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Amazing images of Tonga’s new volcanic island

By
Kaniva Pacific
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New images of an island created in Tonga in the last few weeks reveal the island turned into a lighter colour and no longer in its dark coloured ash seen previously.

The powerful volcanic eruption that led to the birth of the new island and the disruptions of Tonga’s international and domestic flights two weeks ago “appears to be over”, Taniela Kula, Deputy Secretary for Tonga’s Ministry of Land and Natural Resource said.

Mr Kula said the creation of the new island began when the volcanic activity between the Hungas took place in December 19, 2014.

Westward view of the join between Hunga Ha’apai (left) and the west end of the new island taken 100m from shore. (Taken 24-Jan-15). Photo/Ministry of Land and Natural Resources
Westward view of the join between Hunga Ha’apai (left) and the west end of the new island taken 100m from shore. (Taken 24-Jan-15). Photo/Ministry of Land and Natural Resources

He said the new island is about 120m high, 1.5km wide (NS) and 2.0km (WE). It is joined with Hunga Ha’apai to the west and about 150 – 200 meters short to Hunga Tonga.

“There were no sign of any emissions of ash, gas or steam observed coming out from the vent of the new formed island”, he said.

Westward close up view of the new island crater taken 100m away. Note the color of the material is lighter than it was in the last visit (7 days before) due to oxidation of the elements such as iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) (Taken 24-Jan-15). Photo/Ministry of Land and Natural Resources
Westward close up view of the new island crater taken 100m away. Note the color of the material is lighter than it was in the last visit (7 days before) due to oxidation of the elements such as iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) (Taken 24-Jan-15). Photo/Ministry of Land and Natural Resources

“There were no trace of rafts of pumice or other floating volcanic debris observed.

“No smells of volcanic gases were noticed within 100m of the island. Hunga Tonga (200m to the north of the new island) and Hunga Ha’apai islands (joined to the west) were covered by dark coloured ash from the eruption over the last month, but now turned into lighter colour due to oxidation of iron and aluminum elements”.

Real Tonga denies claims MA60 aircraft's license cancelled

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Real Tonga Airline controversial MA60 aircraft operates as normal amid reports its license expired and cancelled on January 20, 2015, the company has confirmed.

The Director of the Airline, Tēvita Palu told Kaniva News today, reports by local media quoting the Minister of Infrastructure as saying the MA60’s license expired on January 20, 2015 was “not true”.

He said the aircraft is operating “as normal everyday” from Tongatapu to Vava’u.

Infrastructure minister, Hon. ‘Etutate Lavulavu was also quoted by a local newspaper as saying his ministry was working on the licensing of the plane urgently because the Chinese Embassy wrote and requested the Tongan government  not  to terminate the aircraft’s license to operate in the kingdom.

The paper also quoted the minister as saying there was a problem with processing of the renewal of the MA60’s license as Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has warned the license given to  the aircraft did not meet all necessary legal requirements expected by the international aviation authorities.

The aircraft was given to Tonga by the Chinese government as a gift in 2012.

We were unable to obtain comments from the Chinese Embassy.

When we called and spoke with Hon. Lavulavu today he asked to call him back in 1-2hours as he was in a meeting in Vava’u. When we called him for the second time the minister’s phone was answered by another man. He told us the minister was in a meeting. We sent Hon. Lavulavu a text message asking for comments but he did not return it in time for publication.

The Chinese made aircraft involved in a number of fatal incidents recently. In May 2011 an MA60 went into sea only 500 metres from the runway in Kaimana Airport in Indonesia. All passengers and crew were killed.

New Zealand authority said the Chinese-built MA60 was not certified to fly in New Zealand and was not certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency, the US Federal Aviation Administration or the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

New Zealand withheld more than $10 million aid for Tonga’s Tourism industry because of concerns over the aircraft.

In September 2014 , the former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano vowed to ground the Chinese made aircraft after he received a letter from the International Civil Aviation Organisation warning his government about how the MA60’s license was processed. It was later revealed the MA 60 continued to operate after a number of meetings between its manegements and the former government.

The airline authority as well as the former Tongan government’s Minister of Infrastructure, who was instrumental in brining the plane to Tonga, insisted the MA60 aircraft was safe to operate in the kingdom.

Sēmisi Sika named new chairman of Parliament Whole House committee

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Tonga’s Legislative Assembly has elected MP Sēmisi Sika as new Chairperson of the Whole House Committee for 2015 – 2018 parliamentary term.

He was nominated by Ha’apai 13 constituency MP, Veivosa Taka and he was the only nominee.

Hon Sika now replaces Sunia Fili the former Chairperson and MP for ‘Eua 11 who did not make it to Parliament after last November general election.

Hon Sika was first elected into Parliament in 2010 election and he is a current member of the ruling Democratic Party government.

Father drowned at Vaipua as wife and son watched in horror

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A mother and a son watched in horror while a husband and father drowned in the sea at Vaipua yesterday Monday 19 at about 4pm, Vava’u Police said.

Tevita Seluini Tu’itupou, 55, of Taoa, Vava’u and Tofoa, Tongatapu was believed to have died shortly after he found himself in difficulty when he swam to rescue his wife Tupou Tu’itupou and son Kulu Tu’itupou.

Tevita was already  in the water when he invited  his wife and their son to jump in and swim with him, Police Superintendent in Vava’u, Netane Falakiseni told Kaniva News

The duo came down to the water while Tevita was waiting for them but they missed him in a move Police believed they were caught by a rip.

Vaipua water is notoriously dangerous and known for its strong rip current.

Police said there is a warning sign at the beach alerting swimmers about the danger they would encounter if they swim at Vaipua water.

As Tevita struggled to get to his wife and his son he was overcome with exhaustion and eventually died.

Superindentend Falakiseni said a post mortem was carried out today and his body would be returned to Tofoa tomorrow.

The dad man was a civil servant working as a clerk at Tonga’s Retirement Fund Board.

Pōhiva denies claims of nepotism, says ministers have vowed to put sexual misdeeds behind them

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has denied claims of nepotism made by failed political rival ‘Eliesa Fifita.

Fifita claimed Hon Pōhiva was guilty of giving special privileges to a member of his family by appointing his son, Siosiua Po‘oi Pōhiva, as his personal assistant without advertising the post publicly.

Fifita stood unsuccessfully against the Prime Minister for the Tongatapu 1 constituency in the last election.

In a letter which was copied to Kaniva News, Fifita also claimed that Hon Pōhiva had ignored sexual improprieties committed by two of his ministers.

We were unable to obtain a response from the Prime Minister in time for publication.

However, Hon Pōhiva told  Radio FM89.5 that he recruited his son as his personal assistant because he trusted him.

He said Poʻoi was not paid the government salary allocated for the post, but was instead paid directly from his Prime Ministerial salary.

He said Treasury had been informed of the arrangement.

Hon Pōhiva said this would save taxpayers’ money, in line with his policy of wise management of the country’s finances.

Fifita claimed the Prime Minister had selected an MP to join his cabinet even though he was aware of allegations that he had been involved in extra-marital affairs.

The failed politician claimed that the minister had fathered three illegitimate children.

He said Hon Pōhiva’s actions went against the principles of transparency, morality and honesty he had championed while he was a fierce critic of the former governments.

Transparent

In his letter to Kaniva News, Fifita said the Prime Minister had said that application for posts must be transparent. He said Hon Pōhiva had proposed that government posts must not be selected in such a way that people appeared to have been chosen because of nepotism and favouritism.

Hon Pōhiva has been a long time critic of what he described as unfair distribution of the country’s opportunities and wealth among the Royal Family.

He criticised the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV for allowing his daughter Princess Pilolevu to run her own business using Tonga’s satellite slots, saying it was unconstitutional.

The Tongan constitution says: “The King shall govern on behalf of all his people and not so as to enrich or benefit any one man or any one family or any one class, but without partiality for the good of all the people of his Kingdom.”

The Prime Minister responded to allegations about the appointment of his ministers by saying that he had no option but to choose from a small number of politicians who held the balance of power.

The Prime Minister told Radio FM 89.5 that  the most important thing for him was to use people who had been scrutinised and elected by the people.

Hon Pōhiva said the ministers had vowed to leave what had happened behind them and do their best to build the nation while they were in the new government.

In the post-election period there was a strong push from Hon Pōhiva’s supporters to engage in horse trading with the independent politicians so the Democratic Party could form the best government for the people.

One week before the premiership election on  December, 29, 2014, Hon Pōhiva  said he had held various secret meetings with some of the independents to try to persuade them to join his government.

“They must be given whatever ministerial posts they want so that we would form a democratically elected government,” he told Kaniva News.

Conflict

Fifita’s letter has been hotly debated on social media, with Hon Pōhiva’s  selection of his son as his personal assistant secretary the most discussed topic.

Critics said it was a conflict of interest that did not reflect well on his government.

Olivia Ve’etutu T said: “PM does not look good with it in the international level after all those numerous years of calling for good governance!”

Arthur Fonua said: “…the appointment of his own son does not enhance or strengthen his own foundational vision of inclusion…not well thought out from a democratic perspective and metric”.

Senolita Swan commented: “What a shame…Do what you preach… I had such a high hope for this PM.”

However, the Prime Minister’s supporters rallied around.

Sione Talanoa Fifita  commented in Tongan on the Democracy for Tonga Facebook page that Hon Pōhiva had not committed nepotism because his son was paid from the Prime Minister’s salary.

Maggie Tupou said: “The way I see it, there is no conflict of interest as his son’s wages are paid out of the PM’s pocket. It is normal for people to hand pick their own personal assistants.”

lex Tora said:  “Interesting indeed….my one cent contribution – PMs the world over pick their own personal assistants and pay for them from their own pay packets….if that is what PM Pōhiva has done then I do not see any problem with that — I think he is worried about having someone who will not be able to do the job as he wants it done — making it happen so to speak — so he has gone for his son because he may trust his son more to be able to perform than those who have been sitting there for some time….interesting indeed….”

The main points

  • Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has denied claims of nepotism made by failed political rival ‘Eliesa Fifita.
  • Fifita claimed Hon Pōhiva was guilty of giving special privileges to a member of his family by appointing his son as his personal assistant.
  • Fifita also claimed Hon Pōhiva had ignored sexual improprieties committed by two of his ministers.
  • The Prime Minister has denied allegations of nepotism.

Lapaha teen laid to rest as Police investigation continues 

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Family, kāinga and friends of Lisiate Kautai paid their last respects to the 16-year-old boy on Saturday 16 at Loma cemetery in Lapaha.

Police have launched an investigation after Kautai’s body was found with serious head injuries on a roadside at Lapaha on Sunday 11. He was rushed to Vaiola Hospital at about 3am but died after about six hours.

Students from Takuilau College, where Kautai was a form 5 student last year, lined up at the Sangato Mikaele Church compound yesterday where some of them carried his body into the church for his last Mass.

After the Mass about a hundred mourners marched in silence led by Takuilau College band while his body was escorted to his resting place.

Mourners standing in silence while Lisiate Kautaiʻs body laid to rest. Photo/ By courtesy of Fulila Tangataʻiloa
Mourners standing in silence while Lisiate Kautai’s body laid to rest. Photo/ By courtesy of Fulila Tangataʻiloa

Kautai’s friends and family took to Facebook to write and commented on photos and videos taken on the funeral of their family member.

Akata Kautai Vunileva commented: “Thank you for taking pictures and videos for us to see from the other side of the world RIP dear cousin until that glorious morning”.

Peter Hind said:  “a very very sad occasion for the Kautai family, for Takuilau and the Lapaha community. With love”.

After watching the video and expressing how she felt in Tongan, Katinia Taulanga Tukuafu, said: “..I just wish those who were responsible watched this video”.

Emily Vu Lelea said: “Rest sweetly in Heaven Lisiate. May justice brought upon the hands [that] shed your blood. Condolences to the family and those most closest to him”.

Tongan geologists baffled by theory the new island eruption linked to red tides

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The nearly simultaneous occurrence of red tides and powerful volcanic eruptions in Tonga since December 2014 leaves geologists in Tonga looking for answers.

A new volcanic island with an approximate size of  2 square kilometres and 100 metres in height has been created after a powerful volcanic eruption between the Hungas sent a plume of large ash high into the sky.

The ongoing eruptions of the Ha’apai volcanoes were first reported on December 20, 2014.

Yesterday Tongan authorities released photos with captions of the island forming, showing billowing smoke  steam and ash as well as rocks spewed out from a crater between Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai.

Red tides

Red tides were first reported in Neiafutahi and the outer islands of Okoa and ‘Oloʻua in Vavaʻu on December 28, 2014. Tongan geologists at the time said they noticed something similar to “oil slick” floating on top of the red tides.

The red tides had struck Tongatapu and ‘Eua Island this week with reports of dead fish washed ashore as well as strong smell being sent from the scenes.

Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries said the red tides in Vava’u were caused by a bloom of reddish-brown algae that had been grown out of control. The Ministry’s director, Dr Vailala Matoto said the algae was microscopic and it could hardly be seen by naked eyes.

He said it was normal that this type of algae released chemical compounds that give off an ocean smell at the same time sent oxygen gas into the environment.

Changing the ocean colour into red or green, red tides could happen in summer time and sometimes because of the climate changes, Dr Matoto said.

But this week some theorists related red tides in Tongatapu and ʻEua Island to the Hungas’ volcanic activity saying the gases it released changed ocean colours into red blood sea.

While New Zealand geologists and scientists were  in Tonga to study the volcanic eruptions a statement from Tonga’s Ministry of Land & Natural Resources says they have yet to conclude if there was a connection between the red tides and the Hungas’ volcanic  activities.

“It is unclear at this stage if there is any relationship between the eruption and a red algal bloom observed in seawaters around Tonga recently,” Geologist Taniela Kula said in the statement.

New Island:

Mr. Kula said: “A new island has been built by the eruption between the existing islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai, and is now joined to Hunga Ha’apai.”

He said the ash deposited close to the vents was large enough to build up the newborn island of “more than 1 km wide, 2km long and about 100 m high.”

“During our observations the volcano was erupting about every 5 minutes,” he said.

“Dense ash was being erupted to a height of about 400 m, accompanied by some large rocks.

“Higher we observed mostly steam, but with some ash. Above about 1000 m, the eruption plume was almost exclusively steam.

“As the ash is very wet, most is being deposited close to the vent, building up the new island,” Kula said.

In a Daily Mail report this week headlined – Fire in the South Pacific: Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano erupts to turn the sea blood red and the sky grey with ash – it says “When levels of nitrogen and phosphorus rise, which can be caused by underwater eruptions such as the one off the coast of Tonga, algae can multiply, the report says.

“Typically, this causes water to turn green, but the effect also causes reds and yellows to be released.

“In particular, a bloom of dinoflagellate algae causes water to turn blood red in colour”.

New volcanic island spotted between the Hungas as Tonga flights returning to normal

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Airline services from South Pacific countries to Tonga are now operating as normal while pictures supplied to Kaniva News show a new volcanic  island appeared between Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai.

The Hungas are two volcanoes in the Ha’apai  group where ash cloud erupted and disrupted Tonga’s international and internal flights this week.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanoes are around 60km north of Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa.

Its ash plume has reached heights of more than 4,500 metres into the sky.

The volcanic activities continue but eased slightly this morning.

The photos were supplied by a source at Tonga’s Ministry of MCECCE who asked not to be named. The source said officers at the Ministry estimated the new island emerged about 10 metres above sea level.

Air New Zealand did not immediately respond when we requested for comments but Fairfax Media said Air New Zealand “has put on two extra services today to accommodate affected travellers”.

“The first extra flight left Auckland this morning and the second is due to leave tonight”.

A picture shows massive eruption between Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai. Photo/Ministry of Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Disaster, Management and Meteorology, Information and Communication
A picture shows massive eruption between Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha’apai. Photo/Ministry of Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Disaster, Management and Meteorology, Information and Communication

In March 2009, a shot-lived but powerful eruption was spotted at the same scene and it  lasted for almost a week.

At the time, geologists said the eruption originated from two volcanic vents.

It was not immediately clear whether the new volcanic activities related to the 2009 event or not.

On Tuesday  13 Air New Zealand said: “Flight NZ970 operating between Auckland and Nuku‛alofa yesterday was diverted to Samoa and later returned to Auckland. As a result the return leg – flight NZ973 – from Nuku‛alofa to Auckland was also cancelled.

An additional return service was due to operate today to re-accommodate these passengers but this has unfortunately since been cancelled due to conditions in Tonga. Today’s scheduled return service NZ970 Auckland – Tonga and NZ973 Tonga – Auckland has also been cancelled.

Tonga’s fierce volcanic eruption disrupts flights across the South Pacific

By
Kalino Latu
-

A massive volcanic eruption in Tonga has caused flights from New Zealand and Australia and internal flights to be cancelled or diverted.

The eruption of Hunga volcano spewed large white plumes of ash high into the sky which could be seen clearly  from Tongatapu this afternoon.

Tongatapu, the main island in Tonga group, is about 60km away from the scene.

The Tongan government has warned people in the surrounding islands, especially Tongatapu and Ha’apai, that ash from the eruption could cause problems with breathing, skin and eyesight.

Some Tongans travelling from Australia were stuck in Auckland after their direct flight from Sydney to Tonga was redirected to Fiji to refuel before flying on to Auckland where it has been grounded until it is safe to complete the flight to Tonga.

In Fiji Tongans had to travel backwards and forwards between Suva and Nadi after several flights were cancelled because of the eruption.

Late last month the Tongan government said it had received a report by a fishing boat at Ha’apai of volcanic activity south east of Hunga Ha’apai on the morning of December 20.

Volcanic activity has continued since then, in this week’s eruption.

Paula Moimoi Latu, who was on a flight from Australia to Tonga, said on Facebook last night:  “I’m stuck in Auckland at the moment after almost landing in the Kingdom of Tonga yesterday. The flight was diverted to Samoa due to volcanic ash in the air, the aircraft refuelled and then took us back to Auckland last night. Now it seems today’s flight has been rescheduled and now cancelled! Might not get to Tonga until tomorrow!!”

Sina Taholo Kami in Fiji said in Tongan: “I boarded a bus eight hours to (Suva-Nadi-Suva) today to travel to Tonga but it was cancelled. Yes nature has taken charge!!

Yesterday she commented: “Just arrived Nadi airport. . .told the flight to Tonga…cancelled again”.

The New Zealand High Commission in Tonga has published a statement on the internet warning New Zealanders of the volcanic eruption:

“There is currently no seismic activity or tsunami threat associated with the eruption, however some international and domestic flights in Tonga have been cancelled due to the ash cloud.  We recommend that New Zealanders planning to travel to Tonga check with their airline for the latest information on further flight disruptions.”

The main points

  • A massive volcanic eruption in Tonga has caused flights from New Zealand and Australia and internal flights to be cancelled or diverted.
  • The eruption of Hunga volcano spewed large white plumes of ash high into the sky which could be seen clearly from Tongatapu this afternoon.
  • Some flights were diverted to Samoa and Fiji for refuelling, before being sent to Auckland.
  • New Zealanders planning to travel to Tonga have been warned to check on the latest information on the situation before travelling.

For more information

‘Air NZ flights hit by Tongan volcano ash’

‘Ash plume from underwater volcano off Tonga cancels flights and turns sea red’

‘Undersea eruption near Tonga’ (NASA Earth Observatory)

PM Pōhiva says costs of overseas travel, spending on government vehicles, will be strictly monitored 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s new Prime Minister Samuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has promised to slash costs in his inaugural speech.

Speaking in the kingdom’s capital of Nuku’alofa last Friday, the Prime Minister pinpointed areas like spending on government vehicles and overseas travel as key areas where money could be saved.

“It must be done with sympathy, it must be started from our tāputa (using the only thing we can afford) and it has to start right from us,” the Prime Minister said.

Pōhiva said costs must be strictly monitored as they contributed hugely to the amount of tax payers’ money the government spent.

He said department heads and senior officials used government vehicles on important tasks, but some civil servants also used them for private matters and they would have to pay for such use.

Overseas travel by government ministers would only be allowed for urgent business, the Prime Minister said.

His statement on budget cuts comes after years of campaigning in opposition for wise management of the kingdom’s finances.

He said if Tonga’s budget was managed properly, the economy could become stable. This would lead to vigorous economic growth and mean  less reliance on overseas donors.

The veteran democratic politician became the first commoner to be elected Prime Minister when he assumed the title on December 29.

He had announced that if he was elected he would cut all unnecessary costs and make big reductions in expenses. He said those leading the country must be ready to make sacrifices to ensure the policy succeeded.

The meeting was attended by Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa, who was also the guest of honour, all cabinet ministers and head of departments and hundreds of public servants.

Lead by example

Pōhiva, whose Kele’a newspaper has regularly reported that he pays back part of his Parliamentary salary, said he would lead the country by example and would commit to performing his duty as Prime Minister with great personal sacrifice.

He did not say exactly what his personal commitment would be, but he and his cabinet ministers have already set the tone.

When he was appointed by the King on December 31, 2014 Pōhiva arrived at the Royal Palace in Nukuʻaofa in his private car and not the luxurious Prime Ministerial vehicle he was entitled to use.

In the afternoon Pōhiva summoned a cabinet meeting to formalise the list of the new ministers before it was taken to the king.

Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and Hon. Semisi Fakahau were spotted walking to the cabinet house in Nukuʻalofa without using their ministerial vehicles.

History

In the past Kele’a regularly published pictures of government vehicles spotted driven by the wives or relatives of ministers or heads of departments after normal government working hours and said such  behaviour must be stopped.

In 2010, after Tonga’s first democratic elections, Pōhiva told the New Zealand Herald: “Misuse of Government vehicles is common. Travelling overseas on trivial things is another. Travelling on first class is terrible.”

Former government members argued that ministers and department heads were entitled to use the government vehicles whenever they wanted, but Pōhiva always insisted this was not right as the vehicles and all related expenses were being paid by the Tongan taxpayers.

There have been a number of reports of government officials claiming their overseas travelling costs – which include a first class air ticket – and then downgrading it to economy and keeping the balance.

Pōhiva said former government policies had allowed abuses of expenses by government officials to occur.

Such policies would come to an end during his four years in office.

In January 2013 a report published by Transparency International says “Corruption is still a major problem in Tonga but the government has taken significant steps forward in recent years to fight corruption and improve the country’s governance, making it move up the ladder of “clean” countries”.

“Political corruption and nepotism are prominent issues in Tonga which are rooted in the country’s political and demographic structure, strong sense of kinship, and late democratic awakening”, says the report.

The main points

  • Tonga’s new Prime Minister, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, has promised to slash costs in his inaugural speech.
  • Speaking in the kingdom’s capital of Nuku’alofa last Friday, the Prime Minister pinpointed areas like spending on government vehicles and overseas travel as key areas where money could be saved.
  • Pōhiva’s statement on budget cuts comes after years of campaigning in opposition for wise management of the kingdom’s finances.
  • He said if Tonga’s budget was managed properly, the economy could become stable. This would lead to vigorous economic growth and mean less reliance on overseas donors.

For more information

‘Tongan leader Akilisi Pōhiva talks to the Herald’

‘Tricky Road ahead for Tongan PM’

Transparency International report on Tonga

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