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Power, traffic lights out in south Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

A number of power outages are impacting traffic across Counties Manukau this afternoon.

Power is currently out in Papatoetoe, Manukau, Clendon, Manurewa and Wiri.

It is not expected to be restored until 7.30pm this evening.

The cause of the outage is not yet known by Police but does not appear to have occurred as the result of any vehicle crash said Inspector Dave Simpson of County Manukau Police.

The outage means that traffic lights are not operating and we ask motorists to avoid the affected areas if possible.

If you are driving through these suburbs then please have patience, be considerate and follow the give-way rules.

We will have officers carrying out point duty on a small number of intersections but for the ones that we are not on, please take extreme care.

King’s birthday, church events: blessings for Vavaʻu, Crown Prince says

By
Kalino Latu
-

Crown Prince ʻUlukālala Tupoutoʻa said His Majesty King Tupou VI’s birthday and two Free Wesleyan church  major events in June would be a blessing for Vavaʻu.

The Prince said in Auckland His Majesty’s birthday celebrations would begin in Vavaʻu during the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga’s 93rd conference.

His Majesty will turn 57 on July 12.

The Church will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Siuʻilikutapu Mailefihi college during the conference week.

The Crown Prince made his comments while he and his wife, Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho attending a reception at the Vavaʻu Lahi nightclub in Manukau.

The prince thanked his people by addressing his remarks to his heralds according to Tongan protocols.

He thanked Tapukemo, the heraldic name of Sione Tosi Kelekolio Tapueluelu, and Tokiʻukamea the heraldic name of Siosiua ʻUmulovo Toki and others.

He said he was proud of their performance during the Queen Mother’s funeral services.

The Prince said he had nothing to offer them in return, but his attendance at the reception with his wife was meant to show how appreciative they were for their part in his grandmother’s funeral services.

Tapukemo told Kaniva News during the function they really appreciated the royal couple’s humility and the fact they had accepted their invitation to join them at the night club for the reception.

The function was organised by the kāinga of the Prince from Vavaʻu as an opportunity to gather after their performance for the Queen Mother’s funeral services in February.

The kāinga presented gifts and pigs as part of a presentation at ʻAtalanga royal residence while the matriarch’s body was in Auckland. They also prepared about 4000 clamshell plastic bowls of food to feed people who attended the memorial service for the Queen Mother.

Salote Heleta Lilo told the Prince they had set up a Vava’u committee to look after his needs in New Zealand involving his kainga from Tu’anuku, Nomuka and ‘Utulau.

Lilo told the Prince the committee members were President Siosiua Umulovo Toki, Deputy Chair Sione Tosi Kelekolio Tapueluelu, Secretary and other members.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, Tongan Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva was in  Vavaʻu last month with a government delegation to set up a government-led cleanup and beautification campaign to begin in Neiafu as part of the preparation for the national events.

The main points

  • Crown Prince ʻUlukalala Tupoutoʻa said His Majesty King Tupou VI’s birthday and two Free Wesleyan church major events in June would be a blessing for Vavaʻu.
  • The Prince said in Auckland His Majesty’s birthday celebrations would begin in Vavaʻu during the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga’s 93rd conference.
  • His Majesty will turn 57 on July 12.
  • The Church will also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Siuʻilikutapu Mailefihi college during the conference week.

Still no clarity on casino issue as documents present conflicting evidence

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongans are no closer to knowing whether their government has approved a casino, with the release of documents appearing to show that the government approved a gambling license for an American company in November last year and a government statement denying they had done any such thing.

The documents were provided to Kaniva News this morning Tuesday 4 after we ran a story in which we quoted Hon. Pohiva saying he would not allow a casino to be built.

If the documents supplied to Kaniva News are genuine they appear to show that the government has made a decision that would require the removal of Tonga’s strict gambling laws and allow a foreign company to build  casino in the kingdom.

But they also appear to show that the government backpedalled on the issue only two months later.

The casino story erupted over the weekend with church minister and former soldiers threatening to protest what they believed to be a decision to approve a casino in front of the official Tongan residence, ‘Atalanga in Auckland.

Last week Hon. Lavemaau told Tongan Radio and Television the government had not issued any license.

Translated:

“Some groups and businesses contacted the government to establish this type of industry to assist tourism and to attract people from overseas to come and spend their money in Tonga.

“I have just returned from Solomon. There were eight casinos in Solomon and I met with Samoa’s Minister of Custom and Revenues and after questioning him he said there are two casinos in Samoa. Only those who hold foreign passports can use the casinos”, Hon. Lavemaau told the Television in Tongan.

“So as I looked at it Samoa gets millions from these two ventures,

“So as I personally looked at it in my role as Minister of Finance of the nation I am happy to hear about these things and it is important for us to go and have a look and learn from it.

“And then we come back with what we have learnt, it is a good idea as it can open an opportunity for the rich people all over the world to visit our nation and assist our country’s economic development”.

The documents provided to Kaniva News appear to show that cabinet gave approval for the casino to Tavake Tamafua, part of the Red Warrior Entertainment Group.

A letter dated November 24 last year, apparently signed by Hon. Lavemaau and addressed to Dr Donald Pate, CEO of Red Warrior Entertainment, says:

“I refer to His Majesty’s cabinet decision No. 1104 made on the 4th November 2016 whereby the proposal from the Tavake Tamafua Tourism Investment Project was approved and given full support by the Government of Tonga.

I am pleased to inform you that the Government of Tonga will grant and guarantee an exclusivity right for a casino and gaming license to the Red Warrior Group LLC under the precondition that an appropriate infrastructure is being built in Tonga within the next two years.”

A registration document for Tavake Tamamafua Ltd supplied to Kaniva News shows it was incorporated as a company in Tonga on November 29, 2016, almost two weeks later. It is understood the chief shareholders and directors are Havea Luigi Gatti and Epeli Taione.

However, more than four months later, neither the company name nor the names of the directors appear on the Business Registries Office website.

Red Warrior Entertainment issued a statement on January 23 this year saying it has been granted the first gaming license in Tonga. It said the Minister for Customs had made an official proclamation about the license in a letter dated November 24 and that the license agreement was completed on January 9.

In response, the Tongan government issued a press release on January 25 denying it had issued an exclusive gaming license to Red Warrior Entertainment.

“In November 2016, the Cabinet received a proposal for a Tourism Facility and Investment to be known  as the Tavake Tamafua Tourism Investment Project (TTTIP) from a foreign company called the Amira-Unison-Gatti LLP,” the press release said.

“The complete investment included three main projects, a Pearl Airport Hotel and Shopping Mall, a Frangipani Luxevillas and Aria Tourism Entertainment Gaming Resort. On 4th November, 2016 Cabinet supported the TTTIP subject to facilitation of legal documents and relevant plans, and the conduct of appropriate due diligence.

After due consideration, the Cabinet on 11th November 2017 supported only the first two projects i.e the Pearl Airport Hotel and Shopping Mall and the Frangipani Luxevillas but NOT the Aria Tourism Entertainment Gaming Resort. The Cabinet further directed that the full plan for the Pearl Airport Hotel and Shopping Mall and the Frangipani Luxevillas are to be submitted for final consideration and approval.

“The Government wishes to inform the public that under the Laws of Tonga, specifically, the Criminal Offences Act 1926 in sections 82, 83 and 83A, gambling is prohibited. Therefore any intention from Red Warrior Entertainment or any Casino Company to apply for a gaming license would be futile.

“The Government also wishes to reassure the public, that the national interest is of utmost priority to the Government and any proposal that will be deemed to disrupt the peace and harmony of the society will be given careful scrutiny and consideration.”

CEO of the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and Immigration, Kulu ʻAnisi Bloomfield, told Kaniva News this evening Red Warrior Entertainment had applied for permission for a hotel, airport, shopping mall and casino.

He said the cabinet only approved the hotel and shopping mall “in principle.” Before they could be approved the developers had to provide a map of the projects in compliance with the building code. They were also required to deposit money required by the government for the project. When these were completed the government would consider the application.

“As far as I know the company has yet to complete any of these requirements,” Bloomfield said.

The main points

  • Tongans are no closer to knowing whether their government has approved a casino, with the release of documents appearing to show that the government approved a gambling license for an American company in November last year and a government statement denying they had done any such thing.
  • If the documents supplied to Kaniva News are genuine they appear to show that the government has made a decision that would require the removal of Tonga’s strict gambling laws and allow a foreign company to build casino in the kingdom.
  • But they also appear to show that the government backpedalled on the issue only two months later.
  • The casino story erupted over the weekend with church minister and former soldiers threatening to protest what they believed to be a decision to approve a casino in front of the official Tongan residence, ‘Atalanga in Auckland.

You may like to read this:

Is the devil really coming to Tonga? Confusion reigns as pastors and soldiers prepare protest 

PM elated with meeting as Mr Apple promises he “will never walk away from Tonga”

By
Kalino Latu
-

Mr Apple, the employer which employs most of the Tongan recognised seasonal employees in New Zealand has promised the company will never walk away from Tonga.

The confirmation was made after the Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva was worried after a Tongan employee, Samuela Manuofetoa fled from the airport early this month without going to Mr Apple.

Mr Apple has turned to Samoa for a replacement of Manuofetoa.

Allister Jamieson, Mr. Apple’s Labour Manager has made it public last night his company will continue to bring Tongan employees to New Zealand.

He confirmed this while speaking during last night’s welcoming reception for the Prime Minister and his entourage.

The special event was attended by more than 300 Tongan employees, members of the Tongan community and RSE employers in Hawkes Bay.

Mr. Apple has employed more than 400 Tongan employees.

Jamieson said he talked with Hon. Pohiva about some of the “challenges that we face with RSE at the moment”.

“The Prime Minister and I had a very frank discussion. It was a full discussion.

“I would like to reiterate one important point…Mr Apple will never walk away from Tonga”, he said.

He told Kaniva News the Prime Minister asked for further opportunities to bring more Tongan employees.

“It was a good meeting”, he said.

Hon. Pohiva said he was elated with the outcome of the meetings.

He said he was happy to hear from RSE employers that most of the Tongan employees were performing outstandingly in the orchards and they were reliable and working hard.

He said they agreed that only few Tongan employees caused some social problems and they determined to work together to resolve it.

Hon. Pohiva told a media conference last night at the Scenic hotel in Napier Manuofetoa’s misconduct has triggered his visit to New Zealand.

He said he held a meeting with the New Zealand high commissioner in Tonga after the incident happened.

“New Zealand was worried about it. There were problems that we need to address in RSE but we worked to resolve them from behind the scene but for this person to just arrive and fled at the airport without going to his employer was of serious concerns”, the Prime Minister said in Tongan.

After his first meeting with RSE workers yesterday morning the Prime Minister and his entourage along with Mr Apple and his staff braved the bad weather to walk around Mr Apple’s orchard at the station road in Whakatu.

He also visited the Hawke’s Bay apple growers, packers and exporters Taylor Corporation as well as the Moffett Orchards which employed more than 100 Tongans.

PM Pōhiva says no to casino as protesters seeking meeting with him in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva has declared in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand  that there will be no room for casinos in Tonga.

Speaking to Kaniva News after a welcoming reception in Hastings tonight Monday 3, Hon. Pōhiva underscored that his government will not permit any casino to be built in the country.

His response comes after his Finance Minister Tēvita Lavemaau told Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s television on Tuesday, March 28 Tonga should learn from how Samoa runs their casinos.

“I have just returned from Solomon. There were eight casinos in Solomon and I met with Samoa’s Minister of Custom and Revenues and after questioning him he said there are two casinos in Samoa. Only those who hold foreign passports can use the casinos”, Hon. Lavemaau told the Television in Tongan.

“So as I looked at it Samoa gets millions from these two ventures.

“So as I personally looked at it in my role as Minister of Finance of the nation I am happy to hear about these things and it is important for us to go and have a look and learn from it.

“And then we come back with what we have learnt, it is a good idea as it can open an opportunity for the rich people all over the world to visit our nation and assist our country’s economic development”.

However the Minister said the government has not issued a licence to any company to build casinos in Tonga.

Casino and other forms of gambling are illegal in Tonga.

As we reported, the Tongan church leaders’ committee in New Zealand was planning to protest alongside former Tongan army personnel in Auckland against what they believe are plans for a casino in the kingdom.

The peaceful protest was planned after the Finance Minister was interviewed by the Television last Tuesday.

The Prime Minister is currently in New Zealand on a five-day trip to meet with the Recognised Seasonal Employers in Hastings and Kerikeri.

Hon. Pōhiva is expected to fly from Hawkes Bay back to Auckland tomorrow morningTuesday 4 on his way to Kerikeri to meet with RSE employers and Tongan employees there.

It was not immediately clear whether or not the Prime Minister was aware of the planned protest.

READ MORE:

https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2017/04/devil-really-coming-tonga-confusion-reigns-pastors-soldiers-prepare-protest/

Cardinal Mafi recovering after collapsing in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

The head of Roman Catholic church in Tonga, Cardinal Soane Patita Mafi collapsed in Auckland, New Zealand.

He is recovering after he was rushed to Middlemore hospital.

The cardinal turned 55 in December.

According to Radio New Zealand “He was feeling unwell when he left Nuku’alofa and was rushed to Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital after he collapsed.

“On Monday night, the Counties Manukau District Health Board said Cardinal Mafi’s condition was stable.

His Vatican trip had been called off”.

Tongan economy doing well, but threats remain, says IMF

By
Philip Cass
-

 Tonga’s economic growth has been better than expected, the International Monetary Fund said this week.

In a statement issued after a visit to the kingdom, the IMF said growth had been supported by strong recovery in agriculture and construction sectors, increased remittances, and higher domestic demand.

The report said gross domestic product had grown by an estimated 3.5 percent in the last financial year.

Gross international reserves increased from US$166 million in June 2016 to US$171 million in December 2016, reflecting increased public and private transfers, stronger than expected remittances and changes in the value of the US dollar.

The IMF said money remitted to Tonga was expected to contribute about a third of GDP in the medium term.

Tonga may benefit as a net energy and food importer, if oil and food prices remain low. Good tax administration, implementation of the foreign exchange levy and new excises contributed to strong domestic tax and other revenue. This is projected to reach 29.7 percent of GDP in the 2017 financial year, up from 24.5 percent in the previous year.

Looking forward, growth in the 2018 fiscal year was expected to peak at four percent,  supported mainly by construction related to the preparation for the Pacific Games.

However, despite the good news, the IMF said the kingdom’s financial sustainability would be threatened if the government was unable to control its wage bill, shortfalls in donor aid, the cost of the Pacific Games and natural disasters.

The IMF said inflation had increased to 6.7 percent in the second half of 2016. This was mainly due to a new import tax on fatty meat and tobacco products, as well as higher global oil and commodity prices.

Inflation was expected to gradually decline to an average four percent in the 2017-2018 financial years.

The IMF warned that higher global oil prices would push the current account deficit to grow to three percent in the 2017 financial year.

It also warned that the Pacific Games posed a risk if there were unforeseen costs and a need to find money to finance them.

It also said the current account balance was expected to become worse for a period in 2018 due to an increase of imports due to the Pacific Games.

The report said the government should think about identifying costs that could be temporarily cut if the price of the Pacific Games went up.

Natural disasters and weather-related events were also a high risk and could take a toll on the economy. The government continues to allocate TP$5 million per year for emergency response for natural disasters.

The main points

  • Tonga’s economic growth has been better than expected, the International Monetary Fund said this week.
  • The IMF said growth had been supported by strong recovery in agriculture and construction sectors, increased remittances, and higher domestic demand.
  • However, despite the good news, the IMF said the kingdom’s financial sustainability would be threatened if the government was unable to control its wage bill, shortfalls in donor aid, the cost of the Pacific Games and natural disasters.
  • It also warned that the Pacific Games posed a risk if there were unforeseen costs and a need to find money to finance them.

For more information 

IMF staff conclude visit to Tonga

First meetings: Tongan Prime Minister meets with RSE employers in Napier

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva is preparing to meet with Recognised Seasonal Employers this morning in Napier.

This is the first time Hon. Pohiva has visited  New Zealand’s largest viticulture and horticulture industries.

About 500 Tongan workers are employed by the Hawkes Bays’ employers.

The Prime Minister will talk to five employers as part of his attempt to strengthen their relationship with his government.

The Tongan community in Napier along with staff from the RSE employers  will host a welcoming lunch this afternoon to welcome Hon. Pohiva and his entourage.

Tevita Niulata, the government of Tonga’s liaison officer in Hawkes Bay said the Tongan community in Napier will perform some Tongan activities in this afternoon’s special function.

Last night the Prime Minister was joined by the Tongan consul in New Zealand Stafford ‘Aho and Tonga RSE Coordinator in New Zealand, Sefita Hao’uli in a dinner at the Scenic hotel.

As we reported, Tongan Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva will hold official talks with Recognised Seasonal Employers in Kerikeri and Hawkes Bay after a Tongan employee fled at Auckland International airport.

Samuela Manuofetoa arrived in New Zealand early this month to work at Mr Apple, New Zealand’s largest apple supplier.

Manuofetoa fled from the airport without going to his employer.

Mr Apple has turned to Samoa for a replacement of Manuofetoa.

This has been a big concern for the Prime Minister, who is worried that Mr Apple might take away the employment opportunity from Tonga and gave it to the Samoans.

The company has employed hundreds of Tongans on RSE contracts over the years.

However, in the past it has also said it wants more Samoans.

Mr Apple CEO Andrew Van Workum was quoted in 2014 as saying its Samoan workers had been a boon for the business.

The company is currently advertising for seasonal workers.

According to Tongan RSE Coordinator in New Zealand,  Sefita Hao’uli, Tongans have the worst record of any group of Pacific Islands employees for absconding in New Zealand and overstaying their visas.

A total of 16 Tongan employees including Manuofetoa are still at large in New Zealand after fleeing when most of them were due to return to Tonga.

The Prime Minister will ask RSE employers for forgiveness in an attempt to strengthen their relationship with his government.

Last month eight Tongan employees who worked for Turners and Growers in Kerikeri were sent home after being accused of drinking alcohol, being violent and being unable to carry out their tasks.

Hon. Pohiva will be accompanied by his personal assistant Poʻoi Pohiva, Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Internal Affairs, CEO ʻAna Bing Fonua and Deputy CEO Fanauʻifoʻou ʻAkauʻola.

MOH receives new Toyota van ambulance, range of biomedical equipment and training 

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Ministry of Health has received a modified Toyota van to specifically fit the needs and maintenance capacity in Tonga.

It also received other biomedical equipment as well as training opportunities.

The donation came after Semisi Finau, Bio Medical Engineer, Ministry Of Health visited Adelaide to ensure that the equipment included in the shipping container was appropriate and relevant to the needs in Tonga.

Training will also be provided in the use of ambulance and equipment.

During the official hand over, Dr Lisiate ‘Ulufonua, Medical Superintendent, extended the thanks of the Minister, CEO and staff to the two representatives, Jeff Candy (Project Coordinator from RC of Noarlunga East) and Keith Driscoll (Executive Director Clinical, South Australia Ambulance Service) as well as to the members of RCN.

He recognized how this is part of the ongoing partnership between the hospital and South Australian Ambulance Service which started in 2009.

This relationship was built out of the Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa initiated relationship between Vailoa hospital and St John of God hosptial in Ballarat, which has been running for over two decades.

Dr Lisiate emphasised how these partnerships help support government’s objective for universal health coverage.

Dr ‘Amanaki Fakakovikaetau, Chief Dental Officer (and RCN Director Internatioanal) delivered the final vote of thanks recognizing the collective effort that had gone into bringing the project to fruition, and the ways in which the RCN can support these relationship with overseas clubs.

The Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa (RCN) is delighted to welcome this support moblized  by the Rotary Club of Noarlunga East and the South Australian Ambulance Service.

Support is also recognized from other South Australian Rotary Clubs (Tailem Bend, Blackwood, Cormandel Valley, Campbelltown, Noarlunga and Hallett Cove),  Rotary Donations-in-Kind and Tongan community in Adelaide, who provided the contents and helped with the packing of the 40 foot container.

The total project is estimated at A$70,000

Crimes against Chinese: PM meeting with ambassador kept behind closed doors 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva held a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Huang Huanguang on Friday to discuss what his office has described as “related to the brutal crimes against the Chinese community in Tonga”

Press were invited to take photos but were barred from covering the meeting which was also attended by Tongan Police officials and the Chinese community.

As we reported, the Tongan government has set up a sub-committee to investigate crimes against Chinese and other expatriates in Tonga.

Justice Minister Sione Vuna Fa’otusia  said attacks on foreigners were a grave concern to the government.

The subcommittee is chaired by Hon. Fa’otusia and also includes the Minister of Police, the Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the Tonga Defence Force and the Commissioner of Prisons.

“This committee is to see what we can do to mitigate this rather senseless crime against the Chinese and foreigners in the land,” the Minister said.

“The Chinese were brought here by the late King Tupou IV so that we may learn from their work ethic!

“Instead, our people have kept on abusing this people in our land.

“What a shameful act !”

Crimes

In 1999, the Chinese community submitted a list of criminal offences against Chinese migrants to the then Police Minister Clive Edwards.

Crimes included arson, armed robbery and attempted rape.

Edwards assured the Chinese the police would work around the clock to put an end to such incidents.

Eighteen years later, there has been some improvement, but Tongan police are still working to bring crimes against the Chinese community under control.

In February this year Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said the Police had established Operation Great Wall with the aim of reducing crimes against the Asian community in Tonga.

Vaisuai said that while Chinese made up three percent of victims of crime, the offences committed against them were quite serious.

They included robbery and violent assault.

“Our mission is to make sure all our citizens feel safe in Tonga,” Deputy Commissioner Vaisuai said.

A New Zealand police officer, Inspector Kai Shao, was sent to Tonga to help the local force build a relationship with the Asian community.

He met with members of the Chinese community and staff from the Chinese embassy.

Inspector Shao believed the safety situation in Tonga had improved in recent years.

However, they expressed concerns in relation to some recent high profile cases.

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