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Money falls from sky, late Baron Vaea first Tongan pilot remembered

By
Kalino Latu
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Thousands of dollars worth of two  and twenty paʻanga banknotes which were thrown from a plane during the 150 anniversary celebration of Tupou College was made to remember the college’s ex-students who worked in the aviation industry.

The Master of Ceremonies announced the event was organised to mark the first Tongan to become a pilot in New Zealand, Late Baron Vaea and another ex-student, Kelepi Tu’ipulotu who worked as a pilot in the United States and is currently employed by the Real Tonga Airline.

They are both ex-students of Tupou College.

Vaea, a former Prime Minister of Tonga, was also believed to be the first Pacific Islander to enlist with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, operating No 6 Squadron Catalina planes in the Pacific during the Second World War.

Tuʻipulotu went to Tupou College from 1981 to 1987.

The Tongan paʻanga notes were carried by the winds and scattered through the college’s compound for several minutes and some had ended up at the surrounding bushes and cattle farms.

The organisers of the event were Tupou College ex-students in the United States.

Representatives of the Tupou College alumni in New Zealand said many abandoned the marquees and tents they were in in order to get their hands on the notes blowing down the school.

READ MORE:

Preparations for 150th anniversary “brings the curtain down” on church and school rivalries

Land Court orders expulsion from land after judge rules against defendant’s claims

By
Philip Cass
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The Land Court has ordered a defendant to vacate a block of land in Ma’ufanga known as  Kape within 30 days after dismissing his claim that he could not be removed.

In his judgement, the president of the Lands Court, Mr Justice Paulsen, said Peauafi Filimoehala had completely failed to prove his entitlement to remain on the land.

An earlier challenge to an eviction notice by Fotofili Filimoehala had been withdrawn after an agreement was reached with the land’s owner, Peni Toloa Filimoehala.

Peni Toloa Filimoehala launched an action to evict the first and second defendants and their respective families from the land and damages for loss of use of the  land since he obtained his registration in 2011 in the sum of $50,000 along with interest and  costs.

Mr Justice Paulsen said It had  been  established  in  a hearing ion 2015 that Peni Toloa Filimoehala  was lawfully registered as the holder of Kape.

The land was originally in the possession of Penisimani Filimoehala, who  applied for Kape as his town allotment. For reasons that are not clear Penisimani did not receive his deed of grant for Kape until  1982.

Penisimani Filimoehala married twice. His eldest son with his first  wife was Uatesoni Toloamoelama Filimoehala (Toloa). Toloa’s eldest legitimate son is Peni Toloa Filimoehala. When Penisimani died Kape was claimed by his second wife, Vasitai Filimoehala, as  her widow’s estate. Toloa predeceased Vasitai. When Vasitai died Kape was claimed by Peni Toloa as Penisimani’s heir. Kape was registered in his name in April  2011.      Peauafi Filimoehala is Penisimani’s  first  son  of  his second  marriage  to Vasitai.

Peauafi moved  off  the  land  and  left  Tonga   permanently   in  1982.    He moved  to  the  United  States  and  obtained  citizenship  there  and he  still  has  a  home  there.

The judge rejected claims that Penisimani had promised that Peauafi would not be removed from the land and a series of claims about who had originally owned the land and who was entitled to it.

In his ruling on the 2015 hearing, the judge described Peauafi as an unconvincing witness and evasive.

“His  evidence  was   largely founded  on  an  understanding  of  events  that  occurred  when  he  was very  young  and  of  which  he  could  not  in  my  view  have  any  accurate recollection,” Mr Justice Paulsen said.

“In important  respects what  he said  occurred,  including  in relation  to  the  circumstances  under  which  his  family  moved  to  Kape, was  implausible  and  inconsistent  with  the  conduct  of  the  parties  and contemporaneous  documents.

“He  took  positions  which  he  must  have known  were   plainly  wrong,  such  as  his  evidence  that   he  has  had possession of Kape for  63 years  when  in fact  he has lived in the  United States  since   1982.”

In his latest ruling the judge reconfirmed that Peauafi had no right to the land.

“Peni Toloa is entitled to possession of Kape and Peauafi had to vacate the land within  one month of the date of this ruling,” Mr Justice Paulsen said.

However, the judge did not order compensation to be paid because there was no evidence of financial loss.

The main points

  • The Land Court has ordered a defendant to vacate a block of land in Ma’ufanga known as Kape within 30 days after dismissing his claim that he could not be removed.
  • In his judgement, the president of the Lands Court, Mr Justice Paulsen, said Peauafi Filimoehala had completely failed to prove his entitlement to remain on the land.
  • Mr Justice Paulsen said It had been established  in  an earlier court case that Peni Toloa Filimoehala  was lawfully registered as the holder of Kape.
  • An earlier challenge to an eviction notice by Fotofili Filimoehala was withdrawn.

Tongaliuaki engages to his fiancée in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongaliuaki Aleamotu’a is engaging to his  fiancée Maketalena ‘Akau’ola of Lapaha in New Zealand tomorrow Saturday 25.

Aleamotu’a was the rightful heir to the title Lord Fielakepa after his father died in 2007 but King Tupou VI conferred the title on his uncle Tongapo’uli Aleamotu’a.

TASANOC elections face legal challenge as anti-Pohiva candidates elected to committee

By
Philip Cass
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Kaniva News has learned that TASANOC’s former acting president, ‘Ahongalu Fusimālohi, is considering legal action over last week’s elections of TASANOC officers.

Fusimālohi, interim CEO ‘Emeline Tuita and 10 other candidates were disqualified by the Elections Commission.

Kaniva News understands that:

  • Fusimālohi believes the elections were illegal because they were held outside the 30 day warning period mandated by the National Olympic Committee constitution.
  • The candidates who were not allowed to stand were disqualified on the grounds of conflict of interest. It is understood they wanted a review of the process.
  • Some candidates claimed the nomination forms were incomplete and did not contain all the criteria for the position.

Internal e-mails seen by Kaniva News shows that Fusimālohi tried to stop the election on June 16 and have it postponed until June 23.

Before the meeting he wrote to committee members saying that he had given members incorrect advice at the annual general meeting about when an electoral assembly could be held.

“I take full responsibility that I and the Secretary General have misled the AGM with the wrong advice.”

But a letter to the NOC from the International Olympic Committee seen by Kaniva News shows that while it was aware of the irregularities of the election process, it allowed the meeting to proceed because they had been approved by TASANOC’s annual general meeting.

The IOC, which has been at loggerheads with the government over Lord Sevele’s dismissal, confirmed that the meeting was being held without the 30 day notice required by the National Olympic Committee’s constitution.

However, the IOC said it appeared the date of the general assembly to vote for members had been approved at the NOC’s last general assembly.

Several committee wrote to the IOC expressing their concern at the early date of the meeting.

“We expect that all those involved in the meeting will act fairly and responsibly to avoid any unnecessary disputes and to make sure that, after years of unproductive conflict, the situation of the NOC can be normalised in the interest of the Olympic movement and the athletes of your country,” the IOC said.

Instead, what looks like open rebellion against Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has broken out in TASANOC, with the election of Lord Sevele and Viola Ulakai.

Lord Sevele, was dismissed by the government from his position as head of the kingdom’s Olympic committee over alleged failings and delays in preparation for the Pacific Games which Tonga is hosting in 2019.

Ulakai was stood down from her job as head of news at the Tongan Broadcasting Commission after infuriating the Prime Minister during an interview.

Also elected, as chair of the committee, was William Edwards, who is believed to have been associated with Lord Sevele’s legal action against his dismissal.

The election meeting was attended by IOC observer Vihdya Lahkan, who has been regarded as supporting Lord Sevele in his dispute with the government.

Earlier this year Lahkan threatened the Prime Minister that the kingdom could lose the Games.

The main points

  • Kaniva News has learned that TASANOC’s former acting president, ‘Ahongalu Fusimālohi, is considering legal action over last week’s elections of TASANOC officers.
  • Fusimālohi believes the elections were illegal because they were held outside the 30 day warning period mandated by the National Olympic Committee constitution.
  • Internal e-mails seen by Kaniva News shows that Fusimaholi tried to stop the election on June 16 and have it postponed until June 23.
  • Lord Sevele and Viola Ulakai, who have publicly cashed with Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva, were elected.

For more information

Pacific Games Council’s warning to PM latest twist in troubled preparations for tournament

TASANOC proposes compromise to end deadlock over removal of Lord Sevele

Dr Halafihi new fisheries department CEO

By
Alpha Latu
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Tonga’s Fisheries Department has appointed Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi as its new Chief Executive Officer.

He is employed for a period of three years with effect from June 17, 2016.

Dr. Halafihi holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology (2015) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and a Master of Science in Chemistry (2008), Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry (2002) and a Bachelor of Science (1995) – all from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.

He began serving the Tongan government on July 11,  1995 as an Assistant Teacher (Graduate) at Ministry of Education.

Dr T
Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi

Dr. Halafihi then moved and became a Senior Fisheries Officer in the Ministry of Fisheries in 2005.

Since then, he took up  a number of  senior positions within the Fisheries Department including becoming  the Manager of the Tu’imatamoana Fish Market, Principal Fisheries Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Acting CEO for Fisheries.

The Public Service Commission welcomes Dr. Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer for the Fisheries Department and wishes him all the best in his professional careers.

Maori trust to own Tonga forests, company renamed as Aotearoa-Tonga Forest

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Maori trust from New Zealand has secured rights to operate and control the Tonga Forest Products Limited for at least 50 years.

The new company will be known as Aotearoa-Tonga Forest Products Limited.

It will take control of the ‘Eua Forest Reserve, Vaitaki Sawmilling Site and Mataliku Forest Plant.

The Tongan government said “the Trust has agreed to pay TOP $9,737,795.00 in return for the control and management of the company for 50 years, with the option to renew for a further 25 years”.

“At the end of the term of the agreement, the Trust will return the assets and business to the Government, together with any new improvements or additional assets and businesses that the Trust has established during the term of the Agreement.

This was the first time the trust invested in the Pacific it said.

The Trust will conduct replanting scheme at  ‘Eua Forest Reserve in the first 10 years.

Hon Poasi Tei/Photo (Facebook)
Hon Poasi Tei/Photo (Facebook)

The current employees at the Tongan company will still be employed by the Trust and for those who wanted to leave will be offered severance packages.

“The Chief Executive Officer of Tonga Forest Products limited was excited about the potential growth of the company under the management of the Trust, and in particular the expertise which the Trust brings in the forestry industry.  He saw the Agreement as an opportunity for employees in Tonga Forest Products Limited to learn from their New Zealand counterparts, and to build local capacity for the future.

The Board of Directors of Tonga Forest Products Limited are fully supportive of the Agreement between the Government of Tonga and the Trust.

Young boy dead after being run over in Pea, 72-year-old man appears in court

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tatakamotonga community is rallying around the family of a 10-year-old boy who died after being run over in a road in Pea.

The boy from Tatakamotonga was hit on Taufaʻāhau Rd on Saturday 18 June 2016 at around 2.30 pm, Police said.

A 72-year-old man from Touliki, Maʻufanga was arrested and charged in relation to the boy’s death. He was expected to appear in court this afternoon. He was charged with reckless driving causing death.

The accused was driving northbound on Taufaʻāhau Road in a car “when he swerved to the right side and hit the deceased and also a traffic sign”, Telēsia Adams from Police Communication Office said.

“The deceased was rushed to the hospital where the Dr confirmed that he has already passed away”, Adams said.

Fatter than Samoans – grim statistics as health officials gather for debate on disease epidemic

By
Philip Cass
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Tongans are fat, unhealthy and ripe for heart attacks and diabetes.

As government and United Nations officials gather in Nuku’alofa for the Pacific Non-communicable Diseases Summit, a recently released report on global nutrition paints a worrying picture of health in Tonga.

According to The Global Nutrition Report, Tonga has the highest level of adult diabetes on the planet.

Out of 190 countries surveyed by report, Tonga has the highest incidence of the disease, with 26% of its population affected.

“Across the globe, excessive intake of energy-dense food, a form of malnutrition, together with reduced physical activity, has led to an epidemic of obesity, overweight, and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases,” the report said.

Small island developing states in areas like the Pacific and the Caribbean had been particularly affected.

The Pacific Community, which is organising the Nuku’alofa summit, has described non-communicable diseases such heart disease, cancers, lung disease and diabetes as the leading cause of death in the Pacific.

In some countries life expectancy was falling because NCD-related premature deaths.

Island nations face increasing costs from NCDs, especially when they are too poor to provide medical services or prevent  non-communicable diseases.

According to The Global Nutrition Report, Tongans are fatter than Samoans, with 74.8% of the adult population affected, as opposed to 74.3% in Samoa.

And there is little comfort in knowing that when it comes to all-out obesity, Tonga is slightly better off than Samoa, with 43.4% of the population affected, as opposed to 43.4% of Samoans.

The Global Nutrition Report says nearly all women in the kingdom are overweight and 70 percent of them are obese.

Along adults, nearly all women are overweight and 70 percent of them are obese.

A total of 86 % of men are overweight, with 49 percent obese.

The report says more than half Tonga’s teenagers are overweight and a fifth of them are obese.

Warning signs for non-communicable diseases are present in a large proportion of the population.

The Global Nutrition Report says that 44% of Tongan men have high blood pressure, 17% have high levels of blood sugar and 45% have high levels of cholesterol. Among Tongan women, 35% have high blood pressure, 19 percent have high blood sugar and 45 % have high levels of cholesterol.

These are all indicators of heart disease and diabetes.

Other worrying signs are that nearly one fifth of women of child bearing age have anaemia and 17% of all pre-school age children have vitamin A deficiency.

Government spending on health in Tonga rose marginally from 8.8% of GDP in 200 to 9.6% in 2010 while spending on social protection has shrunk from 5.5% in 2000 to 1.8% in 2010.

According to the report, guidelines on managing non communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and been only partially implemented when data was gathered in 2010.

Fattest on the planet

The Global Nutrition Report listed the following countries as having the highest prevalence of adult overweight and obesity. Seven of them are small developing Pacific islands. The other three are oil rich Gulf states.

Kiribati 73.1$

Tuvalu 73.2%

United Arab Emirates 74%

Samoa 74.3%

Tonga 74/8%

Kuwait 75.4%

Marshall Islands 75.8%

Nauru 77.8%

Qatar 78.1%

Palau 79.3%

For more information

Pacific Non-communicable Diseases Summit (Pacific Community)

Global Nutrition Report

First Pacific Non-Communicable Disease Summit Underway in Tonga (EMTV, PNG)

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Court orders Tonga’s national rugby league committee to hold election

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s highest court has ordered the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) to make sure it will hold its election on July 15.

All current officials must vacate their positions before the election will take place, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said.

The new election will clear the way for the court to remove its order that remains in place preventing the national sporting body from using the TNRL funds for any purpose not authorised by the board.

The judge said he would not make a final order on his ruling in May to audit the financial accounts of the TNRL for the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial  years.

The ruling comes after the court had heard in May of serious allegations against the TNRL.

It was alleged that hundreds of thousands of pa’anga are unaccounted for, accounts have remained unaudited for years, the constitution has been violated, fraudulent elections have been held and court orders ignored.

“The 2016 Annual General Meeting of  the TNRL  is to  be held on  15  July  2016 (the meeting)”, Mr Paulsen said.

“The meeting  is  to  proceed  notwithstanding  that  the audited financial balance sheet for the preceding  year (that is 2015) is not available.

“At the meeting all Officers of the TNRL are to vacate their posts and the election of all Officers is to take  place.

“The Secretary  of the TNRL  is to  forthwith  give  notice  of the date, time and venue  of the  meeting to  all  members of the TNRL and to anyone else entitled to attend the meeting under the Constitution of the  TNRL:

According to the five-page ruling the meeting must address the following:

“The business of the meeting.

“Advise  the  members  that  at  the   meeting  all Officers of the TNRL will vacate their posts  and the election of all Officers will be held at the meeting.

“Require  all  nominations  for  Officers  to  be lodged with the Secretary of the TNRL no later than 21 days before the date of the   meeting.

“Except as otherwise expressly stated, the procedures and business of the  meeting  shall be as set out in the Constitution of the  TNRL

“Leave  is reserved to any  party to  apply to vary  or apply for  further  directions  as  to  the conduct of the meeting on 24 hours   notice”.

In regard to an interim ruling he made in May to audit the financial accounts of the TNRL for the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 financial  years, Mr Paulsen said he was not yet in a position to issue final orders on it  “as Counsel are having further discussions with the Tonga Office of the Auditor  General  in relation to the preparation and audit of the financial accounts of the TNLR”.

In April the court issued an interim order preventing the use of  the  funds  of the  TNRL  for any purpose not authorised by the Board pending the election  of Officers.

Mr Paulsen said the order will still “remain  in  effect.  Following the election of Officers either party may apply on notice to discharge those Orders”.

The case was brought to the court by Silivenusi Taumoepeau, Tavake Fangupo and Taufa Fukofuka.

The plaintiffs were President Semisi Sika, Stan Moheloa and the Tonga National Rugby League Incorporated Society.

READ MORE:

Tonga National Rugby League “dysfunctional for years” says Supreme Court judge

Four candidates competing for Vavaʻu 16 vacant parliamentary seat

By
Kalino Latu
-

Four candidates are vying for the same parliamentary seat for Vavaʻu 16 with elections taking place on July 14.

‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu the wife of former outgoing Vavaʻu 16 MP, ‘Etuate Lavulavu,  is seeking election and will stand against her husband’s political rival Dr Viliami Lātū.

Two other candidates are ‘Atalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu and ‘Īpeni ʻAlamoni Siale.

Siale unsucessfully stood for the Democrats in the last election.

Pouvalu was an independent  candidate in the last election for Tongatapu 7 but the constituency was won by the current Justice Minister, Vuna Fāʻotusia.

The last day for intending candidates to register for Vavaʻu 16’s  by-election was today Monday 20.

The candidates in order of their numbers:
Candidate Number 1 – Mrs Akosita Lavulavu
Candidate Number 2- Viliami Uasikē Lātū
Candidate Number 3 – ‘Atalasa Misilemoti Pouvalu
Candidate Number 4 – ʻĪpeni ʻAlamoni Siale

The by-election was called by the Speaker of the House, Lord Tuʻivakanō, after Mr Lavulavu was disqualified as an MP after his conviction by Tonga’s Supreme Court for committing bribery during his 2014 election campaign.

Mr Lavulavu appealed his sentence.

His case was brought to court by the unsuccessful candidate, Dr Lātū.

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