The Polynesia Regional Office (PRO) based in the Kingdom of Tonga is an integral part of SPC’s ecosystem of regional services and programmes, where it is the connector, coordinator and facilitator that brokers and leverages opportunities to advance development needs and priorities of members in line with the Strategic Plan 2022-2031 (PRO Fa’atonutonu Folau Operating Framework, 2023).

The creation of the PRO in addition to the Micronesia Regional Office and Melanesia Regional Office, places SPC in a strategic position to deliver services that reach even the most remote Pacific communities. It provides a mechanism that will bring regional services closer to the people, acknowledging the distance of some Polynesian members and the realities of Polynesian Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that require tailored support and services (Ibid). The PRO serves SPC’s 10 Polynesian Member Countries (PMC) including American Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, Pitcairn, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna.

It was officially opened on 27^th April 2023 by the Prime Minister of Tonga Honourable Hu’akavameiluku, thereby beginning its operations officially out of its location in Nuku’alofa.

The newly established office is centred on the perspectives of SPC’s Polynesian members; informed and guided by SPC’s Pacific values of Enginkelap (generosity), Kaitiakitanga (stewardship), Gida Gaituvwa (unity), and Aroha (care). The work of PRO is further embedded in people-centred approaches ensuring resonance and responsiveness. It is a reminder of the need to be grounded in our Pacific contexts and cultures as we serve the people of the Pacific.  

The PRO is led by Polynesia Regional Director Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, who brings to this role more than 25 years of experience with expertise in strategic leadership, regional and international relations, strategic policy and programme delivery.

The office is underpinned by three key workstreams over the coming years including:

1. Decentralised service delivery
2. Coordination, communication, and engagement
3. Cultural and political diplomacy

SPC's presence recognises both the development needs and the potential in Polynesia, as the largest sub-region of the Pacific. Furthermore, it highlights the significant value of member voice and engagement in how we deliver and serves Pacific people at all levels of society.