Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

Controversy surrounds MPs’ pay rise backdated  to 2018; but Parliament claims move was legal

Costs and details of MPs’ flight to rugby match still unclear as Speaker responds to our story

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.

SAAB aircraft returns to Ha’apai landing on upgraded runway

By
Kaniva Staff
-

 A SAAB aircraft successfully landed at Ha’apai Airport this week following recent runway extensions that now enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

Chatham Pacific SAAB aircraft landing in Ha’apai airport

Social media footage captured the milestone moment, showing the Chatham SAAB touching down on the newly expanded runway.

The footage, showing the SAAB’s historic landing, was uploaded to Facebook by Lindsay Walter, who identified herself as an airport terminal worker in Ha‘apai.

It shows what appears to be a brand-new, black-coloured runway at Ha’apai Airport—a key upgrade that enabled the historic SAAB landing.

The fresh surfacing contrasts sharply with the island’s previous infrastructure limitations.

“This is a game-changer for our island,” a commenter wrote in Tongan.

“After years of limited air access, we can now welcome larger planes like the SAAB for the first time.”

The successful landing comes as the government confirms Lulutai Airlines’ full operational status, marking a dual advancement for Tonga’s aviation sector following previous controversies.

The government said the infrastructure upgrade could significantly improve tourism and economic opportunities for Ha’apai.

Tonga Police investigate two separate deaths

By
Kaniva Staff
-


Tonga Police are currently investigating two separate death incidents reported on Tuesday.

The victims include a 19-year-old male from Haveluloto, residing in Ta’anea, Vava’u.

The other was a 30-year-old female from Vaini, Tongatapu.

The authorities have not yet determined the causes of death or released further details.

The cases come amid a broader police crackdown, following multiple weekend arrests in Tongatapu for drunk driving and public alcohol consumption.

Tonga Police expressed their condolences to the grieving families, acknowledging the difficulty of their loss during this time.

For further details, media inquiries can be directed to the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740-1614.

Tonga pension fund board fires wife and husband over $500k embezzlement following PM’s warning

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa, TONGA—Tonga’s Retirement Fund Board has allegedly fired a couple following explosive allegations of defrauding $491,922.52 in pension funds from 2022 to 2024.

The dismissals follow a recent warning from Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke regarding an ongoing investigation into accusations of embezzling “hundreds of thousands” from the civil servants’ organisation.

It remains unclear whether the Prime Minister’s claim was linked to the couple’s termination.

The specific details of the incident remain unknown. Authorities could not be reached for comment.

The couple’s dismissal comes after civil servants raised growing concerns about the loan from their investments that was used to fund Lulutai Airlines’ purchase of its controversial Twin Otter aircraft last year.

The former Hu’akavameiliku government borrowed approximately $4.5 million for the purchase but also faced strong criticisms from the Opposition for not addressing the loan transparently and in a timely manner in the House.

It has been reported that the Retirement Fund Board acquired shares in Lulutai Airlines as part of the loan agreement.

The Retirement Fund Board oversees the administration of the retirement fund, which has grown to over $50 million since its establishment in 1999.

This couple’s case follows a growing trend of Tongan courts convicting employees for embezzlement and workplace theft.

As Kaniva News reported previously, a woman from Vava‘u who embezzled over TOP$50,000 from her employer, Heilala Vanila, had been sentenced to 29 months in prison.

Luseanne Ngaluafe Fatafehi, 33, was sentenced after she destroyed and burned records showing payments to farmers provided by a government ministry to the company.

Trump holds back on Iran leader strike as Israel-Iran conflict escalates; New Zealand urges citizens to leave

By
Kaniva Staff
-

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that America will not target Iranian leadership “for now,” even as the aerial conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify.

The crisis, now in its fifth day, was sparked by Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear facilities last Friday, which killed dozens of top scientists and military officials. In response, Iran and Israel have engaged in relentless retaliatory attacks, with explosions reported in Tehran today following Israeli warnings for residents to evacuate.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters confirmed that the government remains “constantly in touch” with citizens in the region and reiterated advice for them to leave immediately.

Rising death tolls and casualties continue to mount. In Israel, 24 people have been killed since hostilities began, while Iran has reported 224 fatalities.

The violence began when Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear program, a move it said was necessary due to Iran’s long-standing threats to “wipe Israel off the map.”

Since then, both nations have traded blows, with missile strikes and explosions rocking Tehran and Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that a Mossad office in Tel Aviv was targeted, while an alleged high-level assassination occurred in Tehran. The situation remains volatile, with no signs of de-escalation as both sides continue their attacks.

President Trump has asserted that the U.S. now has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” signalling a strong military posture. His vice president, JD Vance, suggested that further action might be taken to halt Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.

Trump’s remarks about refraining from targeting Iran’s leaders—at least for now—highlight the precarious balance between deterrence and all-out war. The U.S. stance is being closely watched, as any direct involvement could significantly alter the conflict’s trajectory.

Amid the escalating violence, New Zealand has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in Israel and Iran. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasised that the government is maintaining close contact with Kiwis in the region, urging them to depart while commercial flights remain available.

“The situation is highly unpredictable, and we strongly advise all New Zealanders to leave as soon as possible,” Peters said. The government is also monitoring the potential impact on global stability, particularly in terms of energy markets and regional security.

The conflict has already sent shockwaves through international markets, with oil prices surging amid fears of prolonged instability. The direct state-on-state hostilities between Israel and Iran mark a dangerous escalation in a region already fraught with tension.

Diplomatic efforts to mediate the crisis are underway, but with both sides deeply entrenched, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.

The world watches anxiously as the situation develops, with the potential for broader regional consequences looming large.

As explosions continue to echo across the Middle East, the international community faces a critical test of diplomacy and crisis management.

For now, the focus remains on containing the violence and protecting civilian lives, while world leaders grapple with the challenge of preventing a wider war.

Lulutai Airlines ‘flying, operative, breaks even’ as PM calls situation ‘exciting’ following gov’t review

By
Kalino Latu
-

NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA –The Tongan government has affirmed the operational viability of state-owned Lulutai Airlines, describing the carrier as fully functional.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that Lulutai is “operative”, “flying” and “break even,” describing the successful review in Tongan as: “ko ē e ngāue ko ē na’a mau fai ki he Lulutaí ko eni kuo si’i mo’ui kuo puna holo.”

Break even, he meant the airline is generating just enough revenue to cover costs without turning a significant profit.

The remarks came amid mounting scrutiny of the former Hu’akavameiliku government’s airline management, accused of making multimillion-dollar decisions without parliamentary transparency.

Critics highlighted controversial purchases like last year’s Twin Otter aircraft, which shocked the public and raised questions about fiscal oversight.

Potential Foreign Buyers

Prime Minister Aisake Eke , also serving as the Finance Minister, confirmed the new budget allocates no funding to Lulutai and ruled out government loans, citing “interest from foreign potential stakeholders” in acquiring shares. 

“This is exciting, and we’re exploring partnerships,” he said, without naming interested parties.

He expressed in Tongan that this was an exciting (“fakafiefia”) new phase, as there had never been an airline like this before, referring to the previously government-sponsored airlines.

Controversial Investments Collapse

Lulutai Airlines has plunged into deep debt following controversial investments totaling approximately $50 million, according to the Minister of Public Enterprises.

This includes government funding and the use of Australian budget support. The airline also secured a $4.5 million loan from the National Retirement Fund Board to purchase a new $14 million Twin Otter. Reports indicated that the Board acquired equity in Lulutai Airlines under the terms of the agreement.

Despite these substantial investments, the carrier continued to face significant challenges, including an insurance company’s refusal to replace its SAAB 340 aircraft that crashed in December 2024.

Government Review

When Prime Minister Eke’s government took office earlier this year, it vowed to conduct comprehensive reviews of all government ministries and state-owned entities. At the time, only one of Lulutai Airlines’ three aircraft – the Twin Otter – remained operational.

The new administration terminated then-CEO Poasi Tei, who had been appointed by the former Hu’akavameiliku government after Tei lost his parliamentary seat due to an electoral bribery conviction.

In an effort to revive the airline, the government hired Tevita Palu, the Real Tonga aviation engineer, as the new CEO.

The Public Enterprises Minister said at the time that privatisation was impossible because Lulutai’s poor condition deterred potential buyers, and previous investments would be wiped out.

Aviation Transparency Demands

While the airline’s performance data remains undisclosed, the government’s update offers hope—a turning point for Tonga’s troubled domestic aviation sector, which has grappled with service failures and allegations of secrecy since Chatham Airlines left in 2013.

Tourism and aviation experts – including those from the IMF and World Bank – consistently maintain that no government-operated airline could survive in Tonga.

Their cited reasons include the small domestic market, political instability, high aircraft maintenance costs, and volatile fuel prices.
Lulutai Airlines, launched in 2020 to boost domestic connectivity, has faced operational challenges. Opposition members argue its financials remain opaque, demanding audits of past expenditures.

Deputy PM questions $36m fund sourcing as budget risks depleting local Sports levy amid PM’s support for Pacific Games

By
Kalino Latu
-

NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA – Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Taniela Fusimālohi, has raised concerns over mounting financial pressures for the Pacific Games 2031, revealing that unforeseen costs, initially overlooked, now threaten critical renovations.  

It follows critics arguing that Tonga shouldn’t have hosted the Games, given its donor-dependent budget and remittance-reliant economy.

According to Parliamentary Hansard number 20 of June 2025, Fusimalohi said in Tongan, “Time passed, and unforeseen costs emerged—costs that had never been considered initially.”

He confirmed a levy is being collected to bolster the recurrent budget but admitted uncertainty over securing the full $36 million needed for upgrades. “This cost being talked about, $36 million, no one knows whether the government will secure it for the renovation,” he added.  

The official Tongan transcript of Deputy PM Fusimālohi’s parliamentary remarks is reproduced verbatim below:

“‘A ia ko e ‘uhinga foki ia ‘e Sea he koe’uhí ‘e ‘alu atu pē e taimi mo e hā hā mai ‘a e ngaahi fakamole ia na’e ‘ikai ke fai ha fakakaukau ki ai ‘i he kamata’anga. Pea ko ‘eni ‘i he tu’unga ko ‘eni ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e levy ‘oku tānaki ‘oku liliu foki ia ‘o ‘alu ia ki he recurrent, pea ko e ‘uhinga ia ko ē ‘a e ngaahi fakamalanga ‘i he kuohili, ko e financial outlay ko ē ki he sipoti ko e me’a ia ke fai ‘i he ‘aho ni.  Ko e cost ko ‘eni ‘oku talanoa ki ai ‘a e 36 miliona hei’ilo pē ‘e ma’u ia ‘e he Pule’angá ke fai’aki ‘a e renovation.”  

The English version of Fusimālohi’s statement has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

The remarks follow Sports Minister Sinaitaka Tu’itahi’s disclosure in Parliament the same day that the government is actively seeking $26 million to upgrade sports facilities ahead of the Games.

The Minister stated that she was exploring donor funding options while partially relying on the levy revenues.

An estimate from the Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) outlines potential earnings from marketing and athlete housing, Minister Tu’itahi said. 

Games Benefit Doubts

However, Fusimālohi pushed back, revealing that TASANOC intended to redirect local sports levy funds to finance the Pacific Games during its next six-year preparation, raising doubts about national benefits.

Fusimālohi stated that TASANOC has not yet explained the economic benefits Tonga will receive from the Pacific Games.

As Kaniva News reported last week, Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke reaffirmed his government’s commitment to hosting the event, originally secured under former PM Hu’akavameiliku’s administration.

“We fully support Tonga’s role as host, as that was part of our development,” he told lawmakers, though questions linger over funding shortfalls.  

Levy Benefits Local Sports 

The sports levy was originally initiated by ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s administration in 2017 to fund the 2019 Pacific Games, before Pohiva later revoked Tonga’s hosting rights.

However, the levy was retained to fund local sports and continued by successive administrations.

A delegation from Fiji and the Pacific Games Council recently visited Tonga to assess preparations, with officials expecting a formal update on the kingdom’s hosting status and financial plans by October.   

The financial challenge is compounded by Tonga’s heavy reliance on foreign aid, a dependency that forced the country to withdraw from hosting the 2019 Pacific Games in 2017.  

At the time, then-Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva expressed concerns about potential misuse of funds, leading to the revocation of the hosting permit.   

Secret Deal Backlash

Tonga’s successful bid to host the Pacific Games 2031 surprised many, having been secured through the efforts of former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku without parliamentary approval. 

Reports indicate that to appease the Pacific Games Council following Tonga’s withdrawal as the 2019 host, the Hu‘akavameiliku government struck a confidential deal with the Council—a move that angered critics, especially since Tonga was favorably positioned in its legal dispute with the Council at the time.  

Shovel attack victim narrowly escapes as attacker flees before police arrival in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

A shocking shovel attack was caught on camera, showing a violent assault on a Tongan road before the attacker fled just as police arrived.

A screengrab from social media footage shows the moment a man strikes another with a shovel on a Tongan road before fleeing the scene

The footage, believed to have been filmed in Tongatapu, shows a group of youths brawling before one man suddenly strikes another in the head with what appears to be a shovel.

The shirtless victim collapses onto the road as the attacker immediately flees, throwing the weapon aside.

It was unclear whether he was injured or not, but a woman was seen helping him stand up and leading him to the roadside.

One person is seen picking up the discarded shovel while leading another man away from the scene.

A police van was seen approaching the attack and stopping at the scene, just before the attacker had fled.

An officer jumps out and gives chase, but the assailant has already escaped.

It remained unclear whether police apprehended the attacker.

The victim’s condition remains unknown, and authorities have yet to confirm whether any arrests have been made.

Kaniva News has been unable to independently verify the exact location of the incident or the identities of those involved.

However, the livestreamed video has sparked concern over youth violence and police response times in the area.

Witnesses at the scene claimed tensions had been escalating before the attack.

Tonga Police crack down on crime; 50 arrested in weekend operation

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – The Tonga Police confirmed the arrest of 50 individuals over the weekend.

The operation, which targeted high-risk activities, apprehended six females and 44 males, ranging in age from 16 to 57.

The majority of arrests were linked to public intoxication and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, offences that police say endanger both perpetrators and the broader community.

Authorities emphasised that such behaviours undermine public safety and will not be tolerated.

A spokesperson for Tonga Police stated that these enforcement actions are part of a broader strategy to uphold the rule of law, particularly during weekends when alcohol-related incidents peak.

“We reaffirm that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and our operations will continue to focus on those who choose to act in defiance of the law,” the spokesperson said.

Gratitude for Public Support

Tonga Police also appreciated law-abiding citizens who contribute to a safer society.

“We remain firmly committed to working in partnership with the public to build a safer, stronger, and more law-abiding society for all..”

The police reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the community to foster a safer, stronger, and more law-abiding society.

For further inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740-1614.

Police charge 21-year-old Kahoua female driver over dangerous driving captured on video

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tonga Police have arrested and charged a 21-year-old female driver from Kahoua in relation to a reckless driving incident that gained widespread attention on social media on 12 June 2025.

It follows Kaniva News’ recent report of a driver dangerously circling a Nuku’alofa roundabout, causing traffic disruptions amid honking from other vehicles.

A Facebook video appeared to show a female driver and passengers taking part in the dangerous act.

The Police said the video depicted a minibus dangerously circling the Taufa’ahau’s Bypass roundabout multiple times, with passengers visibly encouraging the behaviour.

Following a police investigation, the driver was located and arrested on 13 June 2025, Police said.

The matter is scheduled to be heard in court on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.

Tonga Police remind all members of the public to act responsibly on our roads.

“Reckless driving endangers lives and will not be tolerated. Public safety remains our highest priority.”

Trump weighs travel ban against Tonga amid document fraud, visa overstay problems

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan travellers may face new U.S. entry restrictions as the White House considers unprecedented bans. 

President Trump (L) and Prime Minister Eke

A new administration memo has outlined several reasons for the potential ban, including insufficient government-issued identity documents, high rates of visa overstays, and concerns about widespread government fraud.

Some nations were flagged for offering citizenship through monetary investment without residency requirements, while others were criticised over alleged “antisemitic and anti-American activity” by their citizens in the U.S.  

The newly listed countries are deemed non-compliant with U.S. benchmarks.

The US State Department memo, which The Washington Post reviewed, said it “was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent Saturday to U.S. diplomats who work with the countries.”

The Post requested clarification and details from the administration, but has not yet received them.

The memo said “the governments of listed nations were being given 60 days to meet new benchmarks and requirements established by the State Department. It set a deadline of 8 a.m. Wednesday for them to provide an initial action plan for meeting the requirements.”

According to the Post, the memo identified varied benchmarks that, in the administration’s estimation, these countries were failing to meet. Some countries had “no competent or cooperative central government authority to produce reliable identity documents or other civil documents,” or they suffered from “widespread government fraud.” Others had large numbers of citizens who overstayed their visas in the United States, the memo said.

Other reasons included the availability of citizenship by monetary investment without a requirement of residency and claims of “antisemitic and anti-American activity in the United States” by people from those countries. The memo also stated that if a country was willing to accept third-country nationals who were removed from the United States or enter a “safe third country” agreement, it could mitigate other concerns.

For years, travelling to the U.S. has been a major concern in Tonga because applicants face high costs, including trips to Fiji to apply for a visa at the US Embassy there.

It was one of the key issues Tonga used to negotiate the establishment of a U.S. Embassy in Nukuʻalofa last year. 

In 2020, the US Census reported that 78,871 people in the US have Tongan ancestry.

One study described the Tongan community in the States as “a struggling Tongan immigrant population”.  

Research by Tongan scholar Vanesa Tu’i’one and others, published by the National Library of Medicine, says Tongans have among Los Angeles County’s lowest per capita incomes, and more than one in four Tongan Americans (28.5%) in Los Angeles County live below the Federal Poverty Level. 

The countries facing scrutiny in the memo: Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Bhutan; Burkina Faso; Cabo Verde; Cambodia; Cameroon; Democratic Republic of Congo; Djibouti; Dominica; Ethiopia; Egypt; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Ivory Coast; Kyrgyzstan; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; South Sudan; Syria; Tanzania; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uganda; Vanuatu; Zambia; and Zimbabwe.

The expanded ban follows the Trump administration’s initiation of a large-scale operation that has resulted in the arrest and deportation of many Pacific islanders. 

As Kaniva News reported previously, among the 1.4 million people at risk of deportation from the US, over 561 are former citizens of Fiji, 151 are Tongans, and 57 are Sāmoans. 

That report which was also published by other Pacific island media, alarmed leaders in Tonga, Fiji, Sāmoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Marshall Islands, all of which are already struggling to integrate a significant number of deportees, many of whom have been convicted of serious drug-related and violent crimes in the United States, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Dr ‘Aisake Eke, Tonga’s Prime Minister, early this year expressed concern over Trump’s immigration policies, stating that the influx of deported migrants would worsen Tonga’s existing challenges.

It has been estimated that about 30 criminals have been deported to Tonga each year since 2010. 

Eke said he was concerned about the potential impact of the US immigration crackdown on Tonga.

123...889Page 1 of 889
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment