Sivuki

Sivuki is a small, sparsely populated island located in the northern sector of the Tongan archipelago, approximately 50 kilometres east of Tongatapu. The island covers an area of about 1.5 square kilometres and is characterized by a low-lying limestone plateau that rises to a maximum elevation of 120 metres. Its terrain is interspersed with patches of secondary rainforest and coastal mangrove swamps, providing habitat for native bird species such as the Tongan fantail and the two–toed hermit. The surrounding waters are rich in marine biodiversity, supporting local fisheries that consist mainly of reef fish, lobsters, and trochus shells.

Human settlement on Sivuki dates back to the late 18th century, according to oral tradition, when Polynesian settlers established a small community of around 100 individuals. Archaeological investigations have unearthed shell middens and basalt ceramic fragments which indicate a subsistence strategy based on fishing and limited horticulture, particularly taro and cassava. The island’s traditional governance was organized around a council of elders, a system that persisted into the 20th century.

In contemporary times, the population has declined steadily due to migration to mainland Tonga and New Zealand, leaving behind a small number of households primarily involved in subsistence agriculture and occasional sea‑food collection. The island has remained largely uncommercialised, preserving many of its ecological and cultural characteristics. Conservation efforts led by Tongan environmental agencies aim to protect its unique flora and fauna while revitalising traditional cultural practices.