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Niua tsunami victims remembered 10 years on

By
Kalino Latu
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Online users of Niuan kāinga and decent have reshared on Facebook a song composed to remember the tsunami that killed nine people in 2009.

The tsunami struck on September 30 that year and caused major damage to the island of Niuatoputapu.

The song, ‘Hiva ʻo e Peaukula,’ was recorded in 2013 by the ʻUtufekituʻa String Band.

Leilani Pesa Fainga’a shared the song on her Facebook page and dedicated it to the victims.

As Kaniva news reported in 2015, the song begins with a fakatapu – an expression used at the beginning of Tongan songs usually made by the punake (poet) asking permission from those who may have families who died in the disaster to talk about what happened that day.

The poet referred to how the day was clear and obviously no one expected that Mother Nature would turn violently against the island.

The song lamented the dead and how the tragic marks left by the tsunami on the beaches and inland.

The poet also mentioned how the islanders reacted helplessly when the tsunami hit. The song says the most emotional event was when people had to run up the mountain, with many carrying children and old people, while screaming and shouting to others.

Some were able to make the climb before the big waves caught them, but it was unfortunate that those who died could not make it, the song said.

The poet also recounted some important places on the island where the waves swept inland. He said these places had been engraved in the memory of the island to the end of time.

Before the tsunami hit local radio stations in Tonga broadcast warnings that a tsunami was possible and that people should move away from coastal villages.

However, police said many locals claimed there would be no big waves and did not move inland.

The tsunami also caused substantial damage and major loss of life in Samoa, where more than 180 people died in Pagopago and Apia.

Engineering student wins prestigious award; recognition for two other young Tongan leaders

By
Philip Cass
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Tongan engineering student Sela Maka, who recently won a prestigious award for Pacific students, wants to use it to give other engineering students an opportunity to work on development projects in Tonga.

Maka won the Pacific Cooperation Foundation International scholar Award , which acknowledes a young person from the Pacific region who is an active leader in New Zealand and their home country.

Maka featured in Kaniva News last December for winning a 10 week internship with global engineering company GHD.

PCF Chief Executive Don Mann said all candidates demonstrated passion and determination in their applications.

Maka is studying engineering with Honours at Massey University.

Originally from Lotoha’apai Ha’ateiho in Tonga, she spent most of her primary school years in Fiji.

Maka dedicated the award to her family, friends and to her late father who inspired her love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Maka’s award was presented as part of the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards in Wellington.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito Su’a William Sio said the 11 winners were symbols of the future for Pacific peoples.

Two other winners of the Pacific Youth Awards were of Tongan descent.

The Arts and Creativity Award, which was sponsored by Creative NZ and Massey University went to  Manuha’apai Vaeatangitau from Auckland who is of Tongan descent.

The  Business and Entrepreneurship Award, which was sponsored by Pacific Business Trust, was won by Keith Toma from Auckland who is of Niuean, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan and Tuvaluan descent.

The main points

  • Tongan engineering student Sela Maka, who recently won a prestigious award for Pacific students, wants to use it to give other engineering students an opportunity to work on development projects in Tonga.
  • Maka won the Pacific Cooperation Foundation International scholar Award, which was presented as part of the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards in Wellington.

For more information

Father encouraged passion for problem solving that led her to internship with engineering firm

Tongan seasonal worker dies in Australia

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan man has died on a farm while working in Australia on the Federal Government-sanctioned Seasonal Worker Program.

Kalolo Kuea died yesterday while working at the Driscoll berry production company in Tasmania.

His death has shocked the tight-knit Tonga community in the area as well as family and friends around the world.

His niece ‘Amelia Takitaki who is residing in US shared her grief on Facebook.

“My heart aches, and I’m still in shock! My dear uncle, Kalolo Kuea!! May your soul R.I.P! My mom misses you so much! We all do! Still cannot believe that you’re gone! 😭😭😭😭”

The cause of Kuea’s death has yet to be released.

Last year a Tongan man in Queensland died while working as a Seasonal Worker Program employee on a farm in the Bundaberg region.

As we reported at the time, that deceased has become the 14th person to die while working on the controversial scheme.

The death comes just weeks after a special investigation by The Courier-Mail revealed 13 workers had died on the Seasonal Worker Program, with extreme neglect allegedly contributing to a number of deaths and serious injuries.

‘Akilisi is dead, but his vision lives on, Dr Uata tells party members in wake of PM election loss

By
Kalino Latu
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Strong words of encouragement were shared during the first formal Democrat party meeting held after the death of its leader, ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, and the Party’s loss of the premiership election last week.

The meeting of PTOA (Democrat) members at the Tonga National Centre in Tofoa this evening was an occasion of mixed emotions, with words from members showing a new era has begun for the party.

The Late ‘Akilisi’s eldest son Siaosi Pōhiva told the meeting they were not gathering because of ‘Akilisi but because of his vision for the nation.

Pīveni Piukala told the meeting the former Prime Minister had been betrayed, referring to those PTOA MPs and cabinet ministers who defected to the new People’s Party causing the PTOA to lose the premiership election.

However, he asked the PTOA to support the government. He said Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa was a PTOA member. He said the Niuas MP had become a cabinet minister for the first time in history and he was elected by the people as a PTOA MP.

Piukala summed up ‘Akilisi’s vision for a fully democratic reformed Tonga with his last words to Acting Prime Minister Semisi Sika days before he died. 

He said ‘Akilisi advised Sika to be honest and courageous, to take care of the people and look after his relationship with the king.

Piukala said ‘Akilisi did not want the Party members to be divided and live in disharmony with people who had different political views.

Piukala responded to claims by Prime Minister Tu’i’onoetoa that the PTOA was a political campaign device belonging to ‘Akilisi’s family, that it was not formally registered and that  when he died the PTOA died also.

Piukala said there was no need for the PTOA to be registered and limit its membership. He said the party was a platform for those who wanted to follow and support ‘Akilisi’s visions. He reminded the meeting that political parties have yet to be legalized in Tonga.

Dr Tu’i Uata, the Cabinet Minister ‘Akilisi selected outside of parliament, was tearful when he spoke during the meeting.

He said ‘Akilisi was a humble man who set an example for the party to follow.

He said ‘Akilisi died but his visions live on.

Tonga’s by-election to elect an MP to replace  ‘Akilisi will be held in November.

The PTOA has nominated his son Siaosi to run for the election and it has vowed it will do whatever it legally can to ensure he wins.

The main points

  • Strong words of encouragement were shared during the first formal Democrat party meeting held after the death of its leader, ‘Akilisi Pohiva died, and the Party’s loss of the premiership election last week.
  • Piveni Piukala told the meeting the former Prime Minister had been betrayed, referring to those PTOA MPs and cabinet ministers who defected to the new People’s Party causing the PTOA to lose the premiership election.

For more information

Parliament elects Dr Pōhiva Tu‘i‘onetoa as new PM

Parliament elects Dr Pōhiva Tu‘i‘onetoa as new PM

Second airline to service outer islands in bid to reduce ‘costly airfares,’ PM Tu‘ionetoa says

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government will approve a second airline to service ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u and the Niuas

The move was urgent and the government had treated it as top priority, Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa told Kaniva news yesterday.

He said the government hoped this would help reduce the current airfare charges which he described as very expensive (“fu’u mamafa’.)

Tonga’s only inter-island air travel services are provided by Real Tonga’s five aircraft

According to Real Tonga’s website a one way airfare ticket from Tongatapu to Vava’u next week  cost TP$382.50.

The Prime Minister did not go into the details of the second airline.

However, two airlines in the past which wanted to compete with Real Tonga locally were Fly Niu and Tonga Airways.

About two months ago, the Fly Niu authorities in New Zealand said they were disappointed after their submission for a  partnership agreement with the Tongan government to operate international flights between Tonga and Auckland was knocked back by the former cabinet.

As Kaniva news reported in November last year Fly Niu owner ‘Atu Fīnau said he had talked to the Prime Minister in Auckland about starting a service between Tonga and Auckland.

Fly Niu has also expressed an interest in re-entering the Tongan domestic market.

The airline was forced out of Tonga 15 years ago when  the government passed a one airline policy that gave the sole right to operate domestic flights to Peau Vava’u, an airline, co-owned by the Late King George Tupou V and his business partners, the Ramanlal brothers. It replaced the bankrupt Royal Tongan Airlines.

Peau Vava’u operated from mid-2004 to the end of 2006 when their offices were destroyed in a fire.

In 2016, the former government declined an application by the Tonga Airways to operate. The company was owned by MP Sāmiu Vaipulu who is now Tonga’s Minister of Labour. The company planned to lease aircraft from Fiji Airways. 

The then Minister of Civil Aviation, Semisi Sika, cited a report by the World Bank which said only one airline could survive financially serving Tonga’s domestic market.

The main points

  • The government will approve a second airline to service ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u and the Niuas
  • The move was urgent and the government had treated it as top priority, Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa told Kaniva news yesterday.

For more information

Fly Niu airline presents gov’t proposal to operate Auckland-Tonga flights

Fly Niu airline presents gov’t proposal to operate Auckland-Tonga flights

‘Counting two as one’ – PM Tu‘i‘onetoa promises equal treatment for different views; reveals road sealings, e-government will be priority areas

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister-elect Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has outlined policy areas and new appointments in an exclusive interview with Kaniva news  this morning in which he revealed the government’s new slogan – “Counting two as one.”

In Tongan, “Lau e ua ko e taha”, means to regard two people with different views as one and treat them the same way.

Outlining his policy to convince the public after strong supporters of the Democrats criticised his defection to a  new party before winning the premiership election last week, Tu’i’onetoa said he was confident his government would build the nation under the leadership of a diverse cabinet which included MPs from the nobility, independents and Democrats.

This was a time for “reconciliation” and uniting the country which has been long divided by political rivalries and dispute, he said.  

It would not be possible to build the nation if it was divided, the Prime Minister told Kaniva news, saying the king, the nobles and the people must be in unity. 

He said he would continue delivering some of the priorities set out in the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s government, in which he said, he was the mastermind as Minister of Finance.

However, he said he had put aside the six controversial new bills the former government had attempted to pass through the legislature because his government did not have the time to do it.

He also warned his government was given only two more years to operate before the next general election in November 2021.

Budget

He said the current government budget could not be changed until the end of the current  fiscal year in June 2020.

He said he masterminded the nine social and political priorities written in the budget and how the government intended to achieve these.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said, given the two-year time frame, his government would focus on sealing all pubic roads with tar and filling roads to plantations and tax allotments with rocks.

He expected 50 percent of this project to be completed within their two years in office and leave the rest for the next two years.

E-government

The Prime Minister said the government using information and communication technologies, known as e-government, to improve the activities of public sector organisations would be the other priority of his government.

He said it has been for 20 years since the government first attempted to have its working system fully digitised and computerised but that has yet to be completed.

“The system is out of date and slow”, he said, and as a result the connectivity between the main island of Tongatapu and the outer islands to deliver better education and health supports had been missed.

He said the master system for e-government must be controlled by a local company. He said before it was handled by foreign companies, which was expensive. It also took a long time to receive a response from the companies if an issue needed to be fixed.

New appointments

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said he would appoint two advisors for the two budget priorities.

He said urgent meetings would be set up for all government CEOs to review the current system of communications and how the government serves the people through its public services to make sure they were more efficient and effective.

He said his government will continue improving and making positive changes to education, local marketing and health sectors.

Read more:

https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2019/09/parliament-elects-dr-pohiva-tuionetoa-as-new-pm/ f

Tonga question Argentina “shoulder charge”

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Tonga believe they were denied a legitimate penalty try in yesterday’s Rugby World Cup match against Argentina that could have changed the course of the game.

The ‘Ikale Tahi are all but out of playoff contention after a 28-12 defeat by the Pumas in Higashiosaka left then winless and without a point after two games.

Argentine hooker Julian Montoya bagged a hat-trick inside 25 minutes as the South Americans raced out to a 28-0 lead.

The ‘Ikale Tahi were given a lifeline just before the half-hour mark when fullback Telusa Veainu weaved past two defenders to score their first try of the tournament.

David Halaifonua was denied another try in the final play of the half, with referee Jaco Peyper ignoring Tongan appeals to award a penalty try for a no-arms tackle.

After viewing the replay and consulting with the TMO, the South African whistleblower ruled Pumas lock Tomas Lavanini did wrap an arm around the the ball-carrier, however Tonga coach Toutai Kefu saw it differently.

“I thought it was a try. I thought it was a shoulder charge,” he said.

“If we would have got that we would have come out in the second half with a lot more belief and confidence (but it) wasn’t to be.”

“He went to hit with the left shoulder (but) wrapped his right arm so I think that’s why it probably got called off. That’s what I’m thinking – I don’t know – but we play the referee’s decision.”

Veteran flanker Sione Kalamafoni said Tonga failed to execute basic skills during the first half but agrees they were denied a deserved try on half-time.

“The decision should be in our way. It is a clear shoulder (charge) I think,”said the Leicester Tigers backrower.

“But they make the decision and we have to play along with it so we can’t change those decisions, and hopefully we get those decisions in the future in our way, in our favour.”

Toutai Kefu said it felt like Tonga did not get the rub of the green from the officials.

“There was a couple of 50/50s today I thought we didn’t get, maybe that one being one,” he said in reference to the disputed penalty try call.

“That was critical for us too. There was a few other decisions as well – there was was that head-high, the high tackle on you (turning to captain Siale Piutau).

“But you actually watch it on the replay and he hits on the chest first and then creeps up, so I thought that was a bit harsh, but I’m used to it (after) four years (coaching a) tier two so you just move on.”

Telusa Veainu scored his second of the afternoon with 15 minutes remaining but, despite keeping the Pumas scoreless in the second half, it proved too little too late for Tonga.

Toutai Kefu said poor skills and too many basic errors in the first 25 minutes effectively cost them the game but he was encouraged by the way his players responded after half-time.

“We didn’t give up. We could have come out in the second half and thrown the white flag up but the boys dug in,” said the former Wallabies number eight.

“We were on our tryline there for a good period of that second half and the boys did really well to defend that tryline for about 10 to 15 minutes, so it just shows the character of the boys and they’re willing just not to give up and keep fighting.”

Kefu said Telusa Veainu made a big impact in his first test for almost three years, providing the ‘Ikale Tahi with some much needed potency with the ball in hand.

“He offers us x-factor out wide so it’s great to have him back,” Kefu said.

“I remember his last game he played for us (in November 2016) – he actually won the game for us against I think it was USA, so having a player of his calibre and class is fantastic for us.”

Captain Siale Piutau said there are still some positives they can take forward into their penultimate pool game against France next weekend.

“Compared to last (when we) didn’t throw any punches, we felt like we didn’t have any ways into the game, whereas today we converted some tries,” he said.

“I think negatives: obviously we can’t let tier one teams get a headstart like that so we’ve got to be more clinical. We gifted them two tries and that was the make or break of the game.”

Tonga must now beat France and the United States in their remaining pool matches and hope other results go their way to have any chance of reaching the quarter finals.

Sione Kalamafoni said while it might be unlikely they will keep trying.

“If it’s still possible we can still have that mindset and that goal within us. Obviously if we have that still on then we will fight for it.”

Female minister outside parl’t selected, as Tu‘i‘onetoa names cabinet lineup

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED 30/Sept/2019: Dr Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has named Tonga’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Dr ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu from outside parliament as new Minister of Health.

Lord Nuku had been listed as the new Minister of Police while Lord Tu’ilakepa had been named as the new Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Lord Ma’afu who became the Minister of Land, Survey and Natural Resources as well as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces in late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s cabinet has retained his seat in the new cabinet list.

Three other PTOA Party MPs listed in the lineup were MP Vātau Hui, the new Minister of Internal Affairs and MP ‘Akosita Lavulavu has been named as the new Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism. Lavulavu was dismissed by the late PM Pōhiva in April due to criminal charges.

MP Poasi Tei from the Party continued in his position as Minister of MEIDECC ( Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.).

Tēvita Lavemaau, the former minister of Finance and Siaosi Sovaleni, the former minister of Public Enterprises, and who were also dismissed by the late Prime Minister in 2017 after what had been described as an attempt to undermine the government, have been also returned to office by Hon Tu’i’onetoa.

Lavemaau is the new Minister of Finance, Minister of Customs and Revenue while Sovaleni is the new Minister of Education.

Former Deputy Prime Minister MP Sāmiu Vaipulu was named as new Minister of Labour.

Tu’i’onetoa  has chosen Tongatapu 7 MP and Minister of Justice Sione Vuna Fā’otusia as Deputy Prime Minister.

As we reported earlier this week, Dr Tu’i’onetoa and Fā’otusia, who were ministers in good standing in the late Pōhiva government, earlier this week crossed the floor to form the new People’s Party and gain the support from a united group of nobles and independent MPs.

The Prime Minister has the power to nominate his cabinet lineup before recommending the king to appoint them, according to the constitution.

He also has the constitutional power to appoint no more than four cabinet ministers from outside Parliament.

The list has been confirmed to Kaniva news by the Prime Minister this morning Monday 30.

The lineup list is expected to receive its royal assent soon.

The new lineup:

1. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa – Prime Minister of Tonga, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Public Enterprises

2. Sione Vuna Fā’otusia – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Prison

3. Tēvita Lavemaau – Minister of Finance, Minister of Customs and Revenue

4. Siaosi Sovaleni – Minister of Education

5. Dr. ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu – Minister of Health

6. ‘Akosita Lavulavu – Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Tourism

7. Poasi Tei – Minister of MEIDECC

8. Lord Nuku – Minister of Police

9. Samiu Vaipulu – Minister of Labour

10. Vatau Hui – Minister of Internal Affairs

11. Lord Tu’ilakepa – Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries

12. Lord Ma’afu – Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Minister of Land and Survey and Natural Resources 

Tonga’s King appeals to UN for greater protection from risks to peace

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Tonga’s King has addressed the General Debate in the 74th Session at the United Nations in New York, appealing for protection of his people from a range of threats to peace.

King Tupou VI thanked the Secretary General Antonio Guterres for his inaugural visit to the Pacific in May, to understand the climate crisis up close.

He commended the UN session’s four priorities of; peace and security especially conflict prevention; stronger action on climate change; accentuating human rights for women and young people, and boosting the Sustainable Development Goals.

The King also expressed his gratitude for a more inclusive attitude by the UN towards small island states strengthening their voices.

“We continue to look to the Security Council to protect the innocent from threats to international peace and security in whatever form.

“Be they traditional threats such as armed conflict, or newer threats like climate change and sea level rise, and health epidemics, to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The King said securing climate finance is a priority.

He welcomed plans by the United Kingdom to double it’s contribution to the Green Climate Fund.

The King said Pacific leaders in Tuvalu last month endorsed the strongest statement to date on climate change, the Kainaki II Declaration, declared a climate change crisis in the Pacific Islands Region.

It called for urgent action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic global warming and disasters.

King Tupou VI said extreme events like cyclones and typhoons, flooding, drought and king tides are frequently more intense inflicting damage and destruction to Tonga’s communities and ecosystems, putting people’s health at risk.

He acknowledged the recent destruction in the Bahamas and said climate change is not only a political issue for Tonga, it is a matter of survival.

Tonga’s NRL suspended by rugby league’s world body

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Tonga’s National Rugby League has been suspended by the international governing body as a tumultuous month for the sport in the country continues.

Last night the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) made the call which could see the Tonga’s top players return to the fold in upcoming tests against Australia and Great Britain, after they initially threatened to boycott the games unless action was taken against the TNRL.

The international federation said the TNRL was suspended pending a full investigation into issues raised by a number of parties.

The decision was made after Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister Semisi Sika told the federation the TNRL had lost the trust and support of its members, clubs and players.

Earlier this month the TNRL sacked popular coach Kristian Woolf over disagreements around control and finances which led to a group of players, including Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, to threaten a boycott of the country’s upcoming internationals.

Now Woolf is expected to be reinstated by an interim national body, paving the way for the players to make themselves available.

The interim body, called Tonga Ma’a Tonga, is expected to receive endorsement from the RLIF shortly.

Semisi Sika, whose letter to the RLIF sparked the TNRL suspension, was president of the previous administration which was replaced by a Supreme Court order because of concerns around financial mismanagement.

The current TNRL board, elected this year, had said it maintained the support of the majority of clubs in the country and had done nothing wrong.

It had also warned that more court action would be imminent, as it sought to prove its legal standing.

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