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Kiwi man drowns in front of his five children in Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Kiwi man has drowned in front of his five children while paddleboarding in Australia.

Seti Tuaopepe, 35, was drowned at a newly opened inland ‘beach’ after spending his last moments holding one of his sons above water, it has been revealed.

Mr Tuaopepe had been paddleboarding with his children when they fell into the water, the Daily Mail reported.

It is understood Mr Tuaopepe held his children above water until a rescuer arrived at around 2.35pm on Tuesday but was unable to save himself. 

NSW Police divers and a Toll rescue helicopter were called in as part of the extensive effort. 

Mr Tuaopepe’s body was found about 6.15pm, about four hours after he went missing. 

Reports said  Mr Tuaopepe grew up in Samoa, studied in New Zealand and moved to Australia for work.

Tributes to Mr Tuaopepe began pouring in on social media. 

‘You were kind, silent and a very gentle classmate,’ one friend wrote on Facebook.

‘You were a family man … condolences to your wife, children and family. Rest in peace and in the loving arms of our Lord.’

Penrith beach officially opened last week, immediately gaining the nickname Pondi after the famous eastern suburbs Bondi beach, and received mixed reviews from visitors.

A NSW government website bluntly lists what is not allowed at the beach including riding bikes, getting dropped off by a family member and even visiting without a booking – with some slamming the rules as ‘un-Australian’. 

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson told Newshub they are aware of reports of a New Zealander drowning in New South Wales.

“We have not been contacted by anyone for assistance,” the spokesperson added.

Australian police said a report would be prepared for the Coroner.

‘Ana Afā Fesimaka Moimoi funeral details released

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan mum who was a victim of a fatal stabbing incident in Australia will be farewelled at the first week of the New Year.

‘Ana Afā Fesimata Moimoi

‘Ana Afā Fesimaka Moimoi died on Thursday 21 after she was allegedly murdered by her neighbour, Dorothy Jane Downie, in her apartment in an up-market suburb of Brisbane.

A prayer service for the 43-year-old  mother-of-one, will be held this Saturday at the George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals, 783 Zillmere Rd, Aspley.

An All Night Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, January 2 at 5pm at the Geebung Uniting Church , 59 Simla Ave, Geebung.

On Wednesday 3, according to the family, Moimoi’s funeral service is expected to be held at the Geebung Uniting Church.

She is expected to be laid to rest at the Nudgee Cemetery at 10am, 493 St Vincents Rd, Nudgee.

Moimoi was allegedly stabbed before she was taken to the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, where she died.

The 55-year-old suspect has been charged with murder and enter dwelling with intent.

Downie’s matter was mentioned for the first time in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.

Daniel Hannay, of Hannay Lawyers, said police had raised concerns about his client’s possible capacity issues as she had some history of “ delusions of grandeur and psychosis”, the Courier Mail reported.

Three hospitalised after truck and trailer collides with car

By
Kaniva Staff
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A truck and trailer has collided with a car on Thompsons Track in Waikato, leaving three hospitalised.

St John Ambulance said it was called to the scene on Thompsons Track on SH2 at 9.11 this morning.

One ambulance responded to the scene. Three patients were taken to Tauranga Hospital, one in a moderate condition and two in a minor condition.

Earlier this morning the road was blocked in both directions near Aongatete. Waka Kotahi said the crash has been cleared and all lanes are now open.

Police issue drink spike warning ahead of New Year festivals

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are urging festivalgoers to take care over New Year celebrations – and in particular to watch their drinks.

This weekend will see Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne and Rhythm and Alps near Wānaka among music events ushering in 2024.

Police issued statements on both festivals this morning, urging people to take care of themselves and their friends.

“Be sensible, and make sure everyone gets home safely,” a spokesperson said.

“Always have a plan on how to get to and from an event safely.

“Have a plan b and keep an eye on your alcohol consumption, always eat something substantial if you are planning to drink and encourage your friends to do the same.”

Police also warned people to be careful of drink spiking.

“Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks you haven’t seen poured, the last thing you want is somebody tampering with your drink.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and whānau are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have,” a spokesperson said, adding that people should also be mindful of their valuables.

“Having your valuables stolen can ruin your celebrations.

“If you are taking a car to the festival, make sure all valuables are kept out of sight, all doors are locked, and the windows are up.

“Keep your phone, keys and wallet in a safe place that is unlikely to easily fall out of a pocket.”

Police officers and security will be at both of the popular festivals.

Anyone who feels unsafe is asked to call 111, and anyone with non-urgent concerns is asked to call 105.

“During New Year we often see a peak in people driving on the roads, so be patient, keep calm, drive sober and if you are feeling tired – pull over,” the spokesperson added. “All drivers can expect to be breath-tested daily throughout the event.”

Homicide investigation launched after human remains found on Tonga ocean floor

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Police have launched a homicide investigation after two fishermen found human remains on the seabed in water around the Nuku’alofa’s Yellow Pier.

Tonga Police. Photo/Kalino Lātū

Police said the fishermen made the startling discovery on Christmas Day but provided no further details.

It said the unidentified human remains have been transferred to the mortuary at the Vaiola Hospital awaiting thorough examination by a pathologist.

The result is expected to assist Police investigations and hopefully with identification of the deceased, the Police said.

Tonga Police is urging the public for any information that may help police investigations including information on any missing persons that may have not reached police.

“Please contact Police on 922, 740-1630 or 740-1632 with any information”.

Lulutai plane flying on Christmas Day disputed as ‘unfair’ after man arrested for swimming on the public holiday

By
Kaniva Staff
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A confrontation at the Vava’u police station this afternoon led to police releasing a man they had arrested and charged after he allegedly swam in the sea during Christmas day.

Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota.

Neiafu town officer Vāvā Lapota said his 21-year-old son was arrested today and intended to be remanded in custody after the police claimed he had breached the kingdom’s Christmas Day law.

He said the police called and told him to bring bedding for his son as he was expected to remain in custody, apparently overnight, while they were processing his charges.

Lapota told Kaniva News he arrived at the police station and confronted the police officer who was working on his son’s arrest.

He said he told her that his son should be processed and released without being held in prison.  

He claimed the police officer insisted she needed more time because of staffing shortages.

However, Lapota pointed her to several police officers who he said were standing around in the office.   

He said he asked the police officer why they didn’t stop the Lulutai aircraft from doing business on Christmas as it is an apparent breach of the Christmas Day services prohibition.

He said no response was given to his question.

He said a Lulutai aircraft had conducted several flight services on Vava’u today, during Christmas.

“That’s unfair”, he said in Tongan.

Lapota said the police finally agreed and released his son. However, they told him that his son should expect receiving his charging document after Christmas.

The police and Lulutai airlines could not be reached for comment.

Under Tongan law, people are not allowed to conduct business or work on Sundays. Public transport is also not available on Sundays.

The law stipulates that activities such as swimming, playing sport, dancing, listening to loud music, and fishing are illegal on Sundays.

It says Christmas Day and Good Friday must be observed in compliance with Sunday laws.

The law also gives the Minister of Police the power to grant exemption especially in a state of emergency.

Christmas forecast: Scattered thunderstorms and rain across NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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Santa may need to bring a raincoat and gumboots as parts of the motu are in for a wet start to Christmas.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Scattered thunderstorms were expected to develop over parts of the northern and central North Island on Sunday evening through to Christmas Day.

Heavy rain was set to continue around Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga, The Tararua Range, Tasman ranges west of Motueka and the ranges of Westland south of Otira through to about 9am on Monday with up to 80mm expected to fall in some places.

MetService says rainfall could peak at around 20-millimetres per hour before easing later in the day.

A heavy rain warning has been issued for the areas.

Around 20 flights into Auckland were delayed on Sunday, as rain swept across the region.

MetService meteorologist John Law said Christmas would be hot and muggy for the rest of the country.

“As we head into the final days towards Christmas, we’ll find our weather dominated by some pretty warm and muggy air,” he said.

“[There’s] an area of low pressure that’s one of the systems introducing all this warm and muggy air over us.”

On Christmas Day itself, while there would have been rain, Law said the weather was expected to improve.

“Everything does look to be improving through the day, so as we head towards the end of the day we should find some dry conditions, perhaps the best of the brightness and the driest, warmest temperatures as well, out towards that eastern side of the North Island … places like Hawke’s Bay up as high as 30 to 32C.

“On the South Island, generally some drier and brighter weather there … [for] places like Christchurch and Canterbury, [they are] looking pretty decent through Christmas Day.”

rnz.co.nz

Person in critical condition after Auckland hit and run

By
Kaniva Staff
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One person has been taken to hospital in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on Hills Road, Ōtara.

Police say they were called to the scene about 8.40pm. Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

The incident occurred yesterday evening at about 6.50pm.

“The vehicle involved left the scene and inquiries are ongoing to locate it,” said police.

“Hills Road is closed while police conduct a scene examination, and motorists should avoid the area.”

NRL hands Mate Ma’a Tonga player a notice over hammer attack guilty verdict

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Mate Ma’a Tonga player has received a notice after he was found guilty over a hammer attack on a tradesman that occurred on November last year in Australia.

The St George Dragons five-eighth ‘Amone Talatau Jr, 21, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalking or intimidation and destroying or damaging property.

The Wollongong Local Court found Amone and his father guilty and sentenced Amone to a two-year intensive corrections order and 300 hours of community service.

He was also fined $1000 by the court for a charge of destroy or damage property and ordered to pay compensation to the victim.

The verdict came after Amone was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm in company, destroy or damage property and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm over the matter in Warrawong.

Police allege Amone was involved in an incident that saw a tradesman attacked with a hammer, while a car roof and windscreen was also damaged with the tool.

Sporting News report says that Junior Amone’s play for the Dragons next year is uncertain.

It says, the NRL have responded to the verdict by issuing the playmaker with a notice, which has thrown Amone’s future into doubt.

He was expected to cop a lengthy suspension from the league and be unavailable at least for the start of the 2024 season. 

However, he may now miss the upcoming campaign completely and be forced to reapply for registration with no definitive time frame attached to this process. 

St George Illawarra released a brief comment regarding the matter last week ahead of the possible sanctions from the NRL.

“The Dragons acknowledge the two-year Intensive Corrections Order that was handed down to player Talatau Amone,” the statement said. 

“The club will now work closely with the NRL Integrity Unit to determine the appropriate next steps.”

‘I’m back’ roars Joe Parker as he dominates favourite Wilder

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker has revived his professional career with an emphatic points win over American big-hitter Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.

Parker was a firm underdog for the clash of two former world champions but he dominated from the outset against his listless 38-year-old opponent and nearly produced a knockout in the eighth round.

The judges unanimously scored the 12-round contest in Parker’s favour, which potentially opens the door to another world title shot.

Parker was already dominating the fight when he caught Wilder with a flurry of punches late in the eighth round, sparked by a wild right hand that connected with his back-pedalling opponent.

The three judges scored it 118-111, 118-110, and 120-108 to Parker indicating they had him winning virtually every round.

Parker shouted “I’m back!” after receiving the decision.

The Aucklander said his preparation had been spot on.

“I have a lot of respect for WIlder but we trained very hard for this. Everyone had plans but this is God’s plan,” he told broadcaster DAZN.

“The strategy was to be really fit, stay calm, stay relaxed. Maybe inactivity played a big part (for Wilder).”

* See how the bout unfolded with RNZ’s live blog.

It’s Parker’s fourth win of the year after a points victory over Jack Massey and knockout wins over Faiga Opelu and Simon Kean.

In 2022 he suffered a massive setback when he was stopped in 11 rounds by another Briton Joe Joyce, but has had a stellar year which he attributes to working with Tyson Fury’s camp.

New Zealand’s Junior Fa fought on the opening fight of the card but was well beaten by undefeated Cuban Frank Sanchez.

Fa, 34, defended Sanchez’s attacks well through the early rounds but was caught in the seventh by the 31-year-old before the referee called off the contest, handing him a third career defeat.

Also on the card, British heavyweight Daniel Dubois stopped unbeaten American Jarrell Miller in the tenth and final round while Dmitriy Bivol defended his portion of the world light-heavyeight title with a wide 12-round points victory over England’s Lyndon Arthur.

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