Auckland, NZ — Tongan families in New Zealand are expressing anger and heartbreak after the Tonga Ministry of Revenue & Customs announced it would auction off their long-delayed shipments.
Many expressed outrage toward shipping companies, alleging they were deceived into paying thousands of dollars while their goods were never cleared through Tongan Customs.
Kaniva News is withholding the companies’ names and owners as we are currently investigating and liaising with authorities. We will publish further updates on this matter.
These shipments include vehicles, household goods, and personal items, which the ministry described as being subject to auction due to unpaid clearance fees.
If you were impacted by this situation, contact Kaniva News: kanivatonganz@gmail.com.
The auction was set this week for 21 June 2025 at Queen Salote Wharf, leaving many in the diaspora feeling betrayed by freight companies they trusted.
The Ministry’s public notice listed items for sale, such as motor vehicles, building supplies, electronics, and used clothing. Many of these belonged to Tongans who had already paid for shipping from New Zealand.
One affected woman told Kaniva News that despite multiple attempts to contact the shipping company after submitting her payments, she received no reply.
“This is a scam. I paid tens of thousands, but now our things are being sold off,” one frustrated family said.
A customer of another company said he was heartbroken to see his goods displayed in footage and photos the Ministry of Customs shared during the auction.
Others demanded government intervention, arguing that Customs should hold freight companies accountable rather than punishing customers.
The Ministry of Customs maintains that the auction follows standard procedures for uncleared goods after prolonged storage.
A statement from the Ministry said: “The public is hereby notified that overdue goods which have been stored at the Customs Controlled Areas will be sold by Public Auction at Queen Salote Wharf at 10 am, Saturday 21st June 2025. Goods for sale include alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, motor vehicles, building materials, household effects, used clothing, computer supplies, and freight of all kinds. Details of the items to be auctioned can be obtained from the Customs head office at Queen Salote Wharf. For more information, please contact telephone 7400650 or 7400660.”
