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Tonga wins over USA Eagles at Toronto

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s national rugby team ‘Ikale Tahi continued to thrill their fans today after securing a second victory at Pacific Cup championship against USA Eagles in Toronto with 33 – 19 scores.

Last week the ʻIkale Tahi beat Canada 28-18 at the Swangard Stadium.

TONGA
1 Soane Tonga’uiha 2 Elvis Taione 3 Halani Aulika 4 Uili Kolo’ofai 5 Joe Tu’ineau 6 Steve Mafi (capt.) 7 Jack Ram 8 Viliami Fihaki 9 Tane Takulua 10 Kurt Morath 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo 12 Alipate Fatafehi 13 Sione Piukala 14 Telusa Veainu 15 Otulea Katoa

16 Sefo Sakalia 17 Sona Taumalolo 18 Sila Puafisi 19 Lua Lokotui 20 Hale T-Pole 21 Sosefo Ma’ake 22 Latiume Fosita 23 Vungakoto Lilo

USA
1 Mate Moeakiola 2 Phil Thiel (capt.) 3 Chris Baumann 4 Louis Stanfill 5 Greg Peterson 6 Cameron Dolan 7 Scott LaValla 8 Al McFarland 9 Shalom Suniula 10 Toby L’Estrange 11 Zack Test 12 Andrew Suniula 13 Folau Niua 14 Brett Thompson 15 Troy Hall

16 Zach Fenoglio 17 Nick Wallace 18 Eric Fry 19 Hayden Smith 20 Andrew Durutalo 21 Mike Petri 22 Thretton Palamo 23 Tim Stanfill

Editor and publisher of Keleʻa Newspaper fined for contempt of court

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Editor of Keleʻa Newspaper ‘Ofa Vatikani has been fined TP$1,250.00 and Publisher Lautala Pōhiva Tapueluelu TP$750.00  for breaching contempt of court laws with their coverage of the magistrate court ruling against the  Chinese nationals Meilin Liu and Fe Kaifeng Tian.

Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen  ordered the duo to pay their fines within 2 months or face one month imprisonment.

Tonga’s Acting  Attorney General, ʻĀminiasi Kefu launched the contempt action against the newspaper’s authorities in June, after they published a story headlined – “Fehuʻia pe ‘oku totonu nai ke fōtunga pehe ni tuʻutuʻuni hopo” (“Questionable whether a court order should look like this”), which was published in the Ko e Kele’a newspaper of Monday 2 March 2015, Volume 31, Number 9.

In his ruling Justice Paulsen said it was clear the readers would “understand” from the last paragraph of the article that the release of Liu and Tian was made by Magistrate Mafi because he had received “communications from high authorities” at the Ministry of Justice. .

“That would have the effect, in my view, to lead members of the community to conclude that Magistrate Mafi was influenced to discharge the defendants, that he is not impartial and that the Magistrate Court is not an independent institution, but one that is subject to influence from people in high authority”,  a statement from the AG Office  said.

Justice Paulsen also advised that “anyone is free to criticise the decisions of the Court or the conduct of any Judge, even if the criticism is outspoken, mistaken or wrongheaded, provided that it is not likely to undermine the public confidence in the administration of justice”.

Mr Vatikani and Mrs Pohiva were remorseful, and as an expression of their regret, they have agreed to publish their apologies on Kele’a acknowledging their article was in breach of contempt of court laws and reflecting the fact that it should never have been made.

The defendants were ordered to pay the court costs and were also given 42 days from 15 July 2015 to file any appeal against their conviction.

Dr Harrison QC SC represented Mr Vatikani and Mrs Pohiva, and the Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions for the Crown Law.

Family and kāinga hold vigil for hit and run victim

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A 29-year-old Maka Langi of East Palo Alto died  after the motorcycle he was riding was hit on a Milpitas highway. Photo/Fale Hufanga United Methodist Church (Facebook).

Friends and family of Maka Langi a motorcyclist who was killed and left to die on a South Bay highway after he was hit by a car earlier this month, held a  sombre ceremony in his honour.

His family said it was Langi’s lifelong dream to own a motorcycle. The 29-year-old bought a 2007 Harley Davidson back in May on the one year anniversary of his mother’s death. She died of cancer. Two months after owning the bike, his life abruptly ended, KTVU news reported.

“He was cruising on his bike and couldn’t wait to see his nephew,” his cousin and best friend Tupou Taufahema told the news.

On July 4, CHP said around 9:15 p.m. Langi was riding his motorcycle on Interstate 880 North in Milpitas approaching the Highway 237 overpass when he was hit. CHP said the driver sped off and Langi died at the scene, the news reported.

“We had plans of growing old together, we had a lot of plans together,” said Taufahema. “My heart hurts. It really hurts.”

Loved ones said the East Palo Alto man was loving, caring and known as Uncle Maka to the many kids in the family. While studying at Foothill College, he worked two jobs including one at Ikea and another helping his dad with his landscaping business.

No one is taking it harder than Langi’s father.

“I know he loved me so much,” said Langi’s father Emmanuel.

His father Emmanuel Langi was reported as speaking directly to the hit-and-run motorist through the broadcast, saying that he forgives him for what he has done, and that he simply wishes for him to come forward with answers.

Police have yet to make any arrests and their investigation was ongoing.

‘Ikale Tahi name team to play USA Eagles

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Tonga’s headcoach Mana ‘Otai has named the ‘Ikale Tahi squad to meet the USA Eagles at BMO Field in Toronto this weekend.

A statement from Tonga Rugby Union said:  “Soane Tonga’uiha comes into the side for Tevita Mailau, and Viliami Fihaki will start in place of Viliami Ma’afu, off due to a shoulder injury.

“Other changes see Steve Mafi taking over the reins from Nili Latu for this match and moving to the blindside. Uili Kolo’ofa’i is starting at lock, with Hale T-Pole starting from the bench this week.

Kurt Morath maintains kicking duties after a solid performance against Canada, and Otulea Katoa will start ahead of Vunga Lilo”.
The full team is:
1.Loose Head – Soane Tonga‘uiha
2.Hooker – Elvis Taione
3.Tighthead – Halani Aulika
4.Lock – Uili Kolo‘ofa‘i
5.Lock – Joe Tuineau
6.Blindside – Steve Mafi (Kapiteni)
7.Openside – Jack Ram
8.No.8 – Viliami Fihaki
9.Scrum Half – Sonatane Takulua
10.Outside Half – Kurt Morath
11.Wing – Fetu‘u Vainikolo
12.Centre – ‘Alipate Fatafehi
13.Centre – Sione Piukala
14.Wing – Telusa Veainu
15.Fullback – ‘Otulea Katoa

Reserve:

16.Front Row – Sosefo Sakalia
17.Front Row – Alisona Taumalolo
18.Front Row – Sila Puafisi
19. Tukulua Lokotui
20.Hale T Pole
21.Sosefo Ma‘ake
22.Latiume Fosita
23.Vungakoto Lilo

Foreigner injured and robbed leaves kingdom

By
Kaniva Pacific
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An unnamed European foreigner who has left Tonga yesterday after being held hostage, injured and robbed in Tongatapu on Sunday asked if Tonga was really a Christian country or not, local media report said.

The man who is in his 70s was allegedly attacked in his residence by three men at about 10 – 11 am.

The victim’s attackers allegedly escaped with more than $500 and also took with them a cellphone, camera, camcorder and a TV sets, Radio 87.5 FM report said.

Police were reportedly called to the scene but they did not immediately respond to our request for comments this afternoon.

The foreigner allegedly told his attackers he was a good friend of the Late King George V and he has been living in Tonga for quite sometimes in a residence near the late king’s villa at Tufumāhina.

NZ Labour leader impressed by coronation,  but asks: Where was Key?

By
Kalino Latu
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In the picture: Labour Party Leader Hon. Andrew Little surrounded by friends and colleague during His Majesty’s King Tupou VI’s coronation in Tonga. Photo/MP Sua William Sio (Facebook).

New Zealand Labour leader Andrew Little said he was impressed by this month’s coronation in Tonga, but asked why Prime Minister John Key did not attend.

Little was in Tonga as part of a New Zealand delegation that attended the coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu.

The Labour Leader said the kingdom was an important bilateral partner and ally that was undergoing significant changes with the transition to more democracy.

“New Zealand leaders needed to be in Nukuʻalofa,” he said.

The New Zealand delegation was led by the Governor General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Matepara and the Minister for the Pacific Hon. Sam Lotu Iga.

Little was accompanied  by Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson Su’a William Sio and Jenny Latu Salesa.

He acknowledged the support of Tongans for the Labour Party.

“The Tongan people are the fastest growing Pacific group in New Zealand,” he said.

“There are over 60,000 New Zealand Tongans and many are members of the Labour Party.

“Jenny Latu Salesa was born in Tonga and our front bencher Carmel Sepuloni is of Tongan heritage.

“Tongan people make an enormous contribution to Labour and our country.”

Little was echoing concerns by the Tongan community in New Zealand that the Prime Minister did not attend the coronation.

During the celebrations the Chairman of the Tonga Advisory Council in New Zealand, Melino Maka, criticised the Prime Minister for not attending the celebration.

Key did not go to Tonga for the coronation, but instead flew to Samoa to watch the test between the All Blacks and Manu Samoa.

“That doesn’t sound right,” Maka told the Kaniva News radio programme.

The Labour leader said he was impressed by the coronation.

“At the time I was surprised that Tonga could mount such a massive event as the coronation,” the Labour leader told Kaniva News.

“It was an obviously very expensive operation for a small island nation. It was run well and the people of Tonga seemed very happy with the coronation.”

He said he had the opportunity to speak with Crown Prince Tupotoʻa and Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva while he was in Tonga.

Asked why the Labour Party should form the next government, he said: “New Zealand is facing major challenges that the present Government isn’t facing up to.

“This includes meaningful action on climate change which affects small island nations like Tonga. Labour Governments typically take these issues more seriously and are more effective.”

The main points

  • New Zealand Labour leader Andrew Little said he was impressed by this month’s coronation in Tonga, but asked why Prime Minister John Key did not attend.
  • “New Zealand leaders needed to be in Nukuʻalofa,” Little said.
  • However, Little said he was impressed by the coronation
  • He said he had the opportunity to speak with Crown Prince Tupotoʻa and Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva while he was in Tonga.

For more information

Minister to attend Tongan coronation

John Key in Samoa

Samoa loses $1.5m in hosting All Blacks

By
Kaniva Pacific
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New Zealand Prime Minister John Key sits with Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi during the historic test. Photo / Getty Images

Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi says the country lost $1.5 million (approx NZD $890,000) hosting the All Blacks.

Tuilaepa, who is also chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, said the governing body spent $3.4 million on the historic test earlier this month.

“The money was spent on preparations, the cost of everything and allowances,” he told a press conference. “The bulk of the money went towards the players’ allowances.”

However, the union collected only $1.9 million in revenue. “So there was a loss of $1.5 million but that’s the reality faced by the Union. The truth is that the Union needs at least $10 million every year for its international fixtures,” said Tuilaepa.

Asked if the union received any money from companies who sold Manu Samoa merchandise, Tuilaepa said all that money added up to $1.9 million.

“It doesn’t cover our expenses, especially the extended camp for the players. Food, allowances, transport…it’s all money.”

The All Blacks played the Manu Samoa at the newly refurbished Apia Park on July 8. The Kiwi team received a hero’s welcome when they touched down at Faleolo Airport two days earlier and the local tourism industry – including restaurants and businesses – soared.

The loss, Tuilaepa said, meant the Union would have to find somewhere to plug the hole. “That’s why the union works hard to raise funds to offset the losses. Which means they will have to resort to government bodies for help.”

Among those government bodies is the Samoa International Finance Authority, which has been a major sponsor of Samoan rugby for the past few years.

Tuilaepa said the union had hosted its sponsors and supporters, and that they were informed about the union’s longterm plans.

During the press conference, Tuilaepa also scoffed at the national boxing team that represented Samoa at the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, last week.

“I don’t know the people who are coaching that team,” he said. “Not only they don’t know how to coach the kids to box, even the athletes are cowards.

“What I saw was an eyesore, I just couldn’t understand how they selected these athletes.”

Source: nzherald

Hihifo two different speed limit signs confuse drivers

By
Kaniva Pacific
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In the picture: Two different road signs at the village of Masilamea confused drivers. Photo/by courtesy of Yvette Gutteinbeil Paea

Two signs on the same stretch of road displaying different speed limits have been causing confusion in Hihifo, Tongatapu.

Some drivers on eastbound Hihifo road are confused by the speed limit signage erected at the village of Masilamea.

Tonga’s traffic authority could not be reached for comments but it suggested the mistake could be due to somebody tampering with the signs.

It is understood the signage were designed to urge westbound drivers to slow down and keep their speed limit to a maximum of 50 km/h while travelling through the village of Masilamea and for the eastbound travellers towards Nuku’alofa to be able to accelerate up to 70km/h once they passed the village.

Tongan business woman Yvette Guttenbeil Paea who took the photo this afternoon said they were traveling eastbound with her husband when they saw the signs.

She said they argued whether they would travel at 70km/h or 50km/h.

She feared that if they travelled at 70km/h Police might fine them for speeding in a residential zone but her husband said that could be disputed because the road signs were confusing.

Tonga defeat Canada 28 – 18

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Tonga’s national rugby team ‘Ikale Tahi has beaten Canada today in Vancouver by 28 – 18.

Team

1. Tevita Mailau loose Head, 2. Elvis Taione hooker, 3. Halani Aulika tighthead, 4. Steve Mafi lock, 5. Joe Tu’ineau lock, 6. Hale T Pole blindside, 7. Nili Latu openside, 8. Viliami Ma‘afu No.8, 9. Sonatane Takulua scrum half, 10. Kurt Morath outside half, 11. Fetu‘u Vainikolo wing, 12. Viliami Tahitua centre, 13. Sione Piukala centre, 14. Telusa Veainu wing, 15. Vungakoto Lilo fullback

Reserves:

Sosefo Sakalia front row, ’Alisona Taumalolo front row, Sila Puafisi front row, Uili Kolo‘ofa‘i, Viliami Fihaki, Sosefo Ma‘ake, Latiume Fosita, ’Otulea Katoa

Apifoʻou college wins secondary schools rugby grand final

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Apifo‘ou College won the Secondary Schools 1st XV rugby grand-final for 2015  against Tupou College Toloa today July 24 with scores 39-36.

The match was described as “tau mālie”, excellent.

In last year’s 1st XV competition the two rival colleges faced each other in the final and ʻApifoʻou won.

 

 

 

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