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

By
Kalino Latu
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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.

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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.

More suspected drug packages wash ashore on Vava’u beaches

By
Kalino Latu
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Suspected illicit drugs have reportedly washed ashore on beaches in Vava’u, according to local officials, although authorities have yet to confirm the nature of the latest discoveries.

A package found on a beach at Koloa, Vava‘u. The town officer alleges it may contain illicit drugs, although the nature and contents of the object have not been independently verified. Photo/Supplied

Images provided to Kaniva News show what appears to be a package partially embedded in the sand on a beach in Koloa earlier this month, according to Neiafu town officer Vava Lapota.

The object appears to be wrapped in a light-coloured material and secured with a black band.

No markings are visible in the photograph to indicate its contents.

The package was photographed near the water’s edge, with driftwood and reef flats visible in the background.

Kaniva News has not independently verified the nature of the object or allegations regarding its contents.

Lapota told us that the items found at Koloa had been handed over to Police for investigation.

The reported discovery comes after similar packages were found washed up on a beach at Holeva Island, about one kilometre from Koloa, earlier this month.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the latest findings are linked to those earlier discoveries.

The incidents have revived memories of a significant drug find in the area in 2021, when approximately 14 kilograms of cocaine washed ashore at Holeva Beach.

Police later confirmed that substance was cocaine and urged members of the public to immediately report any suspicious packages or materials found on beaches or at sea.

Anyone who encounters suspicious packages along the coastline is advised not to handle them and to notify Police immediately.

Kaniva News sought comment from Tonga Police regarding the earlier discovery at Holeva but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Tongan produce shipment spoils in US, sparks sympathy, raises handling questions

By
Kalino Latu
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A shipment of root crops from Tonga has arrived in the United States extensively spoiled, prompting sympathy for importers while raising questions about how the container was handled during transit.

Discoloured cassava and taro leaves are seen inside a refrigerated container after a shipment of Tongan produce arrived in the United States extensively spoiled, prompting concern over the handling of the cargo during transit.

A livestream by the shipment’s receiver on the It’s Simple Food Supply Facebook account revealed that much of the container’s contents—including cassava, taro, and taro leaves packaged in plastic bags—had deteriorated beyond recovery.

The produce, which had been destined for sale and distribution, was reportedly deemed unsalvageable and is expected to be discarded.

The size of the container, its ownership, and the precise cause of the apparent refrigeration failure that led to the spoilage of the produce had not been independently confirmed at the time of publication.

Kaniva News has viewed the video, which shows bags of cassava turning yellow—a discolouration commonly associated with spoilage in what is normally white-fleshed cassava.

The footage also shows what had been described during the livestream as taro leaves losing their natural green colour, with the livestreamer stating that they had rotted during transit.

Community Reacts To Loss

It is understood that the produce had been purchased from multiple growers across Tonga with the intention of being marketed and sold in the United States.

The footage quickly circulated across social media, generating a range of reactions from members of the Tongan diaspora and wider online community. Many expressed sadness and concern, noting the effort, expense, and expectation invested in preparing and exporting the shipment from Tonga.

Several commenters focused on the financial impact on growers, suppliers, and families who had invested significant time, labour, and resources into producing the crops. For some, the shipment represented an anticipated source of income that has now been lost.

“This is more than just spoiled food—it’s people’s livelihoods,” one commenter wrote, reflecting a sentiment widely shared online.

Others criticised what they viewed as negligence in the handling of the container and called for greater accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Some community members, however, argued that not all of the produce should necessarily be discarded, suggesting that portions of the cassava could still be grated for baking or used as animal feed, including for pigs.

The incident has also reignited discussion about the importance of proper cold-chain management in international food transportation and the vulnerability of exporters to logistical failures beyond their control.

Calls are growing for stronger safeguards and monitoring systems to ensure refrigerated shipments are properly managed throughout their journey.

US crypto promoter pleads guilty in HyperFund scam that hit Tongan investors

By
Kalino Latu
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A United States man has pleaded guilty in a federal court for promoting a multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency fraud scheme that affected members of the Tongan diaspora.

Rodney “Bitcoin Rodney” Burton, 56, of Miami, entered a guilty plea on June 17 in the U.S. District Court in Maryland to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

According to a plea agreement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Burton conspired between June 2020 and January 2022 to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business that promoted HyperFund, a scheme that fraudulently obtained about $1.8 billion from investors worldwide while enriching its operators.

Prosecutors said HyperFund falsely marketed itself as a cryptocurrency investment platform, promising returns of 0.5 to 1 percent daily until investors doubled or tripled their initial funds. The scheme claimed these returns were generated through large-scale crypto-mining operations, which authorities said did not exist.

Burton allegedly controlled several companies presented as consulting firms but which operated as unlicensed money transmitters, personally receiving at least $7.85 million from the scheme, including funds linked to victims in Maryland.

By 2021, the platform had begun blocking investor withdrawals.

Sam Lee and Tongan Outreach

The development follows earlier scrutiny of Australian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Lee (also known as Xue Lee), who has been identified by U.S. regulators as a central figure in the HyperFund/HyperVerse scheme.

U.S. prosecutors allege that Lee, a co-founder of HyperFund, helped operate the scheme by promoting investment contracts promising extraordinary returns, purportedly generated through large-scale cryptocurrency mining operations that investigators say did not exist.

Lee was introduced to the Tongan HyperFund investors through livestream sessions hosted by U.S.-based Tongan promoter Setaita Folau Tānaki in an apparent effort to build trust among participants amid early signs the scheme might collapse.

During the height of HyperFund’s promotion, the scheme gained considerable traction among Tongans, driven by aggressive recruitment efforts across diaspora communities. Its spread was not without controversy.

At the time, Tānaki claimed in livestreams that she was earning up to $200 a day through HyperFund. She also targeted construction and labour workers, encouraging them to invest up to $10,000 with promises of daily returns of around $50.

However, meetings attended by Tongans in the United States were, at times, marked by heated confrontations, including one livestreamed gathering in which a man directly challenged Tānaki over what he alleged were false or misleading claims about the programme.

Comments on subsequent livestream recordings revealed ongoing disputes, accusations, and growing scepticism among participants about the scheme’s legitimacy.

Tanaki Urges Halt to Investments

In March 2023, Tanaki appeared unexpectedly on a livestream urging members of the Tongan HyperFund community not to deposit any further money.

In the video, seen by Kaniva News, she appeared visibly concerned.

Although she did not explicitly state that the scheme had collapsed, her remarks conveyed the implication that HyperFund was no longer viable.

She indicated she was aware that some Tongans had deposited as much as $100,000 into the HyperFund scheme and subsequently lost those funds.

Lingering Impact, Lessons Unlearned

Burton’s case remains a cautionary reminder for Tonga. Despite the widespread controversy it generated at the time, concerns persist that the lessons were not fully learned, as similar schemes have continued to surface and attract participants within the Tongan community.

More recently, some Tongans have been drawn into comparable pyramid-style operations, including the BG Wealth Sharing scheme, which collapsed last month and reportedly cost participants thousands of dollars.

HyperFund also appears to have influenced a wave of similar operations within the Tongan community in New Zealand. In some cases, individuals went on to establish and promote their own schemes through social media platforms.

Among them was the Tongitupe pyramid scheme, which reportedly defrauded Tongan community members of approximately $13 million, according to FBI records. Its founder, Tilila Siola‘a Schumachai, is scheduled to appear in a United States court in March next year.

Her co-founder, ‘Ofa Siasau, was earlier ordered by a tribunal in Auckland to repay $26,250 to a victim of the scheme.

MP Piukala suspended after drug lord allegation sparks heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku‘alofa — Independent MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended from Parliament for one day on Tuesday after a heated confrontation with Chairman of the Whole House Committee Lord Tu‘ilakepa, who warned that he would kai vevela—a Tongan figurative expression meaning to receive a severe beating and feel its full painful impact.

Lord Tu’ilakepa (L) and MP Piveni Piukala

The clash arose while Piukala was speaking on organised crime and illicit drug trafficking, referring to several incidents from his tenure as Minister of Police.

During his remarks, Lord Tu‘ilakepa repeatedly challenged Piukala, stating that he was making allegations without evidence and should first submit supporting documents to Parliament before such matters could be formally debated.

Gomez Connection Questioned

Tensions escalated when Piukala asked the Chair whether he was a friend of Antonio Gomez, apparently referring to Obeil Antonio Zuluaga Gomez, a Colombian drug lord linked to a major drug-trafficking investigation.

Gomez came under the spotlight in an Australian police investigation that alleged drugs from South America were trafficked through Tonga en route to Australia and China around 2010

Piukala’s remarks appeared to allude to longstanding allegations that Lord Tu‘ilakepa used his influence as former Speaker of Parliament to assist Gomez in obtaining a visa to Tonga and had offered to accommodate and financially support him.

The matter was brought before the courts in Tonga. However, the Crown later withdrew the drug charges after determining that intercepted phone communications presented as evidence were not admissible under Tongan law.

Tempers Flare in Parliament

The exchange quickly deteriorated, with raised voices and repeated interruptions from both sides. At one point, Lord Tu‘ilakepa warned Piukala that it would take only a short distance for him to reach and beat him.

Piukala responded, in a figurative remark, cautioning him not to assume he would prevail, and said he was willing for the House to be “tātāpuni” (closed doors), a Tongan expression meaning to lock the doors and allow the combatants to continue fighting until a winner emerges.

Lord Tu‘ilakepa then warned Piukala that he would “kai vevela”, a figurative expression conveying confidence that the opponent would receive a severe beating and feel its full painful impact.

Lord Tu‘ilakepa called Piukala to order three times, but the MP continued speaking. The Chair subsequently instructed parliamentary security officers to escort Piukala from the chamber and announced his suspension for a day.

Although no physical altercation occurred, the incident immediately revived memories of the pair’s parliamentary fight last year.

Previous Brawl

In the earlier incident, widely reported by local and New Zealand media, Parliament descended into chaos when Piukala and Lord Tu‘ilakepa exchanged punches on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

At the time, Piukala, then Minister of Police, took offence after Lord Tu‘ilakepa repeatedly instructed him to stop shouting during parliamentary proceedings.

Piukala crossed the chamber toward the Chair’s seat, and a physical confrontation ensued before security and other Members of Parliament intervened to separate the pair.

Video footage of the incident shows Piukala apparently falling to the floor after what appeared to be a punch from Lord Tu‘ilakepa, although no injuries were reported.

Police seize nearly 500 cannabis plants in Auckland crackdown on organised crime

By
Kaniva Staff
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Auckland Police have seized close to 500 cannabis plants following a targeted operation aimed at disrupting organised criminal activity across several suburbs.

Police would like to acknowledge the support by members of the public around information on illegal operations occurring within their community.

The operation, known as Operation Green, was carried out on Tuesday, with officers executing four search warrants at residential properties in Hillsborough, New Windsor, Mount Roskill, and Mount Albert.

Acting Senior Sergeant Corey Foster of Auckland City West Police said the operation focused on shutting down organised cultivation networks operating within the community.

“As a result, Police located and dismantled several sophisticated indoor cultivation setups, seizing approximately 486 cannabis plants in varying sizes, along with associated equipment,” Foster said.

The indoor growing systems were described as advanced, indicating a level of organisation and investment consistent with commercial-scale drug production.

Police say the seizure is a significant step in preventing profits from being funnelled into wider criminal networks.

“By locating and seizing these cannabis plants, we have prevented them receiving payment that would have gone to fund a range of organised criminal activity in our community,” Foster said.

Authorities believe operations like these are often linked to broader offending, including drug distribution and other illegal activities.

Despite the scale of the operation, no arrests have been made at this stage. However, police say investigations are ongoing and further action has not been ruled out.

Foster expressed hope that the outcome of the operation would reassure the public that police are actively targeting organised crime groups.

Police also acknowledged the role played by members of the public in providing information that contributed to the operation.

“We would like to thank the community for their support and the information provided regarding illegal operations occurring in their area,” Foster said.

Authorities are continuing to encourage anyone with concerns or information about suspicious activity to come forward.

Information can be reported online or by calling 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police say they will continue operations targeting organised crime and illegal drug production across Auckland, with a focus on reducing harm and protecting communities from the impact of such activities.

Speaker Lord Vaea blasts government over delay in denying Chief Justice allegations

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Speaker of Parliament, Lord Vaea, has raised concerns over what he described as the government’s slow response in informing Parliament about the judiciary’s denial of serious allegations concerning Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC.

Lord Vaea. Photo/Kalino Lātū/Kaniva Tonga News

As Kaniva News reported on Monday, proceedings in the Legislative Assembly were temporarily suspended after a controversial allegation concerning Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC was raised during debate on the government’s annual budget.

The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, ordered an immediate halt to proceedings after People’s Representative for Tt 7 Piveni Piukala made claims regarding the Chief Justice’s health.

Lord Tu’ilakepa swiftly ruled the allegation out of order, describing it as highly sensitive and inappropriate for parliamentary discussion without proper substantiation.

He then directed that the House adjourn temporarily to prevent any further debate on the matter.

The Speaker’s concern on Tuesday revived the issue after Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Viliami Uasike Latu, told the House that the Court had firmly rejected the claims.

He also conveyed the judiciary’s “grave concern and disappointment” at the allegations, saying the allegations had spread rapidly, particularly on social media and through overseas news outlets.

“The allegations have damaged the credibility of the Judiciary, the third branch of government,” he told Parliament.

Drawing on Mr Uasike’s statement to the House, the Speaker confirmed that a complaint from the Ministry of Justice had been formally tabled.

The Speaker described the allegation as “serious” and warned the House any further discussion on it will not be allowed.

He then raised concern that the government failed to act promptly, only filing the complaint the following day.

“Me’a pe kou hanga ongo’i a e ikai ‘omai ‘e he pule’anga he vave taha ‘aneafi kae tuku mai ke toki fai ‘a e feme’a’aki ‘i he pongipongi’ ni”, the Speaker said in Tongan.

He confirmed that the House had now received a formal complaint and that the matter had been processed according to parliamentary procedures. The Speaker further ruled that the issue would not be debated until the appropriate processes had been completed.

MP Piukala challenged Mr Latu during the session, asking him to clarify which specific parts of his allegations were considered incorrect. His questioning suggested he continues to stand by his claims.

In response, Mr Latu urged Piukala to wait for the outcome of the review currently being conducted by parliamentary staff.

Following the exchange, the House proceeded with its scheduled business, resuming budget deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House.

Police investigate after unidentified body found near Masefield Naval base

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa – Tonga Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of an unidentified male body near the Masefield Naval Base on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Masefield Naval Base in Touliki. Photo/Kalino L,ātū

The body was found by personnel from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) in the vicinity of the naval base, the Police said in a statement.

Authorities confirmed the remains have since been taken into police custody and transferred to the morgue, where efforts are underway to establish the identity of the deceased.

Police say inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.

In an appeal to the public, Tonga Police are urging anyone with information that may assist in identifying the deceased to contact their nearest police station or call 922.

Officials emphasised that community support could play a vital role in advancing the investigation.

No details regarding the cause of death or how long the body may have been at the location have been released at this stage.

Police say further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For media inquiries, Tonga Police Media and Public Relations Office can be contacted on 740-1613.

Tonga Parliament adjourned after MP raises allegation against Chief Justice

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa — Proceedings in the Legislative Assembly were temporarily suspended on Monday after a controversial allegation concerning Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC was raised during debate.

Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC has not publicly responded to the allegation raised in Parliament.

The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, ordered a break in proceedings after People’s Representative Piveni Piukala made an allegation regarding the Chief Justice’s health.

Lord Tu’ilakepa immediately informed the House that he would not accept the claim, describing the matter as highly sensitive and inappropriate for parliamentary discussion without substantiation.

He subsequently called for Parliament to adjourn temporarily to prevent further discussion of the issue.

Previous Appointment Controversy

The incident is the latest controversy involving Lord Bishop, 82, since his appointment as Chief Justice in September 2024.

His appointment attracted significant public attention after reports emerged regarding his sexual orientation and a long-term same-sex relationship during his years in the United Kingdom.

Following his appointment, a number of legal practitioners and conservative groups petitioned King Tupou VI, calling for Lord Bishop’s removal from office.

The petition, as reported by Kaniva News at the time, dated 26 August, said Bishop was in a “sodomous relationship” with a British businessman for 51 years before his partner was killed by thieves in 2019.

These claims contributed to a wider national debate, generating significant public discussion about judicial appointments, constitutional principles, and social values in Tonga.

At the time, senior lawyer Clive Edwards accused Lord Dalgety and the King’s Judicial Appointments Panel of recommending Mr Bishop for appointment despite concerns that his sexual orientation and personal background conflicted with the Constitution and laws of Tonga.

However, supporters maintained that Mr Bishop’s judicial qualifications, extensive professional experience, and ability to perform the duties of Chief Justice should remain the primary considerations.

As of the time of publication, there has been no public response from Lord Bishop regarding the allegation raised in Parliament. No evidence was presented during the parliamentary proceedings to substantiate the claim.

Kaniva News attempted to contact the Chief Justice for comment but was unable to reach him before publication. It remains unclear whether the matter will be revisited when Parliament resumes debate.

Tonga Justice warns over false information in birth, death and marriage registrations

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Registrar General’s Office has issued a public warning reminding Tongans that providing false information when registering births, deaths or marriages is a criminal offence under the new Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act 2025.

In a series of public notices released today, the Office of the Registrar General highlighted penalties under Sections 63 and 64 of the Act, which deal with false information relating to marriages, births, and deaths.

The notices warn that any person who knowingly and wilfully provides false information in order to obtain a marriage licence, or to register a birth or death, commits an offence and may face prosecution.

Under the law, a person convicted of providing false information may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, fined up to T$10,000, or both.

The Registrar General’s Office said the provisions are intended to protect the integrity of Tonga’s civil registration system, which records vital life events including births, deaths and marriages.

The notices specifically caution members of the public against deliberately providing incorrect details during registration processes, stressing that information submitted to the Civil Register must be accurate and truthful.

The warning forms part of public awareness efforts following the enactment of the Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act 2025, which established a modern framework for civil registration and digital identification in Tonga.

The Act provides for the maintenance of the national Civil Register and the administration of birth, death and marriage records throughout the Kingdom.

Members of the public seeking information on registration requirements are encouraged to contact the Registrar General’s Office or visit the Ministry of Justice for guidance before submitting applications.

Customs uncover 100kg cocaine worth $35m hidden in Tauranga container

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ

Customs officers have seized an estimated 100kg of cocaine worth up to $35 million after it was discovered hidden inside a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga.

The drugs were found on Monday during a routine inspection of a refrigerated container carrying legitimate goods that had travelled from Chile via Peru, Colombia and Panama before arriving in New Zealand.

Customs said officers had identified the container as a potential risk before it arrived in the country as part of standard screening procedures for incoming cargo.

An x-ray scan revealed irregularities in a stack of boxes near the container doors, a concealment technique commonly known as “rip-on, rip-off”, where drugs are secretly added to legitimate shipments without the knowledge of the importer.

A detailed search uncovered 10 boxes containing a total of 100 bricks of cocaine. The bricks were branded “PRADA”, and further testing confirmed they contained cocaine.

Customs maritime manager Robert Smith said the seizure highlighted the ongoing efforts of transnational organised crime groups to exploit international supply chains.

“Transnational serious organised crime groups are continuously testing border security and supply chains globally, looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit,” he said.

“This seizure highlights our ability to detect those efforts and intervene before harm reaches our communities.”

Smith said Customs officers screened hundreds of shipping containers arriving through New Zealand ports each week.

“Through sustained operational activity, sharper risk assessment, and continued investment in targeting and detection technology, Customs is raising the cost, complexity, and risk for criminal groups seeking to operate here.”

Enquiries into the shipment are ongoing.

This story was first published on rnz.co.nz

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