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Public outrage after audio recording appears to show demand for land deal sweetener in return for supporting new coalition’s quest for power

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tu’i’onetoa government faces serious public criticism after the release of an audio recording that appears to show  horse-trading for a deal in exchange for persuading members of Parliament to defect or join the coalition government.

Kaniva news has been unable to independently  verify the audio or identify the speakers. Former member of Parliament, ‘Etuate Lavulavu has not responded to our request for comment on claims that he is the caller in the recording.

It appears that the audio was secretly recorded during a telephone conversation between the caller and a senior government officer who apparently works at the Ministry of Land and Survey.

The caller can be heard telling the officer that he wanted Lord Ma’afu to be the Minister of Land, Survey and Natural Resources. He told the receiver he wanted the lease for the land in which he and his family currently living to be approved.

There is no evidence that Lord Ma’afu was aware of the conversation.

The caller said a previous application had been declined.  

He said he wanted Lord Ma’afu to allow the land to be leased for 99 years, to which the government officer replied that might be possible if he would bring a member of his family to join the nobility in their attempt to form a new government.

The caller also asked for help in resolving an issue with a group of Chinese who leased land from him in Tofoa.

The officer said he could arrange this.

The caller then said they would form the new government and that he wanted the newly appointed cabinet ministers to return to parliament in 2021.

He said he deliberately planned in the weeks before the premiership election to cause chaos during a PTOA (Democrat) party meeting to make them disunited and disorganized so that it would make setting up of the new party and government successful.

Five MPs from the Democrats eventually defected and joined the new party. They were all appointed cabinet ministers today.

Reactions

In the recording the caller claimed he was the engineer (“’enisinia”) of the new coalition government which included MPs from the Democrats, Nobles and Independents.

Online users have called on the Prime Minister to step down.

They also criticised the way how the new government was formed.

Lavulavu

There has been public disquiet about the level of involvement of ‘Etuate Lavulavu in politics in recent weeks.

The Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’onetoa responded to criticism from the public and said last week Lavulavu was not his advisor.

Public concern has centred on ‘Lavulavu‘s criminal record and the fact that his wife, who is also under investigation, is the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism.

The Supreme Court convicted Lavulavu in 2016 of bribery and spending over the legal limit on his 2014 election campaign. At his trial the judge said Lavulavu was not a credible witness and that his evidence was implausible, evasive and untruthful.  

He and his wife are waiting another court case in which they aere charged with knowingly dealing with forged documents and obtaining credit by false pretenses, after irregularities in an audit of the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute in 2016.

The main points

  • The Tu’i’onetoa government faces serious criticism after the release of an audio recording that appears to show  horse-trading for a deal in exchange for persuading members of Parliament to defect or join the coalition government.
  • Kaniva news has been unable to independently the identities of the people in the audio. Former member of Parliament ‘Etuate Lavulavu has not responded to our request for comment on claims that he is the caller in the recording.

Lavulavu claims incriminating audio doctored, threatened to sue Tonga Broadcasting Commission and others

By
Kalino Latu
-

Ousted cabinet minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu has said that an incriminating audio recording of him was doctored, as critics increased pressure on him to stand aside after allegations he was the “engineer” of the Tu’i’onetoa government.

Lavulavu denied allegations that there was an agreement to reward him for the advice he gave the coalition parties before they won the premiership election and formed the new government.

He said there was a plot to record the telephone conversation to discredit him.

He said the audio was edited and parts of it were removed leaving the rest with only information that appeared to incriminate him.

He threatened to sue Television Tonga, its station manager Sētita Tu’i’onetoa along with its two reporters Salamo Fulivai and Vilisoni Tu’iniua. He also said he would to sue MP Saia Piukala and the person who he claimed secretly recorded the audio, ‘Atunaisa Fetokai of the Ministry of Land and Survey.  He claimed these people doctored the recorded audio before releasing it online.  

Lavulavu said he did not authorise Fetokai to record their telephone conversation or released it to the public.

He said he was seeking advice from Fetokai and there was no agreed deal to pay anybody back in return for his part in setting up the new government.

He said the coalition parties asked him to help them in their endeavor to win the premiership election and form the new government. He said he advised them what to do to win and fhey followed his advice.

Public concern has centred on Lavulavu‘s criminal record and the fact that his wife, who is also under investigation, is the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism.

The Supreme Court convicted Lavulavu in 2016 of bribery and spending over the legal limit on his 2014 election campaign. 

He and his wife are waiting another court case in which they are charged with knowingly dealing with forged documents and obtaining credit by false pretenses, after irregularities in an audit of the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute in 2016.

But Lavulavu has assured the public that he did not interfere with ‘Akosita’a’s government duties. He said ‘Akosita was well educated and she was qualified with a Bachelor of Computer Science and MBA.  She is currently a part time law student at USP in Tonga. 

As Kaniva news reported earlier this week, the Tu’i’onetoa government had faced serious public criticism after the release of the audio recording that appears to show  horse-trading for a deal in exchange for persuading members of Parliament to defect or join the coalition government.

Lavulavu can be heard telling a government officer that he wanted Lord Ma’afu to help him in his attempt to lease the land in which he and his family currently living to be approved.

There is no evidence that Lord Ma’afu was aware of the conversation.

Lavulavu said a previous application had been declined. 

Lavulavu also asked for help in resolving an issue with a group of Chinese who leased land from him in Tofoa.

The officer said he could arrange this.

Lavulavur then said they would form the new government and that he wanted the newly appointed cabinet ministers to return to parliament in 2021.

He said he deliberately planned in the weeks before the premiership election to cause chaos during a PTOA (Democrat) party meeting to make them disunited and disorganized so that it would make setting up of the new party and government successful.

He also said he stopped his wife ‘Akosita from attending a Democrat Party meeting in weeks before the premiership election, after the they got a message reminding them of the meeting.

Five MPs from the Democrats eventually defected and joined the new party. They were all appointed cabinet ministers on Thursday.

The main points

  • Ousted cabinet minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu has said that an incriminating audio recording of him was doctored, as critics increased pressure on him to stand aside after allegations he was the “engineer” of the Tu’i’onetoa government.
  • Lavulavu denied allegations that there was an agreement to reward him for the advice he gave the coalition parties before they won the premiership election and formed the new government.

For more information

Public outrage after audio recording appears to show demand for land deal sweetener in return for supporting new coalition’s quest for power

Public outrage after audio recording appears to show demand for land deal sweetener in return for supporting new coalition’s quest for power

Murder charges laid after migrant worker died hours after returning to Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan migrant worker returning home after spending months working in a farm in Australia has died.

Fanaafi Misifane, 35, has just arrived and joined his family in Holonga, Tongatapu on Saturday before he died on Sunday morning, various sources close to the deceased said.   

A 25-year-old and a 21-year-old men from Kolonga along with a 21-year-old Holonga man had been arrested and charged with murder.

Police alleged the men assaulted the deceased with metal rods on his head.

The sources alleged the deceased was having a party with cousins before the incident happened.

Misifane worked at the PlantGrowPick company in Emerald, Queensland.

As Kaniva news reported, a Tongan man died in Tasmania last week. Kalolo Kuea died while working in that country’s Seasonal Worker Program.

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

Next round of legal fight over Lord Sevele’s compensation claim set for next February

By
Philip Cass
-

Lord Chief Justice Whitten has set February 14 next year for the next round of the legal clash between the government and Lord Sevele.

The ruling follows an order made earlier this year by his predecessor, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen, that Lord Sevele should have another chance to argue his case for compensation over the government’s decision to abandon the 2019 Pacific Games.

Lord Sevele has argued that when the government cancelled the Pacific Games and disbanded the Games Organising Committee, the committee agreed to pay him TP$105,869.98 severance pay.

He has argued that the Government is responsible for paying the settlement.

“In my view, this case raises an important issue and while the amended statement of claim should be struck out the justice of the case requires that the plaintiff be given a further opportunity to amend his claim,” Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said.

Lord Chief Justice Whitten made his decision after Lord Sevele filed a third amended statement of claim on the matter.

He said all documents on which either party intended to depend for the trial had to filed by November 19.

The judge said Lord Sevele had to file an outline of his submissions for trial by January 24 next year.

The government has been ordered to file an outline of its submissions for the defence by February 7.

The main points

  • Lord Chief Justice Whiitten has set February 14 next year for the next round of the legal clash between the government and Lord Sevele.
  • The ruling follows an order made earlier this year by his predecessor, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen, that Lord Sevele should have another chance to argue his case for compensation over the government’s decision to abandon the 2019 Pacific Games.

For more information

Supreme Court says Lord Sevele should have another chance in his claim against government

Supreme Court says Lord Sevele should have another chance in his claim against government

Pōhiva Tu‘i‘onetoa sworn in as new Prime Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

Pōhiva Tu‘i‘onetoa  is officially the prime minister of Tonga.

King Tupou VI signed the warrant appointing Tu‘i‘onetoa as prime minister in a swearing in ceremony at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa this morning.

As Kaniva news reported previously, Tu’i’onetoa has outlined policy areas in an exclusive interview in which he revealed his People’s Party 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.

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

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said two priorities his government would focus on were sealing all public roads with tar and filling roads to plantations and tax allotments with rocks. The other priority is the e-government project.

He said this evening a revocation process is underway to terminate some members of the ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s cabinet ministers before the king would appoint the new cabinet ministers.

As Kaniva news reported Hon Tu’i’onetoa has confirmed to us his new cabinet lineup is as follows:

1. Dr Pōhiva 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. Sāmiu Vaipulu – Minister of Trade and Economic Development

10. Vātau 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 

A statement from the Prime Minister Office said: “Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa studied Accounting at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand (CA) in 1982. He received a Graduate Diploma in Financial Management from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia in 1993, and went on graduating with a Master of Business Accounting (MBA) from the same University in 1994. He received his Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) from the Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountant of New Zealand in 1999. He is a certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Certified Management Accountants in Australia in 1997, and a receiver of a certificate of Civil Law from the University of the South Pacific. 

“The Hon. Tu’i’onetoa is a Doctor of Christian Ministry, from the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary, Tacoma, Washington, USA since 2000.

“He first joined the Tonga Civil Service in January, 1979. He was the Official Liquidator at the Department of Justice, commercial Division in Hamilton, New Zealand. He served as Tonga’s Auditor General (AG) from 1983-2014, before he was first elected to parliament in the 2014 General Election as People’s Representative for Tongatapu Constituency No.10. He was a Private Secretary to His Majesty from 1987-1988, and also clerk to the Privy Council during the same period.

“In the Pohiva’s Government, Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa served as Minister for the, then Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries; Minister of Police, Prisons and Fire Services. He became Minister of Revenue and Customs up to September 2017, where he was later appointed as Minister of Finance and National Planning in January 2018. 

“He was a member and representative at the International Congresses of International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI); elected member of the Governing Board of INTOSAI for six years in 1992, and was reelected in 1998 for another six years until 2004. He attended the Conference of Commonwealth Auditors General, and the regional branch of INTOSAI the SPASAI. He was also Secretary General of SPASAI for 10 years from 1985-1994. He is currently one of the Governors of the World Bank – IMF.” 

Tonga lament slow start against France

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Vinnie Wylie, RNZI Sports Reportervinnie.wylie@rnz.co.nz. This story is republished with permission.

Tonga were left to rue another slow start as they fell agonisingly short of repeating their shock victory over France from eight years ago.

The ‘Ikale Tahi were pipped 23-21 in Kumamoto last night, having trailed 17-0 just before half-time.

Tonga also gave Argentina a 28-point headstart last week and coach Toutai Kefu was at a loss to explain their sluggish beginnings.

“I don’t know, it’s a good question. The coaches talked about it straight away post-game – maybe we warm up for too long (laughing), I don’t know. It’s something we need to look at. I think it’s probably just the mental thing because, as you can see, we finish a game really well so definitely an issue for us,” Toutai Kefu said.

France’s two Fijian flyers inflicted the initial blows with Alivereti Raka setting up Virimi Vakatawa for the opening try before regathering his own kick to score the second.

Sonatane Takula struck back for Tonga with 30 seconds to play in the first half, which cut the deficit to 10 points and Toutai Kefu said that gave the ‘Ikale Tahi some real belief.

“We didn’t start the game as well as we thought we would, very similar to last week, and I think just after half-time the boys realised that, even though we played poorly, we were still in the game. We had 40 minutes to turn that around and I think just mentally we just had a little bit of a mindset change in the second half to keep putting pressure on them with the ball in hand, with territory,” said Toutai Kefu.

Malietoa Hingano capitalised on a wicked bounce to score Tonga’s second try and close the gap to just three points with over half an hour still to play.

Two penalty goals gave France a nine point buffer with 20 minutes to play but Tonga began to exert real pressure on the opposition line, as the Kumamoto crowd got behind the men in red.

The French defence cracked again with just 90 seconds left on the clock, as flanker Zane Kapeli out jumped Damian Penaud to score from a pinpoint cross-kick from Leon Fukofuka.

Latiume Fosita slotted the sideline conversion to make it 23-21 but France regathered from the kickoff and promptly booted the ball into touch to secure their third straight win and seal a spot in the quarter finals.

Tonga captain Siale Piutau was proud of his side’s performance but said ultimately they made too many errors.

“I think it takes a while for us to grow into the game and start to get that belief. I think it just comes too late for us but I think the more times we play tier one nations the better it’s going to be for us – we’re going to grow in belief and I think just that first 20 minutes France did a great job in keeping us down in our own half and we were making errors, slipping off tackles and eventually that cost us the game,” Siale Piutau said.

Where to from here?

A third straight defeat ends Tonga’s faint hopes of reaching the quarter finals.

It also means the ‘Ikale Tahi miss out on automatic qualification for the next Rugby World Cup, with only the top three teams in each group guaranteed a place at France 2023.

Toutai Kefu said despite all the adversity the team and players have gone through they have continued to work hard and improve on and off the field.

“The sacrifices they make just to turn up and to endure what we endure while we’re on tour and during our campaign I’m really really proud of them. Definitely proud of what happened on the field – the way where they just stuck in there in the second and be able to fight back to put us in a position to nearly win the game,” Kefu said.

First five James Faiva said sacrifice is just part and parcel of representing Tonga, whether players are at the World Cup or not.

“I think there’s a lot of players out there too that want to be here but they have to sacrifice for more money for family first but us boys that turn up we just put the jersey (on). We let the boards do their work and we just do ours,” James Faiva said.

Faiva said playing consecutive tests against New Zealand, England, Argentina and France has been a steep but valuable learning curve.

“When we first played the All Blacks that was a big step for us and we slowly came into England we started believing (in ourselves) every single game playing a tier one game. If we get more tier one teams during and after the World Cup I think it will help us tier two nations compete,” Faiva said.

Toutai Kefu said more top level matches is just one way World Rugby can help close the gap for countries like Tonga over the next four years.

“That brings more quality time together. We also have a list of players that, through some reason or another, are not here…Definitely everyone can see the improvement over the last three weeks – last four weeks if you include that All Blacks game. We’ve improved out of sight, I think, and still the last couple of games we probably lost it due to our own fault,” said Toutai Kefu.

The ‘Ikale Tahi will round out their Rugby World Cup campaign on Sunday against the United States in Osaka as they look to finish on a winning note and avoid finishing last in Pool C.

Supreme Court turns down application to have repayment order for unpaid loan set aside

By
Philip Cass
-

The Supreme Court has dismissed an application by a couple to have an order against them by the ANZ bank set aside.

 In May 2009 the court ordered that Talifolau and Jacinta Koto pay $70,702.80 plus interest at 12.25% per annum and $19,893.78 plus interest at 17.75% per annum.

The judgements were made with regard to an unpaid housing loan.

The couple claimed that in 2005 they borrowed $45,000 from the ANZ to pay off a housing loan with the Reserve Bank of Tonga and a personal loan from Westpac.

They claimed the ANZ had charged an extra $20,000 to their housing loan which they say they never received.

They said they were unaware of the addition until they were served with a default judgement in 2009.

The ANZ denied the claim and said the Kotos had applied for the additional funds and used for kitchen renovations.

Judge Niu said he was satisfied the couple had received the money and were aware of the increase in their loan.

“I consider that they have no justifiable basis to make this application and I accept that they were and are aware that they do not,” the judge aid.

“Accordingly I order that the application to set aside the default is dismissed.”

Tatakamotonga death driver given suspended sentence

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been given a suspended prison sentence for causing the death of a five-year-old boy while trying to cross from the other side of a road in Tatakamotonga.

Simi Moala, 28, was driving a light open van at speed of between 50 and 60 mph before he overtook two motor vehicles in front of him before fatally hitting the boy last year.

Moala admitted causing death by careless driving at earlier hearing.

Supreme Court Judge Laki Niu heard that the van experienced mechanical failure and Moala was speeding.

“You caused the death of the child. You caused it by driving a motor vehicle which you knew had faulty brakes. You were overtaking and you were travelling at a speed which was excessive for the brakes of the vehicle. You knew you were in a village where people, and children, sometimes run across the road.”

Mr Niu said Moala should have anticipated that kids may run across the road without warning.

“If both front wheels of your vehicle had stopped at the same time and if your rear wheels also both stopped at the same instant as the front wheels, as they ought to have done, there might not have been this death of the child.”

Moala was sentenced to two years six months imprisonment for reckless driving but that sentence is fully suspended for two years upon the following conditions:

He was ordered to carry out 45 hours of unpaid community work.

He was ordered not to commit any offence punishable with imprisonment during the period of his suspension.

Mr Niu said Moala cooperated with police and he was remorseful and felt sorry that he had killed the child.

“You even asked that the child’s family forgive you for what you had done.”

“Mother nature delays return son,” says grieving sailor in a heartfelt message after learning of his only son’s death

By
Kalino Latu
-

The father of the 20-year-old man who died after preparing kava during a kava session at Popua last month is still trying to come to terms with his loss.

Ngalo’afē ‘Ulupano was scheduled to sail back from Hawai’i to Tonga when he received the devastating message his only son Makameone ‘Ulupano was dead.

Today Ngalo’afē shared photos of him with his family to Facebook with a caption saying this was the first Sunday they had meal without his son.

He previously wrote and lamented his son’s death saying while he was in Hawai’i it was unusual for him to hear his son repeatedly asking over the phone to let him know when he was going to arrive back in Tonga.

Ngalo’afē wrote and told his dead son their return had been delayed due to bad weather – (“natula” or mother nature)

He said this was why he could not make it to see him before he died.

He believed God has taken his son because he idolized him and even at home he did not want him to be given any chores or household responsibility.  

Ngalo’afē said he spent most of his time sailing since his son was born.

Ngalo’afē said he had purchased gifts for his son while he was in Hawai’i.

Makameone’s cause of death has yet to be officially released, but the family suspected he died of pneumonia after a fall at the kava session.

Makameone is survived by his parents and two sisters.

PM-elect claims Edwards’ attack against proposed gov’t is retaliation after rejecting proposal to elect Dr Viliami Lātū as Cabinet minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister-elect Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa believes allegations that his proposed cabinet was in disarray and had collapsed were an attempt at revenge by lawyer William Clive Edwards after he declined a request to make his business partner a Cabinet minister.  

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa denied the allegations and said he was repeatedly told  Edwards wanted Dr Viliami Lātū, also a former Cabinet minister and MP to be made a Cabinet minister from outside parliament.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said he did not accept the request because his Party was looking for someone with expertise in Health, so he elected the Nursing and Midwifery head,  Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said he felt Edwards was holding a grudge against him.

In Tongan he said: “Pea oku iai eku tui, oku ngali ita a Clive ai he ikai ke hu mai a hono friend ki loto.”

He said he had seen his lawyers to sue Edwards over the allegations.

As Kaniva news reported last night, Edwards and another political partner, Sione Teisina Fuko, made the allegations during their Fakafepaki’i E Faihala (Anti-Corruption movement) video programme which was posted to Facebook last week.

Edwards claimed the nobility members of the Party were disappointed after Hon. Tu’i’onetoa allegedly changed an alleged agreement without the nobles knowing about it.  Hon Tu’i’onetoa denied this.  

Edwards also said he believed the king would not approve the proposed cabinet. Tu’i’onetoa said the Clause 51 of the Constitution stipulated that the king appoints the Cabinet ministers at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.   

Edwards and Fuko also attacked ousted MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu with Fuko alleging Lavulavu was unpopular (“sino kona ki he kakai”) with the public.

They also alleged Hon. Tu’i’onetoa proposed appointing Lavulavu as governor of Vava’u, something Tu’i’onetoa has also denied.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said Edwards and Fuko’s video panel was an attempt to get to the public first (“ha’oha’omu’a”) with the allegations to discredit Lavulavu.

He described the accusations against him as blatant lies.  Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said he believed Edwards was beginning a campaign for Dr Lātū before the 2021 general elections.

Dr Lātū versus Lavulavu

Dr Lātū and Lavulavu both came from Leimātu’a, Vava’u, a town in Tongatapu 16 constituency. Lavulavu defeated Dr Latu in the 2014 general election. Dr Lātū sued Lavulavu for election fraud and bribery. Lavulavu was convicted and eventually lost his seats as MP and Cabinet minister in 2016.

The by-election to elect an MP to replace ‘Etuate was won by his wife ‘Akosita Lavulavu. Again Dr Lātū was defeated.  

The main points

  • Prime Minister-elect Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa believes allegations that his proposed cabinet was in disarray and had collapsed were an attempt at revenge by lawyer Williams Clive Edwards after he declined a request to make his business partner a Cabinet minister. 
  • Hon. Tu’i’onetoa denied the allegations and said he was repeatedly told  Edwards wanted Dr Viliami Lātū, also a former Cabinet minister and MP to be made a Cabinet minister from  parliament.

For more information

Tu‘i‘onetoa denies Edwards’ allegations he breached agreements and People’s Party collapsed; legal action imminent

Tu‘i‘onetoa denies Edwards’ allegations he breached agreements and People’s Party collapsed; legal action imminent
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