Marian Kupu

In Tonga the royal family is almost universally revered, yet this week's drama has left many Tongans questioning their king's logic — and left many questions unanswered.

The remains of two Tongan males stored in the Australian Museum's collection in Sydney have been repatriated to their present-day descendants and laid to rest in a royal funeral service attended by hundreds.

Lisala Folau, known as Tonga's "Aquaman", survived 27 hours in open ocean after being swept from his island home. Two years on from that day, his island is abandoned.   

Guns are not a common sight in Tonga — but that is changing. An increase in crime and drug use in the small island nation is causing many to arm themselves, both legally and illegally.

A near-record number of Pacific Islanders are in Australia working on farms and abattoirs. The workforce has kept Australia's agricultural economy afloat and transformed the lives of thousands — but it comes at a cost.