Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board - TNQAB

TNQAB Staff Attend Retirement Entitlement Awareness Session

Date: 31 March 2026 Venue: TNQAB Conference Room

The Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) conducted an in-house awareness session this morning in collaboration with the Retirement Board to clarify staff entitlements under the retirement scheme.

During the session, staff were informed that TNQAB employees will be eligible to access their retirement fund upon reaching the age of 60 years. It was further emphasized that employees must formally retire from employment in order to claim the full retirement benefit.

The briefing also outlined conditions for early retirement. These include circumstances such as medical incapacity, migration, or death. In such cases, appropriate supporting documentation is required to enable employees or their beneficiaries to claim the full entitlement.

With regard to financial hardship, employees were advised that they may access up to TOP 2,000 after three months of unemployment. This arrangement is subject to review every six months. Staff raised concerns regarding the definition of “financial hardship,” particularly in light of current economic pressures facing the country, such as increases in fuel prices. The Retirement Officer acknowledged these concerns and provided further clarification on the assessment process.

The Retirement Officer also emphasized the importance of each employee completing an “Employee Will” form. This ensures that, in the event of death, retirement funds are distributed according to the employee’s wishes. Where no form has been completed, payments will require legal confirmation before
disbursement.

The session concluded with clarification on the Elderly Benefit Fund, which becomes effective at the age of 66. Staff expressed concern about the gap between the retirement age of 60 and eligibility for the elderly benefit at age 66.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the team from the National Retirement Benefits Fund for delivering such an insightful and engaging session with TNQAB staff this morning. It was invaluable for our team to gain a clearer understanding of their retirement benefits, and even more meaningful to hear this information directly from the source. We are truly grateful for your time, expertise, and commitment to supporting our staff’s financial awareness and future planning.

The first session of our in-house Performance Management System (PMS) Training was held yesterday, 30th March 2026, at the TNQAB Conference Room. The training was presented by Deputy CEO Pauline Moa and helped staff understand how to use the PMS and improve their daily work. Everyone took part actively and showed strong interest in learning new skills.

This training will help improve staff performance, increase employee engagement, and make our human resource processes more efficient. One of the main outputs will be clear PMS reports, which will help the organization make better decisions and continue to improve.

We would like to thank Pacific Australia Skills for supporting this training. Their support is helping us improve our performance management and build a stronger organization.

Meeting Date: 26 March 2026 Venue: MET Finance Division Conference Room.

TNQAB Consults Ministry of Education Finance Division on 2026–2027 Budget Proposal

A meeting was convened to consult with the Ministry of Education and Training’s Finance Division, under the supervision of Mrs. Kalolaine Moeaki, regarding the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) budget proposal for the 2026–2027 financial year.

The purpose of the meeting was to present and justify the proposed budget and to seek guidance from the Ministry’s Finance Division. Discussions focused on ensuring that the proposed allocations were aligned with policy priorities and supported by appropriate justifications.

As an outcome of the meeting, the TNQAB Finance Unit was advised to revise and re-submit the budget proposal, together with detailed justifications, on the following day, 27 March 2026, in preparation for the formal budget presentation to the Ministry of Finance.

Training Date: 25 March 2026 Venue: MET Conference Room.

TNQAB Staff Participate in Procurement Workshop Led by the Pacific Australia Skills (PAS)

The Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) staff participated in a Procurement
Workshop held on 25 March 2026 at the Ministry of Education and Training Main Conference Room.
The workshop was organized under the Pacific Australia Skills (PAS) initiative to strengthen procurement
knowledge and promote effective procurement practices across education sector agencies.

The session commenced with welcome remarks and an opening prayer delivered by Ms. Star Pau’u,
Pacific Australia Skills Tonga Team Lead. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of
procurement fundamentals, processes, and engagement strategies, ensuring compliance with PAS
procurement procedures.

Ms. Rebekah Prole, Regional Operations Manager for Pacific Australia Skills, facilitated the main
technical sessions, covering Procurement Fundamentals and Procurement Process Essentials. These
presentations provided participants with practical insights into procurement planning, sourcing
requirements, and ensuring transparency and accountability throughout procurement activities.

An interactive procurement engagement activity followed, allowing participants to apply their knowledge
in a collaborative setting. The session encouraged discussion, experience sharing, and strengthened
participants’ confidence in implementing procurement procedures effectively within their respective
organizations.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Star Pau’u emphasizing the importance of sound
procurement practices in supporting efficient service delivery and responsible management of public
resources.

The event ended with a group photo and refreshments, marking a successful and informative engagement.
TNQAB acknowledges the Pacific Australia Skills for facilitating this important capacity-building
opportunity, which contributes to strengthening institutional governance and operational effectiveness.

Wednesday 25 March 2026: Successful review of national qualifications in sustainable energy.

Mrs. Mele Taufa, Acting Principal Qualifications Officer (National Qualifications) and representatives of the qualification developer (Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) and Tonga Department of Energy) went on national television on Wednesday 25 March to update he Tonga public on the successful review of two national qualifications in sustainable energy.

Left to Right – Mr. Samiuela Matakaiongo (Principal Energy Planner, Department of Energy – MEIDECC), Mrs. Mele Taufa Fakahua (TNQAB), Mr. Sosefo Tofu (Energy Specialist – PCREEE).

Thursday 26, March 2026:
The 3rd Board meeting for the current year was held 2pm yesterday (25th March 2025), at the TNQAB Headquarter, on Salote Road, Nuku’alofa. Chaired by the Hon Minister of Education, Dr. Mo’ale ‘Otunuku, the meeting was well attended by the Board Directors, reflecting strong engagement and commitment. On the agenda were several key matters, pertinent to the operation and core mandates of TNQAB, were tabled and resolved. The meeting concluded at 3:30 pm after productive discussions and deliberations."

L-R: Mr. Sione Lolohea (CEO-Tonga Statistics), Mr. Vili Maka Foliaki (CEO-TNQAB, Board-Secretary), Dr. Mo'ale 'Otunuku (Chairman, Minister of Education and Training), Dr. Robin Havea (Director, Tonga Campus, USP), Dr. Fotu Valeli Fisi'iiahi (CEO-Tonga Ministry of Public Enterprises), and Dr. Siaosi Maeakafa Jr (representative of non-government education systems)

The TNQAB Office is pleased to acknowledge that Mr. Vilimaka Foliaki has been officially appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board, effective 29th January 2026.

Vili Maka is an accomplished education professional with a strong background in science teaching, teacher education, and educational leadership. He completed his high school studies at Tonga High School and pursued higher education at the University of the South Pacific (Fiji) and Curtin University (Australia).

He began his career as a science teacher at Tonga College (1991–1995) and later at the Tonga National Form Seven (1995–2003). He then served as a science teacher educator at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji (2003–2011), followed by a role as Fellow in Teacher Education at the USP Institute of Education in Tonga (2012–2014).

He also contributed to national educational development as the Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor for the Tonga Education Support Project (2nd Phase, 2015–2016) under the Tonga Ministry of Education. In 2018, Vili Maka joined TNQAB as a PQO-National Qualifications, a position he held until his appointment as CEO in January 2026.

We acknowledge his service and contributions in his previous role and look forward to his continued leadership in this new capacity.

Warmest congratulations to Mr. Foliaki on his well-deserved appointment! Malo e ngaue.

WE’RE HIRING — Join the TNQAB Team!

The Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) is pleased to announce TWO new vacant positions now open for applications.

Vacancy 1: Principal Qualification Officer (PQO), National Qualifications Unit
Salary Band: H
Application Deadline: 4:30PM, 26th March 2026

Vacancy 2: Qualification Officer
Salary Band: K
Application Deadline: 4:30PM, 09th March 2026

Please visit our website link below for more details (www.tnqab.to -> Resources -> Vacancies)

link: https://tnqab.to/vacancies/

Vacancies - Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) TNQAB Vacant Position: Qualifications Officer – Accreditation Division See documents below for more details: Application Form, 2026 JD QO-Accreditation Divsion QO_AD ad