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.
A growing lack of secure housing in Tonga is increasingly being recognised as a major issue, with authorities identifying informal village settlements, rising demand for land, and the government withdrawing housing support from individuals occupying land they do not own.
Seputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi
Speaking during recent public meetings held as part of the Ministry of Lands’ reform programme, Lands Minister Taniela Fusimālohi said many people were now living informally on village land or boarding with relatives and other households because they did not have land of their own.
He noted that the situation had become evident when, in some instances, town officers were unable to explain how some individuals had settled on specific parcels of land.
“Homelessness is clearly evident in Tonga,” the Minister said in Tongan.
Fusimālohi warned that population growth and limited government-controlled land could create serious challenges in the coming decades for people seeking allotments for housing and cultivation.
“There may come a time—whether in 20 or 30 years—when it will be difficult for the Minister for Lands to meet the demand from people seeking land to live on,” he said.
The Minister said that the number of people requesting land from the Ministry for housing continues to grow, but there is still no land available for them.
He said only 47 percent of Tonga’s land is administered directly by the government as freehold land available for allocation to the public.
This means the remaining 53 percent is controlled under the authority of the King and the nobility. It is understood that a large proportion of the population resides on these lands without formal ownership arrangements.
In effect, their occupancy depends on the consent of the King or the nobility, who retain the right to evict them at any time.
Assistance Withdrawn Over Land Rights
Fusimālohi revealed that last year he and Ministry staff provided mobile and prefabricated houses to people living in poor housing conditions, but later withdrew the assistance after discovering the occupants did not own the land where the houses had been placed.
He said the decision was made to prevent landowners from evicting occupants and taking ownership of these houses.
The Minister linked the growing pressure on land to Tonga’s youthful population, saying the 2021 Census showed about 45 percent of Tongans were under the age of 25.
Many of them, he said, were either beginning to establish families or would do so in the coming years, increasing future demand for town and bush allotments.
Land Policy Faces Sustainability Challenges
Fusimālohi said the law guarantees citizens access to government town allotments for housing and bush allotments for cultivation, but acknowledged that the long-term sustainability of the system is now under pressure.
He said the government’s proposal to reduce town allotments from 30 poles to 15 poles, as previously reported by Kaniva News, reflected a historical trend of gradually reducing land sizes to preserve availability for future generations.
According to the Minister, allotments were previously 80 poles and later 60 poles before eventually being reduced to 30.
He said the reductions occurred after authorities recognised that larger allotments would eventually contribute to land shortages.
Fusimālohi said some individuals currently hold leases on land measuring about 16 poles for commercial and building purposes.
Backlog Revealed In Reviews
The Minister’s disclosure follows his earlier revelation that internal reviews had identified a backlog exceeding 7,000 land surveying applications, case files, and public complaints.
The Minister said the findings formed part of broader concerns that the Ministry had failed to maintain proper professional standards, including allegations involving poor administration of land rights and potentially corrupt practices affecting members of the public.
He also described conditions at the Ministry’s main office as disorganised, saying records had previously been poorly managed and stored inconsistently throughout the building.
Tonga’s Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) has called for urgent national action to protect children from the lasting trauma of domestic violence, in the wake of the fatal Vava’u shooting.
As reported by Kaniva News, a 43-year-old mother of four from ‘Utulangivaka, Vava’u, was fatally shot in a domestic violence incident on May 7. Her daughter was reportedly injured while trying to intervene.
The woman’s 43-year-old husband is in police custody as investigations into the fatal shooting continue.
The advocacy group described the killing as a devastating reminder of the dangers many women and children continue to face behind closed doors.
“As Tonga marks Mother’s Day, this tragedy is especially heartbreaking,” the organisation’s director, Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki said.
“A mother’s life has been taken in a place that should have been safest — her own home.”
The latest statement adds to growing public concern following earlier reports and emotional footage linked to the incident, which underscored the trauma inflicted on the victim’s family, particularly her children.
WCCC said the impact of the killing would be long-lasting, extending far beyond the immediate loss.
“Today, we mourn not only the loss of a woman, but the devastating impact this violence will have on her children, her family, and the wider community for years to come,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the ongoing police investigation, the organisation urged the public to allow due process to continue, but emphasised that the broader issue of domestic violence must not be ignored.
“Domestic violence is not a ‘private family matter’,” WCCC said. “It is a human rights violation. It is a community issue.”
The centre warned that far too many women and children across Tonga continue to live in fear, often unable to seek help due to barriers such as shame, stigma, economic dependence, and isolation.
It stressed that without early intervention, such violence can escalate to irreversible harm — and, in cases like this, loss of life.
In response, WCCC is calling for coordinated national action involving government agencies, churches, community leaders, families, and service providers to strengthen prevention efforts.
The organisation outlined key priorities, including raising community awareness, improving early intervention systems, expanding support services for survivors and children, and increasing investment in counselling and safe services. It also called for a stronger national commitment to challenging harmful norms that enable violence and silence victims.
Likiliki said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call.
“A home should never become the most dangerous place for a woman or child,” she said. “Every life lost to domestic violence is not only a personal tragedy — it is a collective failure to act early, listen deeply, and protect boldly.”
The organisation also issued a direct message to those currently experiencing violence.
“To women and children living in fear: you are not alone,” it said. “There are people and services that will listen, support, and stand beside you.”
WCCC continues to operate a 24-hour free support line (0800 444), providing counselling, advocacy, crisis assistance, and referrals.
As the investigation into the Vava’u shooting continues, the centre urged the nation to reflect not only on the loss but on the responsibility to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
“This Mother’s Day,” the statement concluded, “we ask Tonga not only to celebrate mothers — but to protect them.”
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – Tongan households will be protected from a newly announced electricity price increase, with the Government stepping in to cover the additional cost as part of a broader relief package responding to the ongoing energy and fuel crisis.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua confirmed during a weekly press conference that, although the Energy Commission has approved a 32 seniti increase in electricity tariffs, the Government will absorb the full impact of the rise, ensuring consumers do not bear the burden in their power bills.
The move forms part of a set of immediate measures aimed at easing pressure on families facing rising living costs.
“While there are signs of fuel supply risk, Tonga remains at ‘Green’ status, meaning overall supply is stable,” Lord Fakafanua said, while acknowledging the financial strain caused by global energy pressures.
Under the scheme, the Government will continue its existing lifeline tariff programme for vulnerable households, while extending support to all households nationwide.
By absorbing the tariff increase, the Government is effectively paying the additional cost that would otherwise have been passed on to consumers.
This intervention means households are unlikely to see a significant rise in their electricity bills despite the higher tariff rate.
Relief Amid Rising Costs
The electricity subsidy is the centrepiece of a wider support package designed to cushion the impact of the energy crisis and inflation on everyday life.
Other measures announced by the Government include a 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for civil servants, supported by $5 million in the draft FY2027 Budget, as well as subsidies to offset fuel surcharges on domestic air and shipping services to help keep the cost of goods and travel down for outer island communities.
The package also provides a one-off $100 payment to beneficiaries of elderly and disability welfare schemes, while targeted support for businesses struggling with rising energy costs is currently being finalised.
The Government’s decision to absorb the electricity price increase reflects a balancing act between maintaining energy supply stability and protecting households from economic shocks.
With global fuel costs continuing to fluctuate, officials signalled that interventions such as subsidies may be necessary to sustain affordability while ensuring reliable energy access.
The Prime Minister said the measures are part of a broader effort to maintain economic stability and protect vulnerable communities, as Tonga navigates ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets.
A call for urgent assistance has been issued on behalf of a Tongan student currently admitted to the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva, Fiji, who is in need of blood.
The appeal is directed particularly to individuals with blood group A or O, who are being encouraged to come forward and help meet this critical need.
A statement published by Tongan students at USP over the weekend said that those willing to assist are encouraged to contact 7618020 for further information and coordination.
However, potential donors were later advised that the CWM Hospital blood bank is currently closed and will reopen on Monday morning.
Donors are therefore encouraged to visit the facility once it reopens to make their contributions.
Members of the Tongan community, as well as the wider public in Fiji, are being urged to respond to the appeal and show support during this time of need.
No details about the patient or their illness were provided.
Inspired by her late mother Lilika, the Olympian activist is raising awareness about preventable illness.
Dame Valerie Adams hopes Jammies for June will kick off a national conversation about how we can better prevent illnesses that hit the Māori and Pasifika community hard.Photo credit:via Celebrity Speakers
Caption:Dame Valerie Adams hopes Jammies for June will kick off a national conversation about how we can better prevent illnesses that hit the Māori and Pasifika community hard.Photo credit:via Celebrity Speakers
With a mother who died of cervical cancer at just 39, Dame Valerie Adams is passionate about encouraging women to get cancer screenings via Women’s Health Week.
Knowing firsthand what it’s like to live in a South Auckland state house, she’s also the face of Jammies for June – a fundraising campaign to help keep tamariki, especially those coming out of hospital, warm and well this winter.
“A lot of these kids probably don’t even have pyjamas, probably never seen any. To see the smiles on their face when they’re leaving the hospital, if they get a pair of pyjamas with their siblings and their whānau… man, honestly, it just fills my cup,” the four-time world shot put champion tells RNZ’s Saturday Morning.
Dame Valerie Adams is supporting the Jammies for June campaign to provide donated pyjamas to New Zealand children over the winter.Middlemore Foundation
For many New Zealanders, preventable illnesses like asthma, respiratory disease, and rheumatic fever are “out of sight, out of mind”, Adams says.
But growing up in Māngere, the four-time Olympic medallist saw the daily struggle many parents have just to keep their kids warm and well.
“We’re talking about houses that are struggling to pay for power, or sometimes shutting off power just to save a bit of money, haven’t got enough kai in their cupboards and access to health.
“There are some people who screw the system over, but not everybody does it. The majority of people are actually struggling, are actually trying their best to make ends meet. Parents are working three jobs to try and put a roof over their head or to put gas in their tanks to get their kids to school.”
Dame Valerie Adams: Winning in other ways
Dame Valerie Adams at 15.Valerie Adams on Facebook / @valerieadamsNZ
Visiting a South Auckland family living in a garage recently (with the ManaKidz programme), Adams says it “hit home hard” when she found it had the same “real thin glass” as her childhood home.
“I was going to knock on the window to say hey, and they had the bloody glass. Honestly, trauma came back. I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, people are still living like this with these thin glasses that I could flick and smash.
“Sometimes people are too whakama or too shy or don’t know where to go. If a family does need help and they’re entitled to it, please let them know, ‘You need to contact your GP’.”
Dame Valerie Adams competing in Rome in 2016.PHOTOSPORT
“It must be so scary out in Ōtara”, Adams overheard someone say the other day.
Her response was, “Where did you hear that rubbish from? They’re the most friendliest people ever.”
“You need to hit up the Ōtara markets and Māngere markets. They’ve got the best kai. They’ve got cheap fruit and vegetables. Please go out and check them out because it’s a great morning for the family, for the whānau to be around that environment and that community.”
Dame Valerie Adams is an ambassador for Jammies for June.Middlemore Foundation
Growing up, Adams saw clearly how “completely different” opportunities for young Auckland athletes were, depending on where they lived.
A school PE teacher spent her own money to buy a pair of throwing shoes for the future two-time Olympic gold-winning shot putter.
Now sponsored by Nike, Adams has “shoes coming out of her ears” and sends many pairs on to aspiring athletes around New Zealand.
“That could make a difference, because those pair of shoes that I got when I was young made a difference.”
Dame Valerie Adams at the premiere of More Than Gold.Producers of ‘More than Gold’
The 41-year-old is now bringing her perspective as a proud Polynesian woman to tough, necessary conversations about the “very Eurocentric” sport of athletics as Chair of the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission.
“I was always very shy. [In the past] I was like ‘I’ve got nothing to give. These people are all smart. I’m dumb’. That’s just the way we think and the mindset we had.
“I was a bit quiet for the first few meetings and then slowly found my voice. Now it’s okay. I feel like I belong, you know.”
Dame Valerie Adams in 2016.PHOTOSPORT
This Mother’s Day, with her two children, she will visit the urupā [grave] of her mother Lilika, a very strong Tongan woman with Christian values who sacrificed a lot for her family.
“I’m one of these crazy people., I go there a lot, but it just gives me peace and comfort. I know it’s not for everyone, but it works for me. My kids have never met her, but they know exactly who she is. ‘This is Nanny Lilika, and we’re going to go clean her up.'”
Dame Valerie Adams with daughter Kimoana.PHOTOSPORT
Although Lilika died back in 2000, Adams says she still cries over her loss.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, losing your mum is one of the worst feelings in the world. Everybody that has their mum still around, I always tell them, ‘Cherish them’.
“Also, she died of something that was preventable, [so] why isn’t she here? She should have been here. There were a lot of very tough moments for me.”
A newly emerged video has provided a harrowing glimpse into the moments following the fatal shooting in Vava’u, capturing the trauma experienced by the victim’s family.
The victim’s daughter, seen here with a bandaged hand, was injured while trying to intervene during the fatal shooting in Vava’u
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday at the family’s home in ‘Utulangivaka, where the 43-year-old woman was fatally injured in a reported multiple shooting.
It is also understood that one of her daughters was injured during the incident, apparently while trying to intervene.
Tonga Police have since confirmed that her 43-year-old husband has been arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Sources and relatives who spoke to Kaniva News have identified the deceased as Taiana ‘One’one, also known as Taiana Koluse.
In a heart-wrenching development, the video circulating in the aftermath of the incident shows a young woman, believed to be the victim’s daughter, visibly shaken and in tears as she recounts her desperate attempt to intervene.
“I tried to stop him,” she cried out to her mum, though her body was not shown in the footage. The video appears to have since been removed from Facebook, with only a screenshot—published here as the featured image—remaining after efforts to trace it.
Police have released only limited details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but confirmed that the case is being treated as a serious domestic violence incident.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and statements.
The woman killed in Thursday’s shooting in ‘Utulangivaka, Vava’u.
“Tonga Police extend sincere condolences to the family, children, and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time,” a police statement read.
This is especially so as we approach the observance of Mother’s Day.”
Local community members have expressed shock and sadness at the incident, remembering the mother as a valued member of her community.
The mother is survived by her husband and four children.
Four Pines Park fell silent on Saturday night after Manly Sea Eagles prop Siosiua Taukeiaho suffered what appears to be a serious leg injury during his side’s victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
The incident occurred early in the second half, with Manly building momentum and holding a commanding lead. Taukeiaho, a veteran front-rower known for his power and determination, crossed the line to score the Sea Eagles’ fourth try of the match, extending the home side’s advantage to 20–4. However, in the act of grounding the ball, Taukeiaho appeared to twist awkwardly, immediately clutching at his lower leg.
Medical staff rushed onto the field as teammates and opposition players looked on with concern. The 32-year-old remained on the turf in visible distress while being attended to by trainers. Play was halted for several minutes as the seriousness of the injury became apparent.
Taukeiaho was eventually stretchered from the field and administered the “green whistle” — a form of pain relief commonly used in rugby league for acute injuries — to help manage his discomfort. An ambulance was later called to Four Pines Park, with the Tongan international transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment.
The mood inside the stadium shifted dramatically following the incident, with both fans and players shaken by the sight of the experienced forward being carried off. Despite the concerning injury, Manly regained composure and went on to secure the win, though the result was overshadowed by the worrying condition of one of their key forwards.
A post-match update from the club, reported by Fox League journalist Jake Duke, indicated that Taukeiaho is suspected to have suffered a fractured tibia. The diagnosis, while yet to be formally confirmed through scans, suggests a potentially lengthy stint on the sidelines for the former Sydney Roosters premiership winner.
Taukeiaho, who joined Manly with a wealth of NRL and international experience, has been a valuable addition to the Sea Eagles pack this season. Known for his strong carries and defensive presence, his loss would represent a significant blow to Manly’s forward rotation as the competition progresses.
Sea Eagles coach and players are expected to provide further updates in the coming days once Taukeiaho undergoes full medical evaluation. The club and fans alike will be hoping for a more positive outcome than initially feared, though early signs point to a significant recovery period ahead.
The rugby league community has already begun expressing support for Taukeiaho, with players and fans taking to social media to wish him a swift recovery. Injuries of this nature are a stark reminder of the physical toll of the sport and the risks players face each time they take the field.
As Manly celebrates an important win over one of their key rivals, attention now turns to the wellbeing of Taukeiaho, whose courage in scoring the try was quickly overshadowed by the severity of his injury.
Jason Taumalolo is poised to etch his name deeper into North Queensland Cowboys history tonight, as he prepares to become the club’s most-capped player of all time.
Jason Taumālolo. Photo/Broadcom FM Broadcasting (Facebook)
The 32-year-old forward will make his 295th appearance for the Cowboys, surpassing the long-standing record held by club legend Johnathan Thurston.
It marks a remarkable milestone for one of the most influential players in the club’s modern era and a figure synonymous with its identity over the past decade and a half.
Taumalolo’s journey with North Queensland began in extraordinary fashion. Debuting as a 17-year-old in 2010, Taumalolo quickly established himself as a powerful and dynamic presence in the forward pack. Over the years, that early promise has translated into one of the most consistent and dominant careers in the NRL.
His impact has been central to some of the Cowboys’ greatest achievements, most notably the club’s historic 2015 premiership victory. In that unforgettable grand final triumph, Taumalolo’s performance embodied the physical intensity and resilience that have become hallmarks of his game.
Beyond team success, Taumalolo has also reached the pinnacle of individual recognition. His Dally M Medal-winning season cemented his status as one of the game’s elite players, highlighting not only his explosiveness with the ball but also his work rate and influence across the field.
While his contributions at club level are significant, Taumalolo’s legacy extends far beyond Townsville. His decision to represent Tonga on the international stage has played a pivotal role in elevating Pacific rugby league, inspiring a new generation of players and strengthening the global profile of the Tongan national team.
Tonight’s milestone is therefore more than just a number. It represents durability, loyalty, and a sustained level of excellence rarely seen in the modern game. To surpass a figure like Thurston—widely regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby league history—underscores the magnitude of Taumalolo’s achievement.
As he runs onto the field for his record-breaking appearance, Taumalolo will do so not only as a cornerstone of the Cowboys, but as a player whose career has shaped an era.
For North Queensland fans, it is a moment of pride. For the broader rugby league community, it is a recognition of a career defined by consistency, power, and lasting impact.
Explainer – This Sunday, families across Tonga and around the world will celebrate Mother’s Day — a day dedicated to honouring mothers and maternal figures for their love, sacrifice and care.
But where did Mother’s Day come from, and how did it become a global tradition?
The idea of celebrating motherhood dates back thousands of years.
Ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals honouring mother goddesses associated with fertility and family life. In medieval United Kingdom, Christians observed “Mothering Sunday”, when people returned to their “mother church” during Lent and spent time with their families.
However, the modern Mother’s Day celebrated today began in the United States in the early 1900s.
The woman behind modern Mother’s Day
The modern observance was founded largely through the efforts of Anna Jarvis.
After her mother died in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for a national day to honour mothers and the sacrifices they made for their children. She organised the first official Mother’s Day service in 1908 in Grafton.
Her campaign quickly gained public support.
In 1914, then-US President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.
How it spread worldwide
The tradition later spread to many countries, including New Zealand and Australia, which also celebrate it on the second Sunday in May.
Different countries observe Mother’s Day on different dates depending on their cultural and religious traditions.
Today, Mother’s Day is commonly marked with church services, family gatherings, gifts, flowers and messages of appreciation.
In many Pacific cultures, including in Tonga, motherhood is closely tied to family unity, sacrifice and community values.
For many families, the day is not only about celebration, but also remembrance — especially for those whose mothers have passed away.
Ironically, Anna Jarvis herself later became critical of how commercialised Mother’s Day had become, arguing the day should focus on sincere gratitude rather than expensive gifts.
Despite that, Mother’s Day remains one of the world’s most widely observed family occasions, celebrated across generations and cultures.
A pair of twin sisters in the United Kingdom discovered at the age of 49 that they have different biological fathers in what experts say is an extremely rare medical phenomenon.
Photography – Emma Lynch/BBC
According to the BBC, twins Michelle and Lavinia Osbourne learned the truth after taking at-home DNA tests, which showed they are half-sisters despite being born together to the same mother in 1976.
The rare condition is known as heteropaternal superfecundation, where two eggs released during the same cycle are fertilised by sperm from different men. Reports say only about 20 documented cases have been identified worldwide.
The sisters, born in Nottingham, had a difficult childhood and said they relied heavily on each other for emotional support while growing up in foster homes and with carers.
Lavinia described the revelation as devastating, saying her twin sister had always been the “one constant” in her life.
Michelle, however, said she was less surprised after long suspecting that the man they believed was their father did not resemble her.
Further DNA investigations later identified different biological fathers for the twins.
Despite the shock, both women say their bond remains unbroken.
“She’s my twin sister,” Michelle said. “Nothing takes away from that.”
