Marian Kupu is ABC's reporter in Tonga as part of the Pacific Local Journalism Network.
In Tonga, clubs where men drink kava are an integral part of the social fabric and the traditional beverage is always served by a tou'a, a role mostly performed by women.
But as Tongans migrate and kava clubs spread across the diaspora, traditions are changing and many tou'a says the environment has become less safe.
Women in Tongan communities speak out against sexual harassment at social events known as "kava gatherings", where men sit in a circle while a female server pours them the drink, known for its calming effects.
Today marks four years since the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano eruption, and subsequent tsunami.
Tongans will head to the polls this week to elect their a new parliament.
Tonga's Electoral Commissioner says high levels of migration mean voter turnout is likely to be low on polling day.
Tongans are heading to the polls this week amid concerns that democratic reforms in the country could be short-lived.
Civil society groups in Vanuatu are calling for a provincial government to reverse a ban on menstruating women from selling food at markets and roadside stalls.
A report has revealed reveals political trust is at a new low New Caledonia despite efforts to rebuild unity after last years riots.
China's presence in the Pacific is often viewed in the context of geopolitical tension and rivalry. But Chinese people have been in the region for generations — these are their stories.
Tonga's king has taken control of a government department in what critics say is a 'slap' to democracy in the Pacific nation.
Critics and democracy advocates in Tonga have slammed a controversial law to bring the kingdom's foreign relations back under the control of the King.
Tongans call for child protection reforms following the arrest of former missionary James Purdy charged with sexually abusing minors in the Kingdom. Also, Cricket PNG announce their line up for the next leg of the World Cricket League Challenge in Jersey.
Domestic air travel in Tonga is at a standstill after serious safety concerns grounded the country's only domestic airline, Lulutai.
A new bridge project designed to connect the eastern side to Nuku'alofa and bring Tonga closer together is instead creating division in the community.
There's more drama in Tonga's aviation sector with questions over the future of ground handling at Fuaʻamotu International Airport in Nuku'alofa.
The final investigation report into an aircraft accident involving a Lulutai Airlines plane in December 2023 has been released.
Pacific Island nations Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu are reported to be facing US travel bans, but officials say they are yet to learn why.
A debate has begun over whether the balance between tradition, faith and daily life in Tonga needs to be re-weighted.
Tonga is so serious about the Sabbath that it banned most Sunday trading. Now the king and police are urging people to keep the day holy.
Yet another Pacific airline is facing the prospect of going under, with Tonga's national carrier Lulutai Airlines this week searching for partners to help keep it afloat.
Tourism operators in the Kingdom say the lack of consistent flights is hitting them hard.
As Australians cast their votes at this weekend's Federal Elections, Pacific leaders, officials and civil society groups will be watching closely.
As Australians cast their votes at this weekend's Federal Election, the poll will be watched closely by Pacific leaders.
Almost everyone has an opinion on Australia in the Pacific's capitals. Their leaders and civil society groups will watch its election result closely.
The US Tsunami Warning Centre earlier warned waves were possible within 300 kilometres of the epicentre, which struck approximately 100 kilometres off the coast of Tonga.