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TCC unaware of claims 911 unanswered, but will investigate procedure, boss says

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga Communication Corporation (TCC) Chief Executive Officer Tīmote Kātoanga said he was unaware of any complaints about calls being left unanswered by his staff at the 911 call centre.

He said he was happy to have learned about the complaints  through Kaniva News so he could check on the allegations.

Kātoanga said if it could be proved there were complaints about unanswered calls, the TCC would work to resolve them.

Kātoanga was responding after some complainants told Kaniva News they called 911 to report emergency needs but the line was either busy or the calls went unanswered.

Some complainants said they needed confirmation from TCC regarding 911.

In a story published by Kaniva News last month regarding two house fires in a property in Kolomotu’a the Fire Service claimed the family called 911 before calling 999, the number for fire services.

This implied that 911 was not a number for all emergency services.

But Kātoanga has confirmed that 911 was in fact a number for all emergency services.

He said anybody could call 911 and report any emergency and staff would contact the emergency service they needed, whether it was fire, police, power or ambulance.

The TCC telephone directory lists seven numbers for emergency calls.

Fire service for:

Nuku’alofa district is 999

Hahake District / Lapaha is 927

Hihifo District / Nukunuku is 928

Hospital is 933

Police is 922

Electricity 944

And 911 is written as a number for any emergency assistance.

People can call these numbers free, Kātoanga said.

When asked whether having so many emergency numbers could lead to confusion by the public about which number they should call Kātoanga said there was an advantage in assigning one number each to Police, fire, electricity and ambulance.

He said this could reduce waiting times for callers; whereas if they called 911 they had to wait so the staff could redirect them to the assigned number for whatever services they wanted.

For further information:

Fire service apologises for response after two house fires, saying they did their best 

Pacific Environment Journalists’ Network secretariat will be based in Tonga

By
Philip Cass
-

The secretariat of the newly launched Pacific Environment Journalists’ Network  will be based in Tonga.

The announcement was made in Nuku’alofa during the recent Pacific Islands News Association Pacific Media Summit.

Tonga-based media consultant and Former Fiji journalist Iliesa Tora was elected PEJN president.

The Pacific Environment Journalist Network was formed in Bonn last year by a group of Pacific journalists who covered  the COP23 environmental conference in Bonn last year.

The UN Climate Change secretariat described the formation of the network as an achievement. The journalists attended the conference as guests of the secretariat, the German Federal government and the Deutsche Welle Akademie.

Membership will be open to journalists from across the region.The network has been established to help the work of journalists reporting on environment issues.

The Pacific Islands will face the worst effects of global warming, with sea rises threatening many countries.

However, many journalists and academics are worried about the amount of local coverage of the issue.

They are also worried that in some countries the message about global warming and other environmental problems have still not reached ordinary people.

PINA’s outgoing president, Moses Steven, said Pacific journalists should be telling their own stories instead of media from outside the region.

He said network should work with national media organisations to develop and grow reporting on environment issues because we have to take ownership of our stories.

Earth Journalism Network’s Imelda Abano said, it was important to improve the quality and quantity of environment reporting in the Pacific.

For more information

Environment network

Pacific journalists network launched as part of COP23 success story

Minister calls Tonga centre of meth smuggling as police charge second man over airport bust

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga was the main site for methamphetamine smuggling, a New Zealand government minister claimed this morning.

Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones described Tonga as “the main culprit in the issue.”

The Minister’s comments came as Tongan police said a second man had been arrested in connection with a major drugs bust.

Tongan police seized close to $US900,000 worth of methamphetamine at Fua’amotu International Airport.

Acting chief superintendent Tevita Vailea said police suspected the drugs were being smuggled to New Zealand.

The Minister cited poverty and instability in the Pacific as contributing to drug smuggling.

“Tonga has a frightfully high level of indebtedness,” Jones said.

“Tonga needs an enormous amount of assistance with its customs, it is a transit point. I can’t say too much about what the police may or may not have shared with us when I was an ambassador.

“I have extraordinarily high fears about Pacific Island states being used as transit points for mischief and mayhem eventually making its way to New Zealand.”

Jones described Pacific island nations as “failed states” and said they were the transit route for methamphetamine entering New Zealand.

A United Nations report said the Pacific islands were vulnerable  to the activities of  international gangs due to their location near major markets for methamphetamine and other drugs.

It said large quantities of cocaine smuggled through the region had been seized in  Australia  and cannabis continued to be smuggled into and through the Pacific.

The UN report said methamphetamine as well as the chemicals used to make it, were trafficked through the Pacific.

In 2016 three Tongans were part of a gang of six men arrested for trying to smuggle 494 kgs of methamphetamine, estimated to be worth half a billion dollars into New Zealand.

They were charged with importing, possession for supply, participating in an organized criminal group and money laundering.

For more information

Tonga becoming a ‘transit point’ for meth in NZ, Shane Jones says

Tonga police nab nearly 2kg of meth

Police make second arrest over $2 million meth bust at Tonga border

Tonga joins forces with regional body to strengthen response to cyber security

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga’s increasing concern with cyber security issues has led it to join a new regional group of expert teams which respond to cyber attacks.

The kingdom is one of 14 members of the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network created in April this year.

Tonga established the Pacific Island’s first Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the Pacific.

It provides advice and support on cyber threats and vulnerabilities to the owners and operators of Tongan critical infrastructure and other systems of national interest.

In May last year Tonga signed an agreement with Australia to collaborate on cyber security issues and to share information with CERT Australia.

Cybercrime has been an issue in the Pacific for several years, with attempts to hack into national financial institutions and telephone networks and denial of service attacks.

In 2016 Tonga hosted a meeting of police officers, lawyers and government officials from Pacific Commonwealth countries tackle deepening concerns around cybercrime.

According to a New Zealand government report, as technological advances and greater connectivity give Pacific nations more access to the internet, cyber security challenges will only increase.

Tonga’s concern with cyber security was heightened by research by Tongan-born Massey graduate Siuta Laulaupea’alu, from Okoa.

As part of his Master of Cyber Security at the University of Waikato, Laulaupea’alu worked on a thesis analysing the Tongan Government’s computer networks and potential security risks.

He presented his research to government ministries and agencies in the kingdom.

As a result, the Tongan government signed a memorandum of understanding with the university to collaborate on security issues.

“If we don’t develop a better understanding of cyber security and implement strategies as a society, cybercrimes will become commonplace,” Laulaupea’alu said.

For more information

Tonga member of new Pacific Cyber Security Network

Tonga National CERT Signs a Framework of Operational Coorperation (FOC) with the CERT Australia to manage Cyber Security

How a Waikato Uni grad transformed Tonga’s cyber security

Man killed in Tongatapu crash named

By
Kalino Latu
-

The driver of a vehicle killed in a Kolonga crash on Saturday night has been named as Sione Teu Ika.

The 38-year-old man from Holonga, Vava’u died at the scene of the crash on the main road, Police reportedly said.  He was living at Kolonga’s neighbouring town of Afā.

Police said speed and alcohol are thought to be factors in the crash.

Media worker who roused Pohiva’s ire elected to Pacific Islands News Association board

By
Philip Cass
-

Viola Ulakai of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission, who was suspended at the behest of the Prime Minister, has been elected as the new Pacific Islands News Association, representing television.

She was elected at the conclusion of PINA’s Fifth Pacific Media Summit in Tonga.

As Kaniva News reported at the time, in 2016 Ulaki was suspended from her position as Radio and Television Tonga programmes manager by Minister of Public Enterprises, Poasi Tei.

It is understood Hon. Tei was acting under orders from Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

Her suspension by the TBC board came after Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva alleged she had falsely claimed that a request for a press conference was made on behalf of the Tongan Media Council.

Hon. Pohiva said he suspected her of acting as a mouthpiece for his political opponents.

He was reported to have described the state broadcaster as “an enemy of government.”

Ulaki was later removed from a position as news manager, along with Laumanu Petelō, the editor of TBC’s television and radio. They were moved into a new department under the Commission’s marketing and sales management on the orders of TBC boss Dr Tu’i Uata.

At a public meeting in November 2017 Ulukai told Hon. Pohiva  Dr Uata’s actions had tarnished his reputation as leader of the nation.

Tonga has dropped two places in this year’s international press freedom rankings from Reporters Sans frontiers.

It is now listed as 51st out of 180 countries.

The RSF report said the re-election of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s party in November 2017 was accompanied by growing tension between the government and journalists.

PINA elections

The Managing Director of Papua New Guinea’s National Broadcasting Corporation, Kora Nou, was voted in as the new President of PINA.

The vice president was the general manager of BroadCom Broadcasting – Katalina Tohi.

Other new board members included George Lavaka of BroadCom Broadcasting for radio, Iliesa Tora for online media, Stanley Simpson for the National Media Association and the director of Solomon Star Newspaper for print.

The 6th Pacific Media Summit will be held in the Solomon Islands in 2020.

For more information 

Fifth Pacific Media Summit concludes with the election of new PINA President

Ulakai clashes with TBC boss in front of PM; Reporters Without Borders blasts restructure

Tonga TV programme manager upsets government

Pedestrian died after being hit by vehicle in Māngere, South Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

A pedestrian has died after they were hit by a car in Robertson Rd in the south Auckland,  Māngere today Friday 18.

Police said they attended a serious crash on Robertson Road in Mangere where a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle at around 1.45pm.

The pedestrian has died at the scene.

The road is partially blocked and diversions are in place on Robertson Road at Mckinstry Ave and Kivell Close.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.

Police make second arrest over $2 million meth bust at Tonga border

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A second man has been arrested over a drug bust involving methamphetamine which has a street value of about $2 million on May 8.

The suspect was a cleaner at the Fua’amotu International Airport, local media reported.

Police would not release further details about the suspect.

The arrest came after Police initially arrested a 59-year-old man with 1.9 kilograms of meth which is also known as ice.

Police believed the man attempted to smuggle the drugs to New Zealand.

Both accused remain in Police custody.

The first suspect is expected to appear in court in August 30 while the second suspect is  expected to appear at the Magistrate Court tomorrow Friday, May 18.

Local clubs to benefit from Auckland v Tonga sales May 9, 2018

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland Rugby League clubs are set to cash in on June’s representative blockbuster between Auckland and the Tonga New Zealand Residents, via a cash rebate on match tickets.

Every person who purchases a ticket for the June 2 event will have the option of selecting a local club of their choice to receive a portion of the ticket price, as a way of adding an additional revenue stream for all 32 clubs which operate under the ARL.

The ARL has also extended the rebate offer to include the other three organisations who will take part in the event, with fans able to help raise funds for the Auckland Maori, Tonga and Samoa Rugby League bodies.

In addition to the Auckland v Tonga New Zealand Residents clash, the match day at Mount Smart Stadium will also see the Auckland Maori U20 and Toa Samoa Invitational U20 play a curtain-raiser.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

ARL general manager Greg Whaiapu said clubs would play an important role in the event, both on and off the field.

“We know a lot of our club members and families will be attending this event, and through this promotion they can help to directly raise money for their club along the way,” Whaiapu said.

“Between the four representative teams who will take the field, a majority of our Auckland clubs will be represented, and it will be great to have them out in force, supporting friends and whanau.

“The match day experience won’t just be about rugby league either, with cultural groups and activities for kids ensuring there will be something for everyone.”

The Tonga New Zealand Residents’ involvement in the event follows on from Mate Ma’a Tonga’s stunning run at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, which saw a capacity crowd of 30,000 attend their semi-final against England at Mount Smart Stadium.

 

Club rebate ticket codes:

Bay Roskill Vikings (Vikings)
East Coast Bays Barracudas (Barracudas)
Ellerslie Eagles (Eagles)
Glenfield Greyhounds (Greyhounds)
Glenora Bears (Bears)
Hibiscus Coast Raiders (Raiders)
Howick Hornets (Hornets)
Mangere East Hawks (Hawks)
Manukau Magpies (Magpies)
Manurewa Marlins (Marlins)
Marist Saints (Saints)
Mt Albert Lions (Lions)
Mt Wellington Warriors (mtwwarr)
New Lynn Stags (Stags)
Northcote Tigers (Tigers)
Otahuhu Leopards (Leopards)
Otara Scorpions (Scorpions)
Pakuranga Jaguars (Jaguars)
Papakura Sea Eagles (SeaEagles)
Papatoetoe Panthers (Panthers)
Ponsonby Ponies (Ponies)
Pt Chevalier Pirates (Pirates)
Pukekohe Pythons (Pythons)
Richmond Bulldogs (Bulldogs)
Rodney Rams (Rodrams)
Te Atatu Roosters (Roosters)
Tuakau Broncos (Broncos)
Waitemata Seagulls (Seagulls)
Waiheke Rams (Wairams)
Waiuku Warriors (Waiwarr)

Friday deadline for applications for Pacific student media programme

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Applications for this year’s Pacific media programme close on Friday.

The programme is run by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and offers New Zealand and Pacific-based journalism/media students the chance to intern with regional news and media organisations in the Pacific region.

Now in its third year, the PCF Media Programme focuses on improving the level and quality of media exposure in the Pacific, with particular interest on economic development, arts and culture.

Selected students will spend two weeks in a newsroom where they will meet reporters and come away with a better understanding of regional issues.

Students who have taken part in the programme in the past have interned with the Pacific Media Network, Māori Television, Pacific Media Centre and Tiki Lounge Productions.

Students who want to apply must provide a CV and cover letter summarising their media experience/interest and any other relevant work they wish to include to support their application.

For more information contact Sabrina Tian at sabrina@pcf.co.nz/

The main points

  • Applications for this year’s Pacific media programme close on Friday.
  • The programme is run by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and offers New Zealand and Pacific-based journalism/media students the chance to intern with regional news and media organisations in the Pacific region.

For more information and to download application forms, go to: 

PCF journalism places

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