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.
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.
A former government minister has made a startling claim, alleging that several current Cabinet Ministers are facing criminal charges.
‘Etuate Lavulavu (L) and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala
‘Etuate Lavulavu made the revelation during a press conference last week but did not provide any details about the charges or name the ministers involved.
The claim came during a tense exchange that nearly escalated into a physical confrontation between Lavulavu and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala.
The situation was defused by Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi, who intervened to restore order.
Lavulavu, who is awaiting retrial alongside his wife on charges of obtaining money by false pretences under Section 164 of the Criminal Offences Act—stemming from their time as former principals of the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute (UTRI)—appeared visibly agitated when Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi invited further questions from reporters.
He immediately raised his voice and, speaking in Tongan, claimed that Cabinet Ministers had been charged and were facing five court accusations due to poor decision-making.
Piukala, who appeared to be in good spirits at the time, intervened and laughing while asking Lavulavu about his own charges.
Lavulavu responded by claiming his case had been thrown out, referring to the Court of Appeal’s decision that quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial.
Piukala then accused Lavulavu of using the press conference as a platform to campaign for the upcoming election.
Lavulavu denied the accusation, while Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi once again called for order.
There was no response from Ministers Fusimālohi and Piukala regarding Lavulavu’s allegations concerning the charges he claimed to have laid against Cabinet Ministers.
The revelation comes in wake of Piukala’s previously confirming that police detectives have been asked to assist the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in resolving 70 complaints lodged ahead of the country’s general election in November.
He said those cases were expected to be addressed before the election.
Toki’ukamea Liutai, a former Lo’au University student who withdrew shortly after enrolling, has condemned remarks made by the university’s dean, Dr Siosiua Lafitani, describing them as racist, derogatory, and potentially defamatory.
Dr Siosiua Lafitani (L) and Toki’ukamea Liutai also known by his government name Marshall Cameron
Lafitani is also facing accusations of harassment and doxing after he reportedly called Liutai a fool (“vale”) and published his personal details online amid a dispute over tuition fees.
The dean has been accused of malice and intent to harm Liutai, who is also known by his legal name, Marshall Cameron.
Liutai’s condemnation follows claims by Lafitani that unidentified groups in Sydney contacted him, offering to assault Liutai physically.
Liutai, who withdrew from a course he had enrolled in after raising concerns about its quality, delivery, and the apparent non-registration of Lo’au University, was stunned when Lafitani shared private details about him and his family on social media—seemingly in retaliation for his withdrawal.
In his series of derogatory Facebook posts, including his recent appearance on the VPON media show, Lafitani acknowledged that his information regarding Liutai’s private life was sourced from Lo’au University’s records, which contained details Liutai had personally shared with the institution.
In Tongan he said: “Kuo malava ke ‘osi ma’u mei he talanoa pe a e Lo’au mo Marshall pea mo e ngaahi lekooti kuo ma’u mei he fakatotolo ni.”
However, Liutai warned that the remarks may constitute a defamatory offence under Australian law.
“The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) is a federal law in Australia that makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or immigrant status,” Liutai told Kaniva News.
He said: “RDA protects people from racial discrimination in areas like employment, education, housing, and the use of public services and places.
It also makes racial hatred, which is defined as acts that are reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate, or intimidate based on race, unlawful.”
Tuition Dispute Sparks Conflict
The conflict escalated after Liutai engaged Auckland-based Tongan lawyer Nalesoni Tupou last month to help him reclaim AU$2,200 in tuition fees he had paid to Lafitani. The fee was eventually refunded.
Liutai said that instead of addressing the matter professionally, Lafitani took to social media, accusing him of defamation and threats—allegations Liutai strongly denies.
In a September 20 Tongan-language Facebook post published by Lo’au University, Lafitani continued his disparagement of Liutai. The post claimed that Liutai’s record with the university indicated he was not Tongan and had been raised in an orphanage.
In Tongan, he said: “Marshall (Liutai) ko e tokotaha palangi na’e tauhi li’ekina (orphan) ‘ikai ha konga Tonga ‘e taha.”
Lafitani also claimed that the Tongan family who had adopted Liutai had severed ties with him and forcibly removed his wife and children. He said the information he shared was based on details Liutai had disclosed to Lo’au University during a talanoa.
He said in Tongan: “Pea kuo tu’usi hono famili Tonga ne nau pusiaki ‘o ‘ave fakamalohi’i hono mali Tonga mo e fanau koeuhi ko ha ngaahi ‘uhinga kehekehe pe, kuo malava ke ‘osi ma’u mei he talanoa pe a e Lo’au mo Marshall pea mo e ngaahi lekooti kuo ma’u mei he fakatotolo ni.”
Threats of Violence and Fool Slur
In a recent appearance on VPON Media, Lafitani repeatedly referred to Liutai as a fool (“vale”) and claimed that three groups from Sydney had contacted him, saying they were willing to assault Liutai—apparently after viewing Lafitani’s Facebook posts targeting him.
Lafitani alleged that he later met with the groups while in Sydney and advised them in Tongan, “Don’t beat the vale. Leave him to the law and proper process. If you beat him, I and Lo’au will be blamed for inciting it.”
He added, “I do not need to beat the vale.”
In Tongan, Lafitani said:”‘Osi fetu’utaki mai e kulupu ‘e 3 ke nau taa’i e masi’i ‘i Senee. Pea a’u ki he’eku ‘alu atu ‘i he uike kuo ‘osi. Ko ‘eku talatalanoa. Kuo u tala ange ‘oua, ‘oua te mou ala ki he vale ko ia. Tuku pe he ‘e taa’i fakalao, taa’i faka’atamai pe he ee. He kapau te mou taa’i e masi’i ‘e tukuaki’i mai au mo e Lo’au ko au ‘oku ou hanga ‘o hoka. ‘Ikai ke u fiema’u ‘e au ke ta e vale ko ‘ena.”
“Sai ‘atu kotoa ‘a e silini ‘a e vale ko ‘eni, vale ko ‘eni ‘i Senee,” again referring to Liutai as a fool (“vale”) in Sydney, and stating that his money had been returned.
In Tongan Lafitani also said: “Vale ko ‘eni mei Senee. Ko e palangi ka ‘oku te’eki ke ne ‘ilo ‘e ia ‘a e hisitolia ‘o e kakai Tonga mo e kau tama Tonga ‘i Senee.
He was referring to Liutai as “the fool from Sydney”, saying he didn’t understand the history of the Tongan people and how they might respond physically.
Privacy Breach and Accusations
Liutai previously responded by dismissing Lafitani’s remarks, accusing him of attempting to intimidate.
“He miscalculated. I am no fool. I advised him we could proceed to court and I would seek damages, leveraged against his property, should he proceed.”
Liutai was stunned that someone he trusted had shared his personal information, reinforcing concerns he had previously raised with Lafitani before his withdrawal about the institution’s lack of a code of conduct protecting student privacy.
“Clearly, I am white and an orphan. I arrived in a Tongan family who loved me, named me, included me in genealogy and raised me with respect—even though I was white,” said Liutai.
Liutai claimed that Lafitani’s remarks constituted defamation and libel under Australian law, alleging they were made with the intent to damage his reputation.
“And they represent statements that might be considered discriminatory or racist.”
After his withdrawal from Lo’au University Liutai took to Facebook and shared his experience.
“None of my comments on his behaviour have focused on skin colour or cultural identity; rather just the ethics of his conduct,” he said of Lafitani.
A number of reputable academic institutions have established policies governing the handling of personal information and the protection of individual privacy, according to Liutai.
He believes Lafitani’s remarks reflect deeper issues of racial bias.
Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Pesi Siale Fonua, editor and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online and a distinguished figure in Pacific Islands journalism, has passed away at the age of 78.
Fonua was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who passed away on 12 October 2025 at Vaiola Hospital in Tonga, the online publication announced this morning.
Fonua was widely respected for his lifelong dedication to journalism and his role in shaping independent media in the Pacific.
As the founder and publisher of Matangi Tonga Online, he provided a vital platform for Tongan and regional news, earning recognition for his commitment to press freedom and public accountability.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fonua’s legacy extends through both his family and the many journalists he mentored.
Arrangements for the funeral and opportunities for friends and family to pay their respects will be shared in the coming days.
Aucklanders have re-elected Wayne Brown as mayor in the 2025 local elections, giving him a second and final term to complete the work he began three years ago.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown
Brown, who campaigned on fixing Auckland’s transport system, said he was “relieved and humbled” by the strong support from voters.
Speaking to media at Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool — which he affectionately calls “Brownie’s Pool” — shortly after preliminary results were released on Saturday afternoon, Brown admitted the campaign had been tough.
“It’s been like being in the dentist’s chair for six weeks,” he said. “I didn’t enjoy it, I don’t enjoy campaigning.”
Voting closed at midday Saturday, with more than 1 million votes counted across 78 city, district, and regional councils nationwide. Local Government NZ reported a voter turnout of 31.61%. Final results for close races are expected next week.
Brown confirmed this would be his last term as mayor, saying his focus now is on finishing what he started.
“They’ve seen what I do, and it won’t be much different — just finishing the job that I started,” he said.
Asked why he believed he won by a large margin, Brown said it was because he had been “quite plain about what I’m doing.”
“I haven’t quite finished everything I’ve set out to fix,” he added. “Even today in the paper, somebody said I hadn’t really done the things on the streets with transport that I said I’d do, but I haven’t actually got my hands on AT [Auckland Transport] yet — but it’s coming shortly.”
An angry outburst from Minister of Police Piveni Piukala nearly escalated into a physical confrontation with former Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu during a press briefing yesterday—forcing Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi to step in.
Former MP and Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala
Voices grew louder as speakers interrupted one another, exchanging sharp words during the livestreamed press conference.
This latest incident comes more than two months after Piukala was involved in a physical altercation in Parliament with Lord Tuʻilakepa, Chair of the Whole House Committee.
Prime Minister Dr ʻAisake Eke later confirmed he had issued a formal warning to Piukala and given him a final chance to remain in Cabinet.
Lavulavu maintained that the solution to the ongoing issues with Lulutai Airlines was not to continue injecting funds into it, but to shut it down entirely.
“To be honest, that’s not the answer—just declare it bankrupt and start another one,” he said in Tongan.
Addressing Cabinet Ministers at the press conference, Lavulavu argued that the government could not revive the airline unless, as he implied, domestic services were operated by a private company from overseas.
He claimed that Lulutai’s survival depended solely on its services to Vavaʻu, not to other outer islands.
“You have to listen to us from Vavaʻu,” he said.
“You can’t make decisions here in Tongatapu that could cause us to suffer.”
Airline Decisions Under Fire
He was then cut off by Piukala, who, visibly angered, abruptly returned to the podium after having just left it, and challenged Lavulavu over his comments.
Piukala blamed the airline’s problems on a former administration, in which Lavulavu served as a minister. Lavulavu denied any involvement, but Piukala insisted otherwise.
The Minister of Police responded, saying the Deputy Prime Minister—who chaired the press conference—had clarified that the airline’s problems stemmed from poor decisions made in the past.
Directing his remarks at Lavulavu, Piukala said that if he were in Lavulavu’s position, he would be embarrassed to speak on the issue.
“You are the ones, when you were in government, who initiated what we are now facing as problems,” Piukala said.
Lavulavu responded and told Piukala it was the former government before them but Piukala insisted it was them.
“You have been in a state of disarray in this company,” Piukala told Lavulavu.
Lavulavu responded and offered an apology, but Piukala raised his voice and said, “You initiated the airline, yet you never knew anything about how to operate it.”
Lavulavu replied in a similarly firm tone, telling Piukala he was wrong and should refrain from twisting the truth.
Piukala then accused Lavulavu of using the livestreamed press conference as a platform to campaign for the upcoming general election, in which he is a candidate.
“You made the wrong decision,” Lavulavu fired back, referring to Piukala’s role as Minister of Public Enterprises in making decisions about Lulutai Airlines.
Auckland, NZ — Auckland businessman Chris Barrett has offered a substantial financial reward to anyone who can help locate Lord Fulivai and Lady Helen Fulivai, who fled New Zealand for Tonga following a High Court ruling against them.
Lord Fuliva (L), Helen Fulivai (R). Photos (Supplied) taken at the time of service of Certificate of Registration of Judgment, Ex parte Application for Registration of a Foreign Judgment in the Supreme Court of Tonga filed 4 March 2022, Affidavit in support of Application for Registration of New Zealand Judgment in Tonga sworn on 20 December 2021 & Ruling of the
Court dated 8 March 2022.
As Kaniva News reported previously, the Honourable Justice Venning ruled in 2021 that the Fulivais must repay Barrett the full amount of NZ$253,370.60, including interest dating back to January 1, 2018, and legal costs.
The judgment is legally enforceable in Tonga under the Reciprocal Enforcement Act—an agreement between Tonga and New Zealand that allows court decisions from one country to be recognised and enforced in the other.
The case against the Fulivais was formally registered with Tonga’s Supreme Court in March 2022.
The judgment, obtained by Kaniva News, followed years of financial dealings in which Barrett claims he was misled by the former Governor of Vava’u.
“In particular, he gave me assurances for the granting of a 99-year lease of land on an island called Pangaimotu in Vava’u for which I was to pay $170,000,” Barrett said in court documents.
“I was duped,” he previously said.
Kaniva News has seen legal documents indicating that Lord Fulivai appeared to acknowledge his obligation to repay Barrett.
However, the couple reportedly disappeared either shortly before or soon after the High Court of New Zealand ordered them to repay the funds, making enforcement of the judgment difficult.
Reward Offered for Recovery
Barrett is now calling on legitimate Tongan debt collection agencies to recover the debts.
He said that if any agency can recover the funds, they are entitled to an additional NZ$50,000 in collection fees from the Fulivais, as awarded by the High Court of New Zealand.
“My lawyer will distribute it once the money is collected.”
In a gesture of goodwill, Barrett has also pledged NZ$20,000 from the recovered funds to support community development in Pangaimotu island, near the land he was defrauded over.
He expressed hope that the King would consider revoking Lord Fulivai’s noble title and taking steps to compensate an international investor who has demonstrated a commitment to prioritising the welfare of the people.
Barrett said the King has the authority to correct the actions of his representative and send a clear message to the public that those who abuse their position—whom he described as “thieves”—will no longer be allowed to represent the people.
“This should make his actions easier if there is an uproar by locals seeing investors who can aid the average Tongan scared off by deceit and personal greed by a Noble and his wife, both jointly and severally liable in our High Court action and award,” he said.
“If the King removes the noble titles from Lord and Lady Fulivai and collects the funds, he may retain the NZ$50,000 collection fee for the Kingdom,” Barrett added.
“I will still donate NZ$20,000 for the village’s benefit.”
Barrett accused the Fulivais of hoarding rental income from properties in Hunga and Vava’u, while withholding the money owed since 2015.
He said their actions have discouraged genuine investors and betrayed the trust of the Tongan people.
“My intention was always to support Tonga’s development,” Barrett said.
He said the Fulivais’ greed and deceit robbed the Kingdom of real investment.
Judgment Registered, Enforcement Stalled
Barrett says his claim against Lord and Lady Fulivai is legally enforceable in Tonga under the Reciprocal Enforcement Act, an agreement between Tonga and New Zealand that allows court judgments from one country to be recognised and enforced in the other.
The case, in which the High Court of New Zealand ordered the Fulivais to repay the NZ$253,370, was formally registered with the Supreme Court of Tonga under a ruling issued by former Lord Chief Justice Michael Whitten in March 2022.
Chris Barrett, Director of Steel Worx Group. Photo/Chris Barrett
Barrett said the enforcement of the court judgment has stalled because he and his legal team have been unable to serve or hold Lord and Lady Fulivai accountable for breaching the court orders.
He told Kaniva News that he is raising the issue publicly to alert Tongan debt collectors that they may have a legitimate opportunity to pursue the Fulivais, who are believed to be hiding in Tonga.
He said his family was so disheartened that they redirected their investments—over NZ$15 million—into beachfront and ocean-view properties in Bali.
The businessman’s offer remains open until Christmas 2025, with hopes that the Kingdom of Tonga will take decisive action to protect its reputation and encourage future investment.
“This could bring real Christmas joy to villagers,” Barrett said.
He said his intention was always to support Tonga’s development. He accuses Lord and Lady Fulivai of greed and selfishness, claiming their actions drove away genuine investors.
Police Response: No Border Alert Issued
When asked why the Fulivais were not flagged at the border, Detective Sergeant Shane Page of Waitematā Police explained that the threshold for a border alert was not met.
“Police can only stop individuals at the border if there is sufficient evidence to arrest them for a criminal matter,” Detective Page said in an email to Barrett, which Kaniva News was copied into after raising the issue.
“Unfortunately, in this case, the criteria were not met.”
Page expressed sympathy for Barrett’s situation, acknowledging the emotional and financial toll.
“I hope you continue to keep both eyes on them and hold them accountable,” he said.
More than half a tonne of cannabis was seized by police in Auckland yesterday, following a series of raids across the city’s inner west.
Some of the cannabis seized by police. (Source: Supplied)
A man was also arrested on a raft of charges.
Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said the searches were part of a police effort to crack down on criminals profiting from the sale of drugs.
“During the searches of the properties, significant commercial cannabis grow set-ups were located,” Darvill said.
More than 500kg of cannabis was seized, as well as a “significant amount” of cash, MDMA, and ketamine.
Some of the cannabis seized by police. (Source: Supplied)
“Cultivation of cannabis at this level is organised crime, and the action taken by police will impact those facilitating this activity and lessen the residual harm being caused,” Darvill said.
“We’re particularly pleased to remove the MDMA and ketamine from circulation, given the significant risk that it creates in the community”.
A 26-year-old man was due to appear in the Auckland District Court on October 15, facing cultivation of cannabis charges. Darvill said further charges were likely.
Wellington, NZ — Justice Owen Paulsen, who served as Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga from 2015 to 2019, has been appointed as a High Court Judge in New Zealand, effective 15 November 2025.
Former Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga, Owen Paulsen
He will sit in Christchurch, continuing a distinguished legal career that spans more than three decades across the Pacific.
Justice Paulsen’s tenure in Tonga marked a significant chapter in his judicial service.
As Lord Chief Justice, he was the professional head of the Tongan judiciary, President of both the Court of Appeal and the Land Court, and a Privy Council advisor to His Majesty King Tupou VI on land matters.
His contributions to the Tongan legal system were formally recognised when he was awarded membership in The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga, an honour bestowed by the King.
During his time in Tonga, Justice Paulsen was known for strengthening judicial independence, modernising court procedures, and upholding the rule of law in a complex constitutional environment.
His leadership was instrumental in navigating high-profile cases and reinforcing public confidence in the judiciary.
Justice Paulsen began his legal career after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury, later becoming a partner at Harman & Co from 1991 to 1998.
He served as an adjudicator and mediator for the Employment Tribunal from 2000 to 2001, while also practising as a litigation lawyer.
From 2001 to 2014, he was a partner at Cavell Leitch Law, and in 2011, he earned a Master of Laws (Commercial Law) with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland.
Following his return from Tonga, Justice Paulsen was appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court of New Zealand in 2019, where he has presided over complex commercial and civil matters.
His elevation to High Court Judge reflects his deep legal expertise, commitment to justice, and broad experience across both New Zealand and the Pacific.
The 2025 general election in Tonga has officially begun with Fotofili confirmed as the Noble Representative for the Ongo Niua constituency—after standing as the sole candidate.
Some of the people’s representative candidates (L-R): Former Minister and current MP for Tt9 Sevenitiini Toumo’ua, returning candidate and former DPM Sēmisi Sika of Tt2, new candidate for Tt10 Faka’osi Maama; current Minister of Customs and MP for Tt4 Māteni Tapueluelu and returning candidate for Tt6 Fane Fituafe. Photo/Faka’osi Maama
His unopposed election signals the start of the national voting process, with residents set to head to the polls on November 20.
The final count of registered candidates has now surpassed 90, following the close of the nomination period today, October 9.
Tongatapu 7 and Tongatapu 8 have attracted the highest number of candidates for the people’s representative seats, with seven each.
They are followed by Tongatapu 6 and Tongatapu 12, which have six candidates each.
The high number of contenders reflects strong public interest in this year’s election, which will shape the next term of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly.
Nobility Candidates:
Tongatapu:
1. Lasike
2. Ma’afu
3. Nuku
4. Tuívakano
5. Vaea
6. Veéhala
Vava’u:
1. Fulivai
2. Luani
3. Tuíáfitu
4. Tuílakepa
Ha’apai:
1. Fakafanua
2. Tu’iha’angana
3. Tu’iha’ateiho
Éua:
1. Lasike
2. Nuku
3. Tuívakano
4. Veéhala
Ongo Niua:
1. Fotofili
Peoples Representative Candidates
Tongtapu 1:
1. Tevita Fatafehi Pukola, Ísileli
2. Siaosi Vailahi Pohiva, Halaóvave
3. Éliesa Fifita, Tufuenga
Tongatapu 2:
1. Úhilamoelangi Fasi, Kolofoóu
2. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika, Haveluloto
Tongatapu 3:
1. Siaosi Ófa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, Ngeleía
2. Gabriella Renee Blake Ílolahia, Fasi-mo e-afi- á Tungi
Tongatapu 4:
1. ‘Isileli Pulu , Fangaloto
2. Mateni Tapueluelu, Houmakelikao
3. Viliami Á. Takau, Maúfanga
4. Vili Fonolahi Pese a.k.a. Sione Laulaupeaálu, Úmusi
Lo‘au University has refunded a student’s tuition fees following complaints and growing scepticism about the quality and credibility of its academic offerings.
Dr Siosiua Lafitani
This development followed action taken by former Australian student Toki’ukamea Liutai, also known as Marshall Cameron, who engaged Auckland-based Tongan lawyer Nalesoni Tupou in an effort to reclaim his payment from the Australian-based Lo’au University Founder Dr Siosiua Lafitani.
Liutai said he requested a copy of the university handbook from Lafitani to choose a course but was told that access to the syllabus and course details would only be granted after paying the full tuition fee of $3,500 for the BA programme.
Liutai claimed that after paying $2,200, teaching began without any clarification about which course he was enrolled in.
Following his withdrawal and communication with Lafitani, Liutai took to Facebook to express his concerns, referring to the university as a “fraudulent academic organisation.”
He maintained that his short time as a student revealed a disconnect between the course delivery and what he had expected from Lo‘au University.
He questioned the upfront payment policy, citing the absence of detailed course information and the apparent use of Lafitani’s personal bank account for tuition transactions.
Speaking to Kaniva News, Liutai said he became suspicious after Lafitani cancelled their first scheduled face-to-face meeting.
His concerns deepened when he was assigned a five-page essay on a topic he found unusual and difficult to justify.
Liutai said he enrolled at Lo‘au University under the illusion that it was “a leading Tongan college” and a school that was grounded in “Moanan thought.”
Course Content Sparks Doubts
However, he claimed the course he was provided focused on “Rational Thinking”, which he felt did not reflect Moanan or Tongan Indigenous perspectives.
He said that his first assignment was a five-page essay on how modern Tongan professors associated with Lo‘au University differed from Greco-Western scholars.
“I was stumped as to how these Tongan men, educated at Western universities in the 1980s, could be edifying themselves alongside Socrates, Plato, Zoroaster, Thoth-Hermes, and Rumi,” Liutai told Kaniva News.
He said their first video call session lasted approximately 90 minutes, during which Lafitani allegedly read from his notes and dictated content that appeared to come from one of his own books, “which he requested that I purchase, and I did, for a cost of $80AUD.”
He claimed that the notes provided by Lafitani were neither “particularly special nor helpful” and appeared to have been “copied and pasted from Google or random websites.”
“In particular – although I am a firm believer that there are great philosophical and spiritual truths in Moana/Tonga, I am sceptical of his claims and assertions that modern philosophers are the equivalent or even greater than those Grecian scholars three thousand years ago.”
Liutai also shared with us course notes and message screenshots that appeared to show the university delivered its materials to students by uploading them via Facebook Messenger.
University Claims Under Scrutiny
Amid growing doubts, and following the conclusion of the first session, Liutai went online and began investigating the university’s credentials — including who approved them, the origin of the course outlines, and the authority responsible for issuing the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees it claimed to offer.
“The investigation found no active company, no valid credentials, and no governing body to approve the certification. Even the website, email, and phone number had been disconnected,” Liutai said of Lo’au University.
Toki’ukamea Liutai also known as Cameron Marshall. Photo/Provided
“I Facebook messaged him and proceeded to request my money returned whilst delivering the reasons why.”
In a letter to Lafitani, which he shared with us, Liutai says:
“I wanted to thank you for the time you have spent so far and your kind invitation to do some study with Lo’au University. I was excited to be able to engage with Tongan Higher Learning both to further my families knowledge but also to support the Tongan education system in my own way”, the letter read.
Liutai told Lafitani that his extensive experience in business administration and leadership in Australia’s RTO sector, regulated by ASQA, gives him a solid understanding of how universities should operate.
He said that, given his expertise, he checked with TEQSA in Canberra and TNQAB in Tonga—both responsible for regulating and assuring the quality of higher education.
“Lo’au University is not registered as a ABN, registered as a University/RTO or approved to offer the course range of Bachelor’s/Master’s or PHD courses in the Australian Capital Territory”, Liutai claimed.
“Lo’au University is not registered as a Tongan Company, registered as a University or approved to offer the course range of Bachelor’s/Masters or PHD courses in the Kingdom of Tonga by TNQAB.
“Lo’au University does not provide any official email, website, policies or procedures or code of conduct.
“My financial transactions, thus far have not yet received a formal written receipt from Lo’au; and where transferred directly to your personal bank not a company/organisation account which is contrary to the Tongan Code of Conduct for Academia.
With this being the case, I demand a full refund of the $$$ by no later then COB 12/09/2025. I will place the bank account to transfer to below this post so you can comply.”
School Fees Refunded
In an effort to recover his money, Liutai contacted Auckland-based lawyer Nalesoni Tupou for legal advice.
Tupou previously confirmed this communication with Liutai to Kaniva News and stated that he had reached out to the University’s Chancellor, Inoke Hu’akau, who acknowledged that the money had been refunded.
Tupou also took to Facebook to thank the Lo’au for repaying Liutai’s money.
In another post by Tupou on his Facebook, Hu’akau responded and confirmed their earlier conversation about Liutai’s school fees and said it has been paid.
He accused Liutai, writing in Tongan, of having what he described as personal issues.
Responding to Liutai’s Facebook post about the matter, Lafitani claimed that Liutai had defamed him and made false accusations.
In a Facebook post dated September 14, Lafitani stated that he and Liutai had agreed to a tuition payment plan in instalments.
He said Liutai had enrolled in the university’s Bachelor of Arts programme, and that Lo‘au University had supported him in fulfilling the course requirements.
“In the end, he withdrew and allegedly made threats and behaved inappropriately towards us,” Dr Lafitani claimed.
Institution Description Under Scrutiny
A Google search for the term “Lo‘au University” produced an AI-generated overview stating that the institution is a non-profit organisation dedicated to Oceanic and Tongan knowledge and scholarship, with a focus on cultural preservation and blending Tongan wisdom with global learning.
“The university offers degrees from bridging courses to PhDs across various schools, including Social Philosophy, Technology, and Health. It operates on an alternative framework to national accreditation, emphasizing transparency, academic integrity, and a commitment to student well-being.”
As Kaniva News previously reported, Lo‘au University no longer appears to be operating its two websites, known previously as Nuama and Lo‘au ‘University. It appears the University is now being operated through Facebook and has some videos on Youtube.
The university was launched by Minister for Education Dr. ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki on January 7, 2014. It was described by the media at the time as “Tonga’s first online virtual university.”
