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Tongan businessman sentenced for importing 30kg of meth from Tonga for NZ’s King Cobras gang 

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan businessman has been sentenced for his role in importing 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from Tonga, which was intended for New Zealand’s King Cobras gang.  

Ronnie Kivalu was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty and will be eligible for parole after serving five and a half years.  

Kivalu and his agent in Tonga, Kama Manulevu concealed the methamphetamine among the frozen vegetables packed into a shipping container and sent to Auckland. 

Manulevu was sentenced to life imprisonment in Tonga for his involvement in transporting the drugs.  

According to a report by the New Zealand Herald, Kivalu was caught red-handed with two King Cobra gang members unpacking nearly 30kg of methamphetamine he had imported inside the frozen vegetables. 

Kivalu’s offending came to light following the initiation of Operation Selena in June 2021. This operation was launched by the New Zealand Police as part of a strategic effort to combat the escalating problem of drug smuggling activities occurring at the nation’s borders. 

Investigating the case, Operation Selena started when Aisake Feleti was identified handing over $1.2 million to a money-laundering syndicate. 

Encrypted messages on Feleti’s phone showed he was importing drugs from the United States with the help of an “insider” at Auckland International Airport. 

Sese Vimahi was a senior baggage handler at Air New Zealand who could manipulate the transfer of luggage from international flights so that the bags were never screened by Customs. 

Also known as “Tongan Pablo”, Vimahi is currently serving a prison sentence of 14 years and seven months for helping smuggle 20kg of meth that was uncovered in an earlier investigation. 

His time in prison is likely to increase when he is sentenced in February. 

Kivalu was supported by a large group of family, friends and senior members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who gave references in support of his character. 

Tongan group complains after $50,000 Christmas savings allegedly disappeared with treasurer in Auckland 

By
Kalino Latu
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Members of a Tongan group in New Zealand have expressed their frustration on social media, reporting that their much-anticipated Christmas savings of about $50,000 have not been received. 

The report received extensive coverage on Facebook, prompting numerous calls for the community to provide any relevant information to help the members get in touch with the treasurer.  

For legal reasons, Kaniva News cannot disclose the treasurer’s identity. However, photographs purported to show the accused’s identity have been circulated on Facebook.  

It has been reported that the Otara-based group had participated in the Christmas activity known as līlī.  

Each member must deposit a specific amount of money, as their shares, every week, typically beginning in January each year, into a group financial account.  

The treasurer then recorded and collected the money, and as normal practice, they would deposit it into the bank.  

In December, as Christmas approached, the group members gathered to celebrate their achievements before the treasurer was expected to distribute the savings to each member. 

But the treasurer was nowhere to be found.  

The details of the money and what shares each individual has remain unclear.

Reports indicated that most members were families who saw the initiative as a means to enforce savings due to their collective efforts. 

The group and the treasurer could not be reached for comment.

Husband charged with murdering wife inside Melbourne home on Boxing Day

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Alexandra Feiam and Thomas Sargeant

A man has been charged with murdering his wife just hours after they reportedly shared a Christmas lunch.

Emergency services were called to a property on Wood Duck Court in Langwarrin, in Melbourne’s southeast, about 6.30am on Thursday following reports a woman had been stabbed.

The 59-year-old woman was declared dead at the scene.

Homicide squad detective inspector Dean Thomas said the 63-year-old man had called triple-0 himself.

“They have adult children who have obviously been made aware of what’s occurred and they are very, very upset and distraught,” he said.

A 63-year-old man was arrested at the address. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

The woman was described as a “lovely lady” by neighbours. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

The woman was described as a “lovely lady” by neighbours. Picture: NewsWire / David Crosling

Detective Inspector Thomas said there was no reported history of domestic violence between the couple.

The Herald Sun reports that the couple hosted their children for Christmas lunch just hours before the alleged murder took place.

Police found a weapon in the home but could not confirm what was used to kill the woman.

The couple moved into the home less than six months ago, the Herald Sun reported.

Detective Inspector Thomas was adamant that “one death (due to domestic violence) is too many”.

“We need to do everything we can to try and reduce the incidence of family violence and violence against women,” he said.

Neighbours described the woman who lived on the property as a “very nice lady” who was frequently seen gardening in her front yard and walking her foster dog.

“It makes me feel shocked, and also a little bit of concern that we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” neighbour Martine Casagrande told The Herald Sun.

A crime scene has been established at the scene while detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

The man was set to face court on Thursday evening.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV/dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fiji’s PM dismisses Tabuya as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Fiji MP Lynda Tabuya has been dismissed as the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection.

Lynda Tabuya

Lynda Tabuya Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka said in light of the recent events concerning the conduct of Lynda Tabuya, and in consideration of:

  • (i) the Oath she has taken as a Minister; and
  • (ii) standards expected of any Minister,

He has decided to exercise the power conferred upon to him by Section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution, to dismiss her as a Minister, with immediate effect.

She will remain as a Member of Parliament.

Mr Rabuka said this is not a decision he has taken lightly, but one that is necessary in the best interest of the people that we serve.

Sashi Kiran delivers her remarks at the reconciliation and thanksgiving church service on 14 May 2023.

Sashi Kiran Photo: Fiji Government

Sashi Kiran will replace Lynda Tabuya as the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, effective from the date of her swearing by the President, Mr Rabuka said.

Tonga police car crashes into power pole, another vehicle damaged

By
Kaniva Staff
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A police vehicle had been involved in a collision with a power pole earlier today.  

According to reports, the incident occurred near the Vaini police station.  

No injuries were reported, but the crash caused significant damage to the vehicle. 

Photographs captured at the scene and later shared on social media revealed that another vehicle sustained damage.  

This particular vehicle was parked on the left-hand side of the road, just a few meters away from the police van on the opposite side. 

 The images suggested that the damage could be related to the events involving the police van.  

The circumstances surrounding the damages to the two vehicles remain unclear.  

It has yet to be determined if the vehicles collided with one another before they were pushed apart, ending up on opposite sides of the road.

 The Police have yet to comment on their Facebook account. 

Earlier this week, a car accident was reported in Vava’u involving a vehicle that overturned before resting on its roof.  

Auckland rail shutdown begins: What you need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Maia Ingoe of RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

Starting today, Auckland’s railway lines will be empty with no trains operating for the next 32 days.

Auckland trains, station, on train, commute, commuters, platform, out of service, passengers, public transport

Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro

It is the first extended period of rail closures in the city – in total, 96 days of empty tracks are planned, through to the end of January 2026.

That means no passenger trains, freight trains, Northern Explorer or Te Huia train.

The shutdown is to allow for KiwiRail to complete rail rebuild works that are crucial to the successful opening of City Rail Link in 2026.

When will trains be down?

KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have tried to match up the rail shutdowns with school and public holiday periods.

These include:

  • The summer holidays from 26 December to 27 January 2025
  • Easter and term one holidays from 12 to 27 April
  • King’s Birthday from 30 May to 2 June
  • Matariki from 20 to 23 June
  • Labour weekend from 24 to 27 October
  • Summer holidays from 20 December to 26 January 2026

Another 24 days of trains running at single-line reduced frequency are also planned for 2025 – happening every second weekend from 28 June to 21 September, and for 12 consecutive days from 14 to 25 December.

A few weeks of back-up closures are also set out, but will only be used if needed – trains will run on a single line, at a reduced frequency. If KiwiRail needs more time to complete work, it has set out 29 total days, in three blocks over January/February, June/July, and September/October school holiday periods.

AT Hop card

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Why does this have to happen?

The shutdown makes time to complete the final stages of the Rail Network Rebuild – a long-winded project of upgrading and repairing Auckland’s railway system, which commenced in January of 2023.

KiwiRail chief infrastructure officer Andre Lovatt said it was “critical upgrade work” to get the network ready for the City Rail Link.

“What we’re doing in that period of time is upgrading our network from a freight train network to one that can withstand or accommodate the very high frequency metro trains that are gonna be on the tracks when CRL opens.”

City Rail Link, when opened, will double Auckland’s rail capacity with four new stations in the CBD.

But to ensure the full CRL benefits of more reliable, faster and frequent trains are realised, rebuild work on the rest of the railway network needs to be finished.

Without the 96 days of closures, the rebuild would have been completed after CRL’s opening.

“If we weren’t able to do that, then all of that taxpayer money that’s been invested in CRL hasn’t actually resulted in the ultimate benefits of that project,” Lovatt said.

The government has also put $200 million towards getting the rail rebuild finished.

Auckland bus sign

Photo: 123RF

What railway works will be done?

KiwiRail will be replacing track foundations and improving drainage on the Western Line between New Lynn and Swanson, and on the Southern Line between Newmarket and Britomart, and between Ōtāhuhu and Papakura, and on other parts of the network.

It will be replacing ageing sleepers on bridges around Newmarket, Parnell and near Tāmaki Drive, and working on the Parnell tunnel.

And upgrades to track infrastructure, power supplies and signal systems will – among other things – remove the temporary speed restrictions that caused havoc and widespread cancellations last February in Auckland.

Upgrades to Middlemore station will be finished, and new stations in Drury and Pareātā will finish construction.

Lovatt said KiwiRail was squeezing a decade’s worth of work into 15 months.

“We are going to be able to operate more frequent trains and trains will be able to run faster. In essence, what that will mean is in the city, trains will run every four to five minutes, and journey times – for example from Henderson in the west to the central city – will be a 35-minute journey.”

What other public transport options are there?

Auckland Transport group manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara said rail replacement buses will be put on whenever trains are not running, every 20 minutes, and other frequent routes will be bolstered with extra services.

From 6 January, AT will be adding express rail replacement buses as people return to work.

“We’re confident that the plan we have will be able to cope with the number of passengers that will be moving through this four-week period. It’s a quieter time of year for public transport with lots of people still on holiday. We’re also able to redeploy school buses to support our rail replacement services as well.”

Cara said the AT operations centre would be closely monitoring the network and traffic flow during the rail shutdown.

There was a dedicated plan for the first 32-day shutdown, and Cara said AT will come up with specific plans for the rest of the closures throughout 2025.

Anti-Corruption Commissioner vows to eradicate ‘corruption’ inviting public to file complaints  

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Anti-Corruption Commissioner has promised to do his best to get rid of all kinds of corruption in the kingdom.  

Mr Christopher LaHatte, Anti-Corruption Commissioner. Photo/Anti-Corruption Commission’s Facebook

Mr Christopher LaHatte, who recently took on the role as the first official holder of this position since the Commission’s inception in July, commented while presenting the Commission’s inaugural Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2029. 

The plan offers strong protection for whistleblowers, ensuring that individuals can complain without fear of repercussions.   

“As we embark on this journey, we invite constructive criticism and open dialogue”, it said.  

Mr LaHatte said he was confident that by working together with the community, they could make “significant strides in eliminating corruption and upholding the law”.

The Commission said it combats “corruption through the promotion of transparency, accountability and integrity in public services”.  

It is open to individuals from all walks of life, ensuring everyone can seek assistance and bring their concerns forward.  

This contrasts with the Office of the Ombudsman, which primarily addresses issues related to government entities and statutory boards.  

Anyone can file a complaint with the Commission about potential corrupt conduct. 

“This can be done in person in their office in Nuku’alofa, by email or through their website”.   

The staff of the Anti-Corruption Commission recently took part in workshops coordinated by local and Australian counterparts to improve and enhance their investigative skills.

It also actively engaged in a public awareness campaign to disseminate information about its duties and policy. This initiative is intended to educate citizens about the services it provides.

What is corruption? 

The Transparency International defines corruption as:  

“We define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis. Exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account can only happen if we understand the way corruption works and the systems that enable it”. 

Police warn people over misuse of fireworks

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The public is being warned over the responsible use of fireworks during Christmas and ahead of New Year.

Police said fireworks were enjoyable for many, but they could also be distressing for some people and the elderly.

The police said they have received complaints about deafening fireworks that could be distressing, particularly for people with heart conditions and children.

The community was reminded about the laws for fireworks.

It said that lightning fireworks must cease by 10pm.

It follows warning from Tonga Fire and Emergency Services last month reminding the public “to celebrate responsibly and safely when using fireworks”.

“Fireworks can be exciting, but they can also pose serious risks if not handled properly”.

In 2022, three Chinese men were arrested after Police responded to reports of fireworks being set off in ‘Alo’italau, Vava’u.

Initial indications from the scene were that the suspects were allegedly drunk when the fireworks being let off, Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota told Kaniva News. 

Police could not be reached for comment at the time.

Tongatapu man arrested after police seized 3.5kg meth  

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been arrested following the seizure of 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine by police in Lapaha.  

A fight that broke out during a rugby tournament in Salt Lake City resulted in a coach losing sight in one eye after being assaulted by a man with an umbrella, according to police. (Barbra Ford, Shutterstock)

The 41-year-old man has been charged with possession of illicit drugs. 

He is remanded in custody, the Police said.  

The police expressed gratitude to the community for their contributions through reports, which helped them apprehend the suspect. 

“It is through this cooperative effort that together we can defeat the scourge that all types of drugs bring to our communities across the kingdom”, a statement said.  

It follows an arrest in 2022 when Police arrested two 20-year-old men, one at Lapaha and the other at Ngele’ia, for breaching curfew. Each had a pack of cannabis in their possession, for which they have been criminally charged. 

Police urged the public to report any suspicious activity that might lead to drug-related incidents.  

They emphasized the importance of community vigilance in keeping neighbourhoods safe and encouraged residents to share any information that could help combat drug-related crime. 

Gov’t and local builders’ disputes over tsunami construction project end in contracts awarded to Chinese workers 

By
Kaniva Staff
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The infights between the local construction companies and the Ministry of Infrastructure over the Hungas’ Tsunami building project took a new twist.  

The Ministry has announced that it had awarded the building contracts to Chinese labourers currently in Tonga after a series of failed negotiations with Tongan contractors.  

As Kaniva News reported recently, the local contractors were unhappy after the Minister for Infrastructure Hon Seventeen Toumo’ua fixed the contracts for each new house at what was claimed to be an undervalued price. 

The contractors eventually submitted a petition to the Parliament before a Parliamentary committee was selected to work on it.  

Hon Toumo’ua had been accused of lack of cooperation with the Parliamentary committee.

We contacted the Minister at the time for comment.

In the latest development, the Ministry said yesterday it made the decision after repeated failures by local contractors to deliver on the project.  

According to the Ministry, local contractors were given an initial opportunity but could not meet expectations. 

“The first group of contractors had their contracts cancelled, and new contractors were hired. However, that also did not work,” the ministry said in a statement. 

It said the decision to hire Chinese labourers had been seen as the most practical solution to ensure the project’s completion.

It said that the Chinese labourers were in the process of completing some of the new houses.

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