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Petone to Pito-one name change gets backing from Hutt City Council

By
Kaniva Staff
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Hutt City Council has backed a move to change the name of Petone to Pito-one.

Jackson Street in Petone, or Pito-one. Photo: Nick James / RNZ

The Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Māori Reserves Trust have worked on an application for the name change throughout this year.

The two trusts contacted Hutt City Council to back the move, which was discussed at the council’s Policy, Finance and Strategy Committee on Tuesday afternoon.

In the meeting agenda it stated the evolution of the name Pito-one into its current form, Petone, followed colonial settlement in the region during the latter half of the 19th century. The document said it represented a misspelling of the area’s traditional name.

For any official name change, an application would have to be made to and considered by the New Zealand Geographic Board.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry will now send a letter to the New Zealand Geographic Board, reflecting the council’s backing.

RNZ spoke to locals in the suburb’s Jackson Street about their views on changing the name.

Vishnu had lived in the suburb for the past 11 months and reckoned it would be a good move.

“Everything should be in their original form, they should not be influenced by other culture and perspective.”

Ian, who had worked in Petone for 15 years, told RNZ it would not achieve anything.

“I don’t think it is important really, I think what’s important is here and now and here now everyone knows this district as Petone – I don’t see the point in changing it.”

He said while he did not back it, he would not stop people who thought it was important.

“If they think that’s fine and they get on there and they make it happen that’s good, but I’ve got other work to get on with, to be honest.”

Leanne believed it would make sense to change it, given it was the original name and would also respect tikanga.

“The name’s just got a whole lot of history with it as well, so it is very important.”

Damien said he did not want it to change since he had always known it as Petone, and noted the cost of making a name change.

“[If] the council wants to spend money on that, spend some money on the roads, eh?”

James wanted it to change, and likened it to when the ‘H’ was added to Whanganui in 2015.

“It didn’t change anything, and it was a bit more respectful like, of what the name should be rather than people just being lazy on not pronouncing the H.”

‘Who knows what the summer is going to bring’: El Niño expected to increase fire risk

By
Kaniva Staff
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Fire and Emergency (FENZ) officials at the scene of Monday’s Port Hills fire are stressing “vigilance” ahead of what is shaping up as an unpredictable summer.

A firefighter at the scene of Monday’s Port Hills fire. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Crews have contained the blaze, which ignited at about midday on Monday, and scorched an area of the northern slopes of the Port Hills, near Hillsborough.

But the emergency has sparked further questions as to whether this could be a sign of things to come, with El Niño predicted to make conditions drier and windier.

One resident, forced to act quickly at the time as flames threatened her land, admitted her neck of the woods at the base of the Port Hills naturally came with risk.

The mountain ranges have been susceptible to fire in recent years, none bigger than the 2017 fires that destroyed nine homes and forced hundreds to evacuate.

A helicopter pilot was killed when their chopper crashed when fighting the devastating blaze.

Another fire broke out in December 2020, forcing dozens of nearby properties to be evacuated.

A cause is still being determined for Monday’s blaze, and although it was largely contained, an area flared up shortly after 5am Tuesday morning.

FENZ group manager Des Irving said crews spent the morning “checking for hotspots and turning the soil over”.

“We are planning for a warm and dry summer. Who knows what the summer is going to bring.”

Irving said locals could allay risk by ensuring grass was cut and firewood not stacked against their buildings. This recommendation extended to local authorities, he said.

Another precaution was checking the weather forecast before burn-offs.

“I think what’s key is that people are vigilant, and if they see any signs of smoke they call 111.”

Scene commanders were hoping to have departed the scene by 2pm.

A woman who lived along Port Hills Road, who did not want to be named, was alerted to the blaze when a neighbour rushed to warn her. She then saw flames threatening a section of trees at the back of her property.

“I basically checked on the animals… it always makes you think if you have to leave in a hurry, what are you going to take.”

Firefighters utilised a track through the back of her section to get access to the fire, as they did back in 2020, she said.

Although she had become accustomed to emergencies, she told RNZ she refused to get apprehensive about the coming summer.

“I’m living next to the Port Hills… there’s dead trees, there’s live trees, there’s pine cones, there’s grass, I would say it’s as much a risk as anywhere in Canterbury.

“We’re coming into summer and it’s getting hotter and the risk is getting higher. But it’s not going to make me go and crawl into a concrete box.”

She was equally worried about the neighbouring industrial area along State Highway 76, which she felt posed a risk.

El Niño effect

Scion wildfire scientist Shana Gross said El Niño would increase fire risk, particularly for eastern parts of the country.

“It will depend on what weather we see, because every El Niño is variable. El Niño is probably only 25 percent of the variability that we see in the weather. But this year is different because the ocean is so warm already.”

Human activities were also seen as the cause of most fire ignitions in New Zealand, Gross said.

“In the Port Hills, there are a lot of grasses which burn pretty readily, and winds will dry them out so they can burn easier.

“Everyone needs to be really aware of the activities that they’re doing.”

Another activist arrested in Tonga following ‘Asiata Māsima’s attempted murder charge: Reports

By
Kaniva Staff
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Another man has been arrested by police after a political activist had been charged with attempted murder.

Vilisoni Tauelangi

Vilisoni Tauelangi has been reportedly arrested after his political associate ‘Asiata Māsima appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted murder.

Māsima and Tauelangi are strong supporters of democratic reform activities in Tonga.

A photo of Tauelangi which appeared to show him being handcuffed with another ununiformed senior police officer Pita Tahitu’a standing, has been shared on social media this evening.

Police could not be reached for comment.

The supporters of the PTOA (Democratic) Party and movement in Tonga alleged the arrest of Māsima was made after a political rival group complaint to the police. The supporters have accused the anti-democratic Tū group’s leader of inciting violence against Māsima.

The supporters of the rival groups have armed themselves with Facebook and YouTube accounts to incite dares, trade insults and make threats.

Police said: “Meanwhile, Tonga Police takes this opportunity to remind all users of social media, to refrain from further comments and engaging in activities on social media that could jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing investigations. Any actions or statements that incite violence, promote hatred, or compromise the safety of individuals will not be tolerated and will be investigated for potential prosecutions.

“Tonga Police is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair and impartial investigation. We will continue to work to gather all relevant evidence and explore any potential links to other individuals or groups involved in these incidents”.

Political activist charged with attempted murder remains in police custody after court appearance  

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan political activist will remain in custody until next Monday  after he appeared at the Magistrate court yesterday.

‘Asiate Māsima (inset)

As we reported last week, ‘Asiata Māsima, 54, of Ha’ateiho was arrested at his residence on Saturday 18.   

Police later said he had been charged with attempted murder and further charges may be laid.

Māsima was a democratic movement activist widely known to his followers on Facebook with his livestreamed videos promoting more reforms to the current political system.

He has been charged with attempted murder after a livestreaming footage via social media, police said.

Police said Māsima was ordered to remain in police custody until Monday, 27 November 2023 and his bail terms will be further reviewed on Wednesday, 22 November 2023.

“Additional charges may pursue after our ongoing investigation into this matter”.

As we reported last week, the supporters of the PTOA (Democratic) Party and movement in Tonga alleged the arrest was made after a political rival group complaint to the police. The supporters have accused the Tū group’s leader of inciting violence against Māsima.

The two rival supporters have armed themselves with social media groups and accounts especially on Facebook and YouTube to incite dares, trade insults and make threats.

Police said: “Meanwhile, Tonga Police takes this opportunity to remind all users of social media, to refrain from further comments and engaging in activities on social media that could jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing investigations. Any actions or statements that incite violence, promote hatred, or compromise the safety of individuals will not be tolerated and will be investigated for potential prosecutions.

“Tonga Police is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair and impartial investigation. We will continue to work to gather all relevant evidence and explore any potential links to other individuals or groups involved in these incidents”.

PM Hu‘akavameiliku says he can still do his job after reports that he fell unconscious at meeting in Washington

By
Kalino Latu
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Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku says he can still do his job for the time being.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku. Photo / PM Office (cropped by Kaniva News)

Concerns have been raised about the Prime Minister’s health after reports that he fell unconscious while attending a meeting in the United States recently.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku was in the United States in late September to attend the U.S-Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Washington D.C.

A journalist asked Hon. Hu’akavameiliku during a press conference on Friday last week in Nuku’alofa to explain his health conditions.

Salamo Tu’iniua told the Prime Minister she had information he did not attend some meetings because he had health issues.

Responding, the Prime Minister said in Tongan that if there were more meetings for him to attend, he would not have been able to return to Tonga.

“As the saying goes, we are trying to get healthier so we can do our job”, the Prime Minister replied in Tongan.

He also appeared to have admitted he had serious health conditions by saying this was “something for the Lord and the doctor to look at.”

“I can still do the job for the time being”, he said.

Kaniva News has been told that the Prime Minister fell unconscious as a result of his alleged diabetic related health conditions.

Given that the Prime Minister’s health is a matter of public concern, we have asked him to respond to these reports.

We asked him whether it was true he fell unconscious while attending a meeting in the US and why this happened.

We have asked him to confirm reports that he is diabetic.

The Prime Minister was also asked whether he believed his Office should have released a full official medical report about his health conditions as has happened in countries such as New Zealand and the US when there have been rumours about their leaders’ health.

The Prime Minister’s office has released photos which show the Prime Minister was among people sitting in a meeting. The photos had no captions.

The question about Hon. Hu’akavameiliku’s health follows a recent call for authorities to consider making health checks obligatory for all candidates running for the Tonga Parliament.

The issue has been increasingly debated after four MPs died in two years while or after seeking medical treatments overseas.

Video of Tonga police arrest angers democratic supporters  

By
Kaniva Staff
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The arrest of a political party activist yesterday on Tongatapu sparked protests in the party’s online community.

‘Asiata Māsima (inset).

‘Asiata Māsima was arrested by Police at what appeared to be his home in Ha’ateiho, according to a streamed video shared by Māsima while he was being arrested.

A police officer was overheard as warning Māsima to stop streaming the arrest and asked him to cooperate.

Māsima had initially rejected police telling him they were going to shackle him but he had finally agreed.

The police handcuffed and led him out of his house before placing him in a police vehicle, according to the video which was widely shared among his supporters on Facebook.

A young girl who appeared to be Māsima’s daughter was seen livestreaming his father’s arrest with a sigh.

“They arrest him for nothing”, she said in Tongan, in the video.

The police could not be reached for comment.

We could not be able to establish the real reasons why Māsima was arrested.

However, supporters of the PTOA (Democratic) Party and movement in Tonga alleged the arrest was made after a political rival group complaint to the police. The supporters have accused the Tū group’s leader of inciting violence against Māsima.

It appears the complaint was part of an ongoing contentions between the two groups on social media.      

The two rival supporters have armed themselves with social media groups and accounts especially on Facebook and YouTube to incite dares, trade insults or make threats.

Minister of Infrastructure failed to release real details of tsunami construction, Dr Eke claims

By
Kalino Latu
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The Minister of Infrastructure and his staff have failed to give the public correct information about the tsunami construction works, MP for ‘Atatā, Dr ‘Aisake Eke claimed this week.

Minister of Infrastructure Sevenitiini Toumo’ua and MP Dr ‘Aisake Eke

Dr Eke’s claim came in the wake of the relocation of the ‘Atatā tsunami victims from a hall at Kolomotu’a to the newly created village of ‘Atatā Si’i.

As Kaniva News reported last week, a group of people from ‘Atatā who were made homeless by the 2021 Hungas eruption and tsunami had been ordered to move into tents at ‘Atatā Si’i just as the cyclone season has  begun.

They do not have bathrooms and toilets. They were told by the government to share  the ‘Atatā Si’i’s residents’ bathrooms and toilets.

Following our report, the Ministry said on its Facebook page this week that it had shown (“fakanofonofo”) the victims who had been living in the hall at Kolomotu’a their new homes at ‘Atatā Si’i. However, it did not say that these people were living in tents and they were told to share toilets and bathrooms with people who first settled at ‘Atatā Si’i.

It also said the Ministry of Lands and Survey, together with the estate holder’s agent, were still working on land for the recent relocated victims, implying there would be no construction on these lands until the Ministry finalised the question of ownership of the land.

Kaniva News spoke with some residents of ‘Atatā Si’i who said the arrival of the remaining ‘Atatāans made it difficult for those who were already settled in the new village.

Dr Eke said the tsunami reconstruction was slow because local construction contractors were disappointed with the Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Sevenitiini Toumo’ua. 

He said the contractors were unhappy after Hon. Toumo’ua fixed the contract for each new house at what was claimed to be an undervalued price.

He said these contractors submitted a petition to the Parliament before a Parliamentary committee was selected to work on it. The Select Committee members included Dr Eke, Hon. Toumo’ua, MP Tevita Puloka and MP Lord Tu’ivakanō.

Dr Eke said Hon. Toumo’ua was unco-operative and failed to provide important information from his Ministry to the committee.  

He said the Minister refused to provide the Ministry’s  bill of quantity so that the Committee could compare it with the contractors’ costs and estimate.

Dr Eke said the committee assessed the costs for building materials and other related expenses for a new house was TP$130,979 based on houses which had already been built. The Minister offered an amount of only TP$85,000 to the contractors. The Ministry’s costing of a one storey house was $90,000 but the committee reviewed the figure and said a fair cost was TP $154,420.

Dr Eke said some contractors initially agreed to take the Minister’s offer, but subsequently ran short of money to complete the construction. They eventually complained and many pulled out.

Dr Eke said the Ministry should have reimbursed the companies.

“The Ministry especially the Minister had been underperforming (“ta’efakafiemālie”) in handling the tsunami construction project”, Dr Eke said.

“The information they released to the public was not reliable.

He said the construction should have been conducted without delays.

“There was enough fund donated by from overseas donors for the construction and there is TP$95 million of government’s cash reserve funds”, he told Kaniva News.

“There are funds for other various projects that could be postponed and redirected them for the housing construction.

“There is enough money, but the construction works are slow for various reasons”.

As we reported last week, Deputy Prime Minister Sāmiu Vaipulu told the Legislative Assembly the houses of the families who were moved to ‘Atatā Si’i  had not been damaged by the tsunami.

Hon. Vaipulu said the assessment report for the reconstruction projects was based on those whose houses had been damaged. He told the House the ‘Atatā Si’i estate holder had provided land for the tsunami victims and that the government was looking for funding.

“Leave it for the government to figure out what to do for these people.,” Hon. Vaipulu said.

Dr Eke said the people of ‘Atatā should have not been allowed to return to the island as it was now a red zone.

Kaniva News has contacted The Ministry of Infrastructure for comment.

Alleged offender hands himself in after Tongan man killed in Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man sought in connection with the ongoing Queen Street homicide investigation in August will appear in court today.

Sione Tu’uholoaki

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton, Auckland City CIB, says the 24-year-old man previously sought by Police handed himself in at Auckland Central Police station this morning, following a shooting on the evening of 3 August 2023.

“He is expected to appear on murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm charges in the Auckland District Court today.”

Police confirmed in August the victim was 26-year-old Tongan, Sione Tuuholoaki.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says Police thank the wider community for sharing our appeal as part of this investigation.

“I would also like to highlight the work of the Auckland City CIB who have been investigating this matter for the past 15 weeks.”

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and we cannot rule out further charges being laid.

In October, police arrested arrested a woman linked to the investigation.

The 23-year-old woman is allegedly an accomplice to the alleged killer.

Two men charged in relation to murder of Tongan man in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
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Pt England homicide: Man charged in relation to death of Charles Pongi

Auckland City Police have today charged a man in relation to the death of Charles Pongi in Pt England in August 2023.

Charles Pongi

A homicide investigation was launched earlier this year following the death of the 32-year-old, who was alleged to have been shot when more than 70 gang members from the Head Hunters, Rebel MCs, and associates converged on the Taurima Reserve in Pt England on 5 August for an intended brawl.

Early this morning detectives, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, executed five search warrants across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, says two men were located and taken into custody without incident.

“A 24-year old man from Mount Albert has since been charged with murder, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

“The second man, a 26-year-old from Weymouth, has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate, and unlawful possession with a firearm, which Police allege was part of the significant violence at the suburban park on 5 August.”

Both men are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says the Police investigation remains ongoing.

“Police would like to thank the Pt England community for their patience and their support while we have been making enquiries into this incident.

“The Operation Pastel team remains committed to holding further individuals to account,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says. 

Police continue to ask anyone with information which may assist the investigation to contact us on 105 quoting the file number 230805/0100 or by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105

We are also reminding the public Police have set up a secure portal which people can anonymously upload any images and footage.

This can be accessed by going to https://pastel.nc3.govt.nz/

Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111 via Crime Stoppers.

Will king stay clear of Lulutai airlines controversy and decline to launch new aircraft?

By
Kalino Latu
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KANIVA COMMENT: Will the king launch Lulutai airline’s new Twin Otter?

King Tupou VI

It is normal protocol for the king to launch new aircraft or big government projects.

Kaniva News understands the airline has bought the eight years-old 19-seat DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter for about US$6.5 million.

It is understood that in May this year Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade awarded a contract to support a Twin Otter in Tonga.

But will His Majesty be happy to launch the aircraft? Relations between the palace and the government have not been good. He is yet to appoint Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku’s proposed Cabinet Ministers.

READ MORE:

The government’s involvement in the private sector was one of the things the king mentioned when he chastised the Tu’ionetoa government in 2021.

Critics believe the king is still unhappy with the government’s continued involvement with the airlines while at the same time private companies have been vying to operate it, including Fly Niu.

His Majesty may also wish to distance himself from the controversy that has surrounded the airline since it began operations. The purchase of the Twin Otter has been the latest episode in that controversy.

It appears the Twin Otter is dependent entirely on Australian aid and support. It is not entirely clear whether the purchase of the aircraft was organised or subsidised by Australia. We have previously asked  Lulutai’s CEO, Poasi Tei, to confirm of who funded the purchase of the aircraft.

Having sat in China for several weeks, the twin engined passenger aircraft  arrived in Australia at the end of October and was due to fly to Tonga last Friday.

The Australian government had provided the Tongan government with Aus$1.25 million to help with transporting the aircraft, training staff and ensuring its entry into service.

Since 2022 Australia has organised a wet-lease arrangement with Fiji Airways to operate regular flights while Lulutai’s fleet is grounded.

Australia has been working with Lulutai Airlines to develop a long-term sustainable business plan, but full  details are yet to emerge.

Lulutai has faced continual pressure from the Tongan public during the past 18 months, since technical problems affected flights from Tongatapu to the outer islands of Ha’apai and Vava’u.

For more information

Lulutai Airlines to receive new aircraft
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