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Lord Fakafanua’s wedding goes ahead with profound dignity

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua married his long-time fiance, Kristy Fane Kite, yesterday (October 15).

The marriage ceremony went ahead as planned, but with respect for Lord Fakafanua’s aunt, the late Princess Fusipala Vaha’i, who was buried on Sunday.

It is customary in Tongan for a 10-day taboo to be in place after a person is buried.

In some villages the 10-day taboo is counted from the day the person dies.

The law stipulates a three-day taboo after the burial. Royals and nobility have a 100-day taboo.

Traditionally, entertainments and certain social activities are strictly restricted when a funeral taboo is put into place.

Lord Fakafanua and Lady Kristy Fane Fakafanua
Lord Fakafanua and Lady Kristy Fane Fakafanua

However, it is now up to the immediate family’s decision to enforce the taboo or not if an important event such as a wedding or birthday falls within the taboo periods.

The late Princess Fusipala Vaha’i was Lord Fakafanua’s mother’s eldest sister.

Kaniva News was informed it was Fakafanua’s decision to go ahead with the wedding programme, but that it was a profoundly dignified ceremony as a sign of respect to his late aunt.

A mixture of lamentation and jubilation was felt and seen among those who attended the wedding ceremony at Lord Fakafanua’s estate in Maʻofanga yesterday.

Although there was dancing and music, dancers in black clothes and ta’ovala, were seen performing with dignity and without much joy because of the funeral.

Following the ma‘utohi (registration of the marriage in government) yesterday a reception was held by Lord Fakafanua’s family to welcome his wife Kristy Fane Kite Fakafanua and her family.

The couple exchanged vows at Tonga’s Registry Office in Nuku’alofa before 100 guests including royalty, kāinga and dignitaries from overseas.

Fane wore a simple white long-sleeved dress. The 29-year-old Fakafanua, who is the estate holder of Ma’ofanga, Nga’akau in Tefisi, Vava’u and Faleloa, Ha’apai, wore a black suit.

His kāinga and members of the royal family wore black clothes and ta’ovala.

The President of the Free Wesleyan Church, the Rev. Dr ‘Ahio, led the wedding’s religious ceremony.

Fakafanua’s father, the late Fakafanua, died of a heart attack in 2005. Fane’s father, the late Sione Kite died in 2003 after he gave up his battle against a long-standing illness.

The main points

  • Tonga’s Chair of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua married his long-time fiance, Fane Kite, yesterday (October 15).
  • The marriage ceremony was delayed out of respect for Lord Fakafanua’s aunt, the late Princess Fusipala Vahai’i, who was buried on Sunday.
  • The wedding ceremony was profoundly dignified and although there was dancing and music, dancers in black clothes and ta’ovala, were seen performing with dignity and without much joy because of the funeral.
  • The President of the Free Wesleyan Church, the Rev. Dr ‘Ahio, led the wedding’s religious ceremony.

Vuna wharf welcomes pacific pearl

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The Pacific Pearl cruise ship glided into Vuna Wharf in Nuku’alofa this morning and those travelling on it have started swarming the central city streets.

The 247 m ship brought more than 1,700 passengers from Australia and is expected to depart for Norfolk this evening.

Featured photo, retrieved from Kingdom of Tonga’s Facebook page.

Ben Tāmeifuna named in 'Īkale-Tahi's squad for Europe

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Auckland-born Waikato prop Ben Tāmeifuna has been named in Tonga’s squad for tests against Georgia, the United States and Scotland, it has been confirmed today.

The 23-year old Tongan, who had been called into All Blacks’ training squad in 2012, was last month suspended for five weeks for pushing a referee out of his way during a provincial championship match.

Tāmeifuna will join his uncle ‘Alisona Taumālolo, who also represented the Chiefs in Super Rugby, in the ‘Īkale-Tahiʻs 31 squad.

Free Wesleyan director opposes strike threat; tells public servants: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”

By
Kalino Latu
-

A senior member of the largest Methodist denomination in Tonga said the people should show their “disapproval” of the Public Service Association’s planned strike.

Rev. Dr. Tevita Tonga Mohenoa Puloka of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga said a strike would be a serious blow to the civil servants and Tonga’s fragile economy.

The PSA has demanded the government approve a 20-22 percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for all government employees.

The Association wants the government pay an initial  cost of living allowance of between six and 10 percent out of the Contingency Vote of the 2014/2015 Budget.

If its demands are not met, PSA members will go on strike  Monday, October 20.

The government says the strike action won’t work as most civil servants do not support it.

Dr Puloka said the Tongan people represented about 97 percent of those who rightfully owned the national resource, including revenues the government “managed” and “distributed for the public good.”

“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, for without the people of Tonga you won’t have a job,” Dr Puloka said.

“Those of us who are not paid by Government, yet are doing the same or even more and better services for the country must register our disapproval of this PSA threat of a strike against us, the people of Tonga.”

Democratic Party Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Democratic Party have already called for the industrial action to be postponed, fearing it might affect the general election next month.

The party said it did not support the strike because it would affect the upcoming election and students who are going to sit the Tongan National School Certificate.

Government

The Tongan government said it could not afford another increase in civil servants’ pay within the approved 2014/15 budget estimates.

“The additional pay increase that some civil servants insist on being granted from this financial year will cost millions the Government does not have and cannot afford,” Tonga’s Finance Secretary, Tatafu Moeaki said.

“With less than two months to go before our next election, further COLA and pay increases, which will costs millions of pa’anga should be placed before the next Government to consider taking into account the economic and financial situation of the country for the short, to medium and long term.”

The government considered that further COLA payments to government civil servants would affect salaries for private sectors, especially school teachers.

Moeaki said: “The same applies to those employees serving outside Government such as teachers.

“Any pay raise for Government teachers without any contribution to those teachers in church schools for example, would be contrary to respecting the rights of each and every citizen of Tonga.

“Those workers in the business community and church schools are going to have a very hard time swallowing the idea that Government employees are entitled to a higher cost of living allowance and a higher pay increase.”

PSA Demands

The PSA wants the Tongan Government to approve a 20-22 percent COLA for all employees in Government.

The demand is based on figures calculated by Tongan Reserve Bank CEO Dr. Ngongo Kioa.

It wants an immediate allowance of between six and 10 percent to be paid from the Contingency Vote of the 2014/2015 Budget.

The rest of the allowance should be paid in the 2015/2016 budget, the PSA said.

The Association claimed the Minister for Finance had recommended a six percent COLA to be added to the basic salary.

However, it said the Minister had told a meeting on Wednesday last week that a five percent allowance was already being paid in the 2013/2014 budget and a new one percent allowance would come in the 2014/2015 budget.

The PSA said it refuted the Finance Minister’s statement and was preparing to go on strike, but was still open to negotiation.

Kaniva News Comment

The threat of strike action does not have the full power of the support of the public as it did when  industrial action took place in 2005.

Critics charge that the PSA’s strike threat is politically motivated because some in the PSA body are running for Parliament in the upcoming election.

The strike action threat has split PSA members and their supporters.

Many people say the strike has not been well planned and the timing is unwise.

The government understands the PSA’s threat has not been supported by the majority of the people.

The Deputy Prime Minister has been heard bragging that the PSA can go ahead and strike because  the government will not back down.

He said the Government needed more time for negotiation.

The PSA said it wants the TP$96 million (US$49 million/NZ$62 million) worth of Chinese loan money given to Princess Pilolevu and Tongasat to be returned to the government to help pay for the cost of living allowance.

The main points

  • Dr. Tevita Tonga Mohenoa Puloka of the Free Wesleyan Church says a threatened strike by Tonga’s Public Service Association would be a serious blow to the kingdom’s fragile economy.
  • The PSA has demanded the government approve a 20-22 percent Cost of Living Allowance for all government employees.
  • If its demands are not met, PSA members will go on strike tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15.
  • Democratic Party Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Democratic Party have already called for the industrial action to be postponed, fearing it might affect the general election next month.

For more information

Tonga Unable To Pay Higher COLA For Public Sector (Radio New Zealand International)

COLA for civil servants (Tonga Daily News)

Tonga sends more contingents to RAMSI

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Tonga has sent three Police officers to Canberra, Australia in a one month pre-deployment training programme that prepares contingents before heading to the Solomon Islands.

This is part of Tongan government 2003 agreement with six member states of the Pacific Islands Forum – Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa – to send police and military forces under the Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI) to help restore order in the Solomon Islands.

The 14th contingent, led by Acting Inspector Halatoa Taufa, includes Sergeant Semisi V. Motuápuaka and Senior Constable Lute Tonga.

Three Tongan contingents are currently in the Solomon Islands and they are expected to return to Tonga when the police officers will arrive from Canberra.

The police officers will be working in the justice sector.

Princess ‘Elisiva Fusipala Vaha'i is laid to rest at Fo'ui

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The ha’as  and royals throughout Tonga yesterday attended the burial of Princess ‘Elisiva Fusipala Vaha’i who died at the age of 65 on October 2.

Princess Fusipala, who lived in the United States for about 12 years, had struggled with health difficulties recently.

The Princess, who was King of Tonga’s first cousin, was buried at Tutulu-Pea-Tau cemetery next to her husband, the Late Noble Vaha’i of Fo’ui who died on May 22, 2005.

She is survived by their four children Lord Vahaʻi, Hon Siosifa ‘Alematea Vahaʻi, Hon ‘Elisiva Taukiʻonetuku Vahaʻi Vete, Hon Sinaitakala ‘Ofeina-‘E he-Langi Leanahola Vaha’i and six grandchildren.

The burial service was attended by His Majesty King Tupou VI, her younger sister Princess ‘Ofeina- ‘E he- Langi Fakafanua, the Queen Mother as well as Crown Prince Tupouto’a and Crown Princess Sinatakala Tuku’aho.

Former Springboks coach Jake White offers to help ‘Īkale-Tahi

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Springboks’ former coach who coached the South African national rugby team to 2007 Rugby World Cup victory has offered to assist the ‘Īkale-Tahi team as technical assistant while touring Europe next month.

‘Īkale-Tahi’s head coach Mana ‘Ōtai said Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) recruited White after he quitted Sharks last month.

“He has a lot of experiences in rugby world cup and we wished to learn from him things that will help  ‘Īkale-Tahi’s preparation for RWC 2015,” Otai said.

Read more: ʻIkale-Tahi squad for november tour named

Springboks also won the 2004 Tri-Nations rugby union cup under White’s leadership.

TRU approved back coaches in June this year to include Alan Gaffney from Australia but he is not in the November tour due to medical reason. He is replaced by Siua Taumālolo, ʻŌtai said.

ʻĪkale-Tahi squad for november tour named

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The 30-strong ‘Īkale-Tahi squad to take on Scotland, Georgia and the United States next month was named last week by Tonga Rugby Union.

The side will be captained by Japan’s NEC Rockets back Nili Lātū.

The squad departs for England at the end of this month.

Read more: Former Springboks’ coach Jake White offers to help ‘Ikale-Tahi

ʼIkale-Tahi itinerary for November tour 2014
Dates Activities
Sunday 26th October Team Assemble in the University of Central Lancaster, Preston.
Monday 27th – Wednesday 29th October Regulation 9 Camp in Preston
Wednesday 29th/Thursday 30th October Players return to their clubs (if applicable)
Sunday 2nd November Arrival into Georgia
Saturday 8th November Match vs Georgia
Sunday 9th November Departure from Georgia to Gloucester
Saturday 15th November Match vs USA @ Gloucester
Sunday 16th November Depart Gloucester for Scotland
Saturday 22nd November Match vs Scotland @ Kilmarnock, Scotland
Sunday 23rd November Departure back to clubs or point of origin.

 

Props

  1. ʻAlisona Taumalolo,
  2. Halani Aulika,
  3. Tevita Mailau,
  4. Taione Vea,
  5. Sila Puafisi,

Hookers

  1. Vaea Taione,
  2. Paula Ngauamo,
  3. Aleki Lutui,

Locks

  1. Tukulua Lokotui,
  2. Joe Tuineau,
  3. Lisiate Faaoso,
  4. Hale T Pole,

Backrows

  1. Nili Latu,
  2. Amanaki Mafi,
  3. Viliami Fihaki,
  4. Maama Vaipulu,
  5. Viliami Maafu,

Halfbacks

  1. Sonatane Tukulua,
  2. Thomas Palu,
  3. Taniela Moa,

First five

  1. Latiume Fosita,
  2. Kurt Morath,
  3. Liueli Simote,

Backs

  1. Sione Piukala,
  2. Siale Piutau,
  3. Fetuu Vainikolo,
  4. Daniel Kilioni,
  5. Otulea Katoa,
  6. David Halaifonua,
  7. Vungakoto Lilo

Management

  1. Soape Tuʻiono – Manager
  2. Mana ʻŌtai – Head Coach
  3. Siua Taumālolo – Assistant Head Coach
  4. Michael Casey – Assistant Coach
  5. Jake White – Technical Asistant
  6. Dr Fakaʻosi Pifeleti – Doctor
  7. Māvae ʻOtumuli – Physio
  8. Tim Grey – Physio
  9. Semisi Fonua – S&C
  10. Lano Fonua – Logistic Manager
  11. Declan Orloff – Video Analyst
  12. Peter Harding –  HPM

New Zealand lifts its travel warning over Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

The New Zealand government has lifted its travel warning for Tonga.

The warning was issued in August 2013 over concerns about the Chinese-made MA60 aircraft used by local airline Real Tonga.

The New Zealand government told tourists they would be flying on the MA60 at their own risk.

The MA60 has been involved in numerous crashes in different countries.

The travel advisory was issued a month after New Zealand suspended NZ$10 million (TP15.5 million) tourism aid to Tonga in response to the kingdom’s use of the aircraft.

A message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued to Kaniva News this evening says:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reviewed its Tonga travel advisory to take into account the positive steps made by the Tongan Government to improve domestic aviation safety.

“The Government of Tonga has sought support from the New Zealand Government for a major overhaul of aviation safety in concert with the relevant regional and international aviation authorities.

“Progress is now beginning to be made which is already addressing some of our concerns.

“New Zealand travellers should expect changes to services as the authorities address safety issues and take this into consideration when making travel arrangements.”

The decision has been welcomed by the Tongan government, which said it would be good for the economy.

Real Tonga added two Handley Page Jetstream aircraft to its fleet earlier this year in reaction to the problems with the MA60.

The dispute over the MA60 and broader issues with the state of civil aviation in Tonga has already claimed its first political scalp with the removal of the Deputy Prime Minister from the aviation portfolio.

‘Otu Langi World Heritage Site bid to be submitted

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s largest ancient royal tombs, the ‘Otu Langi at Lapaha, have been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If UNESCO agrees to list the site it will provide funds for restoration, preservation and training.

The proposal was announced at a workshop in Lapaha on October 7.

If the tombs secure World Heritage status, they will join the likes of the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi in Uganda and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea as sites of outstanding value to the world.

UNESCO placed ‘Otu Langi on a World Heritage tentative list on August 9, 2007 after Tonga provided its “authenticity of claims” with evidence about the royal tombs from the Tongan Traditions Committee.

The evidence includes information about the writing of the Kings in the early European contact period, the continuing traditions and care of the tombs and details of who is buried.

Knowledge about the tombs is vested in local families at Lapaha.

According to the evidence submitted to UNESCO, the langis are platforms of earth with a stepped pyramid effect supported by stone slabs as surrounding walls.

“It is said that the construction of these massive tombs was a way to demonstrate the spiritual and political power of the Tu’i Tonga,” the report said.

“These tombs and the rituals that surround the burial of the descendants of the Tu’i Tongas in the same tombs are still a living part of the Tongan culture to this present day.

“It is believed also that Tu’i Tongas constructed these tombs as a symbol of their respect for the Heavenly Fathers that became Kings of Tonga.”

The three-day workshop was run to give stakeholders and the people of Lapaha information about how the World Heritage Site programme works and what would happen if the submission is approved.

Benefits

People attending the workshop were told the kingdom would benefit if UNESCO agreed to list the site.

It would provide funds for restoration, preservation and training and promote awareness about the need to preserve the site.

Listing the site would promote close ties with the United Nations system and the prestige and support this provided.

It would also provide access to global project management resource and help create partnerships between government, the private sector and NGOs working to conserve the site.

If the site is listed it will be protected under the Geneva Convention against destruction or misuse during wartime.

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Historic Park

Tonga submitted the Ancient Royal Tombs of Lapaha for consideration by UNESCO under the title The Ancient Capitals of the Kingdom of Tonga.

The submission also includes the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Historic Park.

It claims the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui has “an astronomical or sundial function, marking the point on the horizon where the sun rises at mid-year.”

However, UNESCO remains unconvinced. It said that while the claims were generally held to be true, the source of the story was unclear and might be an idea introduced in the early 20th century.

Tonga signed UNESCO’s 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage on April 30, 2004.

The main points

  • Tonga’s largest ancient royal tombs, the ‘Otu Langi at Lapaha, have been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • If UNESCO agrees to list the site it will fund restoration, preservation and training.
  • The proposal was announced at a workshop in Nuku‘alofa today.
  • If the tombs secure World Heritage status, they will join the likes of the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi in Africa and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea as sites of outstanding value to the world.

For more information

Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

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