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Tongan graduated from University in China

By
Kaniva Staff
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Sophia Loren Moala was graduated last week June 22 with an MBA degree from the University of Science and Technology of China.

It was a scholarship offered as part of  the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Tonga's Educational Exchange Program.

Moala said she was personally honoured and blessed with the opportunity to study at one of China’s leading universities.

In 2011 Moala completed her Bachelor in Management of Science degree in 3 years although it was a 4 year program. The university then offered her another opportunity to study for her Masters of Business and Administration.

His Excellency, the Ambassador of Tonga to China, Mr.Siamelie Latu, Madam Sesilia Latu and their daughter Miss Salote Latu were invited by the university and they attended the graduation ceremony.

Moala comes from Ha'afeva Ha'apai, Futu 'Eua and Tokomololo, Tongatapu, Tonga Islands.

Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga presidential election results announced

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Free Weslyan Church, the largest Methodist denomination in Tonga today June 26 has  in its 90th conference re-elected  President Rev. Dr ‘Ahio as  president for the years  2013 – 2014 with 326 votes.

Dr Tevita Koloa’ia Havea became second with 31 votes. The other candidates who ran for the presidency were Rev Dr Mohenoa Puloka and  Rev Meleana Puloka who has  2 votes each.

Dr Tevita Kolo’ia Havea was re-elected as Secretary General with 328 votes  while Rev Dr Jiotame Havea got  8 votes, Rev Mohenoa Puloka 8 votes and Rev ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola has 4 votes. Other candidates that stood for secretary position were Rev`d Falematapule Lomu 4 votes, Rev`d Mele`ana Puloka 3 votes,  Rev`d Heneli Taliai Niumeitolu 2 votes,  Rev`d Tevita Haukinima ,Rev`d Sela T Manu , Rev`d T M `Ofahulu has 1 vote respectively.

According to the history of the church, the President is usually re-elected almost unanimously each year until the person dies  or turns 70, which is the retirement age for church ministers. The General Secretary usually takes over as President when the President retires.

Tonga Rugby Union resolves differences

By
Kaniva Staff
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The two committees, each of which claims rights to  ‘Ikale Tahi rugby team after a hijack of TRU office by some of the board members on April, had on last Friday 21 resolved to make compromises and work on demands from IRB regarding TRU consitution.

Tonga’s Solicitor General ‘Aminiasi Kefu confirmed to Kaniva News on Monday 24 that the two committees took positive steps to sort out their dispute and a meeting was successfully conducted last week.

“Things have moved on with TRU. The Board has now resolved their differences. They have amended the TRU Constitution to resolve their problems, and the IRB has supported those amendments,”  Kefu said and confirmed that “There is no longer a dispute as far as I understand”.

Kaniva News was unable to get hold of President ‘Epeli Taione and CEO ‘Emeline Tuita.

But Taione posted on Facebook this evening June 25 saying, “The amendments to the constitution required by IRB have been all adopted last Friday. Board members have been reduced in numbers and these are the most important amendments ever as it would prevent TRU from future repeating of problems it encountered in the past,” as Kaniva translated his post in to English.

 “Kuo lava e ngaue koia pea kuo tali kotoa e ngaahi fiema'u liliu ki he Konisitutone mei he IRB 'i he Falaite kuo'osi pea fakatokosi'i e Poate pea koe liliu mahu'inga mo lelei taha eni kuo hoko pea mo malu'i e TRU mei he ngaahi palopalema tatau moe kuohili,” Taione posted on Facebook.

We could not confirm at this stage what amendments that were made to the constitution and what compromises the two committees agreed to. Kaniva will follow up the story.

Chinese boy born with a tail

By
Kaniva Staff
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Surgeons in one of the hospital in China are reluctant to remove a nearly 10 inch tail that was  born with a seven-month-old boy at the city of Guangdong in Southern China.

The baby boy is Xiao Wei and his mother asked  the surgeons to remove the tail but she was advised it is not possible at this point in time.

Dr. Huang Chuanping says: “if you cut it, it would grow: We have to repair the spinal canal to stop its rise first.”

The baby is reportedly suffered from Myelomeningocele, a common type of spina bifida,  “a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube.

Chinese boy

 

Pacific Partnership 2013 says mission for Tonga succeeded

By
Kaniva Staff
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Royal New Zealand Air Force Group Capt. Darryn Webb, Pacific Partnership 2013 deputy mission commander, announced that the missions for Tonga were exceptionally successful.

"It went tremendously well. I think there was an enormous level of enthusiasm and desire from everybody involved to make sure we got the job done," said Webb. "I've visited many primary schools and the children don't have much," said Webb. "But that shows you that you don't need much in life and they have a strong sense of community, spirit and family."

While there, the mission treated 5,455 patients, evaluated 3,000 animals, conducted 25 donation events and completed eight engineering construction projects, including renovating schools, restrooms and water catchment systems all in the name of improving the collective ability to provide disaster relief assistance.

Additionally, medical, nursing and dental subject matter experts held conferences to exchange information with Tongan healthcare providers about various aspects of patient care.

"We reached out to a variety of Tongan organizations to share our expertise." Jennifer Villalta, team leader for the University of California, San Diego Pre-Dentistry Society. "We had almost 20 dentists, dental therapists and technicians lecturing about things from basic extractions to forensic dentistry."

One of unique aspects of the Tongan mission was the installation of two water catchment systems designed to mitigate any interruptions in the country's supply of fresh water.

"Purpose of the water systems is to ensure the ability of Tongans to retain water in case the city water goes out, gets interrupted by a natural disaster or is contaminated," said Kaela Mattson, an engineer with the University of California, San Diego. "If you have separate catchment systems that are able to contain a certain amount of water, it increases the likelihood that the community will be able to recover after a natural disaster."

Now in its eighth year, Pacific Partnership originated from the international response to the 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of Southeast Asia.

Working at the invitation of each host nation, Pacific Partnership is joined by partner nations that include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand to strengthen disaster response preparedness around the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Fiji takes home Pacific Nations Cup

By
Kaniva Staff
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Fiji enjoyed one of the most significant moments in its sporting history after it defeated Tonga  34-21 to win  the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 2006.

Tonga took an early 11-0 lead at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo last Sunday June 24  with a try by Fraser Anderson and two penalties by Thomas Palu.

Sireli Bobo and Nalaga tries for Fiji levelled the scores at 14-14 at halftime.

After the break Nadolo and Nalaga crossed raising Fiji’s hope for a win higher and a late penalty by Seremaia Baikeinuku in the 34th minute hit the last nail in ‘Ikale Tahi’s coffin.

A penalty by Palu and a late try by Tonga captain Nili Latu were the only scoring Tonga had after the break.

Tongan boss to head Fiji TV channel

By
Kaniva Staff
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Fiji’s Mai Television has appointed Marc Santos, Tonga’s current head of Digicel-owned DIGITV, as general manager of the free-to-air and privately- owned broadcasting service.

The company says "Santos has considerable experience in content acquisition, planning and senior management with Digicel Tonga with some of his larger acquisitions being SANZAR Rugby rights for Tonga."

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this challenge. I understand the pressures Mai TV is under and I’m confident I can assist the group with its growth in Fiji and other parts of the region," Santos said.

Santos is reportedly Tongan and he would take over the position shortly this month from the founder of Mai Television, Mr Broadbridge. Mr Broadbridge  under the trading name of Click Pacific Limited, will lead the establishment of a new business in Papua New Guinea focussing on television production and its digital signage arm Click.

Three New Zealand contestants to join Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Aotearoa Promoters Association (TAPA) sent two contenders from New Zealand to participate in the Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant 2013, it has been confirmed.

Miss Neomai Tangikina Tuitupou 22 of Kolomot'ua , 3rd contestant will represent Miss Nuku'alofa club and  F.I.B.B.A  New zealand  along with Miss Lilio Lavenda Soodwill Sikei 9  from Kolonga, Kolovai as Miss Tau'olunga Junior. Tu’itupou is currently a student of Auckland University  studying Business and Tourism

Miss Lita Mary Bloomfield  21 from Lakepa, Nukunuku , 2nd contestant will represent Miss Digicel Tonga High School 65/66 Anniversary  New Zealand  along with Miss  Ilaisaane Fineanganofo Tuipulotu 9 of Kolomotu'a, Tofoa as Miss Tau’olunga Junior.  Bloomfield is a student at Auckland University

Fuifuilupe Manuha’apai  from TAPA told Kaniva News they send the girls together with Tongan body builders representatives FIBBA as a joint effort of the Association with some of the Tonga High School Alumni  in preparation for the Tonga High School’s 65/66th Double Anniversary Celebration that begins on July 3.

The 65/66 anniversary coincide with the Heilala Week festival and they planned the initiative to help boost the morale and entertainment in both festivities, Fuifuilupe said.

The New Zealand Immigration Appraxus  also  registered the 1st contestant Miss Rosemarie Fili 22 of Leimatu'a Vava'u, Hala'ovave Tongatapu now residing in Hamilton and a post graduate student at the University of Waikato as Miss Immigration Apraxus .

The 4th contestant is Miss Horizon Sun represented by Miss Susitina Malia Fakahafua 22 from Tatakamotonga, Fua'amotu, Ha'apai and Vava'u. Tina is a graduate of the University of Friends with a Bachelor of Science in Phycology and Counselling. Tina is currently in Tonga as part of  her final internship with local NGO serving children and families.  

The 5th contestant  is Miss Victoria Australia represented by Miss Angelique Amour Iviiti  from Fu'amotu  and Mangaia Rarotonga.

Kaniva News understands Tonga Miss Heilala committee is expecting up to more than 10 contestants to compete for the Miss Heilala 2013 title.

Tonga’s biggest annual festival which features parade, procession, beauty pageant and music competition began today June 24.

12 year old raped by father, uncle and godfather

By
Kaniva Staff
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The rape of 12year old girl by his father, his uncle and godfather at San Pedro Prison in La Baz sparked outrage in the country of Bolivia.

The girl is two months' pregnant and she has told authorities she was repeatedly raped by the trio since she was eight years old,  local media reported.

Digital Reason says the victim is currently under psychological treatment.

“This case was discovered thanks to a multidisciplinary work carried out in prisons as part of reforms in the system,” a Bolivian newspaper reported.

Bolivian television ATB said, “at least 250 children live in the prison of San Pedro with their parents”.

The prison is well-known for  its prison officers getting involved in corruption including alcohol and drugs activities.

The minors share living space with violent criminals — murderers, rapists, gang members and drug dealers, it was reported.

Damaging waves expected in the Pacific this weekend

By
Press Release
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Information provided by regional and international weather forecast models indicate that a major storm system near New Zealand is pushing heavy swell waves up towards the tropical Pacific Islands today. This could cause coastal damage in Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Niue. Significant swell waves are also expected in Samoa, American Samoa, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna and Tuvalu. Waves of over 4 metres are possible around Fiji and Tonga.

The arrival of these swells will coincide with large Spring tides and a full moon this weekend. Those who are in vulnerable areas at risk of coastal inundation during heavy swell events should contact their local meteorological service for more information.

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