Tributes Pour in for Pesi Siale Fonua, 'a Steady Voice of Truth' and Matangi Tonga Founder

Tributes pour in for Pesi Siale Fonua, 'a steady voice of truth' and Matangi Tonga founder

Pesi Siale Fonua, a veteran Pacific journalist and the publisher-editor of Tonga's leading news website has died at the age of 78.

Matangi Tonga Online publisher Pesi Fonua Dies aged 78

Tonga mourns veteran journalist and Matangi Tonga founder Pesi Siale Fonua. Photo: Koro Vaka’uta Well known Tongan news outlet Matangi Tonga Online is today mourning the loss of their publisher and editor Pesi Fonua who passed away on Sunday.  In a message published on their website the family shared the news. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pesi Siale Fonua (78), well known Pacific Islands journalist, publisher of M…

Matangi Tonga Online Editor and veteran Pacific journalist Pesi Fonua passes away at 78

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Pesi Siale Fonua, editor and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online and a distinguished figure in Pacific Islands journalism, has passed away at the age of 78. Fonua was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away on 12 October 2025 at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga, the online publication announced this morning. […] The post Matangi Tonga Online Editor and veteran Pacific journalist Pesi Fonua passes away at 78 appeared…

Announcement: passing of Pesi Fonua, publisher-editor of Matangi Tonga

Nuku'alofa, Tonga It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Pesi Siale Fonua (78), well known Pacific Islands journalist, publisher of Matangi Tonga Online, and beloved husband, father and grandfather, who died on 12 October 2025, at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga. Arrangements for the funeral and for friends and family to pay their respects will be shared in the coming days. - Posted by Mary Lyn Fonua, with Lano & Helen, Finau, and …