The National Reserve Bank of Tonga reported that the Supreme Court dismissed a judicial review claim brought by former Tonga Development Bank (TDB) chief executive Emeline Tuita and former chair Penisimani Vea challenging the central bank’s supervisory directives, and dissolved the injunction that had prevented TDB from taking action against the former CEO. The Court also struck out a separate claim against the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, its Governor Tatafu Moeaki and two journalists as defective, with liberty to replead, and reserved costs. The challenged directives were issued in May 2024 and sought to bar the former CEO and remove the former chair to ensure prudent management of TDB; the press release also notes that on 29 April 2025 the Supreme Court granted TDB leave to withdraw and discontinue proceedings in cases CV24 of 2024 and CV34 of 2024 against the central bank and the Governor. With the strike-out granted with liberty to replead, the defamation claim could be refiled in amended form.
National Reserve Bank of Tonga 2025-10-03
National Reserve Bank of Tonga wins Supreme Court dismissal of judicial review against its Tonga Development Bank directives
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga announced that the Supreme Court dismissed a judicial review claim by former Tonga Development Bank executives challenging the central bank's supervisory directives and dissolved an injunction against the bank. Additionally, a separate claim against the central bank and others was struck out as defective, with liberty to replead, allowing for potential refiling in amended form.