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Air New Zealand faces claims of racism, but denies conflict between staff and passengers

By
Philip Cass
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Over the years Air New Zealand has put passengers off flights to Tonga to save weight and warned its staff that Tongans are heavy drinkers.

Now the airline has had to apologise after a Tongan woman claimed Air New Zealand staff tried to turn her mother away from the Premium Check-in.

The woman alleged that Air New Zealand staff confronted her mother and told them they were in the wrong place.

The woman, who did not reveal her name, claimed in a Facebook post: “She was judged by the way she looked (skin colour and the way she dressed) she didn’t have a suit on or have a briefcase or whatever but we do pay the same amount as those business people to travel and use the premium lounge.”

An airline spokesperson said the A320 service to Tonga did not have a Business Premier cabin, but that the woman held a Works Deluxe ticket which included Premium Check-in.

The daughter said she told the staff her mother was blind in one eye and needed help getting to the aircraft.

Air New Zealand said they had investigated the incident and that there was no evidence of any conflict between staff and the passengers.

It said the airline had contacted the woman’s family.

In May last year Air New Zealand was the subject of complaints after it refused to let a woman board her flight to Tonga because the aircraft had reached its upper weight limit.

Auckland woman Alex Catchpole-Ozpınar complained after she was turned away from an Air New Zealand flight to Tonga.

She was one of several passengers turned away at the Air New Zealand check-in counter.

And in 2010 Air New Zealand was forced to apologise for an old crew manual which described Tongans as “softly spoken, reserved people” but warned many could “drink the bar dry.”

It suggested staff should keep an eye on Tongan passengers who could take advantage of free in-flight alcohol.

Tongan Advisory Council chairman Melino Maka said at the time that it was “extremely hurtful” for the airline to paint Tongans as “uncontrollable alcoholics”.

Air NZ said the manual had since been updated.

The main points

  • Over the years Air New Zealand has put passengers off flights to Tonga to save weight and warned its staff that Tongans are heavy drinkers.
  • Now the airline has had to apologise after a Tongan woman claimed Air New Zealand staff tried to turn her mother away from the Premium Check-in.
  • The woman alleged that Air New Zealand staff confronted her mother and told them they were in the wrong place.
  • An airline spokesperson said the A320 service to Tonga did not have a Business Premier cabin, but that the woman held a Works Deluxe ticket which included Premium Check-in.

For more information

Air NZ accused of racism over questioning of Tongan mum at check-in

Air New Zealand denies woman from boarding heavy Tongan flight

Air NZ sorry over manual’s Tongan drinking claims 

Pacific Games Council are “bad people” trying to scare the government says Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Minister of Justice said the Pacific Games Council were “kakai kovi” (bad people) who thought they could easily bluff the government into changing its decision on the 2019 Games by threatening legal action.

Hon. Vuna Fa’otusia said the government was well prepared to respond to any legal challenge from the PGC.

The Minister said the government had looked at the legality of its decision to pull out and it was confident about its position.

He referred to the president of Pacific Games Council President, Vidhya Lakhan as a “ki’i motu’a ‘Initia” (little old Indian man) who came to Tonga to scare the government.

Lakhan and the Council’s CEO Andrew Minogue met the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Commerce  in Tonga last week in an attempt to revert the government’s decision to cancel hosting the Pacific Games 2019.

However, Hon. Pohiva did not change his mind.

As Kaniva News reported this week, Minogue said the PGC would be open to a change of heart by the Tongan government,  but if there was no progress then it would abide by the rules and begin legal proceedings.

The PGC strongly believes the government has money and all the necessary tools to host the Games.

They were unhappy that the Tongan government did not consult the Council about its decision to not host the Games.

It is understood the Council first became aware Tonga had withdrawn from hosting the Games from media reports.

The former government won the right to host the 2019 Pacific Games in 2012 after an aggressive bid against Tahiti.

Hon. Fa’otusia reiterated in a press conference yesterday in Nuku’alofa that the government stood by its decision to cancel hosting the Games.

The Minister was responding to a question by Matangi Tonga editor Pesi Fonua, who said Lakhan and Minogue had told him the Council would seek damages from Tonga for breaching the contract agreement.

Fonua said the Council would seek a large amount of money and he asked whether the government was preparing for it.

In response the Minister said the government was well prepared to respond to any legal challenge from the PGC.

“I told him (Lakhan) look at you tomorrow you may die and someone else would replace you. The “composition” of the committee would then be restructured. And their attitude would change”, The Minister said in Tongan.

“Take notice of these bad people who come to scare the government,” he said.

Hon. Fa’otusia said Lakhan and Minogue told him they would look at the legal side of the issue.

“I responded and said you go and look at the law as we ourselves also are looking at it.”

The Minister claimed that no hosting country had pulled out of the Games before.

“Tonga was the first country intelligent enough to withdraw from hosting the Games,” he said.

“We know we were going to fall into a pit and we moved away from it,” he said in Tongan.

“Do not think the government had not looked at the legal side of this issue.”

“This government would not accept without questioning anything that has been set down by any previous governments.

“Look at the news and see how President Donald Trump rejects policies that were passed by the Obama administration.

“That is how government works.”

The Minister said the government has decided to make a turn as it was heading towards a pit (“afe he ko e fu’u luo ‘ena”).

The main points

  • The Minister of Justice said the Pacific Games Council were “kakai kovi” (bad people) who thought they could easily bluff the government into changing its decision on the 2019 Games by threatening legal action.
  • Lakhan and the Council’s CEO Andrew Minogue met the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Commerce in Tonga last week in an attempt to revert the government’s decision to cancel hosting the Pacific Games 2019.
  • However, Hon. Pohiva did not change his mind.
  • The PGC strongly believes the government has money and all the necessary tools to host the Games.

For more information

Future of 2019 Games is in the hands of the people, says Council CEO

Violet Tupou’s death ‘tragic accident’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Counties Manukau Police believe the death of a 17-year-old in Favona, Mangere on Saturday 3 June, 2017 was the result of a tragic accident.

Violet Tupou, who is believed to have been autistic, died after she went head-first into a drain.

The drain, just metres from her home on Enuamanu Rd was later surrounded by flowers and mementos.

Police have spoken with witnesses who found her and to other local residents who saw her prior to an apparent fall.

The matter has now been referred to the Coroner who will determine the exact cause of death.

Police will be assisting the Coroner with further enquiries.

Police extend their deepest sympathies to her friends and family at this time.

Bobby Tupoumalohi killed in Taylorsville crash in US

By
Kaniva Staff
-

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah – Authorities have identified the person who died after a vehicle clipped another car, struck a pole, and caught on fire in Taylorsville Saturday.

He was 20-year-old Bobby Tupoumalohi of Kearns.

Lt. Brian Lohrke with the Unified Police Department told FOX 13 the crash happened at 3:15 p.m.

He said witnesses informed police they saw a red car traveling eastbound on 5400 South that was swerving and speeding. They said that car ran a red light at the intersection of 5400 South 2700 West.

At the same time, a silver car was driving westbound on 5400 South and was attempting to make a left turn onto 2700 West. Police said this driver, a woman, had the right of way.

The red car, driving through the red light, clipped the silver car, went airborne and then became wrapped around a pole on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Police said the red car burst into flames before bystanders could try to pull the driver from the car. This driver, later identified as Tupoumalohi, died on impact.

Police said the driver of the silver car is expected to be OK.

Streets were closed in the area of the crash for several hours as authorities investigated, but the intersection reopened shortly after 7 p.m.

-Fox13, Salt Lake City

Tonga name squad to take on Fiji, Samoa and Wales

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The ‘Ikale Tahi Head Coach Toutai Kefu has named his squad to face Wales, Fiji and Samoa.

The ‘Ikale Tahi will play against Wales at Eden Park, Auckland on June 16.

The national team will take on the Manu Samoa on 1 July and the Flying Fijians on 8 July at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.

The Ikale Tahi players:

Ben Tameifuna, Racing 92, prop

Latu Talakai, Waikato, prop

Siegfried Fisi’ihoi Waikato, prop

Sila Puafisi, CS Brive, prop

Siua Halanukonuka, Highlanders, prop

Sione Lea, Taranaki, prop/hooker

Paula Ngauamo, Mont De Marsan, hooker

Suliasi Taufalele, Counties Manukau, hooker

Leva Fifita, Waikato, lock

Steve Mafi, Castres, back row

Jack Ram, Doncaster Knights, back row

Michael Faleafa, Northland, back row

Nili Latu, Newcastle Falcons, back row

Sione Tau, Agen, back row

Valentino Mapapalangi, Leicester Tigers, back row

Leon Fukofuka, Crusaders, half back

Sonatane Takulua, Newcastle Falcons, half back

Kali Hala, Counties Manukau, fly half

Latiume Fosita, Auckland, Fly half

Siale Piutau, Bristol, Inside back

Tevita Taufui, Waikato, Inside back

Viliami Tahitua, Yamaha, Inside back

‘Atieli Pakalani, Southern Districts, Inside back

Cooper Vuna, Worcester Warriors, Inside back

David Halaifonua, Gloucester, Inside back

Nafi Tu’itavake Northampton Saints

Kiti Taimani Vaini, Grammar TEC, Inside back

Extended Training Squad:

Sione Lolohea Sila Pelu Ua

Phil Kite Brisbane NRC

Harrison Mataele North Harbour

Otenili Moala Waikato

Vainanuma Manu Marist Apifo’ou

Sefo Ma’ake Havelu Bulldogs

Tuihakavalu Ika Toloa Old Boys

Monument honouring founder of Tonga High School unveiled by King Tupou VI

By
Kalino Latu
-

A monument built in memory of late King Tupou IV who founded Tonga High School in 1947 was unveiled  to mark the 70 year anniversary of the school in Nuku’alofa.

His Majesty King Tupou VI, the youngest son of the late king unveiled the monument on June 5.

The king also launched a new science laboratory for the school.

The ceremony was part of a five-day celebration that had brought together the ex-students, parents and students of the school.

The celebrations, which were attended by ex-students from 1947 included a parade along the Taufa’ahau Road by ex-students and a prayer service at Saione followed by a reception hosted by the THS’s students.

The late king established the school when he was Prince Tungi and became Tonga’s Minister of Education.

THS caters for male and female students aged 11 – 18 years or students at form 1 – 7.

New entrants every year since its establishment was restricted to those achieving the highest marks in national examinations taken by last year pupils at primary schools.

Students from other high schools could apply to continue their studies at THS but they have to sit and pass an examination entrance.

End child marriage campaigners want restrictions on sexual taboo to be eased

By
Kalino Latu
-

Campaigners in Tonga who wanted to end child marriage said they want the kingdom’s taboo on speaking freely about sex to be eased.

Tonga’s Ministry of Justice and the Talitha Project launched a campaign to end child marriage last month.

The ‘Let Girls be Girls!’ campaign calls for repealing sections of the law that permit children to marry before the age of 18 – as early as age 15 – if they have parental permission.

The call comes as the Ministry of Justice is consulting on amendments to marriage laws, including raising the marriage age.

Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua of Talitha project referred to the Tongan cultural respect known as faka’apa’apa implying it has restricted children from talking openly to their parents when they were sexually abused. She said this is one of the things that leads parents to support childhood marriages.

She said some child marriages in Tonga had occurred after under age girls had been abused.

Siamomua told Tonga Broadcasting News services embarrassment over such cases meant they were not reported.

She said they wanted girls to grow up and get the education that would give them more opportunities in life.

There had been more than 100 marriages of children in Tonga in the past two years.

“Girls have often been compelled by parents to marry, sometimes because of teenage pregnancy, or simply because they were seen with boy,” Human Rights Watch online reported.

“Locals have also documented cases where girls were forced to marry their rapists”.

Ending child marriage was the right thing to do.

“Research consistently shows that child marriage is deeply harmful to children,” the website said.

“When girls marry young, they often have early pregnancies which put them and their babies at risk of serious health consequences, including death.”

Married girls had a heightened risk of violence, including marital rape, domestic violence, and emotional abuse.

They often left school permanently, denying them the right to education and increasing chances that they and their children would live in poverty.

She said there was a global movement to end child marriage.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 includes a commitment for all countries to end child marriage by 2030.

Countries such as Malawi and Nepal were moving ahead with anti-child marriage legislative efforts and many other countries were developing, national action plans to achieve the goal.

According to the United Nations Population Fund Child marriage is a human rights violation.

In developing countries, one in every three girls is married before reaching 18. One in nine is married under age 15.

The main points

  • Campaigners in Tonga who wanted to end child marriage said they want the kingdom’s taboo on speaking freely about sex to be eased.
  • Tonga’s Ministry of Justice and the Talitha Project launched a campaign to end child marriage last month.
  • The ‘Let Girls be Girls!’ campaign calls for repealing sections of the law that permit children to marry before the age of 18 – as early as age 15 – if they have parental permission.
  • The call comes as the Ministry of Justice is consulting on amendments to marriage laws, including raising the marriage age.

For more information

Child marriage in Tonga “shocking,” Lord Tuʻiʻāfitu says, questions power of Tongan law

“I won’t support any law to allow child marriage”, says PM Pōhiva

Gisborne crash driver pleads not guilty to death, injury, charges

By
Philip Cass
-

The driver of a bus which crashed near Gisborne on Christmas Eve last year has pleaded not guilty to charges of killing three people and injuring 27 others.

Talakai Aholelei, 65, appeared in the Manukau District Court today.

He was charged with three counts of careless driving causing death and 27 charges of careless driving causing injury.

Aholelei, who was represented  by Nalesoni Tupou,  was remanded to appear in the Waitakere District Court on July 25.

A large contingent of the Tongan community were at court today.

Aholelei was driving a bus carrying members of the Mailefihi Siu’ilikutapu College brass, which was raising money for the Tongan school’s 70th anniversary.

The bus was carrying 53 members and supporters.

The group had been heading to Gisborne’s Wesleyan Methodist Church for a performance.

The bus went off the road about 30km south of Gisborne and plunged down an embankment.

Those killed in the crash, or who died from their injuries later, were school teacher Leotisia Malakai, 33 years-old Talita Fifita and 11 years-old Sione Taumalolo.

The survivors were later flown to Auckland. Memorial services were held in Gisborne and Auckland.

Following the crash, about NZ$70,000 was raised for the survivors from a Givealittle page and a concert.

The main points

  • The driver of a bus which crashed near Gisbourne on Christmas Eve last year has pleaded not guilty to charges of killing three people and injuring 27 others.
  • Talakai Aholelei, 65, appeared in the Manukau District Court today.
  • A large contingent of the Tongan community were at court today.
  • Those killed in the crash, or who died from their injuries later, were school teacher Leotisia Malakai, 33 years-old Talita Fifita and 11 year-old Sione Taumalolo.

For more information 

Gisborne bus crash driver Talakai Aholelei pleads not guilty 

Gisborne bus crash – Tongan school group leader dies

New Zealand Pacific Access Category quotas to be drawn by ballot today

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The New Zealand Pacific Access Category quotas will be drawn by ballot today.

650 places are available under the Pacific Access Category for nationals from Tonga (250), Fiji (250), Tuvalu (75) and Kiribati (75).

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Assistant General Manager Geoff Scott says around 10,500 registrations were received this year under the Pacific Access Category quotas.

The PAC quota ballot results will be announced on 16 June 2017.

Those who are successful in being drawn from the ballot will be contacted directly by INZ about how and by when they are required to complete and lodge their formal residence visa applications.

There are another 1,100 places available under the Samoan Quota for Samoan nationals. This year the Samoan Quota ballot will be drawn on 30 June and results will be announced on 7 July.

100 days taboo following Queen Halaevalu Mataʻaho’s death lifted

By
Kalino Latu
-

The 100-day-taboo imposed after the death of late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho was lifted tonight.

Kava club and band members of the Fōfōʻanga gathered at Māhinafekite royal residence this evening performing Tongan hiva kakala (songs) as part of the lifting ceremony.

There were noises and an air of joy at royal residences tonight as they marked 100 days since the matriarch’s death.

Known as fakamalele, the practice means people, especially the immediate family of the late Queen Mother, are allowed to enjoy whatever entertainment they wanted to the full.

As it was traditionally exercised after the death of monarchs, the 100-day-taboo meant everybody in Tonga had to follow certain restrictions until the days were over.

People had to wear black clothes, businesses were closed down, performing hiva kakala was prohibited and public entertainments were not allowed.

His Majesty King Tupou VI reformed the traditional taboo after His late brother King George V died in 2012.

He announced that the public was exempted from the 100-days-taboo and said it was restricted to the royal family, the nobility and their immediate families only.

The late Queen Mother died in Auckland on February 19 aged 90 after a short illness.

She had two sons who became kings, George Tupou V and Tupou VI.

She married late King Tupou IV and they had four children.

Born on 29 May 1926, she was the daughter of Heuifanga Veikune and Noble ‘Ahome’e Manuopangai.

The  main points

  • The 100-day-taboo imposed after the death of late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho was lifted tonight.
  • Kava club and band members of the Fofo’anga gathered at Mahina Fekite royal residence this evening performing Tongan hiva kakala (songs) as part of the lifting ceremony.
  • The late Queen Mother died in Auckland in February after a short illness.

For more information

Tauanga’a: Foreigners clothe their respect for Queen Mother in Tongan culture

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