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Tonga Ma‘a says support for TRNL body could jeapordise country’s future in world game

By
Philip Cass
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Any attempt to declare the Tonga National Rugby League as the governing body of the game in Tonga is unlawful.

That is the latest salvo in the ongoing struggle over the future of League in the kingdom.

Saia Penitani of the Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League Inc said the Supreme Court had declared in October last year that there was no law giving the TNRL the right to solely govern rugby league in Tonga.

Penitani’s comments come ahead of a hearing later this month at which full members of the international body will decide whether to uphold the expulsion of TNRL.

As Kaniva News reported last week, Tonga’s Prime Minister has written and asked IRL and its member countries to readmit TNRL to the international body’s membership.  

“That we seek a review and lifting by the board of IRL and its member countries of the expulsion of the TNRL,” the Prime Minister said in a copy of his letter seen by Kaniva.

As we reported last month, the TRNL is appealing its expulsion.

A decision to reverse the expulsion of TNRL would require a 75% agreement of the full membership.

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The expulsion came after a three  month investigation of the TNRL.

“TNRL is a duly registered body as is TMTRL; the crucial difference is the membership of TMTRL far exceeds that of TNRL,” Penitani said.

“We question the legitimacy of any endorsement of TNRL in light of the clear fact that in doing so it promotes the interests of the minority in TNRL at the expense of the interests of the majority in TMTRL, our rugby league players and rugby league in Tonga.”

Claims by the TRNL that it wanted to foster inclusivity and harmony appeared to be contradicted  by statements that the Tongan government was advocating for the TNRL whose support consisted of a small minority of rugby league clubs.

“To foster harmony is to cede with grace to the will of the majority, that is the will of the majority of clubs and of fans who support our international players, players who have repeatedly made clear their refusal to work with or play under TNRL,” Penitani said.

“Any insistence on dictating that TNRL is the governing body is blatant interference that could jeopardises Tonga’s future participation in the rugby league international community and competitions.

“It is entirely the prerogative of the RLIF to decide who the rugby league member Federation in Tonga is.”

The main points

  • Any attempt to declare the Tonga National Rugby League as the governing body of the game in Tonga is unlawful.
  • That is the latest salvo in the ongoing struggle over the future of League in the kingdom.

Four arrested, methamphetamine, cash found in searches of Tongatapu homes

By
Kalino Latu
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Methamphetamine and cash have been seized after multiple homes were raided in a sting targeting drug suppliers in Tongatapu. 

Police arrested three men and one woman with methamphetamine from three different locations in Tongatapu.

Police seized 21.54 grams of methamphetamine, over TOP$6,000 pa’anga cash and drug utensils during these arrests.

All four accused have been charged accordingly and to appear in court at a later date.

A/Deputy Commissioner Vailea said that these arrests show that those who are seeking to profit from the harm these drugs cause can continue to expect to be targeted by Police.

“Drugs have no place in our community; they destroy the lives of the users, harming our children and our communities. We hope these arrests will bring some reassurance to the community.”

A/DC Vailea also wanted to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of staff who were involved in the seizures, and their commitment to intercepting the supply of these harmful drugs, keeping our communities safe and protected.

He urged anyone who has information on drug dealing in our communities to contact police on 22782.

Residential area in Kolomotu‘a described as “Sodoma and Gomorah” and “threatening”; Police Minister says he did not know problem was that big

By
Kalino Latu
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Kiliki ‘i he halangaope ‘i ‘olunga’ ke ke fanongo ki he fakataha ‘a e kāinga Tongatapu 1’ mo e ‘Eiki Palēmia’ ‘i he lea fakaTonga’.

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Audios of the Prime Minister’s meeting in Tongatapu 1 were provided by the Prime Minister’s office and transcribed and translated into English by Kaniva News. This English version of the audios had been abridged.

A residential area in Kolomotu’a has been described as threatening and the Minister of Police, Lord Nuku, has been asked to give it special treatment.

A resident has likened it to Sodom and Gomorrah in the Holy Bible.

It has been claimed there were ongoing loud party music, singing and swearing (“lau e veesi lauloto kehekehe”) coming from party goers in this area known as Israel (“’Isileli.”)

Police when called sometime turned up and sometime they didn’t, it has been claimed.

The road pits in the area had been likened to an underground oven. The Minister of Police told residents he did not know their problems went that far.

Lord Nuku also denied rumours that the Tu’i’onetoa government was using the Prime Minister’s roading project as a political campaign tool.

The noble said the roading priority policy was created based on what had been recorded by Parliament every year in the past four decades after it annual visits to all constituencies as people’s top urgent needs. He said people’s second top priority was water,

Lord Nuku said the Prime Minister’s Roading Project for the whole of Tonga has yet to begin. He said the government was currently repairing roads under its normal road maintenance policy.

He said the government has approved an estimate of TOP$700 million for the Prime Minister’s Roading Project and an allocation of $18 million to spend on road maintenance until June.

The revelations were made during a meeting organised by the Prime Minister’s office for the Prime Minister and some of his Cabinet ministers to meet with the Tongatapu 1 constituents to hear their urgent needs. 

As Acting Minister of Infrastructure, Lord Nuku told the ‘Isileli residents the Ministry will repair their roads soon after repair works currently underway at Pea. His response was followed by applause.

The government told the constituents it would build and upgrade evacuation centres to include special features required for people with disabilities.

The meeting was reminded that the Tu’i’onetoa government was just on its fourth month after it came to power in October 2019.

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The situation at ‘Isileli has been also described as disrespectful to a retired minister of the Free Church of Tonga, Manase Tafea, who was one of only four residence owners in this particular area of Tongatapu 1.

Joi Schaumkel told Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa during the meeting the situation was threatening.

She said she and her husband always carried with them in their vehicle a machete as a weapon to protect them if somebody tried to attack them when their vehicle had to run at low speed because of the road pits.

She said during night time whenever she heard vehicles speeding up in their road she woke up and put the light on.

Schaumkel told the meeting the Japanese surveyed the area as part of the plan to construct the roads, but when the construction began the area was not included.  

She asked the Prime Minister to repair the roads.

A Tongan man who said he was living in the US told the Prime Minister during the meeting to consider building drainage first before the roads because the area was swampy.

He said they did this in the US when constructing roads in swampy areas because if drainage was not provided the water would damage the road from time to time. 

Other concerns from the residents included asking the Prime Minister to defer putting an end to building materials’ tax and duty free policy it offered after recent tropical cyclones.

A woman has asked the Prime Minister to help provide accommodation for children she said she looked after because their mother had died.

Another woman told the Prime Minister when it rained his children could not go to school because of poor road conditions. He asked Hon Tu’ionetoa to repair the road.

Tongatapu 1 MP Siaosi Pōhiva told the Prime Minister he was concerned after he was not invited to be part of those people who were given the roles to organise the meeting.

MP Pōhiva said he wanted politicians to be united and set aside their political differences to enable them to work together for the benefit of the people.

International safety standards require qualified lifeguards at public pools and beaches

By
Kaniva Staff
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The death of a young girl in Touliki on Friday has prompted questions about what international  safety measures are in place at public swimming pools.

The girl’s body was recovered from the ocean pool about 2pm. She was identified by relatives and friends on social media as 13-year-old ‘Elisapeta Heitonga of Tofoa.

Local reports said attempts to revive Heitonga at the scene failed.

It is understood the girl was with members of a sport team from Lavengamālie College.

In 2013 a 41 years-old man drowned at the pool, which was then closed  for two months.

In New Zealand public swimming pools generally have volunteer or paid lifeguards who keep an eye on swimmers.

Government regulations lay out strict rules on supervising pool users, particularly children. Responsibility stretches to a range of staff.

A minimum of one qualified lifeguard is required at all times, with more depending on the number of users.

At New Zealand beaches lifeguards maintain a watch on swimmers and mark out safe areas with flags.

In Australia there is a strong culture of lifeguards on public beaches and in public pools and in both countries lifeguards have to qualify for the position.

In California lifeguards have to undertake qualifications of up to two years and undertake life saving and CPR qualifications.

For more information

Aquatic Facility Guidelines

Shocking pictures show girl’s injuries after she was hit by vehicle

By
Kalino Latu
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Pictures shared to social media appeared to show the horrific injuries suffered by a student who was allegedly hit by a vehicle.

The girl was shown wearing a Tailulu College school uniform.

Some of the photos showed what appeared to be staff and members of the public assisting the girl while she was lying on the road.

It appeared she had cuts and bruising to her head and was lying in a pool of blood.

Unconfirmed reports on social media said this was a hit and run incident.

Girl drowns in Touliki swimming pool

By
Kaniva Staff
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A young Tongatapu girl drowned in the swimming pool at Touliki this morning.

Police rescue team was called shortly after the girl went missing in the pool area.

Her body was pulled from the water after 2pm.

Local reports said attempts to revive the girl at the scene failed.

It is understood the girl was with members of a sport team from Lavengamālie College.

No further details available.

The death came after authorities temporarily closed down the pool in 2013 after the body of a 41 year old father was recovered after he was swimming there with his children.

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Mount Roskill alleged shooting leaves men with multiple gunshot wounds

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are seeking witnesses to a firearms incident that occurred at an address on Marion Avenue, Mount Roskill at approximately 7:42am this morning.

On arrival, Police found three men who had sustained gunshot wounds.

The men, who had injuries ranging from critical to minor, were all transported to Auckland Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.

Police are also seeking information about a dark coloured SUV or people mover type vehicle that was seen fleeing from the vicinity of Marion Avenue at speed shortly after the incident occurred.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or the incident itself is asked to come forward and contact Police on 105.

Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are at the scene today conducting a scene examination and a scene guard is in place.

We would like to reassure the public that we are committed to ensuring the safety of the community and bring those responsible to justice.

Man arrested after body found near Manurewa

By
Kaniva Staff
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An investigation has been launched following a death at an address in South Auckland shortly after midnight yesterday.

Police were called to the Randwick Park address on Trimdon Street at 12:07am Friday where a man was located deceased.

The death is being treated as a homicide.

A 46-year-old man has been arrested and charged with injuring with intent to injure in relation to the incident.

He is due to appear in Manukau District Court today.

One dead, one injured in overnight Ōtara shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man was killed and another injured in an overnight shooting in South Auckland, police said this morning.

About 11:45pm Police were called to a report of a firearm being discharged on Bairds Rd, Ōtara.

On arrival Police located a critically injured man and attempted to provide medical attention, however he died at the scene.

A second person was moderately injured and taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Scene guards remain in place.

“Locals should expect to see a strong Police presence in the area today,” says Detective Inspector Tofilau Va’aelua, Counties Manukau District Crime Services Manager.

“I want to reassure the community that we are absolutely committed to finding those responsible for this and holding them to account.”

Judge condemns inter-school violence, says jail term for accused must act as deterrent

By
Philip Cass
-

A jail sentence was the only way to deter school violence, the Supreme Court has been told.

Soane Patita Toutai’olepo was sentenced to one year in jail for his part in an attack on a  truck carrying Tupou College student.

Lord Chief Justice Whitten said  it would be inappropriate to suspend any of the sentence.

This would risk sending a message that if somebody causes serious injury by taking part in school violence, they could escape prison time.

“If that ever was the belief, it must be dispelled,” the judge said.

“Such mindless violence must not continue.

“It is incumbent on the Court to apply the law in a manner which reinforces that community expectation and which serves to protect all school students from street violence initiated for no other reason than that they different schools.”

Toutai’olepo was one of a group of Tonga College students who threw rocks at a truck carrying Tupou College students home after a school sports competition.

The accused threw a large rock at the truck which hit 12 years-old Lata ‘i Lapaha Funakia. He was knocked unconscious and was rushed to Vaiola Hospital where surgeons operated for a compound depressed fracture to the left side of his skull.

The court was told that conflicts between school was a serious problem in Tonga.

The victim’s father said despite the fact that Toutai’olepo had not apologised, they had forgiven him

When arrested he cooperated with police.

In sentencing the accused, the judge said he had to provide an  opportunity for rehabilitation and deter others from future acts of violence between rival schools.

Toutai’olepo was sentenced to two years in prison. The second year of the sentence was suspended. Two weeks were deducted from the first year of prison because of time already spent in jail.

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