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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.

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.”

Church renovation sparks renewed focus on Tongan royal faith and the break from Australian methodism

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa — Renovation work at the historic Free Church of Tonga in central Nuku’alofa has drawn public attention this week, as images of the chapel’s open roof structure and construction crews at work have revived interest in the church’s deep royal and external roots.

The iconic Free Church of Tonga undergoes major restoration, with its roof removed and construction teams reinforcing the century‑old structure. Photo/Supplied

The restoration has prompted recollection of the Free Church of Tonga’s foundation and its long-standing ties to the Tongan monarchy and the Australian and British Wesleyan Church.

The iconic building—now partially exposed as contractors carry out structural repairs and replace the roof—remains one of Nuku‘alofa’s notable scenic landmarks, located less than a kilometre from the Royal Palace and directly opposite the Mala‘ekula royal tombs.

Passers‑by took photos of the church, capturing scenes of members who had gathered either to assist the construction crew or to prepare food — a typical expression of fafanga, the cultural practice of feeding and supporting those working on a community project.

Looking Back to Foundations

However, a significant history—rich in heritage and royal nation‑building efforts—lies behind this renovation.

A crisis emerged in January 1885 when Tupou I and his advisors—especially former Wesleyan missionary and then‑Premier Shirley Waldemar Baker (Misa Peka), who played a central role—moved to secure full independence from the administrative control of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference of New South Wales.

They finally instructed local members to leave the Wesleyan Church (WC) and join the new body, the Free Church of Tonga (FCT) or Siasi ‘o Tonga Tau’atāina, to be led by the King.

Since there were strong objections from many Wesleyan followers, the King’s decision triggered widespread unrest, which escalated into severe persecution of the remaining Wesleyans by agents of both the Tongan Government and the newly formed Free Church of Tonga.

This period saw not only beatings and torture of Wesleyan adherents but also the onset of what became known in Tongan history as the kuonga ‘o e fakahē, or the era of causing to go into exile.

During this time, several defiant Wesleyan members were forcibly banished to neighbouring islands, including Fiji, between 1887 and 1890.

At the height of the persecution, two nickname titles emerged for the rival churches, as recorded in historical accounts: Fakaongo—literally meaning “to remain loyal to the church in Australia”—for the Wesleyan members, and Tau‘atāina — “the freed ones” — for followers of the Free Church of Tonga.

In 1924, under the guidance of Queen Sālote Tupou III, an attempt at reconciliation was undertaken, which briefly reunited the Free Church of Tonga with the Wesleyan Methodist community.

Although the union was not universally accepted, it succeeded for many, and it ultimately formalised the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga as the royal and government‑supported church.

The faction that chose to retain its original identity became what is known today as the Siasi ‘o Tonga Tau’atāina or Fakaongo (Free Church of Tonga), whose main headquarters—now a historic landmark—is currently undergoing renovation in Nuku‘alofa.

A Living Landmark

Three secondary schools now operating in Tonga emerged from this historical divide. Tupou College (Toloa) was founded by Tupou I with the assistance of Australian Wesleyan missionary Dr James Egan Moulton.

Tonga College (‘Atele) was later established by Tupou I as part of his movement with Shirley Baker to separate the local Wesleyan members from Australian Methodist authority.

Tailulu College, meanwhile, belongs to the Free Church of Tonga, or Siasi ‘o Tonga Tau‘atāina.

Commenters indicated that the current restoration is seen not only as a measure to prevent further deterioration, but also as an effort to preserve a site deeply intertwined with Tonga’s national heritage.

Community Applauds the Restoration

Social media users say the renewed attention brought by the renovation is welcome, after photos of the upgrades were shared last week by the church’s Facebook administrators.

“This restoration is more than just construction work,” one local church member said.

“It’s a chance for young people to learn the story behind these walls — a story of leadership, division, unity, and the monarchy’s role in shaping our faith tradition.”

The renovation is expected to continue over the coming months, with updates to be provided once the next phase of work begins.

Photos show items toppled from pantry during Tonga quake

By
Kaniva Staff
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New images emerging from Vava‘u have revealed the force of the earthquake that struck Tonga earlier today, with household items seen tumbling from pantries and shelves as the shaking hit the island group.

Photo/Vava Lapota

It comes after the National Tsunami Warning Centre warned that a dangerous tsunami could occur within minutes after a deep magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the archipelago today, Tuesday, 24.

Residents reported strong, prolonged tremors that caused goods in several homes and small shops to fall to the floor, adding to concerns felt across the region during the tsunami alert.

Photo/Vava Lapota

Neiafu town officer Vavā Lapota told Kaniva News the quake was strongly felt in Neiafu, noting that the shaking was intense enough to dislodge products in convenience stores, leaving aisles scattered with items.

Lapota posted several photos on Facebook, saying they were taken inside Chinese-owned convenience stores. He added that he had not received any reports of damage to land or residential buildings.

Photo/Vava Lapota

The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) has since confirmed that the tsunami warning has now been cancelled for all of Tonga, including Vava‘u, after earlier advisories urged residents to move to higher ground.

Authorities say no damage has yet been reported, and police have urged the public to remain calm while officials continue monitoring for any further activity.

More updates will be provided as additional assessments come in from outer island groups and emergency services.

Tsunami warning cancelled for All of Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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UPDATED: Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office has confirmed that the tsunami warning has now been cancelled for the entire country, following earlier alerts triggered by strong offshore seismic activity.

Authorities say ocean conditions have stabilised across all island groups, including Vava‘u, where the final remaining alert was lifted.

Residents who had evacuated to higher ground have been advised that it is safe to return home, though officials continue to encourage vigilance as assessments continue.

No damage has been reported, and police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic.

It comes after the National Tsunami Warning Centre warned that a dangerous tsunami could occur within minutes after a deep magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the archipelago today, Tuesday 24.

Authorities say the threat level for these areas has now eased, and residents may safely return home.

Neiafu town officer Vavā Lapota told Kaniva News that the shaking was strongly felt in Neiafu, causing goods in several convenience stores to fall from shelves.

The Tonga Meteorological Services and NDRMO will release further updates as new information becomes available.

Urgent tsunami alert issued for Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued an “Urgent Tsunami Warning” for all of Tonga following a strong earthquake felt across the entire country late this afternoon Tuesday, 24.

The National Tsunami Warning Centre confirms that a dangerous tsunami could occur within minutes after a deep magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the archipelago on Tuesday, and the alert is now in full force for the Kingdom.

Authorities are urging the public to evacuate immediately to high ground or to the third level of a steel or concrete building and remain there until the threat is declared over.

Mariners are advised to move into deep ocean waters away from reefs.

The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has been activated, and officials warn that the situation remains fluid while earthquake assessments continue.

Residents are instructed to stay tuned to Radio Tonga for continuous updates, with the next bulletin to be issued as soon as new earthquake information becomes available.

The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) and the Tonga Meteorological Services have also issued a Tsunami Alert for all coastal areas of Tonga, urging immediate preparedness and evacuation measures.

Authorities are advising the public to move at once to higher ground or inland, keep away from beaches, shorelines, and all low‑lying coastal zones, and strictly follow evacuation routes and instructions from emergency officials.

Residents are being told to remain tuned to official radio, television, and emergency communication channels for real‑time updates, and not to return to the coast until an official “ALL CLEAR” has been declared.

Emergency Contacts:
NEOC General Enquiries: (676) 26340
Tonga Meteorological Service: (676) 74 00062 or (676) 35 009

This message is being repeated continuously as instructed by authorities.

Fiji assures Tonga its ‘fuel supply is safe’ as NZ offers NZ$50 a week to 140,000 families hit by rising fuel costs

By
Kalino Latu
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Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has received assurances from Fiji that Tonga’s fuel supply remains secure, following a call this morning with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

The discussion focused on safeguarding Tonga’s fuel shipments, which travel through Fiji from Singapore, and ensuring continued regional coordination to maintain supply stability.

Fuel prices across the Pacific, including New Zealand, have surged in recent weeks due to the escalating Middle East conflict, which has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route that carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.

Analysts warn the situation could trigger a “global energy crisis,” pushing crude oil prices above US$100 per barrel and driving up costs for import‑dependent Pacific nations.

Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed Fiji’s strong cooperation and reassured Lord Fakafanua that Tonga’s fuel supply chain remains safe and uninterrupted, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The call comes as Pacific nations continue to face increasing pressure from global fuel market volatility, affecting transport, livelihoods, and national energy resilience.

New Zealand Introduces Support Package Amid Rising Fuel Prices

While Tonga received confirmation of supply security, neighbouring New Zealand is taking domestic steps to address the impact of surging fuel prices on families.

The Luxon-led government announced today that approximately 140,000 families with children will receive an extra NZ$50 per week through an increase to the In‑Work Tax Credit (IWTC), aiming to ease cost‑of‑living pressures linked in part to rising fuel costs.

The support package excludes beneficiaries, superannuitants and households without children.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the policy “is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle — parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children.”

The package was unveiled at Parliament by Prime Minister Luxon and Ms Willis, who emphasised that the targeted support is intended to avoid driving inflation higher.

The increase will take effect from 7 April and will be delivered weekly or fortnightly depending on payment schedules. Around 143,000 families, along with an additional 14,000 families receiving an abated rate of the credit, will benefit from the change.

Beneficiaries and superannuitants will not receive this particular increase, with the Government noting their payments are adjusted separately from 1 April each year.

The IWTC is available to families with dependent children where at least one parent is in paid employment and neither receives a main benefit from Work and Income.

The contrasting developments highlight the interconnected challenges Pacific nations face due to rising global fuel prices.

  • Tonga, dependent on imported fuel routed through Fiji, has sought assurances to prevent supply disruptions.

Nakita Tu‘itavake confirmed as president of Tonga Boxing Association

By
Kaniva Staff
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IBA Oceania has congratulated Mr. Nakita Tu‘itavake on his confirmation as President of the Tonga Boxing Association (TBA), following its Annual General Meeting held on 6 March in Kolomotu‘a, Nuku‘alofa.

In its statement, IBA Oceania acknowledged Mr. Tu‘itavake’s long‑standing commitment to the sport and praised his leadership in guiding the development of boxing in Tonga and across the region.

The organisation said it looked forward to strengthening its collaboration with the Tonga Boxing Association under his renewed mandate, noting that his continued service would play an important role in advancing opportunities for Tongan athletes and raising the profile of the sport internationally.

“We commend his continued leadership and commitment to the development of boxing in Tonga and across the Oceania region. We look forward to supporting the growth of the sport under his guidance,” IBA Oceania said.

Mr. Tu‘itavake is expected to continue driving initiatives focused on athlete development, international representation, grassroots training programmes, and strengthening Tonga’s presence in regional and global boxing competitions.

IBA Oceania extended its best wishes to him as he begins his new term, saying it anticipates further progress and success for Tongan boxing in the years ahead.

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