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.
Editorial – The arrival of Pacific Games Council officials in Tonga this week should have marked the beginning of a proud national journey toward the 2031 Pacific Games. Instead, it has sharpened growing fears that the kingdom is drifting toward a financial commitment it may struggle to sustain.
L-R: Michael Bloomfield, Netina Latu Vea, Vidhya Lakhan, Andrew Minogue. Image: TASANOC
At the centre of this concern is a stark and troubling example — the National Sport Facility at Tonga High School. What was once celebrated as a symbol of progress has become a cautionary tale of unsustainable expense.
Lawmakers were reminded just last year that the facility’s electricity bill alone reaches an astonishing TOP$9,000 per month. Former Minister of Education, Dr Pingi Fasi, did not mince words when he described the ongoing maintenance costs as a “pa’anga lahi faka’ulia ‘oku fakamole ki ai” — a substantial and heavy financial outlay.
This is not theoretical — it is a continuing strain on public resources.
If Tonga is already struggling to sustain one modern sporting complex, the question must be asked: how can it reasonably expect to maintain multiple upgraded facilities required for an event as large as the Pacific Games?
The experience of Tonga High School’s facility shows clearly that these costs are not minor. They accumulate rapidly, deepening pressure on already constrained public finances.
Prestige at What Price?
Against this backdrop, the optimism expressed by Pacific Games officials deserves closer scrutiny.
TASANOC’s report from this week’s meeting described the 2031 Games as a “major opportunity” for Pacific athletes in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Pacific Games Council CEO Andrew Minogue further suggested the event could provide Olympic qualification pathways across several sports.
But such arguments ring increasingly hollow against the very real financial burden Tonga will be expected to carry.
We have heard these promises before — that hosting the Games will uplift Tonga’s sporting standards and inspire national pride. Yet these aspirations appear increasingly disconnected from the country’s economic reality.
While sport plays an important national role, it cannot take precedence over urgent infrastructure and economic needs affecting the wider population. Most Tongans are far more concerned with the pressures of daily life — the rising cost of living, infrastructure demands, education, and healthcare.
Tonga’s athletes already compete and benefit from Pacific Games hosted by nations with stronger financial capacity. Those countries absorb the economic strain while Tonga continues to enjoy the sporting opportunities without assuming the long-term risks.
The question remains unavoidable: why should Tonga now take on a burden that even better-resourced Pacific nations approach cautiously?
A Gamble Too Far
Tonga withdrew from hosting the 2019 Pacific Games after warning that the economic risks were too great.
At the time, former Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva also raised concerns about the potential misuse of sports funding following reports that questioned financial oversight and accountability.
The enthusiasm of visiting officials is understandable — expanding regional sport is part of their mandate. But for Tonga, the issue is not ambition; it is sustainability. Aspirations for sporting development cannot overshadow the government’s obligation to act within its financial means.
At a time when even maintaining a single sports facility has proven costly, the push to host the Pacific Games increasingly resembles a financial gamble Tonga cannot afford.
Power Crisis, Costly Ambition
Nowhere is this imbalance clearer than in Tonga’s ongoing electricity crisis.
Repeated power outages over more than a decade have become one of the most persistent challenges affecting life on Tongatapu. These disruptions are not minor inconveniences — they affect households, businesses, and essential services, while damaging equipment and undermining public confidence.
Reliable electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental necessity for economic stability and public wellbeing.
Against this backdrop, Tonga’s determination to host the 2031 Pacific Games becomes increasingly difficult to justify.
Budget Strain, Aid Reliance
Here is a country where more than half of the national budget depends on foreign aid, yet it is pursuing a costly international event with uncertain long-term benefits for the wider population. The contradiction is difficult to ignore.
While ordinary citizens grapple with unreliable electricity and rising living costs, significant attention and resources are being directed toward a project that may ultimately benefit only a limited sector of society.
The issue is not opposition to sport, but the imbalance between national needs and national ambitions. When essential infrastructure remains unstable, committing to the immense financial and logistical demands of hosting the Pacific Games risks prioritising prestige over practicality.
Tonga cannot afford to neglect its foundational challenges while pursuing international recognition. Until critical infrastructure such as electricity becomes reliable and sustainable, any undertaking of this scale deserves far more rigorous scrutiny.
Time for Hard Questions
The visit of Pacific Games officials must not be treated merely as a ceremonial milestone. It should instead prompt rigorous and transparent national evaluation.
Tonga stands at a crossroads. Hosting the 2031 Pacific Games may offer prestige and opportunity, but it also carries substantial financial risk. The country’s experience with rising facility costs already serves as a warning: without strict planning and fiscal discipline, the Games could leave a lasting burden on the nation.
National pride must never come at the expense of national stability.
The time to confront these realities is now — before ambition hardens into obligation, and vision collapses into debt.
A New Zealand woman’s alleged loss of nearly $800,000 to an online romance scam is reinforcing warnings in Tonga about the growing threat of social media fraud.
The woman sent money, vouchers, cryptocurrency and bank transfers over several years to a man she met online who allegedly posed as a retired American general but is now believed to have been fake.
New Zealand Police say the case came to light last week when the woman approached Dunedin’s central police station seeking advice about a document she had received.
According to Sergeant Matthew Lee, the woman had been communicating over several years with a man she met online who claimed to be a retired American general.
Police say the victim was persuaded to send large sums of money through various means, including bank transfers, gift vouchers, and cryptocurrency payments.
Authorities believe the case highlights the increasing sophistication of online romance scams, where fraudsters create convincing identities to build trust before manipulating victims into providing financial support.
The case is particularly relevant to Tonga, where officials have already raised concerns about similar schemes targeting vulnerable individuals through social media platforms.
Tonga Warns of Scams
It comes after repeated warnings to Tongan crypto traders and those engaging with pyramid-style promotions online, as well as the recent collapse of the BG Wealth Sharing scheme, which left many Tongan participants facing losses.
In April 2026, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) issued a nationwide warning about a rise in romance scams, cautioning that fraudsters often create fake profiles to establish emotional connections before requesting money or financial details.
“These scams typically involve building a relationship over time,” the NRBT said, warning that victims are often persuaded to believe they are supporting a partner in financial distress or assisting with supposed official duties.
Police and financial authorities advise several key warning signs, including:
requests for money, vouchers, or cryptocurrency
claims of urgent emergencies or restricted access to funds
refusal or inability to meet in person or verify identity
inconsistencies in personal stories or background
Authorities in both New Zealand and Tonga are encouraging anyone who may be affected to come forward and seek help, noting that many victims may feel reluctant to report due to embarrassment or fear.
A Tongan scholar at the University of Auckland is undertaking research into the genetic factors linked to metabolic diseases, with the aim of improving health outcomes for Pacific communities.
Dougie ‘Atiola (left) in the laboratory.
Dougie ‘Atiola, a biomedical science PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, says his path into research was shaped by a life-changing experience as a teenager in Tonga.
At the age of 14, ‘Atiola was hospitalised with meningitis, an experience that left a lasting impression and sparked an early awareness of the importance of quality healthcare.
“That experience shaped how I saw health and the need for better outcomes in our communities,” he said.
‘Atiola traces his whakapapa to Hofoa and Kolomotu‘a through his father, Alifeleti ‘Atiola, and to Kolonga and Vaini through his mother, ‘Aioema ‘Atiola. He is the second youngest of seven siblings and grew up in a household where education and church were central to daily life.
After completing his secondary education at Tupou College, Toloa in 2012, he moved to Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue further studies, beginning with a Certificate in Health Sciences before progressing to a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland.
It was during his undergraduate studies that ‘Atiola was introduced to research exploring how genetic variations among Polynesian populations are linked to metabolic conditions.
“That was a turning point,” he said. “I realised that becoming a doctor isn’t the only way to improve health outcomes for our people. Research is another powerful pathway.”
That realisation led him to pursue postgraduate studies, completing a Master’s degree with First Class Honours and later embarking on a doctoral programme in biomedical science.
For ‘Atiola, the pursuit of a PhD is about more than personal achievement. He sees it as part of a wider effort to increase Pacific representation in academia and break down barriers facing underrepresented communities.
“It’s about visibility, leadership, and smashing the brown ceiling,” he said.
Alongside his research, ‘Atiola is actively involved in mentoring Māori and Pacific students, sharing his experiences and encouraging others to consider careers in science and research.
He hopes his journey will inspire younger Pacific people — particularly those raised in Pacific Island nations — to see that higher education and academic careers are within reach.
Looking ahead, ‘Atiola aims to build a long-term career in academia, contributing to Pacific-led research that delivers tangible benefits for communities across the region.
“If my journey helps even one young Pacific person believe they belong in research,” he said, “then the work I’m doing is serving its purpose.”
A Tongan resident in Auckland is appealing to the public for help after their family vehicle was stolen from their home overnight.
In a message shared on social media, the owner, Loloma Lelea Kolopeaua, urged family, friends, and the wider community to be on the lookout for the missing van and to contact them or Police if it is seen.
“Please family and friends, if anyone notices my van anywhere, please call me on Messenger or report it to the nearest Police station. Our Toyota Hiace was stolen from our house last night,” the post read.
The stolen vehicle is described as a silver 2009 Toyota Hiace 12-seater, bearing registration plate NFL515.
The appeal has been widely shared within the Tongan community in Auckland, with many offering support and helping to spread the alert online.
Vehicle theft remains a concern in parts of South Auckland, and Police continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity or sightings that could assist in recovering stolen property.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A growing lack of secure housing in Tonga is increasingly being recognised as a major issue, with authorities identifying informal settlements, rising demand for land, and the government withdrawing housing support from individuals occupying land they do not own.
Seputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi
Speaking during recent public meetings held as part of the Ministry of Lands’ reform programme, Lands Minister Taniela Fusimālohi said many people were now living without secure land arrangements on village land or boarding with relatives and other households because they did not have land of their own.
He noted that the situation had become evident when, in some instances, town officers were unable to explain how some individuals had settled on specific parcels of land.
“Homelessness is clearly evident in Tonga,” the Minister said in Tongan.
Fusimālohi warned that population growth and limited government-controlled land could create serious challenges in the coming decades for people seeking allotments for housing and cultivation.
“There may come a time—whether in 20 or 30 years—when it will be difficult for the Minister for Lands to meet the demand from people seeking land to live on,” he said.
The Minister said that the number of people requesting land from the Ministry for housing continues to grow, but there is still no land available for them.
He said only 47 percent of Tonga’s land is administered directly by the government as freehold land available for allocation to the public.
This means the remaining 53 percent is controlled under the authority of the King and the nobility. It is understood that a large proportion of the population resides on these lands without formal ownership arrangements.
In effect, their occupancy depends on the consent of the King or the nobility, who retain the right to evict them at any time.
Assistance Withdrawn Over Land Rights
Fusimālohi revealed that last year he and Ministry staff provided mobile and prefabricated houses to people living in poor housing conditions, but later withdrew the assistance after discovering the occupants did not own the land where the houses had been placed.
He said the decision was made to prevent landowners from evicting occupants and taking ownership of these houses.
The Minister linked the growing pressure on land to Tonga’s youthful population, saying the 2021 Census showed about 45 percent of Tongans were under the age of 25.
Many of them, he said, were either beginning to establish families or would do so in the coming years, increasing future demand for town and bush allotments.
Land Policy Faces Sustainability Challenges
Fusimālohi said the law guarantees citizens access to government town allotments for housing and bush allotments for cultivation, but acknowledged that the long-term sustainability of the system is now under pressure.
He said the government’s proposal to reduce town allotments from 30 poles to 15 poles, as previously reported by Kaniva News, reflected a historical trend of gradually reducing land sizes to preserve availability for future generations.
According to the Minister, allotments were previously 80 poles and later 60 poles before eventually being reduced to 30.
He said the reductions occurred after authorities recognised that larger allotments would eventually contribute to land shortages.
Fusimālohi said some individuals currently hold leases on land measuring about 16 poles for commercial and building purposes.
Backlog Revealed In Reviews
The Minister’s disclosure follows his earlier revelation that internal reviews had identified a backlog exceeding 7,000 land surveying applications, case files, and public complaints.
The Minister said the findings formed part of broader concerns that the Ministry had failed to maintain proper professional standards, including allegations involving poor administration of land rights and potentially corrupt practices affecting members of the public.
He also described conditions at the Ministry’s main office as disorganised, saying records had previously been poorly managed and stored inconsistently throughout the building.
Tonga’s Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) has called for urgent national action to protect children from the lasting trauma of domestic violence, in the wake of the fatal Vava’u shooting.
As reported by Kaniva News, a 43-year-old mother of four from ‘Utulangivaka, Vava’u, was fatally shot in a domestic violence incident on May 7. Her daughter was reportedly injured while trying to intervene.
The woman’s 43-year-old husband is in police custody as investigations into the fatal shooting continue.
The advocacy group described the killing as a devastating reminder of the dangers many women and children continue to face behind closed doors.
“As Tonga marks Mother’s Day, this tragedy is especially heartbreaking,” the organisation’s director, Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki said.
“A mother’s life has been taken in a place that should have been safest — her own home.”
The latest statement adds to growing public concern following earlier reports and emotional footage linked to the incident, which underscored the trauma inflicted on the victim’s family, particularly her children.
WCCC said the impact of the killing would be long-lasting, extending far beyond the immediate loss.
“Today, we mourn not only the loss of a woman, but the devastating impact this violence will have on her children, her family, and the wider community for years to come,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the ongoing police investigation, the organisation urged the public to allow due process to continue, but emphasised that the broader issue of domestic violence must not be ignored.
“Domestic violence is not a ‘private family matter’,” WCCC said. “It is a human rights violation. It is a community issue.”
The centre warned that far too many women and children across Tonga continue to live in fear, often unable to seek help due to barriers such as shame, stigma, economic dependence, and isolation.
It stressed that without early intervention, such violence can escalate to irreversible harm — and, in cases like this, loss of life.
In response, WCCC is calling for coordinated national action involving government agencies, churches, community leaders, families, and service providers to strengthen prevention efforts.
The organisation outlined key priorities, including raising community awareness, improving early intervention systems, expanding support services for survivors and children, and increasing investment in counselling and safe services. It also called for a stronger national commitment to challenging harmful norms that enable violence and silence victims.
Likiliki said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call.
“A home should never become the most dangerous place for a woman or child,” she said. “Every life lost to domestic violence is not only a personal tragedy — it is a collective failure to act early, listen deeply, and protect boldly.”
The organisation also issued a direct message to those currently experiencing violence.
“To women and children living in fear: you are not alone,” it said. “There are people and services that will listen, support, and stand beside you.”
WCCC continues to operate a 24-hour free support line (0800 444), providing counselling, advocacy, crisis assistance, and referrals.
As the investigation into the Vava’u shooting continues, the centre urged the nation to reflect not only on the loss but on the responsibility to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
“This Mother’s Day,” the statement concluded, “we ask Tonga not only to celebrate mothers — but to protect them.”
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – Tongan households will be protected from a newly announced electricity price increase, with the Government stepping in to cover the additional cost as part of a broader relief package responding to the ongoing energy and fuel crisis.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua confirmed during a weekly press conference that, although the Energy Commission has approved a 32 seniti increase in electricity tariffs, the Government will absorb the full impact of the rise, ensuring consumers do not bear the burden in their power bills.
The move forms part of a set of immediate measures aimed at easing pressure on families facing rising living costs.
“While there are signs of fuel supply risk, Tonga remains at ‘Green’ status, meaning overall supply is stable,” Lord Fakafanua said, while acknowledging the financial strain caused by global energy pressures.
Under the scheme, the Government will continue its existing lifeline tariff programme for vulnerable households, while extending support to all households nationwide.
By absorbing the tariff increase, the Government is effectively paying the additional cost that would otherwise have been passed on to consumers.
This intervention means households are unlikely to see a significant rise in their electricity bills despite the higher tariff rate.
Relief Amid Rising Costs
The electricity subsidy is the centrepiece of a wider support package designed to cushion the impact of the energy crisis and inflation on everyday life.
Other measures announced by the Government include a 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for civil servants, supported by $5 million in the draft FY2027 Budget, as well as subsidies to offset fuel surcharges on domestic air and shipping services to help keep the cost of goods and travel down for outer island communities.
The package also provides a one-off $100 payment to beneficiaries of elderly and disability welfare schemes, while targeted support for businesses struggling with rising energy costs is currently being finalised.
The Government’s decision to absorb the electricity price increase reflects a balancing act between maintaining energy supply stability and protecting households from economic shocks.
With global fuel costs continuing to fluctuate, officials signalled that interventions such as subsidies may be necessary to sustain affordability while ensuring reliable energy access.
The Prime Minister said the measures are part of a broader effort to maintain economic stability and protect vulnerable communities, as Tonga navigates ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets.
A call for urgent assistance has been issued on behalf of a Tongan student currently admitted to the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva, Fiji, who is in need of blood.
The appeal is directed particularly to individuals with blood group A or O, who are being encouraged to come forward and help meet this critical need.
A statement published by Tongan students at USP over the weekend said that those willing to assist are encouraged to contact 7618020 for further information and coordination.
However, potential donors were later advised that the CWM Hospital blood bank is currently closed and will reopen on Monday morning.
Donors are therefore encouraged to visit the facility once it reopens to make their contributions.
Members of the Tongan community, as well as the wider public in Fiji, are being urged to respond to the appeal and show support during this time of need.
No details about the patient or their illness were provided.
Inspired by her late mother Lilika, the Olympian activist is raising awareness about preventable illness.
Dame Valerie Adams hopes Jammies for June will kick off a national conversation about how we can better prevent illnesses that hit the Māori and Pasifika community hard.Photo credit:via Celebrity Speakers
Caption:Dame Valerie Adams hopes Jammies for June will kick off a national conversation about how we can better prevent illnesses that hit the Māori and Pasifika community hard.Photo credit:via Celebrity Speakers
With a mother who died of cervical cancer at just 39, Dame Valerie Adams is passionate about encouraging women to get cancer screenings via Women’s Health Week.
Knowing firsthand what it’s like to live in a South Auckland state house, she’s also the face of Jammies for June – a fundraising campaign to help keep tamariki, especially those coming out of hospital, warm and well this winter.
“A lot of these kids probably don’t even have pyjamas, probably never seen any. To see the smiles on their face when they’re leaving the hospital, if they get a pair of pyjamas with their siblings and their whānau… man, honestly, it just fills my cup,” the four-time world shot put champion tells RNZ’s Saturday Morning.
Dame Valerie Adams is supporting the Jammies for June campaign to provide donated pyjamas to New Zealand children over the winter.Middlemore Foundation
For many New Zealanders, preventable illnesses like asthma, respiratory disease, and rheumatic fever are “out of sight, out of mind”, Adams says.
But growing up in Māngere, the four-time Olympic medallist saw the daily struggle many parents have just to keep their kids warm and well.
“We’re talking about houses that are struggling to pay for power, or sometimes shutting off power just to save a bit of money, haven’t got enough kai in their cupboards and access to health.
“There are some people who screw the system over, but not everybody does it. The majority of people are actually struggling, are actually trying their best to make ends meet. Parents are working three jobs to try and put a roof over their head or to put gas in their tanks to get their kids to school.”
Dame Valerie Adams: Winning in other ways
Dame Valerie Adams at 15.Valerie Adams on Facebook / @valerieadamsNZ
Visiting a South Auckland family living in a garage recently (with the ManaKidz programme), Adams says it “hit home hard” when she found it had the same “real thin glass” as her childhood home.
“I was going to knock on the window to say hey, and they had the bloody glass. Honestly, trauma came back. I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, people are still living like this with these thin glasses that I could flick and smash.
“Sometimes people are too whakama or too shy or don’t know where to go. If a family does need help and they’re entitled to it, please let them know, ‘You need to contact your GP’.”
Dame Valerie Adams competing in Rome in 2016.PHOTOSPORT
“It must be so scary out in Ōtara”, Adams overheard someone say the other day.
Her response was, “Where did you hear that rubbish from? They’re the most friendliest people ever.”
“You need to hit up the Ōtara markets and Māngere markets. They’ve got the best kai. They’ve got cheap fruit and vegetables. Please go out and check them out because it’s a great morning for the family, for the whānau to be around that environment and that community.”
Dame Valerie Adams is an ambassador for Jammies for June.Middlemore Foundation
Growing up, Adams saw clearly how “completely different” opportunities for young Auckland athletes were, depending on where they lived.
A school PE teacher spent her own money to buy a pair of throwing shoes for the future two-time Olympic gold-winning shot putter.
Now sponsored by Nike, Adams has “shoes coming out of her ears” and sends many pairs on to aspiring athletes around New Zealand.
“That could make a difference, because those pair of shoes that I got when I was young made a difference.”
Dame Valerie Adams at the premiere of More Than Gold.Producers of ‘More than Gold’
The 41-year-old is now bringing her perspective as a proud Polynesian woman to tough, necessary conversations about the “very Eurocentric” sport of athletics as Chair of the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission.
“I was always very shy. [In the past] I was like ‘I’ve got nothing to give. These people are all smart. I’m dumb’. That’s just the way we think and the mindset we had.
“I was a bit quiet for the first few meetings and then slowly found my voice. Now it’s okay. I feel like I belong, you know.”
Dame Valerie Adams in 2016.PHOTOSPORT
This Mother’s Day, with her two children, she will visit the urupā [grave] of her mother Lilika, a very strong Tongan woman with Christian values who sacrificed a lot for her family.
“I’m one of these crazy people., I go there a lot, but it just gives me peace and comfort. I know it’s not for everyone, but it works for me. My kids have never met her, but they know exactly who she is. ‘This is Nanny Lilika, and we’re going to go clean her up.'”
Dame Valerie Adams with daughter Kimoana.PHOTOSPORT
Although Lilika died back in 2000, Adams says she still cries over her loss.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, losing your mum is one of the worst feelings in the world. Everybody that has their mum still around, I always tell them, ‘Cherish them’.
“Also, she died of something that was preventable, [so] why isn’t she here? She should have been here. There were a lot of very tough moments for me.”
A newly emerged video has provided a harrowing glimpse into the moments following the fatal shooting in Vava’u, capturing the trauma experienced by the victim’s family.
The victim’s daughter, seen here with a bandaged hand, was injured while trying to intervene during the fatal shooting in Vava’u
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday at the family’s home in ‘Utulangivaka, where the 43-year-old woman was fatally injured in a reported multiple shooting.
It is also understood that one of her daughters was injured during the incident, apparently while trying to intervene.
Tonga Police have since confirmed that her 43-year-old husband has been arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Sources and relatives who spoke to Kaniva News have identified the deceased as Taiana ‘One’one, also known as Taiana Koluse.
In a heart-wrenching development, the video circulating in the aftermath of the incident shows a young woman, believed to be the victim’s daughter, visibly shaken and in tears as she recounts her desperate attempt to intervene.
“I tried to stop him,” she cried out to her mum, though her body was not shown in the footage. The video appears to have since been removed from Facebook, with only a screenshot—published here as the featured image—remaining after efforts to trace it.
Police have released only limited details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but confirmed that the case is being treated as a serious domestic violence incident.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and statements.
The woman killed in Thursday’s shooting in ‘Utulangivaka, Vava’u.
“Tonga Police extend sincere condolences to the family, children, and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time,” a police statement read.
This is especially so as we approach the observance of Mother’s Day.”
Local community members have expressed shock and sadness at the incident, remembering the mother as a valued member of her community.
The mother is survived by her husband and four children.
