Auckland, NZ – A man has been jailed for firing a shot that sent a bullet within “mere centimetres” of a 15-year-old girl’s heart.
Latu reached out of the driver’s window holding a Glock 9mm pistol and fired at the back of the minivan. The gunshots were captured on the 111 call.
Alfred Latu pursued the victim’s minivan for approximately 12 kilometres before firing a shot into the vehicle, which was carrying the girl and her family. He denied he was the shooter, Stuff reported.
Latu was found guilty at trial of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
The sequence of events started on May 16, 2023, when a minor collision on Auckland’s Southern Motorway sparked a road rage incident.
Various news media reports show that Mr Latu, behind the wheel of a Mazda Axela with Sione Ngata in the passenger seat, subsequently began a “pursuit” of the minivan.
When Latu got up with the vehicle he fired the first gunshot, hitting just above the victim’s “heart, exiting near her left shoulder, while the other was to her right thigh, exiting to her right buttock”, the Stuff report says.
Another young woman’s middle-lower back was bruised from a bullet that didn’t make it all the way through the seat she was sitting in.
At one stage, the minivan made a desperate attempt to cross the road after a 111 call and reach a nearby gas station, where the Police were waiting. Latu then fled the scene.
The sentencing revealed Latu had a history of violence and was on bail for assaulting a mechanic and his son when he fired the near-fatal shot.
His lawyer, Jen Holden, addressed this, informing Judge Bonnar that Latu had undertaken rehabilitative efforts since his arrest.
Earlier this year, Ngata was sentenced to two months of community detention and 12 months of supervision after pleading guilty to charges of being an accessory after the fact.
There is promising news for Melbourne Storm and Tongan forward Eliesa Katoa, who has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit to a general ward as he recovers from emergency brain surgery.
Katoa was rushed to hospital during his side’s loss to New Zealand in the Pacific Championships, with fans stunned he was given the all clear to play following the vicious collision with teammate Lehi Hopoate.
The 2025 international was hospitalised after suffering a brain bleed and seizure activity, complications from three separate head knocks sustained during a match on Sunday.
The positive development was confirmed by his family, who expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, as the NRL launches a review into the on-field incident.
The promising update was delivered by the player’s uncle, Reverend Setelō Kātoa, during an evening broadcast on PMN Tongan radio programme.
He provided relief to a concerned rugby community, stating that the medical treatment for his nephew had all gone well and that “everything was promising.”
Reverend Kātoa also revealed that the family is receiving direct updates from a cousin who works as a nurse at the Auckland Hospital, where Eliesa is being treated.
The family has expressed its deep gratitude for the flood of support and prayers they have received from fans and the public alike during this difficult time.
The serious medical episode has cast a spotlight on player safety protocols, as the circumstances surrounding the multiple head knocks and the decision to allow Katoa to return to the field are now under an official review by the National Rugby League (NRL).
Katoa, a key forward for both the Melbourne Storm and the Tongan national team, underwent surgery to remove fluid from his brain after his condition worsened post-match.
His move out of intensive care marks a crucial milestone in what is expected to be a long recovery journey.
Meanwhile, the NRL has confirmed it will review the circumstances which led to Kātoa’s injuries.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended his side’s doctors for letting the forward take the field despite copping a sickening head knock in the warm-up.
A planned fist fight that exploded into a fatal shootout has ended with four FITUS gang members being sentenced to life behind bars.
Charles Pongi
The group’s leader, Devonte Iakopo, and members George Mahoni, Vili Laungaue, and Lika Feterika were condemned for their roles in the murder of patched Head Hunter Charles Pongi, who was shot dead after the brawl turned into an armed melee.
Pongi was hit by a single .22 calibre bullet and died in Auckland Hospital, reports say.
The High Court judge handed down the life terms, with minimum parole periods ranging from 10 and a half to 12 and a half years, closing a violent chapter that began with a truce-breaking alliance with the Rebels gang and ended with a single, deadly bullet.
Mahoni and Feterika will serve 11 and a half years and 10 and a half years in prison, respectively, before being eligible for parole, the NZ Herald reported.
“As well as being convicted of murder, Laungaue was found guilty of threatening grievous bodily harm, and unlawful possession of a firearm”, the paper said.
“He also pleaded guilty to three charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, threatening to kill, and threatening to do grievous bodily harm.
“Laungaue, who was 20 at the time of the offending, will serve at least 10 ½ years before being eligible for parole.
:Iakapo, the FITUS leader, also pleaded guilty to two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm.
He will serve 12 ½ years of a life sentence for murder before being eligible for parole.”
Despite a government deadline of September 30 to transfer ground-handling services from Air Terminal Services (Tonga) Limited (ATS) to the government’s Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL), ATS remains in control at Fua‘amotu International Airport.
ATS Director Paul Karalus (L) and Minister Piveni Piukala
The revelation comes as TAL’s suspended CEO, Edgar Cocker, faces allegations of “misuse of power” and poor performance, according to the Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala.
Minister Piukala’s scrutiny of ATS and the handling of aircraft luggage services at Fua‘amotu Airport has drawn significant media attention, particularly after he made several allegations that appeared to link the operations to the rising importation of illicit drugs into the country.
The Minister further alleged that a Sunday medivac landing request by ATS, intended for a patient evacuation, was rejected after his own investigation revealed there was no patient.
However, ATS firmly denied any wrongdoing in a press release issued at the time, describing the Minister’s accusation as “a barrage of unjustified and ill-informed attacks.”
This afternoon, ATS Director Paul Karalus told Kaniva News that the company continues to operate as normal.
“ATs continues to provide the International Ground Handling in Tonga and has not been advised of any change as yet,” Karalus said.
A Plan Rushed, A CEO Suspended
The conflict between the Minister and ATS, coupled with the suspension of Mr Cocker, has exposed what has been described as a failure in the government’s policy to renationalise the airport’s ground handling service.
Kaniva News has been reliably informed that the suspension of Cocker was connected to apparent frustration from Minister Piukala over the lack of progress in replacing ATS.
Sources indicated that some within TAL believed the handover process was initiated prematurely.
It was further suggested that the complexity of the services involved required a longer timeframe for implementation than was initially anticipated.
Air New Zealand had previously warned that a lapse in ground handling services due to the planned transfer would impact its flights to Tonga.
Given that Tonga is heading to the polls on November 20, any resolution to replace ATS is expected to become a matter for the incoming government next year.
The Editor of Kaniva News has strongly denied what he describes as blatant lies and fabrications made by Dr Siosiua Lafitani, founder of the controversial Lo‘au University.
Dr Siosiua Lafitani (L) and Lo’au Fualu
In an interview published on the Lo’au University Facebook page with Lo’au Fualu on October 15, Lafitani made unsubstantiated allegations against Kaniva News, falsely claiming that its Editor, Kalino Latu, had requested his assistance in translating news into the Tongan language.
Mr Latu has denied the allegation, stating that this is part of a pattern by Lafitani to denigrate Kaniva’s reporting. Latu further asserted that the attacks are an attempt to deflect from allegations of Lafitani’s abusive behaviour toward a former student, and to question the validity of Lo’au’s university credentials.
Shortly after enrolling in a course taught by Lafitani, Toki’ukamea Liutai—who also uses the legal name Marshal Cameron—began to question the credibility of the university.
Following his own investigation, he discovered that the institution appeared to lack legal registration and that its qualifications had not been accredited by any recognised authority.
Liutai also questioned the quality of the programme and the professionalism of its delivery.
He subsequently withdrew from the course and demanded a full refund of his tuition fees.
Lafitani immediately took to Facebook and attacked Liutai, publishing personal information and, at one point, referring to him as a “fool” (“vale”). Liutai criticised the behaviour as racist and defamatory.
Following Kaniva News’ reports on Liutai’s withdrawal, Lafitani launched attacks against the outlet and lawyer Nalesoni Tupou, who represented Liutai. He went on to publish multiple articles that were alleged to be defamatory toward both the news organisation and the lawyer.
He accused Kaniva News of fabricating quotes attributed to him, asserting that the outlet had never interviewed him.
However, he has failed to provide any specific examples—no article titles, publication dates, or sources—raising concerns that the accusations are part of a smear campaign rather than a legitimate grievance.
In addition, Lafitani has attempted to undermine the credibility of Kaniva News by alleging that its articles are merely cut-and-pasted from other sources and distributed without proper verification.
Kaniva News has rejected these claims, stating that its editorial standards are based on journalistic integrity and factual reporting.
Editor Denies Translation Request Claim, Labels Allegation as Fabrication
Latu has categorically denied the claim, calling it a complete fabrication.
“There was no such request. It was a lie, pure and simple,” he said.
Latu said: “At no point did the organisation request Dr Lafitani’s assistance with journalism or translation, as it does not consider him a specialist in either field.”
“Lafitani’s expertise lies in social policy, not in translation or journalism.”
Kaniva News described the accusation as part of a broader pattern of baseless claims and an apparent attempt to silence the outlet.
“We understand that Dr Lafitani’s grievances may be connected to his political stance and his long-running campaign to change the public mindset regarding Tonga’s 2010 democratic reform.”
Dr Lafitani, who resides in Australia, one of the largest democracies in the Pacific, has been a vocal critic of the democratic reform. Kaniva News’s extensive reporting on Tonga’s democracy is understood to have been a point of agitation for him.
A former government minister has made a startling claim, alleging that several current Cabinet Ministers are facing criminal charges.
‘Etuate Lavulavu (L) and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala
‘Etuate Lavulavu made the revelation during a press conference last week but did not provide any details about the charges or name the ministers involved.
The claim came during a tense exchange that nearly escalated into a physical confrontation between Lavulavu and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala.
The situation was defused by Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi, who intervened to restore order.
Lavulavu, who is awaiting retrial alongside his wife on charges of obtaining money by false pretences under Section 164 of the Criminal Offences Act—stemming from their time as former principals of the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute (UTRI)—appeared visibly agitated when Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi invited further questions from reporters.
He immediately raised his voice and, speaking in Tongan, claimed that Cabinet Ministers had been charged and were facing five court accusations due to poor decision-making.
Piukala, who appeared to be in good spirits at the time, intervened and laughing while asking Lavulavu about his own charges.
Lavulavu responded by claiming his case had been thrown out, referring to the Court of Appeal’s decision that quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial.
Piukala then accused Lavulavu of using the press conference as a platform to campaign for the upcoming election.
Lavulavu denied the accusation, while Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi once again called for order.
There was no response from Ministers Fusimālohi and Piukala regarding Lavulavu’s allegations concerning the charges he claimed to have laid against Cabinet Ministers.
The revelation comes in wake of Piukala’s previously confirming that police detectives have been asked to assist the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in resolving 70 complaints lodged ahead of the country’s general election in November.
He said those cases were expected to be addressed before the election.
Toki’ukamea Liutai, a former Lo’au University student who withdrew shortly after enrolling, has condemned remarks made by the university’s dean, Dr Siosiua Lafitani, describing them as racist, derogatory, and potentially defamatory.
Dr Siosiua Lafitani (L) and Toki’ukamea Liutai also known by his government name Marshall Cameron
Lafitani is also facing accusations of harassment and doxing after he reportedly called Liutai a fool (“vale”) and published his personal details online amid a dispute over tuition fees.
The dean has been accused of malice and intent to harm Liutai, who is also known by his legal name, Marshall Cameron.
Liutai’s condemnation follows claims by Lafitani that unidentified groups in Sydney contacted him, offering to assault Liutai physically.
Liutai, who withdrew from a course he had enrolled in after raising concerns about its quality, delivery, and the apparent non-registration of Lo’au University, was stunned when Lafitani shared private details about him and his family on social media—seemingly in retaliation for his withdrawal.
In his series of derogatory Facebook posts, including his recent appearance on the VPON media show, Lafitani acknowledged that his information regarding Liutai’s private life was sourced from Lo’au University’s records, which contained details Liutai had personally shared with the institution.
In Tongan he said: “Kuo malava ke ‘osi ma’u mei he talanoa pe a e Lo’au mo Marshall pea mo e ngaahi lekooti kuo ma’u mei he fakatotolo ni.”
However, Liutai warned that the remarks may constitute a defamatory offence under Australian law.
“The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) is a federal law in Australia that makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or immigrant status,” Liutai told Kaniva News.
He said: “RDA protects people from racial discrimination in areas like employment, education, housing, and the use of public services and places.
It also makes racial hatred, which is defined as acts that are reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate, or intimidate based on race, unlawful.”
Tuition Dispute Sparks Conflict
The conflict escalated after Liutai engaged Auckland-based Tongan lawyer Nalesoni Tupou last month to help him reclaim AU$2,200 in tuition fees he had paid to Lafitani. The fee was eventually refunded.
Liutai said that instead of addressing the matter professionally, Lafitani took to social media, accusing him of defamation and threats—allegations Liutai strongly denies.
In a September 20 Tongan-language Facebook post published by Lo’au University, Lafitani continued his disparagement of Liutai. The post claimed that Liutai’s record with the university indicated he was not Tongan and had been raised in an orphanage.
In Tongan, he said: “Marshall (Liutai) ko e tokotaha palangi na’e tauhi li’ekina (orphan) ‘ikai ha konga Tonga ‘e taha.”
Lafitani also claimed that the Tongan family who had adopted Liutai had severed ties with him and forcibly removed his wife and children. He said the information he shared was based on details Liutai had disclosed to Lo’au University during a talanoa.
He said in Tongan: “Pea kuo tu’usi hono famili Tonga ne nau pusiaki ‘o ‘ave fakamalohi’i hono mali Tonga mo e fanau koeuhi ko ha ngaahi ‘uhinga kehekehe pe, kuo malava ke ‘osi ma’u mei he talanoa pe a e Lo’au mo Marshall pea mo e ngaahi lekooti kuo ma’u mei he fakatotolo ni.”
Threats of Violence and Fool Slur
In a recent appearance on VPON Media, Lafitani repeatedly referred to Liutai as a fool (“vale”) and claimed that three groups from Sydney had contacted him, saying they were willing to assault Liutai—apparently after viewing Lafitani’s Facebook posts targeting him.
Lafitani alleged that he later met with the groups while in Sydney and advised them in Tongan, “Don’t beat the vale. Leave him to the law and proper process. If you beat him, I and Lo’au will be blamed for inciting it.”
He added, “I do not need to beat the vale.”
In Tongan, Lafitani said:”‘Osi fetu’utaki mai e kulupu ‘e 3 ke nau taa’i e masi’i ‘i Senee. Pea a’u ki he’eku ‘alu atu ‘i he uike kuo ‘osi. Ko ‘eku talatalanoa. Kuo u tala ange ‘oua, ‘oua te mou ala ki he vale ko ia. Tuku pe he ‘e taa’i fakalao, taa’i faka’atamai pe he ee. He kapau te mou taa’i e masi’i ‘e tukuaki’i mai au mo e Lo’au ko au ‘oku ou hanga ‘o hoka. ‘Ikai ke u fiema’u ‘e au ke ta e vale ko ‘ena.”
“Sai ‘atu kotoa ‘a e silini ‘a e vale ko ‘eni, vale ko ‘eni ‘i Senee,” again referring to Liutai as a fool (“vale”) in Sydney, and stating that his money had been returned.
In Tongan Lafitani also said: “Vale ko ‘eni mei Senee. Ko e palangi ka ‘oku te’eki ke ne ‘ilo ‘e ia ‘a e hisitolia ‘o e kakai Tonga mo e kau tama Tonga ‘i Senee.
He was referring to Liutai as “the fool from Sydney”, saying he didn’t understand the history of the Tongan people and how they might respond physically.
Privacy Breach and Accusations
Liutai previously responded by dismissing Lafitani’s remarks, accusing him of attempting to intimidate.
“He miscalculated. I am no fool. I advised him we could proceed to court and I would seek damages, leveraged against his property, should he proceed.”
Liutai was stunned that someone he trusted had shared his personal information, reinforcing concerns he had previously raised with Lafitani before his withdrawal about the institution’s lack of a code of conduct protecting student privacy.
“Clearly, I am white and an orphan. I arrived in a Tongan family who loved me, named me, included me in genealogy and raised me with respect—even though I was white,” said Liutai.
Liutai claimed that Lafitani’s remarks constituted defamation and libel under Australian law, alleging they were made with the intent to damage his reputation.
“And they represent statements that might be considered discriminatory or racist.”
After his withdrawal from Lo’au University Liutai took to Facebook and shared his experience.
“None of my comments on his behaviour have focused on skin colour or cultural identity; rather just the ethics of his conduct,” he said of Lafitani.
A number of reputable academic institutions have established policies governing the handling of personal information and the protection of individual privacy, according to Liutai.
He believes Lafitani’s remarks reflect deeper issues of racial bias.
Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Pesi Siale Fonua, editor and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online and a distinguished figure in Pacific Islands journalism, has passed away at the age of 78.
Fonua was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away on 12 October 2025 at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga, the online publication announced this morning.
Fonua was widely respected for his lifelong dedication to journalism and his role in shaping independent media in the Pacific.
As the founder and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online, he provided a vital platform for Tongan and regional news, earning recognition for his commitment to press freedom and public accountability.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fonua’s legacy extends through both his family and the many journalists he mentored.
Arrangements for the funeral and opportunities for friends and family to pay their respects will be shared in the coming days.
Aucklanders have re-elected Wayne Brown as mayor in the 2025 local elections, giving him a second and final term to complete the work he began three years ago.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown
Brown, who campaigned on fixing Auckland’s transport system, said he was “relieved and humbled” by the strong support from voters.
Speaking to media at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool — which he affectionately calls “Brownie’s Pool” — shortly after preliminary results were released on Saturday afternoon, Brown admitted the campaign had been tough.
“It’s been like being in the dentist’s chair for six weeks,” he said. “I didn’t enjoy it, I don’t enjoy campaigning.”
Voting closed at midday Saturday, with more than 1 million votes counted across 78 city, district, and regional councils nationwide. Local Government NZ reported a voter turnout of 31.61%. Final results for close races are expected next week.
Brown confirmed this would be his last term as mayor, saying his focus now is on finishing what he started.
“They’ve seen what I do, and it won’t be much different — just finishing the job that I started,” he said.
Asked why he believed he won by a large margin, Brown said it was because he had been “quite plain about what I’m doing.”
“I haven’t quite finished everything I’ve set out to fix,” he added. “Even today in the paper, somebody said I hadn’t really done the things on the streets with transport that I said I’d do, but I haven’t actually got my hands on AT [Auckland Transport] yet — but it’s coming shortly.”
An angry outburst from Minister of Police Piveni Piukala nearly escalated into a physical confrontation with former Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu during a press briefing yesterday—forcing Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi to step in.
Former MP and Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala
Voices grew louder as speakers interrupted one another, exchanging sharp words during the livestreamed press conference.
This latest incident comes more than two months after Piukala was involved in a physical altercation in Parliament with Lord Tuʻilakepa, Chair of the Whole House Committee.
Prime Minister Dr ʻAisake Eke later confirmed he had issued a formal warning to Piukala and given him a final chance to remain in Cabinet.
Lavulavu maintained that the solution to the ongoing issues with Lulutai Airlines was not to continue injecting funds into it, but to shut it down entirely.
“To be honest, that’s not the answer—just declare it bankrupt and start another one,” he said in Tongan.
Addressing Cabinet Ministers at the press conference, Lavulavu argued that the government could not revive the airline unless, as he implied, domestic services were operated by a private company from overseas.
He claimed that Lulutai’s survival depended solely on its services to Vavaʻu, not to other outer islands.
“You have to listen to us from Vavaʻu,” he said.
“You can’t make decisions here in Tongatapu that could cause us to suffer.”
Airline Decisions Under Fire
He was then cut off by Piukala, who, visibly angered, abruptly returned to the podium after having just left it, and challenged Lavulavu over his comments.
Piukala blamed the airline’s problems on a former administration, in which Lavulavu served as a minister. Lavulavu denied any involvement, but Piukala insisted otherwise.
The Minister of Police responded, saying the Deputy Prime Minister—who chaired the press conference—had clarified that the airline’s problems stemmed from poor decisions made in the past.
Directing his remarks at Lavulavu, Piukala said that if he were in Lavulavu’s position, he would be embarrassed to speak on the issue.
“You are the ones, when you were in government, who initiated what we are now facing as problems,” Piukala said.
Lavulavu responded and told Piukala it was the former government before them but Piukala insisted it was them.
“You have been in a state of disarray in this company,” Piukala told Lavulavu.
Lavulavu responded and offered an apology, but Piukala raised his voice and said, “You initiated the airline, yet you never knew anything about how to operate it.”
Lavulavu replied in a similarly firm tone, telling Piukala he was wrong and should refrain from twisting the truth.
Piukala then accused Lavulavu of using the livestreamed press conference as a platform to campaign for the upcoming general election, in which he is a candidate.
“You made the wrong decision,” Lavulavu fired back, referring to Piukala’s role as Minister of Public Enterprises in making decisions about Lulutai Airlines.
