The Editor of Kaniva News has strongly denied what he describes as blatant lies and fabrications made by Dr Siosiua Lafitani, founder of the controversial Lo‘au University.
The most recent claim, made publicly by Dr Lafitani on Facebook on October 15, alleged that Kaniva News Editor Kalino Latu had requested his assistance with translations between Tongan and English for the news outlet.
Latu has categorically denied the claim, calling it a complete fabrication. “There was no such request. It was a lie, pure and simple,” he said.
Latu said: “At no point did the organisation request Dr Lafitani’s assistance with journalism or translation, as it does not consider him a specialist in either field.”
Kaniva News described the accusation as part of a broader pattern of baseless claims and an apparent attempt to silence the outlet.
Lafitani’s attack against Kaniva News followed a report by the outlet that a former student had engaged lawyer Nalesoni Tupou to recover NZ$2,200 in school fees paid to Lafitani for a Bachelor of Arts programme.
However, shortly after beginning the course, the student, Toki‘ukamea Liutai, began to question the quality of the programme and the professionalism with which it was delivered. He demanded his money back.
Following the refund, Lafitani took to Facebook and continued his attacks on Liutai, publishing personal information and, at one point, referring to him as a “fool” (“vale”). Liutai criticised the behaviour as racist and suggested it may be defamatory.
READ MORE:
- Dr Lafitani refunds fees after student engages lawyer over course quality and alleged academic fraud
- Lawyer Tupou accuses Prof Lafitani of lying about Tonga’s democracy and questions his knowledge of law and the status of Lo’au University
- EDITORIAL: Professor Lafitani continues to attack Kaniva News, but his claims that Tonga’s political reforms in 2010 were not a change for democracy are a lie
- Academic accusations fly as controversial Lo’au University denies fraud allegations
- Former student accuses Lo’au University dean of public racist remarks following tuition fee refund
Dr Lafitani has also claimed that Kaniva News, along with lawyer Nalesoni Tupou, has published numerous defamatory articles about him.
However, he has failed to provide any specific examples—no article titles, publication dates, or sources—raising concerns that the accusations are part of a smear campaign rather than a legitimate grievance.
In addition, Dr Lafitani has attempted to undermine the credibility of Kaniva News by alleging that its articles are merely cut-and-pasted from other sources and distributed without proper verification.
Kaniva News has rejected these claims, stating that its editorial standards are based on journalistic integrity and factual reporting.
Kaniva News understands that Dr Lafitani’s grievances may be connected to his political stance and his long-running campaign to change the public mindset regarding Tonga’s 2010 political reform.
Dr Lafitani, who resides in Australia, has been a vocal critic of the reform, which was widely seen as a shift towards democracy. Kaniva News’s extensive reporting on Tongan democracy is understood to have been a point of agitation for him.
