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Assault charge laid after Halaifonua’s death

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police said they were called to a property in Favona before a seriously injured male teenager was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An 18-year-old man from South Auckland will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with common assault in relation to the death of a 19-year-old Tongan man in South Auckland early on Saturday, October 8.

Police can now confirm the deceased man is Samiuela Halaifonua of South Auckland.

Mr Halaifonua suffered a stab wound during a fight at an address in Favona and later died in Middlemore Hospital.

Detective Inspector Gary Lendrum says Counties Manukau Police are continuing its investigation into Halaifonua’s death and are not ruling out further arrests.

“We are continuing to speak with several people in relation to the incident and following positive lines of inquiry,” says Mr Lendrum.

“Our thoughts are also with Mr Halaifonua’s family at this difficult time.”

READ MORE:

Teen’s death after Mangere fight fuels concerns over youth violence in South Auckland

Georgians back under house arrest  – but did Olympian inspire them to come to Tonga?

By
Kalino Latu
-

Seven Georgians who arrived in Tonga on forged Greek passports appeared at the Fasi magistrate’s court today.

They were charged with forgery after Police arrested them last Friday, October 7, for using Greek passports that were reported stolen or lost to Interpol.

And in a bizarre twist, it appears they may have decided to come to Tonga after seeing pictures of Tongan athlete Pita Taufatofua at the Rio Olympics.

Kaniva News has seen documents which show the Georgians’ travel tickets were issued in Slovakia.

During this morning’s hearing before Chief Magistrate Folau Lokotui, the court was told the Georgians came to Tonga with the intention of travelling to New Zealand on the fake Greek passports and stay there because Greek citizens could enter New Zealand without visas.

One of the Georgians, 10-year-old Armaz Khuluzauri (a.k.a. Nilolaos Markopoulos), was initially charged with using forged documents.

But his charge was later struck off after the Acting Attorney General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu, submitted the boy could not have acted alone.

Chief Magistrate Lokotui told the boy that his charge had been struck off and that he was free.

The accused were Koba Shinjikashvili (a.k.a Athanassios Panagiotopoulou), Nino Menabdishvili (a.k.a Anastasia Papadatos), Dato Dekanoidze (a.k.a Stefanos Markopoulos), Zaza Tsikarishvil (a.k.a Evangeles Dragandis), Maia Garibashivili (a.k.a Aikaterini Markopoulous and Genadi Gachechiladze (a.k.a Stefanos Papadatos).

The accused were visibly in dire straits when they arrived in court. They had no legal representation, could not speak English and told the court they had no money to buy food and to rent an accommodation.

The accused were provided with a translation device during the hearing, but still appeared to have trouble understanding what was said.

The relationship of the accused to each was not revealed during their short appearance at the lower court.

As we reported when police searched the group’s accommodation they found another seven Georgian passports which are thought to contain their real identities.

House arrest

Kefu said all of the accused would remain under house arrest until they returned to court on October 24.

“They have no finances at this point,” he said.

They will be fed by the police in the meantime.

The Chief Magistrate set their case aside so they could be provided with a translator.

“This is a very serious offence to use fake passports alleged to have been Greek passports but you are Georgian citizens,” Chief Magistrate Lokotui said.

The accused were also told they had a right to legal representation.

Olympic connection

In a bizarre twist to the case, Tupou’ahau Fungavaka, the manager of the Green Lodge in Tofoa, where the accused have been staying since they arrived in Tonga on September 22,  told Kaniva News the Georgians wanted to come to Tonga after they heard about the kingdom from Olympian Pita Taufatofua.

Taufatofua, 32, became a media sensation after his glistening torso stole the limelight at the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Rio. Global media reports said the inquiries about Tonga through cheapflights.com.au soared 68 per cent compared with the week before the Rio Games.

Fungavaka told Kaniva News last week that she had initially offered to feed and house the travellers on the understanding they would pay her back, but that she ran out of money and wondered who would pay their bill.

Kaniva News has seen documents showing that TP$1433.64 (US$700) was sent to Tonga through Western Union money transfer from a person in Tbilisi, Georgia, called Nona Mokheve,

We were reliably told the money was sent to one of the accused and used to pay their debts to Green Lodge.

The main points

  • Seven Georgians who arrived in Tonga on forged Greek passports appeared at the Fasi magistrate’s court today.
  • They were charged with forgery after Police arrested them last Friday, October 7, for using Greek passports that were reported stolen or lost to Interpol.
  • Kefu said all of the accused would remain under house arrest until they returned to court on October 24.
  • In a bizarre twist, it appears they may have decided to come to Tonga after seeing pictures of Tongan athlete Pita Taufatofua at the Rio Olympics.

For more information

Investigation after Greek passports seized in Tonga following complaint by Immigration NZ

 

Cabinet opposes Privy Council’s candidate for Anti-Corruption Commission boss

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva says his government has rejected the Privy Council’s candidate for the position of Tonga’s first Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption commission.

Hon. Pōhiva said he had received unofficial information the Privy Council’s panel of judges had decided to appoint Tongan-New Zealand based barrister Kahungungu Afeaki to the post.

The Prime Minister told Kaniva News the proposed salary for the Commissioner was too high and his government did not want to work with Afeaki.

The Anti-Corruption Act 2007 stipulates His Majesty in Privy Council shall appoint an Anti-Corruption Commissioner. It says it was the duty of the Privy Council’s Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel to recommend and advice the king in matters that deal with appointment of judicial officers.

Kaniva understands the members of the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel are Lord Chancellor Harry Waalkens Esquire QC , the Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen, the acting Attorney General Aminiasi Kefu and two Law Lords apparently Lord Dalgety and Lord Tevita Tupou.

The commissioner’s  salary is dealt with by the Panel with the consent of Cabinet.

Hon. Pōhiva said the search for the Anti-Corruption commissioner was now deadlocked.

Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission was formed in 2008 after the Anti-Corruption Act was passed on 13 September 2007.

But after a new office was opened for the commission in mid-2008 the dream of a commission to fight against corruption in the kingdom slipped into oblivion.

Last year Justice Minister Vuna Fāʻotusia announced that a panel of judges had interviewed and recommended a suitable candidate to the post.

Hon. Fāʻotusia said the Australian Government had contributed TP$300,000 in 2008 to help fund  the Commissioner’s salary.

However, the Parliament was told recently the Australian government had withdrawn its funding after it discovered the initial attempt to set up the commission had been unsuccessful.

Hon. Fāʻotusia said in 2008 a panel of judges from Australia recommended appointing the then Chief Justice Shuster for the post but the two previous government administrations did not appoint him.

The appointment of a Commissioner raises two issues for the Tongan authorities to consider.

The Minister said former Chief Justice Ford had supported the idea a Tongan should be appointed to the post.

Hon Fāʻotusia also revealed some of the former judges in Tonga agreed to the idea the salary should be reduced to TP$150,000.

During Hon. Pōhiva’s visit to New Zealand earlier this year, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key urged Tonga to take action on the illegal sale of passports.

Hon. Pōhiva said at the time the illegal passport sales were an “indication of corruption.”

At the time Hon. Pōhiva said a New Zealander could become the first Anti-Corruption Commissioner.

In July this year Kaniva News reported a claim by pioneer Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala that corruption in Tonga was now worse than ever.

Moala was speaking at forum on corruption in New Zealand and the Pacific organised by Transparency International.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva says his government has rejected the Privy Council’s candidate for the position of Tonga’s first Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption commission.
  • Pōhiva told Kaniva News he had received unofficial information the Privy Council’s panel of judges had decided to appoint Tongan-New Zealand based barrister Kahungungu Afeaki to the post.
  • The Prime Minister told Kaniva News the proposed salary for the Commissioner was too high and his government did not want to work with Afeaki.
  • Pohiva said the search for the Anti-Corruption commissioner was now deadlocked.

For more information

Corruption in Tonga worse than ever, Moala tells Transparency International forum (Kaniva News)

Tonga PM: Corrupt passport ‘ninjas’ still a challenge

Car ploughs into bush in Nualei

By
Kalino Latu
-

Motorists and residents who were heading to churches on Taufaʻāhau Road this afternoon were surprised after a car careered into a bush in Nualei.

No reports of injuries and the driver  escaped unharmed, local report says.

No other vehicle was involved.

Teen’s death after Mangere fight fuels concerns over youth violence in South Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

The death of a 19-year-old man after a fight at a party has triggered a public outcry and a debate over what some see as a growing streak of violence that involved drugs and alcohol among South Auckland youth .

Counties Manukau Police said an investigation was underway into an unexplained death of the teenager that occurred overnight in Calthorp Close, Favona.

He died in Middlemore hospital early this morning as a result of his injuries, Police said.

But some South Aucklanders took to Facebook and said the incident showed how violence among Mangere youth increased because of alcohol and drug abuses.

The incident concerned Tevita Ofanoa and he wished his children would not follow the obvious trend.

Police said a small party has taken place at an address in the suburb of Favona last night, where a fight has then developed.

“Police are speaking to several people in relation to this incident and the scene examination continues to take place.

“A post-mortem is expected to take place later today and until then the cause of death cannot be confirmed”.

On social media:

 


Phil Golf becomes new Auckland mayor

By
Kalino Latu
-

Phil Goff has won the contest to be the Mayor of the Auckland Super City.

The Former Labour Leader and MP for Mt Roskill beat his rival contestant Vic Crone by tens of thousands of votes. He got the support of 179,206 voters, with Ms Crone winning over 105,413.

Third place went to 22-year-old Chloe Swarbrick, back on 26,474.

Previous mayoral hopeful John Palino came in fourth with 21,398, and fifth went to Mark Thomas, with 9170.

Voting closed on Saturday at 12pm.

Golf took over the mayoralty from Len Brown.

Helu’s win changed after Davis’ appeal

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The announcement that Tongan Born New Zealander Nailini Helu has defeated the New Zealand Kickboxer Ange Davis in their fight for the UBF Asia Pacific and NZPBA (New Zealand National) Women’s Heavyweight Title has been changed.

The original decision on September 24 was announced as a split decision win to Helu.

But the decision was overturned after an appeal by Davis team and announced that it was a draw.

The fight itself was an extremely close bout which caused a massive backlash all across social media in the New Zealand Boxing Community.

At one stage some of the comments began to get violent when one person told the judges to go hang themselves.

On the 26th of September Ange Davis team made an appeal on grounds of one of the judges altering their scorecards after the bout was finished.

NZPBA President Lance Revill accepted the appeal and organised a panel to look at the footage and the scorecards.

On 6th of October, NZPBA came to a decision and released this statement:

“The panel requested Bout Supervisor Mr. P. E Leonard to give report. Mr. Leonard added that on closer examination of the cards other than the alteration, on judge Maka Vaea card, an addition total was found to be incorrect, and instead of 58/56, it should have been 57/57, thus resulting in a Draw. Full report given and accepted by Appeal Panel. ln strict consideration, the Judges cards were presented for inspection by the Panel The Card alteration was noted. The Points again counted and error confirmed. Thus the Points allocated should be 58/56 Davis, 58/56 Helu, and 57/57, making the contest a Draw.

Appeal Decision:

Original Decision of Split Decision be overturned and Decision of a “Draw” to be recorded and notified accordingly. That the NZPBAssn Female Heavyweight Title and UBF Asia Pacific Female Heavyweight Title is declared currently “Vacant”. That the boxer Ange Davis and Nailini Helu be rematched at the earliest opportunity for the Vacant NZPBAssn Female Heavyweight Title within 6 months from 24th September 2016

This Appeal Matter is now finalised and closed.”

As of right now both UBF Asia Pacific title & NZPBA title are vacant with both Helu and Davis being the mandatory challengers for both titles. At this present time it is unknown if both boxers are interested in a rematch, however both Craig Thomson and Terry Tuteru are both interested in promoting the fight on their shows in December.

NZPBA has also announced that the National title will no longer be fought for at 6 rounds. The new rule has been put into place that the Women’s title must be fought for at a minimum schedule of 8 rounds.

Nailini Helu is due to be in the ring next on Craig Thomson’s next show on October 28th against Cheyenne Whaanga. The bout was originally booked for the defence of both of Helu title, however now that they are declared vacant the title bout has been put into jeopardy, But there is still possibilities that the two vacant titles can still be fought for. Helu was originally suppose to fight this saturday against Victoria Nansen, however due to the stress that was caused from the backlash of the fight against Davis, Helu wasn’t able to train.

As for Davis, it is unknown what she will do next, however since the bout, Davis has grown a massive New Zealand fan base that hopes to see her return to the boxing ring soon.

TRU names ‘Ikale Tahi team as Tongan players gear up for three date European tournament

By
Philip Cass
-

The ‘Ikale Tahi is heading for Spain at the end of this month to prepare for matches with Spain, the United States and Italy.

The Tongan Rugby Union has announced the names of the 30 players for the team, which will be captained by Siale Piutau.

The team includes 12 former internationals consists of 26 overseas players chosen by Head Coach Toutai Kefu and four players picked from the Tongatapu local competition.

Radio New Zealand International has reported that only nine players remain from the squad that was beaten by Fiji and Samoa during the Pacific Nations Cup in June.

Piutau has played 28 tests for the ‘Ikale Tahi  and competed in two Rugby World Cups.

Matt O’Connor has been named as Assistant Coach.  He was formerly with Leicester Tigers and Leinster before taking on the job of interim head coach with Queensland Reds Super Rugby.

TRU Chairman and Interim CEO Fe’ao Vunipola with Lano Fonua as the Team Manager.

The Tongans will take on Spain on November 12, the United States on November 19 and Italy on November 26.

The full squad is:

  1. Tevita Mailau – Perpignan – prop
  2. Ben Tameifuna – Racing Metro – prop
  3. Sila Puafisi – Glasgow Warriors – prop
  4. Siua Halanukonuka – Otago Highlanders – prop
  5. Sona Taumalolo – Grenoble – prop
  6. Paula Ngauamo – Mont de Marsan – hooker
  7. Elvis Taione – Exeter Chiefs – hooker
  8. Sione Lea – Taranaki – hooker/prop
  9. Joe Tuineau – Dax – lock
  10. Steve Mafi – Castres – lock
  11. Albert Harisin Manu Tuilatai Laufilitonga Kakau Mataele – lock
  12. Vainanuma Manu – Marist ‘Apifo’ou – lock
  13. Jack Ram – Auckland Blues – loose forward
  14. Tevita Koloamatangi – Waikato Chiefs – loose forward/lock
  15. Dan Faleafa – Sc Albi – loose forward/lock
  16. Valentino Mapapalangi – Manawatu Turbos-loose forward/lock
  17. Bill Fukofuka – Southland – lose forward
  18. Sione Lolohea – Sila Pelu Ua -number eight/hooker-
  19. Sonatane Takulua – Newcastle Falcons – halfback
  20. Thomas Palu – wellington lions – halfback
  21. Sosefo Ma’ake – Havelu Bulldogs – halfback
  22. Latiume Fosita – Auckland – inside back
  23. Kali Hala – Counties – inside back
  24. Siale Ppiutau – Yamaha – inside back – (captain)
  25. Tevita Taufui – Waikato – outside back
  26. Fetuu Vainikolo – Oyonnax – outside back
  27. Cooper Vuna – Oyonnax – outside back
  28. Nafi Tuitavake – Northampton Saints – outside back
  29. Telusa Veainu – Leicester Tigers-outside back
  30. Fetuli Paea – Sila Pelu Ua-outside back

And the next players are…

While the Tongan national team is preparing for its European matches, the next batch of ‘Ikale Tahi  players may be competing at Ballymore in Brisbane this weekend.

Queensland Tonga and the Manly Marlins will play a curtain raiser at Ballymore before the main  Brisbane City-Queensland Country game.

The Marlins won this year’s Willie O Cup, a New South Wales-based tournament designed to keep young Tongan players in the game.

Tongan coach Toutai Kefu, who trains the  Queensland Country side said he would keep an eye out for players with the potential to represent the kingdom during the afternoon.

“It’s very important for me just to get a view point on what potential is there,” he told Montanna Clare of rugby.com.au

Kefu said competitions like the Willie O Cup allowed players to continue to develop.

Willie O Cup includes 10 teams from across NSW and runs from the October 22 until November 26.

The main points

  • The ‘Ikale Tahi is heading for Spain at the end of this month to prepare for matches with Spain, the United states and Italy.
  • The Tongan Rugby Union has announced the names of the 30 players for the team, which will be captained by Siale Piutau.
  • The team consists of 26 overseas players chosen by Head Coach Toutai Kefu and four players picked from the Tongatapu local competition.
  • The Tongans will take on Spain on November 12, the United States on November 19 and Italy on November 26.

Man hunt after driver wounded in Nuku’alofa car chase shooting

By
Alpha Latu
-

Police were searching for a mystery gunman after a 27-year-old man from Vavaʻu was hospitalised from a gunshot wound in Nukuʻalofa on Wednesday morning 5 October.

Police alleged the victim’s car was chased after it had a near miss with an oncoming vehicle at a road in ‘Ananā.

When the chase continued on along a road leading to the Lēlue Rd in Nukuʻalofa the  shooting allegedly from the chasing car took place at about 5am, Police said.

The victim who was staying in Pahu was injured and was rushed to hospital.

Seven Georgians facing forgery charges in Tonga under house arrest

By
Kalino Latu
-

Seven tourists who arrived in Tonga on Interpol reported stolen Greek passports were arrested and charged with knowingly used of forged documents after Police today found another seven Georgian passports in their possession.

They have been released under house arrest and will appear at the Nukuʻalofa Magistrate court on Monday 10, Tongan Police said.

Police believed the tourists were originally Georgians after executing a search warrant at their accommodation, the Green Lodge, in Tofoa this morning.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday  Tongan Police seized the tourists’ Greek passports on September 28 following a complaint from the Immigration New Zealand that  it had been dealing with six  clients who held Greek passports that were reported stolen or lost to Interpol. The seventh passport failed a basic passport scan.

Tupou’ahau Fungavaka, the manager of the Green Lodge told Kaniva News this afternoon Police contacted her after the arrest and asked if her lodge would still be available for the tourists.

Fungavaka was happy that the tourists had cleared off their debts this morning but unwilling to assist them further.

“Obviously we are very disappointed with them especially my husband, because we have provided everything to them, food, accommodation, water, cigarette etc without knowing that they are not Greece people. We even took them to the beach and cooked them umu and a puaka tunu, these are normal program for all Green Lodge guests, but unfortunately we didnt know that they lied to us that they are Greeks”, Fungavaka said.

If it would turn out the tourists would return to my lodge they have to pay everything in advance, she said.

This afternoon Police said an investigation code-named Operation Kingfisher which commenced on 29 September 2016 based on a referral made by the New Zealand Immigration Office investigated seven stolen Greek passport holders who arrived in Tonga on 22 September 2016.

The tourists were about to leave Tonga for Auckland on Wednesday 28.

“The Tonga Police engaged with Interpol and confirmed that these passports were reported stolen earlier this year and have been altered with false identities”, Police said.

The tourists have been charged with knowingly dealing with forged documents, a Police statement said.

“The seven accused persons are placed under house arrest and will be appearing at the Magistrate Courts on Monday 10 October 2016. The police passport task-force continues with the investigation”.

READ MORE:

Investigation after Greek passports seized in Tonga following complaint by Immigration NZ

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