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National down but still leads in 1 News / Kantar political poll

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

National has dropped to 37 percent but still leads Labour on 33 percent in the latest 1 News / Kantar political poll.

No caption

Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas

The poll put the Green Party – which has faced leadership turbulence – on 9 percent of the vote, ACT on 11 percent, NZ First on 3 percent and Te Pāti Māori on 2 percent.

The numbers – if they held – would mean National and ACT together would have enough seats to form the next government.

It compares to the previous results at the end of May: National holding steady on 39 percent, Labour down on 35, Greens up on 10, ACT down on 7, and Te Pāti Māori holding the balance of power on 2 percent.

Then, Ardern had been on 33 percent and Luxon on 25 percent on ‘most preferred prime minister’ stakes.

In this poll both Ardern and Luxon dropped in the preferred PM rankings, with Ardern scoring 30 percent and Luxon 22 percent.

ACT leader David Seymour was up 2 points at 5 percent, NZ First leader Winston Peters was up 1 one at 2 percent and Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick was down one point at 1 percent.

National is fresh from its first party conference with Luxon as leader, where he announced a new welfare policy that has been roundly criticised by Ardern, by Labour and the Greens, and some support service groups.

None of that would have been public when polling was taken, but the ongoing struggles with rising inflation, a worker shortage, a health sector in crisis and heightened international tensions will all have factored into respondents’ concerns.

Between 30 July and 3 August 2022, 1023 eligible voters were polled by mobile phone (504) and online, using online panels (519).

The maximum sampling error was approximately plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Police appeal to locate missing teen Amelia from Kaitaia, NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from Kaitaia in the far north district of New Zealand

‘Amelia

Amelia, 14, was missing from her home and was new to the area.

She was last seen wearing a black top, black shorts and red shoes.

Amelia also has family in the Ashburton area.

Police and her family are concerned for her wellbeing and would like to see her return home.

If you have information about Amelia’s whereabouts or can assist Police in locating her, please contact 111 and quote file number 220731/0823.

You can also view this release, including any additional images, on the NZ Police app or at: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/have-you-seen-amelia

First blood in the Rugby Championship goes to the Springboks

By
Kalino Latu
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South Africa comfortably defeated the All Blacks 26-10 in Mbombela this morning in their Rugby Championship opener.

Dejected All Black players after losing the match during the New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa Springboks rugby union match at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa on Saturday 6 August 2022. 2022 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship. Mandatory credit: © Christiaan Kotze / www.photosport.nz

Dejected All Black players after losing the match during the New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa Springboks rugby union match at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa on Saturday 6 August 2022. 2022 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship. Mandatory credit: © Christiaan Kotze / www.photosport.nz Photo: Christiaan Kotze

The All Blacks have slumped to their fifth loss in six tests. It was South Africa’s biggest win over New Zealand since 1928.

More pressure will go on coach Ian Foster after a game the Springboks dominated throughout.

The physical battle was won by the home side in their two tries to one victory.

The Springboks were more dominant than the scoreline suggests as they bossed the set-piece and breakdown, with hooker Malcolm Marx particularly devastating in the latter in his 50th test.

South Africa led 10-3 at halftime and increased their advantage as the game progressed.

Kurt-Lee Arendse and Willie le Roux scored for the home side.

There were 16-points from the boot of South Africa’s Handre Pollard with two conversions, three penalties and a drop goal.

All Black Shannon Frizell crossed for a late consolation try late off the back of a Caleb Clarke break, which was converted by Richie Mo’unga.

Jordie Barrett succeeded with a penalty.

Foster says All Blacks were improved despite heavy defeat to Boks

Ian Foster said his side had improved their performance from the historic 2-1 home series loss to Ireland, despite the loss at Mbombela stadium on Saturday ranking as the heaviest defeat by South Africa in 94 years.

The Springboks’ power game, dominance of the ruck and superiority under the high ball was too much for the All Blacks, making a disappointing start to the championship.

It was the fifth defeat in six games for Foster, who was already under pressure before the game but will now have further questions asked of his ability to lead the team a little over a year out from the Rugby World Cup in France.

But he remained defiant and said there were aspects of the All Blacks’ performance that pleased him greatly, and the team will be better in the second Rugby Championship encounter against the Boks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 13 August.

“Congratulations to South Africa, they were more clinical than us,” Foster said. “They played their (style of) game well… under pressure they went to the kicking game and that put us under a lot of pressure.

“For us, I actually thought it was a step up in performance from the last series. The line-out worked well, the maul defence was good and our overall defence was pretty solid.

“We perhaps just missed a little bit of timing in terms of our attack. We will have to go and look at that.”

New Zealand conceded 11 penalties to the Boks’ seven, but Foster said that was all down to the pressure put on his team.

“It felt like we weren’t getting the rub of the green in the first 20 minutes and that put us behind a little bit,” he said.

“The third quarter was critical for us in terms of getting back into the game, but all the Springboks did was carry hard and get a few penalties. That is their game, which is a pressure game.

“You saw as the match unfolded the opportunities did start to come, there were just a couple of handling errors. I thought we made some strides (forward), but we have to prove that next week.”

– Reuters

Communications authority threatens, investigates Kele‘a but broadcaster baffled  by lack of clarity in the warning letter

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Ministry of Communications has written and threatened to sue Kele’a radio after it received complaints against its broadcasting services.

Vilisoni Tu’iniua and Paula Ma’u

But the broadcaster said it was mystified by the ambiguity and lack of transparency of the warning.

In a letter from the CEO of the Ministry of Communications, seen by Kaniva News, Paula Ma’u warned the radio against further broadcasting of the contents in question while an investigation was underway.

Ma’u did not give any details of the complaints, who was complaining and what were the Kele’a’s news items from which the complaints arose.

Kele’a broadcaster Vilisoni Tu’iniua described the warning as a “fakapatū” or scare tactic.

“We are getting used to the way of how they scare us,” Tu’iniua told Kaniva News in Tongan.

He said the Authority previously removed Kele’a’s broadcasting license, but it was later reinstated after the Publication took legal actions.

Tu’iniua said the Kele’a radio did not receive any complaints from the public.

He said the Communication Authority did not identify any particular radio programme of concern.

NZ Media Council

In New Zealand, it was a procedure that any complainant who brought a complaint against a publication must, unless exempted by the Executive Director of the Council, first lodge the complaint in writing with the editor of the publication.

“The Media Council’s complaint procedure is public and transparent and Council rulings are published on its website. Therefore, the name of a complainant will be published unless there are exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Media Council”.

A copy of Ma’u’s letter to Siaosi Pōhiva of the Kele’a Publications is copied verbatim below:

Notification for Kele’a Publications Limited Complaints

As the registrar for all communication services in Tonga pursuant to section 142 of Communication Act, I write to serve you this notification for your radio broadcasting station in relation to the above-mentioned subject matter.

It has come to our attention that the Ministry has been receiving reports against contents that are being broadcasted through the performance of your service. The Ministry is of a view that there is a main concern here and potential claim against your license as a Network Operator pursuant to section 35 and Schedule 1 of the Communication Act.

It is therefore strongly notified to you that the Ministry will be carrying out preliminary investigations and inquiries to deal with these complaints, and as such we highly recommend that such contents being broadcasted are to be avoided.

In the event where the Ministry continues to receive reports of complaint against the same reason from your service, the Ministry will have the intention to take legal proceedings in accordance with the Communication Act.

We appreciate your co-operation and understanding of this matter.

US deputy secretary to arrive in Tonga tomorrow in wake of new US Tonga based embassy revelation

By
Kaniva Staff
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High-ranking United States diplomat Wendy Sherman​ will meet with Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku in Nuku’alofa on Friday 5.

Wendy Sherman is considered to be a foreign policy veteran. Reuters

The Prime Minister’s office this afternoon invited media  “to cover the Official Visit”.

The Office said a photo shoot opportunity of the Prime Minister, the Hon Hu’akavameiliku and HE Sherman was made available at 4pm on Friday 5 at the Cabinet Office, Level 3, St George Building, Nuku’alofa.

“There will also be a signing ceremony  of an Energy Grant of US$100,000″.

At 6pm Hon Prime Minister was expected to host a reception to mark the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the United States of America.

A USAID NEMO Program will be held at Fa’onelua Convention Centre on Saturday, August 6 at 9am – 10am.

A Grant Signing Ceremony with Women in ICT will be held at Fā’onelua Convention Centre at 11am.

There will be an opportunity for a press roundtable interview at 12.30pm – 1pm.

A statement published by the US State Department on Thursday said Sherman will meet with King Tupou VI and other senior Tongan government officials to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations between the United States and Tonga. 

“The most senior U.S. official to visit Tonga in the history of our relationship, the Deputy Secretary will discuss bilateral cooperation, including the United States’ interest in beginning discussions to establish a U.S. embassy in Tonga—announced by Vice President Kamala Harris at the Pacific Islands Forum in July—as well as ongoing recovery efforts from the volcano eruption and tsunami in January, for which the United States has provided over $2.6 million in assistance. 

“She will also deliver remarks at an event with Tongan students and young people, meet with members of Tongan civil society, and visit U.S. Peace Corps staff. 

The Peace Corps has been active in Tonga for 55 years and will return volunteers to the field in 2023″.

Petrol prices fall below $3 in main centres, and further drop expected

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

While costs at the pump are looking lower, drivers can expect a further drop over the next week, says a petrol pricing expert.

No caption

AA says the drop in crude oil prices means petrol costs in New Zealand are likely to fall further next week. (File image) Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

Costs in the main centres are well below $3, according to price tracking app Gaspy.

Early on Thursday afternoon, the app showed Waitomo on Tinakori Road in Wellington was charging $2.59 a litre; Caltex on Newton Road in Auckland was charging $2.65; and in Christchurch, Waitomo on Fitzgerald Avenue was charging $2.47.

Automobile Association principal policy adviser Terry Collins said the price of crude oil had dropped significantly in the past few days, meaning costs in New Zealand were likely to fall further next week.

A barrel of crude oil has dropped from $US110 to $US96.78 in less than a week.

“It’s come as a surprise on the international market, and it has been rapid over the last couple of days,” Collins said.

The decline came as a result of demand falling short of predictions in the US due to recession fears, he said.

“Why it was unexpected is because in the US and globally, demand is starting to come back a bit.

“The inventories in the US went up, and with weakening demand, prices went down as a consequence.”

Waitomo Group managing director Jimmy Ormsby said the drop was great news for customers.

“If the global price of crude is on it’s way down, then that’s reflected within a relatively short period of time at the pump in New Zealand,” Ormsby said.

“I’d say if there’s been a consistent drop this week, then you’d expect to see that at the pump within the next week to 10 days.”

However, Ormsby warned global crude prices were still fluctuating week-to-week.

Collins said an array of factors could kick costs back up, the most significant being further sanctions from the EU on Russia due to take effect in December.

Supply also remains tight and international demand is predicted to increase in coming months.

“We’ve still got China in the lockdown as a consequence of Covid, so when that demand starts coming up, that could have some consequences,” Collins said.

“It’s extremely volatile, there’s still a lot of things to be sorted out in the long term.”

The government’s fuel excise duty cut of 25 cents a litre have been extended until the end of January.

Tonga parliament postponed due to lack of quorum

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s parliament defers its session this afternoon after the minimum number of members of the assembly that must be present for a meeting to proceed was not met.

Tonga Parliament. Photo/Fale Alea ‘o Tonga (Facebook)

It was first announced that the House deferred for 15 minutes but it was updated a short time later to say the sitting was postponed until Monday morning at 10am.

It came after the House resumed sitting on August 1 since it passed the 2022/2023 National Budget in June.

It is understood the agenda included deliberating on Government Public Bills.

Yesterday the legislators supported by a majority vote, a proposed amendment to section 119 of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2022.

If it would become law, “the presiding Judge or magistrate may or if application made by complainant or the Prosecutor – now can make an order against media’s publication or broadcast of complainant or vulnerable witness identity on Criminal Offences Act or any offence of a sexual nature in other Acts”.

“Section 119 of the Principal Act is amended by deleting subsection one and replaced with the presiding Judge or Magistrate may, or if application made by complainant or the Prosecutor, order and direct that the identity of the complainant or any vulnerable witness, and their evidence taken in the proceedings; or information that discloses or could reasonably lead to the disclosure of their identity (the complainant or any vulnerable witness). Therefore, the new amendments in section 119 provide that victims’ identity WILL NOT be made publicly in a written publication available to the public or broadcast.

“The current section 119 of the existing legislation (Criminal Offences Act) is restricted to offending under section 118 which applicable to rape cases only.

“The Justice Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu asserted in Parliament, the Bill is to refrain media from publishing any news information which could reveal the identity of victims and eventually tarnish their reputation.

The proposed amendment aims to extend the restriction of publication of identification particulars or evidence of any complainant or vulnerable witness for any offence of a sexual nature under the Criminal Offence Act or other Act such as under the Family Protection Act”.

Tonga police warn schools after men attempt to lure children into cars

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Schools on Tongatapu have been warned about men who approached children and tried to get them into vehicles.

“Several complaints from concerned parents and citizens reveal that there have been incidents of  suspicious males that had attempted to lure young children into their vehicles,” a police statement said this afternoon.

A class two child was approached by a man  trying to convince them to get into his vehicle, it said.

“Luckily, an adult who knew the child was nearby, and prevented any  unwanted result from the situation”. 

The warning came after reports on social media alleged Ma’ufanga and Fanga government middle schools had been targeted. Some parents reported seeing several incidents where a man approached young children in a suspicious manner.

Police said they visited schools. It was unclear whether they have identified any suspects or not.

“Principals and Teachers are also encouraged to share with Police anything that comes to their  attention that would likely place their young students’ lives and safety at risk”. 

Some safety measures proposed for schools and parents include: 

1. Remind children not to talk to strangers and not to accept anything offered by anyone  other than their parents, family members, or teacher.  

2. Pick up your child on time and share a list of those that can pick up your child with the school. 3. Parents to provide lunches for their children to prevent children from leaving the school  compound.  

4. School gates to be locked during school hours. 

5. Have a designated location, that can be easily monitored, for drop off and pick up.  6. A teacher must accompany students while waiting for pick-up at the end of school. 7. Alert Police should you or the child feel unsafe. 

“Tonga Police is committed to serve and be one with the community, primarily to keep everyone safe  and to feel safe. 

If you have any information to share with Police in relation to this issue, please contact us on 922 or  740-1625″. 

NZ top lawyer hired: Fituafe ‘hopeful’ she will still win against Deputy PM appealing his bribery conviction case

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan plaintiffs and defendants are awaiting decisions by the Appeal Court over a number of appeals against electoral bribery convictions of some of the top leaders of the country.

Former MP Māteni Tapueluelu and NZ Barrister Dr Rodney Harrison

Unsuccessful candidate Fane Fituafe said she was confident she would still win over the Deputy Prime Minister’s appealing against his bribery conviction case.

Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei was found guilty of bribery and the Supreme Court decision also annulled his election victory in May.

Tei, the Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) stood against Mrs. Fane Fituafe.  Tei was declared the winner and Mrs. Fituafe then brought an election petition before the Supreme Court, claiming that Tei violated the electoral regulations either directly or by allowing another person, Saia Penitani, to act on his behalf.

Fituafe claimed that the election was invalid because Tei had contravened Section 21 of the Electoral Act. She claimed that  he committed bribery indirectly by another person by giving valuable gifts of 20 plastic water tanks to electors in the village of Houma to influence them to vote for him.

Tei had been granted a stay in the execution of his judgement, until his appeal was heard and determined.

Fane Fituafe (R – L) PTOA Core Team Leader Semisi Sika, Lautala Tapueluelu and former MP Māteni Tapueluelu.

Fituafe told Kaniva News unless the outcome of the appeal would be different she “thinks” she would still win.

“It was okay”, she said, responding to when she was asked about her feeling about her lawyer’s submission.

“I ‘m hopeful I will win. The judges raised just a minor issue with the standard of proof but it was addressed by Harrison in his Memorandum he sent to the judges”.

New Zealand top lawyer

Fituafe and unsuccessful candidate Māteni Tapueluelu engaged the New Zealand prominent Lawyer Dr Rodney Harrison QC to assist them in the appeal cases.

It comes after Tapueluelu asked the Supreme Court to overturn the successful result of his rival candidate, the Minister for Finance Tatafu Moeaki on the grounds that Moeaki had committed bribery.

The court ruled in favour of Tapueluelu and found Moeaki guilty of two offences of bribery under section 21 of the Electoral Act. Moeaki appealed his conviction.

The Appeal Court’s Special Session held on July 28-29 heard seven appeals via audio visual link with the Presiding Justices from abroad. 

The appeal cases included another unsuccessful candidate and former MP Siaosi Pohiva appealing a decision against his successful rival MP candidate Tevita Puloka.

Another appeal case was between former Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa and his rival candidate Kāpeli Lanumata after Tu”i’onetoa was convicted for electoral bribery.

There was also another appeal case between the Minister for Internal Affairs and his unsuccessful rival candidate Pīveni Piukala as well as another case between unsuccessful candidate and former Deputy Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika and MP ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi.

Aotearoa to mark first anniversary of dawn raids apology

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

The official celebration of the first anniversary of the Dawn Raids Apology is to be held at Ōrākei Marae in Auckland on August 27 2022.

One year ago, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern formally apologised to Pacific communities impacted by the Dawn Raids in the 1970s.

A mat is draped over Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as part of the Samoan Ifoga ceremonial apology.

A mat is draped over Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as part of the Samoan Ifoga ceremonial apology. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

During the cultural exchanges after the 2021 ceremony, the chair and elders of Ngati Whatua Ōrākei made the generous offer to host the first year’s anniversary of the Dawn Raid’s Apology.

“The concept for the celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Dawn Raids Apology is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and look to the future through an open and transparent cultural celebratory platform,” Aupito William Sio said.

He said Pacific peoples, Māori and other ethnic communities were specifically targeted and racially profiled during the Dawn Raids, which was wrong and never should have happened.

In a bid to preserve the history and educate the next generation a documentary series about the Dawn Raids in Aotearoa has been made, airing on August 1, the date the apology was made.

Members of the Polynesian Panthers gathered at the Auckland University Fale during the filming of 'How we made it to 50 years'.

Members of the Polynesian Panthers gathered at the Auckland University Fale during the filming of ‘How we made it to 50 years’. Photo: Josiah Tualamali’i

How we made it to 50 years producer, Josiah Tualamali’i said the series explains how the Polynesian Panthers started their advocacy in the 1970s.

Some of the advocates were as young as 16-years-old, Tualamali’i said.

He said it documents the Dawn Raids period up until the apology last year.

“We just talked about, could there be something we can do to continue to make more people understand the stories and the work that they do? It just so happened that one of the people involved with the Pacific youth and community support Benji Timu, was a videographer and I studied history – so together with the Polynesian Panthers we have made this documentary,” Tualamali’i said.

Polynesian Panther and Associate Professor of Pacific Studies, Te Wananga o Waipapa, University of Auckland, Melani Anae, is in the series.

Anae said she is focussed on educating young people through the ‘Educate to Liberate’ programme.

“[It] is important because I think the legacy of the Polynesian Panthers has given this new generation of young people in Aotearoa today our three point platform. Number one, annihilate all forms of racism, celebrate mana Pasifika or your own ethnic identity and three, educate to liberate. So over the last 11 years now we have been visiting schools.

“We have given students another way of looking at our realities in Aotearoa how we can live in a better world, with the apology happening last year that was a sure sign of change, the only leader in the western world apologising for the dawn raids,” She said.

Another resource launched this week marking one year since the apology is the book, ‘A New Dawn’.

Author Emili Sione launches her new book 'A New Dawn' on the first anniversary of the New Zealand government's official apology for the dawn raids era. 1 August 2022

Author Emili Sione launches her new book ‘A New Dawn’ on the first anniversary of the New Zealand government’s official apology for the dawn raids era. 1 August 2022 Photo: Emili Sione

Author, Emili Sione has shared her Dawn Raid story to help people understand the real impact of this dark time in Aotearoa’s history with some valuable lessons for all New Zealanders’.

“This story actually has sat with me for a really long time and about five or six years ago I approached a publisher and said I really want to tell my story around my Dawn Raid experience…and there was a lot talk in the background about it but you know, you had comments of comments of you know, New Zealand not being ready for it, we are already dealing with Maori history and the land wars and New Zealand may not be ready for it, I was a little bit disappointed but I fully understood.

“So I sat on it, then what happened was the apology came and I thought, right this is the time to talk about my experience,” Sione said.

“I have to say it has been an overwhelming experience because you have to go back in time and reconnect with some of that hurt, some of that pain. And just forgiveness, I believe in forgiveness,” she said.

Launched on the first anniversary of the dawn raids apology 'A New Dawn' is a personal account from author Emili Sione looking at the lessons learned from this era. 1 August 2022

Launched on the first anniversary of the dawn raids apology ‘A New Dawn’ is a personal account from author Emili Sione looking at the lessons learned from this era. 1 August 2022 Photo: Emili Sione

A New Dawn from Mila’s Books is available online and in-store at Lagi Routes and Wheelers Books for schools and libraries.

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