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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
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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.

 

 

 

Tongan man's body recovered from water in Sacramento

By
Kaniva Pacific
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In the picture: Paul Liu is wearing a ta’ovala during his dad’s funeral three years ago. Photo/Kalo Mailangi Latu (Facebook)

A 23-year-old Tongan manʻs body was recovered from water by the State park workers Tuesday morning.

He was identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office as Paul Liu.

His body was recovered at 9 a.m. between the launch ramp and swim beach at Negro Bar, said Richard Preston, superintendent for the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

His aunty Kalo Latu Mailangi says on Facebook the tragedy has devastated the family.

She said the deceased’s father died just three years ago.

TNRB revokes Melie-Mei-Langi Foreign Exchange license

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Tonga National Reserve Bank (TNRB) has revoked the license of Melie-Mei-Langi Co. Ltd and it was no longer authorized to conduct foreign exchange services.

The authority did not give further details of why the company’s license was cancelled. It said only authorised business or persons were allowed to conduct foreign exchange services in Tonga.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report to the National Reserve Bank of Tonga any person or business that is advertising or providing foreign exchange services but are not authorized dealers or authorized restricted dealers” a statement from NRB says.

In June local media reported that Tonga Development Bank has repossessed the Melie-Mei-Langi supermarket in Ma’ufanga.

It was reported the company was under the spotlight after the New Zealand’s act of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009  came into full force on 30 June 2013.

Melie Mei Langi has been one of the main operators of Money Exchange and Money Express services between New Zealand, Australia and Tonga.

It was owned by a Tongan family who were based in Australia. It has branches in New Zealand, Australia, US, Samoa and Tonga and it offered services such as money and goods transfer, fisheries, handicraft and pastoral care.

Acting Attorney General considers legal action against Tongatapu 4 MP Tapueluelu

By
Kalino Latu
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The Office of the Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions is considering taking legal action against Tongatapu 4 MP Mateni Tapueluelu.

Kaniva News understands Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu has received evidence from the Supreme Court Registry about claims that Hon. Tapueluelu had breached the kingdom’s electoral laws.

According to a report in Matangi Tonga Online, Kefu said the evidence related to whether or not the MP had an outstanding judgment on the date of nomination registration for the General Election in October 2014.

An appeal court ruled early this year that Tapueluelu had failed to pay a fine imposed on him in 2011 after a dispute with former MP and Minister of Justice Clive Edwards over an article of defamation in Kele’a newspaper.

Tapueluelu was then the newspaper’s editor.

It is a breach of Tongan law if a candidate runs for election when there is a judgment of debt against them.

In May this year Hon. Tapueluelu made a number of emotional comments about why he did not pay the fine within the timeframe the appeal court ordered.

He claimed he had donated the money towards the cost of his mother-in-law’s medical treatment in New Zealand.

Hon. Tapueluelu is the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s son-in-law.

He entered the political arena for the first time last year after a power struggle within the Tongan  Democratic Party in 2014 in which he clashed with sitting MP for Tongatapu 4 ‘Isileli Pulu.

Pulu, who was then the Democratic Party’s Deputy Leader, accused Tapueluelu of using his position as editor of PM Pohiva’s Kele’a newspaper to divide the members of the Party so he could bring in his own list of candidates to stand for parliament.

The disagreement became the focus of media attention. The squabble came to a head after Pohiva, who was then Party Leader, announced he had sacked Pulu and other Party members claiming he could no longer work with them because they keep on criticising his leadership using other media outlets.

The war between Pulu and Tapueluelu shifted to another level after the Party had to look for a candidate to compete with Pulu for the Tongatapu 4 seat and selected Tapueluelu.

Tapueluelu won the seat in the 2014 general election. He was one of the youngest MPs to have entered Tonga’s Parliament.

The main points

  • The Office of the Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions is confident Tongatapu 4 MP Mateni Tapueluelu breached Tonga’s election law.
  • According to Matangi Tonga Online, Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu said he was considering legal action against Tapueluelu.
  • Kaniva News understands the Acting Attorney General’s decision was made after he received evidence from the Supreme Court Registry.
  • An appeal court ruled early this year that Hon. Tapueluelu had failed to pay a fine imposed on him in 2011 after a dispute with former MP and Minister of Justice Clive Edwards over an article of defamation in Kele’a

For more information

AG awaits evidence on Tongatapu PR’s alleged debt (Matangi Tonga)

MP Tapueluelu’s future in balance

Miss Heilala 2015 and Princess Angelika work on project to beautify Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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In the picture: Miss Heilala 2015 at the University of Auckland during NZT Business Investment Forum. Photo/NZKanivaPacificNews

Tonga’s Miss Heilala 2015/2016, Brittne Mahelani Tupou Vakataupule Fuimaono, said she was working with Princess Angelika Latufuipeka in a project to promote the preservation of Tongan historical sites and beautifying the kingdom.

The 21-year-old beauty queen did not go into details about what sort of project she was working on with the princess.

She said it was part of her promise to represent Tonga to the best of her abilities.

She said she was helped by her sponsor Paul Chapman to send education materials and medical supplies to Tonga.

This included sending medical equipment, including pillows and beds, she said.

Miss Fuimaono said she wanted to encourage young Tongan women to continue to follow their dream as she believed the heavenly father gave them opportunities they had to pursue.

She was in Auckland last week to attend the NZ Tongan Business Council investment forum held at the University of Auckland.

She said she was “full of excitement” and “super happy” when she was named as Tonga’s Miss Heilala 2015.

She said her experiences during the beauty competition showed her that being chosen out of 13 beauty competitors required a lot of hard work and technical skill.

Miss Fuimaono represented Miss Leiola and was crowned as Tonga’s new Miss Heilala on July 10 at the Heilala Pageant final held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.

Miss Fuimaono’s father is Samoan and her mother is Tongan.

The main points

  • Tonga’s Miss Heilala 2015/2016 Brittne Fuimaono is working with Princess Angelika
  • Latufuipeka in a project to promote the preservation of Tongan historical sites and beautifying the kingdom.
  • The 21-year-old beauty queen did not go into details about what sort of project she was working on, but said it was part of her promise to represent Tonga to the best of her abilities.
  • Miss Fuimaono said she wanted to encourage young Tongan women to continue to follow their dream.
  • She was in Auckland last week to attend the NZ Tongan Business Council investment forum held at the University of Auckland.

For more information

Miss Heilala Facebook page

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