teammate Lucas Osida claimed the silver medal with a strong throw of 62.81m, finishing ahead of Australia, who took bronze with 59.32m. Australia won the gold medal after a 2-0 set win over the Northern Marianas team while in the women's competition Vanuatu duo Majabelle Lawac and Sherysyn Toko turned the tables on Australia to win the final. Toko and Lawac won the two sets 22-20 and 21-18. Vanuatu women's beach volleyball team with FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, middle, after claiming the 2025 Pacific Mini Games gold medal in the final in Koror on 8 July 2025. Photo: Facebook / VASANOC (Vanuatu Association of Sports And National Olympic Committee) The ninth and final day of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games opened with the half marathon races, which started at 4:30am Palau time (7:30am NZT) on Wednesday. Triathlon finals are also on the schedule today, while the feature of the day's program will be the 3x3 basketball events. As a qualifying competition for the World Cup and the 2026 Commonwealth Games, a lot of interest has centred on who will take out the top honours in the two categories - men and women. Semi-final draws has Fiji meeting Northern Marianas in game onem, while PNG battle Tonga in the second semi. The men's side of the draw has Fiji taking on Tonga, while hosts Palau will square off against the Solomon Islands. Winners will then meet in the finals as the last two events of the Games. 2025 Pacific Mini Games medal tally at the end of day eight of competitions on 8 July 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific Meanwhile, the closing ceremony will kick off at 6pm in Koror. That will begin with the parade of the athletes, before the announcement of the Male and Female Athletes of the Games, the lowering of the Pacific Games Flag and presentation to representatives of the next hosts, the Cook Islands, who will have the Games in 2029. The ceremony will close with celebrations and performances, celebrating the spirit of the Games.
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific Waves for 8 July 2025
Citizenship a hurdle for Pacific wanting to join ADF; Progress slow in Tonga cyber attack recovery; Tahiti remains dominant at Pacific Mini Games; Wallabies defeat Flying Fijians with close win. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
'We're Still In Disbelief': Tongan Archers Return Home After Record-Breaking Run In Palau
Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific digital journalist in Koror, Palau Tonga's archery team headed home on Saturday, still stunned by their record-breaking run in Palau at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. After winning 11 medals across recurve and compound events, team member Hans Arne Jensen, who claimed gold in both the Men's Individual Matchplay and Double 720 Ranking round, said the entire squad is still in "disbelief" over what they achieved. "We're still in disbelief," Jensen, who is a long-time leader in the sport, told RNZ Pacific in Koror. "It's hard to believe we're already leaving…it's kind of, you know…we're still pinching ourselves. "We've had a couple golds at Oceania tournaments and a few silvers and bronzes at Pacific Games, but we've never had a gold, and we've definitely never made it into the double digits of medaling." He also took silver in the Mixed Recurve Matchplay alongside teammate Halamehi Tangulu. In the compound division, Luisa Pongi earned two silvers, Anna Fifita took two bronzes, and Victory Pekipaki claimed two silvers. Esela Mounga added two more bronze medals. While the journey has been one of great success, preparation wasn't smooth sailing. There was a lot of uncertainty around travel, and the limited training camps leading up to the Mini Games had tested the team. "Just before we got here, we were a little bit unsure exactly how we were going to go, and how many of us were going to get here," Jensen said. "But in the end, everything happens for a reason. These events are always a little crazy. "But, trials and tribulations are what builds an athlete up. You need that kind of story, that lead-up, that's what gives it meaning." Jensen said it will be bittersweet leaving while the Mini Games is still underway, especially after enjoying the energy and spirit of the event. "For many sports at the Pacific Games, you find people who are exactly like you, and they end up looking after you, and you end up becoming the guy that looks after them. It's all very 'family'," Jensen said. He said the first night in the athlete's dining hall was a stand-out, filled with singing, dancing, and laughter. "We all have our own roots, but it's one big family," he said. "And I think that's the beautiful thing about the Pacific. We are one people in that sense, and connected. Yeah, there's a lot of water between us, but there's not much difference."
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Liti And Patolo Named NZ Team Flag Bearers
Weightlifters David Liti and Tui-Alofa Patolo have been named flag bearers for the New Zealand Team at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games starting today in Palau. The pair are part of a nine-strong weightlifting contingent at the Games, with five members set to make their New Zealand Team debut. Patolo, who will compete in the Women's +86kg category, is one of those athletes making her debut and admits the call up to carry the flag came as a surprise. 'When I got the call, I was shocked, I was not expecting it at all, it's such a huge honour and I'm so grateful,' said Patolo. 'My coach was telling me to make sure I picked up a call from an unknown number, because usually I would've just ignored I'm glad I picked it up!' 'I've spoken to a few of the others making their debut and we're all excited. We're training hard to make ourselves and the people we're representing proud, our families, our coaches, our clubs and of course our country,' she said. Patolo is joined by experienced weightlifter, David Liti, who has been New Zealand Team flag bearer previously at both the 2019 and 2023 Pacific Games. 'Honestly as an athlete it's probably one of the biggest highlights,' Liti said. 'It's like being the captain of the 1st XV or the Prime Minister of New the team leader at these events. I'm super proud and super pumped - it's one of the best feelings,' he said. Liti, who will compete in the Men's +110kg category, said his motivation to compete in the black singlet has never been stronger. 'We come from a country where competing against each other is the norm, I've adapted to that, and I just want to be the best. Until I get what I want from weightlifting, I'll still be motivated,' he said. Liti admitted it feels a bit 'weird' being seen as a senior member of the team, despite his young years. 'I feel like a veteran - I'm 28 at the moment but feel like I'm 50!' 'I still feel like just another athlete in the team. I'm always happy to share my knowledge and be there for those just starting out. I hope when we get to Palau, they can trust me and I'm there if they need my help,' he said. Patolo is likely to be one of those athletes seeking out Liti's experience at the Games and expects it will be an emotional and exciting time when she leads the team out at the opening ceremony. 'I feel like every time I even start to think about it, I'll start crying. I'm just grateful for the opportunity and to do it alongside someone like David is special as well.' The Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games go from June 29 to July 9 with New Zealand Team athletes competing from July 2. Updates and some live streamed events available on The New Zealand Team for Palau 2025 Pacific Mini Games (in alphabetical order, *denotes New Zealand Team debut): Hannah Close* (26 years old, Women's U58kg), Holly Drain (26 years old, Women's U77kg), Sienna Fesolai (19 years old, Women's U69kg), David Liti (28 years old, Men's +110kg), Tui-Alofa Patolo* (34 years old, Women's +86kg category), Louise Richards* (27 years old, Women's U63kg), Monica Saili-Hiakita* (27 years old, Women's U77kg), Judy Soloai* (30 years old, Women's +86kg), Vernon Taylor (26 years old, Men's U71kg)
RNZ News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Security support for Mini Games as Team Palau confirmed
Team Palau welcomed at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara. 19 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Junior Maealasia A team of regional police officers will assist Palau police during the Pacific Mini Games, which the country will host from 29 June. The country's president, Surangel Whipps Jr, told RNZ Pacific he and his countrymen and women are excited about hosting the Pacific's athletes and officials . The Island Times has reported Palau's Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil announced they are getting around 16 regional police officers from across the Pacific to support Palau law enforcement during the Games. The report stated Palau is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week with a regional policing deployment agency composed of more than 10 Pacific Island member countries. The Island Times reported the agreement includes collaboration with the Australian Federal Police. Under the agreement, officers from member nations will be deployed to assist with security operations throughout the Games. Olegeriil has also urged the public to help ensure a safe environment during the Games. President Whipps said Qantas is adding extra flights to Palau for the Game, which is a big boost as well. "We did hear from Qantas that they added on another flight on June 28 to make sure that we get more athletes coming up here on that day," he said. Surangel Whipps Jr in Rarotonga. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis "So, two flights from Brisbane that day, and we're excited about that. "We hear so far 1,700 athletes are coming. I think that's pretty good for a Mini Games. "There's nothing like sports to bring us together." He added one of the exciting programs they have put in place is training young journalists who can help in the Games' coverage. "There's a training program to get 20 youths to be part of the media team, and so they're training them so they can go around and do a 30-minute coverage after every day," he said. "So, training young Palauans, hopefully more people into the media and communication space, which is so much needed." Meanwhile, the Palau National Olympic Committee has confirmed 225 athletes for the Mini Games. Secretary General Baklai Temengil-Chilton confirmed that is the maximum number of athletes any country can field. Palau's confirmed numbers mean they will have the largest team among the 22 participating Pacific nations. The Solomon Islands have confirmed 201 athletes, which would be the second largest at the Games. Fiji will have 187. The Island Times report stated nearly half of Palau's athletes are under the age of 19. Team Palau swimmers are in Australia for pre-Games conditioning, while the baseball team recently returned from two months of training in Taiwan. Frank Kyota, president of the Palau National Olympic Committee, told local media earlier that investments made to upgrade and expand Palau's sports infrastructure - including national gyms, fields, and facilities - will serve the broader community for years to come. He said the event give Palauan athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level at home. "Look at what sports can do," Kyota said. "It brings (nations) together … and helps us focus on projects that may not have been done otherwise." The Games officially open on 29 June 29 and close on 9 July.
