Royal Warrants for three newly appointed Ministers in Tonga were formally read on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at ceremonies held at their respective locations.
The Royal Warrants were read for:
* Minister of Infrastructure,Tevita Fatafehi Puloka, at the Free Wesleyan Church in ‘Isileli.
* Minister of Finance, Vika Sivoki Lavemaau, at Ngele’ia Free Wesleyan Church.
*Minister of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, at his residence in Pahu.
The appointments will formally take effect on Monday, 17 August 2026.
The three Ministers will assume responsibility for their respective portfolios from that date.
The appointments follow the removal of former Infrastructure Minister Semisi Sika and former Finance Minister Lata Tangimana, creating vacancies that had prompted Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua to signal a wider Cabinet reshuffle.
Tevita Fatafehi Puloka has been appointed Minister of Infrastructure, while Vika Sivoki Lavemaau becomes Minister of Finance. Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola returns as Minister of Health, having previously held the portfolio.
Puloka is the sitting People’s Representative for Tongatapu 1 and was first elected in 2021. His appointment brings an elected People’s Representative directly into the Infrastructure portfolio.
Lavemau’s appointment places a woman at the head of the Ministry of Finance at a time when Government finances, the cost of living and economic pressures remain major issues for households and businesses. She is not an elected People’s Representative but has served within the Ministry of Finance, including as Deputy CEO.
The Women and Children Crisis Centre welcomed the appointment, describing it as an important signal to young women and girls about opportunities for leadership.
Her appointment was also welcomed by Take The Lead, which noted that she becomes the youngest person to hold the Finance portfolio, while stressing that she should be given the opportunity to demonstrate her leadership.
For ‘Akau’ola, the appointment marks a return to the Health portfolio. He previously served as Minister of Health after a long career in the Ministry, including 14 years as its CEO.
The appointments come as Government prepares for further political changes, with two parliamentary by-elections scheduled following the vacancies.
