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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.

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.

Tongan court finds Faletau guilty in plot to export methamphetamine to New Zealand

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku‘alofa – The Supreme Court of Tonga has found Teau ‘I Mo‘unga Faletau guilty of engaging in dealings to transport more than five kilograms of methamphetamine, while co‑accused Mafi Fatongiatau Lutui was acquitted of the same charge.

Delivering his verdict on 24 March, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC ruled that the Crown had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Faletau was a key organiser in arranging the delivery of 5,328.98 grams of methamphetamine to airport baggage handler supervisor, Ofisi Ake, for the purpose of exporting the drugs to New Zealand.

According to the judgment, the drugs—packaged in 12 “submarine-like” parcels with one additional package—were dropped at Ake’s Fasi residence on 5 April 2024.

Ake, who was caught by Police with the drugs minutes after the drop‑off, became an indemnified informant and immediately implicated Faletau, telling police the “thing” belonged to him.

A second informant, Joseph Taufa (also indemnified), alleged that he and Lutui had been part of the delivery operation, driving the drugs to Ake’s home in a grey Mitsubishi.

However, the judge said he could not be satisfied to the criminal standard that Lutui knowingly participated in the transport of the drugs, despite evidence placing him with other suspects during key moments of the alleged operation.

Judge Accepts Some Evidence, Rejects Others

The Chief Justice warned that the evidence of both informants required “considerable caution,” noting their clear self‑interest and inconsistent accounts. However, he found Ake’s initial statements credible, describing them as “the spontaneous… reaction of someone caught red‑handed.”

Taufa’s testimony, by contrast, was deemed unreliable regarding Lutui’s involvement due to numerous inconsistencies.

But elements of his account were accepted where corroborated by CCTV and photographs.

The judge also dismissed allegations of deliberate police misconduct.

While acknowledging procedural shortcomings, he found no malicious intent by Drug Enforcement Unit officer Sergeant Tu‘amelie Fifita, whose actions were heavily scrutinised during cross‑examination.

Although CCTV footage showed Lutui’s movements around Tanoa Hotel on the day of the offence—and revealed time gaps in which the drug delivery could have occurred—the judge emphasised that opportunity alone does not establish guilt.

“The determinative evidence is that of Taufa,” the Chief Justice said, adding that he could not be sure Taufa’s account was reliable to the standard required in criminal law.

Why Faletau Was Convicted

The judge found compelling evidence that Faletau had deliberately cultivated a relationship with airport supervisor ‘Ofisi Ake in order to exploit his access to aircraft, and that he played a central role in instructing the delivery of the methamphetamine.

The Court noted that Faletau continued communicating with Ake even after the drugs were seized, and that he went so far as to advise Ake to return the methamphetamine to its suppliers—despite knowing it belonged to individuals associated with the Comancheros gang—behaviour the judge said was inconsistent with that of an innocent man.

“That is not the action of an innocent man,” Justice Bishop said, calling aspects of Faletau’s testimony “unpersuasive” and describing him as “a not very accomplished liar.”

In delivering the final verdict, the Supreme Court found Faletau guilty of engaging in dealings to transport 5,328.98 grams of methamphetamine, concluding that the Crown had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

However, the Court acquitted Lutui, ruling that the evidence presented did not meet the required criminal standard to establish his involvement in the same alleged drug‑transport operation.

Justice Bishop stressed there was “no inconsistency” in reaching different verdicts, as the case against each man had to be assessed separately.

Sentencing for Faletau will follow.

Tongan becomes first Pacific islander to receive prestigious Australian federation star

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan-born Australian Army serviceman has made history by becoming the first Pacific Islander to be awarded the Federation Star, one of Australia’s highest military honours.

Sōsefo Puli’uvea and Tongan Honorary-Consul Louise Waterhouse. Photo/Australia in Tonga Facebook page

Sosefo Puliuvea received the prestigious award in recognition of more than 40 years of continuous service to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Federation Star is reserved for members who have completed four decades of dedicated and exemplary duty.

The award was presented at a small but deeply meaningful ceremony at Holsworthy, attended by a platoon of new reservists currently in training. Sergeant Puliuvea was supported by his family, who travelled from Victoria, alongside High Commissioner Batley and Tongan Honorary-Consul Louise Waterhouse, according to a statement issued by the Australia in Tonga Facebook page.

“The ceremony was led by Commander 5th Brigade, Brigadier Jodie Lording, who acknowledged Sergeant Puliuvea’s exceptional long‑term dedication, professionalism, and commitment. The Federation Star is worn as a clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal, with additional stars recognising further five‑year periods of service.”

Puliuvea began his career as a reservist on April 5, 1983, and has since become the longest continuously serving senior non‑commissioned officer at the rank of Sergeant in the Australian Army.

Speaking about the honour, Puliuvea said giving back to Australia had been a driving force behind his service.

“It means a lot for me. Australia has given us… my family, and a lot of the wider South Pacific people, lots of opportunity. It meant a lot for me to give something back to the Australian people,” he said.

Puliuvea’s achievement has been widely celebrated among the Pacific community in Australia and abroad, marking a proud milestone for Tongans serving in foreign defence forces. His long and decorated career reflects the growing contribution of Pacific Islanders to Australia’s military, where many have served with distinction across multiple generations.

The Federation Star is awarded sparingly, highlighting the significance of Puliuvea’s accomplishment and the depth of his commitment to military service.

Police arrest Tongatapu man in connection with stolen digicel vehicle and cards

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku‘alofa – Tonga Police have arrested a 35‑year‑old resident of Mataika following the alleged theft of a red Nissan Juke belonging to a Digicel staff member, along with cash and multiple bundles of Digicel cards.

The incident occurred on 21 March 2026.

Police said the stolen vehicle was used by the Digicel employee for work purposes, including the delivery and distribution of Digicel cards.

Along with the vehicle, police confirmed that cash and a quantity of Digicel recharge cards were also reported missing.

Authorities said the suspect is currently being held in police custody as investigations continue.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity that may assist with the case or other investigations.

Tonga Police thanked members of the community who have already come forward with information and encouraged anyone who may have further details to contact their nearest police station.

More power line burnouts spark renewed outrage from electricity consumers in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Residents across the capital were left frustrated again this evening after another burnt overhead power line caused widespread outages — the latest in a series of similar incidents reported this month.

The now‑familiar phrase “interruption in your areas due to a burnt overhead power line” has become normal, adding to public frustration alongside another phrase that became notorious after the Hunga eruption — the “spike in electricity costs,” which prompted Parliament to establish a select committee investigation in 2023.

This evening, Wednesday, 25, electricity consumers took to social media within minutes of the blackout, voicing anger over the recurring problem and questioning why the same issue continues to disrupt power supply across major parts of Tongatapu.

“Koeha koaa palopalema ‘oku ‘ikai lava ai ‘o solova kae mate pehe,” one consumer wrote on Facebook, questioning why the ongoing outages cannot be resolved.

Other commenters — some of whom appeared unaware of the outage notice when it was issued — echoed similar concerns, with several saying they were in the middle of watching a movie or doing their evening chores when the power went out.

Tonga Power Limited (TPL) confirmed tonight that the latest outage was caused by a burnt overhead line located between Tupoulahi Road and Salote Road.

The fault triggered a temporary interruption affecting a long list of communities in the whole of Nuku’alofa, including Ma’ufanga, Uafu Kuini Salote, Houmakelikao, ‘Umusī, Fangaloto, Popua, Pātangata, Touliki, Fasi, Kolofo’ou, Nuku’alofa Central, Kolomotu’a, Sopu, ‘Isileli, Tongata’eapa, Longolongo, Tu’atakilangi, Halaovave, Kapeta, Vaololoa, Haveluloto and parts of Tofoa.

In its public notice, TPL said crews were working urgently to repair the damage, with partial restoration expected immediately in some places, while full repairs in the remaining areas could take two to three hours.

The company again apologised for the inconvenience and asked for patience as technicians worked to restore supply safely.

This latest incident follows repeated warnings from Tonga Power earlier in the month, in which the company explained that the burnt‑out lines were the result of excessive heat generation.

It formed part of TPL’s ongoing public notices to consumers across parts of Tongatapu, warning of possible load‑shedding due to “limited generation capacity” — a situation driven by maintenance on key generators and “reduced solar generation” caused by poor weather conditions.

Despite TPL being transparent with the cause of the outage and publishing it on its Facebook account, consumers have become increasingly vocal, saying the ongoing disruptions are unacceptable and calling for more permanent solutions.

Social media users have questioned whether the network is being adequately maintained — particularly as similar faults have occurred repeatedly within the past few weeks.

TPL said tonight’s damaged line is being prioritised, with full restoration to occur “as soon as it is safe to do so.” The company encouraged the public to contact its 24‑hour support line on 0800 123 or 944 for further information.

Tonga’s century‑old ties to Newington shine as HC visits Tupou College students in Sydney

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s enduring relationship with Newington College, forged more than a century ago through the Wesleyan Church’s expansion into the Pacific, gained fresh attention today after High Commissioner Batley made an unannounced visit to the Tongan boys attending the Sydney school under a Tupou College exchange programme.

High Commissioner Batley meets Tupou College students during his visit to Newington College, reinforcing the historic ties between Tonga and the school.

The students, affectionately teased for “surviving without their lū sipi and ‘ota ika,” form part of a vibrant and growing Tongan and Pacific Islander community on campus.

Staff noted that the boys have quickly made their cultural presence felt, taking the lead in weekly prayer gatherings and singing sessions, where they share their faith, traditions and unmistakable harmonies.

The High Commissioner also toured the Tupou College Centre alongside House Captain Dylan and Head of House Cameron Quince.

The centre, a tribute to the deep educational partnership between Newington and Tonga, houses remarkable Tongan tapa artworks and memorabilia—including items belonging to former student Steve Finau, who attended the college between 1956 and 1966.

Headmaster Michael Parker and his team were thanked for nurturing these historic links and for their ongoing commitment to supporting educational opportunities for young Tongans.

Despite its strong historical link to the Wesleyan Church in Tonga, Tongan students from other denominations and government high schools were also educated at Newington College from the early years.

Among them was the late Professor Futa Helu, who attended Newington from 1953 to 1956 before continuing his studies at the University of Sydney.

Urgent backlog bombshell: Potungāue Fonua crackdown reveals thousands of stalled cases

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (Potungāue ki he Fonua mo e Ngaahi Koloa Fakaenatula) is grappling with a massive bottleneck of stalled land cases, exposing potentially more damaging administrative failures within a government authority that has been at the centre of public controversy for years.

A significant backlog of more than 7,000 unprocessed land applications has prompted the Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi to issue a public warning this afternoon, urging patience as staff work to address delays caused by outdated filing systems and limited manpower.

It follows years of debate and repeated complaints on social media, which periodically intensified whenever land‑court rulings were released—many of them tied to long, drawn‑out processes that increasingly ended in disputes and allegations of staff corruption.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, former chief executive Rosamond Bing resigned in 2022 after a complaint was lodged with the Public Service Commission.

It is understood that serious concerns — including allegations that the Ministry had failed to act on long‑standing land issues raised by the public — formed part of the complaints against Bing.

Kaniva News contacted her for comment at the time. The then Minister later vowed to reform the Ministry after revelations that the number of land cases ending up in court had exploded from 19 to 173 between roughly 2012 and 2022.

Last year, a leaked internal memo seen by Kaniva News indicated that the King was no longer confident in the former Minister of Lands, Lord Tu‘i‘afitu, and his handling of land matters.

The Minister also faced strong criticism after leading a delegation on an overseas tour to New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, publicly promoted as a mission to meet and address the needs of Tongans in the diaspora.

Critics argued that the real purpose of the tour was to benefit from travel allowances and per diems. The Minister was also sharply criticised in Parliament, where Opposition members insisted that overseas land issues could easily be handled through online communication.

The Minister rejected that claim, saying the matters involved formal agreements requiring physical signatures and could not be handled over the internet.

However, many critics continued to question why the Minister needed to travel overseas to address land issues, arguing that these were technical matters handled by officials, not responsibilities that required ministerial travel.

System Strained by Backlog

Minister Fusimālohi said on Facebook today that the build‑up includes thousands of pending applications across land allotments, surrenders, leases, transfers and mortgages, some of which have been sitting unfiled or not yet entered into the computer system due to staffing shortages and administrative constraints.

He said, efforts are now underway to reorganise case files, digitise records and request additional resources in the upcoming Budget to allow staff to work extended hours to clear the backlog.

The Minister said additional computers have also been provided to staff so that application records can be uploaded into the system more quickly and efficiently.

Social media users claim security guard is Tongan after viral confrontation in Australia

By
Kalino Latu
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A security guard who made headlines in Australia this week for forcefully confronting and shoving a would‑be thief to the ground has been widely praised online, with many social media users—particularly Tongans—labelling him as Tongan.

Composite images show a security guard wearing a high‑visibility vest approaching and physically engaging with an individual holding a boxed item in a carpark.

The 17‑second footage, captured by the dashcam of a fortuitously positioned passing vehicle, shows a large security guard in a high‑vis vest and shorts walking calmly across the car park in Melbourne.

A man dressed in black then tries to briskly slip past him, carrying a 10‑pack—allegedly stolen from the nearby Aldi—in his left arm.

As the two cross paths, the security guard delivers a swift and forceful blow to the man’s upper chest and throat, sending the alleged thief crashing backwards to the ground.

However, a second video has since surfaced featuring the same security guard, showing him being confronted by two men.

In the clip, he is seen engaging one man directly while reacting to another who approaches from the side.

News 10 identified him on‑air as “Maka the Security Guard”—and while Maka is a common Tongan name, his nationality has not been confirmed.

Online Reactions Pour In

The viral footage has generated a wave of enthusiastic responses across social media platforms, with many users praising the security guard’s decisive action.

Dozens of commenters urged authorities and his employer to “give him a pay rise,” arguing that his quick thinking likely prevented further theft or harm.

Others hailed him as a hero, applauding both his confidence and the sheer force of the takedown.

“This guy deserves a medal,” one user wrote, while another added, “Best tackle of the year—sign him to the NRL!”

Tongan Claims Emerge Online

A number of Tongan users claimed the guard as their own, pointing to his build and the name “Maka” mentioned by an Australian news anchor.

“If he’s Tongan, that’s to’a right there,” one commenter said, referencing the cultural expression for courage.

Humour also filled the comment threads, with some jokingly referring to him as “the Aldi Avenger” and others teasing that the alleged thief “picked the wrong day, wrong store, and definitely the wrong security guard.”

Despite the comedic tone of many reactions, several users also highlighted the risks involved in such confrontations, praising the guard for staying calm before delivering the decisive blow.

“His composure was next level,” one person noted in Tongan.

“He waited, watched, and reacted at exactly the right moment.”

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