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All Blacks v Australia: All you need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

All Blacks v Wallabies

Kick-off: 7.05pm Saturday 28 September (NZT)

Sky Stadium, Wellington

Live updates on RNZ Sport

The All Blacks are coming off a win but are also after an improved performance against the Wallabies this weekend. They head to a venue they haven’t won at since 2018, with a narrative hanging over them around their inability to finish off test matches.

Scott Robertson has made a few changes to his side that beat the Wallabies 31-28 in Sydney, with this test being seen as a pretty important warm-up for the end of year tour next month. The Wallabies were admittedly very brave in their fightback last weekend so will be looking to hopefully avoid the slow start that saw them down 21-0 after only 15 minutes.

Here’s a look at the teams:

All Blacks: 1 Ethan de Groot 2 Codie Taylor 3 Tyrel Lomax 4 Scott Barrett (c) 5 Tupou Vaa’i 6 Wallace Sititi 7 Sam Cane 8 Ardie Savea 9 TJ Perenara 10 Beauden Barrett 11 Caleb Clarke 12 Anton Lienert-Brown 13 Rieko Ioane 14 Sevu Reece 15 Will Jordan

Bench: 16 Asafo Aumua 17 Tamaiti Williams 18 Pasilio Tosi 19 Patrick Tuipulotu 20 Luke Jacobson 21 Cortez Ratima 22 Damian McKenzie 23 David Havili

Wallabies: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Matt Faessler 3 Taniela Tupou 4 Nick Frost 5 Jeremy Williams 6 Rob Valetini 7 Fraser McReight 8 Harry Wilson (c) 9 Jake Gordon (26 Tests) 10 Noah Lolesio 11 Dylan Pietsch 12 Hunter Paisami 13 Len Ikitau 14 Andrew Kellaway 15 Tom Wright

Bench: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa 17 Isaac Kailea 18 Allan Alaalatoa 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 20 Langi Gleeson 21 Tate McDermott 22 Ben Donaldson 23 Josh Flook

Beauden Barrett of New Zealand celebrates his try.

Beauden Barrett of New Zealand celebrates his try. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

All Blacks selections

The old Canes connection of Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara is reunited for this test, which will almost certainly be the last time we see them in a test match on New Zealand soil. Barrett’s inclusion at 10 is interesting but not entirely unpredictable, given that Damian McKenzie has started every test this season, but DMac’s demotion to the bench suggests this is more of a dropping than a rotation. Elsewhere, Anton Lienert-Brown comes in for the injured Jordie Barrett and David Havili gets the nod as the utility bench replacement. Sam Cane gets a start in his 100th test match.

Scott Robertson head coach of the All Blacks during the team announcement press conference.

Scott Robertson head coach of the All Blacks during the team announcement press conference. Photo: Lynne Cameron/ActionPress

Wallabies selections

Joe Schmidt has only made a couple of changes to last weekend, with Jake Gordon coming in as a straight swap for Nic White at halfback. They’re not losing much there, but it does raise a question as to why Tate McDermott isn’t getting a look in as starter. Dylan Pietsch – who was very good in his shift off the bench last weekend – comes in on the wing in place of the injured Marika Koroibete.

What they’re saying

“These blokes know each other pretty well from Super Rugby, from tests over the years – albeit some of ours are only dipping their toe in for the first time really at this level, which has been pretty daunting for them and was particularly daunting at 21-0 down last weekend.” – Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

“We have to front up tomorrow night, we want to finish strong. We’ve started games well but particularly that last quarter has let us down. It’s not a small fix, it’s a gradual one with habits coming in.” – All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

Joe Schmidt, head coach of the Wallabies talks to James Slipper.

Joe Schmidt, head coach of the Wallabies talks to James Slipper. Photo: Scott Barbour/www.photosport.nz

What happened last time

All Blacks 31 – 28 Wallabies

Last weekend’s test was about the most obvious microcosm of the All Blacks’ season thus far, with things going great for the first period of the game and then going off the rails later on. They did win, and the defensive effort deserves credit for keeping the Wallabies at bay despite being two men down at the back end of the game. However, the All Blacks should never have been in that position as the match deserved to be wrapped up on the hour mark.

What’s going to happen

The Wellington Curse needs to be broken before NZ Rugby decides to stop playing test matches in the capital. The All Blacks haven’t won there since 2018, which makes Sky Stadium easily the worst venue they’ve played at over a 10-year period. Amazing, really, considering it’s a home venue.

Really, though, the All Blacks just need to keep the hammer down for the full 80 minutes and they should win this one running away. A big factor will be the officiating: the All Blacks have given up five yellow cards at the back end of games this year, so if they can keep their discipline that’ll go a long way to winning the test match.

Alleged leaks and defects spotted in multi-million pa’anga Vava‘u Emergency Coordination Centre

By
Kalino Latu
-

Alleged defects had been spotted and photographed in the new building designed to provide early emergency warnings and information to minimise potential natural hazards in Neiafu.

Tiles at Vava’u Emergency Coordination Centre are lifting into a tent shape. Photo/ Vāvā Lapota

Photos seen by Kaniva News appeared to show the floor tiles of the conference room inside the Vava‘u Emergency Coordination Centre to be warped and raised.

There is concern that hidden defects deep within the floor may not be easily visible.

There has also been a report of alleged leaks in the roof.

The Neiafu Town Officer, Vāvā Lapota, told Kaniva News that he had been advised during a visit to the centre to exercise caution when walking near the buckled tiles due to potential safety hazards.

Lapota claimed that he was also told that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources staff office inside the centre was considering moving from its current location to the Maama Mo’onia hall due to worries about the alleged damage possibly worsening.

The Minister of MEIDEC was contacted for comment.

We asked Minister Fekita ‘Utoikamanu whether she knew about the alleged defects.

We also asked whether she thought these alleged defects occurred too soon, considering the centre has only been open for three years.

We also asked if she knew of the Centre’s staff’s concerns about the alleged worsening damage.

The more than half a square kilometre Centre was intended for the government’s Meteorological Department and the National Emergency Management Office to provide early warnings and help the public prepare for emergencies.

The centre was furnished with office equipment worth TOP$ 152,411.14 and was opened by King Tupou VI in 2021.

It was designed to be further developed to assume responsibility in the event of failure or partial failure of the Fua’amotu Warning Centre or the NEMO.

The TOP$1,952,303.04 facility was co-funded by the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) through the Japan-Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management and the Government of Tonga. The construction was implemented under the Pacific Resilience Programme (PREP).

Tonga news in brief: September 26

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Tongotongo to face Sebastian “The Sniper” Singh Singh in Fiji next month. Photo/Facebook

Scam

A woman who falsely claimed to work at the Ministry of Communication (MEIDEC) and received money under false pretence has appeared in court.

Heilala Finau, 24, from Ngele’ia, falsely claimed to be the secretary to the director of MEIDECC.

She allegedly promised several families that the Ministry would build houses for them through aid initiatives for only $12,500, which was a scam.

Faka-Sepitema

This week, the Free Church of Tonga (Siasi ‘o Tonga Tauataina) convened its annual September roll call (Tali ui Sepitema) for female congregants from across the island at Falemasiva Hall in Haveluloto on September 25, 2024.

The Roll Call, a cherished Tongan church custom, takes place every September, during which women attire themselves in elegant white garments and gather in the church.

Tonga Power Ltd

Tonga Power Limited (TPL) will host the 31st Annual Pacific Power Association (PPA) Conference and Trade Exhibition, which will be held at the Falemasiva Hall from September 30 to October 3, 2024.

This event, with the theme “The Cost of the Transition to Renewables,” aims to convene approximately 250 participants from diverse Pacific regions, including electric utility and energy professionals.

The primary objective of this gathering is to collectively address significant challenges and exchange valuable insights on the transition to renewable energy.

Tongan rising star boxer

Tongan rising star in boxing Tonga Tongotongo will face Fijian boxer Sebastian “The Sniper” Singh Singh at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on October 26 as part of the South Pacific Boxing Promotion.

Tongotongo has an impressive record of eight knockout wins with zero losses.

Singh, on the other hand, will step into the ring with 15 wins, seven by knockout, seven losses, and three draws.

House fire

A large fire broke out in a house in Nuku’alofa’s Ngele’ia village yesterday, on Wednesday the 26.

No reports of injuries.

Receiving stolen goods

Tonga Police have charged an Asian man named Zao Zin, also known as Zuzu, with receiving stolen goods and allegedly inciting people to commit theft.

‘Not acceptable’ – The Warehouse reports large loss

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Anan Zaki of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Major retailer The Warehouse Group has reported a large loss, which the company says reflects one of its toughest years on record.

Warehouse on Blenheim road in Christchurch

Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Key numbers for the 12 months ended July compared with a year ago:

  • Net loss $54.2m vs $29.8m profit
  • Sales revenue $3.0b vs $3.24b
  • Adjusted profit $18.9m vs $57.4m
  • No final dividend vs 8 cents per share

The group, which owns The Warehouse, Noel Leeming and Warehouse Stationery chains, said its bottom line was significantly affected by its disposal of outdoor goods brand Torpedo7 for just $1 in March.

The company reported a loss of $60 million from the sale of Torpedo7.

Leaving aside one-offs, its adjusted profit was also well down from the previous year.

Chair Dame Joan Withers said the year was one of the most challenging in its 42-year history.

“The poor financial performance we’ve reported this year is not acceptable,” Dame Joan said.

“The board and executive leadership team are acutely aware of the disappointment shareholders will be experiencing and the big job ahead of us to get the company back on track,” she said.

Group sales fell just over 6 percent due to falling consumer demand, however margins held steady at 33.6 percent.

“The economic climate in Aotearoa New Zealand has been difficult for most retailers, with inflation, high interest rates, and a weak economy significantly reducing consumer demand,” Dame Joan said.

“However, our trading performance and operational execution have fallen short and exacerbated these challenges,” she said.

Interim chief executive John Journee, who replaced Nick Grayston earlier in the year, said the company “scored too many own goals”.

“Our ecosystem strategy was too ambitious, and we took our eye off the ball on product. We held onto Torpedo7 and TheMarket.com too long, reacted too slowly to changing customer spending, and fell out of step with what Kiwi families want,” Journee said.

“We’ve made mistakes and we own that. But we know where we went wrong, and we’re already working hard to fix it,” he said.

The Warehouse sales fell 5.3 percent to $1.8 billion, Warehouse Stationery sales fell 6.7 percent to $231.9m and Noel Leeming sales decreased 5.3 percent to $1b.

Looking ahead, Journee said the retail environment remained tough, and the company was cautious about when retail spending could bounce back.

“While we’ve been able to regain market share in our core retail segment in the first six weeks of FY25, our sales have been soft, and our gross profit remains under pressure as we clear the last of our winter stock and continue to reset our product offer,” he said.

The company is scheduled to provide a first quarter trading update in early November.

Floating bar in Neiafu sparks safety concerns; owner says ‘it is fully licensed’  

By
Kalino Latu
-

A floating bar and restaurant service on Vava’u island in Tonga has raised safety measure concerns and what appeared to be a lack of a proper certification process.

The Hideaway floating bar and restaurant was launched in September 2023. Photo/ Vava Lapota

Police recently visited the Hide Away floating business service in Neiafu waters after Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota inquired about the service’s legal status.  

Lapota told Kaniva News that he was concerned about reports of alcohol being sold within the floating service.

He said the process of offering a license for such a business must include him providing a letter of authorisation to the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development.

He said he had just spotted the bar floating in the water last week and was surprised because he had not been approached about whether they had applied for an operating license.

Lapota said he had also contacted the Ministry of Health about the Hide Away floating bar. He was allegedly told that the business operator had made inquiries, but the Ministry has not yet issued a certificate.

“The legal process must include authorisation from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Police and the town officer”, Lapota said.

The town officer said he talked to the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development and asked about the Hideaway Café’s legal status. He was allegedly told about the process, including the requirement to provide a letter.

“The letter from the town officer must indicate whether they agreed for the business to be operated in the village or not.”

Lapota voiced his concerns regarding the well-being of the bar patrons and the cleanliness of the Neiafu water.

The government Ministries could not be reached for comment.

Operator’s response

Charlett Millen, one of the Hide Away business and services owners, said they are the “only fully licensed floating restaurant” in Tonga.

“We adhere to the same stringent licensing and permit requirements as all other liquor-serving establishments in Tonga, in addition to extra regulations from Infrastructure and Ports & Marine authorities”, she told Kaniva News.

She said they take measures to ensure that their business is actively preserving the environment.  

“We diligently follow protocols, including a regularly updated rubbish removal and disposal log, and we welcome surprise inspections. To date, we are proud to say we have never received negative feedback”.

Safety measures

Charlett said that The Hideaway Café’s floating bar is equipped with a comprehensive set of safety measures to ensure the well-being of its patrons.

“When it comes to safety, The Hideaway Cafe is well-prepared”.

She said one of the business owners, Barry Millen, “known locally as Bear,” has been a certified lifeguard “since the age of 17 in Canada.”

“We also have life jackets on board, a requirement introduced by the Neiafu Police last year. Additionally, 95% of our guests live on yachts year-round, arriving at the restaurant by their own emergency boats. All our guests are experienced swimmers, often more skilled than we are!”

She said the floating bar also has “a floating trampoline attached, which provides extra flotation support”.

“Our restroom uses a closed composting system with coconut coir. Waste is securely transferred to our home, where it completes the composting process in a sealed unit. After at least a year, the compost is used in our garden. Similarly, liquid waste is collected and disposed of in our home septic system. Given the size of our establishment, these processes are swift, efficient, and discrete.

“We proudly maintain a strict no-plastic policy. We handcraft our own paper straws and food containers to prevent plastic from ever entering the water. Additionally, we use glassware, which poses no threat to the environment—though not a single glass has ever fallen in.

“The Hideaway Cafe is fully off-grid, powered entirely by a solar energy system that ensures our food is stored at the correct temperature in a solar-powered refrigerator. Even our icemaker is supplied by an onboard rainwater catchment system, which provides filtered water for drinking and washing.

Charlett has invited “anyone who may have questions about The Hideaway Cafe’s safety and compliance” to visit and personally inspect their facility.

“We are confident that your visit will provide reassurance and peace of mind. “

She said the Police had visited the bar on Monday.

The Hideaway floating bar and restaurant was launched in September 2023. It has been open since May 2024, and as with every year, the operators plan to remove it from the water in November 2024 at the end of the season.

Tonga Police Inspector suspended ‘due to serious allegations of involvement in fraud’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tongan Police Inspector Etuate Siale has been suspended pending what appeared to be an investigation into allegations of unauthorised communication with an individual involved in a financial offence.

Nuku’alofa Central Police Station. Photo/Kalino Lātū

Tongan news media reports said Siale was a leading officer in the Police detective unit.

This morning, the Police said they had suspended a member of the Tonga police “due to serious allegations of involvement in fraud”.

The police statement did not identify the suspended police officer as Siale.

“Tonga Police is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism to ensure that there is no distrust in Tonga Police and its members”, the Police statement said.

“We take these allegations seriously and are dedicated to maintaining public confidence in Tonga Police.

“Pursuant to Section 79(1)(a)(b)(c) and (2)(a)(b) of the Tonga Police Act, a member of Tonga Police has been suspended due to serious allegations of involvement in fraud.

“While on suspension, all police powers and responsibilities vested in them as a member of Tonga Police are also suspended”.

Govt using data collection vans to monitor roads and prevent potholes

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The government is replacing “inefficient and manual” on-the-ground inspections by people with data collection vans.

Pothole riddled road in Northland

Potholes blight New Zealand’s local roads, such as this one in Northland. (file photo) Photo: Facebook/Northland Potholes

Minister of Transport Simeon Brown said five vans were being rolled out across the country to better understand the condition of New Zealand’s road network and to prevent potholes from forming in the first place.

The move – part of the Road Efficiency Group – would increase productivity to help rebuild the nation’s economy, he said.

The vans would provide “consistent, high quality surface condition data at a scale never seen in New Zealand before”.

“Manual inspections often lead to poorer data collection, variations as a result of human error, and increased risk to inspectors’ safety while working in traffic.”

Read more:

All sealed roads would be inspected at least every second year and high-class roads would be surveyed annually.

“Rolling out CCDC survey vans means we will have more on-demand data about our road network to early identify parts of the network that are in need of pothole prevention work.

“These vans will also enable consistent collection methods for all Road Controlling Authorities as they are rolled out and more widely used.”

The vans were currently surveying local roads in Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman.

Over the next 10 months, around 80,000km of local roads would be surveyed as part of plans to increase resealing, rehabilitation and drainage maintenance work.

Tongan rugby player stabbed to death in Sydney’s Inner West

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Jorge Branco, Sean Thompson, Mikala Theocharous of 9News

A manhunt is underway for an alleged killer after a suspected targeted attack at Marrickville left a “well-liked” rugby league player dead and his family desperate for answers.

Filihiahekava played for the Mascot Juniors. (Nine)

Emergency services were called to Marrickville Road in Sydney’s Inner West at about 7.40pm last night after reports that a man in his 30s had been attacked.

He has since been identified as 32-year-old rugby league player Sitaleki Filihiahekava.

Paramedics performed CPR but Filihiahekava died at the scene outside a Guzman y Gomez fast food restaurant.

Police said a man who they believe could be involved was last seen running down Silver Street in Marrickville shortly after the attack.

Filihiahekava played for the Mascot Juniors.

Club stalwart Frank Cookson said he would be “greatly missed,” in a post to Facebook.

“It is with sincere regret we advise the passing of one of our Clubs players Sitaleki Filihiahekava last evening in terrible circumstances,” the post read.

“Leki was a well-liked and respected integral member of our A Reserve grade Premiership team two weeks ago where he performed admirably.

“To the extensive Filihiahekava family and Leki’s multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy.”

Inner West Command Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis reassured the public that it was not a random attack.

“We believe at this point that the two people met, and the attack was somewhat targeted,” Kennis said.

“It was not a random attack on Marrickville Road … It’s clear that they did know each other.”

Kennis said CCTV showed the pair having a brief encounter before Filihiahekava was allegedly stabbed.

He could not confirm that a knife had been used in the incident.

“I don’t know if it’s a knife, I know it was a sharp instrument, I can’t say with any certainty what the weapon was.”

A weapon had not yet been recovered, he also said. 

The attack sparked a frenzy of activity around Filihiahekava’s body, with the surrounding streets placed into lockdown for several hours to preserve the crime scene.

Kennis confirmed that Filihiahekava ‘s family was eating at a restaurant nearby when the attack happened.

Several people, understood to be family members of the Filihiahekava, tried to see his body but were pushed back by police.

“It was highly emotive … a male did breach the crime scene, and had to be restrained by police,” he said.

He also said that a Taser was drawn in an attempt to keep them away from the scene, but it was not deployed. 

Witnesses told 9News that emergency responders tried to desperately to keep Filihiahekava alive.

“We just saw one guy on the floor and the police was helping him,” a woman said.

“And then after we came back from Woolies the guy had passed away.

“It makes me so sad because I’m from overseas and I know that this country is so safe. And to be honest, I didn’t expect this kind of thing to happen.”

The knifeman is still on the run and police are appealing for help to track him down.

NSW Police said there was no clear motive for the attack and no information on the potential suspect has been released.

Man charged over series of car fires near Auckland Domain

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Police in Auckland have arrested a man over a series of vehicle fires in the central city.

There have been at least four suspicious car fires near the Auckland Domain. Photo: 123 RF

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said they had been investigating at least four suspicious fires near Auckland Domain since 18 September.

Most recently, two vehicles were targeted on Park Road around 9.15pm on 20 September.

“The vehicles suffered varying degrees of damage, and it’s fortunate that no one was seriously injured as a result of these brazen acts,” Friend said.

“It’s clear though that this has caused great inconvenience to the victims.”

A 50-year-old man was arrested in the Domain on Sunday, and charged with three counts of arson.

He appeared in the Auckland District Court on Monday where he was remanded in custody.

Police said he would reappear on Wednesday, and were not ruling out further charges.

Tongan children to join parents in Australia through ‘family accompaniment pilot eligibility – for workers’ visa

By
Kalino Latu
-

Several children in Tonga are expected to have the opportunity to join their parents in Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister says regional labour mobility schemes mean “a significant number of children in the Pacific do not live with their biological parents”. Photo: UNICEF/Naftalin

The Australian government has introduced the visa through a pilot program for only five selected countries in the Pacific islands including Fiji, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

Although the application had been closed, it allowed up to 200 long-term Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers to bring their children and spouses to Australia.

The number of Tongan families approved under the visa scheme is currently unclear.

Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Employment Ministry Maretino Nemani announced today that 82 Fijian families will participate in this pilot initiative.

“The family accompaniment visa enables approved workers to bring their spouses or partners and children to Australia,” Mr Nemani was quoted as saying by the Fiji Times.

He said the pilot program will soon include a debriefing session for the participating families, preparing them for the transition.

Eligibility

Workers participating in the family accompaniment pilot had to meet the eligibility criteria and have the support of their employer.  

The worker must be a long-term PALM scheme worker who had been in Australia for at least 10 months on their current contract when they applied or who is returning to the same employer. 

The worker must have at least 18 months remaining on their visa. 

The visa was created to help ease the challenges related to family separation.

Children abuse concerns

The Pacific Islands children are being left behind by their parents, who are taking up opportunities presented by regional labour mobility schemes, increasing concerns about child abuse.

This issue was brought up at a recent regional forum in Port Vila. Stakeholders said that many children are raised by their grandparents while their parents leave their home country for seasonal employment in Australia and New Zealand.

During the recent Protecting Children in the Context of Labour Mobility conference, Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister Matai Seremaiah said many children in the Pacific no longer live with their parents due to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand or the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) schemes, as reported by RNZ Pacific.

“A significant number of children in the Pacific do not live with their biological parents, or primary caregivers, which in some cases may heighten the risk of neglect, abuse and exploitation,” Seremaiah reportedly said.

Vanuatu is the largest supplier of labour to Australia and New Zealand, accounting for over 35 per cent (over 16,500) of seasonal workers.

PALM Scheme

The PALM scheme is Australia’s primary temporary migration program for unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions. 

It allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from nine Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available.

Through the PALM scheme, eligible businesses can recruit workers for seasonal jobs lasting up to 9 months or for longer-term roles lasting between one and four years.

The scheme also allows Pacific and Timor-Leste workers to take up jobs in Australia, develop their skills and send income home to support their families and communities.

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