Auckland, NZ – Police have released images of a man they wish to speak with following a suspicious fire that severely damaged St Mary’s Church on Great North Road in Avondale.
Fire destroyed St Mary’s Church in Avondale early Monday morning
The fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, 14 July, with emergency services responding shortly after 4am.
The man, seen in CCTV footage, was wearing a black beanie, a dark long-sleeve jumper with orange patterns, and carrying a green shopping bag
Police believe he may have information that could assist with their investigation.
The fire gutted the historic church, which has served the Avondale community since the 1950s, and is home to a large Tongan Catholic congregation
The Tongan community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their spiritual home, which has hosted generations of baptisms, weddings, and funerals
Do you recognise him? If this is you, or if you know who he is, please contact Police immediately
Police are especially encouraging members of the Tongan community to come forward if they recognise him.
“If this is you, or you know who this man is, please update us online now or call 105,” Police said.
New South Wales Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of Faitangane Va’enuku, a 24-year-old Tongan man wanted on charges related to assaulting police and resisting arrest.
Have you seen Faitangane Va’enuku?
Authorities have confirmed that a warrant has been issued for Va’enuku’s arrest, and he is believed to frequent the Fairfield area.
Police are urging members of the public, particularly those in the Tongan community, not to approach him if they see him, but to immediately contact Triple Zero (000).
This comes just months after another high-profile incident involving a Tongan national in Sydney’s west.
In May 2024, a 28-year-old Tongan man was at the centre of a major police manhunt after allegedly stabbing two Australian Border Force officers during a failed deportation attempt.
Community Urged to Assist
NSW Police are working closely with community leaders to locate Va’enuku and ensure public safety. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.
“If you know where he is, do not take matters into your own hands—call the police immediately,” a spokesperson said.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of dollars have poured in to support the grieving families of a Tongan mother, daughter, and niece who lost their lives in a devastating car crash in New Zealand earlier this week.
Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, daughter Oneahi Vailea, and niece Marly Tulua were killed when the car they were in crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon. Photo / Supplied
Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and niece Marly Tulua were tragically killed when their vehicle crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family and the wider Tongan community in deep mourning.
Within just eight hours of the fatal accident, a Give A Little fundraising page set up by the family had already raised NZ$10,800—a testament to the outpouring of love and support for those left behind.
The heartbreaking tragedy has left Frances’s husband, Amanaki Vailea, suddenly widowed and now the sole caregiver to their three young sons: Willis (just 8 weeks old), Samasoni (almost 2), and Tuini (12 years old).
The fundraising page explains: “We are raising funds to support both grieving families during this unthinkable time. Your generous donations will help:
Give Amanaki time to grieve without the burden of immediate financial pressures such as the mortgage and household bills.”
The Tongan community in New Zealand and abroad has been urged to continue supporting the Vailea and Tulua families during this painful time.
Donations can be made via the Give A Little page, with every contribution helping to ease the financial strain as they navigate this devastating loss.
The information published along with the Give A Little efforts says:
“Provide essential support as he navigates caring for their young boys and processing such an unimaginable loss.
“Support Marly’s family, who are also mourning deeply while caring for their own young baby and facing the pain of losing Marly, Frances, and Oneahi.
“No words can ease the pain, but your kindness and support can help lighten the heavy load these families are carrying right now.
Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference.”
Former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku announced last year that Lulutai Airlines had been approved by his Cabinet on November 7 to transition into a government public enterprise.
MP Hu’akavameiliku (L) and Public Enterprise Minister Piveni Piukala
However, it has come to light that the national carrier is still registered solely as a limited liability company, raising concerns about the former Prime Minister’s transparency and accountability.
Lulutai was registered as a private company, but Prime Minister Aisake Eke, during his time in Opposition, repeatedly challenged Hu’akavameiliku. He argued that the law requires the airline to be re-registered as a public enterprise within one year of its inception.
Dr Eke maintained that, while the airline remains a private entity, Parliament and the public—who financially supported its operations—are unable to access key information due to limitations imposed by company law.
He emphasised that this is precisely why the law mandates its transition to a public enterprise: to ensure transparency and allow both Parliament and taxpayers access to essential details about the airline.
Other accusations against Hu’akavameiliku included not being truthful about budget support from the Australian government, which he allegedly used to fund the airline; a lack of transparency in the controversial purchase of the secondhand Twin Otter; and the questionable employment of his political ally Poasi Tei as CEO of the airline shortly after Tei was dismissed from Parliament following his conviction for electoral bribery.
Former PM Defence
Hu’akavameiliku defended the decision to register Lulutai as a company since 2020 and maintained it during his tenure, stating that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the airline’s safety and security.
The former Prime Minister denied any wrongdoing and stated that his government never secretly operated or managed the national airline.
The former PM’s accusations of controversial dealings with Lulutai had been a major concern during his first no-confidence vote, though he survived it at the time.
However, his sudden announcement in early November 2024—just weeks before his second vote of no confidence forced his resignation—that the government had approved Lulutai Airlines’ transition to a public enterprise came as a surprise.
PE Minister Revelation
In a press conference last week, Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala clarified that Lulutai Airlines has not yet been registered as a public enterprise, contrary to widespread belief.
Minister Piukala revealed that the Eke Cabinet was advised by the Attorney General that there was an error in the legal documents submitted for His Majesty’s approval, according to the law.
Piukala did not clarify when the legal documents were submitted for the King’s signature or if they were processed while Hu’akavameiliku was Prime Minister or by Prime Minister Eke.
“‘Aia taimi ni kei nofo pē ‘i he poate te’eki ‘omai ki he public enterprises” (At this time, it is still with the board and has not yet been moved to public enterprises), Piukala stated in Tongan.
This means the process must be restarted, further delaying the transition.
The burial of a newborn, whose family remains unknown since she was found four years ago, has been announced.
Members of the community named the baby Anahera, meaning angel, along with providing teddy bears and a traditional Kahua Huruhuru in 2022 for the baby to be buried in. (Source: 1News)
While no formal invitation has been extended, members of Auckland’s Tongan community may be among those who attend to pay their respects.
The infant, affectionately named Baby Anahera (Māori for “Angel”) or ‘Āngelo in Tongan, was tragically discovered at a recycling plant in Onehunga on 16 August 2021.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard told INews extensive enquires over the years were unable to identify the mother, father, or wider family.
“We have worked with the coroner so that she can be laid to rest.
“Now she can be released, we will work through the arrangements for a community service for her.”
He said there were community plans for a service on August 16, which would mark four years since she was found.
Beard reiterated, no matter how much time has passed, police want to help resolve this for the baby and her family.
“It’s not too late for the baby’s mother or someone within her immediate circle of family or friends to come forward,” he said.
“We urge them and anyone else who might know what happened to do the right thing and talk to somebody, whether it’s Police or someone who can notify us on their behalf.”
Anyone with information was urged to contact police via 105 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers.
The case, which remains unsolved, continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of many, especially among Auckland’s Tongan community in Onehunga, who share deep cultural and spiritual connections to the values of their multicultural surroundings.
Though no family has come forward, the burial will proceed with dignity, and members of the Pacific community, including Tongans, are expected to pay their respects.
A rising Tongan rugby player in South Canterbury, New Zealand, has been handed a stern warning by the courts after a string of legal troubles.
Semise Pakalani, 26, who once showed great promise on the field, has been sentenced to four months of community detention and 12 months of supervision following guilty pleas to burglary, disqualified driving, drink-driving, and failing to stop for police, reported The Press.
Judge Jane McMeeken expressed disappointment in Pakalani’s repeated offending, stating, ““You came here as a young man who was an athlete, and had a future to be playing rugby, and living in a small community, having a job, having somewhere to play, and this is what you’ve decided to do.
“It seems that alcohol is an issue for you ‒ when you’re drinking, you’re not making good decisions.”
Judge McMeeken said that on February 1, Pakalani had entered an enclosed yard in Temuka and stolen a van. He was stopped by police in Timaru, and gave a breath alcohol reading of 546 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 250mcg.
Pakalani was bailed with a condition not to drive, but police saw him driving again on May 31.
The offences followed a drink-driving conviction, including an order for an alcohol interlock device, and an eight-month loss of licence on June 25, 2024.
The court heard that Pakalani, who had been driving on a Tongan licence, is now banned from driving for a total of 21 months—nine months for disqualified driving and an additional 12 months for other traffic violations.
Court documents show Judge McMeeken told Pakalani, who had been playing for the Timaru Old Boys Club, that she was baffled by his behaviour.
He was also fined $200 for failing to stop.
In a bid to address his alcohol issues, the judge ordered Pakalani to abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs and to undergo an alcohol abuse assessment.
Currently unable to play rugby due to health issues, Pakalani is reportedly considering a return to Auckland to be with his family.
The sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of repeat offending, particularly for young athletes with promising futures.
UPDATED 1.20pm – The Tongan community across New Zealand is in deep mourning after the tragic deaths of a mother and two children in a single-vehicle crash in Auckland’s Waiuku this afternoon.
In Loving Memory: Frances Latu-Vailea, known as Sesi, her daughter, Oneahi Vailea, and her niece Marly Tulua whose lives were tragically cut short in the Waiuku car crash. The Tongan community mourns their loss. Photos/Supplied
Frances Latu-Vailea, known as Sesi, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and her niece Marly Tulua were killed when the car they were in crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.
New Zealand Police were called to Masters Road around 3.30pm on Tuesday, 15, after reports that a car had left the road and entered a nearby body of water.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
“We acknowledge that this is tragic news for the tight-knit community in Waiuku,” the Police said.
Police have confirmed that next of kin have been notified and support services are being arranged.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the accident, it said.
Masters Road, between Waiuku and Kidd Roads, will remain closed for an extended period.
The news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Tongan diaspora, with an outpouring of grief on social media.
While the relatives and friends have shared photos and names of the victims on social media, the police stated they would officially provide their identities “in due course.”
Heartbreaking tributes and photos of the victims have been shared widely on Facebook, as friends and relatives struggle to come to terms with the loss.
A commenter wrote: “This is the most heartbreaking post on fb I have made since the day of my Fathers passing in 2021.”
“Condolences to all. May you all rest in peace,” another wrote.
Tonga Police have arrested multiple suspects, including a 15-year-old girl from Kolofo’ou, for alleged involvement in the distribution of illicit drugs.
Alleged undercover police scuffle with a man resisting arrest in a car in Nuku’alofa. The incident appears to be connected to the recent drug busts reported by Tonga Police this week
The raids, conducted on July 14, 2025, resulted in significant seizures of cannabis, methamphetamine, and drug-related items.
The first arrest involved a 38-year-old man from Fua’amotu, where a Police search of the premises resulted in the seizure of the followings:
TOP $390 cash, 63 cultivated cannabis plants, cannabis leaves weighing 686.11 grams, 1 pack of methamphetamine weighing 0.12 grams, Drug utensils, 1 mobile phone, 5 empty containers.
Later, a 24-year-old woman and the 15-year-old girl from Fasi, along with a 55-year-old man from Kolofo’ou, were detained after police seize the followings:
2 packs of cannabis weighing 18.81 grams, 1 pack of methamphetamine weighing 0.81 grams, Drug utensil, 1 Tongan passport
TOP $127 cash
In a separate operation in Fasi, a 42-year-old man from Matalka was apprehended after resisting arrest, with police confiscating the following items:
24 packs of methamphetamine weighing 22.17 grams, Cannabis leaves weighing 12.23 grams, Drug utensils, TOP $680.00 cash.
The Trump administration may deport migrants to countries other than their homelands with as little as six hours’ notice, according to a newly disclosed memo—a move that could significantly impact Tonga if it fails to satisfy U.S. authorities and avoid a potential travel ban.
Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke (R) stated that the response to the U.S. travel ban warning now rests solely with Crown Prince Tupouto‘a (L), who also serves as Tonga’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The July 9 memo from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, obtained by Reuters, states that while deportations to “third countries” typically follow a 24-hour notice period, expedited removals are now permissible in certain cases.
ICE could remove them, however, to a so-called “third country” with as little as six hours’ notice “in exigent circumstances,” said the memo, as long as the person has been provided the chance to speak with an attorney, Reuters reported.
The memo states that migrants could be sent to nations that have pledged not to persecute or torture them “without the need for further procedures.”
The move signals a hardening of U.S. immigration enforcement as the administration pressures nations to comply with its migration demands.
Government Response Remains Unclear
About a month after U.S. authorities warned Tonga of a potential travel ban, last week’s memo’s contents have come to light, while Tongan officials have yet to disclose the details of the warning or update the public on the status of their response.
Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke previously called the U.S. travel ban warning “alarming.”
The response to the U.S. warning has taken an unusual turn, with Prime Minister Eke and Deputy PM Taniela Fusimalohi appearing to distance themselves from the matter.
Both leaders have stated that the issue was handed over to Crown Prince Tupouto’a, the Foreign Affairs Minister, implying the government’s official position now rests solely with him.
It remains unclear why such a significant warning directed at the Tongan government has been entrusted solely to His Royal Highness and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While the specifics of the U.S. warning to Tonga were not made public, a reported memo signed by Secretary of State Rubio last month—listing Tonga among 36 countries facing potential travel bans—stated that the nations could mitigate concerns by agreeing to accept third-country deportees or entering a ‘safe third country’ agreement.
For Tonga, this poses a significant diplomatic and logistical challenge. If the country agrees to the mitigation measures suggested by the U.S., it could be forced to accept deportees with minimal notice, potentially straining its resources and sovereignty.
The June memo reportedly set a 60-day response timeframe, but Prime Minister Eke stated during a press conference that Tonga was not given any official deadline.
Observers warn that the aggressive deportation policy risks diplomatic friction, particularly if third countries are unwilling to accept removed migrants.
Meanwhile, Tonga faces mounting pressure to address U.S. concerns or risk restrictions on its citizens.
A woman has been sentenced to one year and three months in prison by Tonga’s Supreme Court after pleading guilty to three counts of obtaining money under false pretenses.
Heilala Finau. Photo/Kakalu o Tonga online
Heilala Finau, 23, defrauded three victims of nearly $18,300 by falsely claiming to secure government housing assistance for them.
The jail term resulted from the partial suspension of a total sentence of two years and nine months’ imprisonment.
According to court documents, Finau deceived her victims by falsely claiming she was a clerk for the chief executive officer (CEO) of MEIDECC (Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications) and could facilitate housing aid.
In Count One, Finau obtained $12,500 from Malanata Kava i Popua Havea, promising to secure and build a house in Folaha. She fabricated various fees, including $400 for land clearance, $1,600 for construction preparation, and even $500 for a fake trip to New Zealand.
In Count Two, she swindled ‘Elisepa Vaohoi Takitaki out of $3,100, claiming the funds were needed for land subdivision and construction in Lomaiviti. She even convinced Elisepa to pay $200 for a supposed “Valentine’s Day gift” for her CEO.
For Count Three, Finau took $800 from Mafi Taukafa, who was selling goods at Talamahu Market, by pretending to process a housing application. Over several visits, Finau fabricated reasons to request money, including a false $200 “registration fee.”
The Deception Unravels
Mafi and Malanata grew suspicious after Finau’s repeated demands for money. Upon checking with MEIDECC, they discovered no one named “Makitalena Finau” worked there, prompting them to report the scam to police.
Finau was arrested on September 10, 2024, and later pleaded guilty.
In sentencing, Justice Tupou KC said: “The total figure involved is $18,300, evidently, a substantive amount for the complainants earned through selling goods at Talamahu market, committing to a loan and money earned at the cost of leaving a family behind to work abroad.”
The judge handed down a two-year, nine-month prison sentence, with the final 18 months suspended for a period of two years, contingent on strict conditions.
The suspended portion of the sentence was based on a number of criteria, including her early guilty plea and a clean record.
The suspension will only stand if Finau complies with all court-mandated requirements that include not committing any further offences punishable by imprisonment, reporting to the probation office within 48 hours of her release, and completing a life skills course or counselling program as directed by the Salvation Army
Should Finau violate any of these conditions, the suspension may be revoked, requiring her to serve the remaining 18 months in prison. This structured approach aims to ensure both accountability and rehabilitation while protecting the public from further fraudulent schemes.
If Finau violates these terms, she will be required to serve the remaining sentence. With remissions, she is expected to serve 1 year and 3 months in prison.
