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Mann Cup: Former internationals named for Tonga NZ Residents

By
Kaniva Staff
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Former New Zealand and Mate Ma’a Tonga representatives Epalahame Lauaki and Tevita Latu headline the Tonga New Zealand Residents squad named to play Auckland on June 2 at Mount Smart Stadium.

In a decorated 11-year career which saw him play in both the NRL and UK Super League competitions, Lauaki was capped twice by the Kiwis and three times by his birth nation Tonga, while Latu amassed four Test caps between the two nations, with both players appearing at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Joining the pair in the wider squad for the inaugural Upright Access Mann Cup are a host of players who have come through the Vodafone Warriors’ system, with prop Daniel Palavi, winger Saula Solomona and halfback Eko Malu all bringing vast experience.

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Head coach Duane Mann said he had focussed on achieving the right balance with his squad.

“I wanted to make sure we had the right mix of youth and experience,” Mann said.

“Players like Soape Kavaliku, Epalahame Lauaki and Tevita Latu have been around the top scene for a long time and have given a lot back to club league in Auckland, and they join some really talented guys in their early 20s.

“Having those experienced guys around to promote the cultural aspect will also be important. It’s a huge part of this game, and whether it’s a Tongan, Maori or Kiwi team, culture is so important.”

Henderson Cars Tonga New Zealand Residents squad: Ma’afu Briggs (Marist Saints), Nicholas Halalilo (Mangere East Hawks), Richard Holani (Otahuhu Leopards), Soape Kavaliku (Glenora Bears), Tom Kavaliku (Marist Saints), Tevita Latu (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Epalahame Lauaki (Glenora Bears), Francis Leger (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Seiloni Liava’a (Howick Hornets), Sioeli Makaui (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Eko Malu (Northcote Tigers), Paea Manukia (Glenora Bears), Tevita Mikaele (Otahuhu Leopards), Ethan Nukanuka (Otahuhu Leopards), Peter Oliveti (Mt Albert Lions), Koli Oneone (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Daniel Palavi (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Paea Palu (Mt Albert Lions), Cyrus Payne (Marist Saints), Joseph Price (Mt Albert Lions), Troy Pulupaki (Howick Hornets), Trent Schaumkel (Northcote Tigers), Jonah Sofele (Otahuhu Leopards), Saula Solomona (Pt Chevalier Pirates), William Stowers (Papakura Sea Eagles), Dakohta Taimani (Mangere East Hawks), Akuila Tuha (Papakura Sea Eagles), Kruz Tupou (Howick Hornets), Toni Tupouniua (Marist Saints), Sione Tongia (Otahuhu Leopards), Dylan Uate (Otahuhu Leopards), Netane Vi (Mangere East Hawks).

Convicted fraudster engages in war of words with PM Pōhiva’s supporters

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan woman convicted of fraud in New Zealand has engaged in a war of words after being ridiculed on social media by supporters of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.

Neomai Muasika, 55, had previously claimed on social media that the Prime Minister was corrupt and dishonest.

Hon Pōhiva’s supporters began taunting Muasika this week after it was revealed she had been convicted in March at the Dunedin District Court on six charges of dishonestly using a document and one charge of obtaining by deception.

She was sentenced to six months’ home detention (with six months’ post detention conditions) and 200 hours’ community work after she defrauded Inland Revenue and Social Housing of a total amount of $98,964.61.

She was also ordered to pay $10,000 reparation at $20 a week, the level of payments to be reassessed in one year’s time.

Judge Michael Turner described her offending as premeditated and protracted.

“Essentially, what you did was steal from every taxpayer in the country,” Judge Turner said.

In defending herself on Facebook, Muasika said in Tongan: “Tax pe a Neomai kai pe e Neomai ta fkfoki pe e Neomai ikai kau ai tukuhau kakai masiva i Tonga mahino atu.”

This translates into English as: “It was Neomai’s tax Neomai defrauded it Neomai paid it back and it did not involve the poor Tongan taxpayers’ tax is that understood.”

In response a critic wrote: “Hahah hoo mata malohi keke kai e paanga tax e kakai peake tala koho paanga tax..lol”

This translates into English as: “Hahaha how dare you embezzle people’s tax and say it was your tax money..lol”

Another commentator told Muasika he thought when he read the news her husband had died.

In response Muasika said she only did that so she could get money for living, referring to her fraud activities.

Some commenters stood by Muasika and said she should not be criticised as she had been convicted and she would pay for her fine.

Muasika’s offending resulted in her receiving $61,510.32 benefit overpayment. Muasika received a pecuniary advantage in the form of subsidised Income Related Rent for social housing amounting to $37,454.29 resulting in a total overpayment of $98,964.61.

The judge noted Muasika’s explanation to probation services that her husband would return to Tonga without her and the children and that she needed funds to keep the house running.

She said she became accustomed to financial independence.

For more information

$98,900 benefit fraud brings home detention (Otago Daily Times)

Song reveals connection between Tu’imala and King of Ukulele, Sione ‘Āleki

By
Kalino Latu
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A well-known Tongan love song, Ta Kuo Te Si’i ‘Au’auhia, was composed by the late Sione ‘Āleki for Tu’imala Kaho.

Tu’imala, a well-known Tongan poetess, singer and choreographer, revealed this in an interview with Kaniva News in Auckland recently.

Tu’imala said the song had seven verses, each of which began with one of the seven letters of her name – Tu’imala.

When pressed about the meaning of the song, she smiled and said it was just typical of Tongan poets and musicians to compose songs about some one they loved, respected, looked up to  or they thought were worth singing about.

The song was very popular with Tongan singers and many have recorded it.

Tu’imala said the Late Queen Salote Tupou III, who was regarded as the best poetess of Tongan modern times, had composed many songs about her half-sister, Princess ‘Elisiva Fusipala Tauki’onetuku, who lived from 26 July 1912 to  21 April 1933.

Tu’imala said a number of high chiefs courted Princess Tauki’onetuku. When the Queen was interested in a particular chief and willing him to marry her half-sister, she composed a song for him.

These songs included ‘Eva e Loto ni Hange Ha misi which was composed by the Queen for Toutaiolepo when he courted the princess. Uisa si’i fa, was composed for the Late ‘Ulukalala when he courted the princess. Another was Loto He Kelekele,  which Tu’imala said it was composed by the Queen as a song for late Veikune Lala about his courtship with the princess.

The princess never married any of these chiefs. She left for New Zealand and died while studying there.

The Queen also composed songs about her husband, children and the royals.

‘Āleki, who composed and recorded his own songs, was described by the ukulele playing community in the South Pacific as the King of Ukulele.

He could play every style from every Pacific island and what really made him exceptional was that he could make his audience extremely excited by the way he played the uke.

He’d roll over and over on the floor while playing his ukulele behind his head, or with his foot, or his teeth, or almost any part of his body.

‘Āleki became widely known to the Pacific islands after he moved to New Zealand in the early 1980s and played with the late Bill Sevesi of Tonga.

Ta Kuo Te Si’i ‘Au’auhia:

Ta kuo te si’i ‘au’auhia
‘I he ‘ōseni ‘o e li’ekina
Kumi si’i lupe mana’ia
Lose tu’u ‘i he lilifa

‘Uluaki koe ‘i he kolope
Huhulu ‘i he ongo pole
Palanite ‘oku na ulo ma’u pe
‘Āvea ai si’i loto ni ē

‘Ise’isa e he me’a mamahi
Feohi moe ‘Ikale Tahi
Luki tenifa hono tahi
Melemo ai si’i vaivai.

Māhina hopo ‘o fakanonoa
Tēkina ai si’ete ‘ofa
‘amusia pe tavake mo e lofa
Ko au ni kuo mounuvaoa

‘Amusia pe si’i manupuna
‘Oku ne kapa he taua
Ka te si’i nofo ‘o loto mo’ua
Tekina he fisi’inaua

Loka e matapā si’o fale
Ka teu vivili atu pe
Tali fekau kiate koe
Uisa pe teu si’i fēfē

‘Amanaki e ke ta māvae
Ka teu si’i uiui pe
Ho’o to’onga ne malave ma’u pe
Hoto kōfini ki he mate

Two people in critical conditions after serious crash in Otara, South Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Two people have received critical injuries after a serious crash on Ormiston Rd, Otara which took place around 2.10pm.

Cordons are currently in place on Ormiston Road at the intersections of Preston Rd and Jarvis Way.

Another cordon is also in place at the intersection of Murchison Road and Geraldine Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area as the diversions are expected to be in place for some time.

The Serious Crash Unit is attending the incident.

Pita Taufatofua to speak at UN Youth Dialogue in New York

By
Kalino Latu
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Pita Taufatofua has been invited to speak at the United Nations’ Youth Dialogue next week in New York.

The Tongan-Australian based taekwondo practitioner and skier has welcomed the invitation on social media.

“Ive just been personally invited by the President of the United Nations to speak at the UN high level opening event. I pray to represent the Pacific and all those whose voices haven’t been heard with pride and strength!” he wrote on Facebook.

The one-day event on May 30 seeks to listen to the ideas, needs and concerns of young people on bridging education and skills training with employment in the 21st century, as well as on the prevention of radicalization.

The event further aims to galvanize the efforts of many global alliances and initiatives that are empowering young people.

In his letter on May 3 the President of the UN seventy-second session General Assembly H. E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák congratulated Taufatofua for the work he has been doing for young people and promoting the Pacific through culture, sport and philanthropy.

“Given our shared interest in youth empowerment, it is my pleasure to invite you to speak in the high level opening segment at 10am at the United Nations.”

Taufatofua has been in the spotlight since walking in the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics all oiled up and muscles bulging. He repeated that for the Pyeongchang opening ceremony on February 9.

Vainī residents celebrate new water supply upgrade

By
Kaniva Staff
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Residents of Vainī town have welcomed a new water supply upgrade funded by the Canadian government.

The project has provided the community with clean and 24-hour reliable supply of water.

It has also reduced the more than $600 monthly power bills the residents have to pay to only around $150 Pa’anga a month.

The project has been funded through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The spokesperson for the Ongokie Vainī Community, Sione Foliaki,  thanked the Canadian authorities during a warm welcoming celebration attended by Hon Tevita ‘Unga, community leaders and members as well as some ministers of the crown.

“I, on behalf of every woman and children in this Ongokie Community would like to propose a vote of thanks to the People of Canada, Canada government and especially to you, Sir Nicolas Sabourin and those who are not here with us  today from office of the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives  (CFLI), who have a great role in making of this project possible.          Your Excellency,  your CFLI small investment really makes  huge differences in the lives of the Vainī Ongokie Community, and the Vainī Public Health Centre Foliaki said in a speech during the celebration.

Man jailed for 16 yrs in NZ after raping girl, boy, will be deported to Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A Tongan man who was jailed for raping two children spanning a five-year period in New Zealand will be deported to the kingdom as soon as he leaves prison.

Vailea Pola was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on May 10 after earlier being convicted on 15 charges relating to the sexual abuse, NZ Herald reported.

Pola must serve at least half of his sentence before he can apply for parole.

He denied all of the offending – but a jury found him guilty of raping and sexually violating a girl and sexually violating and indecently assaulting a boy.

The court heard that the abuse started soon after Pola moved to South Auckland from Tonga.

He would go into the bedrooms of the children and rape, violate or assault them – or seek them out when they were away from other people, including in the bathroom.

When he raped the girl he covered her mouth with his hand to stop her from screaming out, and told her that she would “never see her parents again” if she told anyone what had happened.

He told the boy he would “smash him” if he disclosed the abuse.

Judge McGuire said a pre-sentence report prepared by Probation Services showed the true extent of Pola’s dark side.

“Your response was the victims’ had lied and you called them troublemakers – you show no remorse,” he said.

During the interview for the report, Pola was “relaxed, casual and even laughed at times” when questioned about his sex crimes.

Judge McGuire said those crimes were “abhorrent”.

The report also identified Pola as a sexual deviant with a propensity for violence, intimidation and exploitation of others.

Crown prosecutor Ben Smith sought a sentence of 16 years in prison with no discount for Pola’s otherwise clean record.

He said while in some cases a discount for a lack of previous offending was appropriate – it was not for Pola.

“The defendant shows no remorse … he continues to deny the offending,” Smith told the court.

He also asked Judge McGuire to impose a minimum term of imprisonment.

Defence lawyer Nalesoni Tupou said there was no need for an MPI (minimum term of imprisonment) as Pola would be deported “as soon as the sun sets on his term of imprisonment”.

He said the rapist had no criminal record in Tonga.

Police seek information on violent Onehunga train station assault

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are seeking the public’s help to identify three people who we believe can help with enquiries into a violent assault that occurred at the Onehunga Train Station on Saturday.

On 19 May at approximately 1.40pm a 25-year-old Columbian man was sitting down waiting for his train when he was approached by a male offender who demanded the victim’s wallet.

The victim declined, and the offender began to savagely beat him, kicking him to the ground and continually punching and kicking him as he lay defenceless on the ground.

The victim has received serious head injuries including a fractured eye socket and a deep gash to his head.

Police are appalled by this completely unprovoked and violent attack and need the public’s help to identify the offender.

“This was a particularly violent assault and we are determined to identify the offender involved and hold him to account for this.  What was also very concerning was the extreme level of violence used, well over and above that needed to overcome the resistance of the victim.  Someone will recognise the offender, his friends or family will know who he is and we urge anyone with information which may help us identify him to contact police immediately,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong.

We are also looking to identify and speak to the other two people in these images.  The male was wearing camouflage pants and a blue top and the female was wearing a blue and black jacket.

If you have any information that could help our investigation, please contact Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong on (09) 524 1962 or Sergeant Harris (after 1pm) on (09)  524 1961.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Strong Auckland squad named for Tonga match

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Auckland Rugby League has today named a 25-strong premier squad in preparation for the June 2 Upright Access Mann Cup clash with the Tonga New Zealand Residents.

Among the players named by coach Grant Pocklington is 2016 National Youth Competition winner Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck, younger brother of Vodafone Warriors captain Roger, who this year has balanced playing time between the Warriors’ reserves and SAS Fox Memorial Premiership side the Richmond Bulldogs.

Five members of Glenora’s Grand Final-winning team from last year have made the cut, while 2017 runners-up Pt Chevalier – who are undefeated to date this season – have five players in line to take the field at Mount Smart Stadium.

Pocklington said it was a major benefit that the majority of his squad boasted time spent in NRL systems.

“About 80 per cent of the boys in this squad have come through the Intrust Super Premiership (NRL reserve grade) level, so they come with those fitness levels, the understanding around training,” Pocklington said.

“We’ve picked a mix of experienced guys and some younger ones who get a chance to show what they have got at this level.

“Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck was really pleased to come in as a leader. He comes from an environment at the Sydney Roosters where he’s had to know when it’s time to laugh and when it’s time to step it up, while the likes of Jamel Hunt and Zac Tippins know exactly what to do at this level.

“That local Auckland experience will be important.”

Mt Albert Lions duo Reece Joyce and Roydon Gillett – who both made the final 28 of The NRL Rookie TV show in 2016 – join reigning Auckland Rugby League Player of the Year Taylor Daniels and one-time Sydney Roosters product Abraham Papalii in the group.

In total, nine Auckland clubs are represented in the squad, with powerhouse forward Moses Oge the sole representative from the second division competition.

Auckland squad: Tevin Arona (Pt Chevalier), Kurt Bernard (Glenora), Reece Charlie (Howick), Taylor Daniels (Northcote), Geronimo Doyle (Otahuhu), Jethro Friend (Howick), Roydon Gillett (Mt Albert), Jamel Hunt (Papakura), Phoenix Hunt (Papakura), Aziah Ikitule-Filipo (Howick), Reece Joyce (Mt Albert), Michael Ki (Pt Chevalier), Moses Oge (Bay Roskill), Abraham Papalii (Pt Chevalier), Daniel Reuelu-Buchanan (Glenora), Polima Siaki (Glenora), Chris Sio (Pt Chevalier), Matiu Stone-Dunn (Richmond), Zac Tippins (Glenora), Jordan Tuarae (Glenora), Matti Tuitama (Pt Chevalier), Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck (Richmond), Siave Tupou (Richmond), Johnny Vuetibau (Howick), Cole Waaka (Northcote).

Tongan workers safe following explosion at Manildra flour mill in Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
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Manildra flour mill explosion as I drove next to it

Posted by Glen Johnston on Friday, May 18, 2018

Six Tongan employees at Manildra flour mill in Australia were not on-site when an explosion injured a worker and caused extensive damage to the facility on Saturday.

Emergency services responded to a building fire at the Manildra Group-operated site at about 2.30pm on Saturday, Central Western Daily reported.

Fine Lātū of Parkes, Sydney which is 38 minute-drive to Manildra told Kaniva News he and five other Tongans who were employees of the company were off duty when the incident occurred.

The injured individual was treated for minor injuries by ambulance crews at the scene.

Operations resumed at the Manildra Flour Mills on Monday but the cause of Saturday’s explosion likely won’t be known until the end of the week, it said.

About 40 people were on-site at about 1.30pm on Saturday when the explosion occurred triggering an evacuation of the facility.

Site manager John Brunner reportedly said it was not known what had caused the incident and subsequent blaze, and an independent assessor would work with the facility’s owner the Manildra Group to determine how it happened.

He said the explosion occurred in a storage area, activating the mills’ sprinklers and alarm systems.

Tongan employees at the mill according to Lātū were Fahina Talanoa, Tonga Folau, Sāmiu Vaha’akolo, Tuitu’u Māsila and ‘Alo Fīnau.

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