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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.

Conflicting reports deepen Fiji pageant dispute as Tonga remains silent on Miss Pacific boycott calls

By
Kalino Latu
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Confusion continues in Fiji over who will officially represent the country at next month’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, following a series of conflicting statements from the government and the country’s pageant organisers.

Miss Fiji Dr Peggy Ravusiro (L), Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Island Pageant Ieremia-Allan (M) and Miss Heilala Rachael Guttenbeil

The uncertainty comes as the Tongan Government remains publicly silent, despite growing controversy surrounding the regional event.

Earlier on today, Wednesday 21, Fiji media reported that the Government had intervened to direct that Miss Fiji 2025, Dr Peggy Ravusiro, would represent the country at the upcoming pageant, based on comments attributed to Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo.

However, later in the evening, the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee issued a statement asserting that the Pacific Islands Pageant Secretariat had confirmed first runner‑up Ailava Samuels as Fiji’s representative.

“In response to the statement by the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, the pageant committee defers to the line minister, Minister for Local Government and Housing Hon. Maciu Nalumisa, who has instructed the committee to proceed with Miss Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant,” the statement said.

The committee added that government does not interfere in operational decisions of independent pageant organisations, stating that the comments made by Hon. Vosarogo contradicted those of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, who had earlier presented a cabinet paper on the matter.

Dispute remains unsettled

The disagreement stems from events following the Miss Fiji 2025 coronation, when newly crowned titleholder Dr Peggy Ravusiro declined to sign a contract with the Miss Fiji Secretariat, citing concerns about contractual terms and her treatment by organisers.

With the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant scheduled to be hosted by Fiji in Nadi next month, and registration deadlines already closed, the Miss Fiji Secretariat appointed Samuels as Fiji’s representative to ensure participation.

Miss Fiji Pageant Director Ana Tuiketei said the decision followed internal governance and contractual processes. Ravusiro later raised public concerns about the handling of the contract and her personal safety — claims the Secretariat has denied, stating no formal grievance had been received.

Although Ravusiro has publicly wished Samuels well, the contradictory official statements and unresolved contractual issues have left the Fiji situation unsettled, with further developments still possible.

Tonga remains silent

By contrast, the Tongan Government has remained silent despite growing public calls to address concerns linked to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025, particularly from supporters of Miss Heilala 2024, Rachael Guttenbeil.

The calls follow allegations amid the announcement of the results that the pageant’s chief judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, interfered with the scoring process, which they believe affected the final outcome that saw Samoa crowned the winner. Mr Brunt denied the allegations, and the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant organising committee later cleared him of wrongdoing.

Tongan supporters have criticised the decision to send this year’s Miss Heilala to the regional contest, arguing that unresolved concerns from the 2025 pageant should first have been addressed.

Despite sustained discussion on social media and appeals for official clarification, the Tongan Government has not issued any public response.

The Minister of Tourism has been previously contacted for comment.

Fallout from disputed Solomon Islands pageant

The controversy traces back to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant held in Honiara in 2025, where allegations were raised against Samoan judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, accused of manipulating score sheets to favour Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia‑Allan, the eventual winner.

Solomon Islands authorities issued a stop order against Leiataualesa during an investigation. He denied the allegations, and the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant organising committee later cleared him of wrongdoing.

However, doubts about transparency and fairness have continued to resonate across the region, particularly in Tonga.

Regional scrutiny continues

The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant has confirmed it will not participate in this year’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, citing unresolved issues relating to the disputed 2025 result.

The committee said ongoing concerns about eroded trust and a lack of decisive action by the regional board left it with no option but to withdraw from the Fiji‑hosted event.

As Fiji prepares to host this year’s event, and with disputes still unresolved, regional scrutiny over governance, accountability and transparency within the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant continues to intensify.

While Fiji’s authorities and pageant organisers issue competing statements, and Tonga maintains official silence, the pageant — traditionally promoted as a celebration of Pacific culture and unity — remains under growing pressure to restore public confidence across the region.

Honolulu Police warn public as search continues for Tiofilusi Tongamoa

By
Kaniva Staff
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Hawai’i – The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) has issued a public warning as officers continue to search for a man suspected of felony abuse and escape.

Tiofilusi Tongamoa

Police on Tuesday released a photograph and a brief description of the suspect on social media, urging the public to remain vigilant.

Authorities are seeking Tiofilusi Tongamoa, 37, who police say should be considered armed and dangerous.

According to a CrimeStoppers bulletin today, Tongamoa allegedly assaulted his wife in their Aiea home in front of their children, who are all under 14 years old.

He is described as standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 320 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Police did not immediately release further details surrounding the alleged offences but advised members of the public not to approach the suspect if sighted.

Anyone with information regarding Tongamoa’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Honolulu Police Department or call 911 immediately.

HPD says the investigation remains ongoing.

States of emergency declared across 10 districts as heavy rain batters Aotearoa’s North Island

By
Kalino Latu
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Severe weather continues to affect large parts of the North Island, with four red‑level heavy rain warnings issued for Northland, the Coromandel Peninsula, the Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, and Gisborne from Tolaga Bay northwards.

A bulldozer clears a slip between Rawhiti and Russell. Photo/1News

Orange‑level heavy rain warnings remain in place for Auckland and Great Barrier Island, Gisborne south of Tolaga Bay, Hawke’s Bay, and Tasman west of Mapua.

Ten districts have declared states of emergency, including all six territorial authorities in the Bay of Plenty region.

Police have confirmed a man and his vehicle are missing after being swept into floodwaters near Warkworth in north Auckland, while widespread flooding has disrupted roads, including State Highway 25 west of Whitianga near the 309 Road turnoff.

New Zealand Civil Defence is urging people in affected areas to remain vigilant, have an evacuation plan ready, and follow official advice.

Photos shared by 1News show a bulldozer clearing a slip on the road between Rawhiti and Russell as a result of the weather.

Meanwhile, the police have called off the search today for the missing man who was swept away in his vehicle by floodwaters near Warkworth this morning.

The man is still missing, and police said it would reassess the situation tomorrow in terms of further searching, police said in a statement issued at about 4.53pm.

Earlier today, police said it had been on scene and established further information, after a passenger “was able to exit the vehicle and raise the alarm”.

Motorists intending to use the Auckland Harbour Bridge are being urged to exercise caution, with strong wind conditions forecast that could disrupt traffic.

Gusts of up to 75–80km/h are expected to impact the bridge this evening and into tomorrow morning, increasing the likelihood of temporary lane closures.

According to forecasts, the strongest winds are anticipated between 6pm and 9pm tonight, and again from 7am to 11am on Thursday, coinciding with peak travel periods.

The bridge will operate under a 4×4 traffic configuration during tonight’s evening peak and tomorrow’s morning peak.

Drivers are advised to adjust their driving to the conditions and to monitor electronic motorway message signs, which will provide up‑to‑date information on any lane restrictions or reduced speed limits.

Pacific drug route in focus as French Polynesia seizure renews attention on Tonga’s regional exposure

By
Kalino Latu
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A massive cocaine seizure in French Polynesia has once again drawn attention to maritime drug trafficking routes across small island states, including the wider region in which Tonga sits, on the way to larger markets such as Australia and New Zealand.

Photo: Haut-commissaire de la République en Polynésie française

The seizure of 4.87 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia’s maritime zone, reportedly bound for Australia, follows an earlier “historic” drug interception claimed by authorities in July.

In that earlier case, a consignment with an estimated €331 million (about NZ $670 million) street value was believed to have transited the Pacific from Mexico toward Australia via island routes that included Tonga.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) in a statement released yesterday, stated that they have congratulated authorities in French Polynesia following the reported seizure of about 4.87 tonnes of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean, which was believed to be bound for Australia.

AFP Commander Stephen Jay said the interception had prevented a significant quantity of illicit drugs from reaching Australian communities, crediting strong cooperation between regional and international law‑enforcement agencies.

“The AFP is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to deliver maximum impact against transnational criminal syndicates targeting Australia, the Pacific and throughout Europe,” Commander Jay said.

He said the seizure would have a major disruptive effect on organised crime networks, noting that the harm caused by illicit drugs extends beyond individual users to violent and exploitative criminal activity across communities.

Commander Jay said AFP officers posted across the Pacific, together with members of Taskforce Thunder, would work collaboratively with French Polynesian authorities to identify any individuals in Australia linked to the shipment.

Australian Border Force Acting Commander Maritime Border Command Linda Cappello said strong regional partnerships remained Australia’s most effective defence against transnational organised crime.

“Through sustained regional presence, shared awareness of emerging threats and long‑standing partnerships, criminal networks are increasingly detected and disrupted well before they can reach Australian shores,” she said.

She said the seizure sent a clear message to criminal groups seeking to exploit maritime and supply chains.

“Coordinated vigilance across the region significantly increases the risk of detection and disruption.”

Taskforce Thunder was launched in October 2025 to strengthen collaboration with Pacific law‑enforcement agencies and target organised criminal activity. The AFP currently supports 29 transnational crime investigation units across the Pacific, alongside more than 200 AFP officers deployed globally to support intelligence sharing and maritime interdiction efforts.

Vehicle of interest seized in Onehunga firearms investigation

By
Kaniva Staff
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Auckland — Auckland City Police say they are continuing to make progress in their investigation into a firearms incident in Onehunga on Friday morning.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce confirmed that a vehicle of interest has been seized in recent days, marking a significant development in the case.

“We can confirm a dark‑coloured Toyota van was seen pulling up in front of the Arthur Street address just after 11am,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.

“As the van pulled into the driveway, a group of people got out and fired shots towards the victim through the closed front door, before getting back in the van and driving away,” he said.

Police say CCTV footage of the incident assisted investigators in identifying the vehicle involved. The van was later located and recovered in Māngere early on Saturday evening.

“The person who reported the van to us thought it looked suspicious and called to tell us its location,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.

“As a result, we’ve now got another piece of the puzzle to help the investigation, as the van has since undergone a forensic examination.”

The victim remains in hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.

“Our enquiries are ongoing; however, we are pleased with how the investigation is progressing,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.

“This type of offending is unacceptable, and we will hold those responsible to account.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public. Anyone with information is encouraged to report it online at 105.police.govt.nz by clicking “update report,” or by calling 105 and quoting reference number 260116/9278.

Anonymous information can also be provided through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ACC Commissioner pays courtesy call on PM as public awaits answers in corruption probes

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa — The Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr Chris LaHatte, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua today, amid heightened public interest and scrutiny surrounding allegations of corruption involving government ministers and Members of Parliament.

ACC Commissioner Chris LaHatte (L) with Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua. Photo/Prime Minister’s Office

The meeting comes as the public closely follows a series of investigations currently before the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), including the most recent inquiry involving former Minister of Police Piveni Piukala.

Mr Piukala has been accused of interfering with judicial processes after allegedly assisting the escape of a Mormon church leader who was subject to a court restraining order.

The matter remains under investigation, and no findings have yet been made.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, Lord Fakafanua acknowledged “the important role of the Anti-Corruption Commission in upholding integrity, accountability, and good governance.”

“The Prime Minister reaffirmed his support for the Commissioner’s work in strengthening public trust and promoting transparency across government institutions,” the statement said.

While details of the discussions were not publicly disclosed, the courtesy call is understood to be part of ongoing institutional engagement between the ACC and the government, as the Commission continues its mandate to investigate allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of office.

An accompanying photograph shows Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Commissioner LaHatte shaking hands while holding what appears to be an official legal document, bearing the title “Tonga 1‑ACT IACD 2025” on its cover.

In July last year, former Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi confirmed that 23 reports of alleged fraud and corruption had been lodged with the ACC against a former government minister.

In September, former Prime Minister Dr ʻAisake Eke told the media he had submitted allegations of corruption relating to his predecessor’s administration, led by former Prime Minister Huʻakavameiliku, to the ACC. Huʻakavameiliku has reportedly denied any wrongdoing.

The ACC, established to investigate and prevent corrupt practices across the public sector, has reiterated its commitment to carrying out its work independently and in accordance with the law.

Commissioner LaHatte has previously emphasised that investigations take time and must be conducted carefully to ensure fairness and due process.

Lolo Soakai road death case taken to US Supreme Court

By
Kaniva Staff
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Oakland, California — The case over the death of Tongan man Lolomanaia “Lolo” Soakai, who was killed during a police chase in Oakland in 2022, has been taken to the United States Supreme Court.

Soakai, 28, was killed on June 25, 2022, when a fleeing suspect crashed into parked vehicles, causing motorcycles to fall on him as he stood with his mother on International Boulevard.

Soakai’s mother, Lavinia Soakai, suffered a broken back, and other family members were injured.

Two former Oakland police officers, Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin‑Coronel, are asking the Supreme Court to rule that they should not be held financially liable for Soakai’s death, the Oakland media reported.

The officers were pursuing Arnold Azael Linaldi, then 19, despite Oakland Police rules that prohibit chases unless a suspect is linked to a violent crime or firearm.

Court records say the officers left the scene without giving medical aid, then later returned, acting unaware of what had occurred.

In May 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled police can be held liable when a reckless pursuit leads to the death of an innocent bystander, even if harm was not intended.

The former officers are now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that decision, arguing that constitutional liability requires proof of intent to harm.

Although the City of Oakland is not formally part of the Supreme Court case, it is covering the officers’ legal costs and would be responsible for any damages in the wrongful death lawsuit, under California law.

The Soakai family, represented by civil rights lawyer Patrick Buelna, is seeking at least US$20 million for Lavinia Soakai and other injured relatives.

Settlement talks are scheduled by March 3, with a trial set for August 18 if no agreement is reached.

The case has drawn attention across the Tongan and Pasifika communities and could have major implications for police accountability and bystander rights across the United States.

One person left with moderate injuries, after unprovoked attack on Onehunga bus

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

A person has suffered moderate injuries in a unprovoked attack on an Auckland bus last Thursday.

Police say the victim was travelling alone on a bus in Onehunga between 1.15-3.40pm, when they were confronted by a group of people, “who have carried out an unprovoked attack”.

They said the victim needed medical treatment following the attack.

“The incident was reported to police later on that evening, Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them via 105 and quote the file number 260115/7104.

Information can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers’ website or by calling them on 0800 555 111.

The attack comes after several violent incidents on Auckland buses recently – including an attack on a bus driver on board a Mount Eden route this week and the fatal stabbing of a passenger ona Glenn Innes bus in December.

Boycott calls threaten Tonga’s emerging ‘People’s Choice Award’ legacy ahead of Miss Pacific 2026

By
Kalino Latu
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Supporters of the Miss Heilala pageant, Tonga’s national beauty contest, have vowed on social media to boycott any public voting for Tonga at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) 2026.

Miss Heilala received the highest number of votes to win last year’s MPIP People’s Choice Award.

The revelation comes as the Solomon Star revealed that Tonga would take part in this year’s contest in Fiji, despite last year’s dispute over claims that Miss Heilala should have been awarded the title, which was instead presented to Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan.

The controversy erupted after allegations that the pageant’s chief judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt of Samoa, tampered with score sheets, leading to Miss Samoa being crowned the winner.

The allegations—strongly denied by Mr Brunt and the pageant’s international board—triggered widespread regional backlash, particularly in Tonga.

The development was widely expected, amid ongoing anger among Miss Heilala supporters over the disputed outcome and a later disclosure by Tonga Tourism’s then chief executive that withdrawal from this year’s contest was being considered.

Kaniva observed that social media users recently tagged Minister of Tourism Sēmisi Sika in online posts responding to recent reports, including Kaniva’s coverage, to draw his attention to their opposition to the decision and their calls for a boycott.

The Minister has been contacted for comment.

Solomon Islands, which hosted last year’s contest, has confirmed its withdrawal from this year’s competition, citing what it described as unresolved issues arising from last year’s dispute.

People’s Choice Award

The regional MPIP’s People’s Choice Award is a special category determined by public voting, typically conducted through online polls.

The award recognises the contestant who attracts the highest level of public support and is determined independently of the judges’ scoring, meaning it has no bearing on the main competition results. The award in 2025 was won by Miss Heilala Rachael Guttenbeil.

The voting campaign mobilised widespread support on social media, with users across the country—including the King’s only daughter, Princess Angelika Tukuʻaho—publicly urging votes for Tonga’s contestant.

Miss Guttenbeil secured the People’s Choice title with more than 130,000 online votes, narrowly ahead of Miss Samoa in a closely contested public poll.

Miss Samoa went on to be crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2025.

Support Turned Protest

Online, Tongan supporters say they plan to withhold their votes in protest, arguing that returning to the contest without resolving last year’s dispute risks perpetuating the issues and allowing similar allegations to arise again.

“Why should we support a system that failed us and never addressed the problem?” one supporter wrote.

“If Tonga goes back without accountability, our votes will not.”

Others, speaking sarcastically, said it was no wonder if the Miss Pacific Pageant Committee kept deceiving Tonga, as the authorities would still follow without question.

Some critics have further raised concerns about the pageant’s governance, noting that the MPIP was originally initiated by the Samoan government and arguing that this historical association has, in their view, contributed to perceptions of undue influence over the selection process.

However, others believed that Miss Samoa delivered the stronger performance last year and deserved the title.

In the aftermath of the 2025 result, the then-Tonga Tourism chief executive Viliami Takau told Kaniva News the kingdom was contemplating withdrawal over concerns about integrity.

Observers say the growing boycott movement places the new Minister of Tourism under pressure, amid debate over whether Tonga should proceed with its participation in the pageant.

NZ closes embassy in Iran, evacuates staff as threat escalates

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

New Zealand has temporarily closed its embassy in Iran and evacuated all diplomatic staff amid what officials describe as a “deteriorating security situation” in the country.

Human rights groups estimated the death toll has reached more than 2500 since nationwide protests against the regime began last month.

US President Donald Trump has warned the US may take military action over the killing of peaceful demonstrators.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson confirmed on Friday that New Zealand had made the decision to shut its Tehran embassy and shift operations to Ankara, Türkiye.

“All New Zealand diplomatic staff have left Iran. They were able to leave safely on commercial flights overnight (NZT).”

MFAT said its ability to provide consular support to New Zealanders in Iran was now “extremely limited”.

Severe communication disruptions inside Iran continued to make it difficult for people to contact family and friends, the ministry said. New Zealanders who manage to make contact are urged to reassure loved ones of their safety.

“New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance should contact the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara or MFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20. MFAT is in close contact with a range of other countries regarding the evolving security situation in Iran.”

There were 46 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Iran.

The United Kingdom also temporarily closed its embassy in the capital Tehran earlier this week and evacuated all staff.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said yesterday that New Zealand was “appalled” by the escalation of violence and repression in Iran.

“We condemn the brutal crackdown being carried out by Iran’s security forces, including the killing of protesters.

“Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information – and that right is currently being brutally repressed.”

Peters said New Zealand had expressed “serious concerns” to the Iranian Embassy in Wellington and would continue to do so.

“We continue to urge all New Zealanders in Iran to leave now if it is safe for them to do so.”

The Government’s advice to New Zealanders since November 2024 has been not to travel to Iran, owing to the “volatile security situation in the region, the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention and the potential for violent civil unrest”.

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