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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.

Star Kotoni Staggs Powers Broncos Past Dolphins

By
Kaniva Staff
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Australia — Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs, a proud player of Tongan heritage, delivered a decisive performance to seal the fate of cross‑town rivals the Dolphins as the Broncos claimed a 26–12 victory in the latest instalment of the NRL’s Battle of Brisbane on Friday night, 27 March, at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos’ clash with the Dolphins came during the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season, which is currently underway and features 17 clubs competing over a 27‑round regular season.

As of late March, the competition has entered Round 4, with teams beginning to shape their early‑season form ahead of the push toward the finals.

Labelled “unstoppable” by commentators, Staggs produced a powerful attacking display, crossing for two vital tries and setting the tone for a Broncos side that secured its second win of the 2026 season.

Staggs’ impact was most evident in critical moments, with his trademark strength and speed carving through the Dolphins’ defensive line and swinging momentum firmly in Brisbane’s favour. His performance drew loud acclaim from the home crowd, underlining his importance to the Broncos’ backline.

Stagg, who made his Tonga debut in 2019, describing it as a proud moment in his career, was well supported by Adam Reynolds, whose composure and kicking game steered the side around the park, while Reece Walsh and Gehamat Shibasaki also crossed the stripe to complete the scoring for Brisbane.

The Dolphins, competing in only their third season in the premiership, showed early resistance but were unable to contain Brisbane’s attacking pressure, particularly down the left edge where Staggs repeatedly threatened.

For Staggs, whose background reflects the strong Pacific presence in the NRL, the standout performance continues a long‑standing tradition of Tongan and Pacific players shaping the modern game through physicality, flair and big‑match confidence.

The win strengthens Brisbane’s early‑season momentum and reinforces their credentials in a tightly contested competition, while the Dolphins will take lessons from the encounter as they continue to develop depth and consistency.

As the Broncos look ahead, Staggs’ form — blending power, precision and pride — will be crucial as the club pushes deeper into the season, with Friday night’s display another reminder of his ability to influence matches on the biggest stage.

New Zealand to replace NCEA: What Tongan families in Aotearoa need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
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The New Zealand Government has confirmed it will replace NCEA with a new senior secondary qualification system, a change expected to directly affect around 100,000 Tongans living across Aotearoa in the coming years.

The new certificate is based on the principle that curriculum defines the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn, and qualifications must accurately recognise that learning.

When the two are not properly aligned, it is students who ultimately miss out, the government said in a statement.

It says the Cabinet has agreed to an initial package outlining the structural framework of a new secondary qualifications system to replace NCEA.

The proposed changes include introducing a two‑year qualification at Years 12 and 13, shifting to subject‑based assessments that evaluate whole curriculum areas, and integrating industry‑led subjects into the senior curriculum to create a single, coherent qualification pathway.

Under the plan, NCEA Level 1 will be removed and replaced with deeper, curriculum‑driven learning in Year 11, alongside a new Foundational Award recognising students’ literacy and numeracy achievement at Year 11 level.

From 2028, all Year 11 students will also be required to study English | Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics | Pāngarau.

“Students will be able to sit the Foundational Award when they demonstrate the required literacy and numeracy capability, typically at Year 11 level.

“The Foundational Award is designed as a stepping stone into senior secondary qualifications. The basics matter. This award is a strong indicator of readiness to engage with the Year 12 and Year 13 qualification and basic competency in reading, writing and maths.

Next steps

“This is the first tranche in the design of the new qualification system. By taking decisions in two tranches, we have the time to engage with the sector and undertake detailed design work with the new Technical Advisory Group, on the more technical aspects of the proposal.

Tranche two includes achievement requirements for Year 12 and 13, information about grading, the balance of internal versus and external assessments, weighting of exams, moderation, comparability, and complex decisions.

“These questions are interlinked and complex.

“It is important to get the balance right to be aspirational for all students, while making sure we are setting them up for success.

“Also, during the consultation process, it was suggested it be made compulsory for schools and kura to require Year 11 students to take Science | Pūtaiao. I will be seeking further advice on this.”

The new system will be phased in:

  • 2026: Finalise senior secondary curriculum and develop assessment exemplars. Finalise qualification design.
  • 2027: Preparatory year of assessment and PLD.
  • 2028: NCEA Level 1 removed, Year 11 curriculum only, Foundational Award introduced.
  • 2029: New Year 12 qualification and curriculum starts.
  • 2030: New Year 13 qualification and curriculum starts.

“No student will need to switch between NCEA and the new qualifications system during their schooling. The first students to participate are the current Year 9 cohort.

“It’s important that we get the reform of secondary school qualifications right, so we will continue to engage with the sector to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for teachers and students.

“I expect to take advice on these technical design decisions before Budget,” says Ms Stanford.

Curriculum and Assessment Roadshow

To further support schools as these reforms progress, there will be a national curriculum and assessment roadshow for secondary school leaders in June this year.

“The roadshow will help schools prepare for the new subject-based qualification structure and the knowledge rich curriculum.

“These events will support leaders to understand the changes, build capability, and share implementation approaches across the country,” says Ms Stanford.

Why sewage testing could change Tonga’s drug fight

By
Kalino Latu
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Explainer – When Police Commissioner Geoff Turner recently raised the idea of sewage drug testing, many Tongans questioned why it is needed when police already test for drugs.

Tonga Commissioner of Police Geoff Turner. Photo/Tonga Police (cropped)

Prime Minister and Police Minister Lord Fakafanua has recently indicated support for the Police Commissioner’s move to legalise sewage testing.

This follows Parliament’s approval of a voluntary drug‑testing measure for Members of Parliament, aimed at demonstrating their commitment to combating illicit drug use.

However, in a country now confronting the emerging realities and risks of illicit drug use and trafficking, any confusion around new approaches demands clear explanation and careful clarification.

The confusion stems from the mistaken belief that sewage testing and police drug testing do the same job — they do not.

Police testing is about catching individuals — people stopped, arrested, or investigated. It is essential for enforcing the law, but it only shows what police can see.

Community Drug Use Revealed

Sewage testing does something different. It measures drug use across the whole population by analysing wastewater.

It does not identify anyone. Instead, it reveals how much drugs are being used in a community — including by people who are never caught.

That is its key advantage: it shows the full picture, not just the visible part.

This kind of information can also make policing more effective.

Wastewater Guides Police Operations

In New Zealand, wastewater results have already been used to guide operations on the ground.

As reported by New Zealand Police in December 2025, unusually high levels of methamphetamine detected in Hawke’s Bay wastewater prompted a six-month covert investigation, codenamed Operation Tukutuki.

According to Detective Inspector James Keene, the operation directly responded to those wastewater findings.

Police then executed search warrants across Central Hawke’s Bay and Hastings, targeting properties linked to supply.

The operation led to the arrest of two gang members and an associate, along with the seizure of methamphetamine, cash, a 3D-printed firearm and stolen goods.

As police noted, wastewater testing had revealed the drug’s “increasingly strong grip” on the region — and helped direct efforts to “crush the supply”.

This example highlights the real value of sewage testing. It does not replace police work — it strengthens it. It tells authorities where the problem is growing, so they can act faster and more precisely.

For Tonga, the issue is not choosing between the two systems. Police testing will always be needed to enforce the law. But without sewage testing, the country is relying on partial information.

Sewage testing fills that gap. It provides a clearer, nationwide picture of drug use — and that is why it is now being treated as an urgent priority.

Two injured in Vavaʻu roadworks explosion recovering at Vaiola hospital

By
Kalino Latu
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Two men are recovering at Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu after sustaining burn injuries when an apparent gas tanker used in road sealing works exploded in Vavaʻu.

The injured men have been identified as Sione Nimo and Maikolo Uhi, both from Neiafu, Vavaʻu, who were working on a government road at the time of the incident.

The explosion reportedly occurred while equipment was being used to heat and melt bitumen — the binding material in asphalt — for roadworks.

The two remain hospitalised at Vaiola Hospital, where they are receiving treatment for burns sustained during the incident.

Further details surrounding the cause of the blast have not yet been officially released.

Photographs obtained by Kaniva News, which reportedly show the injured men, depict two patients confined to hospital beds with visible bandaging covering parts of their bodies, including their faces, consistent with burn treatment.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the incident is under investigation or if workplace safety protocols are being reviewed. No other injuries were reported.

Proud Tongan Jason Taumalolo’s origin dream halted by NRL eligibility rules

By
Kaniva Staff
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North Queensland Cowboys veteran Jason Taumālolo, one of the most influential forwards of his generation and a proud son of Tonga, has been ruled ineligible for Queensland Maroons selection, extinguishing speculation about a shock State of Origin debut in 2026.

Jason Taumālolo. Photo/Broadcom FM Broadcasting (Facebook)

Despite living in Queensland from a young age and a long‑standing interest from Maroons selectors, reports confirm the NRL has blocked any move on eligibility grounds — a decision rooted in both Taumālolo’s international career history and the strict State of Origin criteria administered by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).

Born in Auckland to Tongan parents, Taumālolo has consistently spoken about his deep cultural and familial ties to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Those ties eventually became central to his international rugby league identity when he committed to representing Tonga on the world stage.

However, before making that switch, Taumālolo had already carved out a significant international résumé with New Zealand, playing 10 Tests for the Kiwis, a recognised Tier 1 nation under International Rugby League rules.

It is this earlier tier‑one representation that ultimately bars him from Origin eligibility.

Under ARLC regulations, a player must meet residency requirements before their 13th birthday and must not have represented another Tier 1 nation unless they remain eligible for Australia. Taumalolo fails on both counts.

Why the Door Is Closed

According to reports from The Courier Mail and Stuff, the idea of Taumālolo potentially wearing Maroon resurfaced during informal discussions ahead of the 2026 Origin series.

But those discussions ended once eligibility was reviewed.

The NRL confirmed that Taumalolo:

  • Did not reside in Queensland before turning 13, and
  • Had already played senior Tests for a Tier 1 nation (New Zealand), making him ineligible under current Origin rules.

While Taumālolo later shifted his international allegiance to Tonga, that change — while celebrated within Pacific rugby league — does not reopen the pathway to State of Origin.

The Australia Rule

Complicating matters further is the long‑standing Origin requirement that players must be eligible for Australia in order to represent Queensland or New South Wales.

As outlined previously by NRL officials and reiterated by ESPN and news.com.au, Taumālolo would need to make himself available for Australia, not Tonga, to satisfy Origin criteria — something he has shown no interest in doing.

Instead, Taumālolo has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to Tonga, valuing cultural identity, family, and national pride over the commercial and exposure benefits that often come with Australian or Origin representation.

A Proud Tongan Path

Taumālolo’s decision to represent Tonga was widely praised as a defining moment for Pacific rugby league, particularly when he captained the nation at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, helping Tonga reach historic heights and challenging traditional power structures in the international game.

His choice inspired a wave of elite players of Pacific heritage to make similar commitments, strengthening the competitiveness and visibility of Tonga on the global stage.

That same decision, however, has come with trade‑offs.

No Regret, No Maroons Dream

While some Maroons supporters may lament what might have been — envisioning Taumālolo’s power and leadership in Origin football — those close to the Cowboys co‑captain suggest he holds no regrets.

For Taumālolo, representing Tonga has never been a fallback option, but a deliberate and values‑driven choice — one that reflects where he believes his identity and responsibilities lie.

As such, the door to State of Origin appears firmly closed.

The legacy Taumālolo leaves will not be defined by the absence of a Maroons jersey, but by the impact he has had as one of the most prominent Tongan figures in modern rugby league, reshaping conversations about identity, allegiance, and the Pacific’s place in the sport.

Samoan lawyer in Miss Pacific Islands pageant Tonga dispute suspended in undisclosed case

By
Kalino Latu
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The lawyer whose actions contributed to turmoil at the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is now facing professional sanctions in what appears to be an unrelated matter.

Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt at Auckland airport on 13 February waiting for his flight back home to Samoa. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Grace Fiavaai

The Samoa Law Society (SLS) has placed prominent lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt under an interim suspension following the receipt of a serious professional complaint.

In a circular memorandum issued to members on 27 March 2026, the SLS confirmed that its President and Council resolved on 24 February 2026 to suspend Mr Brunt’s practising certificate for a period of six months, effective from 11 March 2026.

The Society said the complaint has been formally referred to its Complaints and Investigation Committee, which will conduct inquiries and determine the matter according to established professional disciplinary procedures.

While the SLS declined to disclose the nature of the complaint, it stressed that the action is interim and does not constitute a finding of guilt, describing the suspension as a precautionary step aimed at protecting public confidence in the legal profession while due process is followed.

Fraud Allegations Follow Confrontation

Shortly after an initial confrontation during the announcement of the winners at the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, the Solomon Islands Minister for Home Affairs publicly stated that authorities were considering potential fraud charges against Brunt.

The controversy arose after Tongan judge Mā‘ata Mo‘ungaloa confronted Brunt on the final night of the event, alleging he had tampered with the scorecards to secure the title for the Samoan contestant, Litara Ieremia Allan.

Critics maintained that the official tallies indicated the crown should instead have been awarded to the Tongan contestant, Rachael Guttenbeil.

Following the ministerial announcement, Brunt was prevented from boarding his scheduled flight back to Apia after the Solomon Islands Government intervened, confirming it had issued a “stop notice” against all four pageant judges.

Brunt was later released and strongly denied any wrongdoing, vowing at the time to pursue legal action to clear his name of the allegations.

The pageant organisation has yet to formally resolve the allegations, a situation that prompted the Solomon Islands to withdraw from this year’s competition in Fiji, citing dissatisfaction with the lack of decisive action.

The unresolved dispute also sparked backlash among some Tongan supporters, with renewed protests against the Kingdom’s participation in the event this year.

Several fans vowed to boycott the popular vote, a category won by Miss Tonga in 2025 but taken out by another contestant this year.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga, dies in Fiji

By
Kalino Latu
-

Suva, Fiji – Fiji statesman and former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has died at the age of 84 in Fiji.

Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at QEB Barracks

Fiji Live, which first reported Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s death, said he passed away peacefully on Thursday night after being admitted to hospital earlier that evening.

Nailatikau served as President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015, as well as Speaker of Parliament, senior diplomat, and former military commander.

His passing also marks the loss of a significant figure shared by Tongan and Fijian royal lineages.

He was the son of Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau, whose parents were King George Tupou II of Tonga and Adi Litia Cakobau, a granddaughter of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the first King of Fiji.

This lineage meant that King George Tupou II had two notable children whose lives shaped the histories of both Tonga and Fiji.

One was Queen Sālote Tupou III, born within wedlock, who went on to reign as Tonga’s monarch and became one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern history.

The other was Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau, born outside marriage, who rose to prominence as a leading Fijian chief and respected statesman, further cementing the close historical ties between the two Pacific nations.

As a consequence of this lineage, Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau was the half‑brother of Queen Sālote Tupou III.

Queen Sālote’s son, King Tupou IV, subsequently ascended the throne and later became the father of His Majesty King Tupou VI, the current monarch of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Tributes have begun flowing across Fiji and the wider Pacific, recognising Ratu Epeli’s lifelong service to public life, regional diplomacy, and Pacific leadership.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in due course.

Online scams affecting Tongans take a new turn, this time involving rugby

By
Kaniva Staff
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A pattern of online scams long familiar to many Tongans has taken a new turn, prompting fresh warnings after links emerged involving rugby circles.

The New Zealand Herald reported on Saturday morning that former New Zealand Under‑20 representative and current Tongan international Tau Koloamatangi has been accused of scamming people out of thousands of dollars through the sale of match‑worn rugby jerseys.

The report alleges that Koloamatangi, who has previously played provincial rugby for Waikato and Otago and competed for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, advertised the jerseys through social media and online marketplace platforms.

According to the allegations, once payments were made, communication reportedly stopped and the buyers were blocked.

The New Zealand Herald contacted Koloamatangi for comment.

Online scams of this kind are not unfamiliar to the Tongan community.

Last year, members of the Tongan diaspora took to social media, particularly Facebook, to voice frustration over what they alleged was an online scam involving the advertisement of Kahoa Heilala Fakatau.

The service claimed it would provide floral garlands for Tongans living overseas who paid deposits online and planned to collect the kāhoa upon arriving in Tonga for cultural events or celebrations.

However, complainants alleged that upon arrival, the promised items were not provided, excuses were repeatedly given, and refunds were never issued.

Kaniva Tonga News also reported on similar online scams last year, including an allegedly fraudulent service that advertised pig‑roasting services for events.

Customers claimed they made advance payments, only to be met with repeated excuses when they arrived to collect the pigs, which were never provided.

Fiji warned of alarming HIV surge, with cases projected to reach 9,000

By
Kaniva Staff
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Suva, Fiji — Serious concern has been raised about Fiji’s growing HIV crisis, with government officials warning that the country could soon have close to 9,000 people living with HIV if current infection trends continue.

Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa. Photo.Fiji Parliament

Fiji is currently facing a rapidly escalating HIV crisis driven by a sharp rise in injecting drug use, low testing rates, and limited access to prevention services.

Health authorities say many people living with HIV are unaware of their status, allowing the virus to spread quietly within families and communities.

The latest warning comes amid revelations that the official figures only reflect individuals who have been tested through health centres across the country.

Health authorities believe the true number of infections could be up to three times higher, as many people may be living with HIV unknowingly due to limited testing.

According to Fiji Live, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa has described the situation as an HIV pandemic, highlighting an urgent need for stronger public health interventions.

Ravunawa revealed that cumulative HIV diagnoses rose sharply from around 3,660 cases in 2024 to approximately 5,676 cases in 2025, marking a significant increase within a single year.

He also pointed to a dramatic surge in annual infection rates.

New HIV cases increased from 415 in 2023 to 1,583 in 2024, a nearly four‑fold rise that health officials say is deeply worrying.

“These figures only represent those captured through testing,” Ravunawa said, noting that the actual number of people living with HIV in Fiji is likely far higher.

“This is a very worrying situation that we are in right now.”

Health authorities fear that without urgent action—including expanded testing, public awareness campaigns, and improved access to prevention and treatment services—the number of infections could continue to rise rapidly.

Officials are urging the public to seek testing, reduce stigma around HIV, and engage with health services early, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes and help curb transmission.

Backlog and long waits prompt warning for overseas Tongans over land‑related travel

By
Kalino Latu
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The Ministry of Lands is urging Tongans living overseas to use its official communication channels instead of travelling to Tonga for land matters, as staff remain occupied with clearing a large backlog of outdated files and may not have the capacity to serve walk‑in visitors.

Minister for Lands Dr Taniela Fusimālohi. Photo/ Fale Alea ‘o Tonga

As Kaniva News reported this week, around 7,000 files from previous years have accumulated at the Ministry of Lands—many still sitting on desks and never entered into the computer system—creating what the Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi had described as a chaotic backlog that continues to overwhelm staff.

Fusimālohi said the Ministry also has more than 3,000 land parcels awaiting survey and measurement.

According to the Minister, staff are now working to organise and digitise thousands of files, enter records into the Ministry’s computer system, and expand personnel and resources to improve turnaround times for all applications.

The Minister said the queues and waiting times remain long and will continue until the backlog is fully cleared and the ongoing improvement work is completed.

He said the overhaul programme is expected to be completed by the end of the next financial year, which falls in June 2027, allowing the Ministry to finally resolve the longstanding backlog.

Fusimālohi said overseas applicants should only travel to Tonga for land matters if they are specifically instructed to do so by the Ministry.

Upcoming Overseas Service Visits

The Ministry also announced upcoming in‑person services for overseas communities.

Two officers will be in Canberra on 27, 28, and 30 March to assist Tongans with their land matters, with further service visits planned for Sydney in early May, Brisbane in July, and Melbourne in September.

Fusimalohi also reminded the public not to send applications or documents directly to individual Ministry staff, noting that doing so does not speed up processing.

All formal submissions should be addressed to the Minister or CEO, registered through the Secretariat, and then assigned to staff officially.

He added that only correspondence issued by the CEO, the Minister, or an authorised head of division is recognised as official government communication.

The Minister further confirmed that Tonga’s diplomatic missions in Australia, the United States, and the High Commission in Auckland will be approached to assist overseas Tongans with submitting their documents in the future.

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