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Pasifika Festival cancelled again; Polyfest goes digital

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Te Ao – Māori News

Due to Covid-19 traffic light restrictions, Aotearoa’s largest secondary schools’ cultural competition, Polyfest, will be an online digital event this year.

Tongan students at Polyfest 2013. Photo/Kaniva Tonga

The ASB Polyfest will livestream its four-day programme, scheduled for the Manukau Sports Bowl from 23-26 March, with participating cultural groups performing in front of Polyfest judges only, and family and friends able to watch performances live online, organisers said Friday.

“This year’s festival is not about the size of the event, it’s about the opportunity for our students to participate and to do that in a safe environment,” Polyfest Trust chairperson, Robert Solomone, said in a statement.

The digital strategy for the event includes a livestream service from each of the cultural stages, which events director, Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu, said will ensure “family and friends of student performers can watch their loved ones perform live.”

Covid-19 update: 810 new community cases in New Zealand today

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

The number of new community cases in New Zealand has almost doubled today, with a record 810 new cases reported today.Mutated SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus chimera, foreground, and SARS-CoV-2 delta strain, background, 3D models, 3D rendering.

Photo: 123RF

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 32 new cases in hospital, with cases in Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch hospitals. None are in ICU and the average age of current hospitalisations is 62.

The Ministry said the sharp increase in new cases today was another reminder that the Omicron variant was now spreading in the community.

“Our expectation is that cases will continue to increase over the coming weeks and we’re asking people to do all they can to slow the spread of the virus and protect themselves and their whānau.”

“The most important step anyone can take to prepare for Omicron is to book their vaccine, whether it’s their first, second or booster. Every dose counts and lowers the chances of getting very sick and being hospitalised.”

Flooding, slips and road closures as tropical low hits New Zealand

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

Strong winds and rain have wreaked havoc across the North Island overnight and MetService is warning of further hazardous conditions as the remnants of Cyclone Dovi pass over New Zealand today.

Ex Cyclone Dovi as it approaches New Zealand on 13 February 2022. Photo: @Niwaweather

Police are urging motorists throughout New Zealand to avoid all non-essential travel, with many roads – including highways – closed by slips or flooding in both islands.

Power is out throughout much of Te Tai Tokerau from fallen lines and trees – with Top Energy listing 33 locations in the Far North a short time ago and North Power listing 18 locations around Kaipara and Whangārei.

MetService has 17 orange warnings and watches in places in the North Island for what it is now describing as an extra tropical low, and 11 for the Upper South Island.

Fire and Emergency have so far attended about 140 weather-related calls, including incidents where trees have fallen onto roads, roofs and power lines, roofing has lifted, and houses have been flooded.

The Auckland Harbour Bridge is now closed and lines company Vector is warning people could be without power for days if the weather gets as bad as predicted.

Tonga Covid-19 cases rise to 108 with 43 new cases

By
Kaniva Staff
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There are 107 active Covid-19 cases in the community on Saturday taking the total number of cases to 108 after one had been recovered.

Tonga on lockdown over Covid-19. Photo/Kaniva Tonga (Patimiosi Ngūngūtau)

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku said during a press conference this afternoon the number of active cases was 107.

He said it was 108 including one which had been recovered. He said yesterday the number of active cases stood at 64 after one patient’s re-testing result returned negative.

New locations of interest in Tongatapu relating to the current outbreak included Houma, Nukunuku, Ma’ufanga, Veitongo, Utulau, Tofoa, Pea, Popua and Matahau.

The Minister of Health said most of these patients showed no signs of illness while the rest was mild.

A Ministry of Health team was currently conducting tests in Vava’u while surveillance testing was underway in ‘Eua and Ha’apai.

Honorable Piukala said vaccination for children from 5 to 11 year-old is planned to start in April, 2022.

Vaccination rates continue to increase with 98 percent had their first dose, 89 percent had their second dose and 15 percent
took their booster shots.

A total of 1,776 people need to get their first dose. They are encouraged to get their vaccinations as soon as possible given the critical state in Tonga.


Frontliners are being monitored consistently with rapid tests being conducted to confirm they are free
to continue to work.

Hon Piukala called for members of the public to respect restrictions put in place and follow safety measures.

As new measures to ensure media reps attending future press conferences are cleared Honorable
Hu’akavameiliku wants media reps to get rapid tests done to confirm they are cleared to attend the
conferences.

Covid-19 outbreak: Misinformation spreading among NZ’s parliament protesters, say police

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

Police say misinformation and a “range of different causes and motivations” are making it difficult to resolve the situation with protesters at New Zealand’s Parliament.

In a statement this afternoon, Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell said police were continuing to monitor the protest activity at Parliament grounds as new community cases of covid-19 in the current omicron outbreak reached a record 446.

“Police have identified a range of different causes and motivations among the protesters, making it difficult to open clear and meaningful lines of communication.

“Misinformation, particularly on social media, has been identified as an issue.”

Superintendent Parnell said some of the protesters were “actively promoting false advice” about people’s rights and the powers that police have.

“For example, the use of a particular word or phrase by an individual will not impact the arrest of anyone involved in unlawful activity,” he said.

“Under the Policing Act 2008, anyone arrested and taken into police custody is required to provide their name, age, date of birth and address. They must also let police take their photograph and fingerprints.

“It is an offence not to comply with these requests.”

Superintendent Parnell did note that several officers were seen carrying batons earlier today, but that was not in line with the current approach and they have now been removed.

“Police continue to explore options to resolve the disruption to local businesses and allow free and safe movement around the city.”

10 million covid-19 vaccinations in NZ
The government is celebrating a milestone of 10 million covid-19 vaccines administered.

In a statement this afternoon, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the uptake of vaccines had been helped by a surge in boosters, and a healthy uptake of paediatric doses in 5- to 11-year-olds.

He said the 10 millionth vaccine had been reached about 2pm today.

“It’s the people of New Zealand who have embraced the science and put their trust in the health system who deserve the biggest accolade. They should take a bow, and then take a breath and continue to encourage others to get vaccinated,” he said.

“A strong booster uptake in all our communities is our best defence against the omicron variant. Being fully vaccinated is great, being boosted is even better.”

The record 446 new cases of covid-19 recorded in the community today followed another record of 306 the previous day.

Covid-19 update: 446 new community cases in New Zealand today

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

There are a record 446 new community cases of Covid-19 being reported today.Medical scientist hand with blue sterile rubber gloves holding COVID-19 test tube in hospital laboratory. Male doctor or physician getting result of Coronavirus case.

Photo: 123RF

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the new cases are in Northland (16), Auckland (340), Waikato (48), Lakes (13), Bay of Plenty (14), Lakes (13), Taranaki (1), Hutt Valley (7), Capital & Coast (4), and Southern (3).

The ministry said the number of cases would continue to fluctuate from day-to-day but “our expectation is that cases will continue to increase in the coming weeks”.

“All of us can all play our part to slow the spread of the virus, help protect our most vulnerable people from being infected, and ensure our health system is able to manage extra demand for services,” it said.

The ministry confirmed yesterday there were two new cases in Queenstown and one new case in Dunedin, who had travelled to Wanaka and Cromwell while infectious.

There were 306 cases yesterday.

Today there are 23 cases in hospital in Auckland, Rotorua and Christchurch. None of them are in ICU.

The average age of current hospitalisations is 49.

The ministry said there are 32 cases in MIQ, with people travelling from the US, UAE, India, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

There have now been 18,936 cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand since the pandemic began – 2874 of those are active cases.

The ministry said in the last 24 hours 23,146 Covid-19 tests have been processed.

On vaccinations, there were 50,427 vaccine booster doses given yesterday, as well as 695 first doses; 1,519 second doses and 2,041 paediatric doses.

The ministry said it was great to see that 43 percent of children in the 5 – 11 age group have already had their first dose.

“We want as many children as possible to be protected through vaccination.”

Many vaccination centres will be open extended hours over the weekend to encourage people to get their booster, the ministry said.

Central Otago ‘as prepared as we are going to be’

Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan said the district is prepared as it can be for Omicron, as details of a Covid-19 case who was infectious while in the area emerge.

The district has one of New Zealand’s oldest populations, with more than 40 percent aged 65 or older.

There were fears during the first outbreak in 2020 that there might not be enough morgue space.

But with more than 95 percent of those 12 and older having had two doses of the vaccine, and more than 60 percent of those over 18 having three, Cadogan said the area had done all it could.

“We knew it was coming and I think for many, including myself, we are surprised it has taken this long, and we are prepared as we are going to be for it – we’ve got really high vaccination rates.”

‘No jab, no job’ policy remains – Fiji Govt

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

Fiji’s Government says its ‘no jab, no job’ policy will remain despite calls to remove it.

There has been growing discontent towards the move which came into effect last year.

But Fiji’s acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Government is reviewing other Covid-safety policies, but ‘no jab no job’ policy has had a positive effect.Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt

“Because of that policy we have a high rate of vaccination and because of that a lot of people have not died or got very severely sick and because of that we are able to open the school and we’re able to open the economy,” he said.

The Health Ministry said close to 93 percent of the country’s adult population is fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Fiji’s College of General Practitioners is among those opposed to the Government’s ‘no jab, no job’ policy.

College head Ram Raju said the policy did not make sense and should not be maintained.

Dr Raju claimed that no medical research or data at the international level had “fully proven whether a partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated person has full immunity to any variant of the virus adding that this research is still ongoing.”Dr Ram Raju.

Dr Ram Raju. Photo: Supplied

The policy only serves to deny Fijians the ability to provide for their families, Dr Raju said.

But Sayed-Khaiyum maintained “the policy is the reason Fijians are able to enjoy the freedoms they have now.”

Fiji sporting groups urged to adhere to Covid-19 rules

Fiji’s Association of Sports and the National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) is calling on local sporting bodies to follow the Covid-19 measures.

The Government lifted restrictions surrounding the pandemic last weekend.

Sporting events can have 80 percent attendance provided those spectators wear masks.

The committee’s chief executive officer Lorraine Mar said sports federations and their members should continue to follow Covid protocols to avoid a repeat of the closure of sports events and tours.5th November 2017, Stamford Bridge, London, England; EPL Premier League football, Chelsea versus Manchester United; David De Gea of Manchester Utd looks at the ball in the net as Alvaro Morata of Chelsea scores making it 1-0

Football match Photo: Photosport

Sports can be a super spreader if Fijians are not careful, Mar said.

“Everyone is asked to be mindful of what we are going through and what we are doing for sports.”

Indoor and outdoor sporting events, including competitive sports, may be held with spectators at 80 percent capacity provided spectators wear masks.

Mar said any further rise in Covid-19 cases could stop Fiji from participating in sporting events such as the Pacific Mini Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Rugby League World Cup and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team’s proposal to host its Super Rugby games in Fiji.

Mar said the lifting of restrictions had allowed Fijians to enjoy sports again.

“That’s a huge advantage for our national federations to be able to train as they would normally train.

“Our advice to our sports people is to go ahead and practice, but you must remind your athletes of the protocols put in place.”

Wearing of masks in public remains mandatory.

A taste of Tonga for the crew

By
Kaniva Staff
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Australian Defence Force and Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade crisis response team personnel discuss damage to Atata island in Tonga during an assessment as part of Operation Tonga Assist 2022. Left to right: Mr Tim Church, Australian Army officer Lieutenant Joshua Ellems and Royal Australian Navy officer Chaplain Simote Finau. Photo/CPL Robert Whitmore

The Government of Tonga has expressed its gratitude for HMAS Adelaide’sdelivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores by sending the ship a giant fresh fruit gift.

Adelaide received dozens of bags of coconuts, pineapples, bananas and watermelons after Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni phoned Commanding Officer Captain Stuart Watters to send best wishes and acknowledge the Australian Defence Force’s support.

“I was incredibly humbled by the gesture,” said Captain Watters.

“It is a fantastic gift and everyone is getting a little taste of Tonga.”

The first load came in a Royal Australian Navy MRH-90 helicopter, which was collecting Defence industry contractors from Fua’amotu international airport, followed by a second flight to collect the rest of the fruit.

The gift is a tangible sign of the close bond between Tonga and Australia.

“Our Tongan friends are looking out for us and we are looking out for them,” said Captain Watters.

After the helicopter landed on Adelaide’s flight deck many hands offloaded the fruit and passed it hand to hand to a lower deck.

“It was great to join in the daisy chain which was passing huge bags all the way into the galley,” said Chaplain Kate Lord.

“Everyone is really excited about tasting this wonderful tropical fruit. To have this gift was a lovely surprise.”

Army cook Corporal Darcy Wratten said the produce is perfect for breakfast fruit platters.

“The fruit has really been well receive, it‘s really good quality, and a boost to morale.”

The bounty of coconuts, pineapples, bananas and watermelons is a product of Tonga’s fertile volcanic soil, favourable climate and the generous spirit of its people.

Imagery from Operation Tonga Assist is available on the Defence image library. 

Tonga’s Speaker praises community for response to disaster

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

The Speaker of Tonga’s Parliament says it has been a great privilege to be a part of the reaction from the Tongan community diaspora in Aotearoa to the disaster in the Kingdom.

Lord Fakafanua was in Porirua, north of Wellington, for the ‘Ofa ki Tonga-Takanga ‘enau fohe – or Sending love to Tonga – event organised by Victoria University Te Herenga Waka and the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council.Victoria University Te Herenga Waka has donated $37,000 to the Wellington Tonga Leaders Council to support their relief effort for Tonga following the devastating eruption and tsunami.

Victoria University Te Herenga Waka has donated $37,000 to the Wellington Tonga Leaders Council to support their relief effort for Tonga following the devastating eruption and tsunami. Photo: RNZ Pacific

At the event, the University gifted the Council $37,000 to support their relief effort for Tonga following the devastating eruption and tsunami.

Lord Fakafanua accepted the donation on behalf of the Council.

He said to witness first hand the amount of support and the spirit of togetherness that people have for their kāinga back home is inspiring and very touching.Lord Fakafanua with members of the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council

Lord Fakafanua with members of the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council Photo: Wellington Tongan Leaders CouncilLord Fakafanua with the Tongan men who have been volunteering to load the containers destined for Tonga

Lord Fakafanua with the Tongan men who have been volunteering to load the containers destined for Tonga Photo: Wellington Tongan Leaders Council

“Very blessed to be invited to take part and also encourage a lot of the assistance that’s been co-ordinated from New Zealand,” he said.

He said private businesses and even some government organisations have really chipped in and helped our community to send much needed supplies back home.

“We are very blessed to have the support all the New Zealand people,” he said.Members of the Victoria University Pacific student body arrive at the 'Ofa ki Tonga-Takanga 'enau fohe

Members of the Victoria University Pacific student body arrive at the ‘Ofa ki Tonga-Takanga ‘enau fohe Photo: RNZ Pacific

Lord Fakafanua told those gathered that the rebuild work in Tonga will take a long time.

Victoria University’s Chancellor, John Allen, led representatives from the Victoria University to present the donation to the Council.

Mr Allen said the volcanic eruption was a huge event and many people read about the following tsunami, we were not isolated from it and it touched us.Members of Victoria University greeted by the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council

Members of Victoria University greeted by the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council Photo: RNZ PacificFrom (L-R) Victoria University's Chancellor John Allen, The Speaker of Tonga's Parliament Lord Fakafanua and Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Associate Professor Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Victoria University of Wellington

From (L-R) Victoria University’s Chancellor John Allen, The Speaker of Tonga’s Parliament Lord Fakafanua and Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Associate Professor Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Victoria University of Wellington Photo: RNZ Pacific

“In the case of our University community, we have 181 Tongan students currently studying with us, we have had heaps of Tongan students over many years at the University, so we have deep ties with the Tongan community.

“And we simply want to to stand with them in their time of need, we want to provide the support we can to help them support each other and this is a marvellous opportunity because what it is doing is enabling families here to support families at home,” he said.Members of Victoria University Te Herenga Waka and the Wellington Tonga Leaders Council. The University donated $37,000 to help the Council send containers to families in Tonga

Members of Victoria University Te Herenga Waka and the Wellington Tonga Leaders Council. The University donated $37,000 to help the Council send containers to families in Tonga Photo: RNZ Pacific

The university’s charitable trust, the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, provided support to co-ordinate additional cash donations from the university community.

For Tongan academic, Dr Mele Tupou-Vaitohi of Victoria University, they had not anticipated the amount donated and are very thankful that people opened their hearts, and their wallets to donate and help our Tongan community here, and our families in Tonga.Tongiaepau Nuku, Dr Mele Tupou-Vaitohi and Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban

Tongiaepau Nuku, Dr Mele Tupou-Vaitohi and Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban Photo: RNZ Pacific

“I want to wish everyone the best for their “Ofa (Love) for Tonga.”

She said they are also thankful to the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council who have been working closely with the University.

“We are working in partnership, and to actually see what we are seeing today is a result and an outcome of that partnership.”

Tropical Cyclone Dovi causes major flooding in Vanuatu

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

Authorities in Vanuatu have had to evacuate a number of families from Teouma Valley after their homes were flooded due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi.

The category one cyclone has caused major flooding in parts of Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu Police Force and Joint Police Operation Centre help to move families at Teouma Valley to the evacuation centre near Eratap road.Tropical Cyclone Dovi causes major flooding in parts of Vanuatu.

Tropical Cyclone Dovi causes major flooding in parts of Vanuatu. Photo: Hilaire Bule

Some of the families who were forced to leave their homes yesterday are now staying with their families at Erakor and Ohlen villages.

Heavy rain over the last few days caused the Teouma River to overflow.

There’s no clear figure as to how many people in Port Vila, Efate and other islands affected by the flooding were moved to safety.

The bad weather led to businesses and schools to close.

Municipal markets were also closed yesterday, starting from lunch time as Port Vila residents rushed to the shops to buy groceries to stock-up their food supplies at home.

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department forecasts heavy rain with flash flooding expected over low lying areas, and areas

close to river banks, including coastal flooding over the Southern islands today and continuing tonight.

It said very rough seas with heavy swells will continue to remain over all Vanuatu waters.

New Caledonia

As the strong tropical depression Dovi approaches New Caledonia tonight, 75 people have already joined an emergency shelter in Noumea.Emergency shelter in Noumea as Tropical Cyclone Dovi draws closer to New Caledonia

Emergency shelter in Noumea as Tropical Cyclone Dovi draws closer to New Caledonia Photo: Nouméa ma ville

Transit buses to get people to the shelter have been cancelled since 8am due to cyclone level warnings but people are still free to head to the centre with their own transport and can contact emergency services if they are in difficulty.Emergency shelter activated in Noumea due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi

Emergency shelter activated in Noumea due to Tropical Cyclone Dovi Photo: Nouméa ma ville

The shelter team is urging people to take the most essential items from home.

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