Saturday, August 9, 2025
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 812

PM’s son takes legal action over  claims of multi-million paʻanga software sale

By
Kalino Latu
-
PHOTO: Siaosi Pohiva denies he has multi million dollar software package

The Tongan Prime Minister’s son, Siaosi Pohiva, is taking legal action after Matangi Tonga Online and a number of other news outlets in the kingdom published a series of articles claiming he had used his influence to persuade the government to buy a multi-million paʻanga software package.

He told Kaniva News early this evening that he had contacted his lawyers in Tonga and New Zealand and they were now in the process of writing up a statement of claim.

The articles,  by Sione Mokofisi, have also stung the government, which is seeking advice from the Crown Law office.

Siaosi Pohiva said the multi-million pa’anga software did not exist and he was not in a business relationship with IT consultant Piveni Piukala.

Mokofisi, who also published the allegations on Nepituno  News page, has since denied that he had claimed that the Tongan cabinet had approved purchasing the software.

However, in his first article he wrote: “And the new multi-million software is now being cleared through cabinet which is to be purchased from the PM’s son and his partner.”

He also referred to the “Pohiva-Piukala consultancy.”

In a statement to Tongan media outlets dated April 16, Pohiva said he was employed as Head of the Assessment Section of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Fiji under the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme.

He said it had become evident that the quality of education in the region was in decline and that part of the solution was to find a way to standardise or scale exam results throughout the region.

At this stage Piveni Piukala was Head of the Information and Communication Technology programme and they worked together to find a software solution to the problem.

It was first tried on one subject in 2011 and then on four subjects the next year. In 2013 it was applied to all form seven regional exams.

The software was still being developed by Piukala, who was now a private consultant in several countries where local conditions had to be taken into consideration.

READ MORE:  Siaosi Pohiva’s April 16 statement.

Pohiva said the story was intended to discredit his father, Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

The Tongan government press release quotes Piukala calling Mokofisi’s claims “a bunch of lies.”

Siaosi Pohiva wrote to Matangi Tonga Online on March 3 demanding an apology and denying Mokifisi’s claims. They did so,  but followed his letter with an editor’s note saying people were entitled to express their opinions.

He wrote again on April 6, describing Mokifisi’s claims as “erroneous and misguided,” but this was not published.

The  main points

  • The Tongan Prime Minister’s son, Siaosi Pohiva, is taking legal action after Matangi Tonga Online published a series of articles claiming he had used his influence to persuade the government to buy a multi-million pa’anga software package.
  • Pohiva told Kaniva News early this evening that he had contacted his lawyers in Tonga and New Zealand and they were now in the process of writing up a statement of claim.
  • The articles, by Sione Mokofisi, have also stung the government, which is seeking advice from the Crown Law office.
  • Siaosi Pohiva said the multi-million pa’anga software did not exist and denied he was in a business relationship with IT consultant Piveni Piukala.

For more information

“Cabinet decision on “multimillion dollar software” purchase a total fabrication”

Mokofisi’s articles

Education Dept to buy PM son’s multi-million software

PMO Pohiva & Co.: Co ahead and make my day. Sue me. 

April 16 Statement to Tongan media outlets from Siaosi Pohiva. (An edited version by Kaniva News)

Members of the Tongan royal family welcomed at Mormon Church service

By
Kaniva Pacific
-
PHOTO: Prince Ata and Lord Luani (2nd from left) with Latter-day Saint Church leader, President ‘Alavin Sika (left) and Sione and Falaetau Fine’anganofo at the Easter Sunday worship service April 2015. Photo/mormonnewsroom.org.nz

Members of the Royal Family were welcomed by the congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Nukuʻalofa 10th Ward on Easter Sunday.

Prince Ata, who was just baptised into the church in March,  attended the congregation’s “sacrament meetings” and was accompanied by his brother Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala.

A statement from the church says the service is open to anyone from the public.

“They include prayers, hymns, sermons by leaders and members from the congregation, and the ordinance of the sacrament. Meetings focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ”.

Honorable Lupepauʻu Taione, Epeli Taione, Lord Luani, Honorable Tevita ‘Unga, Sela ‘Unga and Member of Parliament Hon. Sēmisi Sika were among those who attended the service

About 200 Latter-day Saint and other worshipers attended the service which was led by Latter-day Saint leader President ‘Alvin Sika and Bishop Andrew Toʻimoana.

“Speakers in the service were Sione and Falaetau Fineanganofo. They both spoke on the gospel of Jesus Christ, the last few days of the Saviour’s life, and His resurrection”.

Cardinal Mafi has new Roman curia office role

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Pope Francis has elected Cardinal Mafi of the Diocese of Tonga and Niue as  member of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and the Pontifical Council.

Cardinal Mafi, 53, was among 15 cardinals the Pope has announced yesterday as members of various Vatican congregations and councils.

Cardinal Mafi takes part in the council’s decision making body deciding on matters laid out by the curia office to make sure the church’s humanitarian relief operations reach out to victims of disasters, foster charity and encourages cooperation and coordination of other Catholic organizations.

Cardinal Mafi is the youngest member of the College of Cardinals who was elevated to the cardinalate in February.

Real Tonga hires Fijian aircraft to replace Chinese MA60

By
Alpha Latu
-
PHOTO: Real Tonga’s Director Tēvita Palu. 

Real Tonga Airline has chartered an aircraft from Fiji Airways to replace the controversial Chinese aircraft MA60 the Tongan government has grounded two month ago.

The Real Tonga has added the twin-engine turboprop short haul regional airliner, 68-seater ATR72-600,  to its fleet in an attempt to meet its passengers’ growing demand.

Matangi Tonga Online has quoted Real Tonga’s Director Tevita Palu as saying, “The sudden unavailability of the MA60 aircraft meant that we had to urgently re-adjust our fleet…”

The MA60 aircraft was returned to the Tongan government on February 8 after its lease was terminated due to the new legislation.

The Chinese aircraft is now leased out to a new Tongan company, the Royal Tongan Airline,  owned by a group that involved Tonga’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu and others.

Vaipulu claimed the MA60 would start flying domestically this month. His claim came after the Minister of Infrastructure told Kaniva News in Auckland recently Royal Tongan Airline had been given four conditions to fulfil before the MA60 was allowed to operate in Tonga.

None of those conditions had been met, the minister said.

Church celebrates after Cardinal Mafi is presented to the king at the royal palace

By
Kalino Latu
-

Hundreds of members from various churches and students from Catholic schools walked about two kilometres from the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua to the royal palace in Nukuʻalofa last Friday to present the fakatūʻuta to the King.

The presentation of pigs, mats, ngatu and yams to His Majesty King Tupou VI was one of cultural activities organised to mark the elevation of Cardinal Mafi to the cardinalate on February 14 in Rome.

According to tradition, the presentation was made before  any other activities organised for the celebration.

The king attended the presentation, but we understand he was sitting on his seat by the door inside the palace.

His heralds were seen sitting in the verandah of the palace, facing Cardinal Mafi and his followers who were sitting  outside at the front lawn, few meters away from the palace.

Cardinal Mafi, 53,  was escorted by Former Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Sevele-‘O-Vailahi and some of the church leaders and heralds.

It was announced in February, before Cardinal Mafi’s elevation, that the Catholic church would celebrate the event after Lent and Holy Week, which ended on Easter Monday.

[wp_ad_camp_1]

Tongo, the herald who spoke on behalf of Cardinal Mafi to the king through his herald, Vakalahi, mentioned the “Lion at Mala’ekula Royal Tomb” a metaphor referring to King Tupou I, who first accepted Christianity into Tonga.

The heralds’ speeches on such occasion are poetically worded and use metaphors and figure of speech. They are intended to enhance the king’s prestige by comparing him to things such as a lion or a tower or the untouchable sky.

Tongo mentioned King Tupou I because of his acceptance of the Christianity into Tonga, a way of  saying that without it there may have been no such presentation made last week.

Such poetical speech is also intended to show how much those presenting fakatū’uta value the significance of achievements such as those of Cardinal Mafi.

Their Majesties Queen Nanasipauʻu and King Tupou VI were in Rome while Cardinal Mafi was elevated, although only the queen attended the ceremony at the Vatican. However, Tongo expressed his excitement at the king’s presence in Rome, saying that although it was a coincidence, it was an honour for the church.

[wp_ad_camp_1]

Tongo then mentioned the “Tuku Fonua ki Langi” that was made in Pouono in 1875, the announcement by King George Tupou I that he was handing over Tonga to the protection of God and not any foreign countries. This led to the motto “God and Tonga are my inheritance.”

The royal herald, Vakalahi, acknowledged Tongo’s speech it was by calling on the person who counted the presentation to present a kava toho to Tongo. The presentation of the kava toho was a sign of acknowledgement by the king’s herald, but Tongo told the counter to return with the kava and give it to Vakalahi so he could keep it to present in future presentation at the Palace.

The fakatūʻuta  was followed by a celebration at Apifo’ou College compound where a feast and Tongan dances were presented before Cardinal Mafi, their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a and Crown Princess Sinaitakala also attended, as well as Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and some of his ministers.

The celebration was concluded with a choral performance on Sunday night at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate in Ma’ufanga.

11061203_741002359349795_6700420825257587280_n
Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho performing as the central performer. Behind her is Lady Sīʻatu-Ki-Moana Vaea performing as assistant central performer. Photo/Soane Niukapu Gallaher
11126231_706793782763196_4087766819669006900_n
Cardinal Mafi’s fakatūʻuta. Men unloading and arranging kava, pigs, mats, ngatu (tapa cloth), yams and other traditional gifts in order at the royal palace ‘s front lawn.
10983827_740977352685629_1659025790567123232_n
Kailao (war dance) performed by Houma Parishioners at the Catholic’s ‘Apifo’ou College compound. Photo/ Soane Niukapu Gallaher
11149296_742018685914829_3281290621031587431_n
The celebration was concluded with a choral performance on Sunday night at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate in Ma’ufanga. Photo/Soane Niukapu Gallaher

The main points

  • Hundreds of people from various churches and students from Catholic schools walked from the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua to the royal palace in Nukuʻalofa last Friday to present the fakatū’uta to the King.
  • The presentation of pigs, mats, ngatu and yams to His Majesty King Tupou VI was organised to mark the elevation of Cardinal Mafi to the cardinalate on February 14 in Rome.
  • Cardinal Mafi was escorted by Former Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Sevele ‘o Vailahi and some of the church leaders and heralds.
  • The fakatu’uta was followed by a celebration at Apifo’ou College compound where a feast and Tongan dances were presented before Cardinal Mafi, their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u.

About fakatūʻuta

The custom of  fakatū’uta involves a presentation of pigs, mats, ngatu (tapa cloth), yams and other traditional gifts. The presentation must be counted by another herald, who shouts out  how many pigs, yams and kava have been presented. The same thing can be done for mats and the ngatu, but instead one of the women announced their sizes and amounts to the king’s heralds.

The presenting herald must give a speech as part of the presentation, telling the receiving herald why they were presenting fakatū’uta.

The custom is the highest presentation that can be made to the king on such occasions. It can only be performed when something of great importance has happened, such as the elevation of Cardinal Mafi by the Pope. The palace office must be informed by the presentation organisers, seeking His Majesty’s approval and availability before the ceremony can be performed.

Caldwell begins new role as Tonga’s police commissioner

By
Kaniva Pacific
-
PHOTO. L-R: Steven John Caldwell, Magistrate Salesi Mafi and Deputy Commissioner ‘Unga Fa’aoa. Photo/Tonga Police

After signing his contract on Thursday 9 Steven John Caldwell from New Zealand was sworn in at Longolongo Police Headquarter by Principal Magistrate Salesi Mafi this morning Monday 13.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Acting Deputy Commissioner Viliami ‘Unga Fa’aoa, Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao, Acting Deputy Commissioner Ashley Fua and Acting Commissioner Salote Grewe Tonga

Caldwell’s wife Wendy Caldwell also attended the ceremony.

Sia Adams from Police Communication Unit at Longolongo said Caldwell will leave for New Zealand tomorrow for a week before returning to Tonga on Tuesday 21.

Caldwell took up the post after he became Police Superintendent at the Bougainville Police Service for two years and 17 years of service at the Marlborough police.

Trial opens for policemen in Vainī manslaughter

By
Kaniva Pacific
-
PHOTO: Īnoke Pepa of Vainī died in November 2012. Photo/Supplied

Two Tongan police officers charged with manslaughter with an alternative count of grievous bodily harm went on trial last week at the Supreme Court in Nukuʻalofa after ʻĪnoke Pepa, 20, of Vainī died in November 2012.

The Director of Public Prosecutions ‘Aminiasi Kefu believes Pepa died from head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by Police Officers Samisoni Tāufa, 32, and Sōsefo Masalu, 27.

The trial before Mr Justice Cato continues this week.

 

 

Fielakepa title conferred on His Majesty’s Armed Forces Commander

By
Kaniva Pacific
-
PHOTO. R-L: Lord Fielakepa, Hon. Lupepau’u Tuita Taione, Prince Ata, ‘Eiki Tevita ‘Unga and Lady Lupemeitakui Fielakepa

His Majesty’s Lord Chamberlain Viela Tupou has announced today April 10 at about 3pm that the King had bestowed the title of Fielakepa on the Commander of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tupou Tonga Poʻuli Aleamotuʻa, 48, at his Mataʻutuliki residence in Kolomotu’a.

His Majesty King Tupou VI was pleased to confer the title on His Armed Forces’ Commander since his eldest brother, late Baron Fielakepa, died in 2013 without an heir.

The next in line to the hereditary title after the death of Baron Fielakepa was Mōsese Taulupe Aleamotuʻa but he died suddenly in 2007. He was survived by his mother Lady Tuna Fielakepa and his wife Mele Simiki Aleamotu’a and their nine children.

Fielakepa’s bride, Lupemeitakui Aleamotuʻa, will be known as Lady Fielakepa. They have three children.

The bestowment began with a prayer service led by the Haveluloto’s Free Wesleyan Church minister Rev. Tēvita Latailakepa and attended by Fielakepa’s kāinga and family.

Members of the royal family including Prince Ata and Hon Lupepauʻu Tuita Taione attended the ceremony. Lord Vaea and Lord Nuku from the nobility also attended.

Lord Fielakepa’s estate is Haveluloto.

Tonga’s tourism, fisheries and agriculture discussed in Guangdong

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

A direct flight from Guangdong to Tonga and routing Chinese liners through the South Pacific to the Friendly Islands were some of the issues discussed by Tongan delegates and Chinese officials in China Wednesday 8.

A delegation from Tonga led by Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni was in China following an invitation by the Chinese government.

Officials from both countries discussed matters related to tourism, fisheries, medicine and agriculture.

The Tongan representatives expressed their gratitude to the Chinese government for allowing the Chinese medical ship, The Peace Ark to visit Tonga last year 2014.

In a statement from Tonga’s Prime Minister’s Office, the Information Director ʻAnitelū Toimoana, who joined the delegation was quoted as saying,  “We had two meetings this afternoon and it was with the Governor of Guangzhou, Zhu Xiaodan”.

“In this meeting the discussion was around areas of tourism, fisheries, medical and agriculture sectors.  The Governor echoed his willingness to see some possible projects in those areas as he can envision great opportunities and development would happen to benefit both Tonga and the Guangzhou Province.”

Xiaodan acknowledged that Tonga and China has been in a diplomatic relationship for 18 years now.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni was also quoted in the statement as acknowledging “the visiting of the Chinese Medical ship, The Peace Ark, which treated more than 2,000 Tongan people in one week when it visited [Tonga] last year”.

The Tongan delegates also met with the Director General of the Guangdong Reform and Development Commission, He Ningka and his team.

Hon Sovaleni also told Chinese officials Tonga wanted to see an increase in the number of tourists visiting Tonga and that an opportunity for a direct flight from Guangzhou to the kingdom and other Pacific nationscould make that happen.

In his response He Ningka said a direct flight from China to the South Pacific has already been planned since their President visited Fiji, where he met with all the Pacific Island Leaders last year.

“Other areas that they are planning on in expanding to the Pacific is the routing of their cruise liners to the South Pacific islands including Tonga”, Toʻimoana was quoted as saying.

Members of the Tongan delegations told Chinese officials Tonga wanted to create investment projects on tourist accommodation, open new markets for fisheries, technical assistance and equipment to assist agricultural sector.

He Ningka said Guangzhou is China’s leading tourism destination operating the China Southern Airline, which is one of the biggest airlines in China. He said there was a possibility to provide direct flight from Guangdong to Tonga.

Food processing, disaster risk reduction projects, ICT development, renewable energy and green technology development were also raised during the official meetings.

The 16-member delegation from Tonga included four Cabinet Ministers, seven Parliamentarians, and five government officials arrived in Guangdong on April 8 and will return to the kingdom on April 17.

Tonga's Tourism GM resigns

By
Alpha Latu
-

Tongan General Manager of Tourism, Stuart Perry has resigned from his job as head of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism.

Matangi Tonga news website has reported that Mr perry will take up a new employment in a Tourism Organisation in New Zealand.

Mr Perry was the first General Manager of the Tongan Tourism Organisation which started in January 2014.

Mr Perry has more than 30 years experience in general management, tourism management, media communication and public relation.

He was also involved in economic development, marketing and brand management.

1...811812813...905Page 812 of 905
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment