Volunteers remove truckloads of waste from Tonga beaches as King’s Baton Relay ends in triumph

About 500 volunteers, including athletes, church groups, children, diplomats and government officials joined forces to collect an estimated 50,000 pieces of plastic from Tonga’s beaches as part of the Commonwealth Games’ global Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, which forms part of the Relay event.

Waste included water bottles, takeaway containers, candy wrappers and disposable plates and utensils.

TASANOC organised beach clean-ups at:

• Nuku‘alofa Foreshore on 3 February – 23,000 pieces of plastic waste collected
• Ha‘atafu Beach on 4 February – 10,000 pieces of plastic waste collected
• Halaika Beach on 7 February – 15,000 pieces of plastic waste collected.

Royal participants at the Ha’atafu beach clean-up included the Honourable Fāhina Filipe, who is also a member of the Outrigger club, with her brothers, Hon. Siosaia and the Hon. Mateialona.

TASANOC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General Netina Vea said the volunteer efforts were outstanding.

“Watching our children help collect plastic was a highlight, because this is their future. We are proud that through this campaign our communities are developing a stronger appreciation for a clean environment and greater respect for the life-giving properties of our oceans and waterways.”

Tonga’s Commonwealth Games’ King’s Baton was also featured during the week. For the first time, the design of each country’s Baton was left up to participating nations. Tonga’s was hand-carved by renowned local artist Sitiveni Fehoko and includes intricate patterns on Scottish Ashwood to honour Tonga’s deep ocean heritage and early leadership in Pacific seafaring and navigation.

On 2 February, British High Commissioner to Tonga, His Excellency Mr Philip Malone, presented the Baton to Tonga’s Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, marking the start of Tonga’s celebration week.

Each of the world’s Batons feature one word, and when all 74 come together in Glasgow, a full message from His Majesty King Charles III will be revealed to officially open the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

TASANOC is grateful for the support of the UK Government through the British High Commission in Nuku'alofa.

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