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Tropical Cyclone Pita: All you need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tropical Cyclone Pita, with sustained winds that are momentarily gusting, was located near Vava’u.

However, Cyclone Pita is expected to leave Tonga this afternoon, according to Tonga MetService.

It is slowly moving away from Niufo’ou and Niuatoputapu on its current track, heading northeast towards the Vava’u and Ha’apai islands.

A gale warning and heavy damaging swell remain in force for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai coastal waters. 
 
A strong wind warning remains in force for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Tele-ki-Tonga and tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters. 
 
A small craft advisory remains in force for all of Tonga coastal waters.  

Tonga MetService said Tropical Cyclone “Pita” (Category 1) was located east-northeast of Neiafu (Vava’u), south-southeast of Hihifo (Niuatoputapu), northeast of Pangai (Ha’apai), northeast of Ha’afeva (Ha’apai), southeast of ‘Esia (Niuafo’ou) at 10pm tonight.  

It has a sustained wind of 30-35 knots (60 – 70km/hr) near the centre with a momentary gust of up to 40-45 (80-90 km/hr) knots. 

Tropical Cyclone Pita is currently moving east-southeast at a speed of 20 knots (40 km/hr).

It has associated clouds, heavy rain, and strong to gale-force winds with thunderstorms that will affect the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai Groups. 

For the Niuas:
West to northwest winds 25-35 knots (50-70km/hr), gusting up to gale force winds of 35- 45 knots ( 70-90km/hr) at times.

Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Becoming fine later this afternoon.

Flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rain is expected. 
 
For Vava’u and Ha’apai: 
East to southeast winds 15-20 knots (30-40km/hr), then rising up to 25 knots with a momentary gust up to gale force winds of 35-45knots (70-90km/hr) at times.

Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms. Becoming fine later this afternoon. Flooding in low lying areas due to heavy rain is expected. 
 
For Tongatapu and ‘Eua:
East to southeast winds 10-15knots (20-30km/hr), rising up to 20knots (40km/hr) at times. 

Mostly cloudy with possible scattered showers. 

Kenneth Fire in West Hollywood Hills investigated as arson as one person arrested

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Phoebe Tonks, Mirror

As devastating wildfires continue to crop Los Angeles, an individual has been arrested in connection with the Kenneth Fire in West Hollywood Hills, which is under investigation for arson

One person has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the Kenneth Fire in the West Hollywood Hills.

One person has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting fires amid the ongoing wildfire crisis

One person has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting fires amid the ongoing wildfire crisis (

The Los Angeles Police Department were called at around 4:30 pm on Thursday after receiving calls about a man allegedly attempting to ignite a blaze in Woodland Hills’ 21700 block of Ybarra Road, as reported by KTLA.

Quick-thinking locals helped the police to capture the individual. While the identity of the individual hasn’t been disclosed their potential link to other fires in Los Angeles has yet to be clarified, the LAPD has stated that the Kenneth Fire is under investigation as deliberate arson.

An LA Fire Department official had initially dismissed the claims that the fires had been started intentionally when the suspicion was raised by several high profile stars including Happy Days actor Henry Winkler, singer Chris Brown and TV star Elizabeth Chambers. They said: “There’s no way to know at this moment exactly where and how the series of fires started, but an investigation is underway.”

However, that now appears to have changed, following the arrest of one suspect in connection with the situation.

In this aerial view taken from a helicopter, an air tanker prepares to drop fire retardant on the Kenneth fire in the Calabasas area of Los Angeles county,

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman told NewsNation: “Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought.” LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel also commented on the arrest, adding that the suspect in now in custody on suspicion of intentionally causing the blaze.. He said. ‘It is being investigated as a crime.”

When asked if he believed the fire had been started intentionally, he responded: “At this time, that’s what we believe. Yes.”

The suspect was arrested and taken to Topanga station, as three intense fires continue to burn out of control in the wider Los Angeles area.

The rapidly moving Kenneth blaze has already stretched to 960 acres since first igniting, and now threatens the Malibu Canyon area north of the 101 Freeway near Calabasas. This luxe neighbourhood is the home of some of LA’s most iconic names, including Kourtney Kardashian and Will Smith. Kim and Khloe Kardashian meanwhile live in nearby Hidden Hills.

Traffic backs up as residents evacuate ahead of the Kenneth Fire on January 09, 2025

The Kenneth Fire started at approximately 2pm Thursday in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space, swiftly engulfing more than 600 acres by 6pm, data from CALFire showed. Initially, the fire stood at 50 acres by 3:45pm, but had rapidly grown to 791 acres by 4.45pm, before hitting 960 acres by 6pm.

In light of the spreading fire, mandatory evacuation orders were issued by the state as firefighters fought to tackle the fire with water bombs dropped from the skies, however the Santa Ana winds have continued to make bringing the fire under control extremely challenging.

As people fled their homes as instructed, the road out of Calabasas quickly became gridlocked on Thursday evening, with bumper to bumper traffic causing delays and concern among those fleeing their homes.

In anticipation of more fires and worsening conditions, residents across southern California have been warned to gather important documents and possessions in anticipation of further evacuations which could happen at very short notice.

As of Thursday evening the death toll had already risen to 7, with more than 10,000 structures now reportedly decimated in the flames.

Two jailed for housebreaking, theft in Teta Tours arson 

By
Kaniva Staff
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Two men had been jailed for their crimes at Nuku’alofa Central Business District and received five and three years jail terms, respectively. 

Taulanga Siupeli Nonu pleaded guilty to serious housebreaking, theft and serious arson. 

The Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop sentenced Nonu to seven and a half years for serious housebreaking, theft and serious arson in jail. He suspended the last two years on conditions.  

His co-accused, Molitoni Moimoi, pleaded guilty to serious housebreaking and theft. 

He had been sentenced to three years and two months. The Police had dropped the arson charge against him.  

The two months had been added following the activation of his suspension penalty imposed in an earlier case. 

The duo had been charged after committing the crimes at the Teta Tours building.  

The Lord Chief Justice said these were serious offences and that Nonu destroyed property worth no less than TOP$ 1 million.  

He said  Moimoi had a very bad record of offending since 2020. 

The judge said that in both cases, the offences were premeditated, and although both pleaded guilty, they only did so on the day of the trial and, indeed, after a jury had been sworn in and the trial was about to commence. 

He said in Moimoi’s case, these offences were committed whilst he was subject to a fully suspended sentence and additionally committed while on bail. 

“There is very little it can be said in mitigation in the case of either of you and the time has now come for the full force of the law to take its course”, Mr Bishop said.

Fake NZTA toll fee text circulates Tauranga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A new scam masquerading as the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is making the rounds in Tauranga, asking people to pay late road toll fees.

A copy of the scam NZTA text message making its way across the city, asking people to make bogus road toll payments.

It contains an ominous message from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi asking people to pay unknown late fees and a link to where to pay a bogus outstanding road toll.

The text message was received by a SunLive reader, who wished to stay anonymous, on Tuesday.

“It was weird that I got the message not long after using the toll road on January 4,” she said.

Bad grammar and the message coming from an overseas phone number tipped her off that it was not a genuine request from NZTA, she said.

“But not everyone pays attention to bad grammar.”

NZTA understands how frustrating and unsettling these scams can be, a spokesperson said.

“We encourage anyone who receives suspicious text messages, emails, or other communications to report them to us straight away.”

NZTA said official text messages would only come from a 3651 number and never include a link for online transactions.

Alternatively, NZTA had launched an app for New Zealanders to securely access their driver’s licence and vehicle information.

“We are also working with Police, Cert NZ, and Netsafe to combat the scammers.”

“However, they are relentless and persistent, with new fraudulent websites appearing as soon as one is taken down or blocked.”

The scam itself is a variation of the other scam pretending to be the NZTA, where it will ask for registration or driver’s license renewal.

The NZTA said it has an online form where people can report suspected phishing scams.

“The sooner we know about it, the faster we can act to protect you and others,” the spokesperson said.

PM terminates Samoa MP at centre of police charges

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific Journalist

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has terminated Laauli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

New FAST leader Fiame Naomi Mata'afa (right) and deputy, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt

Laauli Leuatea Schmidt and Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Laauli, Chairman of the country’s ruling FAST party, also faces several criminal charges.

A government statement said this matter arose following the formal announcement of allegations implicating the minister.

It cited an incident in 2017, in which Schmidt faced criminal charges relating to obtaining money via deception, and had to resign as minister of agriculture but remained as an MP.

In the current circumstances, Schmidt has not resigned.

The government has stated that this made his termination “inevitable.”

The government said it was justifying this decision, based on recent statements it had made about being committed to upholding the rule of law and providing opportunities for individuals to seek justice.

The government is relying upon Article 33 of the Samoan Constitution, which provides for making the office of a minister vacant.

Speculation and rumour has been raging in Samoa and on social media about the case, leading to police commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino clarifying the charges against Laauli.

These include:

  • Three counts of conspiracy or attempt to defeat or pervert the course of justice
  • Conspiracy to commit an offence (fabricate evidence)
  • Harassment utilizing means of electronic communication
  • Three counts of false statement causing harm to a person’s reputation
  • Two counts of using insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace

Laauli posted on social media after charges were laid against him that he was innocent of the accusations.

New Zealand Police still searching for suspect six months after deadly shooting of Tongan grandfather 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

New Zealand police are continuing their search for a suspect in connection with the deadly shooting of a Tongan father six months ago. 

Siosaia Kokohu Vi

Saia Kokohu Vi, a Tongan grandfather, was located in a vehicle at the intersection of Marvon Downs Ave and Pixie Place on the morning of August 19 after a series of shots were reported in Pakuranga Heights. 

Emergency services treated him, but he died at the scene. 

Police later said last year the homicide investigation “remains ongoing” and “there are no further updates at this stage”. 

The 59-year-old is being remembered as a kind grandfather. 

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers said police were making steady progress in their investigation. 

“As part of our enquiries, we are investigating how this homicide may be linked to another incident where a firearm was discharged towards a house in Beach Haven on the morning of 23 July,” he said in a statement. 

During that incident last month, residents in Beach Haven reported several gunshots fired at a house on Rambler Crescent, but nobody was injured. 

“At the moment we can confirm there is a familial link between people who live at both addresses, but we are working hard to understand the motivation behind both shootings,” Vickers previously said. 

He said police were working to confirm if the shootings were gang related. 

“It is still very early in our investigation, and we have a lot of ground to cover as we piece this together.” 

Police said last month the homicide might be linked to the shooting in Beach Haven on the North Shore in July when a home and vehicle were shot at on Rambler Crescent. 

Vi’s 33-year old son was on bail at the Rambler Crescent address that was targeted, the NZ Herald reported. 

Court documents seen by Stuff show that Vi’s son and daughter had lived with him at the Pakuranga Heights address where he was killed. 

The pair were arrested in 2022 as part of Operation Worthington, an investigation into an organised crime group in Auckland. They are facing charges including importing drugs and money laundering 

Tongatapu father who supplies drugs to support family sentenced to six years in prison  

By
Kalino Latu
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A father who was selling drugs to provide for his family of seven has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison.  

Palatoni Laimani, 37, pleaded guilty to all three charges and was sentenced after Police raided his residence based on a tip-off. 

Several people and Laimani were in his house when the Police entered. 

Justice Nicholas Cooper described the crime as “very serious offending” in his view.

Items seized included 155.90 grams of methamphetamine, a 12 gauge shotgun, a set of scales and 1699 empty ‘dealer packs’.  

Laimani was charged for all these items recovered from a large plastic bin. 

Most of the methamphetamine comes in the form of five bags weighing 27.95 grams.  

There were a further 47 bags. 

The Police also recovered cash of TOP$2,500, NZ$20 and US$3.  

A number of notebooks have also been recovered. The judge believed these were dealer lists.  

“Given Mr Lautaimi’s admission at the scene that he was in the business of selling methamphetamine for profits, that would accord with what he said.

Mr Cooper sentenced Laimani to seven and half years‟ imprisonment, the last 1 year suspended for 2 years, back dated to his first remand on 28 May 2024”. 

Mr Laimani assisted the police at the scene in the sense he was candid about his possessing the illicit drugs.

The judge also said: “It was large scale commercial supply and the presence of a firearm in the context of this drug dealing I consider a serious aggravating feature. I note that no ammunition was recovered, but in my view, that is merely the absence of a further aggravating factor”. 

Mr. Laimani is not to leave the Kingdom of Tonga until his suspended sentence is completed, both the conditions and the two-year term. This is to ensure he does not escape that part of his sentence and also to ensure the rehabilitative portion of the sentence can be properly completed”. 

Laimani’s suspension conditions are as follows:  

. Report to probation within 24 hours of release 

. Complete drug rehabilitation course 

. Complete a life skills course 

. Live where directed by probation 

. He must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment further that time 

Viliami Taulaki dies of his injuries a day after he was discovered on a road: Reports

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man has died in hospital after he was discovered with critical injuries on Hihifo Road early yesterday morning at about 5.30am, reports said.

Police have yet to comment on his death.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, Tonga Police identified the victim as Viliami Taulaki.

“His family has been notified of his condition”, the Police said.

It said Tautuiaki was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

He was last seen at 11pm on Wednesday, and his family confirmed he had not returned by 3am.

The Police said people in a Black Toyota Bb discovered Tautuiaki on their way to a morning service.

“Tonga Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the nature of this incident”, the Police said.

Police urged the public to report any crimes they witnessed, emphasizing that community vigilance is crucial for maintaining safety and security.

Police said people could call on 924 or 7401614 if they have any information to help their investigation.

Tropical cyclone warning for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai

By
Kaniva Staff
-

 A tropical cyclone warning is now inforce for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai land areas, Tonga MetService said this morning.

A gale warning still remains in force for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai Land areas.

A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory still remain in force for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai land areas.” 

It said the tropical disturbance Tropical Disturbance 04F was located near latitude 17.0 south and longitude 177.2 west or about 230km southwest of ‘Ēsia (Niuafo’ou) or 380km west – southwest of Hihifo (Niuatoputapu), or 385km west- northwest of Neiafu (Vava’u), or 420km northwest of Ha’afeva (Ha’apai), or 430km northwest of Pangai (Ha’apai) at 10am this morning.  

The system is currently slowly moving southeast at a speed of 12knots (24km/hr).  

The weather forecast for midnight tonight for Tonga indicates associated clouds, heavy rain, and strong to gale-force winds with thunderstorms affecting the Niua Islands, Vava’u, and the Ha’apai groups.  

The forecast for the Niuas indicates west to northwest winds of 25-30 knots (30-40 km/hr), with occasional gusts reaching gale force winds of 35-45 knots (70-90 km/hr).

Conditions will be overcast with occasional rain, which could be heavy at times, alongside isolated thunderstorms.

Flooding in low-lying areas is risky due to the expected heavy rainfall. 

For Vava’u and Ha’apai, it is expected east to southeast winds 15-20knots (30-40km/hr), then rising up to 25knot at times this morning, and gusting up to gale force winds of 35-45knots (70-90km/hr) at times.

Overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms.

Flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rain is expected. 

Tongatapu and ‘eua forecast an east-to-southeast wind 10-15knots (20-30km/hr), rising up to 20knots (40km/hr) at times. 

Tonga Police appeal as they investigate death of Viliami Taulaki

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police are appealing for anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity the night after a man was discovered with critical injuries on Hihifo Road to come forward.

Viliami Taulaki

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, Viliami Taulaki died in hospital of his injuries after he was discovered on Wednesday morning at about 5.30am.

“His family has been notified of his condition”, the Police said.

They said they have yet to establish Taulaki’s cause of death.

Taulaki was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit before his death few hours later.

He was last seen at 11pm on Wednesday, and his family confirmed he had not returned by 3am.

The Police said occupants of a Black Toyota Bb discovered Taulaki on their way to a morning service.

“Tonga Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the nature of this incident”, the Police said.

Police urged the public to report any crimes they witnessed, emphasizing that community vigilance is crucial for maintaining safety and security.

Police said people could call on 924 or 7401614 if they have any information to help their investigation.

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