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.
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.
Auckland, NZ – Tributes are pouring in on social media for the young girl who died after a three‑vehicle crash in East Tāmaki on Sunday night — a child Kaniva News can now confirm was of Tongan heritage.
Emergency services including police, St John and firefighters were pictured assessing the scene on Smales Road. (Source: 1News)
The fatal incident occurred just after 8pm on Smales Road, near the intersection with Te Irirangi Drive.
Emergency services responded quickly and found the child in critical condition, immediately commencing CPR at the scene.
She was transported to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Four other people suffered minor to moderate injuries, and the Serious Crash Unit carried out a full scene examination.
Police say inquiries into the circumstances of the collision remain ongoing.
As news of the tragedy spread, members of the Tongan community — both in Aotearoa and abroad — took to Facebook to express their sorrow and offer condolences to the grieving family.
A source who is very close to the family of the deceased has confirmed to Kaniva News that the little girl was Tongan.
Many described the girl as “beautiful,” “cherished,” and “gone too soon,” while others posted prayers in Tongan, calling for strength and peace for her parents during this devastating time.
A mourner posted a tribute—written in both English and Tongan—saying: “Sooo unfortunate 😭😭 Our little angel has gained her wings. RIL, Linda. Si‘i had a very sad evening when we broke the heartbreaking news to her 😢💔‘Ofa lahi atu, sissy. Lots of love,”
Some relatives shared heartfelt messages honouring her short life. Others expressed shock and sadness that another young Pasifika life had been lost on Auckland roads.
Residents near the crash site also shared accounts of the chaotic moments following the collision.
One local told media he heard a loud bang and people shouting the child’s name as they desperately tried to help before emergency crews arrived.
The intersection has long been known to locals as a hotspot for serious accidents, with one resident saying crashes occur there “every three or four months.”
Police continue to call for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
New Zealand has announced a temporary reduction in visitor visa fees for eligible Pacific nationals — a move expected to benefit Tongan travellers and strengthen regional ties.
The reduced fees, effective 1 June 2026 for a 12‑month trial period, will lower the total cost from NZD $216 to NZD $161, including the standard immigration levy.
The policy applies only to applicants lodging their applications from outside New Zealand, and excludes Parent Boost Visitor Visas and Group Visitor Visas.
Pacific visitors already pay significantly lower fees than travellers from other regions and are exempt from the International Visitor and Conservation Levy, which helps keep overall travel costs down.
For Tongans — one of the largest Pacific communities engaged in frequent travel to Aotearoa — the reduction is expected to ease financial barriers for family visits, cultural travel, church events, and short‑term stays.
In comparison, visitors from non‑Pacific countries pay NZD $441, nearly three times the new Pacific rate.
New Zealand’s government says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Pacific neighbours and deepening long‑standing relationships across the region.
The 12‑month period will also allow immigration officials to study how lower visa fees influence travel demand, operational costs, and movement patterns.
The fee reduction follows recent steps aimed at improving mobility for Pacific peoples, including longer default visa durations and a trial of a visa‑free travel pathway for Pacific travellers arriving from Australia.
Eligible nations benefiting from the reduced fee include Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, American Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.
For many Tongan families — especially those with strong transnational ties across New Zealand — the change is expected to make short visits more accessible during the trial year.
Confirmation tests from Fiji and New Zealand have cleared the ‘Eua drinking water supply, prompting Tonga’s Ministry of Health to lift its two‑week ban on consumption.
Authorities announced on Friday that laboratory validation found the water safe for drinking ending a public health restriction first issued earlier this month after elevated lead levels were detected in the island’s public and bore water systems.
The clearance marks a significant update two weeks after officials warned residents of ‘Eua not to drink, cook with, or consume water from the public supply after routine tests revealed dangerously high levels of lead.
That earlier advisory followed testing conducted in collaboration with the Tonga Water Board, which showed lead concentrations exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
The Ministry said continued monitoring will remain in place as investigations into the source of the earlier contamination proceed.
The lifting of the ban restores normal water use for households, schools, and businesses across the island, bringing relief to residents after two weeks of uncertainty and restricted access to drinking water.
Nuku‘alofa — A man has died following an electrocution incident in ‘Utulau on 13 March, marking the second fatality in recent months involving electrical hazards.
In a statement issued on Monday, police said the 29-year-old man died after coming into contact with an electrical source, underscoring the serious risks associated with handling electrical equipment and attempting repairs without proper expertise.
Authorities extended condolences to the victim’s family, acknowledging the difficult time they are facing.
Police used the incident to urge the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with electricity or any electrical device.
They reminded households not to attempt to repair or touch faulty wiring or equipment, stressing that only licensed and qualified electricians should carry out electrical work.
Tonga Police said they remain committed to ensuring public safety and encouraged anyone concerned about potential electrical faults in their homes or workplaces to contact a certified electrician immediately.
For further inquiries, police referred media to the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office.
Queues formed at petrol stations across Tonga as fuel panic buying grew, but Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua moved to reassure the public that there is no immediate shortage.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua
It comes as regional tensions have surged after the US‑Israel war with Iran, which began on 28 February 2026 and has now entered its 17th day, triggering missile and drone attacks across the Middle East and disrupting vital oil routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict has led to heightened fears over global fuel supply stability, contributing to public anxiety in countries like Tonga.
Fuel prices in New Zealand are genuinely rising and some petrol stations — mainly Gull — have temporarily run out of fuel due to panic buying.
However, the Luxon government says NZ’s overall fuel supply remains secure, with several weeks of stock both in the country and en route.
The temporary outages are caused by sudden surges in demand, not by an actual nationwide shortage, it says.
Fakafanua Addresses Fuel Concerns
The Tongan government says the kingdom still has sufficient fuel supplies and there is no need for panic.
It says Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua met with national energy stakeholders on Monday to review Tonga’s Energy Security Strategy.
The meeting on 16 March brought together senior officials and sector representatives to assess the country’s current fuel reserves and long-term energy resilience.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions confirmed that Tonga’s immediate fuel supply remains stable.
In a statement, the government urged the public not to engage in panic buying or unnecessary queuing at petrol stations, saying there is no immediate risk of shortages.
To provide further clarity, the Prime Minister’s Office will host a press conference on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 9am, where the government is expected to outline its broader energy security plans and answer media questions.
