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Women apologise for fountain dolphin climb

By
Kaniva Pacific
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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.

Five new faces in ‘Īkale Tahi PNC squad

By
Kaniva Pacific
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‘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.

Public outrage at two women climbing on dolphin fountain

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

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.

Tupou VI invested as king of Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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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.

Dolphin fountain restored as coronation sets to start

By
Kaniva Pacific
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PHOTO: The new dolphin foundation commissioned by Prince Ata. Photo/Supplied

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.

NZ Member of Parliament Jenny Salesa visiting Tonga

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

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.

Use of king's images during coronation restricted

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Tonga’s Prime Minister Office said anyone who would like to use royal arms, portrait and images of the king and the royal family during the coronation’s celebration must seek permission from the office of the royal palace.

In a statement released today, the government gives definitive guidelines on the use of the photographs, portraits and busts of The King and Members of the Royal Family.

It summarises the legal position governing the use, for commercial purposes, distribution and public use of the photographs and portraits of The King and Members of the Royal Family.

“The requests for the use of images, photos or portraits of the Royal Family on bulletin boards, buildings or archways, must first seek the prior written permission of the Office of the Lord Chamberlain, Palace Office” the statement says.

It says “the use of His Majesty’s Royal Ensign (Flag) and Cypher (logo) is restricted for the use of His Majesty only. The Royal Ensign (flag) signifies the presence of His Majesty and for all Royal Residences and the Royal Palace only. Therefore, all commercial sale, distribution and public use of flags during the Coronation, bearing the Royal Ensign/and cypher of His Majesty, is not authorized”.

“…the public is invited to wear respectful dress code and ta’ovala at all events venue, especially in the Nuku’alofa area”.

“The Government has received many enquiries about setting up of archways in the communities and villages – however, to ensure public safety from electrical and utility problems in the surrounding homes, the construction of archways are restricted to the Capital and the Nuku’aofa area only, where the venues of the Coronation events are located”.

The crowning of their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho’s will be on July 4 during an 11-day  coronation celebration that will start tomorrow June 27 – July 7.

Authorities decide to remove power poles on Haʻapai road

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The power poles erected by the electricity provider on the roads at Holopeka in Liffuka, Haʻapai would be removed the Governor for Haʻapai has told Kaniva News today.

Governor Moʻale Fīnau said he met with Tonga Power manager and project manager and they decided to remove the poles that erected almost in the middle of the road.

Finau said this means the power line will be connected without poles in that particular area.

Kaniva understands the poles were erected after the Ministry of Land and Survey’s surveyors found the road where the poles were erected on cut through a tax allotment.

Launch of Tongan Translated Stanford University Manual

By
Kaniva Staff
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PHOTO: Tongan-New Zealand MP Jenny Salesa during the launch. Photo/Soane Gallagher Niukapu 

The Tongan translation of the Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme was launched earlier this month at Alliance Health Plus (AH+) by Labour MP, Jenny Salesa. The launch was completed with the blessing of the resources by Rev Kalolo Fihaki – Senior Advisor, (Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs).

The Stanford chronic disease self-management education manual (commonly referred to as the Stanford SME model) was designed to assist and equip patients and their fami­lies with the necessary tools, skills and confidence with managing their chronic health condition. Strong recommendations to translate the resource into Pacific languages came from the Tongan Health Society church groups who completed the SME workshops in 2011/12.

The launch celebrated the successful completion of a Tongan translated manual that will benefit Tongan clinicians, health workers and Tongans living with chronic conditions in New Zealand and abroad.

Manukau East Labour MP, Jenny Salesa, enjoyed the candid evening and shared fond memories of her 84 year old father who modelled healthy living as a vegetarian for over 40 years. She emphasized the vital role parents play in shaping the future of our children. “Having the highest obesity rate in the world and seeing a rising number of young people with diabetes is not something we Tongans should accept or proud of.”

Salesa went on to acknowledge the funder and the expertise that went into translating the resources, and conveyed what excited her about the manual. There is hope that these resources will not only assist and motivate our Tongan people to better manage their chronic conditions, it will further engage the efforts for the prevention of chronic diseases.

AH+ recruited a working group of experts from various fields to undertake the Tongan translation: Dr Maika Kinahoi-Veikune –Qualified Translator & Public Health Physician, Dr Viliami Tutone – Renal Specialist (Middlemore Hospital), Dr Linita Manu’atu – Senior Lecturer (AUT) provided Linguistic Specialist advice, Mrs Vaiola Ha’unga – Public Health Nurse & SME Master Trainer, Mrs Kalatiola Tonga – Proof-reader and Consumer perspective.

Ae Vivian
Front Row: Alan Wilson (CEO, Alliance Health Plus), Jenny Salesa (Labour MP, Manukau East), Dr Maika Kinahoi-Veikune (Public Health Physician), Rev. Kalolo Fihaki (Senior Advisor, (Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs), Lita Foliaki (ADHB Pacific Health Gain Manager). Back Row: Dr Viliami Puloka (Public Health Physician), Dr Linita Manu’atu (Senior Lecturer, Pasifika Education, AUT), Viviena Pole (Operations Manager, Alliance Health Plus), Dr Viliami Tutone (Renal Specialist, Middlemore Hospital), Vaiola Mone Ha’unga (Public Health Nurse & Master SME Trainer). Photo/Soane Gallagher Niukapu.  Kalatiola Tonga completed the Proof-reading and Consumer perspective for the project but was not able to attend the launch.

According to ADHB Pacific Health Gain Manager, Lita Foliaki, the credibility and expertise of the working group is vital to give Stanford University, as well as the Tongan community, confidence in the quality of the work produced.

AH+ Operations Manager, Vivien Pole, coordinated the project and said that the translation process started at the end of 2013 and it was a challenging project due to the working group managing other competing priorities. “But the team’s drive and passion to make this a successful and quality resource for our Tongan people, saw the completion of the translation project in February of this year”.

The desired outcome of the programme is for patients to become less dependent, change what they are able to and also be held accountable for health habits and decisions that worsen their conditions.

Dr Manu’atu said that their goal for the manual to be successful with Tongan communities was to have the translation ‘speak to the heart’ and stir an inspiration for improved lifestyles and a shift in behavioural habits for good. Self-Management is addressing the issues of the heart as a priority. When the heart is willing – the mind is convinced! “Ke mafana e Tonga mo loto ki ai”

SME is a major focus for the Ministry of Health be­cause long term conditions in New Zealand, like car­diovascular disease and diabetes, are leading caus­es of mortality, especially with our Pacific and Maori population.

Dr Viliami Tutone highlighted the depressing state of diabetes in New Zealand. The highest rate of diabetes and those that are poorly controlled are from Counties DHB, a reflection of the high population of Pacific peoples. Diabetes prevalence is highest for Pacific and Indians and the proportions of people with diabetes who had poor glucose control in 2013 is mostly in the 0-24 year age group and again led by the Pacific.

Alliance Health Plus together with Tongan Health Society and Procare, have been using the Stanford model for the Healthy Village Action Zone (HVAZ) programme in English with 42 church groups. The Tongan Facilitators now have a manual they can use consistently. The Samoan translation is expected to be completed soon.

The HVAZ Diabetes Self-Management Manual (DSME) was also launched on the night. The HVAZ team identified a need to develop two DSME clinical modules to compliment the SME programme. This project was led and completed by Dr Viliami Puloka with the help of the HVAZ nurses Mesepa Channing from Alliance Health Plus, Sulita Smith from Procare and Elenoa Havea from Tongan Health Society. The DSME manual was later translated into the Tongan language by Dr Viliami Puloka.

The event was attended by representatives from the DHBs, Health Providers, SME Trainers & Facilitators and other sectors.

Asbestos risk warning for Haʻapai schools

By
Kaniva Pacific
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PHOTO:  Children walk to school in Koulo Village on April 10, 2007 in Ha’apai, Tonga. Photo/ Amy Toensing/ Reportage by Getty Images. 

The Tongan government has been warned that school children at Haʻapai primary schools could be at risk of asbestos contamination.

Asbestos is a chemical that can create a health risk if the materials it contained were disturbed or broken up and fibres it made up with were released into the air.

Lord Tuʻihaʻateiho warned Parliament last week reminding the Prime Minister some of the schools in Haʻapai had been previously identified that building materials used for their construction contained asbestos.

He said he understood work was underway by US military personnel to clean and remove the hazardous materials in the northern islands and they were expected to come to Haʻapai.

“I ask that if they come to Haʻapai let them look at [these schools] as it is very hazardous to school children’s life if they inhale it,” Lord Tuʻihaʻateiho said in Tongan.

Government response

The Minister of Health responded and said a project had been initiated this year by World Bank organisation to remove all asbestos contained materials in buildings in Haʻapai.

The minister said such materials at government’s quarters in Hihifo, Haʻapai had been removed by replacing them with new roofs.

He said he believed the primary schools were included in the World Bank’s project.

Lord Tuʻihaʻateiho would not name the schools he said were at risk of asbestos contamination.

Kaniva understands these schools were affected when Cyclone Ian struck the islands in 2014 leaving about 90 percent of the residents homeless.

Asbestos

Asbestos was banned in the late 1980s in New Zealand after it was recognised as causing cancer. Patients who suffered diseases caused by asbestos find them crippling, very painful and usually fatal.

There are no known cures.

The work to remove the fatal chemical requires specialist asbestos removal contractor and it is expensive.

In May 2014 a Herne Bay school in Auckland was closed down for weeks before an investigation was underway to determine whether asbestos dust from a nearby building site where demolition and asbestos removal work was being carried out spread into the school compound.

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