Through our donation to the Tonga Maritime Polytechnic Institute ("TMPI"), we are supporting the development of the local maritime industry through the provision of marine scholarships and participation of trainees in exploration cruises.

In 2009, six students were reimbursed the fees of TOP2,000 they paid for their 2009 course. The same reimbursement occurred for six students from the 2008 course. One of the courses supported by Nautilus was Master Class III certification from TMPI in 2008. Students who pass can be master of any size vessel operating within Tonga.

Nautilus continues to further the study of science by our sponsorship of the University of Canterbury’s EcoCare Pacific Trust National High School Science Competition. The EcoCare Pacific Trust is a non-profit organisation set up by the University of Canterbury alumni to address health, education and environmental issues in the Pacific Region. The National High School Science Competition is an annual event that aims to encourage high school students and their teachers to participate in the sciences, and encourage further study at a tertiary level. In recognition of the importance of the science competition Nautilus has created the Nautilus Minerals Science prize which offers TOP$200 for each of the teachers of the winning students, TOP$500 for each of the students and TOP$7900 for a container of educational equipment one third of which will be distributed to each of the schools with winning students .In 2009 The Nautilus Minerals Tonga funded container was filled with 60 computers, 18 printers, 10 digital cameras, 20 PDA’s, 12 book cases, 10 chairs, 6 tables, 20 boxes of books, a pallet of A4 printer paper and 3 fax machines. It is hoped that the students and schools that receive these resources will gain great benefit from this generous prize.

To read more about this sponsorship please click here.

Nautilus has committed to this project again for 2010.

In 2009 another two single mobile suction units costing TOP19,794 were purchased. There units were delivered Vava’u Island and Vaiola Hospital. Nautilus has committed a further TOP20,000 to the Dental section again for 2010.

Vaiola Hospital A&E/Casualty/Outpatient ward

In 2009 Nautilus committed TOP8,000 to the Vaiola Hospital for the purchase of equipment/supplies that will improve delivery of service in the A&E/Casualty/Outpatients ward. Nautilus has committed to making the same donation again this year to support this initiative at the Vaiola hospital.

Vaiola Hospital Ambulance Upgrade

A new initiative for 2010, Nautilus has committed TOP8,400 for the purchase of equipment/services that will improve operational capability of one ambulance to New Zealand standards.

Niu’ui Hospital, Ha’apai - Ashika ferry tragedy

In 2009 Nautilus made a one of payment to the Ha’apai hospital to help with buying supplies and equipment to improve the provision of services at the hospital. This donation was in response to the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika, an inter-island ferry which sunk off the coast of Nuku’lofa Nuku’alofa on its way to the Ha’apai group of islands.