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Tongatapu man convicted of sexually assaulting 4-year-old girl 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl after touching her private parts in a one-room dwelling.  

The man who was mentioned in the court judgement as the victim’s “dad” pleaded not guilty.  

The girl told her mother the defendant entered the room and questioned her about her private parts, referred to as “peeki,” before touching her once and leaving.  

The term “peeki” is understood to refer to the child’s vagina, according to the Supreme Court document.  

The victim later described the act as painful.   

The court heard that the incident occurred while the victim’s sister was asleep and her mother had stepped out to collect a towel from a nearby shack.

The mother took her to the police station where she repeated her account. 

She was then taken to hospital and examined by a doctor where no indication of abuse was discovered. 

The defendant himself also gave evidence.  

The Lord Chief Justice Bishop described him as a “straightforward witness who answered clearly.”  

Mr Bishop said: “His evidence reinforced the view I had already taken namely that the relationship between him and the Complainant’s mother was tempestuous”. 

“I accept that the mother was prone to a loss of temper, would act impulsively, and that the account which he gave of a furious quarrel concerning his father’s alleged relationship with his partner which descended into serious action on the part of the mother, including in a fit of temper driving her car, with the intention of driving it at this witness is true”. 

Mr Bisho said he was confident that “the mother weaponised the account her daughter gave to do this witness harm and did so partly out of distress at what she believed to happen to her daughter and partly as a way of wreaking revenge on the man with whom she was estranged”. 

The victim’s identity is protected by a court order, and the judge has prohibited the publication of any details that may reveal her identity.  

One person dies in single-vehicle crash on Auckland’s North Shore

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

One person has died following a serious crash in Browns Bay on Auckland’s North Shore last night.

Police investigate a crash on Beach Rd, Browns Bay.
Police investigate a crash on Beach Rd, Browns Bay. (Source: 1News)

In a statement, a police spokesperson said the single vehicle crash on Beach Rd was reported shortly before 8pm.

“Sadly, police can confirm that the sole male occupant of the vehicle has died,” the spokesperson said.

Police investigate a crash on Beach Rd, Browns Bay.
Police investigate a crash on Beach Rd, Browns Bay. (Source: 1News)

The serious crash unit has carried out a scene examination.

Police said inquiries would be made on behalf of the Coroner into the man’s death.

EDITORIAL – Too little, too late: Former PM’s bid to clear his name in Lulutai scandal falls flat 

By
Kalino Latu
-

In recent weeks, Tonga’s political landscape has experienced significant turmoil following a press conference in which former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku sought to re-frame and justify his actions while in office. The former Prime Minister resigned in anticipation of a vote of no confidence that he knew he could not survive. During the press conference, he announced his intention to clarify issues related to  Lulutai Airlines, a subject that has drawn considerable scrutiny from the incoming Eke government. Key issues surrounding this controversy include the purchase of Lulutai’s Twin Otter aircraft, a loan from the Retirement Fund for Lulutai, the insurance claim for the Saab 340 after its crash and the secrecy and lack of accountability regarding the airline’s operations and management.  

Nothing new     

When the press conference was announced, I anticipated, as editor, hearing from key officials who could address critical concerns. I had expected to hear from the CEO of Civil Aviation, the CEO of Lulutai Airlines, a representative from the company that sold the Twin Otter aircraft, an official from the insurance company covering the damaged Saab plane, the Auditor General to clarify the financial irregularities linked to Lulutai, and a spokesperson from the Retirement Fund, which had provided loans to Lulutai. These individuals are responsible for overseeing these matters and know exactly what happened.  

Instead, the stage was dominated solely by politicians— former Prime Minister Hu’akavameilikui and his associates, including his former Deputy and former Minister of Civil Aviation—the very individuals embroiled in serious allegations concerning the national airlines. Rather than addressing the media with new insights, they recycled the same old responses from their time in power, offering no substantive answers or evidence to counter the allegations.    

Worst in communication    

Now, out of office and facing mounting scrutiny, the former Prime Minister seeks to clear his name. During his time in office, when given opportunities to address allegations, he consistently chose silence and what might have been seen as cover-ups—actions that only deepened public scepticism about his leadership and integrity. Now, after resigning and becoming aware that his actions are under scrutiny, he has suddenly returned to the table—the very table where he once sat and had the opportunity to clear his record but chose not to. This belated attempt at accountability only underscores his earlier failure to address the allegations when it mattered most.    

As a journalist with over 20 years of experience covering six consecutive governments and six different Prime Ministers, I can confidently say that Hu‘akavameiliku’s tenure was the worst in terms of communication. Throughout his time in office, he consistently ignored requests for comment on critical issues, even when approached via Facebook Messenger. On one occasion, after I sent him a message seeking clarification on a pressing matter, he chose not to respond. Moments later, he posted an announcement about an event organised by the Tonga High School alumni association, of which he was the chairperson – an apparent and deliberate snub that underscored his contemptuous attitude toward senior members of the media.    

His disdainful attitude toward the media was further solidified by his recent response to a New Zealand lawyer criticising him on Facebook. Lawyer Nalesoni Tupou accused the former Prime Minister of securing a loan from China—a claim Hu‘akavameiliku vehemently denied. However, Tupou’s strong language in the post seemed to strike a nerve, prompting the former leader to break his usual silence and respond on Facebook. In his response to Tupou, Hu‘akavameiliku claimed he typically ignored such comments to avoid giving them undue importance, but he made an exception for Tupou, citing the lawyer’s prominence in New Zealand. This seems to show a very skewed sense of respect—valuing only those deemed important while dismissing journalists who do not meet his arbitrary standard of status.   

Communicate to dominate    

As a journalist, I closely followed Hu‘akavameiliku, as I would any former Prime Minister, as part of my professional duties. He seemed to develop an unhealthy sense of self-importance that was reflected in his failure to establish an effective communication strategy during his time in office. Instead, he adopted a communicate to dominate approach—holding tightly controlled press conferences, selectively answering questions, and using rhetoric to deflect criticism. This strategy allowed him to avoid meaningful engagement with the media and sidestep public concerns, further eroding trust in his leadership.   

The pattern of poor communication extended to his secretary, Paula Ma‘u. Before becoming secretary to Hu‘akavameiliku, Ma‘u was known for his ability to provide clear and responsive answers to our inquiries. However, once in the role, it seemed that he did not want to engage with journalists, refusing to answer any questions whatsoever. Was it because Hu‘akavameiliku stopped him from responding to media inquiries?     

The Minister of Civil Aviation     

The former Minister of Civil Aviation, Sevenitini Toumo‘ua, provided several examples of poor leadership in communication. Throughout his tenure, journalists felt he had failed to address critical questions regarding  Lulutai Airlines, the MV ‘Otuanga‘ofa and the housing projects for the victims of the Hungas eruption.    

When Kaniva News published a story based on a report by the Australian civil aviation authorities that the black box on the Lulutai Airlines Saab 340 may have been turned off, he demanded a retraction and threatened legal action if we did not comply. However, I stood firm, corrected him, and urged him to read the report himself before making such accusations. He never responded.    

Misleading parliament     

Equally concerning is the fact that the Minister also told Parliament that a $2 million grant from Australia was directly allocated to support Lulutai Airlines. However, a letter from Australian authorities clearly stated otherwise, confirming that the funds were intended as budget support for the Tongan government, leaving it to the government’s discretion to determine how the money would be used. These incidents raised serious questions about what has seemed to be a a troubling pattern of evasion, defensiveness and a blatant disregard for accountability.

The Right Time for Accountability    

Hu‘akavameiliku and his inner circle should act maturely and allow the Eke government to complete its review of his administration, particularly the Lulutai Airlines controversy. Once the review is finalised, they should be allowed to respond reasonably. That would be the appropriate time for corrections, but not now. Authentic leadership requires timely accountability, not retrospective excuses. The former government’s current actions only erode public trust and undermine the principles of transparency and good governance, further distancing them from the integrity expected of those who once held power.    

Trump warns Iran will face ‘consequences’ of further attacks from Houthi rebels

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission

US President Donald Trump overnight explicitly linked the actions of Yemen’s Houthi rebels to the group’s main benefactor, Iran, warning Tehran would “suffer the consequences” for further attacks by the group.

Houthi supporters chant slogans and hold pictures of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen
Houthi supporters chant slogans and hold pictures of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen (Source: Associated Press)

The comments by Trump on his Truth Social website escalate his administration’s new campaign of airstrikes targeting the rebels, which killed at least 53 people this weekend alone and appear poised to continue. Meanwhile, Iran continues to weigh how to respond to a letter Trump sent them last week trying to jump-start negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Houthi supporters themselves rallied in several cities Monday after the strikes, vowing revenge against America and Israel over blocking aid to the Gaza Strip after its war on Hamas there. The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel put young boys on air live, who chanted the group’s slogan: “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.”

“The Yemeni position is an irreversible position [regarding Gaza], so do whatever you [Americans] want, for we are men who fear no one but God,” said Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a Houthi leader who spoke to the demonstration in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa.

The United Nations called for a halt to all military activities in Yemen and the Red Sea, urging “utmost restraint” and warning that “any additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Monday.

Houthi supporters chant slogans and hold pictures of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen
Houthi supporters chant slogans and hold pictures of Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi movement, during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen (Source: Associated Press)

Trump links Iran to the Houthis

Describing the Houthis as “sinister mobsters and thugs,” Trump warned any attack by the group would be met with “great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there”.

“Iran has played ‘the innocent victim’ of rogue terrorists from which they’ve lost control, but they haven’t lost control,” Trump alleged in his post. “They’re dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, ‘Intelligence’.”

It’s unclear what sparked Trump’s post. However, the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard sought to separate the Houthis’ actions from those of Tehran this weekend. The Houthis also launched drones and missiles targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, though none reached the ship as it continues flight operations in the region.

Iran did not immediately comment on the post.

President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Friday, March 14, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Friday, March 14, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Source: Associated Press)

“Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!” Trump added.

The Houthi rebels attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January this year when a ceasefire began in Gaza. The campaign also greatly raised the Houthis’ profile in the wider Arab world and tamped down on public criticism against their human rights abuses and crackdowns on dissent and aid workers.

The Houthis claimed there had been additional US airstrikes overnight, though American officials did not immediately acknowledge them.

World Food Program warehouse raided by Houthis

In Saada province, the Houthis’ stronghold, the rebels raided a warehouse run by the World Food Program. A member of Yemen’s exiled government first reported the Houthis had been taking supplies from the facility without the WFP’s permission in the aftermath of the US airstrikes. The United Nations agency later acknowledged the Houthis’ actions to The Associated Press.

Partner found guilty of sexually assaulting 11yro girl while mother in Australia for fruit picking 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been convicted in the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court for one count of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl while her mother was in Australia on a seasonal fruit-picking visa. 

The victim, whose identity is protected by court order, testified under oath about the pain she endured following the assault. She detailed how the Defendant repeatedly instructed her to remove her clothing on multiple occasions. 

In one instance, while the victim and her younger brother were watching something on a mobile phone, the Defendant told her to come to his bed and wait for her brother to fall asleep.  

Once her brother was asleep, the Defendant ordered her to remove her clothes, removed his trousers, and lay on top of her, instructing her to lie still. 

The victim further testified that the Defendant sexually assaulted her, after which he told her to stand up, wipe herself, and put on her trousers. 

The court heard that the assaults occurred during the absence of the victim’s mother, who had travelled to Australia for work. The mother testified about her trip and always admonished her daughter to tell the truth. 

The Lord Chief Justice Bishop, presiding over the case, said: “I have heard that during the absence of the mother, there were occasions when the Defendant physically chastised the Complainant when she was disobedient.” 

Medical evidence was presented in court, though it was not deemed decisive.

The court also heard that the victim and her younger brother lived with their mother and the Defendant at various addresses. 

In delivering the verdict, Mr Bishop said: “I hereby find the Defendant guilty of the charge.”

He also issued a strict order prohibiting the publication or broadcast of any information that could reveal the victim’s identity. 

The case has drawn significant public interest, highlighting the vulnerability of children in such circumstances and the importance of safeguarding their welfare. 

One dead, two critical in crash after Akl fleeing driver incident

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

A person has died and two others have been critically injured after a driver fled police in Auckland this afternoon.

Emergency services at the scene of a three-car crash in Penrose, Auckland.
Emergency services at the scene of a three-car crash in Penrose, Auckland. (Source: 1News)

Shortly before 2pm, a police vehicle sighted a car speeding along Great South Rd in Penrose and signalled for it to stop, Inspector Peter Raynes said.

It failed to do so and instead fled, crashing with two other cars.

The driver of the vehicle which allegedly failed to stop was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

A person from one of the other vehicles died at the scene, while another was also critically injured.

A fourth person person is in moderate condition.

Emergency services respond to a three-vehicle crash in Penrose

The collision on Great South Rd was reported just after 2pm.

https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.688.0_en.html#fid=goog_1624811074Play Video

Emergency services respond to a three-vehicle crash in Penrose

The collision on Great South Rd was reported just after 2pm. (Source: 1News)

“A critical incident investigation has been launched and staff are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash,” Raynes said.

“We are also working to support those affected and their families, as well as our staff who were involved.”

Footage captured by 1News shows heavily damaged vehicles and a bent lamppost surrounded by emergency services.

Great South Rd at the intersection with Southdown Rd, and Church St and Sylvia Park Rd is closed, police said.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

The serious crash unit is examining the scene.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

Cassandra Taulaki discovers partner’s double life: Seven kids, a fake twin, and a web of lies 

By
Kalino Latu
-

In a shocking twist of betrayal, Cassandra Taulaki, a Tongan-born Gold Coast, Australian mother expecting her second child, has uncovered the devastating truth about the man she thought was the love of her life.  

Going by the alias Marcus Bennet, the man (pictured) allegedly lied about everything, even claiming he had no children, but it’s now believed he has at least seven

Just days before her due date, Taulaki learned that her partner, who introduced himself as “Marcus Bennet,” allegedly fabricated his entire identity, including his career, his family, and even his twin brother.  

To make matters worse, she discovered he has at least seven other children with different women, shattering the image of the devoted, childless businessman he had portrayed. 

Now heartbroken and homeless, Taulaki is left to pick up the pieces of a year-long relationship built on lies.  

Her story has sparked outrage and sympathy, shedding light on the emotional and financial toll of such deceit.  

As she prepares to welcome her newborn, Taulaki is determined to share her story to warn others about the man she claims is a master manipulator. 

According to a Daily Mail report, Taulaki believed she had found her ideal partner when she began dating a charming Pacific Islander man in late 2023. As a single mother searching for love, she was drawn to his seemingly perfect life as a successful, globe-trotting professional. 

The man, 32, claimed he was a civil engineer working in Dubai. He told Taulaki he was in Australia for the holidays and planned to return to his lucrative job in the Middle East in February 2024. However, as their relationship progressed, Cassandra began to uncover a shocking series of lies. 

In social media posts exposing the alleged deception, Taulaki revealed that “Marcus” was not his real name. In fact, he had used multiple aliases, including Paul, Pauly, Dartanian, Sam, Ryan, Dox, and Antonio. 

The fabrications didn’t stop there. Taulaki discovered that his entire backstory was fabricated. He claimed to have four brothers, none of whom actually existed. He also falsely asserted that he had served in the Australian Defence Force, even presenting photos of himself in military uniform to make his story seem credible. 

Taulaki’s world came crashing down as she realized the man she trusted had constructed an elaborate web of lies. Her story has since gone viral, shedding light on the emotional toll of such deceit and serving as a cautionary tale for others. 

A few weeks after her heartbreaking discovery, Taulaki turned to social media to share her story, posting a series of videos about her ex-boyfriend, whom she accused of deceit and manipulation. In the videos, she vowed to “expose” him for his actions, revealing how he had allegedly misled her throughout their relationship. 

Within hours of posting, Taulaki was inundated with messages from numerous women who claimed to have had similar experiences with the same man. Shockingly, at least seven of these women revealed they were mothers to his children, further exposing the extent of his alleged deception. 

The videos quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and hundreds of supportive comments from people around the world. Moved by the outpouring of support, Taulaki launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her rebuild her life. So far, the campaign has raised nearly $4,000, offering her some relief as she prepares for the arrival of her newborn child. 

Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, issues warning

By
Kalino Latu
-

By 1news.co.nz

President Donald Trump said he ordered a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. The Houthis said nine civilians were killed.

Smoke rises from a location reportedly struck by US airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen.
Smoke rises from a location reportedly struck by US airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen. (Source: Associated Press)

“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defences to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”

He also warned Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, promising to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy. It comes two weeks after the US leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restarting bilateral talks between the countries on Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program that Trump has said he will not allow to become operational.

The Houthis reported a series of explosions in their territory Sunday evening. Images circulating online showed plumes of black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a sprawling military facility.

At least nine people were killed, said Anees al-Asbahi, spokesman for the Houthi-run health ministry. In a statement on social media, he said another nine were wounded.

Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said the airstrikes wouldn’t deter them and they would retaliate against the US. “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges,” he added on social media.

The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza. There have been no Houthi attacks reported since then.

Earlier this month, Israel halted all aid coming into Gaza and warned of “additional consequences” for Hamas if their fragile ceasefire in the war isn’t extended as negotiations continue over starting a second phase.

The Houthis had described their warning as taking hold in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Arabian Sea.

The Houthis targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, during their campaign targeting military and civilian ships between the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in late 2023 and January of this year, when a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza took effect.

The attacks raised the Houthis’ profile as they faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting dissent and aid workers at home amid Yemen’s decade-long stalemated war that’s torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.

The Houthi media office said the US strikes hit “a residential neighbourhood” in Sanaa’s northern district of Shouab. Sanaa residents said at least four airstrikes rocked the Eastern Geraf neighbourhood in the Shouab district, terrifying women and children in the area.

“The explosions were very strong,” said Abdallah al-Alffi. “It was like an earthquake.”

The United States, Israel and Britain have previously hit Houthi-held areas in Yemen. Israel’s military declined to comment.

Saturday’s operation against the Houthis was conducted solely by the US, according to a US official. It was the first strike on the Yemen-based Houthis under the second Trump administration, and it comes after a period of relative quiet in the region.

Such broad-based and pre-planned missile strikes against the Houthis were done multiple times by the Biden administration in response to frequent attacks by the Houthis against commercial and military vessels in the region.

The USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group, which includes the carrier, three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, are in the Red Sea and were part of the mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region.

More on this topic

Displaced Palestinians lives in a school run by UNRWA, the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees, west of Gaza City.

Israel cuts off electricity to Gaza, affecting desalination plant

Mon, Mar 10

Trump announced the strikes as he spent the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“These relentless assaults have cost the US and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump said.

Concerns raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Barbara Dreaver, Pacific Correspondent and is republished with permission

A major transnational crime symposium kicks off in Fiji next week as concerns are raised about Chinese interference in the Pacific.

US withdrawal from Pacific causing anxiety as China expands interests

Canterbury University’s newly established Pacific Regional Security hub (PRSH) is holding the closed door meeting with Pacific heads of law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Associate Professor Jose Sousa-Santos, who leads the PRSH, said the uncertainty over the change in US foreign policy is leaving holes in the region for countries such as China to “move in and further destabilise the region as it stands at the moment”.

He said it’s important the Pacific’s security leaders meet together without traditional partners there to identify the issues and come up with possible regional responses.

“By having a strong and resilient region, it makes the Pacific a harder nut to crack when it comes to foreign destabilising disrupting forces, be that from a transnational crime point of view, from a geopolitical point of view, or from foreign interference and intelligence activities,” he said.

The withdrawal of the United States from the Pacific is causing anxiety for New Zealand and Australia as China expands its interests.

New Zealand’s intelligence chief Andrew Hampton has spoken out strongly about China’s interference here but is also warning the Pacific is at risk.

“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) ambition is to link economic and security cooperation, create competing regional architecture, and expand its influence with Pacific Island countries across policing, defence, digital, disaster relief, and maritime spheres,” he said.

China’s embassy in Wellington reacted angrily to his comments, saying they were baseless and fabricated, and accused him of spreading falsehoods about Beijing’s intentions in the Pacific.

However, there’s no doubt China’s reach in the region is rapidly expanding.

It has five research bases in Antarctica and recently signed comprehensive deals with the Cook Islands, a realm country of New Zealand, giving it a maritime presence there. China also has extremely close ties with Kiribati.

Just last month, China flexed its military muscles and carried out live fire drills from three warships between Australia and New Zealand.

Last year, it was able to register 26 coastguard vessels with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission as inspection vessels, which Sousa-Santos said allows them to transit through the region.

He said it’s having a Chinese coastguard presence in the Pacific when there is no need or threat.

“That will change the balance of power in the region in regards to naval power. This is something New Zealand has become quite aware of and concerned,” he said.

Speaking at the NZ Institute of International Affairs, Hampton said a key priority for his agency is to help inform New Zealand and increasingly Pacific decision-makers on how strategic competition is playing out and the risks involved.

“We have been open with them about the challenging situation we faced with regard to foreign interference and espionage in New Zealand and comfortable sharing any lessons that we have learned,” he said.

“We’ve also been working on ways that we can provide intelligence to Pacific partners that they may find useful.”

Sousa-Santos said there needs to be a regional intelligence framework in place, not just a bilateral model of sharing intelligence.

More on this topic

An agreement between Cook Islands and China is signed, in a video snapshot supplied by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

China secures maritime presence in Cook Islands

Sat, Feb 223:11

Mark Brown and Winston Peters

‘Reset’ needed with Cook Islands, Winston Peters says

Thu, Feb 204:15

People’s Liberation Army-Navy Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang.

‘We cannot hide anymore’: Collins signals ‘big budget’ defence investment

Sun, Feb 232:50

He said one of the biggest problems from New Zealand’s perspective is the lack of security vetting Pacific intelligence organisations, which means any intelligence passed on cannot be of the highest classification.

“Currently, there isn’t a regional architecture for intelligence as such and that is key,” he said.

Court dismisses Tu’akoi’s passport charges, upholds forgery case 

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Supreme Court of Nuku’alofa has dismissed four passport-related charges against a woman, while she still faces four outstanding forgery charges.

‘Isapela Saiatua Tu’akoi

‘Isapela Saiatua Tu‘akoi faced four counts of making false declarations to obtain a passport and four counts of forgery.  

The defense argued that the passport charges were invalid because the relevant regulations were not in force at the time of the alleged offenses in 2012.    

The Lord Chief Justice Mr Bishop, presiding, said: “On the 10 October 2012, an application form for a passport for Shiwei Hu was signed. This is Count 1 of the indictment, Counts 2 to 4 allege similar declarations in identical forms for other applicants”.

He also said the Passport Amendment Act 2003 came into force in 2014 and could not be applied retroactively.

The prosecution eventually conceded, and the passport charges had been struck out. 

However, the forgery charges had been upheld.  

Mr Bishop found that Tu‘akoi allegedly signed passport application form in the names of others with the intent to deceive the Immigration Division.  

The court was told that “about the 10th of October 2012 the Defendant made a false statement with the intention to deceive the immigration division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when you signed a Tongan passport application form, in the name of several applicants and you made this document with the intention that it be acted upon by the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as genuine.” 

The court document said these were valid under the Criminal Offences Act, which was in force at the time.  

As Kaniva News reported previously, Tu’akoi allegedly acted as an agent for  Sien Lee and Ying Huang Lee regarding passport applications on November 18, 2013.

The forgery case will proceed, but no hearing date has been scheduled.  

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