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.
Tributes have poured in for the Vava‘u mother who was allegedly shot dead in a tragic incident that has shocked the community.
The Vava‘u mother who died after a shooting incident on Thursday evening, prompting an outpouring of tributes from family, friends and the wider community.
As Kaniva News reported last night, the woman is understood to have been fatally shot in what authorities suspect involved her husband, before she was rushed to hospital.
It is understood that one of her daughters was also injured during the incident, reportedly in the course of a struggle.
Photos reviewed by Kaniva News show a woman with a bandaged hand in what appears to be a hospital setting, with commenters identifying her as the daughter.
The deceased has been widely identified on social media, including by sources known to the family, as Taiana ‘One’one.
Police have yet to issue a full statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident has deeply shaken families and residents in Vava‘u, particularly as it occurred just days before Mother’s Day, a time typically marked by family gatherings and celebration.
Friends, relatives and members of the wider community have taken to social media to express grief, share memories and offer support to the bereaved family.
Many described the victim as a loving mother and a valued member of the community.
One commenter wrote, “Rest in love. You were a devoted mother whose kindness and strength touched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with your children and family during this heartbreaking time.”
Another shared, “This is a devastating loss. A mother taken too soon. May you rest in peace and may your children find strength in each other.”
A commenter described the loss as deeply felt across the community, writing, “Our community has lost a precious life. You were known for your love and commitment to your family. Your memory will remain in our hearts.”
Others reflected on the timing of the tragedy, with one writing, “As Mother’s Day approaches, this loss feels even more painful. A mother’s love like yours will never be forgotten.”
Messages of faith and comfort were also shared widely.
One commenter posted, “May God receive you into His eternal rest. We pray for comfort and strength for your children and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Another added, “Our deepest condolences to the family. May you find peace and support in each other as you face this unimaginable loss.”
A giant sperm whale has been found dead along the shoreline of ʻEua island in Tonga, drawing crowds of local residents and sparking widespread reaction online.
Locals gather around a stranded sperm whale on ʻEua’s shoreline, where the massive animal was found dead with parts of its body partially submerged in shallow water.
Photos shared on social media show people gathered around the massive marine mammal both on the beach and along the coastline, with many stopping to witness the rare and striking sight.
The cause of the whale’s death remains unclear. However, comments circulating online suggest the animal may have washed ashore before being discovered by locals.
Some of the photos show parts of the whale’s body that appeared to have been cut open, with sections of flesh removed and visible along its side, suggesting that some of the carcass may have already been harvested or scavenged after it washed ashore.
The massive animal lay partly submerged in shallow water near the shoreline, as locals stood beside it, examining the remains.
The discovery has deeply affected members of the community, particularly those with a strong connection to the ocean and marine life.
One commenter described the scene as deeply moving, saying:
“The moment brought shock, sadness, and quiet reflection to the community, as people gathered to witness one of the ocean’s deepest travelers resting beneath ʻEua’s cliffs. Even in death, the whale carried a powerful presence — reminding everyone of the strong connection between Tonga and the sea.”
Sperm whales are among the largest creatures in the ocean and are rarely seen so close to shore, making such incidents both unusual and significant.
Tonga has a long-standing, strictly enforced ban on killing whales, originally declared by royal decree in 1978 to protect endangered humpback populations.
Tourism Minister Sēmisi Sika has urged calm among supporters following a court ruling that could see him either fined or removed from Parliament, as he confirmed plans to appeal the decision.
Tourism Minister Sēmisi Sika
As Kaniva News reported yesterday, Sika’s conviction followed allegations of campaign overspending and undeclared expenses, including a controversial $10,000 sponsorship for the Suliana Dance Academy announced just weeks before polling day.
The allegations were lodged by rival candidate Dr Pingi Fasi, prompting an Electoral Commission investigation into the matter.
Yesterday’s verdict came as a shock to many of Sika’s supporters, as well as to members of the community who know him and his family for their long-standing financial support over the years.
In a measured statement released this morning, about 24 hours after the verdict, Sika thanked his supporters for their backing while stressing the need to respect the rule of the law and the court process.
“Please be mindful of the ruling of the court and the rule of the law,” he said, adding that emotions and personal interpretations must remain within legal bounds.
Sika insisted his actions were carried out in good faith and loyalty to the country.
“We did not rob any bank, misuse public funds, or secretly commit wrongdoing,” he said, seeking to distinguish his case from more serious electoral offences.
Fine or loss of seat
Section 24 of Tonga’s Electoral Act, particularly clauses (5) and (6), makes it an offence for candidates to exceed the $20,000 campaign spending limit or fail to properly declare expenses, with penalties including a fine of up to $10,000.
Clause (6) further provides that if the judge considers the offence under clause (5) to be serious, the court may declare the election void and remove the candidate from their seat in Parliament.
The final outcome now rests on the court’s decision on penalty, which has yet to be delivered.
Appeal signalled
Despite the ruling, Sika confirmed he would pursue an appeal, expressing hope that the process could produce a different outcome.
“Let us accept and respect the decision of the court, and continue with the appeal process in the hope of another result,” he said.
He acknowledged the uncertainty ahead but framed it as part of life’s challenges, calling for resilience among his supporters.
Striking a reflective tone, Sika said he would continue his duties and remain focused on service.
“This is my first morning after the court’s decision,” he said.
“I return to the basics and continue the work of building the nation.”
Vava’u, Tonga – A man has been accused of fatally shooting his wife in Fungamisi, Vava’u.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, casting a shadow over preparations for Mother’s Day this Sunday.
Details of the incident remain unclear, and Police have yet to issue an official statement.
The case was confirmed to Kaniva News by Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota.
The latest incident follows a previous violent case in Vava’u, where a man was convicted in 2023 over the death of his twin sister in Falaleu village.
In that case, Siosifa Vailima Tuita, 52, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter after fatally stabbing his twin sister on March 5, 2022.
By Nik Dirga of RNZ and is republished with permission
You’re reading this in English right now – but should English be an official language? Parliament is soon set to decide.
Winston Peters (file image). (Source: 1News)
A long-running debate on the status of the most commonly spoken language in New Zealand is nearing its climax in Parliament, as the English Language Act works its way through the House.
During a fiery debate in Parliament back in February at the first reading, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters made his case for the bill while many opposition MPs firmly denounced it.
Peters called it a “common sense idea” and has said it fills an anomaly where Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are already both codified as official languages in New Zealand, but English is not specifically.
Others disagree. “Language is being used as a political football here,” said Dr Sharon Harvey, an associate professor specialising in applied linguistics at Auckland University of Technology.
The bill is currently before select committee with a report due to be presented on September 3. The next step is a second reading of the bill and it’s likely it would come to a final vote before November’s election.
But what would the bill actually do? Here’s what you need to know.
What does the bill say?
Bills are often pretty darned long, but this one can actually be summed up right here – it’s only five lines.
It calls for Parliament to enact the English Language Act 2025, and says, “The purpose of this Act is to provide legislative recognition of the status of English as an official language of New Zealand” and that the Act would bind the Crown.
That’s it.
What would the bill actually do?
“The bill is so short because it doesn’t actually have any legal effect that needs spelt out in detail,” University of Otago law professor Andrew Geddis said. “It will have literally no practical consequences at all.
“That isn’t an exaggeration – it will change absolutely no aspect of Aotearoa New Zealand’s current legal rules, practices or procedures. It’s the linguistic equivalent of passing an Act of Parliament that says: ‘The official colour of the New Zealand Rugby Team’s home jersey is black.'”
The bill doesn’t lay out any instructions, punishments or restrictions on other languages. It would add English as an official language alongside Te Reo Māori – which was designated in the Māori Language Act in 1987 – and sign language, designated in the New Zealand Sign Language Act of 2006.
“While the bill is pretty slim in terms of its content it does serve symbolically at least to cast in legislation the pre-eminence of the already dominant and majoritarian language of NZ: English,” Harvey said.
Legislatively, it would not affect Māori and NZSL, Geddis said, as they have “separately guaranteed (but limited) rights to use those languages”.
“Legislative language recognition was hard won for both Māori and the Deaf community and so the English Language Bill also minimises the historical and contemporaneous importance of those difficult and long language struggles,” Harvey said.
As written, the bill wouldn’t even affect, for instance, signs that include Chinese language at some popular tourist spots, Geddis said.
“That legislative recognition does not add anything to English’s existing legal role and usage. You can use English for any official, public business now. If this bill passes, you will continue to be able to do so. Nothing will have changed.”
If nothing will change, why was this bill introduced?
Making English an official language was part of the coalition agreement between National, NZ First and ACT back in 2023.
Former NZ First MP Clayton Mitchell put forth a similar member’s bill in 2018 but it was never drawn from the ballot.
New Zealand First has pushed for such recognition for some time.
In introducing the current bill, Peters said that it’s correcting an “anomaly” that English is not included with the other two official languages.
“It has never been formally recognised in statute as an official language. This bill seeks to correct that anomaly, providing consistency in legal framework and clarifying the status of all three official languages in legislation.
“The bill does not diminish the status of other official languages, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, but rather complements them, acknowledging the linguistic reality of our nation.”
Peters said the bill is “affirming the value of English as a shared means of communication used by the mass majority of the population – I’ll say it again quietly: Used by the mass majority of the population”.
Although his name is actually on the bill as the MP in charge, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith previously told RNZ that it wasn’t a top priority for National and did not speak at the first reading.
“It wouldn’t be the top priority for us, absolutely not. But it’s something in the coalition and it’s getting done.”
Peters has said that the rise in te reo Māori “has created situations that encourage misunderstanding and confusion for all, and all for the purpose to push a narrative”.
“We have some very real situations now where communications and names of important services are using te reo as primary names and language, and the room for confusion and miscommunication is huge.”
He cited the possibility of confusion where places have had primary names in Māori.
“First responders, on their vehicles and in communications, being unable to get to places because they don’t know where they’re going; transport services with important road signs – they have all announced that.”
Harvey disagreed, saying the dynamic of Māori and English is what makes New Zealand special.
“Te reo Māori only exists in Aotearoa NZ and so, if it does not survive and flourish here, it will not survive.”
“Most of us would recognise that Te Whatu Ora means health especially if it’s heading a letter with health information or is signage on a public hospital,” she said.
“There is no ‘danger’ to English now or in the future. Apart from anything else it is the pre-eminent global language.
“It would be so much better for NZ if we could all gain high proficiency in te reo Māori (as well as English) and if schools could be proactive in supporting students’ home languages, as well as teaching a variety of languages.”
Is English language use becoming a ‘culture war’ issue?
Well, people on both sides of the debate of the current bill have accused the other of “virtue signalling”.
In Parliament, Peters said, “This bill won’t solve the push of this virtue signalling narrative completely, but it is the first step towards ensuring logic and common sense prevails when the vast majority of New Zealanders communicate in English and understand English in a country that should use English as its primary and official language”.
“The [bill] is virtue signalling to a small, monolingual in English, sector of the voting public by NZ First,” Harvey said. “It’s a waste of public money and time and should never have been agreed to as part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement.”
Debate at the first reading was equally heated.
“The English language is not under threat,” said Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. “We are literally speaking it and debating in it right now. This is a bill which is an answer to a problem that does not exist.”
“The Government wants to stoke a fight between te iwi Māori and Pākehā, and they want that fight to be the focus of this election,” she claimed.
Chlöe Swarbrick speaks in Parliament (file image). (Source: 1News)
At the debate, National MP Rima Nakhle called for calmer temperatures.
“We’re only making English official. It’s not the end of the world.”
Geddis said “the bill seems to be motivated by an odd form of linguistic jealousy – something akin to ‘it’s not fair that those languages get called official in a statute, but English doesn’t’.”
New Zealand First’s 2023 coalition agreement with National also stipulated that public service departments have their primary name in English and be required to communicate “primarily in English” except for entities specifically related to Māori. It has been seen in changes to how agencies such as the New Zealand Transport Agency or Health New Zealand are referred to.
Peters has also been vocal about the use of “Aotearoa” to refer to New Zealand by other MPs.
Other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom do not have any official laws on the books declaring English an official language, although it has de facto official status in government, courts and education.
In America, Donald Trump signed an executive order last year “designating English as an official language of the United States”. But as the decision was not passed by Congress and is an executive order, it doesn’t have the power to change existing federal laws and statutes. Around 30 US states also have proclaimed English the official language.
Will the English Language Act pass?
It’s unclear. It is part of the coalition agreement so National and ACT may be obliged to support it.
“Being that we are an English-speaking country, it is bizarre that we have to do this, but this is how far this extremism has taken our country,” Peters said in 2023 before the last election as he pledged to pass the bill that may finally be law soon.
“The bill very well may be rushed into law during the inevitable end-of-term use of urgency in the House,” Geddis said.
“Given current frosty relations between National and NZ First, there could well be some coalition partner reluctance to give NZ First time in Parliament to proceed with what really is nothing more than a form of legislative virtue signalling to its support base.”
Harvey said while National “have publicly said they’re not concerned whether the bill passes or not, I think there is every chance it will pass which will be a great shame for NZ”.
“It’s a waste of the Government’s time and considerably sets back New Zealand’s progress in righting the wrongs of our violent, colonial past,” he said.
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist and is republished with permission
Pasifika people continue to have the highest unemployment rate out of any ethnic group in Aotearoa.
Photo: Supplied/ Unsplash – Josh Olalde
Unemployment figures released Wednesday show an 11.9 percent unemployment rate for Pasifika in the first quarter of 2026, compared to a national rate of 5.3 percent.
For Pasifika, it is a slight improvement from the December 2025 quarter, but it is one percent higher than this time last year.
In Auckland, where nearly two-thirds of Pasifika people live, the unemployment rate fell slightly to 13 percent, compared to 6.6 percent nationally.
At the same time 20.1 percent of Pasfika are underutilised in their work, a 2.4 percent drop from last quarter.
The figures show an increase in employment coinciding with around 8700 more Pasifika in the working-age population.
The Māori unemployment rate is slightly lower at 11.5 percent, but their underutilisation rate is higher at 22.3 percent.
NZ Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni told RNZ Pacific the reduction is minor, bordering on meaningless.
“It’s still double what the national average is,” she said.
“We know that there are 20,000 fewer jobs in the construction industry, and that many of our Pacific people have been working and serving in that industry.”
RNZ Pacific has reached out to Pacific Peoples Minister Paul Goldsmith’s office for comment.
‘Complex needs’ holding Pasifika back
This comes after the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) revealed that a seven million dollar programme to help Pasifika find employment has so far only put 84 people into full-time work.
The Pacific Employment Action Plan (PEAP) Fund kicked off in June 2024. It offered funding to community groups supporting unemployed, uneducated Pasifika to enter the workforce. MSD said they have so far spent around $2.4 million.
In a 12-month progress report published last month, MSAD reported that for 624 enrolled participants, the “realities of the job market” were holding most of them back.
But even though some people found part time or casual work, more than half were no better off than before.
MSD said this was not unexpected, but that “these people are still currently participating in the programme, and MSD expects that employment and education outcomes will increase over time.”
“When there are fewer opportunities for employment, people often choose to undertake education and training instead,” the report noted.
Around 253 of participants were able to complete some form of training, such as CV writing, a first aid course, or getting a driver’s licence.
Aside from external conditions, MSD said most had complex needs that held them back.
“One of the main barriers to getting work was participants’ level and complexity of needs upon joining – such as mental health, justice involvement, and low self confidence.”
“Many participants were early on their employment journey… practical obstacles like language, literacy, access to technology, and missing credentials further limited progress.”
Another government funded employment initiative, Tupu Aotearoa, lost around $22m in funding over four years in the last budget.
A major new hotel development in Tonga is promising to deliver affordable, high-quality accommodation while showcasing the warmth and hospitality that have long defined the Kingdom’s culture.
Grand Tonga Hotel, currently under construction in Fangaloto, is expected to become one of the country’s significant accommodation projects, with plans for approximately 80 rooms, swimming pools, wellness facilities, an event centre, and a full-service restaurant.
The development comes as Tonga continues to face growing demand for accommodation driven by tourism, family events, conferences, and regional activities.
The founders say the project was inspired by their personal experience living in Tonga over the past nine years after originally arriving in 2016 for what was intended to be a short holiday, according to Tonga Tourism.
What began as a temporary visit evolved into a long-term commitment after they developed a strong appreciation for the peaceful environment and the friendliness of the Tongan people.
Recognising a shortage of quality accommodation options, particularly during major events, the developers began planning a hotel that would combine affordability with international hospitality standards.
Their existing restaurant business has since helped support the development of the project.
The developers say lessons learned from previous natural disasters, including Cyclone Gita, played a major role in shaping the hotel’s design and construction approach.
The hotel is being built using steel framing and other durable materials aimed at improving resilience against Tonga’s environmental conditions.
According to the developers, the focus is not only on comfort but also on creating a long-lasting and dependable facility capable of serving visitors and locals for many years.
Facilities focused on comfort and affordability
Once completed, the hotel is expected to include:
Around 80 rooms across two accommodation blocks
VIP and Deluxe room options
Soundproofed rooms designed for privacy and comfort
Swimming pools for adults and children
Sauna and steam facilities
An on-site restaurant
An event and function centre
The developers say the goal is to provide a comfortable stay at a price point that remains accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Construction is currently progressing steadily, with the project reportedly approaching its halfway stage.
Completion is tentatively projected for late 2027, although timelines remain subject to weather conditions, labour availability, and construction logistics.
The developers believe the project will help strengthen Tonga’s tourism infrastructure by increasing accommodation capacity while also encouraging broader tourism experiences and activities throughout the country.
They say the core vision behind the project is simple: to ensure guests experience the same warmth and generosity that first inspired them to make Tonga their home.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) has announced the appointment of Ms ‘Aisiena Latuniua Taumoepeau to its Board, welcoming her extensive experience and leadership as the organisation continues to strengthen the development of rugby across the Kingdom.
In a statement, TRU said Ms Taumoepeau brings more than 15 years of professional experience spanning governance, legal practice, executive leadership, and strategic management across the public, commercial, and regulatory sectors in Tonga and the wider Pacific.
Her expertise in corporate governance, finance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the Union’s long-term direction and operational effectiveness.
Ms Taumoepeau is also recognised as a strong advocate for inclusion and the advancement of women’s rugby in Tonga. She previously contributed to Tonga Rugby as a Board Observer representing the Tonga Women’s Rugby Association, where she supported initiatives aimed at promoting athlete welfare and strengthening participation pathways for women in the sport.
Tonga Rugby Union said her commitment to integrity, community impact, and athlete wellbeing aligns closely with its strategic vision and values.
“We welcome ‘Aisiena to the Board and look forward to her contribution in helping strengthen the future of rugby across the Kingdom,” the Union said.
Her appointment comes as Tonga Rugby continues to focus on governance improvements and expanding opportunities both on and off the field, including the growth of women’s rugby and community engagement initiatives.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga –Tonga Police have arrested two suspects in Te’ekiu as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal drug activity, according to an official media release issued Thursday.
The arrests stem from separate incidents linked to drug possession and distribution within the community. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court.
Police confirmed that on May 1, a 50-year-old individual from Te’ekiu was taken into custody and charged with multiple offences, including possession of illicit drugs, possession of drug-related utensils, and cultivation of cannabis.
During the operation, officers seized a range of items believed to be connected to criminal activity, including cash suspected to be proceeds of crime, cannabis plants, packaged cannabis, and drug paraphernalia.
In a separate case, an 18-year-old from the same area was arrested and charged with possession of drug-related utensils as well as distributing drugs within the local community.
Authorities say the arrests are part of a broader effort to curb the supply and use of illegal substances across Tonga. Police reiterated their commitment to tackling drug-related crime and maintaining community safety.
“Tonga Police remain committed to disrupting the supply and use of illegal drugs,” the statement said. Officials also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity that may be related to drugs.
The operation highlights ongoing concerns about drug activity in communities and underscores law enforcement efforts to address the issue through targeted enforcement actions.
Both cases are now before the courts as investigations continue.
A teenager who stabbed his cousin during an alcohol-fuelled confrontation in Matahau has avoided prison after the Supreme Court suspended his sentence, citing his youth and strong prospects for rehabilitation.
Justice Tupou KC sentenced Sekope Talikitonga Tavo, 19, to two years and eight months’ imprisonment but ordered the term to be fully suspended for three years.
The suspension is subject to strict conditions, including that Tavo commit no further offences, report regularly to probation, abstain from alcohol and drugs, avoid known offenders, complete an alcohol treatment programme, and undertake 80 hours of community service.
Any breach could see the prison term activated.
The offending arose from an incident in August 2024 in which Tavo stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife, causing a serious injury that required surgery.
The court heard the altercation followed drinking among a group of youth, during which the victim initially punched the defendant.
Justice Tupou said the use of a knife in such circumstances was unacceptable and ordinarily warranted imprisonment to reflect the seriousness of the offending and society’s denunciation of violence.
However, the judge ultimately suspended the sentence, noting Tavo was 17 at the time, had no prior convictions, and had shown genuine remorse, including apologising to the victim, who has since recovered and accepted the apology.
Tavo was also convicted of possessing 1.5 grams of cannabis while on bail for the earlier charge, with two months added to the overall sentence.
The judge used the case to highlight ongoing concerns about alcohol-related offending among young people, warning that alcohol and drugs impair judgment and contribute to violence.
In deciding against immediate imprisonment, the court placed weight on Tavo’s family support, ongoing counselling, and plans to undertake church mission service.
Justice Tupou said Tavo should consider himself fortunate and take the opportunity to reform, warning that continued substance use would likely lead to further offending.
