Tsunami-wrecked houses in Samoa are being rebuilt on higher ground - but without protection against cyclones or earthquakes, engineers say.

Attorney-General John Caughi has accused the Tongan govt of trying to curb an independent judiciary and attempting to interfere with the Princess Ashika inquiry.

The sunken ferry Princess Ashika was known to be unseaworthy by the Tongan government, leaked reports claim.

The convicted violent criminal who lived in Government minister Paula Bennett's home is out of prison - and has been kicked out of the country.

A woman's trial for murdering a three-year-old boy in her care was abandoned today after four weeks because a key medical witness was too ill to give evidence.

Tropical Cyclone Rene continued to pound Tonga with powerful winds overnight, causing major damage.

The tropics have exploded into action with 3 major cyclones in just a week.

Tonga is being slammed by Cyclone Rene, with powerful winds ripping off roofs, tearing down trees and power lines and cutting communications.

The Princess Ashika was an old "rust bucket" and he had not revised a memorandum of agreement for purchasing the vessel, the man who was company secretary of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia has told a Tongan royal commission.