In June 2026, Friends of Tonga collaborated with former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle and Super Bowl champion Haloti Ngata and local Tongan organizations to support community-led environmental conservation efforts in Tonga. Take a look at news coverage of this exciting partnership.
New Castle News
New Castle News featured the partnership between Friends of Tonga and Haloti Ngata, highlighting the organization’s work connecting communities in the United States and Tonga through environmental stewardship, education, and service. The story also recognized Friends of Tonga’s roots in western Pennsylvania through President and Co-Founder Michael Hassett.
Read the full story at New Castle News
Talanoa ‘o Tonga
Talanoa ‘o Tonga covered Haloti Ngata’s participation in a community-led environmental exchange, showcasing mangrove restoration, sustainable agriculture, and the leadership of local Tongan organizations working to strengthen climate resilience across the Kingdom.
Read the full story at Talanoa ‘o Tonga
Tagata Pasifika (TVNZ)
New Zealand’s Tagata Pasifika featured the exchange during its national news broadcast, bringing the story of Haloti Ngata’s return to Tonga and the community-led conservation efforts to audiences across Aotearoa New Zealand. The feature starts around the 2:25 mark.
Scoop Pacific
Scoop Pacific reported on the environmental exchange, highlighting how Friends of Tonga partnered with Tongan organizations and Haloti Ngata to support mangrove restoration, sustainable agriculture, and broader climate resilience efforts led by local communities.
Read the full story at Scoop Pacific
WJZ-TV (CBS Baltimore)
WJZ highlighted the connection between Baltimore and the Pacific through a story focused on giving back and climate resilience.