A significant weather event is set to impact large parts of New Zealand on Tuesday, 29 July, with MetService issuing severe weather warnings for heavy rain and strong winds.
A front, preceded by a strong and moist northeast flow, is expected to move eastward across the country, bringing potentially hazardous conditions to western and northern regions.
Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to prepare for possible flooding, slips, and disruptions.
The heaviest rainfall is predicted for the North Island, including Taranaki, the central high country, and areas north of the Bay of Plenty. Nelson/Tasman, northwest Marlborough, and Westland are also expected to experience significant downpours, with particular concern for Nelson/Tasman due to already saturated ground from recent rain.
Moderate-risk zones include Buller, Grey Districts, and the headwaters of Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, where rainfall may still reach warning levels.
In addition to heavy rain, severe northeast gales are forecast for exposed parts of Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, eastern Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and inland areas of Whanganui and Taihape.
The Canterbury Alps may also experience strong northerly winds, though confidence in their intensity remains moderate.
Residents in affected regions are advised to secure loose outdoor items, monitor local flood risks, and avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the weather.
Emergency services are on standby, and updates will be provided as the system develops.
This event highlights ongoing concerns about extreme weather patterns and their impact on New Zealand’s infrastructure. Stay tuned to official forecasts for further updates.
Commentary – Tonga’s newly introduced Fraud Policy has set a bold precedent in the kingdom’s fight against corruption — but the real test will be whether it can rein in the abuse of power, including allegations that Cabinet Ministers have pocketed excessive taxpayer-funded travel allowances.
As the government takes a firm stance against fraud, public scepticism remains high: will this legislation deliver accountability, or will it be another toothless decree in a nation still ranked among the world’s most corrupt?
The answer could determine not only Tonga’s democratic integrity but also its standing on the global stage.
The announcement of Tonga’s new Fraud Policy Law by the government last week marks a significant milestone in the kingdom’s 14-year democratic journey.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi’s emphasis on comprehensive legislation to prevent, detect, and prosecute fraudulent activities signals a firm commitment to governance reform.
This law is particularly crucial as it seeks to protect consumers from deceptive practices, reinforcing public trust in financial and commercial systems.
However, the urgency behind this move cannot be ignored.
Adding to the urgency, Fusimalohi’s recent acknowledgement that Tonga remains ranked 95th out of 183 countries in global corruption indices underscores the persistent challenges the kingdom faces.
US Widespread Fraud Warning
The revelation comes amid serious concerns raised by Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke over a stern warning from the U.S. administration, which had previously flagged Tonga as one of 36 countries at risk of a travel ban due to alleged “widespread fraud.
While the specifics of the U.S. allegations remain unclear, the implication is troubling—Tonga’s international reputation is at stake.
Allegations of fraud within the government have been widespread, with many cases landing in court.
Tonga’s Persistent Corruption Crisis
These include the unlawful transfer of $90 million in Chinese grants to Princess Pilolevu – a transaction later declared illegal by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the ongoing sale of national passports to Asian nationals, allegedly conducted without proper oversight, continues to raise serious concerns.
Additionally, one of the most serious allegations involves the misuse of the $120 million loan from China intended for the reconstruction of Nuku’alofa following the 2006 riots.
A Parliamentary select committee reported that only about 40 per cent of the loan was used for its intended purpose, while millions reportedly remain unaccounted for.
While the new Fraud Policy Law is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness will depend on rigorous enforcement, transparency, and public awareness.
For Tonga’s young democracy, this law is more than just policy—it is a test of the government’s proactive ability to combat corruption, safeguard economic integrity, and meet international standards.
The coming months will reveal whether this legislative effort translates into tangible progress or if further reforms are needed to restore confidence both at home and abroad.
There is currently a linguistic shift occurring in Tongan communities, particularly in the context of funerals, where the word ‘aofia is increasingly being used to refer to the funeral wake.
However, this usage is incorrect and diverges from the traditional and accurate term: ‘āfia.
According to Churchward’s Tonga Dictionary, the word ‘āfia is defined as: “To keep watching over (a corpse) during the night.”
This term has long been used in Tongan culture to describe the vigil held over a deceased person, a practice deeply rooted in respect, mourning, and communal support.
Other synonymous expressions include ‘āfaki and ‘ā pō, both of which also refer to night vigils or funeral wakes.
The word ‘āfia is derived from ‘ā, which means to open one’s eyes, to awaken, or to be awake.
The Confusion with ‘Aofia
The word ‘aofia, although phonetically similar, carries a completely different meaning. It derives from the root ‘aofi, which means:
To defend, protect, especially to place oneself between danger and the person endangered.
This word is used in contexts of covering, shielding, or protection, not mourning or vigil. For example:
‘Oku ‘aofia ‘a e la’aa’ ‘e he konga ‘ao. “The sun is covered with a cloud.”
This sentence illustrates the protective or covering nature of ‘aofia, which has no semantic connection to funeral practices.
This etymology highlights that using ‘aofia instead detaches the word from its true meaning, as ‘ao in ‘aofia does not convey the sense of being awake.
The misuse of ‘aofia to refer to funerals is now widespread, especially as funeral wakes are increasingly being held during the daytime—unlike in the past, when they were traditionally conducted at night.
Despite this shift in timing, the correct term ‘āfia still applies.
The only change is in the accompanying time reference: from ‘ā pō, meaning “wake at night,” to ‘ā ‘aho, meaning “wake during the day.
Why Accuracy Matters
Language is a vessel of culture and identity. Misusing words—especially in sacred contexts like funerals—can dilute cultural meaning and lead to confusion.
Preserving the correct usage of ‘āfia ensures that Tongan traditions remain linguistically and culturally intact.
The use of ‘aofia to refer to a funeral wake is a linguistic error. The correct term is ‘āfia, as documented in authoritative sources and supported by traditional usage.
We especially urge the media to preserve and use the correct word ‘āfia accurately, rather than the incorrect ‘aofia.
International outrage has surfaced following reports of the arrest of William James Purdy, a former missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who is accused of sexually abusing 14 boys in Tonga.
Libertas International commends the recent arrest ofWilliam James Purdy, a former missionary, who is accused of sexually exploiting 14 young boys in the country of Tonga and creating CSAM material. Photo/Libertas International (Facebook)
As reported by Kaniva News yesterday, documents from the U.S. Department of Justice state that Purdy first travelled to Tonga in 2017, on a missionary assignment.
During his mission, he allegedly groomed and sexually abused boys as young as eight, using gifts such as toys, electronics, and money to gain their trust.
After returning to the U.S., Purdy, 28, went back to Tonga in 2019 and resumed work as a teacher, continuing his abuse under the guise of tutoring and mentorship.
Authorities say Purdy secretly recorded minors in his bathroom and created child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was initially arrested by the Tonga Police in 2022 after an eight-year-old boy disclosed the abuse.
However, Purdy fled Tonga in 2023 using a falsified passport, evading trial and returning to the U.S., where he enrolled in law school.
In Tonga, shock and outrage have been widely expressed on social media, with many furious over the revelation that the missionary had abused the boys.
Groups Praise Joint Arrest Effort
The Tonga Ministry of Police commended the efforts of the local team, alongside U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, in arresting a former missionary accused of heinous crimes against children.
This case highlights the vital importance of international cooperation in delivering justice and protecting the most vulnerable, it said.
Libertas International, a nonprofit organisation combating child exploitation, commended the arrest and praised the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Justice, and Tonga Police.
“This case reflects a growing commitment to hold predators accountable,” said a spokesperson from Libertas.
“We stand with the courageous survivors who came forward and will continue to support justice and healing”.
Libertas International continues to work closely with survivors, law enforcement, and government partners to ensure justice is served and healing is possible.
“We are thankful to Homeland Security Investigations in Salt Lake City for their work on this case.”
Commentary – As the countdown begins for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, Tonga’s national rugby union team, ‘Īkale Tahi, is preparing for a high-stakes opener against traditional rivals Manu Samoa on August 23 at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.
This match marks the beginning of a pivotal campaign not only for regional pride but also for qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2027.
With Fiji and Japan already qualified, Tonga must finish among the top three of the remaining teams—Samoa, USA, and Canada—to secure a direct ticket to Australia.
However, Tonga enters the tournament under pressure following a disappointing European tour last year, where they suffered nine losses out of ten matches.
Their sole victory came against Canada, the lowest-ranked team in the competition.
Coach Tēvita Tu’ifua faces mounting scrutiny as fans call for a strategic overhaul in coaching and player selection.
Tonga’s current world ranking of 19th reflects the urgency for improvement, especially with the team’s performance under the spotlight in front of a home crowd.
The clash with Samoa will be a litmus test for Tonga’s resilience and readiness.
With the Pacific Nations Cup running from August 22 to September 20, this edition promises to be historic, culminating in a U.S.-hosted finals series that could redefine Pacific rugby’s global standing.
Tonga has taken a bold step toward reinforcing its democratic foundations with the launch of its first-ever Latimer House Dialogue, which opened this week by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua.
Lord Fakafanua: Latimer House Principles Vital for Tonga’s Evolving Democratic System. Photo/Fale Alea ‘o Tonga
Addressing a distinguished gathering of parliamentarians, judges, public officials, and civil society leaders at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, Lord Fakafanua underscored the importance of the Latimer House Principles as “an overarching framework to strengthen governance, particularly in nations like the Kingdom of Tonga, by setting standards for effective and accountable democratic systems.”
The two-day event, hosted in partnership with the Commonwealth, marks a pivotal moment in Tonga’s ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law, institutional independence, and ethical leadership.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua, officially inaugurated the dialogue, emphasising the importance of the Latimer House Principles in promoting democratic values, institutional independence, and human rights.
“They serve as an overarching framework to strengthen governance, particularly in nations like the Kingdom of Tonga,” he said, referencing Tonga’s unique status as the Pacific’s only remaining constitutional monarchy.
Dr. Elizabeth Macharia of the Commonwealth Secretariat likened democracy and the rule of law to woven mats—cultural heirlooms built through collective effort.
“Through open and respectful dialogue, we can strengthen understanding and unity between the three branches,” she said.
Day one featured sessions led by distinguished experts, including Mr. Peter Boshier, former Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand; Mr David Blunt, former Clerk of the New South Wales Parliament; and Mr Paulo Kautoke, veteran Tongan economist.
Topics included the separation of powers, judicial independence, and parliamentary oversight.
Tomorrow’s sessions will delve into ethical leadership, judicial appointments, and accountability mechanisms, culminating in group discussions and recommendations to enhance Tonga’s governance systems.
This inaugural dialogue underscores Tonga’s commitment to democratic reform and transparent leadership, building on the foundations laid by the 2010 constitutional changes.
Tonga remains ranked 95th out of 183 countries on the global corruption index, a position it has held since 2011 due to the failure of previous governments to respond to information requests from Transparency International, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi has revealed.
Seputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi
Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, Dr Fusimālohi said the international anti-corruption watchdog had repeatedly sought data from Tonga to assess its transparency and governance standards.
However, successive administrations reportedly ignored or declined to provide the necessary information, resulting in the country’s stagnant and damaging position on the index, Fusimālohi said in Tongan.
The Corruption Index Measures
Tonga received a score of 3.1 on a scale ranging from 0, which represents highly corrupt, to 10, which represents very clean. Its neighbouring country, Samoa, was ranked 69th with a score of 3.9.
New Zealand topped the list, ranking number one with a score of 9.5, indicating a very clean public sector.
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), compiled by Transparency International, evaluates public sector corruption across countries using expert assessments and opinion surveys.
Key indicators include bribery, misuse of public funds, abuse of office for personal gain, and the government’s ability to prevent corruption.
It also considers excessive bureaucracy, nepotism in civil service appointments, financial disclosure laws for officials, whistleblower protections, influence by vested interests, and public access to government information.
Transparency International, which operates in over 100 countries, describes itself as a global movement working to end the injustice of corruption.
Its annual rankings are based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, informed by expert assessments and opinion surveys.
The revelation comes amid growing international scrutiny.
Trump Administration Warning
The United States recently included Tonga in a list of 36 countries that could face travel restrictions if they fail to meet specific governance and transparency benchmarks.
The U.S. government has alleged that some of these countries are involved in “widespread fraud.”
Tonga is currently working on a formal response to the U.S. warning, with a deadline set for next month.
Allegations of excessive travel spending have rocked Tonga’s political landscape, with claims that three former Cabinet Ministers received a combined total of up to $8 million in travel allowances—$5 million, $2 million, and $1 million, respectively, during the tenure of the former Hu’akavameiliku administration.
Former PM Hu’akavameiliku
Concerns raised during yesterday’s government press conference highlighted the large amount allegedly received by three former ministers, while 25 per cent of Tonga’s population continues to struggle below the poverty line.
The revelation adds a dramatic twist to the already contentious increase in the government’s travel budget, which rose more than 60 per cent from $13 million to $21 million under former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku’s leadership.
Budget Boost for Diplomacy
The budget hike was previously defended in Parliament by then-Minister of Infrastructure, Seventini Toumoʻua, who claimed the increase was necessary due to the extensive overseas duties required of Cabinet Ministers.
Hu’akavameiliku could not be reached for comment.
However, he had previously justified the spending by stating that international travel was essential for negotiating foreign aid and grants on behalf of Tonga.
More than 50 percent of Tonga’s annual budget relies on foreign donors.
Kaniva News understands that some government travel from Tonga was funded by overseas partners who hosted the meetings for which the travel was intended.
However, critics, including current Minister of Police Piveni Piukala—who was in Opposition at the time—challenged the legitimacy of the increase, alleging that it was not properly brought before Parliament for approval.
Piukala and others also expressed concern over the disproportionate allocation, especially when only $1 million was budgeted to address poverty, which affects approximately 25 per cent of the population.
Former Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu
The controversy intensified when the former Minister of Lands was seen arriving in Australia with his wife and a delegation, claiming the trip was to address land issues for Tongans living abroad.
While some Tongans overseas were pleased with the opportunity to address their land needs, the online community criticised the trip as an unnecessary expense borne by taxpayers.
Millions Spent, Poverty Ignored
The allegations were raised with Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi during a press conference yesterday in Nukuʻalofa.
Former Cabinet Minister ʻEtuate Lavulavu, who also operates the Kalonikali Tonga newspaper, claimed he has evidence that one Minister received up to $5 million, another received $2 million, and a third received $1 million from their travel packages.
Lavulavu also claimed that these amounts included a 40 per cent increase added on top of the standard allowance.
Two former Ministers allegedly spent about three months overseas, travelling from country to country, Lavulavu claimed.
He expressed concern not only about the significant spending of taxpayers’ money, but also about the financial struggles many people are currently facing.
He asked Fusimālohi whether the allegations were true.
Responding, Fusimālohi did not answer Lavulavu’s question directly. Instead, he stated that the government’s travel budget has often doubled—or exceeded—the allocated amount, as shown in official budget documents.
He also remarked that it is not advisable for Ministers to seek luxury while carrying out their official duties.
Shincheonji Taekwondo Team, All Members Win Prizes Again at International Competitions.
‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ 4 Golds, 7 Silvers, 14 Bronzes… A Great Achievement of All Members Winning Prizes.
The Shincheonji Taekwondo team participating in the ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ is taking a commemorative photo. This competition is an international taekwondo competition held at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongbuk from the 18th to the 21st.
Following the Kim Un-yong Cup, All Members Win Prizes for Two Consecutive Competition Proving Their Skills on the World Stage.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman Man-hee Lee, hereinafter referred to as Shincheonji Church of Jesus) Taekwondo Team once again proved their skills on the international stage by winning prizes at the ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’.
The ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ was hosted by the Park Chung-hee Cup Organizing Committee and co-hosted by the Gyeongbuk Taekwondo Association and the Sangju City Taekwondo Association. Approximately 4,200 athletes from 18 countries around the world, including Korea, the United States, and France, participated in a heated competition at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium from the 18th to the 21st. The competition consisted of various events such as comprehensive competition, breaking, poomsae, kicking, and actual sparring, and evaluated the participants’ skills in a three-dimensional manner.
The Shincheonji Taekwondo team had a total of 25 athletes participate in the official poomsae individual competition held on the 19th, and despite the short preparation period, they displayed dazzling skills through focused training and persistent effort. As a result, they achieved the feat of winning 4 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 14 bronze medals, with all of them winning awards.
In particular, this competition was also notable as an opportunity to enhance the cultural and diplomatic status of the Republic of Korea. The performance in the international competition held in Korea, the home of Taekwondo, is evaluated to have left a strong impression on domestic and international participants.
Lee Jun-wi, who won the gold medal, said, “Although we did not have enough training time, we tried to focus as much as possible within the given time,” and added, “I am grateful that our efforts led to good results.”
Coach Kim Deok-hoon of the national team said, “As this is an international competition, many excellent domestic and foreign players participated and competed at a high level,” and added, “I am proud that the players demonstrated their skills without wavering. Based on this competition, we will systematically prepare a training system and strategy so that we can participate with more people and improved skills next year.”
On the 19th, Shincheonji Church of Jesus Taekwondo team player Bae Do-won, who participated in the ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ held at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongbuk, is demonstrating his Poomsae in the individual event of the official Poomsae. This competition is an international Taekwondo competition held in Sangju, Gyeongbuk from the 18th to the 21st.
In addition to this Park Chung-hee Cup, the Shincheonji Taekwondo national team also achieved outstanding results in which all participants won awards at the ‘2025 Kim Un-yong Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ held in Busan earlier this month. At that time, 12 people participated and 2 won 1st place, 4 won 2nd place, 5 won 3rd place, etc., and the entire team won medals, continuing the record of winning consecutive awards in international competitions.
In addition, at the ‘2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Festival’ held last year, 5 out of 18 participants won medals, and the team has been achieving excellent results in domestic and international competitions every year, establishing itself as a national team with both skills and stable team management.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus actively carries out talent development and healthy community activities in various fields such as sports, culture, and arts as well as faith, and plans to continue to realize healthy lives and social contributions through sports in the future.
The long-awaited Siaosi Brown Dialysis Centre in Veitongo is expected to begin operations in November 2025, according to Tonga’s Minister of Health, Dr ʻAna ʻAkauʻola, who made the announcement during a press conference held in Nukuʻalofa this afternoon.
Conceptual design of the centre
This marks a major milestone for Tonga’s healthcare system, as the country has never had a dialysis facility before.
Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease have long been forced to seek treatment overseas, often in New Zealand, Australia, or the United States.
Dr ʻAkauʻola said the new centre will allow many of these patients to return home and receive life-saving dialysis treatment locally.
The dialysis centre, named after Siaosi Brown, a Tongan man who passed away in the U.S. in 2017, was funded and supported by the Siaosi Brown Dialysis Board based in Utah.
The centre will initially operate with five dialysis machines located near Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu, with services expected to be free of charge for qualifying patients.
During the press conference, Dr ʻAkauʻola also clarified the vetting process used by the Ministry of Health to determine which patients are eligible for government-funded medical evacuation overseas.
She emphasised that the Health Committee, composed of doctors from various departments, maintains a high standard in its assessments.
Even when Ministers or the Prime Minister refer patients to her, she said she still forwards them to the Committee, whose decisions are final.
While the centre is expected to offer free dialysis services, it remains unclear whether any fees will be introduced in the future.
According to Tonga’s Health Services Regulations, the Minister of Health has the authority to waive or exempt fees on humanitarian grounds.
The opening of the dialysis centre is seen as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Tongans suffering from chronic kidney disease, and a significant step toward improving healthcare access in the Kingdom.
