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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.

Samoan lawyer in Miss Pacific Islands pageant Tonga dispute suspended in undisclosed case

By
Kalino Latu
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The lawyer whose actions contributed to turmoil at the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is now facing professional sanctions in what appears to be an unrelated matter.

Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt at Auckland airport on 13 February waiting for his flight back home to Samoa. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Grace Fiavaai

The Samoa Law Society (SLS) has placed prominent lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt under an interim suspension following the receipt of a serious professional complaint.

In a circular memorandum issued to members on 27 March 2026, the SLS confirmed that its President and Council resolved on 24 February 2026 to suspend Mr Brunt’s practising certificate for a period of six months, effective from 11 March 2026.

The Society said the complaint has been formally referred to its Complaints and Investigation Committee, which will conduct inquiries and determine the matter according to established professional disciplinary procedures.

While the SLS declined to disclose the nature of the complaint, it stressed that the action is interim and does not constitute a finding of guilt, describing the suspension as a precautionary step aimed at protecting public confidence in the legal profession while due process is followed.

Fraud Allegations Follow Confrontation

Shortly after an initial confrontation during the announcement of the winners at the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, the Solomon Islands Minister for Home Affairs publicly stated that authorities were considering potential fraud charges against Brunt.

The controversy arose after Tongan judge Mā‘ata Mo‘ungaloa confronted Brunt on the final night of the event, alleging he had tampered with the scorecards to secure the title for the Samoan contestant, Litara Ieremia Allan. Critics maintained that the official tallies indicated the crown should instead have been awarded to the Tongan contestant, Rachael Guttenbeil.

Following the ministerial announcement, Brunt was prevented from boarding his scheduled flight back to Apia after the Solomon Islands Government intervened, confirming it had issued a “stop notice” against all four pageant judges.

Brunt was later released and strongly denied any wrongdoing, vowing at the time to pursue legal action to clear his name of the allegations.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga, dies in Fiji

By
Kalino Latu
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Suva, Fiji – Fiji statesman and former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has died at the age of 84 in Fiji.

Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at QEB Barracks

Fiji Live, which first reported Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s death, said he passed away peacefully on Thursday night after being admitted to hospital earlier that evening.

Nailatikau served as President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015, as well as Speaker of Parliament, senior diplomat, and former military commander.

His passing also marks the loss of a significant figure shared by Tongan and Fijian royal lineages.

He was the son of Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau, whose parents were King George Tupou II of Tonga and Adi Litia Cakobau, a granddaughter of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the first King of Fiji.

This lineage meant that King George Tupou II had two notable children whose lives shaped the histories of both Tonga and Fiji.

One was Queen Sālote Tupou III, born within wedlock, who went on to reign as Tonga’s monarch and became one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern history.

The other was Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau, born outside marriage, who rose to prominence as a leading Fijian chief and respected statesman, further cementing the close historical ties between the two Pacific nations.

As a consequence of this lineage, Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau was the half‑brother of Queen Sālote Tupou III.

Queen Sālote’s son, King Tupou IV, subsequently ascended the throne and later became the father of His Majesty King Tupou VI, the current monarch of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Tributes have begun flowing across Fiji and the wider Pacific, recognising Ratu Epeli’s lifelong service to public life, regional diplomacy, and Pacific leadership.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in due course.

Online scams affecting Tongans take a new turn, this time involving rugby

By
Kaniva Staff
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A pattern of online scams long familiar to many Tongans has taken a new turn, prompting fresh warnings after links emerged involving rugby circles.

The New Zealand Herald reported on Saturday morning that former New Zealand Under‑20 representative and current Tongan international Tau Koloamatangi has been accused of scamming people out of thousands of dollars through the sale of match‑worn rugby jerseys.

The report alleges that Koloamatangi, who has previously played provincial rugby for Waikato and Otago and competed for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, advertised the jerseys through social media and online marketplace platforms.

According to the allegations, once payments were made, communication reportedly stopped and the buyers were blocked.

The New Zealand Herald contacted Koloamatangi for comment.

Online scams of this kind are not unfamiliar to the Tongan community.

Last year, members of the Tongan diaspora took to social media, particularly Facebook, to voice frustration over what they alleged was an online scam involving the advertisement of Kahoa Heilala Fakatau.

The service claimed it would provide floral garlands for Tongans living overseas who paid deposits online and planned to collect the kāhoa upon arriving in Tonga for cultural events or celebrations.

However, complainants alleged that upon arrival, the promised items were not provided, excuses were repeatedly given, and refunds were never issued.

Kaniva Tonga News also reported on similar online scams last year, including an allegedly fraudulent service that advertised pig‑roasting services for events.

Customers claimed they made advance payments, only to be met with repeated excuses when they arrived to collect the pigs, which were never provided.

Fiji warned of alarming HIV surge, with cases projected to reach 9,000

By
Kaniva Staff
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Suva, Fiji — Serious concern has been raised about Fiji’s growing HIV crisis, with government officials warning that the country could soon have close to 9,000 people living with HIV if current infection trends continue.

Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa. Photo.Fiji Parliament

Fiji is currently facing a rapidly escalating HIV crisis driven by a sharp rise in injecting drug use, low testing rates, and limited access to prevention services.

Health authorities say many people living with HIV are unaware of their status, allowing the virus to spread quietly within families and communities.

The latest warning comes amid revelations that the official figures only reflect individuals who have been tested through health centres across the country.

Health authorities believe the true number of infections could be up to three times higher, as many people may be living with HIV unknowingly due to limited testing.

According to Fiji Live, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa has described the situation as an HIV pandemic, highlighting an urgent need for stronger public health interventions.

Ravunawa revealed that cumulative HIV diagnoses rose sharply from around 3,660 cases in 2024 to approximately 5,676 cases in 2025, marking a significant increase within a single year.

He also pointed to a dramatic surge in annual infection rates.

New HIV cases increased from 415 in 2023 to 1,583 in 2024, a nearly four‑fold rise that health officials say is deeply worrying.

“These figures only represent those captured through testing,” Ravunawa said, noting that the actual number of people living with HIV in Fiji is likely far higher.

“This is a very worrying situation that we are in right now.”

Health authorities fear that without urgent action—including expanded testing, public awareness campaigns, and improved access to prevention and treatment services—the number of infections could continue to rise rapidly.

Officials are urging the public to seek testing, reduce stigma around HIV, and engage with health services early, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes and help curb transmission.

Backlog and long waits prompt warning for overseas Tongans over land‑related travel

By
Kalino Latu
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The Ministry of Lands is urging Tongans living overseas to use its official communication channels instead of travelling to Tonga for land matters, as staff remain occupied with clearing a large backlog of outdated files and may not have the capacity to serve walk‑in visitors.

Minister for Lands Dr Taniela Fusimālohi. Photo/ Fale Alea ‘o Tonga

As Kaniva News reported this week, around 7,000 files from previous years have accumulated at the Ministry of Lands—many still sitting on desks and never entered into the computer system—creating what the Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi had described as a chaotic backlog that continues to overwhelm staff.

Fusimālohi said the Ministry also has more than 3,000 land parcels awaiting survey and measurement.

According to the Minister, staff are now working to organise and digitise thousands of files, enter records into the Ministry’s computer system, and expand personnel and resources to improve turnaround times for all applications.

The Minister said the queues and waiting times remain long and will continue until the backlog is fully cleared and the ongoing improvement work is completed.

He said the overhaul programme is expected to be completed by the end of the next financial year, which falls in June 2027, allowing the Ministry to finally resolve the longstanding backlog.

Fusimālohi said overseas applicants should only travel to Tonga for land matters if they are specifically instructed to do so by the Ministry.

Upcoming Overseas Service Visits

The Ministry also announced upcoming in‑person services for overseas communities.

Two officers will be in Canberra on 27, 28, and 30 March to assist Tongans with their land matters, with further service visits planned for Sydney in early May, Brisbane in July, and Melbourne in September.

Fusimalohi also reminded the public not to send applications or documents directly to individual Ministry staff, noting that doing so does not speed up processing.

All formal submissions should be addressed to the Minister or CEO, registered through the Secretariat, and then assigned to staff officially.

He added that only correspondence issued by the CEO, the Minister, or an authorised head of division is recognised as official government communication.

The Minister further confirmed that Tonga’s diplomatic missions in Australia, the United States, and the High Commission in Auckland will be approached to assist overseas Tongans with submitting their documents in the future.

Tuvalu Minister honours Tongan USP director after his passing

By
Kalino Latu
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Tuvalu’s Minister for Communication, Transport and Tourism, Simon Kope, has paid tribute to the passing of Tongan academic Dr Olikoni Tā’ai, describing his death as a significant loss to both Tuvalu and the wider Pacific education community.

The death of Dr Ta’ai, who served as the Campus Director of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Tuvalu Campus, was first reported this morning.

Kaniva News has confirmed his death through a family member, who said the family was devastated by the unexpected loss.

In one of the posts about Dr Ta’ai’s death, Minister Kope paid tribute by acknowledging Dr Ta’ai’s contribution to education in Tuvalu and expressing his sadness upon learning of his passing.

Colleagues at USP Tuvalu also expressed shock at the news, noting Dr Ta’ai’s commitment to expanding academic opportunities and ensuring the campus remained responsive to the needs of local learners.

Social media is filled with shock and sadness today as we learn of Dr Ta’ai’s passing.

“A true leader and educator,” a commenter wrote.

“I’m deeply shocked to hear about Dr Olikoni Ta’ai’s passing. He was a humble, dedicated leader who inspired so many. You will be missed, Dr Ta’ai,” another said.

“Heartbroken to learn of Dr Ta’ai’s sudden death. His contribution to education in Tuvalu and the Pacific was enormous. Rest in peace, Director.

“This news has truly shocked us. Dr Ta’ai supported us through our studies and always encouraged us to aim higher. Thank you for everything, sir.”

Further details about funeral arrangements are expected to be released once confirmed by the family.

Kautoke recognised for bringing Tongan perspectives to new UN publication

By
Kalino Latu
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New York — Tongan lawyer Ms Rose Kautoke has been recognised in New York for her contribution to a landmark academic publication on one of the world’s most significant new ocean treaties.

The new publication, released by Oxford University Press, is the first of its kind to offer a comprehensive legal and academic analysis of the BBNJ Agreement — the global treaty designed to protect marine biodiversity in international waters beyond national jurisdiction.

Ms Kautoke, whose work was featured as part of the global collective of experts contributing to the book, was recognised for her legal research and insights on Pacific Island perspectives, including Tonga’s role in shaping the international agreement.

The book examines a historic international treaty adopted by the UN to safeguard the high seas.

Editors of the publication noted that the BBNJ Agreement represents a major shift in strengthening environmental governance and giving developing states—including Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—a stronger voice in global ocean management.

Ms Kautoke was honoured during a special event hosted at the Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations to mark the release of The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Commentary and Analysis, an Oxford University Press publication supported by a consortium of Pacific and global partners.

The event brought together diplomats, legal experts, academics, and representatives of international organisations, highlighting global cooperation in advancing the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement—a treaty designed to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.

The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the UN said Ms Kautoke’s contribution reflects Tonga’s longstanding commitment to ocean stewardship and its active participation in international legal processes.

Canadian expert briefs Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa as Tonga advances e-passport development

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga has now moved a step closer to rolling out its new e-passport, with the Kingdom’s long‑standing partnership with a global security‑document provider — the same company behind the high‑technology infrastructure powering its travel documents — helping drive the upgrade forward.

Crown Prince with members of his staff alongside Canadian specialist Mr Dwight MacManus during the official engagement. Photo/HMDS

As Kaniva News reported previously, Tonga is joining the regional effort to modernise border security, boost tourism, and meet international travel standards through the introduction of electronic passports, known as e‑passports.

Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa, Minister for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services (HMDS), was briefed today, Thursday, March 26, alongside ministry officials by Mr Dwight MacManus, Vice President and General Manager for Border Security at CBN.

He outlined a plan to introduce enhanced security features and modern digital technologies across Tonga’s passport platform, according to a statement from HMDS.

According to the presentation, the proposed upgrade aims to strengthen the integrity, durability, and global compliance of Tongan passports—helping to ensure safer, more efficient travel for citizens while aligning with evolving international border‑security standards.

CBN serves as Tonga’s long‑term partner in the design, production, and management of secure passport systems, providing the specialised technology and high‑security printing capabilities required for internationally compliant travel documents.

As a leading global provider of passports, national IDs, and border‑security solutions, CBN supports Tonga by supplying advanced security features, biometric integration, and system upgrades that the country cannot cost‑effectively produce domestically.

Through this partnership, CBN helps ensure Tonga’s passports meet evolving international standards, strengthen border integrity, and enhance the safety and reliability of travel for Tongan citizens.

His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ‘Ulukalala, Minister for HMDS, emphasised the national importance of the initiative.

He said the upgrade represents a crucial investment in protecting Tonga’s identity, improving border processes, and ensuring that Tongan travellers can move confidently and securely across international borders.

“This work supports both the safety of our people and Tonga’s presence on the global stage,” HRH noted, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening systems that safeguard national security.

The proposed modernisation marks a promising milestone for the Kingdom as it continues to bolster its digital infrastructure and reinforce protections against emerging threats in global travel.

Comanchero sergeant‑at‑arms Christian Taumoefolau jailed for life in Australia over brutal killing

By
Kaniva Staff
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A senior Comanchero gang enforcer has been jailed for life in Australia over the execution‑style murder of Mitat Rasimi, a killing linked to a violent debt‑collection dispute.

The prisoner has been identified as 31‑year‑old Tongan national Christian Taumoefolau, the former Sergeant‑at‑Arms of the gang’s Victorian chapter.

Two of Taumoefolau’s co‑accused, Richard Ene, 30, and Laiseni Kakato, 32, were also sentenced to life imprisonment. Ene and Kakato will be eligible for parole after 28 years, while Taumoefolau may apply for parole after 26 years.

The trio were sentenced on 20 May 2025, but the Supreme Court of Victoria imposed a suppression order on Taumoefolau immediately afterwards.

The order remained in effect for approximately 10 months, expiring on March 26, 2026.

With the lifting of this restriction, media outlets are now legally permitted to report on the sentencing for the first time — explaining the delay between the sentence being handed down and this week’s coverage.  

The court heard that while Ene drove the getaway car, Kakato fired a .22-calibre handgun, killing Rasimi, while Taumoefolau was convicted for his role in planning the murder.

The judge described the killing as an “outrageous and brutally violent” attack, noting that the victim was stalked and shot just metres from his home.

The killing of Mitat Rasimi

The murder of Rasimi occurred in a context of violent underworld debt collection linked to organised crime networks operating across Melbourne.

The sentencing judge condemned the attack as “chilling”, emphasising its level of planning and the callous disregard for human life shown by all involved.

Law‑enforcement agencies say the life sentence represents another critical step in dismantling the Comancheros’ most violent factions.

Transnational Gang Concerns

Taumoefolau’s imprisonment also follows a series of coordinated investigations targeting the gang across the region, including major drug raids in Tonga and New Zealand, and multi‑year operations that have led to dozens of arrests of patched members and associates.

He has been repeatedly described in court documents and police briefings as a feared senior figure within the Comanchero hierarchy.

His position as Sergeant‑at‑Arms — the gang’s enforcement chief — placed him at the centre of internal discipline, extortion operations, and high‑risk violence.

The court was told that after the murder, the bikie gang held a “patch party”.

The men were given a “Comos patch” awarded to members who have done an act of significance for the club in what Tinney described as a “perverse accolade” for their crime.

States of Emergency Declared in Whangārei and Far North as Heavy Rain Isolates Communities

By
Kaniva Staff
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Northland, New Zealand — With several Northland communities cut off by flooding and more severe weather on the way, both the Whangārei District Council and the Far North District Council have declared a State of Emergency, effective for seven days from 2pm Thursday.

The declarations follow intense rainfall that has inundated roads, isolated townships, and triggered widespread warnings across the region.

Authorities say Kaitāia and the wider Te Hiku area are now cut off due to flooding, with State Highway 1 at Mangamuka Gorge closed as a precaution.

Far North District Mayor Moko Tepania said the situation is expected to worsen with high tides and further heavy rain forecast, and the emergency powers will help speed up the response.

The region remains under a Red Heavy Rain Warning, with up to 322mm of rain predicted in some areas.

Whangārei District Council noted that the declaration enables Civil Defence to access additional emergency powers, including evacuations, road closures, and requisitioning equipment if required.

Officials urged residents to avoid travel, keep clear of floodwaters, and stay connected with family and neighbours.

Multiple marae and community facilities across Northland have opened to support those displaced or cut off, while emergency services remain on high alert as conditions evolve.

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