Monday, June 23, 2025
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 879

Truck driver charged in relation to Tofoa attack

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police have arrested and charged a 41 year old driver of a truck believed to have transported the Tupou College students to the village of Tofoa on the night of Thursday 18 with two counts of aiding criminal damage and conspiracy to commit willful damage.

Police confirmed the arrest and the charges. The person is in police custody to appear before the magistrate court on Monday August 5

The charge has brought the number of adults involved in aiding the attack to 4.

Two bus driver and a teacher have been charged with aiding criminal damage.

A Tonga College student, Taniela Mahe 15 was hospitalized following the attack but was discharged recently.

Former Tonga college student Taniela Halahuni is in critical condition.

Liahona High School wins rugby shield 2013 hope remains high

By
Kalino Latu
-

Hopes for leaders in Tonga seeking solution for the school rivalry are high following todayʻs peaceful final game between Liahona High School and Tonga College with the president of the Tonga Secondary Schools Principal Association (TSSPA), Fr ‘Aisake Vaisima expecting students to keep to that spirit during this coming weekend.

Liahona since the last 23 years had today won the final game with 22 scores againts Tonga College team with only 15 scores.

The final between the two schools’ 1st XV was postponed following the attack by Tupou College students on a residence in Tofoa, Tongatapu, Tonga Islands on Thursday 18. More than 100 students arrested but released on bail early this week and three adults charged with aiding damage to a house.

One Tonga College student hospitalised but in a stable condition and a former Tonga College student is in a critical condition.

The incidence prompted TSSPA to postpone the final for all school rugby grades tournament  scheduled for Friday 19. The decision was strongly backed up by the Ministry of Education and Police.

A TSSPA Meeting called on July 24 to discuss school violence was adjourned for the following day after the principals divided on whether to go ahead with the school rugby tournament finals or not.

The next meeting agreed for the final to be held only on condition that no spectators allowed except for the parents and guardians of those students in the team. A move TSSPA took as a step forward in trying to prevent school fights.

Fr. Vaisima told Kaniva News this evening the finals, on Tuesday and today Thursday 1st  “went very well without any incidence”.

He said, “it was a great sigh of relief for all of us yet we are still crossing our fingers that there would be no fighting tomorrow Friday 2.

“It has been quite a common occurrence for fighting to take place on Fridays since this is the day that most students would be congregating in town after school.

“At the same time the Police will be working together with Prefects of the Schools in patrolling various areas of Nuku’alofa on Friday.

“It is part of the current leadership training for the Prefects of the Schools which is organized and run by the Tonga National Leadership Development Forum funded by AusAid through the Pacific Leadership Program.

I sincerely hope that these activities will help out in the efforts to keep the peace among schools in Tonga”, Vaisima said.

Liahona students joined a fight that broke out on July 11 after Tupou College lost to Tonga College on the 1st XV semifinal.

Three Tongans killed in crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

New Mexico Police Statement:

New Mexico State Police Officers were dispatched to a single vehicle roll over on US 550, mile post 85. As a result of this crash, three subjects were declared deceased upon arrival of Officers.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears as if the vehicle was traveling southbound on US 550.  The driver, Siaosi Uhatafe (18) of Euless, Texas was traveling south and drifted off the road on the passenger side.  Mr. Uhatafe over corrected back to the right, causing the vehicle to lose control and roll several times.   The group was traveling back to Texas from Salt Lake City Utah.

Two of the passengers were ejected from the vehicle, while the third stayed lodged in the vehicle.

The three deceased subjects have been identified. They are: Andrew Uhatafe (13) of Euless TX; Gaius Vaenuku (18) of Euless TX; and Polo Manukainiu (19) of Euless TX.

Mr. Siaosi Uhatafe (driver) and Salesi Uhatafe Sr. (father) were transported to the San Juan Medical Center in Farmington, New Mexico with minor injuries. Siaosi Uhatafe, the driver of the vehicle, was the only subject utilizing his seatbelt.

Furthermore, it appears as if the three deceased victims were not utilizing their seatbelts.

Our thoughts go out to the victims’ families during this tragic event.

-From staff and wire reports. Kate Hairopoulos contributed to this story.

Tupou College ex-student: Landlord vows to take legal action

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATES: The landlord of the house attacked in Tofoa on Thursday 18 by a mob of Tupou College students undertook to file a lawsuit againts the accussed.

Kepueli ‘Ioane former student of Tupou College and is now serving the Government of Tonga said although his whole secondary school life has been brought up in the college he strongly condemned the students’ action.

He said the tenant rented only the ground floor of his house but the intruders smashed both floors striking the walls with iron rods and the fence was also damaged.

He was absolutely devastated by what had happened.

Grant O’fee, Tonga’s Police Commissioner described the attack as similar to a gang attack in New Zealand.

147 Tupou College students and 3 adults have been detained and recently released on bail  following the attack to re-appear before the Nuku’alofa Magistrate court on October 7- 10.

They faces charges ranging from trespassing and housebreaking to causing grievous bodily harm. One student has been charged with attempted arson. A teacher and two bus drivers have been charged with “aiding criminal damage.

Former Tonga College student Taniela Halahuni, 22, is in a critical condition in Vaiola hospital. Fellow student Taniela Mahe, 15 is in a stable condition.

The struggle among Tongan leaders to find appropriate solutions

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

by Sioeli Mataitini Fotu

The struggle among Tongan leaders to find appropriate solutions to the current relation between the students of Tupou and Tonga Colleges

It is with sadness to read on Tongan newspapers, Online news and regularly heard the news bulletins on radios and TVs as to the latest problems in the historical relationship between Tupou and Tonga Colleges in Tonga.  The latest problem was the pre-mediated assaulting of Tonga College’s boys by a busload of boys from Tupou College at a Tofoa home.  Not only there were over 100 students from Toloa but the damages they made, according to Tonga Commissioner of Police, Mr Fee, have included every breakable item in that household and private property. 

This has been bad news to every Tongans living overseas and it also portraying Tonga as a violent country. The country is trying to portray a good image overseas following the recent death of a policeman from New Zealand with Tongan origin at the hands of at least five local Tongan policemen. In the same vein Tonga College is not blameless having regard to the recent episode where a prefect was shown in full view for all the world to see the beating with all his strength a group of innocent boys.   

Individual Viewpoints

I am also aware of the view expressed by the Secretary-General of the Conference of the Siasi Tautaina ‘o Tonga ‘I Tonga (SUTT), Dr Tevita Havea, in that he recommended the closure of both existing colleges and then merge them into one school. With respect to Dr Havea, I am aware of the historical significance of the two colleges to all Tongans and for that reason alone I do not share Dr

Sioeli Mataitini Fotu
Havea’s view. Tupou College was founded by Tupou I. His Majesty then specially requested the President and members of the Methodist Conference in New South Wales to allow the most eminent Rev. Dr Egan Moulton to be the first Principal of Tupou College in 1866. Dr Moulton was then the founding Principal of the Methodist’s Newington College in Sydney. The main aim of establishing Tupou College was to ensure that Tongan youths have a good education and also assisted in the spreading of the gospels around the Pacific neighbours and the world. On the other hand, the same King, Tupou I, and his Prime Minister and adviser, Rev. Shirley Baker, established Tonga College in 1882 as an attempt to ensure that Government sector of the Kingdom has a steady flow of workers. As an observer from overseas (ie New Zealand), I am proud of both Colleges with their history and their respective graduates who have contributed to the economy and the wealth of Tonga over the years.  It is also important to have strong support from the ex-students of both Colleges who formed Associations in various overseas countries and these Associations have contributed moneys (and sometime goods and services) for the betterment of both Tupou College and Tonga College in Tonga respectively.

There are those who prefer the law to take its course.  Rev. Siupeli Taliai, a former Principal of Tupou College, is said to prefer that approach. I respect him on that stand as the rivalry between the two established Colleges did resulted in some clashes during his tenure as the Principal of Tupou College. However, Rev. Siupeli Taliai did let the law take its course with some of those outlandish students from the respective Colleges moulded their behavior accordingly. There is nothing wrong with rivalry and clean competitions. Competitions in the sport fields or in the class rooms usually bring out the best in every student. This is quite healthy in a democracy like Tonga. With a bit of personal restraint, through tolerance and proper counseling, the students of both Colleges would realize their full potentials. That is what Tonga’s leaders wanted to see.

Proposed Actions to be Taken by the Government

Supposing the Government closes both Colleges and then starts a new College. This will be a bad decision as it destroyed a rich history tied to both Tupou and Tonga Colleges and the Kingdom as a whole. The strong supporters of both Colleges through the assistance and contributions by their former students will be sorely missed as there will be an instant stop to that regular flow of assistances and contributions. The new College, if establishes at all, will take years to establish itself and the creation of the networks of its graduates locally and internationally.  This option is not a favourable one among both Colleges’ supporters both at home and overseas. 

I argue also for the enforcement of the law to mould the behavior of these students. Those who have broken the law of the land should be punished according to the law of the land. The Constitution Act 1875 gives every the freedom or individual rights to everyone. The right to choose by parents where to send your children to study is also protected. Once the parents chose a school for their child then the State should protect that choice by enforcing the law to the full. The authority should investigate those accomplices that assisted with the planning of the attack should be dismissed from their jobs. The message should be clear and loud that the law of the land must prevail. 

There are those who put forward an idea of forming a group who may ‘spy’ on those that will likely to start a fight between the students of these opposing Colleges. I think that this idea is against the law violating those individual rights that the Constitution is trying to protect. Once this idea is allowed then the State may interfere in the daily lives of all Tongans.

I have an idea and that is not new. How about the idea of having a Chaplain appointed by the respective Board of Trustees to both Colleges?  I am referring here to those tutors that started Tonga College. They were anointed Ministers of the Church (ie Rev. Pauliasi Taumoepeau). My suggestion is that that a Tonga College graduated Minister (who has been schooled at Sia’atoutai also) must be appointed to Tupou College. Similarly, a Tupou College graduated Minister must be appointed as Chaplain to Tonga College. The students and members of the staff of both Colleges should consult these Chaplains during the time of personal crisis.

We have witnessed the value of these Chaplains in colleges and secondary schools here in New Zealand. They are invaluable.

Hope

If we keep on the dialogue about the future of these two established Colleges we may arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.

My idea of appointing Chaplains to the two Colleges and the manner in which that they are selected is perhaps of lesser evil than a panel of selected people who will become ‘spies’ for the police, I guess.

Competition in the sporting fields and the classrooms do bring out the best from the students of both Colleges. It is a question of training oneself to keep ones composure even during adversity. It will then be a time that a student from either of the two established Colleges can be said to be educated and to have experienced God.

Sioeli TuitaMataitini Fotu
Barrister and Solicitor
Former Student and Head Prefect of Tonga College
President of the Tonga College Old Boys in Aotearoa for 18 years and continuing.

Tupou College students to appear in court on October 7

By
Kalino Latu
-

LAST UPDATED: 9:00PM – The 147 students from Tupou College who have been detained for attacking a house in Tofoa on Thursday 18 will re-appear before the Nuku'alofa Magistrate court on October 7 – 10 after they appeared today before Magistrate Salesi Mafi.

Former Tonga College student Taniela Halahuni,22, is in a critical condition in Vailola hospital. Fellow student Taniela Mahe, 15, is in a stable condition.

A new charge of unlawful assembly has also been laid today against the accused. Police have charged 124 students with wilful damage and trespassing. They have been released on bail last week to appear today Monday 29 before the magistrate court.

A total of 22 Tupou College students who were still in police custody today released on bail. They faces charges ranging from trespassing and housebreaking to causing grievous bodily harm. One student has been charged with attempted arson. A teacher and two bus drivers have been charged with “aiding criminal damage".

Tupou College and Tonga College problems require re-culturation

By
Kalino Latu
-

A change of heart and restoring respect for authority and culture are the only solutions to curing the endemic violence between Tupou College and Tonga College, the president of Tonga Secondary Schools Principal Association said this week.

Fr Aisake Vaisima‘s comments came after an attack on a house in Tofoa by more than 100 students from Tupou college on July 18.

Former Tonga College student Taniela Halahuni,22, is in a critical condition in Vailola hospital. Fellow student Taniela Mahe, 15, is in a stable condition.

A total of 22 Tupou College students are still in police custody. They faces charges ranging from trespassing and housebreaking to causing grievous bodily harm. One student has been charged with attempted arson. A teacher has been charged with “aiding criminal damage.”

Police have charged 124 students with wilful damage and trespassing. They have been released on bail to appear before magistrate court on Monday, July 29.

As a result of the incident the Tongatapu Secondary School Rugby Tournament was postponed. It was confirmed last Friday that it would  be held starting on July 29. About 13 schools take part in the  intercollegiate rugby competition in six grades.

Many people have called for the two schools to be either temporally discontinued or shut permanently.

However, Fr Vaisima, an educational psychologist, said this was not the solution.

“I don’t see deregistration of the two schools nor termination of boarding schools as a solution to this,” he said.

“The problem will still come up in various forms and in various ways since the schools have already a century of history behind them.

“The pathway towards a long-term solution must involve a process of re-culturing of the schools. It has to begin from within the schools and actively supported by school authorities and others other schools and agencies.

“A change of heart is essential in order for this process to start moving.”

Fr Vaisima said improvement had to include restoring a culture of respect for authority in the schools, including the respect between prefects and younger students and among those who were first to enter school and those who came later – Kolisi mu’a and Kolisi mui.”

“These are just examples among others that I believe should include in this re-culturation of the school ethos which will assist in providing a long-term solution to continuing violence among schools in Tonga.”

Fr Vaisima said he feared the effect of calls to halt sporting contacts between the schools as a way to end the crisis.

A former coach of ‘Apifo’ou College’s 1st XV rugby team, he believes that sport is fundamental to students’ education.

“I am taking here for granted that the importance of sports to the human development of our youths is not questioned,” he said.

“The issue at stake here is to eliminate the violence between a small percentage of the schools that have become more common during intercollegiate rugby season, rather than the elimination of the competition.

“The abolition of the competition is the easy way out as far as I am concerned, and it reflects a common cultural pattern of conflict resolutions, whether it is in a family situation, community or school i.e. throwing the dirty water out together with the baby!

(“Ta’ofi pea Tuku ‘Aupito” irrespective of all the good things contained within).

Fr Vaisima said 78% of the schools competing in the rugby tournament would be disadvantaged if it was shut down.

“The only way forward is for the schools concerned to go back to the drawing board and realigned their history, their shared beliefs and practices with the common good of all that befits a Christian and an educated island nation,” he said.

“We cannot conquer the force of evil (violence) by withdrawal, but by doing the good. At the same time school authorities in Tonga will continue its search into how best to conduct an intercollegiate rugby competition that will minimize violence between schools and maximize the potential and talents of our youths.”

One Tongan fisherman 'presumed lost' two survive

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan family is struggling to deal with the loss of a husband after he went missing at sea last week.

Selemaia Nonu 28 of Pātangata was alleged to have been lost at sea while fishing with two other fishermen, Ta’anga Kata and Kaliopasi Lasalo on Thursday 18.

His father Kinikini Nonu told Kaniva News the disaster had allegedly been due to a mechanical failure. He said they were told the dinghy’s engine failed to operate. Selemaia jumped into the water trying to tie the ship into a nearby buoy but could not be able to return to the dinghy.  

The sea area between Tongatapu Island and 'Eua is known for its dangerous currents.

Kata and Lasalo managed to return ashore at Lavengatonga beach and raised the alarm with police.  

Nonu said searches by his families and friends scoured areas between Tongatapu and ‘Eua including the island of Kalau but could not be able to find him.  

Police reportedly sent an aircraft to the area but unable to locate Nonu.

His wife Malia Ma’u Nonu emotionally told Kaniva News  her husband was turning 28 today. She said their last contact by mobile phone he asked for the weather focus and sent his love to his children.

The wife said they have 3 kids. The eldest is 5 and the youngest is 1 year and 2 months old. She is pregnant expecting a fourth child.

Featured image by diveadventures.au.com

Tonga secondary school rugby finals continue no spectators allowed

By
Kalino Latu
-

The members of the Tonga Secondary School Principals Association (TSSPA) last night have decided that finals for secondary schools rugby tournament 2013 continue with only “parents and guardians of students in the teams” allowed to attend.

Fr. ‘Aisake Vaisima, the president of the TSSPA said the decision, “was confirmed by the Ministry of Education and the Directors of Schools Systems”.
 

The grades 3 and 4  will be held on July 29. The grades 2 and 1stXV will be held on Thursday 1 August. Grades 1 and 5 defaulted by Tupou College. They offered the win to Tonga Side School grade1 and grade 5 for  Apifoou.

Tongan-owned company ready to bring down fuel prices

By
Kalino Latu
-

Press Release

J & M Pacific Pty Limited, an Australian based resource company with significant affiliations with United Arab Emirates and South East Asia, is currently in negotiations for the supply of diesel to suit Pacific nations.

J & M Pacific are closely affiliated with SSY Shipping (one of the world’s largest Shipping Brokers) in an endeavour to obtain the most competitive freight prices into Tonga, Suva and other ports, subject to quantities and port logistics. Therefore, they are confident in offering a compliant specification of diesel at attractive discounts with highly competitive pricing for freight.

We have been in encouraging discussions with various Pacific nations, and have even received a letter of intent from the Tongan Government. Director of J & M Pacific, Mr James Koloamatangi says, “The main problem that we are all addressing is a perceived monopoly on current oil/diesel prices. This is borne out in the ever-increasing oil prices that have to be paid for by the consumers at the pump”.

We are also able to offer other products through our affiliates. However our focus is on diesel supply at this point in time.

On-going discussions with our partners who have distribution agreements with the likes of oil giant Petronas (government- owned Malaysian oil & gas Company) have progressed to contract stage.  J & M Pacific are looking to compete with the import quantities and prices from other oil companies currently supplying Tonga and neighbouring Pacific nations who are feeling the pinch of high fuel prices.

Mr Koloamatangi has met with some senior officials from the Tongan government and is extremely confident that a deal can be done, provided that the government is prepared to work with J & M Pacific to bring fuel prices down, and that other Pacific jurisdictions come on-board. “The bottom line is we can give the Tongan people a better, cheaper price than what they pay for fuel at the moment”, says Mr Koloamatangi.

1...878879880...890Page 879 of 890
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment