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.
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.
Nuku‘alofa — A knife‑wielding intruder who threatened to kill a senior business executive and Czech Honorary Consul, escaping only when her son intervened, has been found guilty in the Nuku‘alofa Supreme Court.
Robina Eiko Elina Nakao, the senior business executive and Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic in Tonga, who was threatened with death during a late‑night home invasion at her Sopu residence.
The court heard that around 1am on 15 December 2023, Ms Robina Eiko Elina Nakao, the victim, awoke to noises coming from her upstairs bedroom.
When she called out, the convict, Tali Me‘alahi Tu‘i‘ile‘ila, 42, of Sopu descended the stairs into the brightly lit kitchen area.
In court, Ms Nakao came face to face with the man who threatened her, telling the judge she had a clear and unobstructed view of him under six bright fluorescent kitchen lights.
She described the intruder as short and stocky, with a short afro hairstyle, and speaking only in English throughout the encounter.
According to her evidence, the intruder held a knife and threatened to kill her while ordering her to move around the living area.
Her son, Musashi, awoke during the encounter and briefly confronted the intruder before retreating into his room.
The man eventually left the home calmly, but Ms Nakao later discovered that her bedroom had been ransacked and several items stolen.
Tu’i’ile’ila was convicted on two charges of serious housebreaking and theft after the dramatic late‑night home invasion.
Justice Petunia Tupou KC delivered the verdict on Tuesday, concluding a long-running case that included delays due to the accused’s shifting decisions about legal representation and a late attempt to introduce an alibi defence.
Key Evidence and Witnesses
According to the judgment, the intruder stole $4,500 in cash, a Samsung A51 mobile phone, a pair of leather slip‑on shoes, and a Garmin watch during the break‑in.
Police later recovered a pair of black slippers speckled with white paint left at the scene — a crucial clue that investigators later linked directly to the accused.
Five prosecution witnesses testified, including Ms Nakao, her son, the investigating officer, and two witnesses — ‘Aisake and Fakalelu ‘Ananaiasa — who knew the accused well.
The court heard from the ‘Ananaiasas that Tu‘i‘ile‘ila had been at their Sopu home only hours before the break‑in, appearing intoxicated and speaking exclusively in English — a behaviour they said was typical when he was under the influence of methamphetamine (“ice”).
The court heard that the ‘Ananaiasa witnesses’ evidence — that Tu‘i‘ile‘ila spoke only English when under the influence of drugs — aligned with Ms Nakao’s account that the intruder “spoke in English only” during their late‑night encounter.
The ‘Ananaiasas testified that Tu’i’ile’ila left their home around midnight, shortly before the time of the offence, and returned the following morning with his afro hair cut off.
The judge noted that much of their evidence aligned strongly with Ms Nakao’s description of the intruder, including hairstyle, behaviour, and demeanour.
Defence Evidence Dismissed
Tu‘i‘ile‘ila’s own cross‑examination failed to challenge most of their claims.
Justice Tupou dismissed Tu‘i‘ile‘ila’s alibi after he claimed he had been with his girlfriend, Ma‘ata Ngaue, continuously from 14–16 December 2023 and could not have committed the crime.
The judge found the defence entirely unreliable, pointing to clear contradictions between the accounts given by the accused and his alibi witness, his failure to provide the legally required advance notice of an alibi, and his lack of any challenge to prosecution witnesses about his whereabouts on the night.
Identification Evidence Strong
Justice Tupou concluded that Tu‘i‘ile‘ila had, in fact, been with the ‘Ananaiasas’ earlier that evening and left their home shortly before the home invasion occurred.
Justice Tupou said she was “left in no doubt” about the accuracy of Ms Nakao’s identification of the intruder, noting that she had ample time to observe him at close range under excellent lighting, and that her account was reinforced by consistent testimony from multiple witnesses.
The judge also pointed out that the accused failed to challenge key parts of the evidence against him, including his decision not to cross‑examine either Ms Nakao or her son — a silence the court interpreted as acceptance of their accounts.
The court found that Tu‘i‘ile‘ila had unlawfully entered Ms Nakao’s home as a trespasser, threatened her with a knife, and stolen property valued at $6,011, acting with clear intent to permanently deprive her of the items taken.
On this basis, he was convicted on both charges: serious housebreaking under section 173 of the Criminal Offences Act and theft under sections 143 and 145.
Nukuʻalofa — A Vavaʻu fraudster narrowly escaped a prison term after reimbursing victims for costly vehicle‑order deceptions.
According to the agreed summary of facts, 29‑year‑old Lepeka ʻIloa He Lotu Moala operated a Facebook‑based scheme pretending to import vehicles from Japan.
She used several agents to advertise vehicles, collect cash payments, and transfer money into her own accounts.
No cars were ever ordered.
As a result, she defrauded two complainants of a combined $88,000 through the bogus vehicle‑import scheme.
She was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment, fully suspended for three years in recognition of her early guilty plea.
In granting the suspension, Lord Chief Justice Bishop also took into account her strong family support and the full repayment of all money owed — compensation made only earlier this year after her family sold their land in Vavaʻu to reimburse the victims.
The first complainant, 63‑year‑old Mele Tahaafe of Pahu, paid $23,300 in June 2022 for a Toyota Dyna truck and Nissan Murano.
Moala’s agents assured her that the cars were due to arrive soon, but repeated excuses followed.
The Tahaafes later learned that the money had never been sent to Japan.
The loss forced the complainant — who had used retirement funds to make the payment — to return to work at age 63.
Her husband was also unable to return to Vavaʻu to tend to his plantation, resulting in the loss of about 800 kava plants.
The second complainant, Melefusi Fisiʻiahi of Veitongo, contacted a Facebook page run under the name Soleil Temaleti after seeing a Hilux advertised.
She paid $65,000 in instalments through Moala’s agent, intending to purchase a Hummer as a gift for her daughter’s 21st birthday.
Moala instructed her to deposit money into various accounts and even told her to tell bank staff that the funds were for a kava business if questioned.
The vehicle never arrived, and the complainant was eventually blocked from the Facebook page.
Justice Bishop said Moala had engaged in a “clear breach of trust” and premeditated deception involving large sums of money and vulnerable victims who relied on her assurances.
He noted the serious emotional and financial harm suffered by both complainants and said the Court must promote deterrence in cases involving online fraud and false vehicle‑import schemes, which have become increasingly common in Tonga.
The Court set a starting point of 20 months’ imprisonment for Count 1 and three years for Count 2, reflecting the larger amount involved and the greater seriousness of the offending. This resulted in a total starting point of four years and eight months’ imprisonment before deductions for mitigation were applied.
After reductions for remorse, early guilty plea and full restitution, the total sentence was brought down to 30 months.
Justice Bishop said he suspended the full sentence only because all money was repaid, the victims accepted the repayments, Moala was a first‑time offender, and she showed genuine remorse.
Justice Bishop warned Moala that any breach of her suspension conditions would result in immediate imprisonment.
Under the three‑year suspension order, she must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment, report to Probation within 24 hours, complete 120 hours of community service, attend programmes run by the Salvation Army or as directed by Probation, and reside at an address approved by the Probation Office.
Justice Bishop emphasised that the fully suspended sentence was “just possible” given the unique circumstances, but should not be seen as a precedent for serious fraud cases.
Tonga Police have launched an investigation after a video circulating on social media showed what appears to be a shooting incident at ‘Ananā in Tongatapu.
The footage, seen by Kaniva News, shows a confrontation beginning inside a garage, where men are heard shouting at each other before the incident spills out onto the road.
A man wearing a white T‑shirt is then seen carrying what appears to be a firearm, which he points at a shirtless man at close range.
He is heard issuing threats before firing the weapon. It remains unclear whether anyone was injured.
In a brief statement, police confirmed they have received the footage and are working to identify everyone involved.
Authorities said appropriate action will be taken once the individuals have been identified and the circumstances of the incident are fully established.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance and have urged anyone with information to contact their nearest police station or call 7401630.
The incident has drawn significant attention online after clips of the shooting were widely shared across social media platforms.
Police say further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
By Sam Sherwood of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission.
Police allege an organised crime group they’ve linked to the killing of a New Zealand man corrupted prison officers and bail officials.
Police continue to investigate the death of 59-year-old Tuipulotu Vi
It’s understood the man that was killed, Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi, was not involved in the drug world.
RNZ earlier revealed that Tanginoa Tangi, one of three people charged with murdering Vi in August 2024, flew back to the USA where he has since been charged with attempting to murder someone else. If convicted there he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
The homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Block, is linked to Operation Mexted, a joint investigation by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Customs, which targeted a transnational organised criminal cell.
Nine people are before the courts in relation to Operation Mexted.
Last week, Judge Yelena Yelavich lifted a suppression order on parts of a court document that details police allegations against the group. The rest of the document remains suppressed pending an appeal to the High Court.
Police claim the group, which included both New Zealand and US citizens, was responsible for the importation and dealing of methamphetamine and the trafficking of firearms.
The financial gains from the group’s activities were allegedly laundered through various construction and other companies in an attempt to conceal their source.
Vi’s death followed a series of shootings in the South Auckland area, which police claim were arranged by the syndicate, but which failed to reach the intended target.
The court document setting out police allegations against the group, details the roles police believe each defendant played in the operation.
One of the defendants, a 35-year-old Auckland man, is accused of being one of the senior members with direct reporting back to a more senior member in the US.
Police say that once he was arrested in September 2024, another person who was his “lieutenant” assisted him from outside while he was remanded in custody. This person’s role included laundering the syndicate’s financial proceeds as well as administration of the syndicate’s activities.
Police allege this included corrupting prison officers and bail address managers “to facilitate the movement of the syndicate’s property”.
After the 35-year-old man’s arrest, police claim the person also took control of a cryptocurrency account through which about $4.9 million had been transferred since the start of 2025.
Police accuse the syndicate of using various methods to traffic illegal consignments of drugs and firearms into the country, including using corrupt agents at international airports in the US and in New Zealand as well as New Zealand Post.
They claim the group rented Airbnbs at multiple addresses throughout Auckland to assist them in their activities.
In June 2025, the American syndicate members were arrested. Following this, police say the other members started attempting to move their property and assist the members in prison.
The remaining members also moved addresses.
In July 2025, three members were captured on CCTV checking into the Park Hyatt Hotel in downtown Auckland. Police allege that between 2023 and 2025 one of the “lieutenants” spent $164,000 on room bookings at the hotel, including rooms that cost as much as $1400 a night.
In that same month, police claim the “lieutenant” contacted a Corrections officer at Mt Eden prison who had been “corrupted” by the group and asked to move an associate of the syndicate to another part of the prison.
They are also suspected of arranging the officer to provide cigarettes to another person in prison.
Police allege that after the arrest of the American defendants, one of the members of the group started communicating with higher members of the syndicate, both in New Zealand and overseas.
In a 10-day period in August 2025, the man is accused of importing 7 consignments into New Zealand from the US containing almost 18kgs of methamphetamine. Forensic analysis to confirm the precise amount of methamphetamine is ongoing.
The court document also claims that while on EM bail the 35-year-old engaged in various mobile chat communications with a senior offshore member of the syndicate about ongoing efforts regarding their drug importations.
In September 2025, the man received a photograph from another defendant, who was at another EM bail address, while he was at the gym as well as photographs of him outside his bail address wearing his bail bracelet.
Later that month the 35-year-old was arrested again while walking along Tamaki Dr in Auckland with a mobile phone, in breach of his bail conditions.
After his arrest, one of the staff at the bail support service, was caught on camera clearing his room before police arrived, including removing “high value items” including a Rolex. Police claim the “lieutenant” called the staffer on Instagram while he was clearing the room.
That afternoon, the “lieutenant” called the manager of the bail support about the 35-year-old’s arrest. They were overheard saying “what are we gonna do damn it” to which the manager replied: “they can just bugger off”.
The “lieutenant” was arrested two days later at the Park Hyatt Hotel.
That same day police issued a press release announcing the five-month operation.
Acting Customs Investigations Manager Simon Peterson said at the time Customs used its “investigative and specialist expertise” to track the syndicate.
“Customs identified the suspects smuggling cannabis plants and resin into the country, tracking their smuggling activities throughout and gathering evidence.
“The offenders now face charges for the importation of 18 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as importation charges for cannabis.”
The US national
RNZ has obtained court documents in relation to the charges Tangi faces in the USA.
He’s accused of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, fleeing a pursuing police officer’s vehicle while driving recklessly, and possession of a firearm.
He has pleaded not guilty and is set to go on trial next month.
A spokesperson for the local District Attorney’s office told RNZ the office was “generally aware” that Tangi had another pending matter in New Zealand and that they were aware an extradition warrant existed.
Tangi was facing a possible life sentence with the possibility of parole, the spokesperson confirmed.
“Regarding the New Zealand matter, the DA’s office does not litigate extradition proceedings. However, we expect that once Mr Tangi’s case here in California concludes, the extradition process to New Zealand would move forward at that time.”
RNZ sent several questions to Tangi’s lawyer, who declined to comment.
“We cannot comment at this time and do not foresee being able to offer anything in the near future.”
In a statement to RNZ on Friday afternoon, police confirmed a third person had been charged with murder in relation to Vi’s death.
“The man is currently in custody in the United States for offences committed in that country and is now subject to an extradition process,” Counties Manukau CIB detective inspector Shaun Vickers said.
“We are working with the relevant authorities in relation to this.
“This is the third person charged over to Mr Vi’s death and our investigation remains ongoing.”
As the matter is before the courts, police are limited in providing further information, Vickers said.
Dragons RFC have officially confirmed the signing of Tonga international wing Anzelo Tuitavuki, marking another major milestone for the rising Tongan star whose rugby journey continues to showcase the strength and depth of Pacific talent on the world stage.
The 27‑year‑old, born to Tongan parents and raised within a strong cultural upbringing, will move to the Men of Gwent this summer from Colomiers Rugby in France.
His transfer is being celebrated not only in Wales and France, but also across the Tongan community who continue to follow his growing career with immense pride.
Standing 6ft and weighing 98kg, Tuitavuki has become known as one of Pro D2’s most explosive finishers.
Over the last two seasons, he crossed the line 14 times, turning heads with his trademark power, footwork, and natural ability to break tackles—qualities often associated with Pacific Island backs who combine agility with fearless running.
For many Tongan supporters, Tuitavuki’s success reflects the increasing visibility of Tongan‑born and Tongan‑heritage athletes in global competitions.
His move to Dragons RFC strengthens the Pacific presence in Europe and adds to the growing list of ‘Ikale Tahi players making their mark in professional leagues.
Before his stint in France, Tuitavuki played for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, a team created to celebrate and elevate Pacific Island talent.
He also represented Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship, where he quickly developed a reputation as a damaging ball runner with exceptional acceleration.
Tuitavuki has earned nine caps for Tonga, including a standout appearance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where he showcased not only his athleticism but also his pride in wearing the red jersey. For many young Tongans aspiring to rugby careers, his journey serves as a powerful example of how cultural identity, family heritage, and sporting excellence can come together on the international stage.
With his move to Wales, fans are eager to see how his pace and flair will influence the Dragons backline. Meanwhile, Tongans at home and abroad will undoubtedly continue to celebrate another of their own rising through the ranks of global rugby.
A scheme operating under the controversial BG Wealth Sharing brand is now under investigation by the New Zealand Commerce Commission, following concerns that it is being promoted from a base in Wellington.
Originally called TXEX, the scheme has resurfaced under several new names—UICEX, CR GLOBAL, Signal Trader, BG Wealth Sharing Group, and DSJ EX—according to the Commission.
The news comes as Tongan authorities warn that overseas promoters of the BG Wealth Sharing scheme who have recently arrived in the kingdom are acting illegally, as the scheme is prohibited in Tonga.
The Commission says it is still too early to determine whether TXEX constitutes a pyramid scheme, but has reiterated the Financial Markets Authority’s warning issued last August.
In that warning, the Authority described a network of group chats and fake investment platforms linked to a high‑risk Ponzi‑style scam first flagged under the name TXEX.
The scheme encourages people to invest in cryptocurrency investment trading platforms, and they are informed that they will receive a significant return on investment.
“Schemes present themselves in different forms, with different investment requirements and methods of promotion. These schemes entice people by promising high returns quickly and an opportunity to create ongoing wealth, which is typical of these scams,” says Commission Deputy Chair Anne Callinan.
The Commission did not identify the ethnicity of individuals involved in the Wellington campaign.
Regulators Unite Against BG
New Zealand has now joined Tonga, Australia, the UK and the US in warning that BG Wealth Sharing is a scam, with New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority previously listing “813 websites and 30 entities which have been linked to this investment scam as they were found to be duplicates.”
As Kaniva News recently reported, Tonga Police warned the public last month against participating in the scheme, saying it is prohibited in the kingdom following an earlier public warning from the central bank.
The development comes after Kaniva News previously reported that several promoters of the BG scheme had travelled to Tonga and organised a meeting in Haʻateiho.
Footage provided to Kaniva News and corroborated by witnesses confirms that the Haʻateiho meeting proceeded and that promoters were planning further gatherings in the Hahake (eastern) district.
Dr Fotu Fisiʻiahi, chief executive of the Ministry of Public Enterprises and a resident of Niutōua, issued a warning to the district not to participate in the scheme.
He later told us he had received reliable information that a BG campaign meeting had also taken place in Niutōua, adding that it was his responsibility to advise his people to avoid potential harm.
A woman has taken to social media to vent her shock and heartbreak after witnessing the demolition of the home she says her family has lived in for nearly three decades.
Footage from her livestream — seen by Kaniva News — shows a popcat excavator tearing into what appears to be a small concrete house, while a van is parked on the roadside with several men standing nearby watching the demolition unfold.
In the video, filmed just in front of the demolition scene, the woman can be heard sounding visibly distressed as the heavy machinery continues to break through the walls of the home.
Her emotional reaction has resonated with viewers, many of whom expressed sympathy in the comments, noting the pain of losing a place her family had long considered home despite having no formal legal claim to the property.
It was unclear whether the house was still liveable, whether anyone had been residing in it, or whether it formed part of a larger cluster of dwellings on the property.
The exact location of the property and the demolition site in Tonga remains unknown.
The woman said she was not upset about the house being demolished; what troubled her was that the decision was made at a time when people are expected to uphold religious and Christian moral values.
Through tears, the woman expresses disbelief that a relative dared to order the demolition of the home she and her family have occupied for 28 years.
She acknowledged on camera that although her family had lived on the property for many years, it appeared they did so with permission only—without any formal legal entitlement to the land or the building.
Despite acknowledging this limitation, the woman said she never imagined the situation would escalate to the point where she would be forced to watch the home she shared with her children being destroyed right in front of her eyes.
In the livestream, she can be heard questioning how a family member could proceed with such an action without consideration for the people who had lived there for decades.
It is unclear whether authorities were notified prior to the demolition, or whether any formal eviction process had been undertaken. Details regarding ownership, land rights, and the relative’s authority to order the demolition have not yet been confirmed.
The incident highlights a growing number of disputes involving family‑owned or informally occupied properties, where emotional ties often clash with legal realities.
As the video continues to circulate online, many have called for greater compassion and mediation within families facing similar conflicts.
