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ADB investigator arrives in Tonga to probe Development Bank amid government concerns

By
Kalino Latu
-

An investigator from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has arrived in Tonga to conduct an internal review of the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) following growing government concerns over its operations and management.

The move comes after Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi alleged that TDB had breached loan limit policies, while the Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala claimed that a $14 million investment, intended to support low-income businesses, had mostly been loaned to higher-income individuals.

Emeline Tuita, the CEO of TDB, previously refuted the government’s allegations against the bank.

The Prime Minister said the investigation was important, as the government wanted to ensure that any money it invested in institutions like the bank was secure and beyond doubt.

He confirmed the investigator’s arrival yesterday and stated that the assessment would cover the bank’s overall governance, including the role of its board of directors.

“The government sees this as urgent—to bring the bank back to its proper function,” the Prime Minister said in Tongan. 

“The investigator has the experience, skills, and tools needed to assess the situation thoroughly.”

He said the Development Bank is government-owned, and people’s money is invested in it. He said the investigation aims to restore confidence in the bank’s ability to fulfil its core functions.

“The investigator will also examine how the board controls the bank and provide recommendations on any necessary changes,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said public concern over TDB’s operations has been mounting, with critics arguing that the current situation could undermine its primary duty to serve citizens.

The ADB’s findings are expected to guide reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the bank’s future operations.

The government has yet to announce a timeline for the investigation’s completion, but Eke said swift action is a priority to stabilise the institution.

Disputes

The probe follows a recent legal dispute between TDB and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT), both state-owned institutions.

The Prime Minister expressed relief after the court allowed TDB to withdraw its lawsuit against NRBT, calling the legal action unnecessary and stating that it should not have happened.

Police name Tongan man wanted in St Andrews search

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 28-year-old man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for assault offences.

Paea Teu, a Tongan national, was believed to be at a residence on Duncansby Crescent, St Andrews, prompting a police operation this afternoon.

Officers from Campbelltown Police Area Command, supported by the Dog Unit, established a perimeter and searched the property but were unable to locate him.

Teu is described as being of Pacific Islander/Māori appearance, with a tanned complexion, large build, approximately 180cm tall, and having black hair, dark eyes, and an unshaven face.

Authorities warn the public not to approach Teu if sighted but to immediately call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.

Investigations are ongoing.

Princess Pilolevu reveals royal origins of Fōfō‘anga at $1.2m NZ property launch 

By
Kalino Latu
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In a landmark moment for Tongan cultural preservation, Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu Tuita officially launched a new $1.2 million property for the Fōfō‘anga kava club in Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland, marking a new chapter for the community-driven initiative. 

Princess Pilolevu Tuita

The purchase comes after the club had been evicted from private property seven years ago, prompting its members to fundraise and donate tirelessly to secure a permanent home.

Fōfō‘anga, a well-known kava club in Tonga, serves as a hub for faikava (kava drinking ceremonies), cultural music, and youth mentorship, particularly through its hiva kakala acoustic band, which teaches young people traditional Tongan music and song. 

Nalesoni Tupou, legal representative for Fōfō‘anga, revealed that the South Auckland chapter was the first in New Zealand to own its premises at 7 Princess Street, Ōtāhuhu.

The club has already paid $700,000 of the $1.2 million price tag and was working to settle the remaining $500,000 in five years. 

“This is a huge achievement for our community,” Tupou told Kaniva News.

“Fōfō‘anga Sydney was the first to buy their own facility 15 years ago, and now South Auckland has followed suit.” 

The two-storey building meets local council requirements, including separate bathrooms for men and women, ensuring it serves as a welcoming space for all members. 

Approximately 100 international travellers from Fofo’anga attended the ceremony.  

Also attending were police officers from the Ōtāhuhu Police Station, which neighbours the Fōfō’anga Club on Princess Street.

Fōfō’anga origin

The Princess said that the initial discussions to establish Fōfō‘anga began at the royal palace, culminating in her father, the late King Tupou IV, being appointed as its first patron. 

She added that her uncle, Fatafehi Tu’i Pelehake, proposed the name Fōfō‘anga. After her father passed, Princess Pilolevu was appointed Patron for both the Tongan and global chapters. 

“Fōfō‘anga is more than just a kava club—it’s a place where our culture thrives, and our youth learn the values of community and heritage,” she said during the launch. 

The club was initially restricted to male members, but the Princess encouraged its leadership to include women.

The new property solidifies Fōfō‘anga’s role as a cornerstone for Tongans in the diaspora, blending tradition with modern needs while ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots. 

Lawyer Tupou is the only remaining founding member of the club in New Zealand.

The other pioneers, the late Saimone Koloamatangi, Heamasi Moala‘eua, Taulanga Kupu, Paula Vaitaki, and Henelika Funaki, have since passed away. 

The first Fōfō‘anga club in New Zealand was established in 1978 at 42 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn, and Fōfō‘anga Central still operates at this address today. 

Tonga tackles cargo losses, new policy lets customers monitor customs clearance in real-time

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue has introduced a groundbreaking policy allowing customers to physically monitor their shipments during clearance.

Customs and Revenue Minister Māteni Tapueluelu

Customs and Revenue Minister Mateni Tapueluelu announced the trial initiative this evening, acknowledging the challenges of coordinating multiple agencies, including Stevedore, Securities, Wharf Staff, Quarantine, and Customs.

“This was not an easy decision, given the complexity of the clearance process,” Tapueluelu said in Tongan during an interview with RTTI. 

He said the action was taken to tackle rising concerns regarding lost or mishandled cargo.

Under the new policy, cargo owners or their authorised representatives can now observe inspections in real time.

This is a significant shift from the traditional process, in which brokers handled paperwork and inspections without direct customer involvement.

The Minister stated that brokers are expected to comply with the new policy, and failure to do so may result in their license being revoked.

Tapueluelu hopes the change will minimise errors, deter malpractice, and ensure smoother cross-border trade.

He said that he has received support for the policy.

He said that the trial would be presented to the Cabinet for legalisation if successful in three weeks.

Comanchero Gang member Sunia To’ofohe jailed for nearly 15 years after stockpiling meth, cash, and firearms

By
Kaniva Staff
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Wellington, NZ – A Comanchero gang member who amassed a staggering stash of drugs, cash, and weapons has been sentenced to 14 years and 10 months in prison after failing to convince the court his crimes were solely to feed his addiction.

Sunia Mano To’ofohe, pictured at sentencing in the High Court at Wellington today, was estimated by police to possessed 24.1kg of methamphetamine at one point. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Sunia Mano To’ofohe, 45, was caught following a police operation in May 2023 after being stopped at a Levin service station while returning from Auckland, the NZ Herald reported.

Unbeknownst to him, he was already under surveillance as part of Operation Elusive, a major investigation into Wellington’s methamphetamine supply.

A subsequent search of his Lower Hutt flat uncovered 11 kilograms of methamphetamine, enough to supply the Wellington region for over two months, alongside $547,000 in cash, a Ruger rifle, 57 rounds of ammunition, and an array of other drugs, including cocaine, GBL, LSD, oxycodone, and cannabis.

Police also seized drug scales, a money counter, and meth pipes from the property.

During his trial in February, the court heard that To’ofohe’s bedroom was so packed with evidence that officers worked all night, requiring additional staff to catalogue the haul.

Justice Gwyn acknowledged To’ofohe’s struggles with addiction and his desire to be present for his young children, but emphasised the scale of his offending, which included 14 charges, ranging from drug supply to illegal firearm possession.

While the Crown pushed for a minimum imprisonment period, Justice Gwyn declined, noting that To’ofohe might still turn his life around with rehabilitation.

However, she made it clear that his role in fueling the drug trade demanded a lengthy prison sentence.

Police release photo of fugitive Tongan detainee wanted over stabbing, violent escape in Sydney

By
Kalino Latu
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Police have released a photo of the Tongan national at the centre of a manhunt after he allegedly stabbed a detention centre contractor and assaulted another during a violent escape while being transported for deportation this afternoon.

The fugitive, a Villawood Immigration Detention Centre detainee, broke free early this morning while en route to Sydney Airport, where he was due to be deported to Tonga.

During the escape, a 54-year-old contractor was stabbed in the neck and cheek, while a 36-year-old man was assaulted.

Both victims work for the centre, which operates under the Australian Border Force (ABF).

NSW Police have now issued an image of the wanted man, urging the public to assist in locating him.

Detectives recovered a sharp metal object from the scene and believe the suspect fled toward Harris Park.

“The male is known to frequent Mount Pritchard and south-west Sydney,” said NSW Police Superintendent Simon Glasser. 

“We urge the public to be vigilant—do not approach him. If seen, call triple-zero immediately.”

Authorities have warned residents in Sydney’s west to remain cautious as the search intensifies.

The man remains at large, with a heavy police presence in the Harris Park area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Tongan detainee on the run after stabbing border force officers in Sydney’s West

By
Kalino Latu
-

A high-risk manhunt is underway in Sydney’s west after a 28-year-old Tongan national allegedly stabbed two Australian Border Force officers during a botched deportation attempt.

The detainee, who had been held at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for overstaying his visa, violently attacked the officers while being transported to Sydney Airport for removal.

One officer was stabbed in the neck, while another sustained injuries during the struggle, according to a Sky News report.

Authorities have warned the public not to approach the fugitive if spotted but to immediately contact police.

The man, whose identity has not been released, is considered dangerous.

The incident has reignited concerns in Tonga over the US and Australia’s increasing deportations of Pacific Islanders, with local officials warning that the nation’s overcrowded prison system cannot handle the influx of returning offenders.

Tonga’s King’s Prison is already at breaking point, raising fears that deportees could strain resources further.

More updates to come.

King warns Parliament, foreign donors watching, demands honesty with taxpayer funds  

By
Kalino Latu
-

 In a firm address delivered by Lord Ma’afu on behalf of His Majesty, the King emphasised Parliament’s duty to hold the government accountable, particularly in ensuring transparency in taxpayer money.

The speech marked the soft closing of Parliament this morning.  

Lord Ma’afu delivering the royal speech

The King underscored that the Constitution mandates strict oversight of public spending, urging lawmakers to fulfil their role in scrutinising government expenditures.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e Fale Alea ke ne fakapapau’i oku ngāue ‘a e pule’anga kotoa fakatatau ki he konisitutone’ mo e lao’. Ke fakapapau’i oku maau ‘a e founga ‘o e fakamole mo e pa’anga kotoa.”  

The royal warning comes amid growing scrutiny over financial accountability, including recent revelations by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, who accused Parliament of adopting “dangerous working procedures.”

Dr Fusimālohi had earlier exposed an Auditor General’s report revealing no records for how $60 million from the Covid Fund was spent.  

This is not the first time the King has reproached Parliament for lapses in governance.

He previously chastised the House for failing to submit annual reports, a key transparency requirement.  

In today’s speech, the King reaffirmed Tonga’s Christian values, calling for strict observance of the Sabbath.

His remarks follow reports by Kaniva News highlighting inconsistencies in enforcing Sunday trading laws, where some businesses remain open for tourists while locals face restrictions.  

The King also reminded the people of other commandments from the Holy Bible, such as ‘Thou shalt not steal’ and ‘Thou shalt not covet’ warning against jealousy and the desperate desire for what belongs to others. 

The King also acknowledged Tonga’s ongoing transition to a new system of governance but noted persistent challenges in implementing key policies. “We strive for a peaceful transition, yet daily obstacles remain,” he said in Tongan.  

The address serves as both a reminder and a warning, as Tonga navigates reform, honesty in governance and adherence to tradition must remain paramount, especially under the watchful eyes of foreign donors and the public. 

More than 50 per cent of Tonga’s annual budget depends on foreign donors.

Vaiola Hospital loses 45% of nurses since COVID-19 amid overseas exodus and strike tensions

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tonga Ministry of Health is facing a severe staffing crisis, with Vaiola Hospital losing 45% of its nursing workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nurses in Tonga out the Royal Palace office in 2023

Matron Sr Akesa Halatanu revealed that the hospital now operates with just 176 nurses, down from 320 before the pandemic.

“The decline is primarily due to work opportunities overseas and personal reasons,” Halatanu reportedly said, highlighting the growing challenge of retaining healthcare workers in Tonga.

The shortage comes amid rising public frustration over long wait times and perceived unprofessionalism at the hospital, prompting Health Minister Dr Ana ‘Akau’ola to plead for patience and understanding from the public recently.

In December 2023, nurses staged a half-day strike demanding better pay and working conditions.

Their protest followed failed negotiations with the then Health Minister over a proposed salary increase.

In response, the Vaiola Hospital Board of Visitors Charity donated TOP$160,000 to support striking nurses and staff working through the holiday season.

While the gesture provided temporary relief, underlying issues of low wages and heavy workloads remain unresolved.

With the healthcare system under immense strain, experts warn that Tonga’s nurse exodus could worsen without immediate intervention.

As Vaiola Hospital struggles to cope, the people of Tonga face longer waits and stretched services, raising fears of a deepening health crisis if solutions are not found soon.

EDITORIAL: Defiant Deputy PM, ‘I’ll keep leaking for public good,’ despite Parliament’s fury

By
Kalino Latu
-

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi’s unflinching vow to keep exposing wrongdoing, even as his own colleagues turn against him, should alarm every citizen who cares about transparent governance.

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi

He said that he was unbothered by his critics’ actions. In Tongan, he said: ‘I’ll keep leaking for the public good.”

His admission of being disliked in Parliament for whistleblowing isn’t just a personal grievance, it’s a damning indictment of a political system that prioritises secrecy over accountability.

The backlash against Fusimalohi reveals a disturbing pattern: Those who dare to expose misconduct face isolation, while those accused of mismanagement cling to the shadows.

Take the explosive case of Tonga’s missing $60 million in COVID funds—buried in an Auditor General’s report that Parliament tried to rubber-stamp without debate.

Or the false allegations about the Ministry of Infrastructure, now under police investigation.

These are not minor disputes; rather, they are signs of a deeper issue that Fusimalohi refuses to overlook.

Yet instead of addressing these scandals, some lawmakers seem more invested in punishing the messenger.

Their hostility sends a chilling message: question nothing, reveal nothing. 

This is the opposite of how democracy should work. Public office is a trust, not a shield for corruption.

Tonga’s people deserve better. If Parliament views transparency as a threat rather than a duty, it’s not Fusimalohi who should be condemned, it’s the system protecting those with something to hide.

His defiance isn’t rebellion, it’s the bare minimum of civic courage.

The real question isn’t whether he should stop leaking, but why more leaders aren’t joining him.

Silence is complicity. Tonga’s future depends on who wins this fight—the people’s right to know, or the politicians who fear the light.

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