Home Blog

COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
-

EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.

COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.

Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.

They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.

Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.

However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.

Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.

READ MORE

Controversy surrounds MPs’ pay rise backdated  to 2018; but Parliament claims move was legal

Costs and details of MPs’ flight to rugby match still unclear as Speaker responds to our story

PM’s son slams approval of TP$200,000 to pay MPs to fly to NZ for Mate Ma‘a Tonga test

Bad luck fears mount amid debates on MPs’ controversial Mate Ma‘a attendance

In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.

MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.

He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority  in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.

The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.

The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.

Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.

Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.

This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular. 

A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.

Suspected pyramid scheme investigated in NZ after appearing on Tongan social media

By
Kalino Latu
-

A suspected new pyramid scheme affecting consumers across the Pacific Islands is under investigation in New Zealand, as regulators warn that the operation appears to be spreading through online platforms and social media networks.

The advertisement for the SFCVIBE Rating Mt Wellington event promotes kitchenware as prizes.

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has confirmed it has opened an investigation into SFCVIBE Rating, following reports that the scheme is operating through digital platforms and recruiting participants using referral links.

The company has offices in Christchurch’s Riccarton and Auckland’s Manukau, and presents itself as an internet advertising service, according to the NZ Herald.

Kaniva News, following confirmation of the Commerce Commission’s investigation, notes that some posts recently circulating on Tongan Facebook pages appeared to promote the scheme, although they provided limited information and mainly invited interested individuals to contact the people sharing the posts directly.

Simon Pope, the Commission’s head of fair trading and product safety investigations, said the scheme raises serious red flags.

“The scheme involves the recruitment of others,” Pope said.

“It requires new participants to join via a referral link and to pay a subscription or deposit before starting work.”

Pope said these characteristics are commonly associated with pyramid or multi‑level recruitment schemes, where returns rely heavily on bringing in new participants rather than providing genuine services.

A search of social media platforms shows users actively promoting SFCVIBE Rating, often advertising it as an easy online income opportunity.

SFCVIBE Rating has offices in Christchurch’s Riccarton and Auckland’s Manukau, presents itself as an internet advertising service.

Fiji Issues Parallel Warning

Meanwhile, authorities in Fiji have also raised alarms about the same platform.

The Consumer Council of Fiji has warned the public to be extremely cautious about an online operation using the name SFCVIBE Rating Limited, saying evidence suggests it is a sophisticated task‑based pyramid scheme designed to defraud consumers.

According to the Consumer Council, the platform allegedly lures users with promises of high payouts for performing simple online activities. However, participants are reportedly required to pay upfront monthly subscription fees to unlock higher work levels — a pattern commonly seen in fraudulent schemes.

The Council said the operation bears similarities to past scams in the region, including the eBayShop scheme, which cost Pacific consumers significant financial losses before collapsing.

Growing Risk for Pacific Communities

Consumer watchdogs say the case highlights the increasing risks facing Pacific communities, particularly as online schemes operate across borders and spread quickly through social media and diaspora networks.

Regulators are reminding consumers across the Pacific to be cautious of online platforms that promise unusually high returns for minimal effort, require upfront fees or deposits to access work, rely heavily on recruiting friends or family through referral links, and are promoted mainly through social media rather than verifiable, official business channels, warning that these are common red flags associated with pyramid schemes and online scams.

Both New Zealand and Fiji authorities are urging anyone who may have invested money or been approached to join the scheme to seek advice and report concerns to their local consumer protection agencies.

The Commerce Commission confirmed its investigation is ongoing, and said further updates will be provided if enforcement action is taken.

Earlier Pacific Scam Warnings

The latest investigation follows recent scam warnings issued in both Tonga and New Zealand over BG Wealth Sharing, an online scheme that authorities said displayed characteristics of a pyramid or investment scam.

In those cases, regulators warned that the operation promoted unrealistic returns, relied heavily on recruitment through social media and personal networks, and required participants to contribute money upfront.

The warnings highlighted growing concern among Pacific authorities about online schemes spreading rapidly across borders and targeting island communities through diaspora and family connections.

Poll result: National falls in favour, coalition count lower than left bloc

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Jo Moir, Political Editor, RNZ and is re-published with permission

Analysis: A new poll showing National sitting on just 30 percent, and the coalition unable to govern, has set the stage for a crucial week in Christopher Luxon’s prime ministership.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

This result is National’s worst in the 1News-Verian poll since Luxon became leader in November 2021.

Labour is up five points on 37 percent, while National’s 30 is down four points since February.

For the other parties in the coalition, New Zealand First is steady on 10 percent, while Act has dropped two points to seven.

On the other side of the house the Greens and Te Pati Maori are both unchanged on eleven and two, respectively.

It gives the centre-left bloc of Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Maori the seats needed to govern with 66 compared to the coalition’s 58, if an election was held today.

Luxon’s personal favourability has taken a decent hit in this poll too, down four points to 16 percent, while Labour’s Chris Hipkins is down one to 19 percent.

The results follow several polls in recent weeks showing National on about 29 percent – the party’s official result in Sunday night’s poll was 29.7, but rounded up to 30.

The prime minister told TVNZ on the back of those results he hadn’t considered resigning.

This latest poll headache comes after a torrid Friday for the prime minister where he was again forced to defend his leadership.

Poor polling, including record- low personal favourability, has been dogging Luxon for months.

A NZ Herald story on Friday morning reported senior whip Stuart Smith tried and failed to get hold of Luxon before Easter to warn him there were rumblings about his leadership from within caucus.

The article reported multiple anonymous sources saying Luxon had evaded Smith, despite the pair both being at Parliament during a sitting week.

RNZ has confirmed with a senior Beehive source that meeting was attempted by Smith, but both Luxon and his office have denied it.

Luxon insisted at a media conference on Friday that he had had the “numbers” and the “full support” of his caucus. He also maintained the coalition could still govern on public polling – not the case however after Sunday’s poll, nor was it the case in RNZ-Reid Research’s poll last month where the result was a hung parliament.

The 1News-Verian poll was in the field until Wednesday, so didn’t capture Friday’s problems for the prime minister.

It has been two weeks since the caucus met at Parliament due to the school holiday recess, and that support will be tested when they gather in Wellington on Tuesday morning.

Luxon will also have to explain, if asked, why he publicly denied the Smith reports.

In recent weeks it’s not only National MPs who have been leaking their unhappiness with the direction of travel the party is heading in, but staff have also been unhappy about how they’re being treated.

Some staff feel they were a victim of a point-scoring reshuffle by Luxon that has seen a number off them “evented”, which means they have lost their jobs and could potentially apply for a new one, but not necessarily in the office they have been working in.

Other staff have been frustrated with Luxon’s unwillingness to listen, take advice, or make change.

Both MPs and staff have expressed the prime minister is getting worse, not better, at public appearances and media interviews, which doesn’t bode well heading into a tightly-contested election campaign.

In amongst that, there has been speculation MPs are keen for change, and Chris Bishop has spent weeks denying he is lining himself up as leader.

He spent the weekend batting away suggestions he was planning to roll Luxon.

At a media conference on Saturday in his Hutt South electorate, in response to questions about his relationship with the prime minister, Bishop confirmed he has confidence in Christopher Luxon but declined to discuss private conversations.

“The Prime Minister and I talk all the time… but I’m not going to get into what I’ve said to him or what he’s said to me recently.”

“Look, I’m just head down, bum up on my portfolios and also working hard locally as well,” he told reporters.

On Sunday in a TVNZ Q+A interview, Bishop denied he was plotting to take the leadership from Luxon.

He said comments that have made their way into the media about flagging support for Luxon and unhappiness in the caucus were “unhelpful”.

Bishop denied any knowledge of Smith’s attempts to warn Luxon about his caucus support, and told Q+A people shouldn’t be “talking out of school” because it’s not the “right way to do things”.

“That is unhelpful and untidy and indicates that the National Party is focused on ourselves rather than focused on the country.”

Bishop said those people in caucus who had spoken to the NZ Herald, who broke the story about Smith on Friday, were clearly “unhappy and untidy”.

“I am prepared to accept that. That is sort of a statement of fact, I am not going to deny the reality.”

The transport and housing minister said he wasn’t aware of anyone in the caucus who thought Luxon shouldn’t be leader, and said he didn’t believe the prime minister was dragging down the party’s performance.

A fresh poll result showing National would lose 12 MPs if that result was replicated on election day might give those at risk of losing their job plenty to think about ahead of Tuesday’s gathering.

Tongan man dies after group fight at California school, laid to rest

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Concord, California — A Tongan man who died following a group altercation in the parking lot of a Concord elementary school in the United States has been laid to rest, as the community continues to process the tragedy.

Sione Tekina ‘Amanaki Filimoehala. Photo/Supplied

Sione Tekina ‘Amanaki Filimoehala, 62, of Concord, died following an incident that authorities believe was caused by a medical episode.

The incident occurred recently at Sun Terrace Elementary School in Concord during an after-school program.

According to the Mt Diablo Unified School District, relatives of students became involved in a confrontation that escalated into a physical altercation.

Superintendent Dr Adam Clark reportedly confirmed that the incident happened on school grounds and resulted in a medical emergency.

“There was an incident and parents got involved,” Dr Clark said.

“The incident turned physical. One of the individuals had a medical emergency. We rendered first aid. AEDs from the site were used.”

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are emergency devices used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr Clark said Filimoehala was a relative of a student at the school.

Emergency assistance was provided immediately, but Filimoehala later died.

The exact medical cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Concord Police said there are no suspects being sought in connection with the incident, and confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Filimoehala was laid to rest on Saturday, April 18, at Memorial Garden Cemetery, located at 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord, California.

Members of the Tongan community in the Bay Area attended the burial to pay their respects, mourning the loss of a father, relative, and community member.

**This report is based in part on information originally published by ABC7 News (https://abc7news.com) and has been rewritten and supplemented by Kaniva Tonga News**

Tonga moves to cut land allotments from 30 to 15 poles, backing multi-storey buildings

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nukuʻalofa — Tonga’s long‑standing land controversies have entered a new phase following an announcement by the Minister for Lands, Taniela Fusimālohi, who has outlined a proposal to reduce the size of town allotments in an effort to make land available to more people.

Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, Minister of Lands

The announcement follows persistent calls to reform Tonga’s land tenure system.

These include a 2006 appeal by an Australian think tank, which urged the Kingdom to reform land ownership arrangements after identifying noble land ownership and the reliance on short‑term leases as barriers to foreign investment in Tonga’s tourism sector, according to RNZ.

The following year, the Tonga Women’s Action Group for Change called for more equitable access to land, arguing that women must be able to meaningfully participate if they are to contribute to economic growth.

Under Tonga’s current legal framework, women are generally not permitted to own land, except in cases where they are widows.

A Royal Land Commission of Inquiry report submitted to the Parliament in 2012 recommended major reforms to Tonga’s land tenure system. Its proposals included granting women rights to town allotments and strengthening land management practices.

The three‑volume report also emphasised the urgent need to modernise the land registry and clearly define estate boundaries.

However, Parliament later faced a series of criticisms for failing to act on the report, which was based on consultations conducted by the Commission with Tongans in Tonga and across the diaspora. Critics argued that the process amounted to a waste of time and public funds.

In 2023, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Lands told Kaniva News the Ministry was assessing the feasibility of incorporating the report’s recommendations into its core programme.

Proposal to Reduce Allotments

Fusimālohi said last week the key issue under consideration is a plan to introduce new legislation that would reduce town allotments from 30 poles to 15 poles, allowing the limited land available to be redistributed to Tongans who currently do not hold any allotments.

The Minister also said the Ministry is encouraging the public to construct multi‑storey buildings in order to maximise space.

He did not indicate whether the proposed move was part of efforts to incorporate the recommendations of the 2012 Royal Land Commission report.

The Minister acknowledged that land scarcity has become a national concern and said the proposed change could help address the growing number of landless citizens.

“Our land resources are extremely limited, and this proposal is about finding ways to ensure that more people have access to land,” the Minister said in Tongan.

Under existing land law, every Tongan male is legally entitled to receive a 30‑pole town allotment and an eight‑acre tax allotment.

However, in practice, it is unclear when land was last allocated under this arrangement, as suitable land has become increasingly scarce across the kingdom.

Tonga central bank warns public of rise in Romance Scams exploiting vulnerable communities

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa – The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has issued a nationwide warning following a continued rise in romance scams that are targeting vulnerable members of the community, particularly through social media and online messaging platforms.

In an official public notice released on Thursday, the central bank said scammers are increasingly using false identities to establish emotional connections with victims before manipulating them into sending money or sensitive financial information.

“These scams typically involve individuals who do not genuinely know or have seen the person they are communicating with,” the NRBT said. “The scammers exploit emotions, build fake romantic relationships, and gradually gain trust before financially defrauding their victims.”

The NRBT urged the public to remain vigilant and outlined several warning signs commonly associated with romance scams.

Among the most frequent red flags are scammers expressing strong feelings of love or affection after only a few days of communication, followed shortly by requests for money. These requests are often linked to fabricated emergencies, medical expenses, travel costs to visit the victim, or fees required to release a supposed parcel or gift.

The bank also highlighted that scammers typically avoid face-to-face meetings or video calls, offering repeated excuses such as working overseas, on an oil rig, in the military, or being deployed or travelling. Victims may also notice pressure to move conversations off mainstream platforms like Facebook Messenger to private apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, or other encrypted services.

Another major red flag includes requests for payments through unusual or untraceable methods, including cryptocurrency, gift cards, or international wire transfers. In some cases, scammers may propose business or investment opportunities that promise unusually high or guaranteed returns, or claim that a valuable gift is on its way but requires a “fee” to be paid before delivery.

What Not to Do

The NRBT strongly advised the public never to send money, bank details, or debit and credit card information to anyone they have only met online.

“Do not share personal or financial information, including passwords or banking details,” the bank warned. “Do not believe quick-rich schemes, inheritance claims, or secret investment opportunities, and do not trust caller identification alone, as scammers can spoof local phone numbers.”

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to a romance scam is urged to act immediately by contacting their bank to block accounts or cards and prevent further financial loss. Victims are also encouraged to report the incident to the Tonga Police Cybercrime Unit.

The NRBT said public awareness and vigilance remain the strongest defenses against online fraud, particularly as scammers continue to evolve their methods and exploit emotional vulnerabilities.

For further information or advice, the public is encouraged to contact the National Reserve Bank of Tonga on (+676) 24057, email nrbt@reservebank.to, or visit www.reservebank.to

Attorney General appeals for mother after baby placed in court care

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Attorney General’s Office has issued a public appeal seeking information on the natural mother of a child referred to as “Baby X,” following a court order placing the infant under guardianship.

In a statement, Acting Solicitor General Rose L. Kautoke said the child’s mother may be fearful or in need of medical or other support.

She emphasised that the Office’s role is to provide assistance while ensuring the best interests and welfare of the child are safeguarded.

However, the statement did not explain how the baby came into the custody of the court.

“We understand that as mother of ‘Baby X’, you may be afraid or may need medical attention,” the statement said.

“Please be assured that it is our role to support you and ensure the best interests of ‘Baby X’ are safeguarded and protected.”

Members of the public who see the message, or who may be aware of the mother’s identity or whereabouts, are urged to contact the Attorney General’s Office immediately.

Kautoke said the appeal is made in her capacity as Guardian Ad Litem for the child.

The call follows an order made on 10 April 2026 by the Lord Chief Justice, Malcolm Bishop KC, under which “Baby X” was placed under the guardianship and wardship of the court.

Under the order, the Solicitor General was appointed Guardian Ad Litem to act in the best interests of the child.

“As directed by the Court, we plead with the natural mother of ‘Baby X’ to please come forward to meet us,” the Acting Solicitor General said.

“It is my desire that we will work closely with you to ensure appropriate arrangements are made for the welfare of ‘Baby X’.”

The Office can be reached by telephone at +7401400, by email at ag@ago.gov.to, or by visiting the Attorney General’s Office on the first floor of the Taumoepeau Building in Nukuʻalofa and requesting to meet a representative.

The Attorney General’s Office emphasised that all efforts are focused on ensuring the safety, welfare, and lawful protection of the child.

Huni outpoints Clarke in tense heavyweight showdown

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Australian heavyweight Justis Huni secured a composed and technically assured victory over Britain’s Frazer Clarke, outpointing his rival in a bout that nearly collapsed just hours before the opening bell.

The highly anticipated clash had been thrown into uncertainty at the eleventh hour due to undisclosed logistical complications, raising doubts over whether the fight would proceed. However, both camps reached a late agreement, allowing the contest to go ahead as scheduled.

Once in the ring, Huni demonstrated superior movement, ring IQ, and shot selection across the rounds. The Brisbane-born boxer controlled the tempo early, using his jab effectively to keep Clarke at range while mixing in sharp combinations. Clarke, known for his physicality and durability, pressed forward in patches but struggled to consistently land clean, telling blows.

Judges ultimately awarded Huni a clear points decision, reflecting his dominance in both output and accuracy. The win marks a significant step forward for the rising Australian, reinforcing his credentials as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.

Speaking after the fight, Huni acknowledged the disruption leading into the bout but remained focused on the result.

“It wasn’t ideal preparation with everything that happened, but once we got in there, it was all business,” he said. “Frazer is a tough opponent, but I stuck to the plan.”

For Clarke, the defeat represents a setback but not a derailment. The Olympic bronze medallist showed resilience throughout and is expected to regroup as he continues his professional campaign.

Despite the pre-fight uncertainty, the bout delivered a compelling contest, with Huni’s poise under pressure ultimately proving the difference.

‘Later on is too late’: NEMA warns NZ ahead of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu

By
Kaniva Staff
-

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

The National Emergency Management Agency has warned the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is “going to be big” – and New Zealanders should be preparing now for its arrival later this week.

Speaking to 1News today, NEMA director of civil defence emergency management John Price said the event is likely to be “extreme and severe”.

Earlier today, MetService said the weather system had winds of 95km/h at its centre, with a track map showing the forecast position of the system as it crosses the country.

Watches are currently in place across the North Island – and forecasters have warned it could potentially have life-threatening impacts when it is forecast to hit the country on late Saturday into early Sunday.

Speaking to 1News today, NEMA director of civil defence emergency management John Price said the event is likely to be “extreme and severe”.

“[It] will remain within the parameters of New Zealand, and mainly the North Island for that period of Sunday. It will be very intense.”

Price said NEMA was primarily concerned about the impacts from strong winds – and the potential for trees to become dislodged, as well as potential landslips.

“Those landslides that we’ve experienced before in severe weather events are almost certain to occur.”

‘Be prepared’

Price said people should stay away from trees, and be aware of already sodden ground which will likely flood.

He said people should also stay away from floodwaters where even a small amount could sweep people and cars away, and the ocean, which is forecast to have large swells.

“The advice from us is very clear, be prepared.

“Be prepared is have a plan. Be prepared is also to have access to your grab bags and other things which will make sure you can keep in communication.

Tropical cyclone cuts a swathe between Fiji and New Zealand 

Vaianu has winds of 95km/h at its centre, with a track map showing the forecast position of the system as it will cross the country. 

Tropical cyclone cuts a swathe between Fiji and New Zealand 1:06

Vaianu has winds of 95km/h at its centre, with a track map showing the forecast position of the system as it will cross the country.  (Source: 1News)

He said ensuring cell phones wee charged – and having a plan with loved ones to avoid hazards were key.

Trampolines, firewood, outdoor furniture and anything else which could be impacted by gale force winds should be secured to avoid them having the potential to “become missiles” he said.

“Declutter or get rid of the clutter out of your gutters. Make sure they’re clean, if the rain comes down we want it to be accessing the system, and getting away from your home.

“Look around, and be prepared for the worst possible case scenario for yourself.”

Price added people who felt at risk should not hesitate to call 111.

“We are all primed… the emergency services, New Zealand Defence Force, the wider sector is all ready, we need New Zealanders to be ready.”

Price also said cash could be withdrawn as a way to still purchase items if power went out, but the main thing was to prepare “now, and not later”.

“Later on is too late.”

Price added people could visit the GetReady website for more advice on preparing for the cyclone’s arrival.

Cyclone Vaianu is expected to move southwards across the North Island on Sunday, 12 April.
Cyclone Vaianu is expected to move southwards across the North Island on Sunday, 12 April. (Source: MetService)

Current watches and warnings

Heavy Rain Watch

Northland – 12 hours from 9pm Saturday to 9am Sunday.

Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 12 hours from 2am to 2pm Sunday.

Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne including Rotorua – 14 hours from 2am to 4pm Sunday.

Waikato – 15 hours from 3am to 6pm Sunday.

Bay of Plenty about and east of Whakatāne – seven hours from 9am to 4pm Thursday.

Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Tolaga Bay – 14 hours from 2am to 4pm Sunday.

Gisborne about and south of Tolaga Bay, Hawke’s Bay ranges, and coastal hills south of Napier – 16 hours from 2am to 6pm Sunday.

Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupō and Taranaki – 12 hours from 8am to 8pm Sunday.

Strong Wind Watch

Western parts of the North Island, from Coromandel Peninsula to Wellington – 21 hours from 4am Sunday to 1am Monday.

‘Significant and damaging’ Cyclone Vaianu churns toward NZ

Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua District and Wairarapa – 24 hours from 6am Sunday to 6am Monday.

Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 21 hours from 9pm Saturday to 6pm Sunday.

Judge calls doctor after questioning Minister’s medical certificate in electoral bribery hearing; Sika testifies from home

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku‘alofa — A Supreme Court judge sought clarification from a medical doctor after raising concerns about the wording of a medical certificate submitted to excuse the defendant from returning to court to continue cross‑examination following a morning session.

Former MP Pingi Fasi (L) and Minister for Tourism Semisi Sika

The development follows the cross‑examination of Minister of Tourism Sēmisi Sika in court on electoral bribery charges, laid by his political rival, former MP and cabinet minister Pingi Fasi, in relation to last year’s general election.

As recently reported by Tāpinga Lavemaau of FM 88.1 Letiō ‘a e Kakai, Sika requested an adjournment during the morning session, citing fatigue after responding to numerous questions. The judge granted the request.

However, when the court reconvened to continue proceedings, a medical certificate was submitted, stating that Sika had returned home after feeling unwell.

According to Lavemaau, the judge expressed concern about the wording of the medical certificate, noting that Sika’s illness was not specified.

The report said the judge adjourned the session and indicated he would contact the doctor to seek clarification on the medical certificate.

He reportedly attempted to contact the issuing doctor directly but received no response, leaving a message requesting follow-up, according to the radio report.

A staff member for Sika told the court that the minister had recorded high blood pressure, which was cited as the reason he was unable to continue in person, but the judge noted that this information was not stated in the medical certificate.

Despite the judge’s reservations, the court permitted proceedings to continue, allowing Sika to participate remotely via Zoom from his home, according to Lavemaau.

As Kaniva News previously reported, the court hearing follows an investigation by the Electoral Commission into allegations of campaign overspending and concerns over whether all expenses were properly declared, after a formal complaint was lodged against Sika.

The dispute centres, among other matters, on a $10,000 sponsorship for the Suliana Dance Academy, announced during a recital on 8 November 2025, just weeks before the general election.

Sika has previously denied any wrongdoing in comments to Kaniva News.

Tongan candidate who exposed fraud leads preliminary Papatoetoe by-election results

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan candidate who previously lost a local board race later marred by fraud allegations has staged a strong comeback, emerging as the leading vote‑getter in the Papatoetoe local board election re-run in Auckland, according to preliminary results.

Papatoetoe local board by-election candidate Vi Hausia, who successfully petitioned the 2025 election result, says the rerun has exposed vulnerabilities in postal voting. Photo/Vi Hausia Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Member Facebook

Lehopoaome Vi Hausia, a Labour candidate of Tongan descent, secured the highest number of votes in the by-election after successfully petitioning for a judicial inquiry that uncovered irregularities in the previous poll.

His strong showing marks a notable shift from the 2025 election, when the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team won all four available seats.

Preliminary results show Hausia topped the vote with 2,788 votes, ahead of Jeet Singh of the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team, who received 2,484 votes.

Singh was followed closely by fellow team member Sandeep Saini on 2,479 votes, while Kushma Nair secured the fourth and final seat with 2,383 votes.

Another Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team candidate, Kunal Bhalla, narrowly missed out after finishing fifth with 2,343 votes.

Although three members of the Action Team have retained seats, Vi Hausia’s first‑place finish breaks the group’s previous clean sweep, reshaping the local board’s makeup and underscoring the political impact of the fraud revelations that led to the election being overturned.

Final results are expected to be confirmed on Friday, after special votes are counted.

Election Voided Over Fraud Findings

The development follows a December court ruling that voided the Papatoetoe local board election after finding the result was likely affected by widespread voter fraud.

The decision came after Hausia petitioned the Manukau District Court to strike out the results of the contest to represent the Papatoetoe subdivision of the Ōtara‑Papatoetoe Local Board, citing alleged irregularities including claims of “nightly vote stealing” in the lead‑up to October’s local body elections.

The petition outlined six grounds for an inquiry, including what the petitioner described as statistical anomalies in turnout, alleged non-delivery or misuse of ballot papers, irregularities involving special and duplicate votes, discrepancies in voter records and alleged unlawful campaign activity.

It also questioned what the petitioner called systemic weaknesses in the postal model.

123...952Page 1 of 952