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Chinese embassy, PM’s office, call online letter attributed to Pohiva ‘fabricated’

By
Philip Cass
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ʻOku ʻi lalo heni ʻa e ongoongó ni ʻi he lea faka-Tongá 

The Chinese Embassy in Tonga has described a letter purporting to be from Prime Minister ’Akilisi Pohiva  as “groundless and not true.”

And the Prime Minister’s office said the letter was clearly intended to denigrate the Prime Minister while he was facing a vote of no confidence motion that has been tabled in parliament.

The document was posted to Facebook and widely shared online and was published on the Nepituno website this afternoon.

Nepituno editor Dr Viliami Latu said he was handed the original letter from a “very reliable source” before he photocopied it and published.

He said the letter was “authentic” and he sought advice from a legal adviser before their publication.

He said he received a number of contacts after he published the letter and he was not the only one who received the letter including leading figures in the community.

The documented, dated January 9, purports to have been written by Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva to the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, Wang Xuejun, said the embassy had never received such a letter.

“We suspect that the letter is fabricated because there is no such an institution like Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China, and the Prime Minster of Tonga never visited Beijing.”

The letter

The document published by Nepituno reads:

“Thank you for the warm welcome in Beijing. l am writing this to you  to accentuate the important parts from the discussions that we had in China. There is a big problem in Tonga that is preventing us from transitioning into a democracy. Religion and its institutions are halting our country’s progress.

The church has too much  power and  the people  are too religious as a result. They listen to the church, the King and the monarchy,  who are  the “protectors” of  the  church. They hold  on  to outdated beliefs that only serve to hurt Tonga.

We have to create a plan to decrease the influence of religion. I cannot say this publicly, because the people and my constituents would tum against me. I am writing this to formulate a confidential 2-3 year plan with the goal of secularizing the country and eventually removing all power from the monarchy.

We must at the very least institute plans to erase all religious teachings in school, allow businesses to open on Sunday and crack down on religious leaders in the country. If we can accomplish this, then I have no doubt that we can transition into a fully democratic Tonga. We must also remove the nobility from power, as they only serve to increase the influence of the King.

Suffice to day, that this letter is to be treated with the utmost secrecy because we all know what is at  stake  here. I also would like to confirm from our previous talks your  help  with  scheduling treatment for my medical condition.”

The Prime Minister’s office said the Prime Minister had travelled to Singapore in January, but not continued to china as originally planned.

The Prime Minister did not write the letter and the document published by Nepituno was  fabricated, it said.

Fake news?

Has the curse of ‘fake news’ come to Tonga?

The document purporting to be from Hon. Pohiva is a strange piece of work.

It appears to be a clumsy and deliberate attempt to stir up resentment of the Chinese, insinuate that the Prime Minister is anti-religious and opposed to the monarchy.

It uses American spelling and phrases like “transition to democracy” that appear to have been borrowed from somebody else. In short, it simply doesn’t sound like the Prime Minister.

This totally contradicts the Prime Minister’s public statement on the role of the monarchy in Tonga’s new democratic society and his government’s demonstrable sensitivity to the opinion of the country’s religious leaders.

It is also written by somebody who thinks there is only one church in the kingdom – presumably their own.

The really questionable aspect is the throw-away reference to “my medical condition” at the end, as if the author wanted to throw in everything he could to stir up antipathy to Hon. Pohiva. Surely if  the Prime Minister was ill, he would specify whatever ailed him.

If this is fake news, then the next task for the media is to find out who wrote it and why.

The main points

  • The Chinese Embassy in Tonga has described a letter purporting to be from Prime Minister’ Akilisi Pohiva as “groundless and not true.”
  • The document was posted to Facebook and widely shared online and published in some sections of the Tongan media.
  • The documented, dated January 9, purports to have been written by Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva to the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China
  • A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, Wang Xuejun, said the embassy had never received such a letter.

52 seasonal workers in Fiji to work in NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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SUVA, 20 FEBRUARY 2017 ( FIJI TV via PACNEWS)

52 Fijian workers have been farewelled and presented with their life skills training and pre-departure orientation certificates.

This was presented to them by the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Salaseini Daunabuna.

This is one of the biggest single deployment that the Ministry of Employment has carried out under the New Zealand

Recognised Seasonal Employer Work Scheme (RSE)and the Australia Seasonal Worker Programme.

Out of this, 42 workers will be employed with Bostok New Zealand Limited which was introduced to the Employment Ministry through the New Zealand Secondment Programme.

The remaining 10 workers will be employed with Thornhill Horticultural Contracting Ltd and engaged in vineyard work such as baling, crop spraying, cultivation, drilling, earthmoving, planting and ploughing.

The employer is a labour hire company in the horticulture industry and workers employed by them work mainly with Grapes and vineyards.

Former Wallaby Dan Vickerman dies suddenly

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tohoʻi hifo e pēsí ki lalo ke ke lau he ongoongo faka-Tonga

The Australian rugby community has been rocked by the sudden passing 63-Test lock Dan Vickerman, at just 37.

South-African born Vickerman, who last played for the Wallabies at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, was found in his family home overnight, with friends and the rugby community reeling from the shocking news on Sunday.

His final season was a remarkable comeback in itself, with Vickerman returning to the Test fold after a three-year break from rugby, where he studied at Cambridge University and played for their varsity side.

The 2011 comeback handed him his third World Cup opportunity, a decade after his 2001 Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies, where he spent three seasons before moving to the Waratahs.

Former Wallabies backrower Phil Waugh, who played with Vickerman at club, state and Test level, said his teammates were still coming to terms with Sunday’s tragic news.

“We’re all devastated about our good friend and teammate, Vicks,” he said.

Read more: Tragedy as Wallabies lock Vickerman dies

Ongoongo Faka-Tonga 

Kuo tengihia ‘e he komiunitī ʻakapulu ʻa ʻAositelēliá e mālōlō fakafokifā ʻa e loka kuo tuʻo 63 ʻene tesi maʻa kinautolu, Dan Vickerman, ʻi hono taʻu 37.

Ne ʻilo atu e sino ʻo Vickerman ʻa ia ko e tangata foki ʻeni ne fanauʻi ʻi Saute ʻAfilika pea ko ʻene vaʻinga fakamuimui maʻa e Ualapií ʻi he 2011.

Ne maʻu hono sinó ʻi honau ʻapi fakafāmilí pe ʻi he pō Sāpaté.

Ne kiʻi mālōlō fakataimi foki ʻa Vickermtan taʻu ʻe tolu mei he ʻakapulú ka ne foki ʻo ako ʻi he ʻUnivēsiti ʻo Kemipilisí peá ne vaʻinga foki ai.

Ko ʻene foki mai ko ia ʻi he 2011 ne toe maʻu ai hano faingamālie ki he Ipu ʻa Māmaní ko e taʻuʻaki ia ʻe 10 hili ʻene fuofua vaʻinga maʻa e Brumbies ʻi he Super Rugby ʻo e 2001, ʻa ia ne ne ʻi ha taʻu tolu ai ki muʻa peá ne hiki ki he Warratahs.

Pehē foki ʻe he pelekiʻauei ki muʻa ʻa e Ualapií ko Phili Waugh peá ne na vaʻinga foki mo Vickerman he ngaahi tau fakakalapu, fakavahe pea pehē foki ki he tesí, ʻoku feinga hono ngaahi kaungā vaʻingá ke nau tali lelei ʻa e ongoongo fakamamahi ko ʻeni ʻo e Sāpaté.

Queen mother Halaevalu Mataʻaho dies aged 90

By
Kalino Latu
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The Queen Mother died this afternoon Sunday 19 at the age of 90, the Tongan Consulate in Auckland said this morning.

Stafford ʻAho, the Tongan consul in New Zealand had “confirmed” the Queen’s passing to Kaniva News

He declined to give further details saying “work is being processed”.

It is understood Princess Mata’aho, Queen Halaevalu’s granddaughter and namesake was by her bedside in an Auckland hospital.

More to come……

Fears toxic chemicals could affect drinking water as law to make rubbish burning a crime passed

By
Kalino Latu
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Toxic chemicals from used super heavy duty batteries and diapers could affect drinking water and food, the Tongan Parliament was told last week.

People dumped these items as rubbish on tax allotments without the owners’ permission.

The Education Minister, Hon. Penisimani Fifita, said he was surprised when he saw this kind of rubbish being dumped in his tax allotment in Hahake.

He said he was concerned that the toxic chemicals could leach into the soil and contaminate drinking groundwater causing serious health problems.

The Minister was making the comment before the House approved new regulations to control the way people dispose of their rubbish, penalising those who do not do the right thing.

The law has made burning rubbish and waste on private property a crime.

The Deputy Prime Minister said if neighbours complained because rubbish burning affected them, law enforcement officers would first alert and warn the offender about the complaint.

Some MPs were concerned that the law could make fei’umu (baking food in an open ground oven) on Sundays unlawful.

They said the whole of Tonga made ‘umu on Sundays,  but the Deputy Prime Minster said it was excluded in the law.

Most Members of Parliament agreed that the regulation was of great importance for Tonga.

However some were concerned at the high penalty fines imposed including fines of TP$2000-5000 for disposing of dangerous waste.

However, Minister of Law Vuna Fa’otusia told the House not to panic.

He said the judges were professional and they would consider the offences and the affordability of the offenders before they fined them.

Littering

Littering was already a criminal offense in Tonga punishable with a fine as set out by statutes for the public, but it was not enforced, the Deputy Prime Minister told the House.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is responsible to the Ministry of Environment and Waste Management said this was because the government wanted to consult with the public on the clauses of the regulation including the way the fines were imposed on spot before an offender could be taken to courts.

New regulations came into force in May last year to penalise people who do not dispose of their rubbish properly.

Under the Environment Management (Litter and Waste Control) Regulations 2016 police, environment officers, health inspectors and other designated officers, can issue notifications to clean up dumped waste or cease burning. They can also give on-the-spot fines to offenders.

The main points

  • Toxic chemicals from used super heavy duty batteries and diapers could affect drinking water and food, the Tongan Parliament was told last week.
  • People dumped these items as rubbish on tax allotments without the owners’ permission.
  • The Education Minister, Hon. Penisimani Fifita, said he was surprised when he saw this kind of rubbish being dumped in his tax allotment in Hahake.
  • He said he was concerned that the toxic chemicals could leach into the soil and contaminate drinking groundwater causing serious health problems.

For more information

New litter and waste control regulation

Strong wind warning for Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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The Met Office has warned of very strong winds along the Tonga islands throughout the weekend.

It said a strong wind warning remains inforce for Tongatapu and ‘Eua land areas.

Forecasters said a trough lies slow moving to the west of Tonga. Associated clouds with occasional showers may affect parts of the group.

Forecast to midnight tomorrow for Tonga:

For Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

Strong east to northeast winds. Mostly cloudy with occassional rain, possibly heavy at times.

For vava’u and ha’apai:

Light to moderate east to northeast winds, fresh at times.

Mostly cloudy with occassional showers, possibly heavy at times.

For the Niuas:

Light to moderate west to northwest winds, fresh at times.

Mostly cloudy  with possible scattered showers.

Media banned as hundreds gathered to farewell Sione Lauaki

By
Kalino Latu
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Professional news media were told to stop taking photos at the former All Black Sione Lauaki’s burial service this afternoon amid claims they had been banned by the rugby number eight’s family.

Dr Viliami Tūtone, the family’s ‘ulumotu’a (head of Lauaki’s paternal clan) warmly greeted Kaniva Tonga News at the Waikumete cemetery shortly after the arrival of Lauaki’s coffin and informed them about the ban.

It was not immediately clear whether or not the ban included social media as while Dr Tūtone was talking to Kaniva, some of the mourners were busy taking photos at the scene with their cellphones.

Dr Tūtone said he was just doing his job and let us know about the family’s wish. He would not provide any reasons for the ban.

Dr Tutone said the palangi media had been informed.

He asked to respect the family’s decision.

Today’s farewell service at the Glen Eden’s cemetery was attended by hundreds of mourners in a ceremony that began with a religious service at the Te Atu Church Unlimited this morning at 10am.

The Rugby World was represented at the services by Ian Foster.

The memorial service was conducted by the Mo’ui Fo’ou ‘Ia Kalasi church.

Lauaki, 35, died on Sunday after suffering from renal failure and cardiovascular problems.

He was born in June 22, 1981 in Tonga before he relocated to New Zealand when he was eight.

‘Ikale Tahi-Wales test moved out of Tonga due to “redevelopment work”

By
Kalino Latu
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Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby announced Thursday that they were moving the test between the ‘Ikale Tahi and Wales out of Tonga as a result of the state’s “redevelopment work on its national stadium”.

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies issued a statement and said: “…unfortunately time has proved to be against us all and, although difficult, it is the right decision to move the game.”

Wales’ match against Tonga was likely to be moved to Auckland.

Wales Online has reported that, “World Rugby have confirmed the June 17 fixture will be moved from the Tongan capital Nuku’alofa because of redevelopment work on the national stadium”.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “World Rugby shares in Tonga’s disappointment that this match will be moved given the huge effort made by the TRU to date but the decision was jointly agreed by the WRU and World Rugby with the objective of ensuring that the fixture can go ahead albeit in a different location.

“We are working with our friends at the Tonga Rugby Union to deliver a match venue befitting of such an occasion and we remain committed to supporting the union with future Test match hosting opportunities.”

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies said: “Everyone involved in the planning for this tour wanted the game to be hosted in Tonga and this is the reason we have delayed before confirming the fixture.

“The Tonga Rugby Union should be commended for their efforts in relation to the redevelopment of their national stadium but unfortunately time has proved to be against us all and, although difficult, it is the right decision to move the game.”

Wales are also known to have been concerned with a lack of medical facilities in Tonga of the standard required by a modern Test squad, Wales Online reported.

“As part of the same tour, Wales will play Samoa in Apia on 24 June . Combined with Italy and Scotland playing Test matches in Fiji in June, Fiji playing Australia in Melbourne and the Oceania Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification fixtures in July, the Pacific Island teams will have a strong schedule of international Test matches in June/July of this year”.

Internee wants to take lessons learned back to Tonga

By
Philip Cass
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An internship with Auckland Council has taught a Tongan law student from Waikato University the importance of building relationship in an organisation.

Ana Tupou, 28, was placed with the Council as part of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation’s summer internship programme.

She has been interning at Auckland Council as part of a team working on legal compliance.

Tupou told the PCF Newsletter the internship had given her more than what she originally expected.

“This internship has definitely prepared me for getting into the workplace.”

When Tupou completes her studies next year, she hopes to return to Tonga, and implement some of the innovative systems and processes she has learnt during her placement.

Having witnessed how Auckland Council interacts with its staff, the law student is determined to take what she has learnt back to Tonga.

“From day one I felt like a part of the team and with that came responsibilities,” Tupou said.”

“The leadership skills and team work is almost unbelievable.

“I’ve seen how much relationship building and transparency is crucial in the organisation,” she adds.

Ana recommends future interns and student peers to make the most of opportunities such as the one provided through PCF’s Summer Internship.

“What you put into the internship is what you get out of it,” she said.

The main points

  • An internship with Auckland Council has taught a Tongan law student from Waikato University the importance of building relationship in an organisation.
  • Ana Tupou, 28, was placed with the Council as part of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation’s summer internship programme.
  • She has been interning at Auckland Council as part of a team working on legal compliance.
  • “This internship has definitely prepared me for getting into the workplace,” she said.

For more information

A Lawyer in the Making

Stan Walker performs at Tonga’s newly launched hotel

By
Kalino Latu
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In picture: (L-R) John Pulu and Stan Walker. Photo by John Pulu, Tangata Pasifika
The Australian-born New Zealand winner of the Australian Idol, Stan Walker was performing live tonight at the new Tanoa Dateline International hotel.

Photos uploaded to Facebook by the New Zealand’s Tangata Pasifika correspondent John Pulu who was the Masters of Ceremony during the events showed Walker and his band had appeared on stage.

Walker tweeted this afternoon and said: “We here & we performing tonight…”.

He was performing at an evening champagne reception held to celebrate the launch, which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and members of the royal family.

His Majesty King Tupou VI officially launched the kingdom’s new largest hotel on Thursday 16.

The 122-room hotel with Bar Cafe represents a multi-million investment and has created about 100 new jobs in the Friendly Islands.

The celebration was also attended by a New Zealand business delegation led by the country’s Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, Shane Jones.

Jones told guests at the opening ceremony he was glad to see Tonga’s tourist accommodation services had acquired a four star hotel.

He said he knew about the owner, the Reddy Group because they have nine other hotels in the Pacific including two in New Zealand.

Prime Minister Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva said the government saw the new venture as a great economic opportunity for Tonga.

“Our role in government is to create appropriate supporting domestic policy environment to facilitate economic growth. As a matter of fact we need a strong and solid foundation on which to build our economy,” he said.

He said the national hotel, which was formerly known as Dateline International hotel “was in a poor condition” when government undertook to search for a foreign hotel investor.

“Project’s aim is on direct corresponds contributing to our economic development as stated in the Tonga Strategic Development Framework, the government continues to seek to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth through the promotional of economic growth and for further strengthening of business in Tonga,” Hon Pohiva said.

Reddy Group Managing Director Mr. Rohit Reddy said: “Our journey began some four years ago when it reaches our interests in this hotel with lots of negotiation we finally concluded a deal with the Government of Tonga in March 2015. This project has been an extremely difficult project for us which requires lots of patient”.

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