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 Matangi Tonga Online, and beloved husband, father and grandfather, who died on 12 October 2025, at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga.
Located in Nuku’alofa in Tonga, Matangi Tonga Online is published by Vava’u Press Limited. The publishing company was established in 1979 by Pesi and his wife Mary Lyn.
Tagata Pasifika reporter/journalist John Pulu says it is a great loss for Tonga as Pesi was a hardworking stalwart of the media industry not just in the kingdom but across the region.
“Pesi and his team created a trusted online platform so that news and information reached Tongans and people all over the world,” Pulu says.
“Matangi Tonga played a vital role in keeping people informed as so many of our kāinga are now living abroad and this was a connection to what is happening back home.”
Arrangements for the funeral and for friends and family to pay their respects will be shared in the coming days.
Pesi is survived by his wife Mary Lyn, Lano & Helen, Finau, and grandchildren.
