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Parliament team leading public consultations on government’s new laws in question

By
Kalino Latu
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The government has criticised the role of a Parliamentary committee in leading a public consultation on six new Bills it submitted to Parliament recently.

The Bills have been labelled as urgent, which meant the House should have tabled them without processing for parliamentary public consultations.

But after heated debates on how the Acting Speaker Lord Tuilakepa interpreted the law which dealt with the urgency process, the new Bills ended up at the Legislative Assembly of Tonga’s Standing Committee which decided that the Bills must be made available for public consultation.

Two MPs, Noble Lord Fusitu’a and Vava’u 15 Samiu Vaipulu, who strongly opposed the Bills when they were submitted to the House, were leading the consultation along with the Minister of Justice Vuna Fā’otusia and Solicitor General Sione Sisifā.

A government spokesperson said the team’s travelling allowances and expenses involved the consultation process would be paid by the taxpayers.

The government believed these were unnecessary expenses after Acting Speaker Lord Tu’ilakepa appeared to have misinterpreted the Urgency law.

The government believed a talkback show consultation conducted by the Acting Attorney General on local radios earlier this year was enough.

Government bills

The government spokesperson said these were Bills belonged to the government ministers who were elected by the people.

He said there was no need to spend taxpayers’ money on another meeting to consult with the people on these Bills because the government had been elected by the people so they can do this for them.

The government spokesperson said it was normal that if the Bills came from the public than a nationwide public consultation should be conducted.

He said the government chose the radio talkback show for its public consultation because it believed almost every household throughout Tonga has a radio to listen to.

“The problem with face to face public consultation, as we learnt from the past, is that the turn out at some villages and islands can be low to nothing,” the spokesperson said.

The public consultation began on Monday, May 6 on six Government Bills, that were tabled in Parliament in March 2019.

Parliament statement

A Parliament statement said: “The purpose of the public consultation is to brief the public on the amendments proposed in the Bills and to gather the public’s opinion on those proposed amendments, and invite written submission from the public. There was a public awareness programme to provide information about the Bills in the lead up to the public meetings.”

The Members of the Standing Committee on Legislation hosted public meetings in Vava’u from May 6–10 and Ha’apai from May 13-14. More meetings will be held in Tongatapu from May 15-22 and ‘Eua on May 24.

The Bills are listed as follows:

(i) Bill no. 15/2019 – Act of Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) Bill 2019

(ii) Bill no. 16/2019 – Act of Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2019

(iii) Bill no. 17/2019 – Tonga Police (Amendment) Bill 2019

(iv) Bill no. 18/2019 – Magistrate’s Courts (Amendment) Bill 2019

(v) Bill no. 19/2019 – Judicial and Legal Service Commission Bill 2019

(vi) Bill no. 20/2019 – National Spatial Planning and Management (Amendment) Bill

The main points

  • The government has criticised the role of a Parliamentary committee in leading a public consultation on six new bills it submitted to Parliament recently.
  • The Bills has been labelled as urgent, which meant the House should have tabled it without processing it for a parliamentary public consultations.

For more information

Noble and Independent MPs walk out, but work of Parliament continues as normal

Noble and Independent MPs walk out, but work of Parliament continues as normal

NZ drug syndicate had insiders at Auckland Airport to import US meth, court hears

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Edward Gay, stuff.co.nz

The Crown says a syndicate that was importing methamphetamine into New Zealand from the US, had contacts working for them inside Customs or New Zealand Post at Auckland International Airport.

Tevita Matangi Fangupo, Tevita Sitanilei Kulu and Toni Rajendra Finau are on trial at the High Court in Auckland.

The three have denied charges including importing methamphetamine and cocaine into New Zealand.

In her closing address at the High Court in Auckland, the Crown prosecutor Fiona Culliney outlined the roles of the three men.

She said Fangupo and Kulu headed the partnership.

Kulu, who spent much of his life in California before moving back to New Zealand, had the US contacts and was sourcing the drugs, she said, while Fangupoo organised addresses to get the drugs sent to in Auckland.

She stated that Fangupoo also had contacts with a major gang in New Zealand to distribute the class A drug.

The drugs would come through Customs at Auckland International Airport.

Culliney reminded the jurors that a Customs expert had given evidence about packages being monitored by authorities as they travelled along conveyor belts at the airport.

However, staff members were not able to catch every package.

There was also evidence that the syndicate had an insider.

Intercepted messaging between members of the group included a message from Kulu during a discussion about a package. Kulu said: “We got boys that work in there”.

In the discussion about a missing package Kulu tells another syndicate member that he is “waiting on the lunch call” from a man he identifies as “Tama” – meaning boy.

In another exchange, Kulu said he had information about a missing package.

“They said it’s in Customs but they didn’t know the reason why it’s there. It’s there with some other boxes. They’re trying to figure out if they can grab it but I don’t know.”

Culliney said the meaning of the intercepted communications was clear.

“They had an inside man who was able to catch the packages and pick them up before the authorities knew what was going on.”

She said there was also evidence that the syndicate were getting nervous as packages were confiscated by authorities.

In one of the messages Culliney said Fangupo talks of growing fear as methamphetamine was being sold to the gangs before it had safely arrived in the country.

“He’s basically saying: ‘I’m stressed, the [gang] is coming after me, where is the meth? Where is it?'”

Another intercepted message concerns plans for a deal with the gang involving 100kg of methamphetamine – approximately worth $15 million.

“Methamphetamine, as you will no doubt know, is an extremely harmful and dangerous drug. It is extremely sought after and as such, fetches a high price.”

Culliney said this case was not about the damage the drug does in the community but the business side of it.

She said Finau also played an important role. He was the middleman and responsible for finding buyers for the drugs.

“At the end of the day, there’s no value in the drug if it sits idle at an address of one of these two men – the value is in splitting it up and moving it on.”

The trial, before Justice Mathew Downs and a jury, is expected to hear closing addresses from defence lawyers next week.

Police closer to nabbing ‘head of the octopus’ after latest arrest, says Minister of Police

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Minister of Police Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu said one of the drug lords in Tonga had been arrested, although he did not name or specify them.

He said Police were moving closer to arresting more drugs lords in Tonga.

He said most of the drugs arrests Police have made were only those who distributed and consumed the illicit drugs.

We are closer to arresting the ‘ulu’ifeke (the head of the octopus – referring to the drug lords), the Minister said.

“Pea kuo mou ‘osi fanongo pe kuo ‘osi puke toko taha,” he said in Tongan.

This translates into English as: “And you have heard one has been arrested.”

Family business

It has been revealed that selling of illicit drugs has become the basis of family businesses in the kingdom, Hon. Tapueluelu said in a recent televised public panel discussion.

He warned that the public would be shocked to find out that some public figures, including church leaders, had been involved in drug dealing.

These drug dealers included leading people who appeared to be of good character, well behaved and trusted in the community, the Minister said.

He said a recent drug arrest at Fahefa by Police involved parents and their own children.

Hon. Tapueluelu made the revelation shortly after Princess Pilolevu’s and Lord Tuita’s son-in-law, Sione Filipe Jr, was arrested and charged with the unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, possession of firearms and ammunition without a license and making a false declaration on arrival card.

A Tongan senior customs officer appeared in court last month following the seizure of more  than $US2.5 million dollars worth of illicit drugs along with illegal firearms and ammunition.

Paula Naitoko, 59, faces nine charges for engaging with others to import illicit drugs and for aiding and abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.

The main points

  • The Minister of Police Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu said one of the drug lords in Tonga had been arrested, although he did not name or specify them.
  • He said Police were moving closer to arresting more drugs lords in Tonga

Wallaby hooker Tolu Latu arrested and charged with drink driving.

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Sam Worthington, Fox Sports

A miserable week for Australian rugby has got even worse after Wallabies and Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu was reportedly found slumped behind the wheel and charged with drink driving.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that Latu was found sleeping behind the wheel near Rugby Australia headquarters in Sydney around 4.30am on Thursday.

It is alleged that police then stirred him and Latu recorded an alcohol reading of 0.135 — a mid-range offence under New South Wales law.

The newspaper also reported that police will allege Latu was driving on a suspended licence and that he will front court on June 6.

Despite the report, Latu surprisingly came off the Waratahs bench and took the field in Saturday night’s cracking Super Rugby clash with the Reds in Brisbane, making a turnover in the final play of the 40-32 win.

He had not told his employers about the early morning incident and Latu will now return to Sydney to face the music instead of staying in Brisbane for this weekend’s Wallabies camp.

The Waratahs said they found out about the incident via the newspaper report.

“It is disappointing to hear when any of our players behave in such a fashion,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.

“It’s taken us by surprise and I’ve got to obviously ascertain all the facts and go from there.

“It has been an emotional week…

“I was pretty disappointed to only learn of it so close to the game.

“That’s the disappointing aspect as a coach.

“I’m sure there’s a number of things that he needs to say to the team.”

Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore said Latu was still eligible to play “under the code of conduct” and that he was informed about the incident on Saturday afternoon.

“We checked with SANZAAR and with Rugby Australia in and around the facts we did have and there was nothing we could clarify that it was a breach of the code of conduct,” Hore said.

“As far as we are aware, he’s an innocent man until there has been a formal investigation. “You have to be fair.

“We went through all the processes.

“When you find out late in the piece, it makes it really tough…

“Of course we talked to him today.

“Even then you have to go through a formal process before you can do anything.

“That’s the difficult part.”

Former Wallabies and Waratahs star Drew Mitchell said it was surprising Latu hadn’t informed his employers about the charge.

“But of course he’s probably a little bit worried about how it’s going to be received, maybe the impact it’s going to have on the team,” Mitchell said on Fox Sports.

“It’s inexcusable, if it turns out to be true, to be drink driving.

“Andrew Hore’s a nice guy but I’m just tired of hearing from CEO’s, we’ve heard too many interviews from CEO’s of late — we’d love to be talking to the players more.”

Another former Wallaby, Justin Harrison, said Latu was entitled to due process.

“He’s been charged with something, it’s an alleged offence — we need to let it play out,” Harrison said.

“He’s probably not realising the importance of reporting something that could potentially be in the public forum very quickly and out of control.

“So we just need to be patient now and see hopefully, if there’s a reasonable excuse for it.”

Before the match, Wallabies and NSW great Phil Kearns said the Latu news wouldn’t affect the Waratahs in their performance.

“Rugby players are a bit weird — I don’t think it’ll have any impact whatsoever,” Kearns said.

“They’ll just completely block that out of their brains and they’ll just focus on the game.

“Maybe after the match a few of the boys might tell him what a moron he’s been in his actions, if that’s true.”

The timing is awful for the Waratahs and rugby’s image after Wallabies and NSW star Israel Folau was sacked on Friday following his controversial social media posts.

“The last thing they need is something like that,” former Wallabies captain George Gregan said on Fox Sports before the match.

“It’s something which will be dealt with in coming days and the coming week but they’ll have to knuckle down and just try and focus on the job.

“They’ll be all aware within that team environment — coaches, players, management — it’s really important that they try and focus on getting a really important victory over there at Suncorp.”

Latu, 26, has played 12 Tests for the Wallabies but his Rugby World Cup selection hopes now look grim.

He has been plagued by on-field discipline problems throughout his career and was banned for six weeks this season for a dangerous clean-out on Sunwolves flanker Ed Quirk.

Images of suspect vehicle after alleged hit-and-run in Tongatapu shared online

By
Kalino Latu
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Photos  of a suspect vehicle believed to have been involved in an alleged hit-and-run incident early this morning were shared on social media.

Talaki editor and publisher Filokalafi ‘Akau’ola has shared the photos and alleged a three-year-old girl from Sopu was injured in the incident.

He claimed the vehicle was a rental car belonged to a person from ‘Isileli.

He also alleged alcohol was a factor in the incident.

Police could not be reached for comment.

$60m public transport project for South Auckland railway station

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

A contract has been awarded for a major new public transport project in south Auckland, which it’s hoped will ease the regular gridlock traffic on the way to the airport.

The $60 million dollar project will see the Puhinui Rail Station in south Auckland given a facelift and the creation of bus lanes down Puhuinui Rd to Auckland Airport.

It’s also being designed to accommodate possible light rail to the airport in the future.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Transport Minister Phil Twyford today announced that the contract had been awarded to the joint venture company McConnell Dowell-Built Environs.

Mr Twyford said it brought rapid transit to the airport a step closer.

“This project is another example of central and local government working together through the 10-year Auckland Transport Alignment Project to unlock Auckland’s potential,” he said.

Central government has contributed 75 percent of the cost, with the remainder coming from Auckland ratepayers and the recently-introduced Regional Fuel Tax.

Mr Goff said the project would allow for congestion-free travel to the airport and its employment precinct for people across Auckland.

“It will be welcomed by workers and visitors to the city,” he said.

“Together with the new interchanges we have recently opened at Otahuhu, Panmure and Manukau, this new station helps create a 21st century public transport system for our city achieving convenient, regular and quick travel around the city.”

Travel times from Puhinui Station to Auckland Airport will be 10 minutes in priority lanes; 22 minutes to Manukau; and 46 minutes to Britomart Station.

“People know that if you work at the airport or in that precinct, which is growing, you can be locked into traffic for hours. Maybe more importantly, if you’re trying to get to or from the airport you can be caught in gridlock,” Mr Goff said.

“What this does is give us a congestion-free bus lane down both sides of Puhinui Rd and then a fantastic new connecting station at Puhinui, which effectively will be the south-western gateway to Auckland.”

The project is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Police offer $100,000 reward for info on unresolved 1995 murder of young woman

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Canterbury Police are today announcing a $100,000 reward for information relating to Operation Vancouver, the 1995 murder of 21-year-old Angela Blackmoore.

On the 17th of August 1995, Angela was stabbed to death in her home on Vancouver Avenue in Wainoni, Christchurch.

Her two year old son was at home asleep at the time and there was no sign of forced entry. 

Her body was discovered by her partner on his return from work at around 11.20pm.

An intensive homicide investigation was carried out at the time with hundreds of people spoken to.  

The case has remained open since 1995.

Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Corrie Parnell says the passing of time has only strengthened his resolve to find the person responsible.

“This was a horrific crime resulting in the death of a young mother with her whole life ahead of her.

“Since Angela’s murder our focus has been on bringing the person responsible to justice, and although many years have passed that focus has not changed.

“With the passing of time allegiances may have changed and we’re appealing to anyone with information that might help, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to contact us,” he says.

A dedicated information line has been set up and anyone with information that might help is urged to contact 0800 22 1995.

Man found dead at Mt Eden property overnight

By
Kalino Latu
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A homicide investigation has been launched after a man was found dead at a property on Dominion Road, Mt Eden, this morning, 18 May 2019.

Police were called to the address following the discovery of the body around 2:25am.

One person is in Police custody and Police are speaking with a number of people in relation to the incident.

A scene examination will take place today.

Court to deliver decision on appeal against discharge of four charges against Lord Tu’ivakanō

By
Kalino Latu
-

A court decision on an appeal by the Crown against a ruling by a Magistrate discharging four counts against former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakanō will be delivered sometime next week.

Chief Justice Owen Paulsen has prohibited the publication of the details to prevent prejudice against Lord Tu’ivakanō’s upcoming trials.

The accused was initially charged with a total of 12 counts before the Magistrate ordered the strike off citing lack of evidence.

Paulsen said the eight other charges had sufficient evidence to be committed to the Supreme Court for trial.

The case has been called and adjourned numerous times due to various filing of document needs and related matters.

Tu’ivakanō was arrested on March 1 and charged with 12 counts, including one of making a false declaration to obtain a passport, two perjury counts, five for accepting bribes and two counts of money laundering.

Tu’ivakanō served as Prime Minister between December 2010 and 2014 and was Speaker of the House during the last term.

He has had his bail extended today.

“I am deeply saddened”: Israel Folau speaks out after Rugby Australia sacking

By
Kalino Latu
-

Israel Folau said he was “deeply saddened” by the decision of the independent three-person panel to direct that his four-year contract be terminated over his anti-gay social media post of last month.

Folau, arguably one of the greatest footballers ever to play in Australia, has been embroiled in a storm of controversy ever since he posted statements online saying that homosexuals were going to hell unless they repented.

The panel terminated Folau’s four-year, $4 million Rugby Australia contract today.

In his statement on the matter Folau says: “It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Australia and my home state of New South Wales, playing the game I love.

“I am deeply saddened by today’s decision to terminate my employment and I am considering my options.

“As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expressions. The Christian faith has always been part of my life and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s words.

“Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work or play for my club and country.

“I would like to thank my wife Maria for her love and encouragement to stay true to our beliefs. We have been humbled by the support we have received from family, friends, players, fans and the wider community.

“Thank you also to those who have spoken out in my defence, some of whom do not share my beliefs but have defended my right to express them,” the statement ends.

Folau will have 72 hours to appeal and force a second code of conduct hearing.

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