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Wallaby hooker Tolu Latu arrested and charged with drink driving.

By
Kaniva Staff
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Man dies after Ōtara shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

A man has died after a shooting in the South Auckland suburb of Ōtara this afternoon.

Police were called to Piako Street in Ōtara just before 3pm this afternoon.

They found a man with a gunshot wound when they arrived and he died at the scene.

Police cordons are in place on Piako Street and these are expected to continue for some time while a scene examination takes place.

Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB, said officers were working hard to identify those responsible.

“This is a serious and tragic incident and we are doing everything we can to locate anyone involved,” he said.

Flat Bush School and Flat Bush Kindergarten were temporarily placed in lockdown.

US$100,000 “unexpected invoice” for ‘Aho’eitu image shocks government, Chief Secretary says

By
Kalino Latu
-

An invoice asking the Tongan government to pay US$100,000 for a sculpture of the first Tongan king who is believed to have lived in 950 AD has shocked authorities.

The invoice was sent to Tonga by a person described by Chief Secretary Edgar Cocker as an art lecturer at Brigham Young University in Hawai’i.

The man met Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva in Tonga and there was a discussion about the creation of an image after he told Hon. Pōhiva he admired the Popua National Park development.

The person told Hon. Pōhiva he wanted to construct a bronze sculpture of king ‘Aho’eitu to be installed at the Park so it could reflect the history of Tonga’s kingship and its independence in the era of colonisation.

The Prime Minister agreed with the proposal, Cocker said.  

He said the man returned to Hawai’i and they were shocked when they later received an invoice from him saying the government had to pay US$100,000 if it wanted him to go ahead and create the sculpture.

The Chief Secretary said the man did not reveal that he would charge the government for the image while he was meeting with the Prime Minister.

Cocker also said he queried the man about the invoice and in his response,  he told the government to ignore the invoice as he has found somebody to fund the project.

This is the third time somebody from overseas has visited Tonga, talked with Hon. Pōhiva about their own proposals for the government and then sent invoices asking government to pay for the projects.

The main points

  • An invoice asking the Tongan government to pay US$100,000 for a sculpture of a king who is believed to have lived in 950 AD has shocked authorities.
  • The invoice was sent to Tonga by a person described by Chief Secretary Edgar Cocker as an art lecturer at Brigham Young University in Hawai’i.

Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has been sacked by Rugby Australia for his post on social media that said hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers” and others.

Folau, a fundamentalist Christian, was found guilty of a high-level breach of Rugby Australia’s (RA) code of conduct by an independent panel earlier this month.

The Wallabies’ only three-times player of the year and Super Rugby’s all-time leading try-scorer has 72 hours to appeal and force the governing body into proceeding with a second code of conduct hearing.

After being formally warned last year for similar anti-gay posts, Folau took to Instragram last year proclaiming homosexuals and other so-called “sinners” were destined for hell unless they repented.

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said it was a sad day for Australian rugby but that Folau had left the governing body with no alternative than to seek termination of his contract.

“We want to stress that this outcome is a painful situation for the game,” Castle said on Friday.

“Rugby Australia did not choose to be in this situation, but Rugby Australia’s position remains that Israel, through his actions, left us with no choice but to pursue this course of action.

“This has been an extremely challenging period for Rugby and this issue has created an unwanted distraction in an important year for the sport and for the Wallabies team.

“But our clear message to all Rugby fans today is that we need to stand by our values and the qualities of inclusion, passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork.

“I’ve communicated directly with the players to make it clear that Rugby Australia fully supports their right to their own beliefs and nothing that has happened changes that.

“But when we are talking about inclusiveness in our game, we’re talking about respecting differences as well.

“When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it. People need to feel safe and welcomed in our game regardless of their gender, race, background, religion, or sexuality.

“We thank the tribunal panel for their decision and we respect the time, consideration and expertise the panel members brought to this process.

“Representing Australia and all Australians on the Rugby field is a privilege.

“Selection is dependent upon a player’s ability to contribute to the Wallabies, and the game of Rugby itself, in a positive and consistent manner both on and off the field.

“When players sign a contract with the Wallabies, they sign up to the values of the team and the sport.”

Castle commended Folau as a “great rugby player”.

“We are disappointed and saddened by the fact that he will not see out his four- year commitment to the Wallabies and Waratahs,” she said.

–RNZ/AAP

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