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.
By Susana Suisuiki of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission
The world’s largest secondary school cultural festival, Polyfest returns this week to Tamaki Makaurau.
The 2026 ASB Polyfest will be held in two locations, over two weeks. File image. Photo: Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
For the first time the event will be held across two locations.
ASB Polyfest officially launches on Wednesday, starting with a flag raising ceremony at the Manukau Sports Bowl.
The venue transforms into a cultural hub with five stages featuring the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga, as wellas a stage dedicated to Diversity.
Attendees can watch cultural performances on the Pacific and Diversity stages as well as speech competitions up until Saturday.
Photo: RNZ
Meanwhile, Manukau’s Due Drop Event Centre will host the Maori stage with performances scheduled from 30 March – 2 April, reflecting the growing importance of this Polynesian cultural festival.
This year marks 51 years of Polyfest with the theme, ‘Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi no te Moana nui a Kiwa, ake, ake, ake! – The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a ‘Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior’ for generations to come”.
More than 80,000 people are expected to attend and while the event mainly showcases Pacific youth performances, organisers say it is a celebration of New Zealand’s diverse communities.
Speaking to Pacific Waves, the festival’s director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu said 263 groups from 73 schools had registered to perform this year.
Gate one volunteers at Polyfest Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Behind the scenes, Seiuli said there were many volunteers and “unspoken heroes” that ensure the event is run smoothly.
“Within the stage areas alone, with six stages there’s probably over just 100 people that are working within the stage areas,” Seiuli said.
“Organising it from last year, April to this year March, there’s a core team of seven that then grows into a team of 20 or 30.
“And then, on the ground with all our volunteers and all our contractors, there’s about 2000 then there’s about two or 3000 coming from the schools alone,” she said.
McAuley High School Samoan group Photo: BC Photography
Seiuli explained the splitting of the event with the Maori stage held at another location and time is due to the festival’s expansion and growth.
The subsequent schedule is also timed to complement Te Matatini, which is usually held every two years in February, allowing schools to have more time to practice for Polyfest.
In the lead up to Polyfest’s 50th anniversary, the event’s financial woes made news headlines with organisers scaling back the festival and blaming government for not increasing its funding.
Seiuli said securing long-term funding was still a “work in progress”.
“We worked with a contractor with some funding that the Ministry for Pacific Peoples provided for us to work on a funding strategy and funding model that still needs to be delivered,” Seiuli said.
She added that funders had emerged for 2027 and 2028 with several new stage sponsors on board.
Auckland Grammar School Samoan group Photo: BC Photography
Having directed the festival for the past 17 years, Seiuli said the festival had become about more than just the main four-day event.
The Leaders Conference held over two days at the start of the year also brings together cultural school leaders across Auckland and beyond giving them the opportunity to connect and also immerse themselves in the various workshops provided.
With the weather forecast looking clear over the next few days Seiuli said there had been no need for a wet weather contigency plan.
She said performances will continue on as scheduled and but families should still bring their umbrellas and gumboots, just in case.
New Zealand has around six to seven weeks’ worth of fuel available nationally, yet – in recent days – motorists in parts of the country have encountered empty pumps and temporarily closed forecourts.
Empty gas pumps at Pak’nSave Petone on March 20, 2026. (Source: 1News)
Both the Government and industry experts say the outages are localised delivery disruptions, driven by a surge in consumer demand, rather than any lack of fuel coming into or stored within the country.
The disruptions come as the war in the Middle East escalates, with tit‑for‑tat attacks targeting oil and gas infrastructure pushing global energy prices sharply higher.
Overnight, Brent crude oil, the international benchmark used to price fuel, briefly surged above US$119 a barrel, up about 60% since the conflict began.
Iran conflict fuelling price hikes across many New Zealand sectors
Overnight, Brent crude briefly topped $US119, up 60% since the war started, putting the pinch across the board.
Iran conflict fuelling price hikes across many New Zealand sectors 4:12
Overnight, Brent crude briefly topped $US119, up 60% since the war started, putting the pinch across the board. (Source: 1News)
AA principal policy adviser Terry Collins said motorists encountering empty pumps were being confronted with a delivery and logistics issue – not a national fuel shortage.
He said New Zealand’s fuel system effectively had two supply chains: Fuel arriving into the country by ship, and fuel being delivered domestically by tanker trucks to service stations.
“At a national level, there’s plenty of fuel. We’ve got fuel arriving by ship every week, storage onshore, and no issues with overall supply,” Collins told 1News.
AA principal policy adviser Terry Collins. (Source: 1News)
The problem, he said, arose at the local delivery level, particularly when there was an unexpected spike in demand.
Service station deliveries were tightly scheduled and optimised to run efficiently, meaning there was little spare capacity when demand suddenly surged.
“Those tankers are generally optimised to operate under normal conditions. When demand suddenly exceeds expectations in one location, a station can run dry before it’s due to be refilled.”
Once a station ran out, it took time for companies to reshuffle delivery schedules, especially given limits on driver hours, tanker availability, and the fact logistics operations were owned and run separately by different fuel brands.
But the Government and fuel suppliers say there’s no need to panic. (Source: 1News)
‘Toilet paper’ effect
Collins said the visibility of empty stations could also trigger a self‑fulfilling surge in demand, describing it as a “toilet paper issue”, referring to shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic caused by panic buying.
“They’ve created their own demand, then they drive past the station and see it’s got no petrol and think ‘hell, I better get some petrol’. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Outages like this were usually highly localised, particularly in urban areas with many alternatives nearby.
“If Pak’nSave Petone runs out, it’s not a big deal, because there’s another six service stations along Seaview that haven’t run out.”
Rural areas, Collins said, were less likely to have the same spikes.
“They don’t have that volume of people in a rural area to have that big impact.”
Finance Minister Nicola Willis. (Source: 1News)
Finance Minister Nicola Willis today said empty pumps reflected a surge in local demand that had outstripped normal delivery patterns rather than a lack of fuel in the system.
“Local fuel companies are seeing increased buying from New Zealand customers, and so their normal patterns of restocking in some cases are not sufficient,” Willis told 1News.
Fuel companies were closely monitoring demand and understood it was in their commercial interest to ensure fuel stored nationally made its way to gas stations, she said.
“They’re competing against each other. They want to make sure that they’re selling the fuel that they can sell to customers.”
Willis said she had fuel companies to confirm that local distribution issues would be addressed.
“I sought assurances from the fuel companies that they will keep on top of that, local distribution, and that they will ensure that the supplies they have stored are making it to customers. And they affirmed, for me, that that is exactly what they will do.
NZ Govt prepares for worst fuel supply scenario
Iran and Israel trade attacks on fuel facilities in Middle East, heightening global supply fears.
NZ Govt prepares for worst fuel supply scenario 2:47
Iran and Israel trade attacks on fuel facilities in Middle East, heightening global supply fears. (Source: 1News)
Cabinet ministers were expected to consider further measures on Monday, including temporarily relaxing fuel standards, which one supplier says would allow fuel to be sourced from a wider range of international refineries.
Waitomo Group chief executive Simon Parham said New Zealand’s ultra‑low sulphur diesel standards were more restrictive than those used elsewhere.
“It really just broadens the market for purchases. In New Zealand it’s 10 parts per million, in the US it’s 15 — that opens up a whole new suite of refineries we can purchase from.”
The Commerce Commission said it was monitoring fuel prices daily and that current movements were consistent with past global disruptions.
It said there was no evidence of misconduct, adding that strong competition, helped by motorists shopping around, remained the best protection for consumers.
Martial arts icon and Walker, Texas Ranger star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Friday.
Norris was hospitalised in Hawaii on Thursday following a medical emergency before passing away the next morning, surrounded by family, who requested privacy regarding the circumstances of his death.
In a statement, his family described him as “a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather… and the heart of our family,” noting that he lived “with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.”
Norris rose to international fame as one of Hollywood’s most recognisable action stars, known for his real-life martial arts mastery and his roles in The Delta Force, Missing in Action, and the long-running CBS hit Walker, Texas Ranger.
He also appeared alongside Bruce Lee in the classic 1972 film The Way of the Dragon, a performance that helped cement his status as a global action icon.
Tributes are flowing worldwide as fans and fellow performers remember Norris as a cultural symbol of strength, discipline, and resilience whose influence spanned more than five decades.
Police are appealing for the public’s assistance to locate 15‑year‑old Tracey, who has been reported missing from the Conifer Grove area in South Auckland.
Tracey was last seen on 27 February and was reported missing on 4 March.
Despite ongoing inquiries, police have not yet been able to find her.
She is described as approximately 150cm tall, with brown eyes and black hair.
At the time she went missing, she was wearing a purple T‑shirt and black Nike pants.
Police believe Tracey may be in the wider Auckland or Waikato regions.
Both police and Tracey’s family hold serious concerns for her welfare and are urging anyone who may have seen her, or who has information about her whereabouts, to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call 111, quoting file number 260305/8454.
Nuku‘alofa — The family of a young woman killed in a fatal Tongatapu crash earlier this month is expected to lay her to rest tomorrow at Telekava I Cemetery in Kolomotu‘a.
Malia ‘I Fatima Jr Tatu. Photo/Supplied
Eighteen‑year‑old Malia ‘I Fātima Tatu died when the accident occurred on March 13.
Police said in a statement that officers responded to a road traffic accident in Kanokupolu, which resulted in the tragic death of the young woman from Kolomotu‘a.
Several other passengers travelling in the same vehicle sustained injuries and received medical attention.
Police have not yet released details of the fatal crash.
They warned that dangerous driving behaviours such as speeding and racing put lives at risk.
Drivers are urged to act safely and responsibly, the Police said.
The authority extended its condolences to the bereaved family, stating:
“Tonga Police extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.”
As family, friends, and the community prepare for her burial, tributes have been shared online.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, a family member reflected on the grief and memories shared in the days leading up to the funeral:
“The children’s time with our dearest Malia ‘i Fatima Tatu Jr… A very emotional evening — rosary, singing, sharing and crying over little things that matter to the kids. These are memories they will cherish forever. A quiet moment to reflect on the good things that Tima Leka did for them. Life goes on, and I hope what happened to Tima is something you will never have to go through.”
Malia’s funeral Mass will be held on Saturday morning at 10am at the Basilica, followed by her burial at Telekava I Cemetery.
Nuku‘alofa — A woman already serving life imprisonment for importing more than 137 grams of methamphetamine has been sentenced for a second time, after the Supreme Court of Tonga convicted her on an additional charge of importing drug‑use utensils.
‘Anita Toutaiolepo, 46, appeared before Justice Tupou KC for sentencing on Friday, just months after receiving one of the country’s harshest penalties for drug trafficking.
This latest case centres on six smoking pipes concealed within the same shipment that led to her original conviction.
The utensils were discovered when Customs officers scanned and inspected a drum shipped from the United States aboard the Papuan Poly, consigned directly to Toutaiolepo.
Suspicious markings led officers to open the container, where they found the methamphetamine along with six pipes wrapped inside a pair of pants.
Toutaiolepo and her daughter had personally cleared the drum at the wharf before Customs intervened.
This second sentencing focuses solely on the drug‑use utensils, a separate offence under the Illicit Drugs Control Act.
Although she had previously agreed to facts showing the drum was sent by her father in San Francisco and intended for her, Toutaiolepo later presented a new version of events, claiming the shipment was arranged by others in the household where she had been working as a caregiver.
Justice Tupou described this account as a “brand new story” inconsistent with the evidence and past admissions.
The court noted that she had failed to cooperate with authorities, continued to deny responsibility despite her conviction, and showed no remorse, offering shifting and contradictory explanations throughout the process
Justice Tupou set a starting point of nine months, reduced to six months due to her previously clean record before these offences.
The judge declined to suspend any portion of the sentence, citing her lack of cooperation and persistent denial.
However, because she is already serving life imprisonment, the six‑month sentence will be served concurrently, meaning it does not extend her time behind bars — but it does add an additional criminal conviction to her record.
The court also ordered that the six drug pipes be destroyed.
Justice Tupou stressed the need to denounce and deter those involved in Tonga’s growing drug trade.
Nuku‘alofa — Tonga Police have arrested two men following a shooting incident in the ‘Ananā area on 18 March, and are now searching for a third suspect believed to be connected to the case.
According to a police media release issued on Friday, the first arrested individual is a male in his early thirties from Mataika/‘Ananā.
He has been charged in relation to the unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public road during the incident.
A second man, aged in his early forties from Vainī, was also arrested.
Police said he sustained injuries during the incident and required medical attention, but has since stabilised and is now charged with trespassing.
Police are actively looking for a third person of interest, described only as a 40‑year‑old male from Vaini, who has not yet been located.
Authorities confirmed that a .22 calibre rifle used in the incident has been recovered and seized.
Police state the weapon was unlawfully possessed.
Members of the public with any information that could assist in locating the outstanding suspect are urged to contact the nearest police station or call 922.
The media release was issued in both English and Tongan to ensure wider community access to information about the ongoing investigation.
Australia’s Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has warned Far North Queensland residents to brace for “significant” damage as Tropical Cyclone Narelle, now a powerful category five system, moves rapidly toward the coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast the cyclone to make landfall on Friday morning, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding across multiple communities.
Narelle, described as one of the strongest systems to approach Queensland in recent years, is currently tracking toward the coastline between Cape Tribulation and Lockhart River, with wind speeds expected to exceed 225km/h near the centre.
Premier Crisafulli said the situation was evolving rapidly and urged residents to act immediately, warning that “the window to act is obviously closing” and stressing the need for families to secure their homes, prepare emergency plans and stay informed through official channels.
The Premier emphasised that the storm poses multiple threats, including destructive winds, flash flooding, storm surge and widespread infrastructure damage.
Emergency services across the state have been placed on high alert, with additional police, paramedics and swift‑water rescue teams deployed to Far North Queensland, and hundreds of energy workers positioned in the region to support rapid repairs once conditions allow.
BOM officials have warned that rainfall could intensify quickly over already saturated areas, increasing the risk of dangerous flash flooding.
Authorities have reiterated that residents should not attempt to go outside during the cyclone or seek “social‑media footage,” stressing that flying debris could be lethal.
Several communities, including Coen, Cooktown, Lockhart River and Wujal Wujal, have activated emergency plans, with evacuations underway in the most vulnerable areas.
Premier Crisafulli urged Queenslanders to support one another and follow all official warnings, saying, “I have every faith that we’ll get through it, if communities take it seriously, look out for each other, and prepare well now.”
Residents are encouraged to monitor BOM updates, follow instructions from local authorities and avoid travel in affected areas. Further updates will be provided as the cyclone approaches landfall.
Sydney — Tongan‑heritage NRL forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been released from hospital and cleared of major injury after a frightening training mishap that saw him taken from the field in an ambulance on Thursday morning.
Loko Pasifiki Tonga
The 20‑year‑old St George Illawarra Dragons rising star was left motionless following a routine tackle at WIN Stadium before medical staff intervened and paramedics transported him for urgent scans.
Tonga — who was born in Auckland to Tongan parents and proudly represents his Pacific roots — has quickly become one of the most promising young forwards in the NRL.
His rapid rise through junior ranks and early first‑grade appearances have made him a player to watch for both the Dragons and Tongan fans across the region.
Cleared of Serious Injury
After several hours of concern, the Dragons confirmed that Tonga had escaped major injury, with scans showing no serious damage to his neck despite the dramatic scenes earlier in the day. He was able to walk back into the club’s training facility later in the afternoon.
“Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been cleared of any major neck injury concerns and returned to the Dragons training facility this afternoon,” the club said in a statement. “He will be monitored by our medical staff over the coming days before a determination is made on his availability to play this weekend.”
The forward remained conscious and communicative throughout the ordeal, reassuring teammates as paramedics worked to stabilise him.
Tonga’s strong family and cultural ties have been central to his journey. Coming through Pacific‑rich pathways such as the Bankstown Bulls and Chester Hill Hornets before moving into the Dragons system, he has consistently spoken about representing his heritage with pride.
Rated among the club’s brightest young forwards, Tonga made his NRL debut last year and has already played 10 first‑grade games.
He was listed to play in the NSW Cup this weekend before the injury scare, and while a return remains possible, the club is expected to make a decision after further monitoring.
News of the injury prompted a wave of concern across the NRL community, including many Tongan supporters who have celebrated Tonga’s emergence as one of the next generation of Pacific rugby league stars.
Messages of encouragement flooded social media as fans awaited updates.
The club is expected to provide another update before the weekend, but for now, both Dragons fans and Tonga’s Pacific supporters can breathe a sigh of relief.
Nuku‘alofa — The Tonga Police have issued a public apology and reaffirmed their commitment to professional standards following widespread concern triggered by a viral video involving some of their officers.
The woman whose viral video criticising police handling of her call for help prompted an internal conduct inquiry by Tonga Police.
The Police statement comes after a video was widely shared on Facebook this week showing a woman expressing frustration at what she described as unprofessional handling of her complaint by police.
She alleged that an officer spoke over her on the 922 emergency helpline while she was trying to report an intruder who had entered her home carrying what she believed was a drug‑related utensil.
She told viewers she feared for her children’s safety as the situation unfolded.
In the footage, viewed by Kaniva News, the woman pleaded with police to improve their public communication and customer‑service response.
She said she was “panicked” and “disappointed” after repeatedly calling the Nukunuku Police Station, only to have no one answer the phone.
The video was widely shared on Facebook, attracting more than 100,000 views and generating over 300 reactions and shares.
In a public notice released on Thursday, the Police Commissioner Geoff Turner reminded all staff that “as frontline public servants, our duty to provide timely, professional, and reliable service is non-negotiable.”
The notice emphasised that customer service lies at the core of police responsibilities and that any failure in this area “undermines the integrity of the entire organisation.”
Police acknowledged that complaints relating to the incident — which circulated widely online — had been received and addressed internally.
The statement assured the public that any lapses in police service are taken seriously and that inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour will not be tolerated.
Members of the public were encouraged to report concerns about staff conduct to the Professional Standards Unit or the Media and Public Relations Unit at Police Headquarters, where complaints will be directed to the appropriate departments for review.
The organisation stated that it remains committed to maintaining public trust, upholding ethical standards, and delivering reliable policing services to communities across Tonga.
The notice also expressed gratitude to the public for its continued cooperation and support.
A full Tongan-language version of the statement was included, reiterating Commissioner Turner’s message that police officers must uphold the values of respect, responsibility, and service, and assuring the public that unprofessional conduct will be addressed.
The notice concluded with contact information for further inquiries, directing the public to the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office.
