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Six years on, $100,000 reward offered in USA as alleged murder of Akosita Kaufusi remains unsolved

By
Kalino Latu
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Nearly six years after the body of a Tongan mother was found near Utah’s Great Salt Lake, her alleged murder remains unresolved, prompting continued calls for justice from her family and police investigators.

A photo of Akosita Kaufusi who was found killed near the Saltair on Aug. 29, 2020. (Lita Kaufusi-Ofa)

Forty‑two‑year‑old Akosita Kaufusi’s body was discovered on 29 August 2020, just off Frontage Road, approximately half a mile east of Saltair. Police believe she was killed at the same location about two weeks earlier, around 14 August 2020.

The family of the deceased offered a $100,000 reward in August 2024, marking the fourth anniversary of her alleged murder, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, as frustration continues to grow over the lack of progress in the case.

“We are still grieving,” her aunt, Lita Kaufusi-Ofa told KSL TV.

“We want answers. We want closure.”

Investigation Still Active

Unified Police Department detectives say the homicide investigation remains open.

Authorities have linked Kaufusi’s death to a shooting at the K&K African Market, located at 996 South Redwood Road, on August 9, 2020, just days before she is believed to have been killed.

“Based on the physical evidence, what we believe is that she was killed at that location,” said Detective Ken Hansen, spokesperson for Unified Police.

“We have not forgotten about this case.”

Despite the connection between the two incidents, no suspect has yet been named or arrested.

“We believe other people know about it,” Hansen said.

“We don’t know why they’re not talking.”

Family Desperate for Justice

For Kaufusi’s family, the lack of arrests has been deeply painful.

“We feel like it’s not a priority on the list, but we hope things will change,” Kaufusi-Ofa reportedly said.

On anniversaries marking her death, family members have returned to the remote location where her body was found, placing flowers to honour her life and to keep attention on the case.

The family’s newly announced $100,000 reward supplements a $5,000 reward previously offered by Unified Police for information leading to an arrest.

“You can’t put a price tag on a life,” Kaufusi-Ofa said. “And yet we have to, because we want answers. This person, or these persons, have ruined our family.”

The reward applies to information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Remembering Akosita Kaufusi

Kaufusi was of Tongan and Ute heritage. Her father was Tongan, and her mother was a member of the Ute tribe, an Indigenous people recognised as among the earliest inhabitants of present‑day Colorado and Utah, with a history in the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regions spanning thousands of years.

Her family has become strong supporters of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, which highlights the disproportionately high rates of violence faced by Native American women across the United States.

“The biggest thing is that Akosita’s life mattered,” Kaufusi-Ofa said. “It mattered to her family, her village in Tonga, and her tribe.”

Call for Information

Police continue to urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.

“We don’t want this case left behind,” Hansen said. “This is an unresolved homicide.”

Anyone with information about Akosita Kaufusi’s death is encouraged to contact Unified Police at 801‑743‑7000.

Information can be provided anonymously.

Convicted Finance Minister still active as PM’s Office welcomes TOP$42,500 payout

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Two weeks after the Supreme Court convicted Tonga’s Finance Minister of electoral bribery, the Prime Minister appears to continue to work alongside him, despite the ruling.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua with Finance Minister Lata Tangimana and Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company CEO ‘Aholotu Palu during the presentation of a TOP 42,500 insurance payout, as released by the Prime Minister’s Office. Photo/Prime Minister’s office

In a judgment delivered on 24 March 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that Lata ‘i Faingata’a Tangimana had committed two acts of bribery during the lead‑up to the 20 November 2025 general election for the Ongo Niua 17 constituency, in breach of section 21 of the Electoral Act.

The court found beyond reasonable doubt that Tangimana, acting indirectly through another person on his behalf, provided valuable gifts of fish to two electors in September 2025, within three months of the election, for the purpose of inducing them to vote.

Justice Garlick KC accepted evidence that the fish were delivered with an explicit request to “remember” Tangimana at the election and rejected the defence claim that the gifts were acts of personal generosity.

The judgment stated that the statutory presumption of bribery applied and had not been rebutted by the respondent.

As a result, the court declared Tangimana’s election void and ordered that its determination be certified in writing to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, formally unseating him as a Member of Parliament.

Tonga’s Electoral Act

Section 9 of Tonga’s Electoral Act states:

“It shall be unlawful to use threatening language or bribery for the purpose of obtaining votes or of influencing electors in their votes, and any person found guilty of such offence shall, upon conviction, be punished in accordance with the law relating to bribery. Where the offender is a member of the Legislative Assembly, that member shall be unseated, and it shall be lawful for the Minister of Police to prosecute all parties concerned in the offence.”

“Threats and Bribery” – Clause 66 of the Constitution states that:

“Any person elected as a representative who is proved, to the satisfaction of the Assembly, to have used threats or offered bribes for the purpose of persuading any person to vote for him shall be unseated by the Assembly.”

Drought Payout Ceremony Images

Despite the ruling, a press release issued today by the Prime Minister’s Office shows Tangimana continuing to participate in official government activity.

Photographs released with the statement show Tangimana either standing alongside Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua or seated beside Ministry of Finance CEO Kilisitina Tuaimei’api.

In one image, Tangimana is seen posing with the Prime Minister and Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) ‘Aholotu Palu as the TOP 42,500 insurance payout cheque is displayed.

The press release avoided naming Tangimana and did not elaborate on his role in the insurance payout.

It reported that Palu presented Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua with a cheque valued at TOP 42,500 following a drought event in the Niua Islands.

The release highlighted Tonga’s role as the first country to secure drought insurance coverage through PCRIC, with the February drought triggering a partial payout.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the payout represents 50 percent of the drought insurance policy, which has a total value of USD $115,500, after the drought reached a 16 percent trigger threshold.

US‑based Tongan investor Victorine allegedly arrested as online posts spark mixed reaction

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A Tongan‑born investor from the United States, at the centre of widespread social media dispute and controversy, is believed to have been detained in Tonga.

Victorine, who has been accused by investors of failing to return money they say they invested. Photo / Screenshotted

Kaniva News has obtained a copy of what appeared to be a Tongan Magistrate’s Court order directing police to detain a woman identified as Victorine ‘Unaloto Ki Love, of Maʻufanga, and to hold her in custody at the Nukuʻalofa Prison pending a court appearance scheduled for 10 April 2026.

The purported document, written in Tongan and dated 2 April 2026, is titled “Order to Detain a Person Who Has Been Charged but Not Yet Convicted” and bears the reference number SP 110/2026 from the Nukuʻalofa Magistrate’s Court, Tongatapu.

Kaniva News analysis of information from multiple sources suggests that Victorine ‘Unaloto Ki Love is the same individual linked to the Facebook account known as “Victorine Polygirl”, an account that has been the subject of allegations from investors who claim promised returns on substantial sums of money deposited were not delivered or refunded.

She is based in Utah but regularly travels between Tonga and the US, where she runs a retail store known as the Falekoloa Famili Tonga USA Trading store in Tonga. The business came under scrutiny from authorities amid allegations it lacked a licence to import medical products.

Police have been contacted seeking clarification and comment.

Post Reveals Tonga Presence

The arrest warrant follows a social media post last month in which Victorine stated that she was in Tonga and operating from her business office in Ma‘ufanga.

In a later livestreamed video viewed by Kaniva News, Victorine thanked individuals she described as investors who had taken time to meet with her, saying the meeting had been productive. She did not share any photos or videos of the meeting.

She also urged investors who had yet to meet her to come to her Maʻufanga home to discuss what she described as an “investment programme.”

Victorine could not be reached for comment.

As Kaniva News previously reported, debate intensified across Tongan social media after investors accused Victorine of failing to honour promises to return money they had invested.

Posts Signal Authorities’ Involvement

However, her online activity took a surprising turn earlier this week after a post on Victorine’s account indicated that authorities had approached her.

“This is what we end up with because of the actions of those trolls who accused me — now that authorities have stepped in, it is out of my hands,” she wrote in Tongan.

Many families have been seriously affected, Victorine wrote, “and only now are some people opening their eyes to realise my value to the children — but it’s already too late.”

She has also claimed that she refunded some investors, saying only a small number of people were still owed money.

However, she did not provide evidence to substantiate those claims.

Mixed Emotions Erupt Online

Reaction to Victorine’s alleged arrest has been mixed.

While some critics welcomed police action and praised authorities for intervening, supporters moved quickly to defend her online.

Several questioned why she had travelled to Tonga, while others expressed messages of solidarity.

“We still love you, Victorine — especially during this Holy Week. Be strong and know that God is with you,” one supporter wrote.

Victorine previously admitted on her Facebook account that some people involved in her investment scheme appeared to be two‑faced. After initially messaging her with support, she later discovered that they were criticising her publicly on Facebook.

Instructions to Police

Police, according to the alleged warrant, are instructed to arrest, transport, and detain the accused at Nukuʻalofa Prison until the scheduled court hearing date.

The order is addressed to all police officers in the Kingdom, with specific direction given to police stationed at the Nukuʻalofa Prison. It formally authorises law enforcement to act on the court’s instruction regarding the detention of the accused.

Under the order, police are directed to take the accused into custody and place her at Nukuʻalofa Prison, where she is to remain detained pending court proceedings.

The detention is to continue until 10 April 2026.

The document further instructs police to ensure that all required police procedures are completed while the accused remains in custody.

On the scheduled date, officers are required to produce the accused before the Magistrate’s Court, without the need for any additional or further court order.

Posts published on the official Tonga Police Facebook account, which regularly issues public notices, have not made any statement concerning the accused, nor have they confirmed whether the accused has been taken into custody.

Tongan family fundraises for daughter’s funeral as Police name East Tāmaki crash victim

By
Kalino Latu
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Auckland, New Zealand — Police have released the name of the nine‑year‑old girl who died following a serious crash on East Tāmaki Road in mid‑March.

The child has been identified as Isabella Tulumi, 9, of Auckland.

As Kaniva News first reported at the time, the victim was of Tongan descent. Police confirmed that Isabella died following injuries sustained in the crash on 15 March.

In a statement, Police said they extend their deepest sympathies to Isabella’s family and loved ones, adding that enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Family Shares Grief Through Fundraiser

In a Givealittle fundraising page set up following the tragedy, the family shared a message expressing their profound grief and appreciation for public support.

The message states:

“On behalf of my wife & I we share with deep sadness that our daughter Linda Tulumi, 9 years old, has sadly passed away in a severe car accident on Sunday 15th of March 2026.

We sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming support, prayers, and generosity shown during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness has brought comfort and strength to the family.”

The family said funds raised would help with funeral arrangements, vehicle repairs, and other losses arising from the crash.

“The funds raised will help support funeral arrangements and to repair vehicle and everything that is at loss. We ask kindly to donate a little. Thank you.”

Kaniva News notes that Police have officially identified the child as Isabella Tulumi. The name used in the Givealittle message reflects the wording provided by the family on the fundraising page and has been quoted directly.

Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash, and investigations remain underway.

Authorities have asked for privacy for the family as they mourn the loss of their daughter.

Doctoral research exposes abuse and vulnerability of women tou’a in kava practice

By
Kalino Latu
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Auckland — A new doctoral research has brought renewed attention to the experiences of Tongan women involved in kava-related practices (KRP), exposing how cultural shifts and commercialisation have placed women tou’a at risk of abuse, sexual objectification, and social disrepute.

Dr Hilda Port. Photo/Moanaroa Pacific Research Network (cropped)

Dr Hilda Port’s PhD research, titled How Do Evolving Kava‑Related Practices Impact the Role of Tongan Women Living in Aotearoa?, examines the views of Tongan women on kava and provides insight into how traditional practices are changing within New Zealand’s Tongan diaspora.

Her research contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge on kava by amplifying female voices—voices that have long been marginalised in discussions dominated by male-centred narratives.

While kava is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Pacific cultural life—celebrated for its spiritual, social, and communal value—the research shows that evolving practices have created troubling consequences for women, particularly those serving as tou’a.

Using a kakala research framework, grounded in Pacific worldviews, Port employed qualitative methods including talanoa and tauhi vā to gather deeply personal accounts from participants.

These approaches prioritised relationships, mutual respect, and cultural integrity, creating safe spaces for women to share experiences that are often silenced due to cultural sensitivities and stigma.

“Women’s experiences with kava have largely been shaped by others speaking on their behalf, rather than by the women themselves,” Port, who is of Tongan heritage, said.

“This research seeks to change that.”

Participants described positive experiences when traditional cultural protocols were properly observed.

In these spaces, the tou’a role was described as one of honour and respect, in which women felt valued for their service and contributions to the cultural setting.

Several women shared that when kava ceremonies adhered to customary standards—such as clear leadership, respectful conduct, and appropriate boundaries—the role of the tou’a strengthened community cohesion rather than undermining it.

Challenging Male‑Only Kava Narratives

The research also challenges long-held assumptions that kava is a male-only practice.

Both female and male participants acknowledged the physical, spiritual, and mental health benefits of kava consumption for women, reinforcing the notion that women’s participation is not only legitimate but culturally grounded.

However, the research reveals a stark contrast when cultural protocols are weakened or ignored—particularly when tou’a are paid in informal or commercial settings.

Dr Port’s findings show that monetisation of the tou’a role, combined with the erosion of traditional safeguards, has contributed to inappropriate relationships and sexual objectification.

In some cases, women were placed in vulnerable positions where boundaries were blurred, and their dignity compromised.

As a result, the tou’a role—once considered honourable—has, in some contexts, become associated with disrepute, devaluation, and moral judgement within the wider community.

Participants spoke candidly about their fears for young women entering these spaces, expressing concern about exploitation, lack of protection, and the social stigma that follows.

Calls for Education and Protection

A consistent theme across the research was the urgent need for education—for both men and women—about the cultural significance of the tou’a role and the evolving place of women in KRP.

Port argues that education is key to reshaping attitudes that continue to portray women as decorative or subordinate in kava settings.

Women in the study made it clear they will not allow themselves to be devalued or excluded from KRP, asserting agency and challenging narratives that limit their role to service and appearance.

Port says her research highlights serious concerns about how girls who take on the role of tou’a are treated within the community, including in cases of sexual abuse.

She notes that one participant faced community disapproval after being sexually assaulted, rather than receiving support. This response, she says, has had lasting effects, with around 70 percent of participants saying they would not want their daughters to become tou’a.

Port argues the findings expose deep‑rooted attitudes and pressures surrounding the role, and point to an urgent need for open discussion and action to better protect and support young women.

NZ deportation law tightens: What it means for Tongans with residency

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A proposed law change in New Zealand could significantly increase the risk of deportation for migrants living on resident visas, even for less serious offences.

The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament, passed its first reading, and is being progressed by Immigration Minister and National MP Erica Stanford.

The legislation states that its purpose is to improve the management of immigration risks while maintaining a balance between the national interest and the rights of individuals.

At its core, the bill extends the length of time a resident can be deported after committing a crime.

If a resident leaves New Zealand for five years or more, their deportation liability period will reset on return, effectively treating them as if they have just been granted residency again.

Liability Period

In New Zealand, the liability period refers to the length of time a resident or permanent resident can still be deported after their visa is granted.

For Permanent Resident Visa holders, that period is generally up to 10 years from the date they first obtained a residence‑class visa.

While a permanent resident can live in New Zealand indefinitely, they remain liable for deportation during that period if they are convicted of serious criminal offences.

These include crimes that carry a potential prison sentence of five years or more, or offences involving the exploitation of unlawful workers.

The liability period does not start from the date a Permanent Resident Visa is issued, but from the date the person was first granted residence.

Liability can also arise if Immigration New Zealand later finds that residence was obtained through fraud or error.

Once a person becomes a New Zealand citizen, they are no longer subject to deportation under the liability rules, unless citizenship itself was obtained dishonestly.

Extended Liability Period

The proposed changes to immigration law signalled that the liability period for criminal offending could be extended in future, potentially increasing it beyond the current 10‑year limit.

“For offences subject to imprisonment of at least three months, the period of liability lengthens from two to five years. For offences punishable by two-plus years imprisonment, the liability period changes from five years to 10. For offences culpable for five-plus years, the liability period changes from 10years to 15; and for offending punishable by at least 10 years’ prison, it changes from 10 years to 20,” RNZ reported.

It says the bill would clarify “the range of false and misleading submissions that can make a person liable for deportation; and that historic crimes that were committed outside New Zealand can give rise to deportation liability; and how administrative errors can give rise to deportation liability.”

Under the proposal, people who commit criminal offences while in New Zealand on visitor or temporary visas, as well as those unlawfully in the country, would lose the right to challenge deportation on humanitarian grounds.

What this means in real terms is that Tongans who have lived in New Zealand for many years are no longer “in the clear” as quickly as before.

A mistake made years after gaining residency could still lead to deportation back to Tonga.

The law also tightens scrutiny around honesty in immigration applications.

Providing false or incomplete information—even by leaving out important details—can now lead to deportation.

Past criminal convictions overseas, even before arriving in New Zealand, may also be used as grounds.

Government agencies will be allowed to share more information to verify a person’s identity, background, and eligibility for services. This increases the ability of authorities to detect inconsistencies or undisclosed issues.

For Tongans in New Zealand, the message is clear: the window of deportation risk is getting much longer, the rules are tighter, and even smaller offences or past mistakes can now carry more serious immigration consequences.

April Fools’ Day fools Tongan translation

By
Kaniva Staff
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April Fools’ Day may be all about harmless pranks in English, but in Tongan, its common translation—“Aho ʻo e Kau Vale”, or “the day of the ignorant or foolish”—casts a much harsher, more permanent label on anyone caught in the joke.

In English, an “April Fool” is not someone who lacks intelligence or judgment.

Rather, it describes a person who momentarily becomes the target of a prank, usually unknowingly and in good humour.

The concept is situational and temporary—it describes what happens to someone, not who they are.

In Tongan, “vale” can also mean unskilled, incompetent, or incapable, but these definitions still do not capture the true, fleeting meaning of an “April Fool.”

The more accurate Tongan translation of April Fools’ Day could be “Aho ʻo e kau Toó”, meaning “the day of those who fell for the prank.”

Another possible option is “Aho ʻo e kau Pau’ú”, or “the day of the prank,” which emphasises the prank itself or those who play it, though it does not fully capture the notion of a fool.

A phonetic approach is also acceptable in Tongan, such as “Aho ʻo e ‘Epilafū”, translating April Fool directly as ‘Epilafū. This method is commonly used in Tongan for English phrases, as seen in words like manuao (from man-of-war) or Puatalefusi (from port-of-refugee).

This creates a semantic mismatch: the translation implies a permanent state of foolishness, whereas the English term is context-specific.

Where April Fools’ Day Comes From

Every year on April 1, people around the world wake up wary of jokes, hoaxes and playful deception. But where did April Fools’ Day actually come from—and why do we still observe it today?

Despite its global popularity, the origins of April Fools’ Day are not tied to a single historical event. Instead, historians believe it developed gradually from European calendar changes and older springtime traditions that celebrated humour, mischief and social reversal.

The most widely accepted explanation traces April Fools’ Day to 16th-century Europe.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, replacing the older Julian calendar. Under the old system, much of Europe celebrated the New Year at the end of March, with festivities extending into April 1.

When the New Year was officially moved to January 1, news of the change spread slowly. Many people—particularly in rural areas—continued celebrating the New Year in late March or early April. Others mocked them as “April fools”, playing tricks on them for being slow to adapt.

This practice became popular in France, where prank victims were called poisson d’avril (“April fish”), a term still used today.

U.S. programme bolsters Tonga’s digital defences following Health cyberattack

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga is shoring up its digital defences after a cyberattack on last year’s Health Network exposed serious vulnerabilities, with a senior official now selected for a key U.S. digital leadership programme.

 Ms. Veahepi Filimone Lilo, Deputy Director/Senior Policy Analyst at the Ministry of MEIDECC – Department of Communication, will represent Tonga in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on Advancing an Open and Secure Digital Economy.Photo/U.S. Embassy Nuku’alofa

Veahepi Filimone Lilo, a Senior Policy Analyst at MEIDECC, will represent Tonga in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

The programme focuses on advancing an open and secure digital economy.

It is expected to help Tonga improve how it shapes digital policy, strengthen online security, and open up new opportunities in the country’s growing digital economy.

Her selection comes amid heightened concerns about cybersecurity in Tonga, following recent incidents including the hijacking of the Ministry of Health’s computer network, which disrupted services and highlighted vulnerabilities within government digital infrastructure.

The incident has underscored the need for stronger policies, skills and international cooperation to protect sensitive data and essential public services.

During the IVLP programme, Ms. Lilo will work closely with U.S. government agencies, technology firms and academic institutions to explore issues such as data privacy, online security, internet governance and digital regulation.

A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Nukuʻalofa said the programme will also examine how the digital economy can support economic growth and resilience.

In mid‑2025, Australia provided crucial support to Tonga following a ransomware cyberattack that compromised the country’s National Health Information System, forcing health staff to revert to manual handling of patient data.

Last month, Tongan authorities reported that the attack on the Ministry of Health in June 2025 was linked to overseas hacker Roman Khubov.

Tonga launches landmark probe into decades of alleged corruption at Ministry of Lands

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nukuʻalofa — The Government has launched a sweeping investigation into alleged land fraud within the Ministry of Lands, a historic step toward confronting corruption claims that have shadowed the institution for generations.

Minister of Lands Dr Taniela Fusimālohi. Photo/Fale Alea ‘o Tonga

The move marks a turning point in long‑standing allegations that have included complaints lodged by a senior official with the Public Service Commission, the resignation of a former CEO, and an unprecedented expression of dissatisfaction from the monarchy toward a serving Minister.

The investigation will scrutinise land registry records, leases, and property titles, some dating back many years.

The announcement follows earlier comments by the Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, urging Tongans living overseas to travel to Tonga on land‑related matters only after first reaching agreement with the Ministry.

He said staff are currently focused on clearing a major backlog, including more than 7,000 outdated files and over 3,000 land parcels still awaiting survey and measurement.

Fusimālohi announced today that the investigation carries a clear mandate to hold anyone involved in land fraud accountable—whether they are current or former Ministry employees or individuals acting from outside the Ministry—regardless of where they are.

It aims to address persistent public claims that irregular dealings, abuse of office, and unlawful land acquisitions have undermined trust in one of the country’s most powerful institutions.

For decades, concerns about possible corruption within the Ministry of Lands have circulated within communities, including matters previously reported by Kaniva News, involving alleged leases and land registrations issued through questionable processes, and claims that some staff may have sought personal advantage in dealings with land applicants.

These accusations have often been raised quietly, passed down through families and villages, yet rarely subjected to a full and formal investigation.

That is now set to change.

Forensic Scrutiny of Records

The Minister said the investigation will be carried out by the Legal Division of the Ministry of Lands, operating under the authority of the Minister’s Office, and will include a detailed audit of official land records.

He said the process will utilise forensic auditing methods, examining the authenticity of documents and assessing whether past decisions complied with the law and established procedures.

He also said the inquiry is expected to examine possible “collusion”, defined as secret or illegal cooperation intended to deceive others.

This means the investigation will not shy away from probing past actions, regardless of seniority or position, if evidence suggests wrongdoing.

Promises Without Full Review

Previous governments have acknowledged concerns about land administration but have stopped short of launching a full‑scale review.

As Kaniva News previously reported, mounting corruption allegations within the Ministry led to widespread public dissatisfaction, culminating in the resignation of the former CEO and a pledge by the then Minister to reform the Ministry.

It is understood that the current CEO, Taniela Kula, has initiated a series of reforms over the past several years, including strengthening the Ministry’s legal capacity and undertaking significant internal restructuring.

As we reported earlier, a new dispute‑resolution process has been created to offer landowners a quicker and more accessible path to justice.

Documents previously leaked to Kaniva News indicated that the King was dissatisfied with the then Minister of Lands, Lord Tu‘i‘āfitu. The authenticity of the document was later confirmed to Kaniva News by CEO Kula.

Correcting Wrongs, Returning Land

According to Fusimālohi, the ultimate goal of the investigation is not only to identify wrongdoing but to “correct errors, return land to its rightful owners, and ensure accountability where laws have been broken.”

Other authorised agencies may also become involved should criminal conduct be uncovered, raising the prospect of prosecutions if sufficient evidence is found, according to the Minister.

The Minister said the investigation gives effect to principles outlined in the Speech from the Throne, which called for stronger governance, greater accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

Star Kotoni Staggs Powers Broncos Past Dolphins

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Australia — Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs, a proud player of Tongan heritage, delivered a decisive performance to seal the fate of cross‑town rivals the Dolphins as the Broncos claimed a 26–12 victory in the latest instalment of the NRL’s Battle of Brisbane on Friday night, 27 March, at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos’ clash with the Dolphins came during the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season, which is currently underway and features 17 clubs competing over a 27‑round regular season.

As of late March, the competition has entered Round 4, with teams beginning to shape their early‑season form ahead of the push toward the finals.

Labelled “unstoppable” by commentators, Staggs produced a powerful attacking display, crossing for two vital tries and setting the tone for a Broncos side that secured its second win of the 2026 season.

Staggs’ impact was most evident in critical moments, with his trademark strength and speed carving through the Dolphins’ defensive line and swinging momentum firmly in Brisbane’s favour. His performance drew loud acclaim from the home crowd, underlining his importance to the Broncos’ backline.

Stagg, who made his Tonga debut in 2019, describing it as a proud moment in his career, was well supported by Adam Reynolds, whose composure and kicking game steered the side around the park, while Reece Walsh and Gehamat Shibasaki also crossed the stripe to complete the scoring for Brisbane.

The Dolphins, competing in only their third season in the premiership, showed early resistance but were unable to contain Brisbane’s attacking pressure, particularly down the left edge where Staggs repeatedly threatened.

For Staggs, whose background reflects the strong Pacific presence in the NRL, the standout performance continues a long‑standing tradition of Tongan and Pacific players shaping the modern game through physicality, flair and big‑match confidence.

The win strengthens Brisbane’s early‑season momentum and reinforces their credentials in a tightly contested competition, while the Dolphins will take lessons from the encounter as they continue to develop depth and consistency.

As the Broncos look ahead, Staggs’ form — blending power, precision and pride — will be crucial as the club pushes deeper into the season, with Friday night’s display another reminder of his ability to influence matches on the biggest stage.

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