The Tongan government has issued new currency notes and coins on June 29 at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre to mark His Majesty’s coronation.
The adoption of the six new Pa’anga notes and five new coins set the 5 seniti coin as the lowest denomination coin.
There will be no more 1 and 2 seniti coins.
The 5s, 10s, 20s, and 50s coins choose an image of Tupou VI while the $1 coin carries a portrait of George Tupou V.
The Chinese government has gifted Tonga 30 new vehicles which included 10 cars, 15 SUVs and five 35-seat buses on June 27.
The Chinese Ambassador HE Mr Huang Huaguang and the Minister of Finance Hon ‘Aisake signed documents before presenting the certificates of the vehicles to Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala at Taliai Camp.
Huang said the gift was made to help the coronation celebrations and in support of Tonga’s friendship with China.
The king of Tonga has revoked the Cabinet’s decision to sign the United Nations’ Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations Against Women (CEDAW).
His Majesty’s Privy Council sent a letter to Chief Secretary and Secreatary to Cabinet claiming CEDAW is a treaty and only the king has the constitutional right to sign it and not the Cabinet.
It said the king has never authorised any of the minsters to ratify CEDAW.
The Privy Council said it demanded cabinet to immediately request annulment of Tonga’s ratification from the United Nations.
“We remit to our ministers forthwith to proceed as may be necessary to annul the kingdom of Tongaʻs signature or ratification of the CEDAW treaty” the letter said.
The Privy Council said its decision was made in acknowledgement of petitions submitted to His Majesty King Tupou VI by thousands of petitioners two months ago.
The petitioners, which mostly women and church groups, feared that CEDAW would open the door to legalise same sex marriage and abortion.
Questionable
The Privy Council’s letter on June 26 was questionable in some respects.
The Privy Council claimed Tonga has already ratified CEDAW.
In fact Tonga has not yet signed CEDAW and the Prime Minister has publicly announced government was expecting further consultation and public discussion on the convention before government continues to ratify it.
Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva said he and his Cabinet have the power to sign any convention Tonga agreed to ratify.
The Privy Council referred to CEDAW as a treaty instead of using the word convention. Treaty is the term written in the Tongan constitution saying only the king can sign Bill of Rights agreement.
Clause 39 of the constitution says: “It shall be lawful for the King to make treaties with Foreign States provided that such treaties shall be in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom”.
The Privy Council’s letter says His Majesty according to advice from His law lords acknowledged the concerns of 13, 048 petitioners who appealed to the king to intervene with government’s move to sign CEDAW.
Critics previously claimed the number of petitioners that protested against CEDAW which now government stated it was 13,048 did not actually reflect the will of the majority. More than 90, 000 people in Tonga did not join the protest marches nor they signed the petitions.
Forbes magazine bills the Tongan government US$130,000 (TP$269,457.97) after interviewing Tonga’s Prime Minister Akilisi Pōhiva.
The interview was intended to help promote the kingdom of Tonga to over 7 million Forbes readers.
The Tongan government have responded to queries and criticisms about the large sum of money that was spent on the two-page featured interview, in where Hon. Pōhiva admitted he did not know it was a paid interview and that government would spend that much money on it.
However he said the interview with Forbes on the other hand was vital for the promotional need of Tonga, as it takes on a different channel of advertising that will reach a demographic composed of millions of rich business people around the world.
Pōhiva reportedly said he only learnt about the payment after the interview and advised the treasury not to pay the sum.
However, the Minister of Finance advised the Prime Minister to pay the money as there was a contract made between Forbes and the government prior to the interview.
Contract
The contract, according to a document made between the Minister of Finance and Forbes on February 13 said: “The cooperation undertakes to include an advertisement on report on Kingdom of Tonga which is to be published in Forbes magazine, with the following characteristics: Double page spread”.
A payment of US$130,000 was also noted to be paid by the Tongan government, in which 50 percent must be paid before March 13, and the remaining 50 percent to be paid on publication.
According to cabinet decision 444, the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Palenitina Langaʻoi informed the Ministry of Finance that the recommendation for the payment had been approved by the cabinet on April 27. She confirmed that the payment has to be paid from Tonga Tourism Authority vote.
The Prime Minister said he was unsure of the exact amount of money government spent on tourist promotions per year, but he believed it was a lot of money.
He said a team of government officials are sent overseas each year to promote Tonga to overseas tourists.
Pohiva told the opposition he believed the money paid to Forbes after the interview worth it.
About Forbes
Forbes Media is a global media that focuses on delivering news and information about business, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and affluent lifestyles.
In 2014 Forbes magazine has achieved its highest readership ever in the U.S increasing by over 1.5 million readers to 6.7 million.
Forbes Media is the owner of various publications such as Forbes, Forbes Asia, Forbes Europe and Forbes Life, as well as Forbes.com and ForbesLife.com. Today, the Forbes brand reaches more than 75 million people worldwide each month through its publications and its 36 licensed local editions around the globe – Forbes.com, TV, conferences, research, social and mobile platforms.
Two women appeared on a photo climbing the triple dolphin at the fountain recently restored in Nukuʻalofa to mark the coronation of King Tupou VI have contacted Kaniva News to relay an apology for their antics to the public.
The apology was posted on Kaniva Pacific’s Facebook timeline.
After further contacts with the person who posted the apology we chose not to publish her name and the identification of the women.
The message read in Tongan: “We seriously apologize to the nation and anyone who may have been insulted or felt disrespected by our actions which has sparked public outrage on media. The act was childish and immature.
“It was not our intention to do so and we have learnt from our mistake. We promise not to do it again.
“We wish you will accept our apology”, they added.
Photo of the women’s antics made its way on to social media shortly after the dolphin fountain was commissioned by Prince Ata on Thursday.
More than 2,000 comments on the photograph are increasingly hilarious and scathing as Tongan community members air their disbelief at the women’s apparent rude.
It was alleged a metal pipe in the fountain was damaged as a result of the incident which prompted government to fence the area on Saturday.
The triple dolphin statue
A writer, Philip Forbes told Kaniva News the triple dolphins are the same cast bronze statue established in the fountain in 1970 .
It was a gift from the Queen of England but it was knocked over when a car mounted the curb and crashed into it about three years ago.
Forbes said: “After the accident it then lay on its side for a couple of years until someone stole it. However it was quickly recovered and stored until recently when it was painted gold and now stands close to the original site”.
As a small part of Tonga history and on such an auspicious occasion as the coronation celebration, it is fitting to see this beautiful work of art once again. An excellent decision, he added.
‘Īkale-Tahi head coach Mana-kae-tau ‘Ōtai has named his squad for the Pacific Nation Cup 2015.
Melbourne Rebels winger Telusa Veainu, Tonga U20 players Martin Manukia, Sōsefo Sakalia, Kalafi Pongi and Tonga A player Sosefo Maʻake are the five new faces in the Ikale Tahi squad announced for the Pacific Nation Cup next month.
Otai keeps some old guards in the squad such as captain Nili Lātū, Hale.T.Pole, ʻŌpeti Fonua, Sona Taumālolo, Kurt Morath and Soane Tongaʻuiha .
Tonga will kick off the Pacific Nations Cup against Fiji in Suva at the ANZ Stadium on Saturday, July 18 at 3pm.
The ʻĪkale Tahi
Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Sona Taumālolo, Soane Tonga’uiha, Siua Halanukonuka, Halani ‘Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Kalafi Pongi, Sōsefo Sakalia, Tukulua Lokotui, Uili Koloʻofaʻi, Joseph Tuʻineau, Steve Mafi, Hale .T. Pole, Viliami Fīhaki, Nili Lātū, ʻŌpeti Fonua, Viliami Maʻafu.
Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Taniela Moa, Sōsefo Maʻake, Latiume Fositā, Kurt Morath, Martin Naufahu, Sione Piukala, ‘Alipate Fatafehi, Siale Piutau, ‘Otulea Kātoa, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Vungakoto Lilo.
A photo taken of two young women climbing, sitting on top and standing by the dolphin in the fountain commissioned by Prince Ata on Thursday has sparked outrage online.
Commentators on social media claimed one of the metal pipes that came with the dolphin was broken as a result of the incident but no further details about the extent of damage given.
It was not clear when was the photo taken but some Facebook users claimed it was taken after the fountain was officially opened to the public on Thursday.
Authorities in Tonga could not be reached for comments but another photo appeared on Facebook last night showed a fence has been put around the fountain. It claimed the fence was made after the damage was reported.
“This is very disrespectful and disgusting,” one commentator wrote on Facebook.
“This is absolutely rude and they should be jailed for what they have done,” another wrote.
“Nothing could last longer for the public in Tonga because of this nonsense and show-off,” another wrote.
After the commission ceremony some commentators predicted that some thoughtless actions might occur which could lead to damaging the fountain.
“Please people keep away from the fountain or you will do what you used to – destroying public things because you want to show-off”, one commentator wrote on Facebook shortly after the fountain was commissioned.
But not everyone was as harsh: Some saw the two women’s action as the very thing needed in time of great celebration in Tonga – The celebration of the coronation of the King of Tonga was here for everyone of us to enjoy and that everyone should be happy, one Facebook user wrote in Tongan.
The fountain
The dolphin fountain was commissioned after it was established to replace a previous brass dolphin which was damaged and stolen two-years ago. The brass dolphin was given to Tonga from Britain in 1970 to mark Tonga’s joining the Community of Nations.
The restoration of the dolphin according to the Tongan government was made to mark His Majesty King Tupou VI’s coronation.
His Majesty, King Tupou VI, was formally installed today as the King of Tonga in a traditional royal kava ceremony at Pangai Lahi in Nukuʻalofa.
The highlight of the ceremony was the king drinks the fuakava (first kava) a traditional honour performed to confirm his entitlement to the kingship.
The 24th Tuʻi Kanokupolu and king of Tonga will be crowned on July 4 at the Centenary Church in Kolomotuʻa.
His Majesty attended the royal kava ceremony at the presence of his nobles and matāpule (heralds), who sat in a circle while commoners sat behind the touʻa (those who prepare the kava) opposite the ‘olovaha or the King.
About 200 heralds and nobles sat at the kava circle, where approximately 100 pigs and 2000 ‘umu kaveitau (cooked foods in green baskets) were presented.
Princess Lātūfuipeka performed the traditional set of hands and head movements called the milolua and fakamuifonua during the preparation of the kava while a Japanese man named Masa Kawasaki took the right to kaifono (fono eater) of his Majesty.
The etiquette of the ceremony asked everyone to be seated before the King arrived at the ceremony and took his designated seat in a special Tongan fale (house). Once His Majesty was present, the pangai (venue) was declared sacred or taboo.
Only designated heralds and counters were allowed to speak and stand, whilst everyone else had to remain seated during the ceremony.
It was a beautiful sunny day in Nukuʻaofa where everyone in the kava circle including the king wore vala hina (white Tongan formal attire) and taʻovala lōkeha.
Hundred of thousands watched the ceremony from areas surrounding Pangai Lahi including those from around the world who listened to the royal event online.
Fakatūʻuta
One of the most significant parts of this year’s royal kava ceremony was the fakatūʻuta, the arrival of various haʻa or clans, with pigs, yams, koloa faka-Tonga (Tongan mats and ngatu), and kava toho.
Once they arrived each clan’s herald spoke in front of the presiding heralds and introduced them before presenting the gifts to the crowd.
Once the clan’s herald, had spoken, Vakalahi, the chief presiding herald thanked them for coming to see the King and congratulating the clans for the efforts they have made to bring gifts for His Majesty.
Because it is culturally unacceptable for Tongan people to talk in their everyday language to, or before the King, the heralds ensured that they spoke to one another in metaphorical and figurative language to maintain the taboo and respect to His Majesty.
This was evident when the Tautahi (clans of late King George Tupou I’s navy from Ha’apai and Vava’u) presented their fakatūʻuta at the royal kava ceremony today.
To demonstrate the clan’s love for the King, Lutui read out by heart a verse from a well-known Tongan song called “Ko ʻEne ʻAfió mo e Kahaʻu ʻo Tongá” (Her Majesty Queen Sālote and the Future of Tonga.) A composition by a well-known Tongan composer, Nausaimone. The song is also popularly known as Pupunga Lose.
The verse contained poetic and figurative phrases as follows:
(translated into English by Faivaola, Dr Eric Shumway).
Cluster of roses decorating the stream of time,
Nurtured in the wake of providential love.
On this proud land, praised by the hymn,
Sweet fortune still rests–the paradise of the Pacific.
This is the substance of my worshipful praise,
The source of all beauty for the Ha’a Tongafisi.
The woman of Halapaini continually smiles in her heart,
In her flows deep the history and culture of the Friendly Islands
The Tongan version:
Pupunga lose teunga e tafengavai ʻo taimi
Tauhia he taʻau ʻo e ʻofa fakapalovitenisi
Pōlepole ai pe motu ʻoku lau ʻe he himi
Kei toka e monū ki he palataisi ʻo e Pasifiki
Tuʻungaʻanga ia ʻe te hūmataviki
He ko e laukauʻanga ʻo Haʻa Tongafisi
Malimali loto ai pe fine ʻo e Halapaini
Tafe sinoʻivai e kalonikali e ʻotu feleniti.
Milolua and Fakamuifonua
There are various sets of movements that follow the straining and mixing of the kava before it is distributed for drinking.
Two well-known sets of movements are used at royal kava ceremonies, fakamuifonua and the milolua.
These movements are elaborate and embrace a long series of graceful movements using both hands and arms.
They are accompanied by a fakateki, moving of the head suddenly as in certain kind of dances or action song.
In today’s kava preparation during the ceremony, it was the king’s daughter, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka, who performed the milolua and the fakamuifonua.
Kaifono
The kaifono refers to those who have the right to eat the fono (pigs and yams) presented in the ceremony.
Some of the pigs were dismembered and arranged in the same order they would be positioned were the animals still alive.
The dismembered parts of the pigs are called fono, and were then prepared to be distributed together with yams amongst the kava drinkers.
The actual distribution of the pig’s part follows strict rules.
The back of the pig is the most honourific and important part and it was taken to the King, whereas the head, one hind leg, and one foreleg are preserved for Lauaki and the chiefs, and the matāpule that sat on the leftt side of the circle.
The hindquarters, one hindleg, and one foreleg are presented to those that were on the Motuʻapuaka’s side. The remaining parts of the pig are given to various nobles and heralds in the circle.
The fono was not eaten by those to whom it was given including the king. After it has been distributed certain people who were fahu (a person with a high status )to those to whom the fono has been given come and took it away to dispose of as they like.
They may eat it themselves or give it to whomsoever they will. Usually the fono is eaten before the kava is served.
In today’s celebration the king’s fono was taken by a Japanese person named Masa Kawasaki.
This was because not only the king has no fahu but it was taboo for a Tongan to eat food that belongs to the King, and therefore a foreigner was assigned to do this job instead.
The kava was distributed for the first time. After the first round of drinking of the kava it was followed by some speeches before Motu’apuaka declared the ceremony came to a close and the king then escorted by soldiers and nobles of Haʻa Lātūhifo clan returned to the palace.
A historical site in Nukuʻalofa familiar to tourists and visitors since 1970 has been restored today after a new Dolphin Fountain was commissioned to mark the coronation of Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho.
The new golden colour dolphin replaced a bronze dolphin gifted by the Queen of England to Tonga four decades ago but was damaged and stolen two years ago.
In commissioning the fountain Prince Ata said the project beautifies the Nuku’alofa waterfront, which is now the Kingdom’s tourist hub.
Prince Ata thanked the Government for replacing the dolphin fountain.
Tourism Minister Hon ‘Etuate Lavulavu said while the old dolphin and its pool were on the ground, the new one has been raised to rise above the ground.
Hon Lavulavu said the beautification of the capital city was important for Tourism and thanked all those who participated in the cleaning up campaign before the Coronation Week started.
Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva was also present at the event along with Cabinet Ministers Hon Poasi Tei and Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’ionetoa.
Member of Parliament, Jenny Lātū Salesa, will be visiting Tonga for two weeks during the Coronation of King Taufaʻāhau Tupou VI.
Jenny Salesa is the first Tongan-born woman to have been elected as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament. She represents the Manukau East Electorate in Auckland and is the Labour spokesperson on Education Skills and Training.
She is the Tongan representative on the Auckland Mayoral Fund for the Pacific and is Chair of the Ha‘apai Relief Committee.
During her two-week visit to the Kingdom, she will be undertaking a speaking schedule to encourage and empower women, and girls to have career goals, to aim high and to achieve to the best of their abilities.
She will be meeting with the women candidates from the recent election along with women interested in political careers or public affairs.
Her speaking tour will also include:
– Visiting schools to meet with teachers and to address students during assembly
– Speaking at conferences and alumni events
– Attending various churches
– Visiting Tongan kava clubs.
