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PM confirms Police Minister Piukala suspended over alleged role in Hopoate travel ban

By
Kalino Latu
-

Piveni Piukala has been suspended from his ministerial roles as Minister of Police and Minister for Public Enterprises, effective 8 December 2025, according to confirmation given to Kaniva Tonga News by Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke.

Piveni Piukala (L), Pita Hopoate and an unidentified individual. Photo/Supplied

The suspension follows allegations that Piukala helped facilitate overseas travel for Mormon leader Pita Hopoate despite a Police Court order prohibiting him from leaving Tonga in October.

As Kaniva News reported at the time, Customs Minister Māteni Tapueluelu, who was responsible for border control, immediately went public and criticised his colleague Minister Piukala for allegedly interfering with Hopoate’s court-imposed travel ban.

At the time, the Prime Minister said he had sought advice from the Attorney General’s Office and was advised that a police investigation must first determine whether Piukala breached the law before any further legal action could proceed.

The Police Commissioner told Kaniva News at the time that, after meeting with the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, they had “determined that the investigation is better suited to be undertaken by the ACC.”

The case has sparked debate over ministerial accountability and the enforcement of court orders in Tonga.

The Prime Minister also drew criticism for what was seen as a failure to move against Piukala promptly.

MP Lord Vaea expressed discontent among the nobles, figuratively noting that the path for handling such matters had already been clearly paved, yet the Prime Minister failed to follow it.

His comments reflect growing pressure on the Prime Minister to act decisively in cases involving alleged breaches of the law.

Transparency, Independence, No Guilt

PM Eke said this afternoon that Piukala’s suspension follows advice from the Anti-Corruption Commission, which described the move as a procedural measure to ensure transparency and independence while evidence is gathered.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the suspension does not imply guilt, noting that Piukala remains innocent unless and until proven otherwise by a court ruling.

During the suspension, Piukala retains his seat as a Member of Parliament and continues to participate in parliamentary duties, including preparations for the Prime Minister’s election.

He also retains MP privileges such as allowances.

Who is Pita Hopoate?

Pita Hopoate, a retired Area Seventy of the Mormon Church, is a high-profile figure who was under a Police Court order barring him from leaving Tonga.

Despite this restriction, Hopoate managed to flee the country and travel to the United States after the alleged assistance of Piukala.

The Minister never denied the allegation; instead, he made inconsistent attempts online to justify his actions.

He reportedly accused the judiciary of misinterpreting the restraining order.

He claimed it was his duty to assist Hopoate as a member of the public who allegedly sought his help to depart despite the court ban.

Critics slam PM Eke for inaction on Police Minister allegations despite his power to act

By
Kalino Latu
-

Commentary – Tonga’s democratic experiment is being tested yet again.

(L-R): Lord Vaea, PM ‘Aisake Eke and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala

Prime Minister Aisake Eke’s refusal to discipline Police Minister Piveni Piukala, who is accused of interfering with a court order restraining a Mormon leader from leaving the country, has sparked alarm among members of the nobility and beyond.

Lord Vaea, speaking last week with John Pulu of PMN Tonga, said the nobles were concerned about what they see as a lack of accountability from the Prime Minister.

He criticised Prime Minister Eke for failing to reach a firm decision on Minister Piukala, despite mounting public pressure over the allegations against him.

Lord Vaea stated that the absence of discipline risks eroding public trust in the government.

The concerns come after Piukala was suspended from Parliament in August following a physical altercation with Lord Tu‘ilakepa, Chairman of the Whole House Committee.

About a month after that incident, the Prime Minister announced he had warned Piukala that any further misconduct would result in his dismissal.

The current incident has intensified calls for stronger leadership and clearer standards of conduct within government ranks.

Legal Shield or Leadership Failure?

As pressure mounts, the question is simple: Will the Prime Minister act to restore confidence in the rule of law and uphold the integrity of Tonga’s democratic institutions?

Prime Minister Eke’s defence so far has been to invoke the principle that “everyone is innocent until proven guilty.” While this is a sacred pillar of criminal justice, it is a flimsy and inappropriate excuse for political inaction.

The Prime Minister is confusing a legal standard with a political imperative. His duty is not to adjudicate guilt but to safeguard the credibility of his administration.

Under Tonga’s Westminster-style system, ministers are held to a higher standard of conduct—one that prioritises public confidence over personal comfort.

Ministerial Responsibility Cannot Wait

The allegations against Piukala strike at the heart of the rule of law. A court order represents the authority of justice itself.

For the very Minister charged with upholding that law to be accused of undermining it creates a crisis of confidence that cannot be deferred.

How can Piukala command respect within the police force—or how can the public trust the justice system—while its chief political steward is under investigation for allegedly sabotaging it?

The ministry is effectively paralysed.

This is not a criminal trial. It is a question of political judgment. The doctrine of ministerial responsibility demands that when a minister’s conduct—confirmed or alleged—brings their office into disrepute, resignation or dismissal is the appropriate course.

The Cost of Delay

An investigation could take months or years. Can the government afford to operate under a cloud of suspicion for that long?

Every day Piukala remains in office signals that the alleged subversion of justice is met with indifference from the highest authority.

Removing Piukala pending the outcome of the investigation is not a declaration of guilt.

It is a necessary act to protect the integrity of the ministerial office and to reassure the nation that no one is above the law—especially those sworn to uphold it.

A Moment of Truth for Eke

Prime Minister Eke now faces a stark choice: hide behind misplaced legalism and watch public trust erode, or demonstrate true leadership by prioritising the health of Tonga’s democracy over the political comfort of one man.

The rule of law demands nothing less.

U.S. grateful as timely fuel delivery from Matson eases Tonga shortage, stabilizes election week

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa – A timely shipment of fuel from a U.S. company is providing critical relief to Tonga as the nation grapples with a severe shortage that threatened to disrupt voter turnout for this week’s general elections.

The U.S. Embassy in Tonga confirmed the arrival of the fuel, expressing gratitude to Matson Shipping for dispatching the vessel Olomana with 50,000 litres of gasoline. The shipment comes after days of long queues and empty pumps at petrol stations across the kingdom.

According to the vessel-tracking website VesselFinder, the Olomana was scheduled to arrive in Tonga on Wednesday, Nov. 19, the day before the general election on Thursday, 20.

According to Tonga’s Consumer Affairs department, the nation’s sole fuel providers—Pacific Energy and Total Energies—have been allocating their diminishing reserves to maintain a supply of petrol for the public.

The measure is intended to last until the arrival of two oil tankers expected on November 25-26.

“The U.S. government is grateful to Matson Shipping for sending their ship the Olomana with 50,000 liters of gasoline to Tonga at a critical moment of need,” an embassy statement read.

It praised the move as “an excellent example of private enterprise stepping in to resolve a crisis for our close partner, friends, and family in Tonga.”

The shortage began last week after supplier Pacific Energy reported a temporary stock outage. The company attributed the crisis to supply chain delays, specifically the postponed arrival of a tanker from Fiji due to undisclosed issues, which left many of its outlets without fuel.

With residents rushing to fill their tanks, the escalating situation raised alarms about the potential impact on the country’s general elections, as voters and officials rely on transportation to reach polling stations.

Matson Shipping, a U.S. company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, has an established history in the region.

It entered the South Pacific trade in 2013 after acquiring the assets of New Zealand-based Reef Shipping.

The company operates its South Pacific services through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Matson South Pacific Ltd.

The delivery from Matson is expected to help stabilise the fuel supply in the short term, alleviating concerns over mobility and election participation.

Joseph Parker risks boxing ban after failed drug test

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker is facing a possible suspension from boxing after testing positive for cocaine.

Joseph Parker

The 33-year-old New Zealander returned an adverse finding in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test conducted on October 25, the day of his fight against Britain’s Fabio Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

Parker, who lost the bout in the 11th round, did not test positive for performance-enhancing substances but for a recreational drug, according to sources close to the investigation.

Cocaine is classified as a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, and its use during competition can lead to a ban of up to two years.

The British Boxing Board of Control and UK Anti-Doping are now reviewing the case.

Queensberry Promotions, Parker’s British promoter, confirmed the failed test in a statement, saying VADA had informed all relevant parties of the adverse finding.

“While the matter is investigated further, no additional comment will be made at this time,” the statement read.

Parker, who held the WBO heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, had been on a comeback trail with six consecutive wins before his defeat to Wardley. He has not yet commented publicly on the test result.

The boxer is entitled to request a B-sample analysis, although such results rarely differ from the initial finding.

If confirmed, the ban would derail Parker’s hopes of another world title shot and could sideline him from the sport for a significant period.

Piukala dismisses ACC probe as ‘rubbish,’ alleges judge ‘admitted’ misreading charges

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku‘alofa – Minister of Police Piveni Piukala has publicly rejected an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into his alleged role in facilitating the departure of a high-ranking Mormon leader from Tonga, describing the probe as “veve” (rubbish) and accusing the judiciary of incompetence and bias.

Sylvester Tonga, VPON Media host and director with Minister of PolicePiveni Piukala

The ACC is examining claims that Piukala assisted Pita Foliaki Hopoate in departing for the United States despite a court-issued restraining order prohibiting him from travelling.

Police Commissioner Georff Turner told Kaniva News the case was referred to the ACC “to avoid any potential conflict of interest.”

“Mr Hopoate is the subject of an ongoing court matter, and a court order is in existence that prohibits him from leaving Tonga,” Turner said.

It is understood that the restraining order followed legal action brought against Hopoate by ‘Epalahame Taukei’aho, a member of their Mormon Church school alumni association.

Minister’s Media Defence

On Tuesday, November 11, Piukala mounted a vigorous defence during his regular segment on VPON—a media platform widely regarded as a political influencer—asserting, without challenge from host Sylvester Tonga, that his actions were justified.

Tonga informed Piukala that a report indicated the lawyer representing Taukei’aho had rejected what appeared to be an earlier claim by Piukala of an alleged agreement with Hopoate’s lawyer to process legal documents—an arrangement that, if accurate, might have enabled Hopoate to travel to the United States despite his court-issued restraining order.

Responding in Tongan, Piukala argued the issue stemmed from rote learning (“ako ma’uloto”), claiming the judiciary lacked sufficient understanding to handle the matter (“‘ikai ha maama fe’unga”).

He further alleged that the judge had “admitted” she did not review the background of the charges and was unaware of Hopoate’s identity, noting that the man was a retired Area 70 of the Mormon Church, “a position highly regarded” within the faith.

Piukala criticised the court for issuing the restraining order without hearing Hopoate’s side, claiming the judge had not called Hopoate or his associates before signing the order.

He warned that fully addressing the matter could “open a can of worms,” suggesting deeper, undisclosed complications.

“I acted with good intentions and am willing to go through the issue at all costs,” Piukala said. “I am glad this issue is unfolding, as it will reveal matters we did not expect.”

Lawyer Denies Agreement

Meanwhile, Allyssa Kafoa, lawyer for complainant Taukei’aho, vehemently denied what appeared to be an earlier allegation by Piukala that she had agreed with Hopoate’s lawyer to allow him to leave while processing the cancellation of the restraining order, according to Kakalu Online.

The paper quoted Kafoa as saying Piukala approached the judge in an attempt to release Hopoate, offering to act as “surety.”

It reported the judge rejected Piukala’s proposal and told him she needed to contact Kafoa first.

Political Fallout

The allegations have become a focal point for Piukala’s political opponents, who accuse him of undermining the rule of law.

His latest comments, directly challenging the integrity of both the ACC and the judiciary, are expected to intensify the political crisis and raise questions about the separation of powers between the police ministry and the courts.

The ACC has not yet issued a public response to Piukala’s accusations.

Kaniva News was unable to reach the judge or the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for comment.

Facebook post triggers widespread kava scare in Tonga over adulteration claims

By
Kalino Latu
-

A viral social media post from a concerned citizen has ignited widespread public alarm over the potential adulteration of kava in Tonga.

Veiuto Manuofetoa circulated Facebook images purporting to show a kava product adulterated with an unknown white powder.

The post, which has since gone viral, claimed the additive was not traditional kava and urged others to be cautious.

Manuofetoa claimed the substance had a strange taste and lacked the characteristic flavour of kava.

He suggested that the adulteration was a clear sign that some sellers were prioritising profit over public safety.

He also advised consumers to be cautious of kava that looks unusually fine, has a strange smell, or shows signs of being mixed with other substances.

Kava, a traditional drink made from the root of the piper methysticum plant, is a cornerstone of Tongan social and cultural life.

The potential adulteration of the sacred beverage has caused significant alarm, amplified by the rapid spread of the initial warning on social media.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious kava products directly to local health authorities.

Auckland Airport customs nets five meth couriers in major pre-summer crackdown

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ – In a significant pre-holiday blow to international drug trafficking, Customs officers at Auckland International Airport have intercepted five methamphetamine couriers in just over a week, seizing millions in illicit substances.

Customs officers at Auckland International Airport have caught five methamphetamine couriers in just over a week.

The crackdown began on November 2 with the seizure of nearly 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from three United States nationals. This week, the streak continued with two more high-volume interceptions.

On Monday, November 10, a 32-year-old US national was arrested after an inspection revealed his two suitcases contained 36 vacuum-sealed packages.

The haul, an estimated 19 kilograms of methamphetamine, has a potential street value of up to $5.7 million.

The previous day, officers uncovered a more clandestine smuggling attempt.

A 69-year-old French national, travelling from South Africa via Hong Kong, was found carrying a hollowed-out wooden box disguised as a book titled ‘Apologise, Forgive, Forget’.

The prop concealed just under two kilograms of methamphetamine, worth approximately $594,300.

Customs Auckland Airport Manager, Paul Williams, issued a stern warning to criminal networks.

“Criminal networks are actively targeting New Zealanders by pushing their products here for profits. They keep sending packages, and we keep seizing them. We have every intention of continuing to catch drug couriers heading into a busier summer season.”

The back-to-back seizures signal both a persistent threat from international drug syndicates and a heightened, successful enforcement effort at the border.

New report underscores Tongan diaspora’s size—double the home population as calls for voting rights grow

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa– Tonga heads into its November 20 general election under rules that exclude its vast overseas population, even as new figures and international warnings underscore a stark reality: more than twice as many Tongans live abroad as in the kingdom.

Photo/Kaniva Tonga News

An estimated 200,000 Tongans reside in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, compared to just 110,000 living in Tonga. Despite their economic importance—sending millions in remittances annually—the diaspora has no legal right to vote in national elections.

A new report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this week confirms Tonga’s rising “outward migration,” warning that the trend is weakening the country’s potential economic growth. It comes amid renewed calls for diaspora voting rights, including fresh demands to allow Tongans working in Australia and New Zealand under seasonal labour schemes to participate in national elections.

This follows revelations that Tonga is considering a review of its electoral system after next week’s polls.

Electoral Commissioner Pita Vuki acknowledged that a review of the electoral system is likely after the polls, citing concerns about declining turnout and structural weaknesses. He confirmed that 64,700 voters are registered for this year’s election, up from 60,000 in 2021, reported RNZ.

It remains unclear whether the review will include consideration of legalising voting rights for Tongans living in the diaspora.

The debate over voting rights comes amid a deepening “brain drain.” Government reports for 2024 and 2025 show thousands leaving for better wages abroad, leaving 861 civil service positions vacant this year alone.

As we recently reported, Tonga’s Ministry of Health was facing a severe staffing crisis, with Vaiola Hospital losing 45% of its nursing workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital’s Matron, Akesa Halatanu, said the decline was mainly due to overseas work opportunities and personal reasons.

Advocates say the exclusion of overseas Tongans from voting is indefensible.

ʻOfa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, director of the Women and Children Crisis Centre, reportedly said that Tonga has gone through 14 years and four elections since the 2010 reforms without any move to amend the Electoral Act.

She told RNZ that around 5,000 Tongans working in Australia and New Zealand under labour schemes are being “deprived of their basic human right to vote,” adding that the issue affects the entire diaspora, whose financial contributions are vital to Tonga’s economy.

In 2021, ABC News reported calls from Tongan lawyer Leilehua Faʻonevai in Australia urging Tonga to allow its citizens abroad to vote. She argued that Tongans in Australia play a crucial role in supporting the kingdom’s economy through remittances and should have a voice in national elections.

Global Tongan Footprint

Recent census data shows that more than 200,000 Tongans now live in Australia, the United States, and New Zealand—excluding those in other parts of the world. Official figures indicate that the United States recorded 78,871 people of Tongan descent in its 2020 Census, while Australia reported 43,465 in 2021.

New Zealand’s 2018 Census listed 82,389 people of Tongan ethnicity, with more recent estimates suggesting the number has grown to around 97,824.

The US figures include individuals of full or partial Tongan ancestry.

Significant communities are concentrated in Utah and California in the United States, New South Wales in Australia, and the Auckland region in New Zealand—underscoring the global reach of Tonga’s population beyond its borders.

NRBT warns of counterfeit banknotes flooding Tonga’s market

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nukuʻalofa – The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has issued a warning about an increase in counterfeit banknotes circulating in the country.

The central bank says fake notes have been detected imitating the design of genuine paʻanga currency, and urges the public and businesses to exercise caution when handling cash.

According to the NRBT, counterfeit $100 paʻanga notes from the King Tupou V series have been detected.

These fake notes are printed on clear plastic material to imitate the transparent window feature of genuine $100 notes.

The NRBT clarified that authentic $100 paʻanga notes are not printed on plastic.

The bank also reported counterfeit $5 paʻanga notes from the King Tupou VI 2015 series. These notes are printed on ordinary paper and attempt to replicate the design of the genuine 2015 $5 series.

In addition, fake $50 paʻanga notes from the King Tupou VI 2015 series have been found.

These counterfeits are printed on plain paper, lack serial numbers, and are smaller in size compared to genuine notes.

Some fake notes have been printed on clear plastic material to resemble the transparent window of genuine high-value notes, while others are made from ordinary paper and even plain sheets without serial numbers.

These counterfeits are often smaller in size and do not meet the quality standards of authentic banknotes.

The NRBT believes more counterfeit notes remain in circulation and warns that informal businesses dealing primarily in cash are particularly vulnerable.

The bank is encouraging the public to inspect all banknotes carefully before accepting them and to familiarise themselves with the security features of genuine currency.

Producing, possessing, or knowingly using counterfeit currency is a serious criminal offence.

Anyone who suspects a counterfeit note is urged to report it immediately to the NRBT or the nearest police station.

Government schools ban parental contributions amid complaints over Form 2 exams

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Ministry of Education has reportedly issued a directive prohibiting parents from providing food or monetary contributions during Form 2 Common Examinations at government middle schools.

The development follows complaints shared on social media last week, in which Facebook users criticised some school principals for allegedly pressuring parents to make donations—reportedly intended as contributions for teachers who spent extra hours preparing students for exams.

The decision, discussed at a recent Senior Management Team meeting, aims to create a focused and distraction-free environment for students during these critical assessments, according to a statement on the Ministry of Education letterhead seen by Kaniva News and shared on social media.

It says the directive also seeks to reduce financial burdens on families and prevent disputes or incidents that have occurred in previous years.

Under the new policy, parents and guardians will no longer be required or expected to prepare food of any kind or make monetary donations before or during the examinations, it says.

The Ministry emphasised that this measure will become part of formal school rules and policies.

While parents may still choose to show appreciation to teachers voluntarily, such gestures must be initiated independently and not organised, encouraged, or requested by schools, it says.

It also says the directive takes effect immediately and will remain in place for future examinations.

Social media comments

The directive has divided the social media community, with supporters asserting that their actions stem from the cultural practice of fatongia—a cultural obligation including one that shows they care for their children—and expressing a desire to show appreciation for teachers.

“If some can do it, then let them,” one commenter stated.

“It should be based on voluntariness, and that’s perfectly fine,” another commenter said.

However, critics argued that the issue arises when the directive is issued as a formal order from schools, potentially placing pressure on parents who cannot afford to comply.

“Stop burdening parents—they already carry responsibilities for the church, the community, and now the schools,” another commenter said.

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