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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.

Livestreamed farewell for slain Tongan-born ‘Alaipulotu ‘Ahio

By
Kaniva Staff
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A funeral service for ʻAlaipulotu ʻAhio is currently being livestreamed from Australia, drawing viewers from across the Pacific and beyond following his death in a fatal shooting last month.

‘Alaipulotu ‘Ahio. Photo/Screenshotted

The 28-year-old, a former associate of the Sydney drill rap group OneFour, was killed on the night of May 19, 2026, during what authorities described as a targeted shooting and stabbing ambush.

The attack occurred in the garage of a home in Canley Heights, in Sydney’s south-west. Four other men sustained injuries in the incident.

Police have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the killing, and investigations remain ongoing.

Large Turnout at Livestream

The funeral livestream shows a large gathering of mourners paying their respects, with cultural elements prominently displayed.

The coffin is draped in traditional Tongan fine mats and ngatu (tapa cloth), while many attendees are dressed in black and wearing ta‘ovala, the customary mourning attire.

A steady line of mourners can be seen approaching the casket to farewell the deceased.

The service comes after a legal challenge by ʻAhio’s mother, Savelina Fisiipeau ʻAhio, was dismissed by the New South Wales Supreme Court.

She had sought an urgent injunction to stop a mandatory post-mortem examination on cultural and religious grounds.

In her application, she requested that the autopsy either be blocked entirely or carried out without the removal or dissection of organs and tissue.

However, the court ruled against the application, allowing authorities to proceed with a full forensic examination as part of the homicide investigation.

Weekend crash spate continues into today with power outage in ʻĀhau

By
Kaniva Staff
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A series of vehicle crashes have been reported across Tonga over the weekend, with the latest incident on Monday causing a power outage in parts of Tongatapu.

The most recent crash occurred this afternoon, in the ʻĀhau area, where a vehicle collided with a power pole, disrupting electricity supply to communities stretching towards Haʻatafu.

Tonga Power Limited (TPL) confirmed the outage in an advisory issued around 2pm.

“Please be advised that your power supply is currently experiencing a temporary outage due to a power line fault caused by a vehicle collision in the ʻĀhau area,” the utility stated.

TPL said the impact of the crash extended across the Hihifo network, though most areas have since had power restored. Work is continuing to fix the remaining damage, with restoration expected within approximately three hours.

“Please note that the entire line supplying Hihifo was affected; however, power has now been restored to all areas except those listed above,” the advisory said.

Customers seeking further information were encouraged to contact the utility on 944.

The incident is the latest in a string of crashes reported over the weekend, several of which gained attention on social media.

Crash Livestream Sparks Concern

On Sunday, two separate crashes were widely shared on Facebook livestreams.

In one incident, a vehicle was seen after colliding with another car, with its horn continuously sounding in the aftermath, drawing concern from viewers.

In a separate livestream, a police vehicle was seen stopped in the middle of the road, while another car remained stranded nearby, awkwardly positioned between opposing lanes after the crash.

Details about injuries or the causes of the weekend incidents had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.

Kaniva News was unable to independently verify the authenticity of these crashes or the livestreamed videos.

‘Miracle from Heaven’: Solar-powered desalination project brings fresh water to Hunga and Matamaka

By
Kalino Latu
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Vava’u, Tonga— A groundbreaking desalination project is transforming daily life on two of Tonga’s most remote islands, Hunga and Matamaka, by turning seawater into safe, drinkable water using renewable energy.

Solar panels are installed atop a containerised desalination unit on Hunga, part of a “miracle from heaven” project bringing sustainable drinking water to remote island communities.Photo/Supplied

The Tonga Desalination Project, funded by Australian company Bluemont Pty Ltd and delivered in partnership with Pacific Technologies NZ, PREO, and the UK Carbon Trust, is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day.

Powered entirely by solar energy, the system provides a sustainable solution to chronic water shortages that have long affected outer island communities.

Project manager Siaosi Lepuha, who leads the Tongan team, said the initiative marks a significant milestone in improving the resilience and wellbeing of rural communities.

“For many years, our people have relied on limited rainwater and have struggled through long dry periods. What we are seeing now is a complete change—seawater is being turned into clean, drinkable water that tastes as pure as rain,” Lepuha told Kaniva News.

The project was developed in response to recurring water crises, including periods when access to freshwater sources was disrupted. Previously, communities depended on costly and logistically difficult water deliveries by boat, often funded by external support.

“This system gives independence back to the people,” Lepuha said. “Instead of waiting for water to arrive, they can now produce their own supply every day, right on the island.”

The desalinated water is already being used for a wide range of domestic purposes, including drinking, cooking, gardening, livestock care, and hygiene. Residents say the availability of reliable water is expected to bring lasting improvements to health and living standards.

Miracle from Heaven Project

Ko e mana mei langi’—literally, ‘a miracle from heaven’—aptly describes Hunga and Matamaka leading this pilot project. It will supply the two islands, among the most remote from Neiafu, with reliable drinking water, effectively ending water shortages and greatly improving living conditions and overall wellbeing.

The project also highlights the importance of renewable energy in addressing climate and infrastructure challenges across the Pacific. By harnessing solar power, the desalination units are able to operate sustainably without relying on expensive fuel imports.

“The beauty of this system is that it uses the sun—something we have in abundance—to solve one of our biggest challenges,” Lepuha said.

“It’s not just a technical solution, it’s a solution that fits our environment and our future.”

Outer islands such as Hunga and Matamaka face unique challenges due to their limestone geography, which limits natural groundwater availability. During droughts, the absence of reliable water sources can quickly become a humanitarian concern.

“When the water runs out on these islands, the situation becomes very serious very quickly. That’s why this project is so important—it provides security, dignity, and peace of mind for our communities,” Lepuha added.

Engineering teams have now completed installation on the islands, and the water system is already in use. The project has been delivered in close collaboration with the Tonga Water Board, ensuring alignment with national water management strategies.

Officials hope the success of the pilot will pave the way for similar systems to be deployed across other vulnerable outer islands.

“This is just the beginning,” Lepuha said. “If we can do this here, we can do it anywhere in Tonga where people are facing the same hardship. Our goal is simple—no community should have to suffer from a lack of clean water.”

The Tonga Desalination Project is being hailed as a practical and innovative step toward climate resilience, offering a model that could be replicated throughout the Pacific region.

Court finds Veas used forgery, fraud to secure Chinese lease of Mataele land

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga – The Land Court has ruled that a lease granted over a Kolofo’ou town allotment was obtained through forgery and fraud orchestrated by two family members, although the court has stopped short of cancelling the lease until the remaining defendants have been heard.

In a judgment delivered on 26 May 2026, Justice Tupou KC and Land Assessor Fuiva Kavaliku found that Fatafehi Vea and her son, Siosio Malohi Vea, were responsible for creating and using a false power of attorney to secure a lease over a family-owned allotment known as Mohekonokono.

The case was brought by Penisimani Panuve Mataele and his sister, Filoi Mataele Tu’itupou, who challenged the validity of a lease granted to Chinese national Luo Shi Yun over the 33.5-perch allotment in Kolofo’ou.

The court heard that the land was originally registered in the name of the plaintiffs’ late father, Hameti Mataele, and passed to Penisimani as heir following his death in 2013.

Evidence presented during the formal proof hearing showed that a power of attorney purportedly signed by Penisimani in favour of Fatafehi Vea was used to support an application to lease the land. However, the court accepted evidence that Penisimani had never signed the document and had no knowledge of its existence until 2024.

Forged document irregularities identified

Justice Tupou found significant irregularities in the document, including inconsistencies in dates and the use of a notary public stamp belonging to a Californian notary whose commission had expired years before the document was allegedly executed.

The court concluded that the document had been deliberately created to mislead the Ministry of Lands into believing that Fatafehi Vea had authority to act on Penisimani’s behalf.

“The Plaintiffs have proven on the balance of probabilities and to the required standard, that [the power of attorney] was created and presented by the 3rd and 4th Defendants knowing it was a false document,” Justice Tupou ruled.

The court found that Ministry of Lands officials relied on the false documents when processing the lease application, leading Cabinet approval of the lease and the eventual registration of Lease No. 10234 in favour of Luo Shi Yun in June 2023.

Justice Tupou further held that the actions of Fatafehi Vea and Siosio Vea amounted to both forgery and fraud, finding they intended to deprive Penisimani Mataele of control over the property in order to obtain funds from the lease arrangement.

Evidence before the court included Facebook messages in which Fatafehi Vea acknowledged seeking permission to use the land and later expressed regret over the dispute.

Lease cancellation deferred pending hearing

Although the court found that the lease had been acquired through forgery and fraud, Justice Tupou declined to immediately cancel it. He said natural justice required that the remaining defendants, including the Cabinet, the Minister of Lands and the leaseholder, be given the opportunity to present their cases before such an order could be made.

The court also deferred consideration of damages sought by the plaintiffs, finding that those claims should be addressed during a full trial involving all remaining defendants.

Justice Tupou invited the parties to propose a timetable for the continuation of proceedings and awarded costs to the plaintiffs against the third and fourth defendants, with those costs to be taxed if not agreed.

The case will now proceed against the Cabinet of Tonga, the Minister of Lands and the leaseholder, with the future of the disputed lease yet to be finally determined.

Crew reportedly overcome by fumes on MV Otuanga’ofa

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku‘alofa — Several crew members aboard the MV Otuanga’ofa are alleged to have been overcome by fumes while cleaning a tank, in an incident that has raised concerns about safety procedures on board.

The vessel is currently in Fiji following an earlier reported problem with one of its engines, when the alleged incident occurred.

According to information received, about five crew members are said to have entered one of the ship’s tanks to carry out cleaning work.

It is alleged that all of them lost consciousness while inside, possibly after being exposed to hazardous fumes.

Efforts were reportedly made to remove the crew from the confined space, with first aid administered at the scene. Those efforts are believed to have helped revive the affected men.

Unconfirmed information suggests the tank may not have been properly “gas-freed” — a critical safety process used to remove toxic or oxygen-deficient air — before the crew entered.

The incident, if confirmed, highlights the serious risks associated with confined space work at sea, particularly when safety protocols are not fully observed.

Kaniva News has contacted relevant authorities for comment. Officials said a statement would be issued once details surrounding what happened are confirmed.

Court orders brother’s eviction from Kolofo’ou allotment in family land dispute

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa — A dispute between two brothers over a town allotment in Kolofo’ou has ended in the Supreme Court, with the court ordering the younger brother and his family to vacate the property.

In a judgment delivered on 6 February 2026, Justice Tupou KC ruled in favour of Ve’etutu Satini, ordering his younger brother, Lofia Satini, and his family to vacate a town allotment on Hala Tu’i in Kolofo’ou.

The dispute centred on a house built by Lofia on the allotment around the time of their mother’s illness and subsequent death in 2000.

Ve’etutu, who was living in Canada at the time, argued that the allotment was registered in his name and that Lofia had built and remained on the property without his permission. Lofia claimed that his brother had requested him to construct the house for their mother’s funeral and had promised that he and his family could live there indefinitely.

The court heard evidence from several family members and witnesses regarding the circumstances surrounding the construction of the house and the brothers’ subsequent interactions over the following two decades.

Justice Tupou found that Lofia knowingly built the house on land that he understood had been allocated to Ve’etutu and did so without obtaining his brother’s consent.

Owner Opposed Unauthorised Construction

The court accepted Ve’etutu’s evidence that he objected to the construction upon returning to Tonga and later instructed family members to ask Lofia to remove the house.

The court rejected Lofia’s argument that he had acquired a right to remain on the land through promises allegedly made by Ve’etutu or through legal principles of estoppel and acquiescence.

In his decision, Justice Tupou held that Lofia had failed to prove that Ve’etutu had expressly or unambiguously authorised either the construction of the house or the family’s indefinite occupation of the allotment.

The court therefore ruled that Ve’etutu was entitled to immediate possession of the property.

Immediate Eviction, Nominal Damages Awarded

As part of the orders, Lofia and his family must vacate the allotment immediately. The judgment also provides that Lofia may remove the house from the property or alternatively reach an agreement with Ve’etutu regarding compensation for its value.

While Ve’etutu sought substantial damages for unlawful occupation, the court awarded nominal damages of $100, finding there was insufficient evidence of actual financial loss.

Justice Tupou noted the family relationship between the parties and expressed hope that, despite the immediate effect of the judgment, Ve’etutu would allow his brother sufficient time to make arrangements to relocate “in a dignified manner.”

The case was heard in the Land Court at Nuku’alofa under case number LA 17 of 2024.

Shots fired at funeral of alleged Coconut Cartel leader with Tongan-affiliated network

By
Kalino Latu
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Sydney, Australia — Police have launched a major investigation after a gunman armed with an AK-47 opened fire on a building believed to be hosting the funeral of slain Sydney gangster Lorenzo Lemalu. However, no one was present at the time, as the venue had been moved at the last minute.

Lorenzo Lemalu was fatally shot in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on May 2. (Supplied)

Lemalu, believed to be the leader of the so-called “Coconut Cartel”—a loosely organised criminal network with reported Tongan membership and connections across Australia and the Pacific—was killed in Vietnam last month under circumstances that remain unclear.

Two Samoan men have since confessed to carrying out the killing on Vietnamese television.

About 24 hours after the shooting at the original venue, dozens of mourners gathered at the new location — Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s western suburbs — to farewell Lemalu.

The development comes after Sydney Police said they dismantled the Coconut Cartel last month — a gang involved in a months-long feud with the Alameddine crime family over control of Sydney’s illicit drug market — following the seizure of nearly 400 kilograms of methamphetamine and the arrest of its alleged onshore leader.

As previously reported, several men of Tongan descent were arrested following police efforts to dismantle the Coconut Cartel.

Those brought before Blacktown Local Court included Isoa Moimoi, 27, Sione Tupou, 25, and Eric Hema, 29, all understood by Kaniva News to be of Tongan heritage. They face charges including drug supply and participating in a criminal group.

The Daily Telegraph also published a list of individuals arrested, which we understand includes people of Tongan descent such as Henry Kupa, 27, Sonny Puleiku, 23, and Talanoa Leaaetoa, 27.

As Kaniva News previously reported, police are investigating whether the death of 28-year-old Tongan man Alai Ahio in Canley Heights is linked to the Coconut Cartel.

Ahio, a former associate of the Western Sydney drill rap group OneFour, was among five men shot while sitting in a garage. Police have stressed there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the victims or the music group.

US Defense Department classifies LDS Church separately from Christian denominations

By
Kaniva Staff
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The United States Department of Defense has reclassified The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its official list of religious affiliations, placing it in a separate category from churches listed under the Christian heading.

The change, affecting the denomination that is the second largest in Tonga, forms part of a wider reduction in the number of religious designations recognised by the department, which has reduced its list from more than 200 affiliations to 31.

According to an official memorandum, the revised classification system is intended to streamline the collection of religious preference data among military personnel and improve the delivery of chaplaincy services.

Under the new list, denominations such as Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Orthodox churches remain grouped under the Christian category. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is listed separately under its own designation.

The move has prompted criticism from Utah political leaders, where the church is headquartered.

US Senator Mike Lee questioned why the church had been omitted from the list of Christian churches, while Senator John Curtis said Latter-day Saints were “unequivocally Christian” and called for the classification to be reviewed.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had not issued an official statement on the matter at the time of publication.

The change does not affect the church’s legal status or religious activities. Rather, it relates to how the Department of Defense categorises religious affiliations for administrative purposes.

The issue has attracted attention among Latter-day Saints because church members identify themselves as Christians based on their belief in and worship of Jesus Christ. However, some Christian denominations regard the church as distinct from historic Christianity because of differences in doctrine and scripture.

‘Shook the house’: Eight injured in Wellington train derailment

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1News Reporters

Eight people have been injured after a train derailed on Wellington’s Johnsonville Line this evening.

A train partially derailed north of Khandallah Station. (Source: Supplied)

Emergency services were called to the scene just north of Khandallah Station just after 7pm on Saturday.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews attended from Johnsonville and Porirua stations.

“All passengers were removed from the train with FENZ’s assistance,” a FENZ spokesperson said.

Wellington Free Ambulance said it responded with six units.

“Eight have been transported to Wellington City Hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious,” a spokesperson said.

Police said cordons had been in place at Box Hill and Station Rd, but that they had been lifted at around 9pm.

“Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area.”

Metlink senior operations manager Paul Tawharu said the cause of the derailment was unknown and that an investigation was underway.

“My immediate thoughts are for the safety and well-being of the passengers and Metlink staff on board,” he said in a statement to 1News.

“I’d also like to thank the emergency responders for their fast and excellent response.”

Trains on the Johnsonville line would be replaced by bus until further notice and passengers should expect delays. 

Train ‘crumpled’ after derailment – witness

Emergency services at the scene near Khandallah Station.
Emergency services at the scene near Khandallah Station.

A resident near the scene told 1News they heard a loud bang at 7.05pm that shook their house. Looking out from their balcony, they could see the train crumpled and at a standstill.

“When I heard shouting and what sounded like someone in pain, I called emergency services,” they said.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said their father was among the first people on the scene.

Wellington City councillor Diane Calvert said she “heard a huge short boom” with emergency services present later.

Metlink said services were halted “until further notice” and that buses were being sourced as a replacement.

“We are working on sourcing buses at this stage. Updates to follow,” the alert said.

Metlink have been contacted for comment.

Do you know more? Contact us at news@tvnz.co.nz

‘It happened so fast’: Driver reacts after West Auckland crash

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1News Reporters

A driver is in “shock” after his vehicle was involved in a serious crash in Auckland’s Te Atatū on Saturday, which left three people injured.

The crash occurred on Te Atatū Rd on Saturday morning. (Source: 1News)
  • Emergency services were called to the collision between two cars and a bus on Te Atatū Rd, near McLeod Rd and Roberts Rd, at around 11.35am Saturday.

Hato Hone St John responded with two ambulances, one rapid response, and one manager.

One person was transported to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition, while two others in a moderate condition were taken to Waitākere Hospital, a spokesperson said.

The driver of an SUV involved in the crash told 1News he was driving north on Te Atatū South Rd when an oncoming vehicle collided head-on with his.

Police said it received reports of the crash at around 11.35am Saturday.
Police said it received reports of the crash at around 11.35am Saturday. (Source: 1News)

There were multiple people in his car at the time of the crash, he said, including an 8-year-old child.

The door to his SUV was jammed shut after the collision, forcing him to exit from the passenger side.

Everybody in the vehicle was okay but had gone to hospital for a checkup.

He said the incident had left him in “shock”, saying “it all happened so fast”.

The bus was parked at the time of the incident.

Photos from the scene showed two wrecked cars in the middle of the road. One was smashed in the front, while the other was missing its driver’s-side doors and was against the bus.

(Source: 1News)

Multiple police officers were at the scene, with debris strewn across the road.

Auckland Transport told 1News there were two passengers and the driver on board the bus at the time of the incident who were uninjured.

“They have been transferred to another bus and have continued their journey,” said an AT spokesperson.

Fire and Emergency NZ responded with two crews from Te Atatū and Henderson. The Henderson trucks had departed by 12.10pm.

A local business owner told 1News they had seen police and ambulance drive past.

The road was closed following the crash but had since reopened, Auckland Transport said.

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