Air New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday, as civil unrest continues in the French territory.
File image. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
In a statement, Air NZ said the closure of the airport left it “with no option but to cancel our services on Saturday 18 May and Monday 20 May”.
“Even when the airport does reopen, Air New Zealand will only operate into Nouméa when we can be assured that the airport is safe and secure, and that there is a safe route for our ground staff and customers to reach the airport.
“We are in close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), who are providing us with updated information and guidance, as well as our codeshare partner Aircalin.
Once we are able to resume operations again, customers will be rebooked onto available services. We are also offering flexibility for customers to defer travel.”
Earlier today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters told Morning Report government officials had been working on an “hourly basis” to see what could be done to help New Zealanders wanting to leave.
That included the Airforce or using a commercial airline.
More than 200 New Zealanders were registered as being in the country, his advice to them was to stay in place and keep in contact.
Before the closure of the airport, Wellington researcher Barbara Graham – who has been in Nouméa for five weeks – said the main issue was “the road to the airport … and I understand it still impassable because of the danger there, the roadblocks and the violent groups of people”.
A Nukunuku man was sent to jail after forging delivery documents to obtain building materials worth of TOP $19,644.
‘Etuate Siaosi Katoa, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of falsification of account and one count of theft.
Kātoa was working as a delivery driver for Anna’s Building Supplies at Kolofo’ou.
Court document showed that on or about September 16, 2023, he was at the business warehouse at Fangaloto loading building supplies to deliver them to a customer.
However, another employee by the name of Aveave Fonua discovered that the amount of hardie flex sheets loaded by Kātoa into the delivery truck was greater than the amount on the delivery book. When confronted Kātoa responded that they would unload the excess materials.
Aveave took Kātoa’s delivery book to double-check the records and in reviewing two delivery receipts, she discovered there was a discrepancy in the total amount compared to the quantity itemized on the delivery receipt.
Aveave took a photo of the pages and the receipts and reported the matter to the manager Tony Raj Kumar.
The Kumar and his partner Ruby then contacted Kātoa and asked him about the changes he made on the delivery book. Kātoa admitted to them and said he made the changes so that he could take the excess material to fix his house.
Kumar told Kātoa to stay behind after work so they could talk, as they would be returning to Tonga on that same day. Kātoa left the office and did not contact the Kumar.
Kumar continued to review the sales receipts and delivery records which Kātoa was responsible for delivering. He discovered that this had occurred multiple times and had calculated the extra material which Kātoa has falsified in the delivery book and taken from the warehouse to a total amount of TOP$19, 644 for the months of August and September.
In August 2023, Kātoa falsified the business delivery book by inserting an additional number to the specified quantity or altering the number in the specified quantity, thereby increasing the quantity removed from the business warehouse from the actual quantity which was ordered and paid by the customers.
Kumar summarised the loss in August to a total of $11 , 689 pa’anga.
ln September 2023, Kātoa falsified the business delivery book again in the same manner.
Kumar summarised the loss in September to a total of TOP$7,955.
The total loss summarised by the manager came to a total of TOP$19,644.
On or about the last week of August, up to the first week of September, Kātoa and Kolio Puafisi made several deliveries of excess building supplies to ‘Unaloto Vea at Puke and there were several drop offs to a house in Tofoa.
On or about September 21, 2023, Kumar lodged a complaint to the police about the alleged falsification of the business delivery book by Kātoa.
On or about Friday, September 21, 2023, at about 8pm the prisoner was arrested by Police and held in custody.
On or about September 26, 2023, police interviewed Kātoa in relation to the allegation against him. He was given his rights and he cooperated with the police by confessing to the offence.
On each count of falsification of accounts, and theft Justice Langi convicted and sentenced Kātoa to one year and six months imprisonment each to be served concurrently.
The last 15 months is suspended for a period of two years on the following conditions:
a. Mr. Katoa is not to commit any further offences punishable by imprisonment for a period of two years.
b. He is to contact the probation officer within 48 hours of being released from prison;
c. He is to complete the life skills program offered by the Probation office;
The accused is to serve a total of 3 months imprisonment.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot and wounded in an attempted assassination on Wednesday, the government office said.
Slovak media said the shooter was a 71-year-old man but the motive was not immediately clear.
The incident shocked Slovakia, a small central European nation with little history of political violence. Slovakia’s partners in the European Union and NATO condemned the shooting.
Fico, 59, was rushed to hospital in the central Slovak town of Handlova where he had been chairing a government meeting. He was then transported by helicopter to regional capital Banska Bystrica for urgent treatment, it said, adding that his condition was too serious for him to be taken to Bratislava.
This image taken from video footage obtained by AFPTV shows security personnel carrying Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, centre, towards a vehicle after he was shot. Photo: AFP
A Reuters witness heard three or four shots as Fico exited a building to shake hands with a crowd of people who had been waiting to greet him. Police then wrestled a man to the ground.
“An assassination (attempt) on Prime Minister Robert Fico was carried out today at the government’s off-site meeting in Handlova,” the government office said in a statement.
News outlet Aktuality.sk reported the shooter was a 71-year-old man and cited his son as saying his father was the legal holder of a gun licence. It did not name either of the men.
“I have absolutely no idea what my father intended, what he planned, what happened,” it quoted the shooter’s son as saying.
Broadcaster TA3 reported four shots had been fired, and that the leftist prime minister had been hit in the abdomen.
“I don’t think I will wake up from this,” Lubica Valkova, a 66-year-old resident told reporters. “This kind of thing just can’t happen in Slovakia.”
Veteran leader
Fico, who returned as prime minister last October for the fourth time, has drawn criticism in some quarters for taking a more pro-Russian stance in the Ukraine war and initiating reforms of criminal law and the media which have raised concerns over the rule of law and prompted street protests.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico. Photo: AFP
Following the shooting, Slovakia’s biggest opposition party Progressive Slovakia called off a planned protest against government public broadcaster reforms set for Wednesday evening.
“We call on all politicians to refrain from any expressions and steps that could contribute to an escalation of tension,” said Michal Simecka, leader of Progressive Slovakia, a liberal pro-Western party.
Slovakia’s acting speaker of parliament Peter Ziga condemned the shooting as an attack on the principle of democracy.
“Such a horrible act has never happened in Slovak history. I consider it to be the result of whipped-up passions and the division of Slovak society into two irreconcilable camps,” he said.
Under Slovak law, a deputy prime minister will replace Fico while he is incapacitated.
During a three-decade career, Fico has moved between the pro-European mainstream and nationalistic positions opposed to EU and US policies. He has also shown a willingness to change course depending on public opinion or changed political realities.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen led international condemnation of the attack.
“Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family,” she said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock on X, adding: “News of the cowardly assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico shocks me deeply. Violence must have no place in European politics.”
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova wrote on X: “Utterly shocked by today’s brutal attack on #Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I condemn in strongest possible terms.
“I wish him lot of strength in this critical moment and early recovery.”
President-elect Peter Pellegrini cut short a foreign trip and is returning to Slovakia, a spokesperson for his HLAS party said.
Police said there were no signs of foul play after a body was found face down on the side of the road in Tongatapu’s Tokomololo village during the early hours of May 5.
As Kaniva News reported recently, 50-year-old Kepueli ‘Ahome’e’s body was discovered by a passer-by.
Photos and streamed videos taken at the scene were shared on social media.
Police reportedly said that there was no indication of foul play.
It is understood a post-mortem examination was cancelled after recommendation by the Minister of Health due to ‘Ahome’e’s known health conditions.
Meanwhile, ‘Ahome’e is being remembered as a “friend to many”.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our brother, father, uncle and friend to many,” a tribute on Facebook said.
Another tribute described him as “tangata angalelei koe mo fklogologo”.
A group of Tongans deported from the United States is working to help rehabilitate other returnees, but they say that getting financial assistance from the Tongan government has been a slow process.
Latu Liava’a. Photo/Screenshot (ABC)
Former drug dealer Latu Liava’a joined forces with four other Tongans deported from the United States to form Dare to Dream.
Katrina Ma’u Fatiaki, who is a member of the group’s board, told the ABC’s Pacific Beat that the founders decided to use their experiences of reintegrating into Tonga to help others in the same situation.
“From there, they really prayed about finding key agents of change, people who will be wanting to make a difference,” she said.
Members began to meet deportees when their flight landed in Nuku’alofa.
Livia said he wished such a service had been available when he returned. He said he told deportees there was nothing to be ashamed of.
Chairman of the Dare to Dream board Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi told he ABC there was a stigma attached to the word “deportee”, or “tīpota” in Tongan.
“Automatically, people think you’re a bad person,” Dr Fasi said.
Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said the government had provided funding for organisations like Dare to Dream to support their reintegration programmes.
He also said the government established an inter-agency taskforce, led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to focus on supporting returnees in-country.
However, Dr Fasi said the group had become frustrated trying to get funding through the government and its departments, he said.
This affected its activities and meant it could not always meet people at the airport.
Members of Dare to Dream are also involved in drug education programmes in schools and say young people are vital in combatting the kingdom’s growing drug problem.
Gangsters in Paradise
In 2019 Kaniva News reported on a hard hitting documentary, Gangsters in Paradise, which investigates the lives of deportees in Tonga.
Viewers learned that most of the deportees come from the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Most of the deportees are men between 25-35 years and have usually done time for assault, robbery, burglary, theft and drug offences.
Most have lived outside Tonga for 20 years.
Many left Tonga as children or infants and have few cultural or family ties. This means they often become involved in the burgeoning drug trade to survive.
Tonga’s sole financial regulator has closed LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd and filed complaints against them with Police.
It is understood LWS Trading was based in Tonga and was operating in partnership with RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd which described itself on Facebook as having offices in New Zealand and Australia.
The companies’ services included transferring money from overseas to Tonga.
Complainants alleged LWS office repeatedly told them their money has either yet to be received in Tonga or that a staff was sent to the bank to withdraw more cash while they were waiting.
The clients said they had to return home due to long waiting hours with no sign of the staff before they left.
Some complainants claimed it took weeks before they received their money while others alleged they were given differing excuses by the company.
In a statement this morning, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) said it wishes to inform the public that LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd operating from Ma’ufanga, have to date, engaged in unauthorized foreign exchange services, in contravention of the Foreign Exchange Control Act 2018 (FEC Act).
“Providing money transfer services is classified as foreign exchange services, which are legally restricted to Authorized Persons holding a valid license issued by the Reserve Bank, as specified in section 13(1) of the FEC Act 2018”, it said.
It also said LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd operators have been directed to immediately cease all unauthorized activities and apply for the requisite license from the Reserve Bank.
“This matter has also been reported to the Ministry of Police to ensure swift compliance and to facilitate any necessary legal actions.
“For Customers Affected by LWS Trading Operations and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd Customers who have been affected by the activities of LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd are encouraged to contact the Non-Banks Unit through telephone 24 057 or mobile 8701460.
“NRBT is committed to assisting affected customers in addressing their grievances and providing necessary support during this period. Please reach out to us for assistance and further information.
The Reserve Bank again reminds the members of the public to refrain from transacting with any unauthorized foreign exchange business”.
There are long queues outside shopping centres in the New Caledonian capital Nouméa, amid unrest in the French territory.
The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia. Photo: Screengrab / NC la 1ère
There are long queues outside shopping centres in the New Caledonian capital Nouméa, amid unrest in the French territory.
The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia.
A Nouméa resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, told RNZ Pacific people have started panic buying in scenes reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A lot of fire, violence…but it’s better. I stay safe at home. There are a lot of police and army. I want the government to put the action for the peace (sic).”
Authorities have put in a curfew for Nouméa and its surrounds, from 6pm tonight to 6am tomorrow.
Airports are closed due to protest action.
Public services and schools in the affected areas announced they were sending staff and students home on Monday, and that they would remain closed for the next few days.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who is on a five-country Pacific mission this week, has cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest.
Peters and a delegation of other ministers were due to visit the capital Nouméa later this week.
Incumbent All Black captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from international rugby.
Sam Cane Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Cane, who is currently playing for Suntory in the Japanese Top League, said the decision was “a very hard one”.
“I love playing for the team that I represent here in New Zealand. But that won’t be the case … ultimately we made the decision to sign with Suntory, I really enjoyed my first year here.”
Having played 95 tests (27 as captain), the 32-year-old has decided to sign a long-term contract with Suntory in Tokyo. Cane said that his family situation was the main motivating factor for the decision, with wife Harriet expecting another child soon.
“If I was a single bloke then I could just solely worry about myself, probably stick around in New Zealand and go another (World Cup) cycle … but I have to start thinking about others … once you hit that 30-year-old mark you start thinking about life after rugby and how I’m going to provide for my loved ones.”
Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said: “After discussing this at length with Sam, I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him. The position he plays asks a lot of you mentally and physically – both of those things ramp up when you are captain. So to do what he’s done over such a long period is an incredible feat. I fully respect him taking this opportunity.”
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson also acknowledged Cane’s contribution.
“Sam is a special member of the All Blacks family and we have huge admiration for what he has achieved in the game. He has made significant contribution to New Zealand Rugby, and we are fully supportive of his decision to be with his family,” Robinson said.
32-year-old Cane’s last test for the All Blacks was the 12-11 loss to the Springboks in last year’s Rugby World Cup final in Paris. He was sent off in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Bok centre Jesse Kriel.
It capped off a tumultuous tenure in charge of the All Blacks for Cane, who also oversaw the team’s worst loss ever when they went down 35-7 to the Springboks at Twickenham last August, before rebounding to put on one of the greatest individual performances in the black jersey in the All Blacks’ 28-24 win over Ireland in the World Cup quarter final.
Cane has recently been out of action for Suntory for 10 weeks with a back injury.
Police are investigating fresh complaints in connection to “historical incidents” at the notorious central Christchurch bar Mama Hooch.
Photo: David Walker / Stuff
Brothers Danny and Roberto Jaz were sentenced last August to lengthy jail terms after they were found guilty of nearly 70 crimes, including rape, sexual violation and stupefying.
The pair used their positions at family businesses, including Mama Hooch and neighbouring Colombo Street restaurant Venuiti, to commit the slew of acts.
A police spokesperson said since the Operation Sinatra trial last year, they had received three complaints relating to historical incidents at Mama Hooch.
“Police won’t comment on the specifics of the complaints but they are continuing to investigate.”
One survivor of the case said there could be more women yet to come forward.
Sophie Brown said she was unsurprised new allegations had surfaced.
It was great to see complainants find the strength to come forward, as only a fraction of sexual assault cases get reported to police, she said.
Victims advocate Ruth Money said cases like this, which resurface when new allegations are made, can be a catch-22 for survivors.
“The trial itself was very triggering for a number of people particularly, of course, those ones who were the survivors who had disclosed at that time, but also these new ones who hadn’t disclosed yet.
Five people have been arrested and more than 1.36 million illicit cigarettes, firearms, and a “substantial amount of cash” has been seized following searches in Auckland in recent days.
More than 1 million illicit cigarettes seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)
The New Zealand Customs Service carried out a search on Auckland’s North Shore this morning, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old man and the seizure of illicit cigarettes and a “large quantity of cash”. He was due to appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.
Today’s confiscations and arrest followed searches by Customs, assisted by police, on Friday involving three homes, a private catamaran, and a storage facility on the North Shore, as well as a commercial business in Greenlane.
Three men and a woman, aged between 35 and 45, were arrested and appeared in the North Shore District Court on Friday.
A substantial amount of cash, two firearms, ammunition, and further evidence was found at one of the residential properties, Customs said. Customs investigators also found 286 black rubbish sacks containing more than1,300,000 uncustomed cigarettes in the self-storage facility. The cigarettes equated to approximately $2 million in revenue evasion.
Ammo seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)
The group members were facing multiple charges, including defrauding Customs revenue, possession or custody of uncustomed goods, sale of uncustomed goods, and participation in an organised crime group. Further charges were being considered.
Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said the investigation, dubbed Operation Montreal, began in February 2024 in relation to a network of people believed to be responsible for the large-scale distribution of uncustomed cigarettes across Auckland.
Cigarettes seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)
“Customs has a specialist investigations team that’s focused on tracking down smuggled tobacco to both combat tax evasion as well as other associated crimes and the serious consequences this can have on our communities,” he said.
“This issue is bigger than smuggling or selling cheap cigarettes. Customs is increasingly seeing that well-resourced organised criminal groups are often involved — with cigarette profits potentially being used to fund more serious crimes.”
A firearm and ammo seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)
Anyone who knew or suspected someone was involved in illegal smuggling was been asked to call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), a 24-hour confidential hotline, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
