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Pacific to bank on ANZ thanks to Australian government guarantee

By
Kaniva Staff
-

ANZ has struck a deal with the Australian government to guarantee banking services in the Pacific.

An ANZ bank (file picture).
An ANZ bank (file picture). (Source: istock.com)

Australia has been working with commercial banks to stop an exodus of financial services from Pacific island nations, which aren’t profitable.

There have been concerns a vacuum could lead to Chinese state-linked banks filling the void.

This could result in a dependency on China, meaning nations could become susceptible to pressure or influence out of Beijing, China expert Ben Herscovitch said.

Australia will provide a NZ$2.2 billion guarantee to ANZ’s Pacific operations over 10 years, and that comes with an annual payment from the bank to the federal government.

It’s set to commence in the second half of 2025.

The bank will invest a further NZ$55.1 million into its Pacific banking systems to enhance digital services and continue its fee-free offering for international money transfers into the region over the life of the guarantee.

It has operations in eight Pacific nations and East Timor.

“While doing business in the Pacific can be complex, we’re committed to our role in advancing economic development, critical infrastructure and payment networks across the region,” ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said in a statement on Friday.

“We will continue to connect Pacific customers to trade and investment opportunities.”

The bank said it employed 1200 people across the region and has put NZ$104.7 million into buildings, systems and technology over the past five years.

Australia has also guaranteed Nauru’s banking services as part of an agreement that gives it the power to essentially veto it entering other security arrangements.

Commonwealth Bank would provide banking services in the small island nation from 2025 after Bendigo Bank departed.

Australia has been working to lock out Chinese influence in the Pacific as Beijing

Vanuatu among 43 countries on Trump administration’s proposed travel ban list

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a new, broader travel ban that could target citizens from up to 43 countries, including Vanuatu, the only Pacific nation on the list, according to a report by the New York Times.

This proposed ban would expand on the restrictions implemented during President Trump’s first term, raising concerns about its potential impact on global travel and international relations.

The draft proposal outlines a tiered system, categorizing countries into three lists: red, orange, and yellow. Vanuatu is included in the ‘yellow’ list, which comprises 22 countries given 60 days to address perceived deficiencies in their travel and security protocols.

Failure to comply could result in these nations being moved to the more restrictive ‘red’ or ‘orange’ lists.

The ‘red’ list, which imposes a complete travel ban, includes 11 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. The ‘orange’ list, featuring 10 countries, would enforce partial restrictions, allowing affluent business travelers but barring those on immigrant or tourist visas. Countries on this list include Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.

The proposed ban has sparked international debate, with critics arguing that it could strain diplomatic relations and unfairly target developing nations.

For Vanuatu, the only Pacific country on the list, the implications could be significant, particularly for its tourism industry and citizens seeking to travel to the United States.

As the Trump administration finalizes its plans, the global community awaits further details and the potential fallout from this expansive travel restriction policy.

Queen Sālote College’s 99th anniversary: Ex-students relive mischievous memories with laughter and warmth 

By
Kalino Latu
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Queen Sālote Girls College have turned back the clock as it celebrated its 99th anniversary in a joyous reunion that brought together generations of former students.

This week’s event was filled with laughter and nostalgia as ex-students fondly reminisced about their school days, even re-enacting some of their playful and mischievous behaviors at the college. 

One memorable moment captured in a video showed an ex-student using the clear heel of her shoe to cut off the pointed end of a coconut. The unusual act some were known for during their time at the college drew laughter and cheers from fellow alumnae.  

The clip quickly circulated on social media, with many former students fondly recalling such a unique personality and the fun they shared during their school years. 

Now mothers, professionals, and community leaders, the ex-students shared heartfelt memories and warm stories on social media, highlighting the enduring bonds they formed at the prestigious institution.  

Another clip shows an ex-student dancing in a playful, robotic manner, a signature move that her peers fondly remembered from their school days.  

The performance prompted bursts of laughter and cheers from fellow alumnae, who recalled her unique and humorous personality during their time at the college. 

The lighthearted re-enactments of their youthful antics honored the college’s rich history and reinforced the strong sense of community and tradition that continues to unite the former students.  

Today’s event included a commemoration service at the Free Wesleyan Centenary Church led by Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho, an alumna of Queen Salote College.

Anniversary 

Founded on January 15, 1923, the college was established as the Free Wesleyan College for girls, and it was named in the Queen’s honor.  

However, according to a report, the school began officially counting its anniversaries from 1926. The celebration date was later moved to March 13 to align with the birthday of Her late Majesty.

Queen Sālote, a beloved monarch and visionary leader, created the school to provide young Tongan women with access to quality education.

Over the decades, Queen Salote College has become a cornerstone of Tonga’s education system, known for its commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, and the holistic development of its students.  

Woman falls from moving pick-up: Viral video sparks online debate 

By
Kalino Latu
-

A video capturing the moment a woman falling from a moving pick-up truck has gone viral on Tongan social media, sparking heated debates and mixed reactions from the online community.  

The footage shows the van appeared to have had engine trouble, causing it to jerk and surge erratically.  

This led to the woman, standing at the back, losing her grip and falling onto the road as the vehicle continued moving.   

Kaniva News was unable to verify the authenticity of the footage independently.  

Onlookers can be heard laughing in the background, a reaction that has since ignited a wave of criticism from many Tongans online. Others have questioned the woman’s level of caution. 

“It’s heartbreaking to see people laughing at someone’s pain,” commented one Facebook user.  

“We should be helping each other, not making fun of someone’s misfortune.”  

Others echoed this sentiment, calling for more empathy and kindness in such situations. 

However, not all reactions were sympathetic. Some members of the online community argued that the woman should have been more cautious.  

“Riding on the back of a moving vehicle is dangerous,” one commenter wrote.  

“She should have known better, but that doesn’t mean people should laugh at her.” 

The incident has also raised broader concerns about road safety in Tonga, where passengers riding in the back of pick-up trucks is a common practice despite its risks.  

Local authorities have repeatedly warned against this practice, but enforcement remains a challenge. 

No official statement has been released regarding the woman’s condition, but witnesses reported that she appeared to be conscious and was helped by bystanders shortly after the fall.  

Investigation underway after Lulutai’s controversial aircraft emergency landing with firetruck headlights as guides 

By
Kalino Latu
-

A power failure on the domestic runway had forced a Lulutai aircraft to circle in the air for nearly an hour before making an emergency landing.

DPM Tainela Fusmālohi

The Twin Otter plane was returning from Ha’apai on Tuesday night when it was notified of the power outage.  

All efforts to restore the electricity were unsuccessful, forcing authorities to position two fire engines on the runway to guide the aircraft’s landing. 

The two pilots and one passenger on board finally landed safely after experiencing 40 minutes of turmoil. There have been no reports of damage to the aircraft. 

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi, who also serves as the Minister of Civil Aviation, stated that Tonga Airport Limited (TAL) had been warned and that a full report detailing the incident has been ordered.

He told a press conference yesterday that TAL must “carry out their maintenance duties diligently.” 

The Minister of Police Piveni Piukala said that an additional problem contributing to the incident is that the electrician resides about an hour’s drive from the airport.  

He said that efforts by the electrician to provide guidance on resolving the problems over the phone were unsuccessful. 

The Minister said there was a lack of an immediate emergency response, suggesting a need for improvements in this area.

He said that the lights were repaired on Wednesday evening, March 12.  

Mr Piukala said that the power failure seemed to have originated from water entering the system, which caused the lights to malfunction. 

TAL could not be reached for comment.

TAL

The airport authorities had been recently involved in an alleged dispute following the previous administration’s privatization of Vava’u Airport, which transferred control to a New Zealand company.

Kaniva News had been reliably told some officials at TAL opposed the move.

The Eke government finally reversed the privatisation decision.

TAL continues to manage operations at Vava’u Airport.

Twin Otter 

Lulutai Airlines’ Twin Otter aircraft is at the centre of controversy due to allegations of mismanagement, safety concerns, and financial irregularities surrounding the national carrier.  

The Eke government has been conducting a review of the airlines and has indicated a possible shutdown after it was revealed that approximately $40 million has been invested in the controversial airline since its inception in 2020. 

The plane is scheduled for approximately $3 million worth of maintenance next month, according to the government, raising concerns about how the TOP$15 million aircraft was purchased. 

Alleged gang leader Lasalosi Vaitohi faces trial for ambush plot while behind bars 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tongan Gang Leader Lasalosi Vaitohi is accused of having ordered and co-ordinated the ambush of a South Auckland rugby league stalwart in Otahuhu, Auckland. 

Armed police guard the scene of the fatal shooting of Peter Rasmussen at 240 Princes Street East, Otahuhu in August 2021. Lasalosi Vaitohi, Ethan Jessop and Daziea Leslie Huia (insets) are standing trial for murder. Composite photo / NZME

 Peter Rasmussen, 75, was fatally shot while trying to shoo off a gang member targeting his grandson, a prosecutors said, according to a NZ Herald report.  

Rasmussen was fatally gunned down on the doorstep of his home three-and-a-half years ago.  

He was trying “to shoo off a Crips 23 gang member who was there to target his grandson, jurors were told today as the trial began for a trio accused of murder”.  

Vaitohi, 32, appeared at trial via an audio-visual feed today but left part-way through jury selection, after having entered a not guilty plea.  

He was being incarcerated at the time of the alleged crime.  

He pleaded not guilty.  

Authorities allege Ethan Jessop, 24, shot Rasmussen in the leg with a recently acquired shotgun he nicknamed “Big Bad Beth”, while co-defendant Daziea Leslie Huia, 21, had arranged for a car to be used in the ambush and had participated in other planning. Both men sat in the High Court at Auckland dock today as the trial got under way following several days of delays that saw the selection of two different jury panels, the Herald said.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the bold claims of his involvement in the ambush while behind bars.

The New Zealand Herald report of the case said: “ Prosecutors said Vaitohi has been so incensed by the robbery of a drug house on his turf that he immediately set about orchestrating violent retribution in the days leading up to Rasmussen’s death. “

The original target of the gang-related ambush was Zharn Rasmussen, a member of the Killer Beez gang known on the street as ‘Obey,’ according to prosecutors.  

“Rasmussen, who was living at his grandfather’s house while on electronically monitored community detention, and his girlfriend, Irene Ting, had allegedly robbed a nearby Crips-affiliated drug house just a week earlier, sparking tensions that may have led to the violent retaliation.” 

During brief opening statements of their own, lawyers for Vaitohi and Jessup didn’t dispute that it was their clients on the calls referred to by prosecutors. But what they were discussing was not an intent to murder, the lawyers insisted, emphasising that at most their clients committed manslaughter. 

“That most serious of charges is a bridge too far in these circumstances,” said Ian Brookie, who represents Vaitohi. 

He asked jurors to be wary of interpreting phone calls in which they had no first-hand knowledge of the context. The Crown can’t prove that the elder Rasmussen’s death could have been known by Vaithohi to have been a probable consequence of what he was talking about on the phone. 

New Zealand MP Jenny Salesa pays tribute to the passing of a beloved Tongan ‘Dean for life’ teacher  

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan Member of New Zealand Parliament Jenny Salesa has paid heartfelt tribute to a beloved community matriarch whose unwavering dedication and leadership left an indelible mark on the lives of many.  

Leiola Finau. Photo/Supplied

Leiola Finau, a Tongan mother and teacher at the Catholic Church’s McAuley High School in Ōtāhuhu’s death has been remembered.

Known for her generosity and tireless efforts to uplift those around her, Finau’s passing has been deeply felt across the community.

MP Salesa described the mother as being a valuable teacher to the community’s children.

“May you Rest in God’s Eternal Love Mrs Leiola Finau. Thank you so much for your dedication, your service and for teaching so many of our McAuley Girls students which included our daughters”, Salesa wrote on Facebook.

McAuley High School is in shock following the devastating news.

” It is with great sadness that our school whānau announces that our dear friend and school mum, Leiola Finau, has gone to God this morning after falling ill this week”, it said on Facebook. 
 
“Leiola served McAuley as Head of Lea Faka-Tonga. She was a lot more than that to our school and faith community. From 2006, she has served as a support staff member before retraining to teach” a post on the school’s Facebook read.

It said Finau was recently a Dean over the last six years, receiving the title ‘Dean for Life.’

“Leiola became a pillar of the McAuley and Ōtāhuhu Parish Communities. She has always been an integral part of every Special Character event of the school. 
 
“We are beyond grateful that we were blessed with Leiola – her prayers for us, her heart, her leadership, and her service.

“She made it known to staff and students about her high expectations of us all.

“We will miss our uniform police, and her infamous “helloooooooooo.”

Finau was a teacher at Kelana High School in Tonga before relocating to New Zealand.

The McAuley School’s post regarding her passing stated that Finau “lived to serve God.”

“We can’t imagine McAuley without our Tongan mum but we know Leiola would expect us to do our best and continue to pray” read the post. 
 
“Our love and prayers go out to Hinemoa and all her siblings, George, Johnny, Sela and all her grandchildren. 
 
Leiola, mālō ‘i he me’a kotoa. Kuo lava ho fatongia, ho ngaue mateaki, ‘osikiavelenga mo e ‘ofa ‘iate kimautolu fanau ako mo e kau faiako hono koto’a”. 

Alarming photo of skinny dogs left behind while family on overseas holiday sparks concerns

By
Kalino Latu
-

Disturbing images reveal emaciated dogs that have suffered from prolonged neglect and starvation. 

Animal Welfare encourages dog owners to embrace their responsibility and prioritizes the well-being of their pets. Photo/Tonga Animal Society Welfare (Facebook)

The Tonga Animal Society Welfare (TASW) shared the photo on Facebook, stating that the dogs’ owner was reportedly on an overseas vacation while leaving them unattended.  

Kaniva News was unable to verify the authenticity of the information independently.

TASW has urged the community to contact them if they need help caring for their dogs. 

The post described the dogs as “skinny,” and said that was heartbreaking.  

“We have received so many call outs this week from friends of TAWS about dogs who appear to have been left at home without food and water while their families travel”, it said on Facebook. 

It advised the community, “If you want your dog to keep your property safe and secure while you are away, you need to make sure somebody is feeding them”. 
 
“If you have asked or paid someone to feed your dogs and you are concerned about them, let us know and we are happy to do a drive by and a welfare check and report back to you. 
 
“Please be responsible pet owners and make sure you leave food and water for your dogs even if you are only travelling one or two days”.   

On social media, several people said the revelation was unacceptable. 

One wrote: ” Very sad and irresponsible.” 

Another person wrote: ” Awwwwww they look so sad n hungry.” 

“Whereabout is this property pls? Care to share? May be we can do something about it?”  

TAWS describes itself on Facebook as “a not for profit organisation to help animal welfare in the Kingdom of Tonga”.

Tonga’s Police Minister rejects ‘suspicious’ Sunday air ambulance landing request as concerns mount over drug trafficking crisis

By
Kalino Latu
-

The minister of police, Piveni Piukala, said he had declined the Air Terminal Services (ATS) boss’s request to grant a permit for an aircraft to land in Tonga on Sunday. 

ATS Boss Paul Karalus (L) and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala

Mr Piukala made the move in response to his growing concern over the escalating trafficking of illicit drugs across the kingdom’s borders. 

The Minister said he received the request through the Acting Commissioner of Police to allow the medivac aircraft to airlift two alleged tourist patients who had been in an emergency state in Tonga on Sunday, 2.  

He claimed the request had been originated from the ATS boss Paul Karalus.  

Kaniva News contacted Mr Karalus for comment.  

Mr Piukala said that, upon further inquiry, he felt that the request may not have been intended for medical evacuation purposes, as initially claimed.  

He said he learned from the Minister of Health that the Ministry had not been informed of patients requiring emergency airlift transport to overseas facilities.  

Mr Piukala said the Minister of Health claimed the tourists had been discharged from the hospital a day after their admission and were residing in a motel.  

Suspicious

Mr Piukala said he became even more suspicious after learning that the air ambulance had not arrived the following Monday.  

The Minister also questioned the procedure and wanted to know why such a request came from ATS, not the Ministry of Health.

He said he had contacted the Acting Commissioner of Police and informed them that he had declined the request because there was no ” life-threatening” case.  

Mr Piukala said he had been concerned regarding the “timing of the request”, which had been made amidst the ongoing drug trafficking crisis impacting the country, he told Katalina Tohi of Broadcomm 87.5FM.  

The news comes after the Minister recently said he had received photographs of ships allegedly lowering their cranes into the seas in Vava’u, implying that that may be one of the ways used by drug traffickers.  

The Minister announced last week that new initiatives have been implemented to enhance border security in order to combat drug trafficking.

ATS 

ATS is a local Tongan company and one of only two in the Pacific that has been approved to conduct Ground Service Provider (GSP) operations at airports. The other company, also named ATS, is based in Fiji. 

ATS Tonga shareholders are EM Jones Group, TETA Tours, and Pacific Forum Line. These companies have been ground handlers since 2004, when the Government mandated the establishment of a single GSP to enhance the security of international services at Fua’amotu Airport and Lupepau’u Airport. 

ATS with  20 years of service to Tonga’s aviation has established ground handling contracts with all international carriers operating flights into Tonga. These carriers are required to utilize ISAGO-registered Ground Service Providers (GSPs) wherever such services are available. 

Sunday law 

Tonga prohibits any business activities and trading on Sunday.  

However, there are exceptions including emergencies.  

The Minister of Police, with the approval of the Cabinet Minister, has the authority to permit an individual or company to conduct business operations on Sunday, provided that they present valid and justifiable reasons for such a request. 

Police in Australia launch appeal to find missing boy Luke

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing boy Luke.

The 14-year-old was last seen leaving an address in Broadmeadows on Friday, 7 March about 3pm.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare due to his disappearance being extremely out of character.

Luke is perceived to be of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, about 184cm tall, with dark, straight hair.

He was last seen wearing a yellow t-shirt, maroon tracksuit pants, a grey hoodie and blue and gold shoes.

He does not currently have his phone or access to money.

Police have released an image of Luke in the hope someone recognises him and can provide information regarding his current whereabouts.

Anyone who sights Luke or with information is urged to contact Broadmeadows Police Station on (03) 9302 8222. 

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