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COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.

COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.

Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.

They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.

Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.

However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.

Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.

READ MORE

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PM’s son slams approval of TP$200,000 to pay MPs to fly to NZ for Mate Ma‘a Tonga test

Bad luck fears mount amid debates on MPs’ controversial Mate Ma‘a attendance

In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.

MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.

He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority  in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.

The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.

The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.

Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.

Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.

This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular. 

A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.

New Police Commissioner appointed for Tonga Police

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Police will welcome a new leader next week as Commissioner Shane McLennan prepares to conclude his three-year term.

Commissioner-Designate Geoff Turner

His successor, Geoff Turner, currently a Commander with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), has been approved by His Majesty King Tupou VI and will be sworn in on 12 May 2025.

Commander Turner brings a wealth of international experience to the role.

Born in New Zealand, he began his career in the Royal New Zealand Navy before migrating to Australia in 1900 and joining the AFP.

Over his distinguished career, he has served in various high-profile roles, including drug and organised crime operations in Sydney, close personal protection for the Israeli Consul General, and multiple United Nations deployments to Cyprus, East Timor, and Afghanistan.

His expertise extends to leadership positions such as Detective Superintendent in the AFP’s money laundering taskforce and Contingent Commander in Timor-Leste.

Most recently, he served as Commander of Specialist Operations, overseeing search and rescue, canine operations, and tactical teams.

Commissioner-Designate Turner holds degrees in Business and Policing, along with two master’s degrees in business management and anti-money laundering.

His appointment marks a new chapter for Tonga Police as they transition under his leadership.

Commissioner McLennan’s Marching Out Parade is scheduled for Friday, 9 May, ahead of Turner’s official swearing-in ceremony.

Bus catches fire in Tonga; flames extinguished with bucket of water

By
Kaniva Staff
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A minibus fire was captured on video and uploaded to Facebook this morning after flames erupted from the vehicle’s door before being quickly extinguished.

The footage shows smoke and flames rapidly spreading along the side of the bus as onlookers react.

Reports said the incident occurred in Masilamea village, Vava’u.

In a bold attempt to control the blaze, a man rushed toward the burning bus with a bucket of water and successfully doused the fire.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the incident, and no injuries have been reported.

Police and fire officials have not yet issued an official statement.

Residents expressed shock at the sudden incident, with many praising the bystander’s quick thinking.

“You can see here—a bus on fire,” the person recording the video remarked.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

Ninety kilos of meth lands at Auckland Airport in under 12 hours

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1News Reporters

  • Customs have seized a combined total of more than 90 kilograms of methamphetamine found in abandoned bags on two inbound flights in under 12 hours at Auckland International Airport over the weekend.
50.2kg of methamphetamine discovered in two bags abandoned on a flight from Malaysia.
50.2kg of methamphetamine discovered in two bags abandoned on a flight from Malaysia. (Source: NZ Customs)

The first intercept occurred after a flight from Malaysia which landed around midnight on April 26.

Customs officers identified two bags containing 50.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

“The bags contained four smaller duffle bags, each with individually wrapped packages of methamphetamine,” a statement from Customs said.

40.5 kilograms was uncovered in two backpacks abandoned on a flight from Los Angeles.
40.5 kilograms was uncovered in two backpacks abandoned on a flight from Los Angeles. (Source: NZ Customs)

The second intercept was off a flight from Los Angeles early in the morning of April 27.

Border agencies identified two backpacks and referred them to Customs who found 40.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The seized methamphetamine was estimated to have a combined street value of up to $34 million and could have caused up to $95 million in potential harm and cost to New Zealand.

An investigation to identify those responsible for the abandoned luggage items was ongoing, Customs said.

Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said it was “rapid, skilled work” undertaken by staff “who know exactly what to look for”.

“They acted immediately, intercepted the suspicious bags, and shut down what would have been a significant shipment of methamphetamine reaching into our communities.”

Williams said preventing organised crime from profiting by harming New Zealanders was an “absolute priority” for Customs.

The Customs team has seized an estimated 405.69 kilograms of drugs across couriers and baggage at Auckland International Airport this year.

‘Kulikuli’ impeachment vs $60M COVID scandal: Tonga’s Parliament punishes insults, excuses corruption

By
Kalino Latu
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Editorial – The impeachment of Police Minister Piveni Piukala for allegedly violating Constitution Clause 70, ‘Offences against the Assembly’, has laid bare a staggering hypocrisy in Tonga’s governance.

While Parliament acts with lightning speed to punish a minister for offensive remarks, it remains deafeningly silent on an infinitely graver breach: the former government’s failure to account for $60 million in COVID-19 funds, a direct violation of the Constitution Clause 53.

The constitution clause 53 says: “When the Legislative Assembly shall meet the Treasurer shall present to the Legislative Assembly on behalf of the Cabinet an account of all moneys which have been received and expended during the current year or since the last meeting of the Assembly and the nature of the receipts and expenditure.”

This is not just inconsistency—it is institutionalised double standards. When a noble’s dignity is slighted, the machinery of justice grinds swiftly into motion. But when the Auditor General said he found no records or receipts of millions allocated for the COVID-19 disaster, the response was a shrug. If this is how Tonga defines accountability, then the system is not merely flawed; it is failing its people.

The $60 Million Question: Where’s the Outrage?

The Auditor General’s report exposed a shocking dereliction of duty: the former Hu’akavameiliku government was unable to produce proper records or receipts for $60 million in pandemic relief funds.

These were not discretionary expenses—they were lifelines for Tongans in crisis. Yet the Lord Speaker Fakafanua and Prime Minister Eke’s defence—that no rules required documentation—is as absurd as it is alarming.

Emergency spending does not mean abandoning accountability—clause 53 mandates transparency. Yet, despite the Auditor General’s damning findings, there have been no serious investigations, no prosecutions, no consequences.

The Speaker and Prime Minister’s dismissive stance sends a clear message: some breaches of the Constitution matter more than others.

Contrast with Piukala’s Case: Priorities laid bare

Compare this to the uproar over Police Minister Piveni Piukala’s remarks. His language—calling nobles “kulikuli” (smelly) and Parliament a “house of fools”—was undiplomatic, even crude. But his underlying frustration with corruption and incompetence resonates with many Tongans who see the same rot in their institutions.

Instead of addressing his critique, Lord Fohe moved swiftly to impeach him, and Parliament’s Privileges Committee acted with unusual efficiency. The message? Insult the nobility, and face immediate punishment. Misplace millions? Carry on.

The hypocrisy surrounding Tonga’s leadership is glaring: there is no record of how the $60 million was spent, yet silence prevails, while a minister’s insult to the powerful leads to instant consequences.

This stark contrast reveals that if the Constitution is weaponised to shield the elite but disregarded when it calls for fiscal responsibility, then Tonga’s democracy is merely performative, lacking substance.

The citizens deserve leaders who confront corruption with the same fervour they exhibit towards insults. The choice before Tonga’s leaders is clear: will they uphold the Constitution for everyone or only when it serves their interests?

True accountability cannot be selective, and if Parliament prioritises its image over integrity, public trust will continue to erode.

The people are watching closely, and the pressing question is no longer whether the system is broken, but whether those in power possess the courage to repair it.

Venomous sea snake found at Auckland beach: Public urged to stay away

By
Kaniva Staff
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RNZ Online

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is warning the public to stay clear of the southern end of Omaha Beach near Auckland after a live venomous yellow-bellied sea snake was found resting in the sand dunes.

The Department of Conservation is warning the public to stay clear of the southern end of Omaha Beach near Auckland after a live venomous yellow-bellied sea snake – was found. Photo: Supplied / Department of Conservation

DOC senior ranger Karl Fisher said the snake was spotted by a member of the public, and a ranger has been sent to investigate. In the meantime, people and their dogs are urged to avoid the area.

A ranger has been dispatched to the site, but officials are warning people – and their dogs – to steer clear of the area in the meantime.

The yellow-bellied sea snakes are venomous and can be aggressive, Fisher said. They are found throughout the Pacific Ocean and are native to New Zealand.

The Department of Conservation is warning the public to stay clear of the southern end of Omaha Beach near Auckland after a live venomous yellow-bellied sea snake – was found. Photo: Supplied / Department of Conservation

“It’s very uncommon to see them on land, but with the extreme weather we’ve had recently, we are seeing all kinds of birds and sea life being blown ashore.”

Yellow-bellied sea snakes are rarely encountered on beaches.

Fisher said the area will likely be cordoned off once the ranger assesses the situation, and a decision will be made about what to do with the snake.

DOC reminded the public it is illegal to kill or possess a native sea snake, and urged anyone who sees the creature to report sightings immediately by calling 0800 DOC HOT.

“We want to make sure the public are aware and especially dog walkers or any children playing in the area,” Fisher said.

Auckland tribunal orders ‘Ofa Siasau to repay $26,250 in Tongitupe pyramid scheme case 

By
Kalino Latu
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An Auckland tribunal has ordered Ofa Siasau to repay Pita Hingano $26,250 by May 21, 2025, after ruling that she operated an illegal pyramid scheme, Tongitupe New Zealand PTOA. 

‘Ofa Siasau. Photo/Facebook

The decision last week follows widespread controversy over multiple pyramid schemes within New Zealand’s Tongan community three years ago, which left many participants out of pocket by thousands of dollars. 

Several scheme operators now face legal action in both New Zealand and the U.S. 

Tongitupe New Zealand PTOA was founded by Tilila Siola’a Walker Sumchai, who is currently facing charges in ongoing legal proceedings. 

The tribunal found that Pita Hingano invested $54,000 into Siasau’s scheme between April and July 2021. 

He was promised a return of $2,500 per week for every $4,500 invested. 

Hingano received $27,750 in returns before Siasau halted payments, citing “some issues.” 

The tribunal ruled that the scheme violated Section 24 of the Fair Trading Act (FTA), which prohibits pyramid selling. 

Siasau did not appear at the final hearing on 7 November 2024, despite being warned that adjournments would not be granted for missed emails. 

She has been ordered to repay $26,250, the difference between Hingano’s investment and his returns. 

Other court cases

As recently reported, several Tongans, including a man and two women, were fined for promoting a “cash-gifting” pyramid scheme targeting the Tongan community in South Auckland. The trio were Feleti Halafihi, Frances Saimone, and Patricia Pousini. 

They were involved in the multiple schemes operating between 2021 and 2022. 

An estimated 240 people participated, investing between $225,000 and $336,750 in that scheme. 

In 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 30-count indictment (14 September 2023) against Walker, charging her with wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and the sale of unregistered securities, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. 

At the time, reports indicated that more than 1,000 investors had contributed over $13 million to Walker’s scheme. 

Tonga observes toumoloto as nation mourns Pope Francis

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga will observe toumoloto ‘o e fuka’, a traditional practice of lowering flags to half-mast as a sign of respect, on Saturday, April 26, in honour of the late Pope Francis.

Sr Maletina Sili is placing the kahoa kakala around Pope Francis’ neck. Photo/Supplied

The Cabinet confirmed the national tribute during a media briefing yesterday, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep reverence for the departed pontiff.

Meanwhile, all Catholic churches in Tonga have been draped in violet, the Church’s liturgical colour (sometimes referred to as purple), traditionally associated with Lent, Advent, and periods of mourning.

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 in Vatican City. His death followed a period of declining health, including complications from pneumonia and a recent stroke.

His funeral will take place at 10am Vatican Time (8pm Tonga Time) in St. Peter’s Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista presiding over the ceremony.

As a predominantly Christian nation, Tonga joins the global Catholic community in mourning the loss of a figure widely admired for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalised. Government offices, schools, and institutions across the Kingdom will fly their flags at half-mast on Saturday in solemn remembrance.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a profound loss not only for Catholics but for all who valued his message of peace and unity,” said a government representative. “Tonga stands in solidarity with the world in paying our respects.”

The late Pope’s legacy of interfaith dialogue and social justice resonated deeply in Tonga. Since the announcement of his death, Tongans have widely shared photos on Facebook of their visits to the Vatican, many wearing traditional taʻovala and kahoa kakala while posing with the Pope.

Among the most poignant images is one of a Tongan nun placing a kahoa kakala—a highly significant and precious native gift, around the pontiff’s neck.

Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, visibly emotional, repeatedly praised Pope Francis for appointing him as Tonga’s first Cardinal. He is now in Rome as part of a delegation to bid farewell to the late pontiff.

Minister frustrated by elusive report on Tonga million investment in prefab houses for Pacific Forum

By
Kalino Latu
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Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala, has expressed growing frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the construction of approximately 60 prefabricated houses built for last year’s Pacific Islands Forum.

Minister for Publis Enterprises Piveni Piukala

Officials have yet to provide a detailed report on the project’s costs, contractors, and future use, he claimed during a press conference this afternoon in Nuku’alofa.

It follows the Auditor General’s report last week, which stated he found no receipts or records of how the $60 million Covid fund was spent. Former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku claimed that no funds were missing.

The prefab houses, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, were installed across multiple sites in Tongatapu, including 16 on Vaha’akolo Road, 30 on Kausela Road, and over 30 in Sopu.

An additional 60 units in Popua, intended to later operate as a hotel to boost tourism, were also built.

Mr Piukala alleged that the project was poorly planned and provided little tangible benefit for the Pacific Leaders’ meeting.

He claimed that most delegates and travellers stayed elsewhere during the event.

“Pea kou fiu hono ‘eke lipooti ko ia a’u mai ki he ‘aho ni ke nau ‘omai ha fakaikiiki,” he said in Tongan.

In English, he said: “And I have been requesting that report until today for details.”

He noted that the 60 houses constructed in Niu Lodge village at Popua were under the Crown Prince’s authority.

Comparing the project to Lulutai Airlines, he emphasised the need for detailed financial reports on the expenses.

Launching the Forum in Nuku’alofa last year, Hu’akavameiliku said he “committed to ensuring that the 2024 Forum Leaders Meeting is focused on results”.

He also said: “It is my ambition that Leader’s carefully examine the implementation of all key initiatives that have been put in place over the past few years, with a view to monitoring and measuring the tangible outcomes that have been produced- after all, Pacific regionalism is first and foremost about the countries and the territories of the Pacific working together for the purpose of achieving more effective results and impacts at the national and community levels.”

Tonga ex-PM’s ‘No missing money’ defense collides with $60M receipt scandal

By
Kalino Latu
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Commentary – The former Prime Minister’s insistence that no COVID-19 funds are missing, despite the Auditor-General’s finding of no receipts or records for $60 million in expenditures, is a deeply flawed argument that raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.

At its core, this claim appears to be an attempt to deflect responsibility rather than address the glaring failure to document how taxpayer money was spent during a national crisis.   

The fundamental flaw in the former PM’s argument is the logical inconsistency in asserting that no funds are missing while simultaneously failing to provide any proof of how they were used.

Without receipts, expenditure reports, or proper documentation, there is no verifiable way to confirm whether the funds were used appropriately, misallocated, or even misused.

In any accountable government, records are not optional—they are a basic requirement to ensure public funds are managed responsibly. The absence of such documentation is, in itself, a breach of public trust.  

The admission by both the Speaker and the current Prime Minister that no rules required receipts or record-keeping for COVID-19 expenditures is an alarming revelation.

While they argue that the pandemic was unforeseen, this does not excuse the lack of basic financial safeguards. Emergency spending does not mean abandoning accountability—governments worldwide managed to implement COVID-19 relief while maintaining records.

The fact that Tonga’s leadership only now recognises the need for better systems, after $60 million remains unaccounted for, suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to governance.  

Deputy Prime Minister Fusimālohi’s criticism of the former government’s carelessness highlights the political tensions surrounding this issue, but it also underscores a broader systemic failure.

While blaming the previous administration may serve short-term political purposes, the real problem is the absence of enforceable financial controls that should have existed regardless of which party was in power. The heated exchanges in Parliament between former and current officials only distract from the urgent need for institutional reforms.  

The Speaker’s call for new rules to prevent future lapses is a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by concrete action. The Auditor-General’s findings should prompt not just policy changes but also a thorough investigation into how such a significant sum could vanish without a trace.

The public deserves more than just promises—they deserve answers, accountability, and guarantees that this will not happen again.  

Police uncover $30 million cocaine stash in Auckland business

By
Kaniva Staff
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A massive cocaine haul worth nearly $30 million has been discovered hidden inside a shipment of building materials at a Mount Wellington business. The seizure is one of the largest in Auckland in recent years.


Yesterday afternoon, Police were called to the Carbine Road premises after a worker unloading a shipping container of building materials located the bags.


Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, of Auckland City CIB, says more than 75 packages of cocaine wrapped in cellophane were located in the duffle bags.


“An investigation between Police and Customs is now under way following yesterday’s seizure.


“The joint investigation will focus on the movements of the container and its eventual destination,” he says.


“What we do know is that the container transited through Central America in late March 2025 on its way to New Zealand.


“Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and causes a concerning level of harm in our communities.


“This is a significant find and will put a noticeable dent in the availability of this illegal drug in the district and the harm caused by it.”


Customs’ Acting Investigations Manager, Rachael Manning says: “Customs is committed to working in collaboration with Police to play our part in preventing drugs from reaching our communities, where they cause significant social harm.


“We will continue to provide intelligence and investigative support to our Police partners to identify and hold those responsible to account.”


No arrests have been made and at this stage Police are not releasing any further details as investigations remain ongoing.


If you have any information that may assist Police in identifying and locating those involved in the supply of drugs or organised criminal groups you can report information to the Police via 105 if it’s after the fact or 111 if it is happening now.


Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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