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Tonga’s overseas workers help boost kingdom’s growing economy

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongans working overseas are helping boost the kingdom’s economy with the  money they send home.

According to the government’s budget statement “robust” economic development in the kingdom has been supported by growth in the global and regional economies.

An economic growth rate of 3.4 percent is expected in 2017/18.

The budget said growth would be supported by construction projects, recovery in the agriculture sector.

It also said the increasing amount of money sent home  by Tongans working overseas would also boost the economy.

It said remittances continued to increase in line with the growing number of Tongan seasonal workers participating in Australia’s Seasonal Worker’s program (SWP) and the New Zealand’s Recognized Seasonal Employers’ Program (RSE), as well as growing links between Diaspora Tongans and the domestic economy.

Overall, the economy is anticipated to grow at an average of 2.8 percent in the medium-term. It said  tourism would also help.

“The full operation of Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, opening of other hotels in Tongatapu, increase in number of cruise ships and tourists arrivals will not only spur growth in the tourism industry but the economy as a whole,” the budget statement said.

Tonga’s financial situation is stable with reasons for optimism,  but there are still potential hazards and growth is expected to slow in about two years.

Inflation remains high, mainly driven by higher imported prices. Global prices of gasoline and diesel have gradually increased since early 2016 as have prices of imported food items

There has been a 13.2 percent increase in the price of imported food items such as meat, fish and poultry.

On the domestic side, the price of kava-Tonga remained the largest single contributor, with 71.4 percent increase over the past year. Prices of some food items have also risen due to seasonal factors.

Global economic factors beyond Tonga’s control and problems caused  by global warming all continue to pose potential threats to the economy.

And the kingdom’s indebtedness to China continues to cast a long shadow.

While China has a major influence on the Tongan economy as a trade partner and lender, the budget statement warns that the kingdom is massively exposed to China financially.

The budget statement said that the agreement between China’s EXIM Bank and the Tongan government to defer repayment of the principal of China’s loans for five years would mean Tonga actually had to repay more money.

It is expected the government will have to borrow more money to cover the loan repayment.

Forecast borrowing for 2019/20 is  $TP48.7 million, due to repayment of the China EXIM Loan of $25.4 million.

The main points

  • Tongans working overseas are helping boost the kingdom’s economy with the  money they send home.
  • According to the government’s budget statement “robust” economic development in the kingdom has been supported by growth in the global and regional economies.
  • The budget said growth would be supported by construction projects, recovery in the agriculture sector.
  • But global economic factors beyond Tonga’s control and problems caused  by global warming all continue to pose potential threats to the economy.

Government to review airline operations

By
Philip Cass
-

Both full government control and full privatisation are possibilities for airline operations in Tonga.

The government announced in its budget 2017 – 2018  that it will review airline operations.

Options for the airline industry include making the airline service whole a government owned operation, maintaining the current system, partial privatisation with the government as majority shareholder and full privatisation.

In the short term, the government will offer subsidies for Real Tonga’s flights to the Niuas and open up direct air services from Nadi to Vava’u.

Airline operations in Tonga have  been troubled for many years, with a number of failed attempts to start up second airlines and discontent over costs.

Legal provisions for economic regulations to guide the supervision of the domestic aviation industry were drafted under the Civil Aviation Act 2014.

It is anticipated they will be submitted to Cabinet and Parliament this year.

A formal economic policy for the aviation transport sector is yet to be established.

According to the budget statement, preliminary discussions are being held between Government and the private sector.

It is expected the policy is anticipated to be completed by the end of this financial year.

The main points

  • Both full government control and full privatisation are possibilities for airline operations in Tonga.
  • The government announced in its budget that it will review airline operations.
  • Options for the airline industry include making the airline service whole a government owned operation, maintaining the current system, partial privatisation with the government as majority shareholder and full privatisation.

Samoa’s loss is Tonga’s gain as kingdom qualifies for World Cup in Japan

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga is in with a chance for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Tonga automatically qualifies after Fiji defeated Samoa 38-16 at the stadium in Apia this afternoon.

Tongan Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni applauded the result on Facebook, saying: “We are in 209 Rugby World Cup! Tonga’s in…vinaka Fiji…hard luck Samoa.”

This was the second time Fiji had faced off against Samoa this year in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Fijian coach John McKee said before the match he expected a hard game against Manu Samoa.

“With the PNC up for grabs and Samoa desperate to qualify for RWC in this series we expect a very tough challenge on Saturday,” McKee said.

Fiji has held the Pacific Nations Cup since 2015.

A win or draw would have qualified Samoa for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

A one point lead would have made them level with Tonga.

Speaking before the game, Samoan captain David Lemi said they wanted to qualify for the cup in front of their home crowd, but had another option open to them in case they lost.

This is Manu Samoa’s fourth international defeat this year.

Before this afternoon they had already gone down Tonga, Wales and New Zealand.

Fiji has already qualified for the Rugby World Cup.

The main points

  • Fiji’s defeat of Samoa this afternoon means Tonga qualifies for a place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
  • Fiji defeated Manu Samoa 28-20 at Apia stadium
  • Tonga Prime Minister’ Akilisi Pohiva applauded the win on Facebook.

For more information

Samoa and Fiji gearing up for rugby test in Apia

Being kicked out was humiliating, says Livestreamer Latu

By
Kalino Latu
-

Paula Moimoi Latu, who was removed from the Teufaiva stadium last week for livestreaming the Tonga Fiji match, claimed he asked the organisers for permission and offered to help the TBC when their stream went down.

He said he found the incident embarrassing, but decided not to make a fuss.

Moimoi is well known to the Tongan international community for streaming events and drew a lot of online support after he was removed.

After his removal he spoke with Kaniva News  editor Kalino Latu.

Kalino: Toko fefe hake? Did World Rugby officials give you any reasons why they wanted you to stop live streaming the game?

Paula Moimoi Latu: They said it’s their tournament and they have rights to it. They only gave Tonga Broadcasting Television the rights to film and livestream to the local TV station, not online. I told them there’s more Tongans overseas than in Tonga, so they said I can only take photos but no video. I got onto the internet and decided to livestream and next minute security came and kicked me out of Teufaiva

Q: Do you think your removal was fair because they already warned you ahead of the match?

A: True, but other media was filming so I was filming and wanted to watch and family message as well so I did it for them to watch and delete after the game. I contacted World Rugby and they said that I could, but they need letter from the government for broadcasting, but it was last minute to contact the  government. I felt humiliated and embarrassed, but I didn’t want to make a big fuss at the game. Hearing stories from talk back radio by TV Tonga and Radio 87.5 saying that it was right to kick me out is interesting. People kept asking why and they said they had rights from World rugby. I got kicked out around the stadium and didn’t bother to livestream and went to a private tent and sat at a VIP seat to watch the game. While I was watching people and Tongans overseas and friends were texting and said they wanted to watch the game so I showed them where I was sitting and showing them what I was watching and then next minute I’m out of Teufaiva. It was the first time for me to hear of anyone in the world being kicked out of a game for livestreaming their point of view. Did the World Rugby officials go around the stadium and chase people out because of livestreaming.

Q: Did Tonga Broadcasting livestream the match?

A: Yes

Q: Was it available to outside Tonga?

A: They livestreamed it to the local TV station and it died after 10 minutes of the game. Why livestream locally and not overseas? Samoa vs Fiji is going to be livestreamed overseas. Why didn’t Tonga livestream the game overseas when the game was being hosted locally?

Q:I often came across them on Google alerts saying they are livestreaming and when I clicked on their link nothing came out.

A: I offered to help them and they said they are OK, we have World Rugby guys to help us out. I have livestreamed from Teufaiva how many times and then when it came to the big show they kick me out and they have a go pea mate (dead) after 10 minutes.

The main points

  • Paula Moimoi Latu, who was removed from the Teufaiva stadium last week for livestreaming the Tonga Fiji match, claimed he asked the organisers for permission and offered to help the TBC when their stream went down.
  • He said he found the incident embarrassing, but decided not to make a fuss.
  • Moimoi is well known to the Tongan international community for streaming events and drew a lot of online support after he was removed.

For more information

World Rugby sparks outrage after removing man who live-streamed Tonga-Fiji test

AIS Institute mourns loss of Tongan student in New Zealand

By
Kalino Latu
-

The AIS  Institute  community  in New Zealand is in mourning after one of the school’s top students died this week.

An AIS spokesperson said Jennifer Tu’utafaiva-Leifon  “was a smart student”.

School friends and classmates have paid tribute to Leifon and described her on social media as a person who “had a heart of gold and was always striving for the best”.

A tribute which was written in Tongan and posted by the AIS Institute on its official Facebook page for Maori and Pacific Island students said Leifon studied at the institute’s business school.

It said Leifon received top marks in all subjects she studied. She had good character, willing to help and was a useful student to have.

She was awarded a scholarship and she achieved all her subjects with “Academic Excellence Award”.

She also received a special award in the 2016 AIS Graduation ceremony sponsored by the Tongan-New Zealand based accountant Butch Riechelmann, the post said.

The post ended with a heartfelt message from the AIS and its staff to Leifonʻs family saying they wish that God’s embrace, and the love of family and friends comfort them during this time of sorrow!

One of the deceased very close friends Josephine Fineanganofo reflected on Leifon’s intelligence and studies on Facebook.

“Jennifer excelled in her studies with us at Fokololo, she worked at ATS at Fua’amotu Airport and despite the distance she will make it over to classes or to collect her notes.

Because of her success in education Fineanganofo said she had introduced the AIS Institute to her

“Jenny was quick to see the opportunity having her father Paula Tu’utafaiva to speak to me as we prepared her application to AIS.

“She again excelled at AIS and Jennifer updated me in everything she did especially she followed her dreams right through…

“I will miss her but come to think of it..she was given to us to enjoy before being taken away to join the Angels in Heaven..”

“Fly High Jennifer you did it…malo si’o ‘ofa hono tokonia si’etau fanau mei Fokololo ‘oku nau fakapaea ‘I NZ you made your mark and we will all miss you…Toka A ‘I he Nonga moe Fiemalie ‘a e ‘Eiki, Aunty (as you call me!!)”

Taʻanea and Tefisi celebrate first vehicles for health services

By
Kalino Latu
-

The residents and kāinga of the villages of Taʻanea and Tefisi in Vavaʻu were in euphoric mood last week when they welcomed the first ever vehicles for their health services.

Photos supplied to Kaniva News showed women and health staff dancing while the two new vehicles were decorated with Tongan fine mats and tupenus.

The Minister of Health Saia Piukala said the two vehicles were part of the Ministryʻs commitment to the worldwide campaign by the United Nations known as – Leaving no one behind.

The campaign by the international body was designed to make sure “all nations of the world and all segments of the society recognized that the dignity of the individual is fundamental” by 2030.

“There is need for the health officers in these two villages to visit and reach out to the elderly”, Hon. Piukala said.

There were people who had medical emergencies but they could not make it to hospitals because there were no vehicles to take them.

He said the health services for the people of these villages had been marred by the fact the two health centres had no vehicles.

Hon. Piukala said he  believed it was important to “empower” his staff so they can keep on doing their utmost to deliver the best services for the people of Taʻanea and Tefisi.

The vehicles were funded by the government of Tonga.

Minister of Health Saia Piukala (L) with Taʻanea and Tefisi residents. Photo/Supplied

He said four scooters were delivered to the Haʻapai islands including Nomuka, ʻUiha, Kauvai Haʻano and Lotofoa two months ago.

He said the Haʻapai scooters were part of the international campaign.

Blessing ceremony for Tau’akipulu palace as Ha’apai gears up for king’s arrival

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Ha’apai residents will gather in traditional and religious ceremonies to bless the Tau’akipulu royal palace in Pangai this weekend.

The palace was partly damaged while tropical cyclone Ian struck the island groups in January 2014.

It followed with a renovation which was completed recently and the palace was planned to be blessed while the king is in Ha’apai for this year’s royal show.

Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u will arrive in Pangai from Niuafoʻou today.

They were in Niuafoʻou yesterday as guests of honour during the island’s agricultural show 2017.

King Tupou VI was expected to open the Ha’apai agricultural show next week Tuesday 18 July.

He will open the ‘Eua show on 22 July before the Tongatapu show on 29 July.

It’s a “family issue” and it’s been sorted out with Police, Lauaki family claim

By
Kalino Latu
-

Australian police have confirmed a report published in Kaniva News yesterday that the king’s matāpule ma’utofi’a (herald), Sione Lauaki, was wanted by police in Victoria.

An e-mail from Victoria Police to Radio 531 PI this morning seen by Kaniva said that that Lauaki had been arrested and the warrant against him cleared.

Lauaki was charged with recklessly causing injury during an incident in 2014, but failed to appear in court.

After our story appeared,  a family member claimed that it was a family issue and had been sorted out with Victorian Police.

Fuifuilupe Manuha’apai said there was a family incident in 2014 after which Lauaki was meant to appear in court in Australia, but did not. She said this was because Lauaki was travelling to Tonga at the time.

Victorian Police have yet to make available the details of the incident and the charges against Lauaki.

As we reported, the Australian Star Weekly published a photo of the king’s matāpule (herald), saying he had been “charged with recklessly causing injury.”

“He was due to front court on May 28, 2014, and never showed up. Lauaki remains at large and an active warrant for arrest remains in existence,” the Star Weekly said.

Manuha’apai said his tuonga’ane’s (brother’s) name was put on the most wanted list to “warrant” that he had to return to court and faced his charges.

An e-mail from Victoria Police this morning has confirmed the report.

Fuifuilupe Manuha’apai says it was a family issue. Photo/Facebook

“The information published by the Star Weekly is correct and was provided by police. However the warrant has since been cleared, which means he was arrested,” the email read.

Reactions

The news has divided the public on social media.

Many were astonished, while some who appeared to be family, friends and residents of the king’s hereditary estate holder did not want to accept the news.

Some supporters of Lauaki called on Kaniva to pull down the story depicting it as “fake news”.

Some of them threatened Kaniva with physical attacks.

Some family members insisted the Sione Lauaki named in the story was not Lauaki, the matāpule ma’utofi’a.

Some swore on Kaniva’s Facebook pages, saying we should have not published it because it tarnished Lauaki’s reputation.

None of these disgruntled supporters and family members denied that Lauaki was the person in the photo released by the Victorian Police to the Star Weekly.

In response to negative comments against the news Kaniva Tonga moderators on our Facebook pages deleted these comments and told the writers to contact us directly and raise their concerns.

Our policy restricted our moderators from responding directly on Facebook to any complaints against our news. We urge complainants to contact Kaniva directly as in that way we can tell how genuine the complaint is and the complaint can be handled professionally.

None of those who complained about the story contacted us.

Other writers lashed out at these critics saying they were demented with emotion and worry.

Some said Kaniva was doing its job and reporting a notice given by the Victorian Police to the Star Weekly.

Manuha’apai took to Facebook this morning and apologised to the family and anyone who was affected by the incident.

She confirmed Kaniva was correct when it referred to Lauaki in the Star Weekly, as the king’s top matāpule.

She wrote that Lauaki was her brother and is also known as Kavakilo’amanu, who serves His Majesty King Tupou VI and the fonua (nation).

Her post in Tongan on Facebook is written verbatim below:

“Malo hoomou Lelei pea tau Fakafetai ihe etau kei mataa ae Moui…Kole fzkamolemole atu kihe taha kotoape oku uesia ihe ISSUE KO ENI…….

KO LAUAKI pe ko Kavakiloamanu Kohoku Tuonga’ane kakoe Mataapule (LAUAKI )Mautofi’a FAKAHOKO FATONGIA Kiheene ‘ Afio Tupou 6 moe Fonua o Tonga(Talafoou )

FEKAUAKI MOE Star Weekly Australia KOE ISSUE FKFAMILI PE AMAUTOLU IHE 2014 NAE HOKO AI ihe Taimi koia nae fiemau mai Mei he COURT Oku lolotonga Folau ia ki Tonga o fkhoko fatogia ai pea koe MOST WANTED ke warrant ke foki ange o SORT OUT AE ISSUE PEA KOIA AI KAINGA KUO OSI SORT E ISSUE PEA MOE KAU POLISI IA….koe mea mahuinga koetau feiloaki FIEFIA IHE MOUI FEMAATAAKI KIHE MEDIA ni….OKU IKAI KOHA HIA MAMAFA MO FAKALILIFU KE FAI HA SIO KIAI pe nae mole ha moui ai koe ISSUE FAKAFAMILY PE AMAUTOLU PEA KUO LAVA LELEI HONO SOLOVA. …Fakamalo atu kihe Media moe taha kotoape hoomou TOKONI MOE HUFAKI MOE OFA ki hoku tuongaane LAUAKI pehee Kia moutolu kotoape family and friends kotoape I he KOLOPE. ..

OFA LAHI ATU MOE HUFAKI MOE FAKAAPAAPA ATU MEIHE FUNGAFAITE TALA A FAFINE. …

Tau FIEFIA MO FAKAFETAI IHE MEA KOTOA PE.

OFAATU MOE HUFAKI”.

Below is a screenshot of Fuifuilupe Manuhaʻapai’s post on Facebook

The main points

  • Australian police have confirmed a report published in Kaniva News yesterday that the king’s matapule ma’utofi’a (herald), Sione Lauaki, was wanted by police in Victoria.
  • Victoria Police told Kaniva News this morning that Lauaki had been arrested and the warrant against him cleared.
  • Lauaki was charged with recklessly causing injury during an incident in 2014.
  • He failed to appear in court.

For more information

King’s leading chief, Lauaki, on most wanted fugitives in Australia

Murder charge laid as family of accused apologise for their son’s action

By
Kalino Latu
-

The family of the man who was accused in connection with the death of Keuli Malakai in Ma’ufanga had formally apologised to the deceased’s family for their son’s actions.

It is understood the family arrived at the victim’s family home early this week with a hala which included Tongan handicrafts, soft sweet food and drinks.

It followed with a matāpule formally asking Malakai’s family to forgive their son.

Police have charged the 25-year-old suspect with murder.

Malakai, 51, worked as a custom officer at the Ministry of Customs.

Some of the Ministry’s staff wrote on Facebook saying they were with the deceased at one of the night clubs before the incident happened.

The accused remains in custody after he turned himself in to police on Saturday morning shortly after the incident on July 8.

He will appear at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 17, Police said.

Naked, pedigreed and determined – Tongan players in the All Blacks-Lions clash

By
Philip Cass
-

One of them posed nude for an American sports magazine, two of them have pedigrees as  sons of Tongan internationals and one of them returned to the game he played as a boy to make it into the All Blacks.

They are the four Tongans who represented the All Blacks and the British and Irish Lions in last week’s final clash, which in ended in a 15-all draw.

And, except for a shoulder injury, there could have been a fifth Tongan player on the field.

The presence of the four Tongans split support for the home team and the visitors among Tongan rugby fans.

After a controversial start to the year with allegations and denials surrounding a rugby match in Tonga, Malakai Fekitoa helped focus support for the All Blacks among at least some members of Tonga’s rugby community during their clash with the Lions.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this year, Fekitoa was embroiled in a controversy over a rugby match he organised in the kingdom.

He has kept himself in the spotlight by posing nude for an American sporting magazine and signing to a French club.

Fekitoa, who was born in Ha’apai, has continued to gain publicity for other reasons, including agreeing to pose naked for ESPN The Magazine.

He is believed to be the first athlete from New Zealand – and only the second rugby player poses to have shed their clothes for the sports magazine.

He signed a contract with French club Toulon after not making the original cut for the All Blacks. However he was called in for the third test and there have been questions in the media about whether he will now try to get out of his contract.

Joining Fekitoa in the New Zealand line-up was midfielder Ngani Laumape. Laumape,  who has just signed a two year contract with the Hurricanes, made his debut for the New Zealanders against the Lions.

He has a quieter image than Fekitoa, and has drawn attention as a former schoolboy union player who switched codes and then came back to his original game with a dream of one day being selected for the All Blacks.

When he was told he had been selected to play against the Lions, he couldn’t quite believe he had made it.

Meanwhile, other Tongan rugby fans, backed the Lions because of the presence of Toby Faletau and Mako Vunipola.

Faletau was born in Tofoa and is the son of Tongan international Kuli Faletau.

Faletau senior played for the kingdom in the 1991 Rugby World Cup and moved to Wales in 1987 to join Ebbw Vale.

Toby Faletau was a successful junior player, being named player of the year during his time at Filton College’s rugby academy.

He now plays for Bath and Wales.

Mako Vunipola, who plays for the Saracens and England, had already been capped for the Lions twice before the recent tour.

Born in Sydney, he moved to Wales with his family as a child.

Chief among Vunipola‘s supporters in Tonga was his father, Tonga Rugby Union Chief Executive Fe’ao Vunipola.

Fe’ao and uncles Manu and ‘Elisi all played for the ‘Ikale Tahi.

Radio New Zealand reported that Mako, 26, would almost certainly have been joined by his younger brother Billy in the test squad, but he had to withdraw because of a shoulder injury.

The main points

  • Tongan rugby fans were divided in their support during the All Blacks-Lions clash because of the presence of Tongan players on both sides.
  • Lining up for New Zealand were Malakai Fekitoa and Ngani Laumape.
  • Playing for the Lions were two sons of Tongan internationals, Toby Faletau and Mako Vunipola.
  • Vunipola‘s father is Tonga Rugby Union Chief Executive Fe’ao Vunipola.

For more information

Ngani Laumape has taken a slightly unconventional route to the All Blacks jumper

Ex-All Black Malakai Fekitoa bares all in hot ESPN shoot

Malakai Fekitoa having second thoughts on overseas move

Player profiles of the 41 Lions 

Tonga Rugby CEO all in for Lions

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