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

By
Kalino Latu
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Fletcher could be extradited under Tonga-US extradition treaty but involves “complex legal issues”, AG says

By
Kalino Latu
-

The US murder suspect that escaped a Police cell in Tonga before he turned up in American Samoa on Tuesday could be extradited to Tonga under an extradition treaty between the kingdom and the United States.

And Tonga have applied for “a provisional arrest warrant of the Accused to be issued by the United States Federal Court, pending a formal application for extradition to be sent through diplomatic channels” on October 5.

But this was not an easy process and Tonga’s Attorney General’s Office warned it could take much longer than expected.

Dean Jay Fletcher, 54, was facing murder charges in Vava’u in connection with the death of his Canadian wife, Patricia Linne Kearney on 6 July 2016, at Neiafu, Vava’u.

While awaiting his trial he escaped on his yacht from police custody on 29 September 2016.

A Police hunt shortly located him but after threatening about himself and burning the Police boat Vava’u Police held back.

On Tuesday Fletcher turned up in Pago pago where he was arrested for breaching the country’s custom law.

Tonga’s Office of the Attorney General has contacted the United States authority to return Fletcher to Tonga to face his murder charges.

American Samoa is part of the United States.

“After being informed by the Police Commissioner that the Accused had absconded from Tonga, and arrived at American Samoa, this Office made immediate contact on 4 October 2016 with counterparts at the United States Department of Justice in Washington D.C., USA, and American Samoa, in order to commence an extradition process with a view to return the Accused to the Kingdom to be tried for the charges laid against him”, a statement from the AG Office said.

Fletcher was also charged with manslaughter or causing grievous harm, interference with the course of justice, and two counts of escape from lawful custody of Tonga Police, the statement said.

“Tonga and the United States are a party to an extradition treaty that was re-affirmed on 13 April 1977 to apply between Tonga and the United States. This Treaty applies to American Samoa as a territory of the United States.

“The Attorney General’s Office is now awaiting advice from United States authorities on the progress of its application for a provisional arrest warrant against the Accused, and confirmation of the process and legal requirements for an extradition request to the United States to return the Accused from American Samoa”, it said.

“At the same time this Office is currently preparing the normal information required for a formal extradition request for the Accused to be sent through diplomatic channels to the United States Government once the process and information required is confirmed from the United States authorities.

“Extradition is a legally complicated process that would involve determination of complex legal issues through all legal avenues in foreign courts, and therefore it is likely to take some time to complete”.

Frustration mounts for stranded Greeks in Tonga as food and money runs out

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Greek tourists whose passports were confiscated by the Tongan Police have no food and money while they wait to be allowed to leave the kingdom.

As Kaniva News reported this morning, the tourists were about to board a plane from Tonga to Auckland last Wednesday when Immigration New Zealand notified Tongan Police that six of the Greek passports had been reported stolen or lost to Interpol, while one failed a scan test.

A reliable Tongan government source has confirmed Tongan Police were still investigating the Greek passports.

The case has been linked to a joint operation conducted by the international law enforcement agencies, the source said.

The manager of the Green Lodge in Tofoa, Tongatapu where the tourists were staying came forward after Kaniva News ran the story.

Tupou’ahau Fungavaka said she and his family had offered to provide the Greeks accommodation and food under a credit deal since they were returned from the airport.

“We have agreed they would pay me back and they said they would receive some money from Greece today and we are waiting for it,” Fungavaka said.

She said one of them was sick and she had offered to pay for his medication.

One of the tourists was a young boy she thought was about the age of somebody in class five at Primary School, Fungavaka said.

“Last night I told them we have run out of money and can no longer provide them with the food they want,” she said.

“I told them they would have to eat together with us.

“The only food we have is soup and Tongan food.”

She said the Greeks were dying to return home for their studies and work, but they were still waiting for their passports.

None of them spoke English, the second official language in Tonga, which is used for communication with other ethnicities.

Fungavaka said an interpreter from overseas was helping their communication with the Greeks via telephone.

She was concerned about who would repay her for the cost of housing and feeding the tourists if they were unable to return home and did not receive the promised financial assistance.

She wanted to know whether or not the Tongan government could help in situation like this.

The main points

  • The Greek tourists whose passports were confiscated by the Tongan Police have no food and money while they wait for permission to leave the kingdom.
  • The tourists were about to board a plane from Tonga to Auckland when Immigration New Zealand notified Tongan Police that six of the Greek passports had been reported stolen or lost to Interpol, while one failed a scan test.
  • Tupou’ahau Fungavaka, the owner of the Green Lodge in Tofoa, Tongatapu where the tourists are staying, said she and his family had offered to provide the Greeks with accommodation and food under a credit deal.
  • But she said that last night she told the tourists they had run out of money.

For more information

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

 

Chinese tourists enter Tonga on “visa on arrival” not “without visa” government clarifies

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan government wanted to clarify what it described as misunderstanding by critics who opposed the government’s visa policy change to help increase the number of Chinese tourists coming to Tonga.

China and Tonga have reviewed their visa policies granting their tourists a 30-day entry visa upon arrival in both countries.

The move was to fast-track the kingdom’s tourism, trade and investment developments.

But some critics took it wrongly describing it on social media as an opportunity for thousands of Chinese to flock the kingdom “without visa”.

Tonga’s Immigration CEO Kulufeinga ‘Anisi Bloomfield said this was wrong and that all Chinese tourists coming to Tonga were subjected to a visa that must be granted upon their arrival at Fu’amotu International Airport.

The “visa is stamped on arrival”, he told Kaniva News.

When their visas expired they have to leave Tonga or they would be treated as overstayers.

The issue was also raised in Parliament this week with Lord Nuku saying  he was concerned at the government policy which allowed tourists to come to Tonga without visa (“ta’e visa”).

However the Prime Minister corrected the noble and said the government has no policy that allowed tourists to come to  Tonga “without visa”.

The Health Minister joined the discussion and said it appeared there was a problem with the Tongan translation of  the phrases “visa on arrival” or “visa waiver”. They both translated into Tongan as “ta’e visa” which literally means in English “without visa”.

The Whole House Committee chair agreed the translation was wrong.

The Prime Minister said all tourists must be checked out at the airport before issuing their visa.

They have to convince the immigration staff that they were genuine tourists with no intention to work or stay after their visas expired.

Other Pacific countries

Tonga’s Minister of Health Saia Piukala told us he was surprised to find out Tonga was too late in moving to offer this tourism opportunity to big countries of the world.

He said they met with Pacific Foreign Affair Ministers in New York last month and the Russian minister thanked some of these Pacific nations including Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu for allowing the Russians to come to their countries on “visa on arrival”.

“Fiji and Samoa always move ahead of us especially when it comes to deal with tourism on international level”, Hon Piukala said.

The European Union has allowed Tonga to enter their member countries on “visa on arrival”, the minister said.

Before that Tongans overseas had to go to London to apply for a visa so that they could enter these countries.

He said the gist of the idea was that for the big countries like China to reduce the time and costs their tourist people incurred after seeking for visas so they can travel to Tonga.

The Minister said the Chinese have to travel to Beijing to apply for a visa that only cost them US$65 to come to Tonga.

“You see they would spend more money on their travel to Beijing just to get the US$65 dollar visa. It does not make sense”, Hon Piukala said.

China is a big country and such travelling could be compared to travelling from Tonga to New Zealand and one could imagine the time and financial costs involved, he said.

China’s growing interest in Tonga Tourism

The following is a statement released by Tonga Tourism to Kaniva and other media:

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Tonga in July 2015 by the Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, His Excellency, Mr. Li Jinzao and the former Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, to implement a Roadmap for Tourism Development in the Kingdom.

The MOU has opened up an important milestone and chapter in Tonga’s history and tourism, and has strengthened and expedited intercultural dialogue and exchanges between the two countries.

Chinese Travel Agents and Tour Operators were brought into Tonga immediately after the signing of the MOU to inspect facilities and tourist related services in preparation for Chinese Tourist arrivals.

Both Governments have also changed their visa policy to grant Chinese Tourists a 30-day entry visa upon arrival in the Kingdom and vice-versa. It is an attempt to fast-track the Kingdom’s Tourism, Trade and Investment developments.

Tonga has already participated in two important tourism meetings hosted by China in May and September this year. The International Island Tourism Conference held in September concluded with Tonga signing a Friendship and Collaboration Agreement with the Mayor of Zhoushan  City, Wen Nuan.Tonga was represented at the conference by the Deputy CEO for Tourism, Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi, the First Secretary at the Tonga Embassy in Beijing, Mr. Tupou Vaipulu, Lady ‘Eseta Fusitua  and Mrs. Pulotu Palu of Palu Aviation. Tonga-China’s Commissioner for Trade and Tourism, Mr. Tony Chen and his staff, including Ms. Satua Tuakoi, Tevita Pasi were also in attendance. The conference gave Tonga another opportunity to promote and strengthen its relationship with the Chinese tourist market.

Alongside the international Conference, a Tourism Exhibition was held and Tonga was able to showcase what it can offer, especially its unique cultural heritage and marina activities.

Chinese investors had also expressed an interest in developing Five star Resorts and Hotels and alternative air travel routes. They are looking into the possibility of direct flights from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Zhoushan to Tonga.

This will certainly reduce travel hours from 15 to 9 hours and avoid the hassle of obtaining transit or stopover visas in other countries including New Zealand. Tonga’s revised visa policy for Chinese tourists has been regarded as a significant bonus making travel to Tonga for Chinese nationals a lot easier and convenient. It is possible that Tonga could become a Hub for Chinese tourists to the Pacific Region.

The Tonga Ministry of Tourism is optimistic that the continuing exchanges between the Kingdom of Tonga and the People’s Republic of China will continue to be strengthened to boost economic development and help Tongans who depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood.

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

An investigation was underway in Tonga after Police confiscated passports that belonged to seven Greek tourists who attempted to board a flight from Tongatapu to Auckland.

Six of the passports were reported to Interpol while the rest failed a test requirement.

This has been confirmed to Kaniva News in an email from Immigration New Zealand this morning.

The email read: “Immigration New Zealand can confirm that on 28 September, seven passengers holding Greek passports were prevented from boarding a flight from Tongatapu Airport to Auckland. Six of the seven passports were recorded as stolen or lost with Interpol and the seventh passport failed a basic passport scan. All passports are with Tongan Police for further investigation”.

We have learnt the Greeks were still in Tonga for more than a week now and none of them speaks English, the second official language Tonga used to communicate with other ethnic groups.

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