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Auckland Airport drug smuggler gets five year prison term after $5.3M ecstasy haul

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A 29-year-old foreign national has been jailed for five years and nine months for smuggling approximately 25.7 kilograms of MDMA or ecstasy through Auckland International Airport last year.

Arriving in New Zealand on 13 March 2024, he was subject to questioning and a baggage search where Customs officers located 25 black vacuum-sealed packages containing the illicit substance.

As a result, he was charged with importation and possession for supply of a Class B drug.

Customs Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams said: “With every smuggler Customs catches and prosecutes, we are a sending a message that we will not tolerate unlawful behaviour.

In this instance alone, Customs officers prevented an estimated $5.3 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand.”

If you have suspicions about drug smuggling, call Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Tongatapu driver sentenced to four and half years in prison for deadly reckless driving crash 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been convicted of reckless driving causing death and is sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment. 

Petelo Luka Kauvaka, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of reckless driving causing death.  

The court heard that at around 7am on or about 6 June 2024, Kauvaka, the deceased, his wife and his father were travelling to work from Lavengatonga. The intention was to drop off the deceased’s wife at Veitongo before they continued to their workplace. They all worked for South Seas Constructions Ltd, located at the Weslyan Church residence on the Railway Road Kolofoóu. 

Kauvaka, the defendant, was driving, and the deceased was seated directly behind him. The deceased father was seated on the front passenger seat and the deceased’s wife was seated at the back behind her father-in-law. 

Kauvaka was driving at excessive speed. They overtook a vehicle at the intersection of the road from Lavengatonga and the road to the airport. The deceased’s wife whispered to her husband to ask the defendant to slow down. The deceased told her that was the usual speed they travelled at to work. His wife was scared and closed her eyes for most of the way. 

At the bush area between Pelehake and Malapo, they overtook another car and ended up on the grass to the right side of the road. Despite his attempts to get back onto the road, the defendant lost control of the car, swerving to the right side and hitting a coconut tree. The impact flipped the car landing on its left side. 

The defendant crawled out through his window and the deceased father followed after him. The deceased’s wife was stuck as she was seated on the left side of the car. Her husband, the deceased was on top of her. The deceased told her he could not move and his hands and feet were numb. 

Passersby were able to remove the deceased from the vehicle. Then they pushed the vehicle upright before the deceased’s wife could be rescued. The deceased was laid down on the grass. He expressed that his spinal cord may have been damaged and he was numb and could not feel his legs. 

The police arrived shortly after and transported the deceased to the hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and died on 8 June, 2024. Dr. Ísileli Tuípulotu reported the deceased’s cause of death as respiratory failure secondary to transection of the spinal cord injury where the phrenic nerve is located. 

The defendant was arrested and interviewed on 12 June, 2024. He told the police he was driving over 70kmph when he was overtaking the vehicle and was unable to control and bring the vehicle back onto the road causing the accident. 
He was married but has since separated from her wife. They had no children. He is currently in a de facto relationship and has a son with her. 
He is a member of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in Lavengatonga and was spoken highly of for his good character and help in the community. He is said not to have ever caused any problem or disturbance at Lavengatonga. 

It was reported that the defendant had apologised to the family of the deceased and was accepted. He was described as remorseful and at low risk of re-offending. The officer made a note that the defendant lied about being married to his de facto and doubted his reliability. 

As a result, the probation officer recommended a partly suspended sentence on conditions. 

Sentencing, Justice Petunia Tupou convicted Kauvaka of reckless driving causing death and is sentenced to 4 years and 6 months imprisonment. 

The final two years of his sentence are suspended for three years from the Defendant’s release from prison on condition that during the said suspension period, he is to: 

Not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment; and 

    Report to the probation office within 48 hours of his release from prison and thereafter as required by his probation officer. 

      He was told that failure to comply with the said conditions may result in the suspension being rescinded, in which case, the Defendant will be required to complete the balance of his prison term. 

      “Subject to compliance with the above conditions and any remissions available under the Prison’s Act, the Defendant will be required to serve 2 years and 6 months in prison. 

      The defendant is disqualified from holding or applying for a driver’s licence for a period of 1 year from the date of his release from prison.”

      Wasted millions: $8.3M Tongiaki catamaran no longer serves Tonga, Review finds 

      By
      Kalino Latu
      -

      A vessel once celebrated for its speed and preferred as an alternative to air transport has been revealed to be non-operational, barely five years after its launch. 

      King Tupou VI launches MV Tongiaki. Photo/Courtesy of Patimiosi Ngūngūtau

      The Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala, reviewing government entities, including the shipping agency FISA, said he found out the vessel was no longer in operation. 

      He said it had been revealed that the catamaran had been transferred to Fokololo ‘o e Hau, where it is now being used to instruct sailing students in painting and vessel maintenance techniques. 

      During a recent summit in Nuku’alofa to discuss national development planning for the next 10 years, the Minister said a lot of money had been spent on the catamaran.

      He attributed the failure of this project to what he called selfish leadership.

      As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the Minister also revealed that the MV Niuvākai, purchased by FISA in 2014, was recently sold to a local buyer for just NZ$43,000. This follows the vessel’s original acquisition from the Ramanlal brothers for NZ$ 936,500 that, according to a New Zealand valuation report, was three times higher than its actual market value at the time. 

      MV Tongiaki 

      The high speed of the TOP$8.3 million aluminum catamaran was launched by King Tupou VI in January 2018 and was highly praised by outer islanders. 

      The government-funded vessel operated by FISA was said to be able to travel from Nuku’alofa to Nomuka, an island 108 kilometres away, in about two hours. 

      The twin-hull boat could take less than two hours before it reaches Pangai, Ha’apai which is 61 kilometres away from Nomuka. 

      The MV Tongiaki could take less than three hours before it would arrive in Neiafu, Vava’u from Pangai. 

      This means, the 33-metre catamaran which carries 200 passengers, could take less than 12 hours to travel from Nuku’alofa to Vava’u and return to Nuku’alofa the same day. 

      Stolen car crash kills Tongan bride-to-be, leaves California football star fiancé fighting for life

      By
      Kaniva Staff
      -

      A stolen vehicle crash in California has cut short the life of a young Tongan woman just months before her wedding, while leaving her fiancé—a former University of California football player—in critical condition.

      Vilamalia Polina Tuipulotu

      Vilamalia Polina Tuipulotu, 22, and her fiancé Beaux Tagaloa, 23, were on their way home from a party Sunday night when their SUV was struck by an armed suspect attempting to evade California Highway Patrol officers in a high-speed police chase.

      Her heartbroken family confirmed she was preparing for a summer marriage to Beaux Tagaloa, the injured ex-Cal athlete now fighting for survival in hospital.

      The tragedy has sent shockwaves through both Tongan and Bay Area communities, raising questions about police pursuit policies as investigators piece together the fatal collision.

      Tagaloa is hospitalized in critical condition after the pair were struck at 12.41am on Sunday.

      Tu’ipulotu passed away at the scene. 

      Her fiancé, former Cal football player, Beaux Tagaloa is in critical condition. 

      The accident started with a high speed pursuit on Highway 4 with California Highway Patrol chasing a stolen car. 

      “A suspect armed with a stolen handgun operating a stolen gray Infiniti sedan was observed to be traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour,” CHP said in a statement. 

      Officers caught up with suspect’s car as it exited the freeway. 

      They tried to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled on city streets ending with the crash. 

      The suspect survived and is also hospitalized. 

      A GoFundMe has raised over $38,000 so far to go toward funeral costs for Tu’ipulotu. Her family describes her as a beautiful person inside and out, and they say she was set to get married this summer. 

      Cal Athletics released a statement saying: “Our thoughts are with Beau and his loved ones during this difficult time.” 

      The Contra Costa County DA’s office is heading up the investigation into the accident with assistance from CHP and Pittsburg Police Department. 

      Warning of strong currents after 6.8 earthquake strikes off lower South Island

      By
      Kaniva Staff
      -

      By 1News Reporters

      A 6.8 magnitude earthquake has rocked the lower South Island this afternoon.

      The quake struck at 2.43pm on Tuesday.
      The quake struck at 2.43pm on Tuesday. (Source: GeoNet)

      The quake struck at 2.43pm and was centred 155 km north-west of Snares Islands at a depth of 12km.

      It was assessed for tsunami risk by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and GNS Science.

      No risk was identified for land, but NEMA warned coastal areas would experience “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges” at the shore.

      “Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

      “People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.”

      The West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point was “under threat”, NEMA said.

      “Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.”

      At the time of writing, close to 5000 people had reported the shaking to GeoNet’s website, where it was described as “moderate”.

      It was felt across the lower South Island, including Invercargill, Gore, Te Anau, Cromwell, Queenstown and Dunedin.

      One Invercargill resident said it was a “good shake”.

      “Made you sit up and take notice.”

      Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell told 1News he was being briefed about the quake.

      “An Emergency Mobile Alert has been issued for the bottom of the South Island. Evacuations are NOT required but there is potential danger near the shoreline. We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.”

      The Southland District Council said it had no immediate reports of damage.

      Why Tonga’s Lulutai debate points to one clear conclusion: Government should not run an airline   

      By
      Kalino Latu
      -

      COMMENTARY – The ongoing debate over Lulutai Airlines has sparked intense discussions across Tonga, with economists, aviation and tourisms experts weighing in on the government’s role in operating the national carrier.  

      Despite differing perspectives, one consensus has emerged: the government should not be in the business of running an airline.  

      From financial mismanagement to operational inefficiencies, the risks of state-run airlines far outweigh the benefits, and the evidence against such ventures is overwhelming.  

      Tonga has already witnessed this with the collapse of Royal Tongan Airlines, which cost the government an estimated $30 million, but they never learned.  

      After this government-backed venture failed in 2004, numerous reports have consistently indicated that the Tongan government should never operate an airline. 

      Tourism Expert Semisi Taumoepeau  

      In a 2016 journal article, Tongan researcher and tourism expert Dr Sēmisi Taumoepeau observed that many Pacific Island airlines, including Tonga, struggled with financial sustainability, with several ultimately declaring bankruptcy. 

      Taumoepeau identified multiple structural challenges contributing to these failures: 

      • The region’s geographic remoteness and vast distances between islands and airfields 
      • Limited market size and low passenger volumes 
      • Exorbitant operational costs, particularly for aircraft leasing and maintenance 
      • Tonga’s restrictive policies, like the Sunday flight ban 
      • High airport fees and charges 
      • Consistently low passenger occupancy rates in relation to the available seating capacity.  
      • Airline routes that do not generate enough revenue to cover operational costs, making them financially unsustainable. 
      • Regional airlines are very sensitive to economic fluctuations and high oil prices.  

      Taumoepeau said most Pacific airlines pay major expenses such as aircraft leasing, spare parts, maintenance costs and fuel in the strong US currency, but their earnings are in very soft currencies in the region.  A direct result is a very low-profit margin for Pacific Airlines, he said.  

      IMF report  

      A 2021 report by the International Monetary Fund for Pacific Airlines is consistent with Tonga’s troubling airline situation.   

      IMF said financial losses and weak profitability have been long-standing concerns for several Pacific airlines.  

      It said governments have struggled to monitor and contain the risks from national airlines, reflecting inadequate governance frameworks, a lack of oversight capacity, and a lack of transparency from the airlines that undermine the ability to assess potential risks. 

      READ MORE:

      It also raises issues with transparency and accountability in running national carriers.  

      It also warned that transactions between the government and the national airline should be disclosed in the annual budget and quarterly budget reports.  

      Audited financial statements of the airlines need to be published more timely, it said.  

      Former Auditor General 

      Former Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu‘i‘onetoa was an auditor of the Royal Tongan Airlines before it was collapsed.  

      In an interview with Kaniva Tonga in 2020 before the Lulutai airlines was launched he recounted the millions loss in the Royal Tongan Airlines and in Real Tonga which was partnership with the government from 2013 – 2019.  

      Tu‘i‘onetoa told Kaniva News that, based on his experience studying the financial aspects of previous airlines, any new airline operating in Tonga would likely go bankrupt soon.

      Tonga repeats the same mistakes 

      Despite glaring warnings in both IMF reports, Taumoepeau’s analysis, and Tonga’s former Auditor General’s warning, Tongan officials have ignored these critical findings, perpetuating the same preventable crises. 

      The former Hu‘akavameiliku administration faced persistent criticism for Lulutai Airlines’ opaque financial management, particularly for failing to disclose its fiscal records. 

      During a recent press conference he called to address current government allegations about Lulutai’s finances, the former Prime Minister failed to present audited financial statements as evidence. While claiming the airline could repay its Retirement Fund loan, he provided no documentation to support this assertion. 

      The former Prime Minister’s claim that Lulutai was well-positioned to repay its loan is akin to claiming that an aircraft incurs no additional expenses beyond flying; it simply takes to the skies and generates enough revenue to cover the loan.

      Taumoepeau’s findings indicate that there are instances when the plane can’t fill all its seats, highlighting one of the challenges local airlines face in achieving financial viability. A recent example that underscores this issue was when the Lulutai Twin Otter returned from Ha’apai earlier this month carrying only one passenger, only to discover that the runway lights were not functioning.

      Drive by political ambitions

      Meanwhile, Public Enterprises Minister Piveni Piukala revealed that the Twin Otter aircraft purchased with the loan requires a major mechanical overhaul next month. Aviation experts estimate repair costs could exceed US$2 million. The Minister further revealed the government has poured approximately $40 million into Lulutai Airlines since its 2020 launch, warning that this entire investment, including the Twin Otter aircraft, is now essentially worthless due to persistent mechanical failures.

      The expert warnings are particularly critical for Tonga, as its democratic framework and constitution have demonstrated significant weaknesses. These structures are too fragile to support risky business ventures, exacerbating issues of non-transparency and a lack of accountability.

      It is evident that the Tongan government’s insistence on involvement with the airlines was primarily motivated by the political ambitions of individuals seeking personal gain and prestige, with blatant disregard for the financial burden placed on taxpayers.

      A striking example is former Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, who, despite openly admitting that any domestic airlines was economically unviable and would “lead to bankruptcy,” proceeded with the establishment of Lulutai airlines solely to appease his Cabinet allies—particularly former Minister of Aviation Sāmiu Vaipulu, who championed the proposal. This decision appears to have been a transactional move to secure political support, notably from Vaipulu, who backed Tu’i’onetoa’s rise to the premiership.

      Tonga should take the advice of experts seriously and refrain from participating in the airline industry. It would be prudent to leave this sector to private enterprises such as Fly Niu airline, which had done it successfully before being forced out of the kingdom in 2004.

      Tonga gov’t loses TOP$750,000 in MV Niuvakai deal, Review finds

      By
      Kalino Latu
      -

      Public Enterprises Minister Piveni Piukala has demanded accountability after MV Niuvakai was sold for $60k (NZ$43,000) following its TOP$1.3m (NZ$936.500) purchase.  

      The massive loss comes despite a New Zealand assessment report showing the government could have saved over NZ$500,000 on the initial purchase had proper procedures been followed.

      Mr Piukala was currently overseeing a comprehensive review of all ministries, departments, and boards of directors, as the Eke government promised.  

      The audit aims to assess operational conditions while investigating the origins of numerous allegations surrounding questionable transactions. 

      Mr Piukala said he has recently traced the whereabouts of the MV Niuvakai and discovered that it had been advertised and purchased by a local buyer for TOP$60,000 (NZ$43,000).

      The Minister also accused former government authorities who purchased the vessel of allegedly giving the king incorrect information about the ship.

      Ombudsman findings

      As Kaniva News reported previously, former Ombudsman ‘Aisea Taumoepeau said that in February 2014, Pacific Royale Shipping sold St Theresa to FISA for NZ$936,500 or TOP$1,379,572.19.  The vessel was then renamed the MV Niuvākai when the king launched it. 

      Dunsford Marine inspected the vessel on January 21-22, 2014, and identified 17 deficiencies. MV St Theresa was found wanting in most capabilities. 

      The purchase went ahead despite these findings. 

      On April 5, 2017, three years after the purchase of the vessel, New Zealand Marine Brokers inspected and evaluated the MV Niuvakai as worth NZ$350,000. 

      The Ombudsman said there was no evidence that the vessel was independently valued before it was purchased by FISA except for the comparative exercise made with the MV Baltic. 

      Apparent loss figure

      The vessel was purchased for NZ$936,500–nearly triple its assessed value of NZ$350,000, according to the New Zealand evaluation report. This initial overpayment cost taxpayers NZ$586,500.

      Despite reselling the vessel for NZ$43,000, it appeared that the government ultimately lost NZ$543,500 (TOP$750,000) in public funds on this questionable transaction.

      The vessel was owned by the Ramanlal brothers, who were close friends of the late King George V while he was Crown Prince and then when he became king. 

      The vessel became a financial liability after it became clear there were not enough goods to export. 

      The vessel was unable to lift the 20 foot (six metre) containers typically used for shipping with its deck crane and was deemed to be unprofitable on voyages lasting more than three days. 

      FISA created a new company called Tonga Exports Shipping Agency Limited (TESAL) to operate the MV Niuvakai. 

      FISA Former chief executive Vaka Utapola Vi told Kaniva News in 2014 that FISA only bought the former St Theresa because the price of  other ships they looked at, including one in the Caribbean, were either too high or because it would have cost too much to bring them to Tonga. 

      Vi denied that FISA bought the ship to help the Ramanlals with their struggle to pay back their loan for it. 

      When he was told a company in Auckland had turned down an offer to buy the ship because it would lose money on voyages lasting longer than three days, Vi said FISA had tested the ship and he had recommended it. 

      Sailing test

      As Kaniva News previously reported, Ngalo’afē ‘Ulupano said he was the St Theresa’s First Mate in 2014 when former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and others from the government’s Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FISA)  came on board to ensure the vessel was right for all the agency needs. 

      ‘Ulupano said he thought at the time the government would not buy the vessel because they had been allegedly struggling to get the engine to work after it repeatedly stalled before they made it to Ha’apai’s Pangai wharf. 

      He said the mechanical faults forced the captain to change the ship’s schedule, which was intended to call into various ports in Ha’apai before reaching Pangai. 

      He claimed a final decision was made to have the ship travel directly to Pangai because of the number of stalls they had experienced.

      We contacted Hu’akavameiliku at the time for comment.

      Troubled history 

      At time FISA regularly updated the public, saying the MV Niuvakai’s schedules had been either delayed or cancelled due to mechanical faults. 

      In 2015, about a year after its purchase, it was anchored in Vava’u for months because of a mechanical failure. 

      It also became stranded on a reef in 2016. 

      In March 2016 Vi was suspended and later resigned. 

      Neither FISA nor the government has revealed why he was told to resign. 

      Man stabbed during altercation on Auckland’s Dominion Rd

      By
      Kaniva Staff
      -

      By 1News Reporters

      A man was hospitalised with serious injuries after being stabbed during an altercation involving two groups in Auckland’s Mt Eden yesterday.

      Police at the scene of an assault on Dominion Rd.
      Police at the scene of an assault on Dominion Rd. (Source: 1News)

      A police spokesperson said earlier that emergency services were called to a report of several people fighting on Dominion Rd, near Lambeth Rd, shortly after 6.30pm.

      In an update, Auckland City CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said police have established that a group of people had got off a bus on Dominion Rd and got into a disagreement on the roadside.

      “The second group had been travelling in a vehicle and stopped to intervene when a fight broke out between them

      Man injured after stabbing in Auckland’s Mt Eden

      Emergency services combed the scene of the altercation on Dominion Rd, near Lambeth Rd.

      Friend said during the altercation, a knife was pulled out by one of the first group, “resulting in someone from that same group suffering a stab wound”.

      He was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition, and was now in a stable condition.

      “The two men from the second group fled the scene on foot but did not suffer injuries.”

      Friend said all parties were accounted for, and a scene examination had been completed.

      No charges have been laid at this stage.

      “We have received some information from the public but would like any other witnesses to come forward,” he said.

      Anyone with information could contact police online, or by calling 105.

      Two months in: What has the Eke Gov’t achieved since the election? 

      By
      Kalino Latu
      -

      COMMENTARY -Today marks two months since Prime Minister Eke was sworn into office on January 23.  

      Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke

      As the new administration settles in, Kaniva News takes a closer look at the government’s progress so far, assessing its achievements against the promises made during the election campaign. 

      This commentary offers a preliminary evaluation of the government’s performance, focusing on tangible outcomes and their impact on the people of Tonga.  

      While it is still early in the administration’s term, this assessment aims to provide an objective perspective on whether the Eke government is delivering on its commitments. 

      Transparency and Accountability Promises: 

      From the very beginning, Prime Minister Eke declared that his government would prioritize the people. He emphasized transparency and accountability as the cornerstones of this commitment, pledging that he and his ministers would remain accessible to the media for questioning. PM Eke’s commitment to transparency and accountability was highlighted during his campaign, where he pledged to champion a law protecting whistle-blowers.

      Fact-Checking Transparency and Accountability 

      Kaniva News has fact-checked Prime Minister Eke’s commitment to transparency and accountability and found it to be working and highly effective. Since taking office, Prime Minister Eke has consistently addressed questions from Kaniva News, demonstrating a strong willingness to engage with the media.

      It is understood that he has extended the same level of responsiveness to other media outlets, further reinforcing his commitment to transparency and open communication. When questions fell outside his jurisdiction, he promptly directed them to the relevant ministers and their portfolios. Additionally, his government has upheld its promise of holding weekly press conferences, which have been broadcast live online. 

      However, he has yet to provide the public with an update on his whistleblower protection policy. Such a bill is understood to have to go through the parliamentary process, which is currently in recess.

      These actions underscore strong leadership, fulfilling campaign promises and respecting the media’s role as a bridge between the government and the public. These measures reflect a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability, creating a platform that fosters live and active dialogue between the government and the people. The government is promoting openness and public participation by engaging with the media and enabling the public to watch these interactions live.

      Review of Government Performance Promises 

      Before its appointment, the Eke government pledged to review the performance of all ministries, departments, and boards of directors to assess their current status and identify areas for improvement. It also committed to addressing previous allegations and accusations against some of these entities to ensure accountability and resolution. 

      Fact-Checking the Review Promises 

      Kaniva News has verified the government’s progress on these promises and found them to be effectively implemented. In February, the Eke government announced the cessation of the long-standing questionable policy, allowing Cabinet Ministers to handpick members of various government boards. Instead, these positions are now open to the public, with applicants to be assessed by the Public Service Commission.  

      This policy has been widely criticized for contributing to the failures of several public enterprises. Critics argue that Cabinet ministers often selected board members based on personal friendships and close relationships, rather than their ability to contribute effectively to the goals and purposes of those boards. This practice has raised concerns about mismanagement and a lack of accountability within key government entities.  

      Additionally, the government revoked a previous decision by the former administration that allowed automatic extensions for board members of public enterprises, with this policy officially ending on March 15. An ongoing review is currently being conducted for several government entities, including the controversial Lulutai Airlines. As part of this process, the government terminated the employment of Lulutai’s CEO and appointed an interim CEO to assist with the review.  

      These actions demonstrate strong leadership and a genuine commitment to reforming long-standing issues, such as the practice of Cabinet-appointed board members. They also underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing issues within key public enterprises and ensuring accountability.

      The Eke government delivers on its promises and fosters inclusivity by addressing outdated policies. Through these reforms, the administration creates opportunities for individuals with better qualifications and talents to contribute meaningfully to public services.  

      Next installment

      While the Eke government’s fulfillment of these two promises has been fact-checked and deemed successful, earning it a reputation as an effective and capable administration, there are areas of weakness that warrant discussion. Specifically, the government’s approach to transparency and accountability through media engagement could be improved. Kaniva News believes there is a more sustainable and impactful way to implement this policy, ensuring its long-term benefits. 

      As this column is part of an ongoing series to evaluate the government’s performance, we will explore this issue in greater detail in our next installment. 

      Matron accuses PSC of manipulating PMS scores for nurse performance 

      By
      Kalino Latu
      -

      A senor health officer has urged the government to acknowledge the dedication of local nurses in Tonga, who have chosen to remain in the country despite opportunities for higher pay overseas.  

      Vaiola Hospital Matron Sr ‘Akesa Uili Halatanu was speaking during the national development summit held in Nuku’alofa last week.  

      She said that when she submitted the nurses’ assessment results, evaluated through the Performance Management System (PMS), the Public Service Commission (PSC) rejected them and advised her to alter the scores. 

      She said that this decision was detrimental to the nurses. 

      She provided an example to illustrate her submission to the PSC. 

      She said that approximately 200 nurses were assessed, and after reaching an agreement with all departments within the Ministry to award 100 nurses a score of 5, the PSC allegedly instructed her to revise the scores.  

      The PSC recommended, according to Halatanu’s given example, that only seven nurses should receive a score of five, 10 should receive a score of three, and the remaining nurses should be given a score of 1.5. 

      Halatanu described how this placed her in a difficult position, as she was left unsure of how to determine which of the 100 nurses should receive the top score of 5. 

      She supported a separate motion to review the PMS, emphasising the need for fair and transparent evaluation processes. 

      She also opposed a motion proposed by a former PSC commissioner during the meeting, which suggested hiring nurses from the Philippines to support Tonga’s health services. 

      She emphasised that the government should prioritise local nurses and recognize their dedication and contributions to the nation’s health services.

      The PSC could not be reached for comment.

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