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US woke bishop’s pleas with Trump to have mercy on migrants divides Tongans on LGBTQ+ rights  

By
Kalino Latu
-

The plea from a US bishop to President Donald Trump to have mercy on immigrants has sparked a division among Tongans concerning LGBTQ+ rights.  

‘They fear for their lives’: Bishop confronts Trump on immigration and gay rights – video

While some in the community, which included most of about 80,000 Tongans living in the US, showed compassion towards migrants and saw the bishop’s efforts as a call for humanity, others held to their traditional views that conflict with LGBTQ+ rights.  

During his inauguration service, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde told Trump that most immigrants, even those without proper documentation, were good neighbours, and the vast majority were “not criminals.”  

She said, “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”   

She implored Trump to “have mercy upon” immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.  

Budde’s plea during the inaugural prayer service sermon draws fury from conservatives as others praise her ‘courage’.  

Trump’s reactions

Trump took to social media the following day and called Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” adding that “she brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way” and criticized her tone as “nasty”. 

He later demanded an apology from the bishop, which she refused.  

Kaniva News published the news about the woke bishop’s imploration and shared it on its social media accounts.  

It prompted vigorous discussions as numerous Tongan supporters of President Trump voiced their discontent with the Bishop.

They contended that it was inappropriate for her to raise such a sensitive and political issue during the solemn occasion of the inauguration service, arguing that the event should focus on unity and celebration rather than political discourse. 

“What type of faifekau (church minister) is her?” a commenter wrote in Tongan.  

“This pastor advocates for gay people”, another wrote.  

“There are pastors who are representative of Satan”, one commenter wrote.  

However, supporters of the Bishop wrote otherwise. 

They believed that the Bishop was making a commendable choice by advocating for those who are marginalized and often unheard in society. 

“That’s what is written in the Holy Bible, to love your enemy”, a commenter wrote in support of the Bishop in Tongan.  

“She is speaking for the weak and voiceless”.  

Some mentioned that during the prayer service, Trump opened his eyes, glancing around the room in apparent dissatisfaction with the Bishop’s pleas.  

Traditional views 

In Tonga, engagement in same-sex sexual activities, whether between men or women, is classified as a criminal offence. The legal framework stipulates a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment for individuals found guilty of this offence. 

LGBTQ+ individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination, primarily as a result of the deeply ingrained conservative values and cultural norms present in society. 

There is a lack of legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Tonga, which further compounds the difficulties confronted by the LGBTQ+ community. 

However, despite the anti-gay law and the stigmatization, Tonga’s homosexual and transgender community is active in the country, and there have been numerous organizations established as platforms to advocate for their rights, such as Tonga’s Leiti Association. 

As Kaniva News reported previously, a petition was organised to urge the king to revoke his appointment of the kingdom’s current Chief Judge after it was revealed that he is gay. 

The petition was based on reports that Justice Malcolm Bishop and his late partner, Anthony Vander Woerd, another man, lived together as a gay couple for 51 years. 

In 2016, the then-former Chief Justice Charles Cato sentenced and jailed Sione Iketau with the final 12 months being suspended after the prisoner was convicted of sodomising a child under the age of 12.  

Tonga should strengthen its HIV case measures following Fiji outbreak  

By
Kalino Latu
-

COMMENTARY: Fiji’s outbreak of HIV should serve as a critical warning for Tonga, which previously faced a notable increase in its HIV cases.  

Fiji’s minister for health and medical services has declared an HIV outbreak. 

Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu announced 1093 new HIV cases from the period of January to September 2024. 

“This declaration reflects the alarming reality that HIV is evolving faster than our current services can cater for,” he said. 

“We need the support of every Fijian. Communities, civil society, faith-based organisations, private sector partners, and international allies must join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring everyone affected by HIV receives the care and support they need.” 

Tonga cases 

Tonga’s first case of HIV was recorded in 1987.  

In 2014, there were 19 cases of HIV recorded in the kingdom.  

The former director of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, previously said the kingdom needed to continue its work in preventing HIV-aids, including educating on safe sex, to reach new United Nations targets. 

Dr Akauola told RNZ Pacific at the time that his ministry has been successful in keeping the number of HIV/aids cases in Tonga at 19 since 2012. 

However, he said they need to stay vigilant. 

But why should the situation in Fiji be a concern for Tonga?  

Fijian authorities attributed the outbreak to the sharing of drugs through blood to get high.  The method is known as bluetoothing.

How does bluetoothing work? 

It is when one person becomes the host and injects themself with meth.  

When the high kicks in, another person draws out blood, often using the same needle, and injects it into their own vein.  

In a group, this can be done multiple times. 

It is a popular practice in Fiji in situations when there is a limited amount of meth. 

Meth crisis 

Tonga is in a methamphetamine crisis.  

Kaniva News is aware of unconfirmed reports that blutoothing is already being used by drug users in Tonga. 

A New Zealand’s One News report claimed a young mother and her two siblings in Tonga take meth daily while children are in the house.  

The drugs are supplied to her by friends in exchange for sex, the report said. 

She said while she “should” kick her addiction, “it’s making me stronger”. 

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

PM ‘Aisake Eke: First public speech, former Cabinet Ministers remain in temporary positions until new Ministers appointed 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Eke’s inaugural public speech was live-streamed from the Prime Minister’s office in Nuku’alofa this afternoon.

He congratulated the king on his appointment, mentioning the Tongan saying, ‘Oku tu’a e sino’ kae ‘eiki ‘a e fatongia’.

This means Eke is still a commoner, but his appointment by the king represents his duty as regal.

“‘Pea oku fai ai ‘a e tukupā ‘o fakatatau pea mo e tohi fakanofo”, he said in Tongan, meaning this was the basis of his undertaking to carry his duty according to his appointment letter.

He said the former Cabinet Ministers will continue to serve temporarily until his new Ministers are officially appointed.

He said the decision aims to ensure all constitutional requirements are fulfilled.

Dr Eke said the Acting Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu’s role as caretaker ended on Wednesday.

Eke emphasized the importance of continuity in governance during this period of change, expressing confidence in the capabilities of the current officials to uphold their responsibilities.

Eke has faced criticisms lately due to his insufficient communication about the developments in his meetings aimed at nominating his Cabinet lineup.  

Observers have expressed concern that the public remains largely in the dark about the decisions and the rationale behind them, fostering a sense of distrust and frustration among constituents seeking transparency in the governmental process.  

Many have called for more regular updates and more precise explanations of the selection criteria and discussions taking place during these important meetings. 

It is understood that one significant challenge Eke encounters is the need to unify the MPs of his political faction. The fact that they are a mixture of people’s independently elected MPs and noble MPs not chosen by the constituents presents a significant issue for Eke.

The difficulty of dealing with this diverse composition has proven to be a barrier in the past, especially its lack of legally binding provisions within the legislation. This could hamper Eke’s ability to achieve timely agreements and complicate his efforts to address the diverse interests of all his MPs.

Survey finds mental health patients lack visiting professional treatment servcices in Tonga 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A recent survey has highlighted the pressing issue of inadequate professional treatment for mental health patients in Tonga.  

The findings reveal significant gaps in mental health services, impacting the well-being of individuals in the kingdom, according to the survey led by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa Director Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga.  

Many patients report difficulties accessing necessary care, which underscores the urgent need for improved mental health resources and support systems in Tonga, the report says.  

It says the 2023 survey in Tonga showed 96 percent of participants had never visited a mental health professional. 

“In both Tonga and Samoa, the research found two percent could be diagnosed with depression.  

“None of the people with depression in Tonga had seen a mental health professional before the survey”, it says. 

Surveys conducted in 2023 offer the first comprehensive national data on mental health in Samoa and Tonga, says Sir Collin Tukuitonga, director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. 

Working alongside Pacific health and research professionals in Samoa and Tonga, Sir Collin co-led the research with Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa co-directors Professor Judith McCool and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu. 

About 1000 participants were surveyed from across four villages in Samoa and four villages in Tonga. 

The New Zealand Ministry of Health Polynesian Health Corridors funded the research, which uncovered “significant” levels of mental distress in Samoa and Tonga. 

About eight percent of the participants in Samoa and six percent in Tonga experienced psychological distress, in comparison to four to six percent of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa over recent years. 

A 2013 World Health Organisation report on several Pacific Island countries indicated more than 90 percent of people with diagnosed mental disorders had received no care or treatment in the previous year. Sir Collin says the research highlights the inadequacy of mental health services for Tonga and Samoa, and the difficulty for people to access care. 

“There’s a severe shortage of trained mental health workers in the islands. There’s only one psychiatrist in Samoa for more than 225,000 people and one psychiatrist in Tonga serving more than 100,000 people. 

“We have raised with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade the need for training and workforce support to increase the numbers of mental health workers in Samoa and Tonga. 

“It’s important to get better services there as fast as possible,” he says. 

The lack of mental health services means many people with severe mental health disorders are initially picked up by the criminal justice system, says Sir Collin. 

“People with less severe disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are basically left to box on alone. They might get help from friends, family or the church.” 

About eight percent of the research participants in Tonga and five percent in Samoa reported high alcohol use, compared with a notably higher 20 percent among Pacific peoples in New Zealand. 

“One possible explanation for the elevated alcohol use among Pacific peoples in New Zealand could stem from the cultural shift experienced upon relocating from their homelands,” the Tonga Mental Health Survey report states. 

A meeting of Tonga’s mental health professionals and experts in 2023. 

About six percent of the participants in Tonga and four percent in Samoa had a clinically diagnosed alcohol use disorder. 

Binge drinking is a problem that needs to be addressed in the Pacific, says Sir Collin. 

“There’s often harm related to binge drinking, such as traffic accidents, violence against women and girls, and violence generally,” he says. 

One to three percent of Pacific people in Aotearoa suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, while the study found two percent with PTSD in Tonga and one percent in Samoa. The higher rate in Tonga could be associated with extreme storms caused by climate-change, the 2022 volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami that displaced people from Ha’apai, and chronic conditions of poverty, under-employment, and violence, the survey report states. 

The study in Samoa found people in the Apia urban area were 32 times more likely to suffer psychological distress than those in Savai’i, despite better access to health services in Apia. This suggests urban life is more stressful and connections with family and culture in less developed areas might help protect against distress, the survey report states. 

Women in Samoa were more than twice as likely as men to suffer major depression, and four times more likely to have generalised anxiety disorder. 

However, men in Samoa were five times more likely than women to have alcohol use disorder. 

Stigma around mental health problems remains “deep and pervasive” in Samoa, an issue which needs to be addressed, the Samoa survey report states. 

The research highlighted the need for more public health campaigns, community workshops, and school-based programs to reduce stigma and promote early intervention for mental health issues. 

The report from Tonga recommends mental health screening and treatment be carried out in primary healthcare settings, to improve access. 

In Samoa, no mental health helplines or telehealth options are currently available, so this was recommended to improve services, particularly for those in outlying areas. 

The Mental Health Act in Samoa also needs to be updated, to improve care for people with mental health problems, the report states. 

Further mental health surveys are planned in Tokelau and Niue this year. 

Auckland tenant gets $1000 bill after three people found living in one-bedroom flat

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Susan Edmunds of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

A tenant who sublet a one-bedroom apartment to three other people has been told by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay his landlord $1000 in damages.

A tenant sublet his one-bedroom apartment on Auckland's Quay Street to three people without letting his landlord know.

A tenant sublet his one-bedroom apartment on Auckland’s Quay Street to three people without letting his landlord know. Photo: Supplied / Google Maps

Jun Sugita rented the 55sqm flat in Quay Street, Auckland, from Thomas Morton from August 2022.

It had one bedroom with a loft area about 1.5m high that was previously used for storage.

His tenancy agreement stated that the maximum number of occupants was one adult, but said he could request in writing to add further occupants, which the landlord had the right not to permit.

When Morton conducted an inspection in April 2024, Sugita was away but Morton found three other people living there.

They said they were his flatmates – one lived in the bedroom and two in the loft above. They told Morton they were paying rent to Sugita.

The tenancy was ended on 1 June.

Sugita told the tribunal he had one and then two flatmates before he went to Christchurch in December 2023.

“Given this, I find Mr Sugita committed an unlawful act. The issue in this case is whether Mr Sugita did so intentionally – that is whether he exceeded the maximum number of occupants knowing he was not permitted to,” the tribunal adjudicator said.

Sugita acknowledged the tenancy agreement had a maximum occupancy of one adult but said the original ad for the apartment said he could have up to three people, the adjudicator said.

Sugita could not produce the ad but offered an email exchange with a letting agent in which he enquired about another set of keys for a potential flatmate and was told that would be possible.

Morton said he did not have a problem with two people in the apartment.

“I am not satisfied that Mr Sugita intentionally exceeded the maximum number of occupants,” the adjudicator said.

“Given the email exchange … I accept Mr Sugita believed he was permitted to have up to three people in the apartment. While Mr Sugita did commit an unlawful act, I find he did not do so intentionally, and I therefore decline to award exemplary damages for exceeding the maximum number of persons in the premises.”

However, the tribunal adjudicator was satisfied that Sugita sublet the premises in breach of the tenancy agreement, when he was away.

“A tenant is free to travel and leave their home for an extended period. However, where a tenant is expressly prohibited from subletting, the tenant cannot on-rent the premises to another tenant while they are absent.”

The adjudicator said that exemplary damages of $1000 were appropriate.

Sugita made a counter-claim that he was forced to sell furniture quickly or give it away because the tenancy was ended quickly.

He said he should be compensated for outgoings related to hot water, and the emotional distress of moving out. He wanted $5780.

The adjudicator said it was not proven that the landlord had breached the agreement in respect of the water supply. The flat was in a commercial building that had been converted to apartments in the 1980s, with one water meter.

Morton said each owner paid body corporate fees including the cost of supplying water to each apartment.

Sugita’s claims for compensation were dismissed.

Body found in search for swimmer at Christchurch beach

By
Kaniva Staff
-

RNZ Online and is republished with permission

A person has been found dead in the search for a swimmer missing at a Christchurch beach.

A number of people standing on a beach from far away.

The scene at the beach on Friday morning. Photo: ADAM BURNS / RNZ

A man’s body was found at Southshore Spit, where the swimmer was last seen on Thursday afternoon, police confirmed.

Police said the person was believed to be the man who went missing.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand later confirmed surf lifeguards had recovered the body of a “teenage swimmer” from South Bank, Southshore at the end of Rockinghorse Road at about 6.20am on Friday.

Surf lifeguards had resumed search efforts about 20 minutes prior.

“The team at Surf Life Saving New Zealand extends our heartfelt condolences to the whānau and friends of the deceased.

“We are providing support to the surf lifesavers involved.”

Coastguard Sumner said a search was launched for the swimmer on Thursday but conditions were challenging, with overcast weather, poor water visibility, and swells of up to two metres.

Search and rescue efforts were carried out on South Brighton Beach on Thursday by SAR squads from Sumner, Taylor’s Mistake, North Beach and New Brighton, police, St John and Coastguard.

A number of people standing on a beach from far away.

The body was found by a member of the public early on Friday. Photo: ADAM BURNS / RNZ

The search was suspended and volunteers were stood down last night.

A police spokesperson said the search was due to continue on Friday morning, but at 6am police received a report that a body had been found by a member of the public.

The person’s death will be referred to the Coroner, the spokesperson said.

US judge temporarily blocks Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A federal judge has issued a ruling that prevents President Trump’s controversial executive order, which sought to terminate the practice of birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents.

The judge criticized the order as “blatantly unconstitutional,” emphasizing that the Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.

Judge John Coughenour, who was appointed by Ronald Reagan and serves on the bench in Seattle, has granted the urgent request from Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, along with officials from three other states led by Democratic administrations.

This emergency order temporarily pauses the implementation of the contested policy for a period of 14 days.

Trump’s instructions would stop the granting of automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to mothers who are not legally in the country, unless their father was a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, according to a report by Time magazine.

It would also deny citizenship from children of mothers who are temporarily in the country on a work visa, student visa or tourist visa, and whose fathers aren’t citizens or permanent residents. 

The decision comes as part of an ongoing legal challenge, allowing time for additional briefings and arguments to be presented before the court regarding the policy in question.

The order has already become the subject of five lawsuits by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states, who call it a flagrant violation of the US constitution.

“Under this order, babies being born today don’t count as US citizens,” the Washington assistant attorney general Lane Polozola told Judge John Coughenour at the start of a hearing in Seattle.

Tongan mother remembers son mistakenly shot dead by Auckland police on 16th anniversary 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A Tongan mother solemnly reflects on the life and legacy of her son, who was tragically shot and killed by police in Auckland.  

Halatau Naitoko was shot by police in January 2009. Photo / Supplied

Young dad Halatau Ki’anamanu Naitoko, 17, was mistakenly shot on January 23, 2009, on Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway as officers tried to stop gunman Stephen McDonald, who had gone on a shooting rampage. 

About four years later, police announced Naitoko’s family would receive a total of $225,000 in compensation. 

The compensation includes $100,000 for hardship and suffering, $25,000 towards legal costs, and $100,000 already paid to the family shortly after the 17-year-old’s death. 

The Naitoko family’s lawyer, Colin Pidgeon QC, said at the time that after a lengthy analysis by a leading expert in Bill of Rights law, they had decided to make a claim and settled on the sum of $1 million.  

As she commemorates the 16th anniversary of his passing, ‘Ivoni Fuimaono shares memories of his son.  

“Wish you were here my son, 16 years today I miss you”, she wrote on Facebook. 

His funeral was reported to have been attended by more than 1,000 mourners, including then Police Minister Judith Collins, Police Commissioner Howard Broad and numerous politicians.

Ivoni Fuimaono, mother of Halatau Naitoko, mistakenly shot dead by police in 2009. Photo / Dean Purcell

Mourners were told Naitoko worked hard to help feed his brothers and sisters.

The young courier driver was a loving and devoted father to his two-year-old daughter, mourners heard.

Seven-year jail term for Vava‘u man who attacked two men with a machete 

By
Kalino Latu
-

A man who had caused serious injuries to two victims with a machete has been sentenced to seven and a half years in jail.  

After being granted a suspension on specific conditions, he will only serve a reduced sentence of four years and six months in prison. 

Tevita Matangi, 32, was found guilty of one count of causing grievous bodily harm to Mateaki Hafoka.  

He was also found guilty of one count of causing grievous bodily harm to Sikuvea Fifita.  

The court was told that an altercation involving the machete broke out among the trio at a residence in Talau. 

At one stage, Matangi, armed with the machete, attacked Hafoka and Fifita.  

Hafoka was injured while he was trying to disarm Matangi.   

They struggled and his arm was struck by the machete before he could reach Matangi’s hands, the court was told.  

Fifita, who received the more severe injuries while he also attempted to remove the machete from Matangi, collapsed before he was rushed to Vava’u’s Ngu hospital.  

He was later transferred to Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu.  

Justice Bishop suspended Matangi’s final three years of his sentence on the following conditions: 

a) not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment; 

b) report to the probation office within 48 hours of his release from prison and thereafter as required by his probation officer; 

c) complete a course on alcohol, drug awareness and life skills as directed by his probation officer. 

 “Failure to comply with the said conditions may result in the suspension being rescinded, in which case, the Defendant will be required to complete the balance of his prison term. 

“Subject to compliance with the above conditions and any remissions available under the Prisons Act, the Defendant will be required to serve 4 years and 6 months in prison”. 

Tongan man jailed for indecent assault

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment following a serious indecent assault against a victim. 

He made a late guilty plea to two counts of indecent assaults.  

The original charges included several counts of rape, but the complainant resiled from her statement.  

The evidence submitted on oath to the Court about the alleged incidents was, therefore, said to be all false.  

The Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC then said he would proceed based on the evidence before him.  

Mr Bishop took into account a presentence report filed by the Probation Office.  

The report detailed the accused’s upbringing, personal history, and factors relating to the offence, along with their recommendation. 

The Probation Office concluded its report by stating that a custodial sentence is inevitable given the circumstances and emphasizes the Defendant is the sole breadwinner for his family. 

For Count 1 on serious indecent assault, Mr Bishop imposed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment with the final 3 months suspended for 2 years on the following conditions: 

a. He must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment 

b. He must report to the probation office within 48 hours of your release from custody 

c. He must complete a life skills awareness course at the direction of the Probation 

Officer within your 1-year suspension period. 

18. For Count 2 on serious indecent assault, the Judge imposed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment with the last three months suspended on the same conditions and concurrent to 

He further ordered under section 119 of the Criminal Offences Act that nothing in these proceedings shall be published in a written publication to the public or be broadcasted in the Kingdom that shall reveal the identity of the parties. 

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