Editor’s note: This story has been updated to remove identifying information prohibited under a court order. Kaniva News apologises unreservedly for the inadvertent breach of the publication restriction. We take the Court’s directive seriously and have corrected the article to ensure full compliance with section 119 of the Criminal Offences Act. We are reviewing our editorial processes to prevent any recurrence.
Viliami Taumoepenu has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to breaking into a woman’s home and indecently assaulting her.
An illustration of a prisoner being escorted into Hu‘atolitoli Prison. This image is an AI‑generated graphic created for news purposes.
The offending occurred on July 19, 2025, when Taumoepenu entered the complainant’s home as a trespasser.
He also indecently assaulted her by touching her without consent.
The court described the conduct as a serious violation of the victim’s safety in her own home and noted that she had previously regarded the defendant as a brother.
Taumoepenu pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and cooperated with police, which resulted in a reduction of the overall sentence.
Lord Chief Justice Bishop KC considered his personal background and acknowledged that he had faced difficulties, including leaving school early and being influenced by his peers.
However, the judge also noted that he had prior convictions, including offences of a similar nature, and had breached previous community-based sentences.
For serious housebreaking, the court imposed a sentence of two and a half years, reduced by six months for his early guilty plea. For serious indecent assault, the court imposed 18 months, to run concurrently with the first count.
This left a final custodial sentence of 18 months, followed by a suspended period of 12 months to run over two years under strict conditions set by the court.
The sentence was backdated to account for time already served in custody.
The court also issued a publication restriction under section 119 of the Criminal Offences Act, prohibiting the release of any information that could identify the complainant.
Moana Pasifika playmaker William Havili is set to etch his name into the club’s history books this weekend, becoming the first player to reach 50 matches when the team meets the Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday. For a young franchise still shaping its identity, Havili’s achievement is a landmark moment — a blend of loyalty, endurance, and Pacific pride.
William Havili
One of only four players who have been with Moana Pasifika since its inaugural 2022 season, Havili says the milestone feels bigger than just a personal accolade.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to not only play one game but 50 games for Moana,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it and hoping we can put a good performance out there for our fans and get the win.”
A Special Pacific Clash to Open the Season
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says Havili’s milestone could not come at a better time — in a Pacific‑to‑Pacific showdown that sets the tone for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
“Anytime we play against the Fijian Drua, it’s special,” Umaga said. “What an awesome opportunity it is to celebrate the start of the competition with two teams representing the Pacific Islands and playing in the Islands.”
Umaga described the Drua as “a dangerous team” known for thriving off their vocal and passionate home crowd in Lautoka.
“For us, it’s about focusing on our strengths and what we can control. We want to bring the energy from the start and make it a great occasion for our fans — and for Willi, who we’re excited to see achieve his 50th match milestone.”
Havili Ready for the Challenge
Havili says the team expects a physical, high‑tempo encounter. “It’s awesome playing against our Pacific brothers. They’re an expansive team and they like to throw the ball around. It will be a good match‑up, and especially over there in Fiji — it’ll be hot, but the boys are ready for it.”
He added that Moana Pasifika’s pre‑season preparation has built confidence within the squad. “We’ve been building through preseason and had a hit‑out against the Highlanders. There’s lots of work‑ons, but a lot of positives as well. Hopefully we can put it all together on Saturday.”
Born and raised in Motueka, Havili was a standout at Nelson College, where he captained the First XV to a Moascar Cup victory. Since debuting for Moana Pasifika in 2022 against the Crusaders, he has steadily evolved as both a playmaker and a leader. Now 27, he has become one of the club’s most reliable performers, guiding a pathway for the next generation of Moana backs.
New Captain and Returning Power
Saturday’s match will also see Miracle Faiilagi captain Moana Pasifika for the first time, supported by dominant loose forwards Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
Fans will get their first glimpse of powerhouse midfielder Ngani Laumape in Moana colours, pairing with Lalomilo Lalomilo in what promises to be one of the most imposing midfields of the round.
Wellington loose forward Dominic Ropeti is set to make his debut from the bench, alongside utility back Glen Vaihu, who has impressed coaches throughout preseason. Rising winger Denzel Samoa, who earned his place through a three‑week trial camp in December, also joins the matchday 23.
Nuku’alofa — The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Samisoni Toliseli to seven years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm in a machete attack on his partner and her daughter.
An illustration depicting a courtroom scene related to the sentencing. This image is an AI‑generated graphic created for news purposes.
The sentence was delivered by Lord Chief Justice Bishop KC, who described the offending as extremely serious and emphasised that violence against women, particularly in domestic settings, “will not be tolerated and strong punishment must follow.”
According to the court, the incident occurred after a night of heavy drinking between Toliseli and the first victim, a 51‑year‑old woman with whom he was in a relationship.
An argument broke out, during which Toliseli attempted to strangle her and threw her to the ground. Her daughter, aged 21, rushed to help after hearing her mother’s cries.
Toliseli then armed himself with a machete. He first struck the daughter, who raised her arm to protect herself, causing a serious fracture of her right ulnar bone.
He then turned on the mother, repeatedly striking her with the machete and causing life‑threatening injuries, including an open skull fracture, deep lacerations, and multiple broken bones. Both victims required urgent medical attention.
Long‑Term Impact on Victims
The mother underwent surgery and has lost the ability to continue her weaving work, her main source of income. The daughter, who was in her final year of nursing studies, has had to suspend her training and continues to experience pain, reduced arm movement, and emotional trauma.
She told the court she fears the offender’s return and hopes the sentence reflects the severity of the lasting harm.
Toliseli changed his plea to guilty on 26 November 2025. The court acknowledged his apology to the first victim and his expressed intention to offer compensation, which contributed to certain sentence reductions.
However, Justice Bishop noted Toliseli’s history of violent offending and previous assault convictions, stating that such behaviour required firm judicial response.
The court applied separate sentences for each count:
Count 1 (mother): 4 years’ imprisonment
Count 2 (daughter): 5 years’ imprisonment
Of the second sentence, 3 years will be served consecutively, and 2 years concurrently, resulting in a total of 7 years’ imprisonment. The final 2 years are suspended for 3 years on strict conditions, including probation supervision, participation in alcohol and drug programs, and compliance with all laws.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Bishop reiterated the court’s firm stance: domestic violence — especially involving weapons like machetes — will attract significant prison terms.
Toliseli must report to the Probation Office within 24 hours of release and comply with all conditions or risk serving the balance of his sentence.
An Asian outdoor food vendor operating in front of the Tonga Post Office in central Nuku’alofa has been ordered to close following allegations of food poisoning.
A tent‑based food stall outside the Tonga Post Office displaying a “Closed by Health Authorities” notice following an alleged food poisoning complaint. This image is an AI‑generated illustration created for reporting purposes.
It has been reported that children suffered food poisoning after eating food from the vendor, and this was not the first time alleged poisoning incidents had been linked to the same establishment.
She publicly thanked the Ministry of Health, particularly staff from the Emergency Department and Public Health Division, for their swift response after she lodged a complaint.
She claimed her children became ill after eating food purchased from the stall.
In a post shared on social media, Fiu confirmed the tent‑based food stall’s closure, saying:
“It has been confirmed that this food tent has been closed after some of the ingredients used were found to be expired. Work is continuing regarding this restaurant.”
According to Fiu, a total of seven patients — including her four children — were admitted to hospital with symptoms consistent with food‑related illness, including food poisoning.
She said the cases were reported directly by Emergency Department staff to the Ministry of Health’s Public Health outreach unit, prompting immediate action.
Fiu urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspected food‑related illnesses.
“If you eat food and experience vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and weakness, it is important to speak up and report it. Some people recognise the signs of food poisoning, while others do not,” she said.
She noted that, with the current hot and humid weather, many families rely on ready-made meals, making proper food handling and hygiene more important than ever.
Food safety experts warn that food preparation carries significant responsibility, especially in commercial kitchens.
Fiu echoed this sentiment, saying food handlers and businesses must take greater care to ensure hygiene standards are followed to protect the health of the public.
The Ministry of Health is expected to continue its investigation into the restaurant to determine whether further action is required.
Commander Rose Apikotoa has made history as the first Australian of Tongan heritage to be promoted to the rank of captain in the Royal Australian Navy, in a ceremony in Canberra that blended military tradition with the prayers, blessings and dances of her ancestral homeland.
Captain Rose Apikotoa receives her rank slide from Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley at a historic promotion ceremony in Canberra, becoming the first Australian of Tongan heritage to achieve the rank of captain in the Royal Australian Navy. Photo: Royal Australian Navy
Having served most recently as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Moreton, she will soon start a new role in Canberra as Chief of Staff to the Head of Military Personnel in Defence People Group.
Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley presented Captain Apikotoa with her new rank slide, recounting her distinguished career and leadership roles.
“Rose is not only one of our great leaders, she is one of our great female leaders and undoubtedly one of the real leaders for quite a significant number of people in our Navy from all parts of the Pacific family,” Rear Admiral Buckley said.
“Her professional and personal contributions, both in and outside of Navy, support and vindicate Rose’s remarkable career success.”
The promotion ceremony, attended by her family, colleagues and Tonga’s Acting High Commissioner to Australia, Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, was a proud moment for her and her community.
“I am humbled by the support being provided to my promotion by the presence of the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga. Whilst I was born and bred in Australia, my ancestral home of Tonga will always have a special place in my heart,” Captain Apikotoa said.
‘It’s time to mentor ADF members of Pacific Islander heritage.’
Captain Apikotoa’s career has included maritime warfare experience on HMA Ships Yarra, Gascoyne, Sydney, Newcastle and Parramatta. Her shore roles have included Deputy Fleet Operations officer, aide-de-camp to the Chief of Defence Force, Deputy Director Navy Intelligence Capability, and Commanding Officer of HMAS Moreton.
The occasion featured prayers and blessings from Tongan-born Navy Chaplain Simote Finau and traditional dances from a local Tongan performance group.
The daughter of Tongan migrants, Captain Apikotoa gave special thanks to her family in her speech to those in attendance.
“Growing up in a Tongan household gave me the morals and collective culture that have contributed to my own leadership style and the values that I live by,” she said.
“My parents worked hard and made great sacrifices for myself and my siblings.”
For her part, Captain Apikotoa has been active in supporting others. She mentors ADF women’s rugby union players both on and off the field. The Royal Australian Navy Rugby Union women’s most valuable player trophy is named in her honour.
Outside Navy, Captain Apikotoa contributes to Pacific Islander youth development through initiatives hosted by Western Sydney University and Griffith University. She is frequently invited to speak to high schoolers to promote Defence as an employment option.
“It’s time to mentor ADF members of Pacific Islander heritage,” she said.
“Their connections in the Pacific will be important as we are called on to do more in the region, with the ever-present threat of natural disasters and growing geostrategic uncertainty.”
Dunedin / Auckland – Police have arrested a 44‑year‑old Ellerslie woman in connection with an alleged romance scam that reportedly ran for nearly two decades and cost a Dunedin man more than half a million dollars.
The arrest follows a coordinated operation involving both Dunedin Police and the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, who executed a search warrant at an Auckland property today.
According to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ali Ramsay, from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, police will allege in court that the elaborate scam began online in 2006 and continued for 18 years.
“The offender in this case has allegedly obtained $525,537 through this elaborate scam,” she said.
The woman has been charged with obtains by deception and is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 17 February 2026.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ramsay said the arrest represents a significant breakthrough in what has been an extensive and challenging investigation.
“Our colleagues in Dunedin have been investigating this case, and we’re glad to have assisted in this result,” she said.
“Romance scams are usually perpetrated by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement. At the very heart of this are victims whose good nature is taken advantage of, causing emotional and financial stress.”
Police say they cannot comment further as the matter is now before the court.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious when forming new connections online or through dating applications, especially when money or personal details are involved.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Customs officials have intercepted a major haul of undeclared and prohibited items entering the country.
The seized goods included 5,297 rounds of ammunition allegedly imported by an 81‑year‑old man from Lapaha, according to a media release issued by the Ministry of Revenue and Customs.
The discovery was made during heightened inspections carried out between December 2025 and January 2026, where consignments arriving from several countries—including New Zealand and the United States—were subjected to x‑ray scanning and physical examination.
The elderly Lapaha resident was identified as the consignee of one of the most significant seizures during the inspection period.
Customs authorities say the ammunition has since been handed over to the Tonga Police, who are continuing investigations with support from Customs. Legal action is expected to follow.
In addition to the ammunition connected to the 81‑year‑old, multiple other consignments were intercepted for containing firearms, additional rounds of ammunition, fireworks, alcohol, and cigarettes in excess of allowable limits.
Among the seized items were:
1 air rifle and 91 fireworks from a male consignee in Kolofo’ou
200 rounds of ammunition from a female consignee in Houma
200 rounds of ammunition from a 54‑year‑old male in Kolovai
Alcohol consignments addressed to recipients in Lapaha, Eua, and Sopu
Fireworks and cigarette consignments originating from China
The Ministry emphasised that these interceptions reflect the effectiveness of their enhanced inspection processes and ongoing efforts to protect communities from illicit goods.
“The Ministry of Revenue and Customs’ enhanced inspections process is part of efforts to intercept illicit goods to protect our communities,” the media release stated.
All seized weapons remain in police custody pending further investigation, while alcohol, cigarettes, and fireworks will remain under Customs control for disposal.
A Tongan family in Auckland says they have been left devastated after Immigration New Zealand declined a visa for their critically ill toddler — the only family member who would be left without legal status because of his illness — despite both parents and the other children holding valid work visas and his specialist care being funded as an ACC treatment injury.
Parents, Kalolaine and Viliami Ta’eiloa with their twins, Jonathan and William. Photo/Supplied
Two‑year‑old Jonathan Ta’e’iloa was born healthy in September 2023, but became critically unwell around his first birthday.
His condition is unpredictable and complex, involving frequent vomiting, developmental delays, muscle stiffness, and delayed speech. He now depends on constant specialist care to survive.
His parents say one of them has had to give up work entirely to care for Jonathan, leaving the family reliant on a single income while juggling hospital visits, therapies, and daily medical needs.
“It has been overwhelming for our family,” Jonathan’s mother, Kalolaine told PMN News.
“We are doing everything we can to keep him alive, but now we are fighting immigration just so he can continue receiving the care he needs.”
Visa refusal deepens medical crisis
The family says the most painful blow came when Immigration New Zealand (INZ) declined Jonathan’s visa — despite ACC confirming it is covering his medical care as a treatment injury and a Te Whatu Ora clinician supporting the visa application due to the need for New Zealand-based specialist treatment.
Jonathan suffered complications following an initial health event, leading to over a year in hospital, multiple brain surgeries, and the insertion of a feeding tube. His multidisciplinary care plan is ongoing and essential.
But INZ’s decision means Jonathan must leave the country when his current visa expires on Saturday.
“We are shocked and frustrated,” Kalolaine said.
“We have given every medical record from Tonga’s Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora, and we have spent more than $5000 on legal fees. We don’t know what else to do.”
A family divided by paperwork
The family’s three other children — Samson, 6, JJ, 3, and William, 2 — all hold valid visas, and both parents have work visas valid until 2028. Jonathan is the only one without legal status.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Kalolaine said. “All our children can stay, but Jonathan — the one who needs the most help — is the one being asked to leave.”
She said officials told the family Jonathan’s care would “cost a lot for New Zealand taxpayers,” even though ACC is already funding his treatment.
INZ says decision based on health criteria
Dominic Forde, Operations Director at Immigration New Zealand, confirmed that INZ received a Dependent Child Visitor Visa application for Jonathan on 7 July 2025, which was declined on 22 January 2026, according to PMN News.
“Jonathan’s application was declined as he has significant health conditions and is likely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand’s health services,” Forde said.
Forde said they recognised it was a difficult outcome for the family and would continue to engage with them to manage the process compassionately.
The family says this explanation contradicts ACC’s confirmation that Jonathan’s care qualifies as a treatment injury and is already funded — and that removing him from New Zealand would put his life at risk.
Fundraising for immigration fees
The family’s only remaining option is to lodge a Section 61 request, which, if granted, would temporarily restore Jonathan’s lawful status while a new visa application is reconsidered.
The family says they have not yet submitted the request. Jonathan’s visa is due to expire this week, on February 14.
The family has now raised nearly $20,000 through the Givealittle platform to help cover expenses, as they continue supporting Jonathan at home with ongoing therapy, hospital appointments, and daily care.
“These are essential for Jonathan to continue receiving specialist care in New Zealand,” Kalolaine said. “We cannot imagine taking him back to Tonga where no such care exists.”
As Saturday’s deadline approaches, the family says they are still hoping INZ will reconsider — and that no child’s life should depend on whether he has the right visa.
New Zealand has become the latest country to sound the alarm over the BG Wealth Sharing /DSJ EX scam, joining Tonga, the UK, Australia and the United States in a growing international effort to stop the scheme spreading through Tongan communities.
Regulators in New Zealand, Tonga, Australia, the UK and the US have issued urgent warnings as the BG Wealth Sharing scam spreads through Tongan communities.
Regulators warn that the scam has rippled through family networks, church groups, and social media, noting that Tongans at home and across the diaspora face significant financial risks if they continue to download the app or invest in the platform.
In a joint statement published on the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority’s website on Monday, Tongan and New Zealand authorities described the scheme as a scam and urged Tongans everywhere to stop investing, while warning others before more people lose their savings.
The joint warning follows earlier reporting by Kaniva News, which revealed that the BG Wealth Share scam has gained significant traction among members of the Tongan diaspora, particularly in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
The BG pyramid scheme is the latest in a string of suspected investment scams targeting Tongans over the last few decades, following a series of multimillion-dollar schemes, such as Hyperfund (also known as Hyperverse), Validus, Tongitupe, and several other locally run Ponzi-style operations led by Tongans in New Zealand.
Kaniva News, which has been covering multiple scams targeting the Tongan community since its launch in 2009, has observed recurring patterns across these schemes. They are typically promoted heavily through friends, relatives and church networks, rely on aggressive recruitment tactics, and promise unusually high returns.
Inevitably, many of these schemes collapse, leaving participants to later reveal how they were misled and lost their savings. In New Zealand, several locally operated pyramid schemes run by Tongans have ended up in court, with some organisers receiving hefty fines and being ordered to repay investors’ funds.
“The scam, currently known as BG Wealth/DSJ EX, is part of a wider Ponzi‑style investment scam known as TXEX which uses multi-level marketing (MLM)‑type recruitment tactics. The FMA’s warning currently lists 813 websites and 30 entities which have been linked to this investment scam as they were found to be duplicates,” the joint statement read.
“The scammers start by inviting people into investment groups on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Viber and Bon Chat,” the joint statement read.
The groups are typically fronted by a so‑called “professor” — a fabricated identity often supported by fake academic credentials and staged online profiles — who, along with an assistant, promises 100 percent returns and urges victims to recruit their friends and relatives into the scam.
“Once in the group, victims are told to open a cryptocurrency exchange account and load it with funds from their bank. The scammers then tell them to transfer their cryptocurrency into a so-called trading account on a fake app. The app contains malware, creating risk of further harm,” it said.
Authorities said many people may not initially realise they are dealing with a scam because the platform allows a few early trades to go through, creating the impression that the system is genuine.
“Early recruits are even able to make small withdrawals which builds trust and encourages them to recruit others. But when they try to withdraw their full funds, they are told they need to pay a fee to release the money. Even if they pay the fee, they will not get their money back. As with other Ponzi schemes, once recruitment slows, all users are locked out of their accounts and the scammers disappear.”
Tonga Central Bank CEO Tatafu Moeaki has issued a renewed warning about the BG Wealth Sharing scam, joined this time by New Zealand authorities as losses continue to mount across Tongan communities worldwide.
Moeaki urged Tongans in Tonga and abroad to exercise “extreme caution” and to immediately alert family members and friends who may already be involved.
“We recommend extreme caution around this investment scam. If you know family members, friends, especially people in Tongan communities both in Tonga and New Zealand already involved, please share our warnings with them immediately,” Moeaki said.
“This scam often promises fast and easy payouts, but there are no guaranteed quick pay-outs—only high risks of loss.”
Moeaki was joined in the warning by New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Clare Bolingford, the FMA’s Executive Director of Licensing and Conduct Supervision, said people in Tongan communities are losing significant sums of money across New Zealand, Tonga, Australia and the United States.
“Together with the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, we want to raise awareness of this scam and remind people: do not download the app, do not invest, and don’t share it within your community networks,” Bolingford said.
The regulators say BG Wealth Sharing Ltd. is not registered to trade in or provide advice on securities or derivatives, and urge investors to avoid dealing with unregistered firms, noting there is no guarantee of investor protections when using such entities.
A Catholic priest from Pea has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred early last Saturday morning on the main road in Tokomololo, Tongatapu.
People at the scene assist after the car crash, helping responders manage the situation
According to Kakalu online, Father Ha‘unga Tupou had been travelling with two other passengers in a vehicle heading back to Pea when the incident took place.
The report said the vehicle was being driven in darkness and is believed to have been travelling at speed when it reached the area where the crash occurred.
The collision resulted in one fatality.
Further details about the victim have not yet been released as investigations continue.
Authorities reportedly said the priest has now been formally charged in connection with causing death on a public road.
Police are continuing inquiries and will present their findings to prosecutors as the case progresses.
More information is expected as the investigation develops.
