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 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.
U.S. authorities have frozen more than $41 million in cryptocurrency and seized the website of BG Wealth Sharing, a suspected $150 million Ponzi scheme, in a move that reinforces earlier warnings issued to Pacific communities, including Tongans in New Zealand and the United States.
U.S. law enforcement seizure notice displayed on the BG Wealth Sharing website after authorities took control of the domain as part of a cryptocurrency fraud investigation.
The enforcement action follows attempts by individuals linked to the platform to move over $92 million in crypto assets in late April, according to blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who assisted in tracing and halting the transfers.
Independent blockchain investigator ZachXBT has also analysed BG Wealth Sharing, linking it to the DSJ Exchange Ponzi scheme and estimating losses exceeding US$150 million.
His findings, which contributed to the freezing of tens of millions in crypto assets, further allege that the scheme operated using fabricated executive identities.
He noted that many victims were recruited through social media and were unaware they had been defrauded.
The website bgwealthsharing.com now displays a seizure notice after being taken over by U.S. authorities in a joint operation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Anyone visiting the BG Wealth Sharing website is now met with a prominent notice stating, “THIS SITE HAS BEEN SEIZED.”
The banner identifies the action as a U.S. law enforcement operation, adding:
“This domain has been seized in accordance with a seizure warrant issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(A), 18 U.S.C. § 982(a)(1), and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.”
Kaniva News has sought comment from U.S. authorities and is awaiting a response.
Tonga, NZ Issue Warning
The development follows earlier warnings issued to Tongan communities, including a joint alert by authorities in Tonga and New Zealand, cautioning that BG Wealth Sharing showed signs of an investment scam and was operating without proper licensing.
The platform had gained traction among Pacific diaspora networks, particularly through online recruitment channels.
Despite these warnings, the company continued to attract investors by promoting itself as a crypto trading platform offering daily returns of up to 2.6 percent, along with referral commissions and bonus structures.
Concerns escalated in the days before the collapse when the platform required investors to pay a 12 percent “tax” on their account balances, claiming it was part of preparations for a public listing.
Soon after, users reported being unable to withdraw funds, raising fears that the platform had executed a “rug pull” — a scam in which operators abruptly drain all funds and disappear, leaving investors with worthless assets.
Regulators later warned that such demands for additional payments to access funds are a key indicator of advance-fee fraud.
Investigations into BG Wealth Sharing are continuing as U.S. authorities work to trace remaining assets and identify those responsible.
Tongan Promoters Remain Silent
Since the seizure of the BG Wealth Sharing website and the disclosure that U.S. authorities had frozen funds, leading Tongan promoters of the scheme have gone quiet and have yet to respond publicly.
The development follows a joint warning issued in February 2026 by New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, which identified the BG Wealth/DSJ EX scheme as a Ponzi-style, multi-level marketing fraud targeting Tongan communities in both countries.
Authorities in Utah and Washington also issued warnings against BG Wealth Sharing and rejected its registration claims in Colorado.
The Washington warning in early April specifically noted that BG Wealth clients had complained they were unable to withdraw funds, despite earlier promises of profit returns.
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga Police are investigating an alleged gunpoint threat involving a female journalist from Kele’a Publications, with their latest public statement making no mention of any arrests in connection with the case.
The police confirmed in a statement this afternoon that the matter remains under active investigation, following a complaint linked to an incident said to have occurred at the organisation’s office in Nuku’alofa on 23 April 2026 and was reported to police the following day.
It described the matter as a “life-threatening incident involving media staff”, but did not provide further specifics on suspects or enforcement action.
Police said the alleged threat is understood to have occurred in the context of recent media activity, including a news report and a talkback radio programme aired on Kele’a Voice FM91.5.
The programme reportedly discussed a member of the Comancheros motorcycle gang, who is serving a life sentence, and featured an interview with a foreign correspondent.
The extent to which that coverage may be connected to the alleged incident remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Public Appeal
“Tonga Police take this matter seriously and are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
Members of the public with relevant information are urged to contact Tonga Police on 922 or report to the nearest police station.
The alleged gunman is believed to have been angered by the radio news item aired earlier that morning about prisoner Eneasi Taumoefolau, who has links to the outlaw Comancheros motorcycle gang.
Comancheros Figure Jailed for Meth
Taumoefolau was sentenced to life imprisonment in Tonga in early 2026 for importing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. He was also accused of attempting to establish a “Kingdom Chapter” of the gang in the kingdom.
No one was injured, and police are investigating the incident, according to Kele’a Media.
It said the unidentified individual reportedly entered the premises and confronted the staff member while armed with a handgun.
The suspect, described as wearing a black hooded cardigan, allegedly approached the journalist who was alone at the time and threatened them with the firearm.
It is alleged that the suspect warned the journalist not to broadcast any further reports related to Taumoefolau or the gang before leaving the office. The individual then exited in a waiting vehicle.
ABC Documentary Sparks Coverage
The news item in question reportedly drew on information from an ABC Foreign Correspondent documentary released on April 22, 2026, via ABC Pacific’s social media platforms. The documentary examined drug trafficking routes from South America to Australia through the South Pacific and the impact of such operations on island nations, including Tonga.
The programme included an interview with Taumoefolau, during which he discussed his alleged connections to the Comancheros and a reported failed attempt to establish a local chapter in Tonga.
In its statement, the publication expressed serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists operating in Tonga, particularly when covering sensitive or controversial issues.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the risks our local journalists face in carrying out their duties,” the statement said.
History of Threats and Closure
Kele’a has not been new to threats and attacks from its most outspoken critics over its nearly 40 years of operation.
In 2007, the outlet’s office in Nuku’alofa was entered by members of the Tonga military and shut down on the grounds that it was operating without a licence.
Then editor Tavake Fusimalohi argued the closure was politically motivated, claiming it came in response to the paper’s reporting on alleged government corruption.
Its founder, ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, who rose politically from a vocal critic of government and royal involvement in alleged corruption to become Prime Minister, faced numerous court cases linked to the publication’s pro‑democracy stance.
Kele’a, which now also operates a radio service, has long maintained a strongly pro‑liberal editorial line.
The Supreme Court this morning found the Minister of Tourism, Semisi Sika, guilty of electoral breaches.
The ruling brings to a close an inquiry triggered by a complaint from rival candidate Dr Pingi Fasi, which led to an Electoral Commission investigation into allegations of overspending and undeclared expenses, including a controversial $10,000 sponsorship for the Suliana Dance Academy announced just weeks before polling day.
…………….This is a developing story — more updates to follow shortly.
While we await the court’s detailed decision, here is one of Kaniva News’ earlier reports on the case.
Tonga’s Electoral Commission has been investigating allegations of campaign overspending and concerns over whether all expenses were properly declared, following a formal complaint against Tongatapu 2 MP Semisi Sika.
The dispute centres on a $10,000 sponsorship for Suliana Dance Academy, announced during a recital on November 8, 2025, just weeks before the general election.
Former MP and defeated candidate ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, also known by the name Pingi Fasi, raised the concern in a letter to the Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki, claiming the donation should be classified as campaign expenditure under Section 24 of the Electoral Act.
According to the document, written on December 16, seen by Kaniva News, Fasi argued that the payment, made within six months of the election, amounted to 50 percent of the allowable spending limit of $20,000 and, if unreported, could constitute an electoral offence.
He also questioned whether fireworks celebrating Sika’s victory on election night were itemised in his expense report. Affidavits and video evidence from the recital were submitted to support the claim, including statements from the event’s MC endorsing Sika’s candidacy.
The Electoral Commission has forwarded the complaint to Sika, requesting his response.
Corporate Sponsorship, Not Campaign
In response, Sika categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating the sponsorship was not a personal campaign expense but a corporate contribution from Five Star Finance, a company in which he is a shareholder.
He emphasised that the support was part of the firm’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility program and had been provided annually, regardless of his political status.
“This expenditure does not constitute spending on an election campaign by a candidate under Section 24 of the Electoral Act,” Sika wrote in his reply to the Commission.
Bribery and Residency Alleged
Sika further countered with allegations against Fasi, accusing him of breaching residency requirements for candidacy and engaging in illegal campaigning on the day of the poll.
He alleged that Fasi had been residing in Fangaloto, not in any location within Tongatapu Constituency 2, which includes Havelu, Tofoa, Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Kolofoou and Mailetaha, during the three months preceding the election as required by law.
Documents addressed to the Election Supervisor seen by Kaniva News show that Sika also alleged Fasi’s secretary sent SMS messages urging voters to “remember Pingi” and accused his rival of bribery through the selective distribution of kumala (sweet potatoes) to households during the campaign period.
Sika urged the Commission to investigate these alleged violations, describing them as “substantial and warranting immediate action.”
Fasi and the Election Commission could not be reached for comment.
This was not the first time Sika and Fasi clashed after a general election.
In 2022, following Fasi’s victory over Sika, Sika filed a petition alleging electoral bribery. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the claim and ruled in Fasi’s favour.
Two people have been arrested after a shocking pair of unrelated stabbings in Auckland’s Rānui left multiple injured, including a bystander and a police officer who was struck as a knife-wielding man lunged at him.
Police said a detective and officer were at a medical centre helping to treat a victim from an earlier stabbing when a second, unrelated attack unfolded outside.
A St John spokesperson said it was notified at 11.59am of an incident on Swanson Rd.
One person in a serious condition was taken to Auckland Hospital, while another person in a moderate condition was taken to North Shore Hospital.
The two separate incidents began with a report to emergency services just before 12pm, according to a police account of events.
Around midday, officers were called to a home on Swanson Rd following “reports of a disorder involving a group of people,” said Detective Inspector Callum McNeill.
Police found a person with “non-life-threatening stab wounds” at the scene.
“A 23-year-old woman was taken into custody over the incident, and the person with injuries was transported to a medical centre on Swanson Road,” he said.
The suspect in the first stabbing was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is due in the Waitakere District Court on May 11.
While at the medical centre, a detective and frontline staff were present with the victim when a separate and unrelated stabbing incident began outside, McNeill said.
“Our officers have become aware of a commotion outside, where a person had been running away after being stabbed in the head,” he said.
“Officers have moved outside to ascertain what was taking place, when they have seen the offender that had been chasing the victim.”
The man was allegedly carrying a knife and “lunged at both officers”, knocking one over and striking his body armour, according to police.
He then fled, but not before stabbing a member of the public in the shoulder as they waited for a bus at a nearby stop, McNeill alleged.
“The alleged offender, a 29-year-old man, was swiftly taken into custody by other police colleagues nearby as they were already on scene due to the earlier incident,” he said.
The detective inspector said the victims from the second stabbing were in hospital with “serious, but not life-threatening injuries”.
“Our detective has suffered grazing injuries, and it is extremely fortunate that these were not serious injuries. The other officer was not injured,” he said.
“This was an extremely concerning event, and I can reassure the wider community that our enquiries suggest that we are dealing with two separate and isolated incidents.”
Nearby Rānui Primary School informed the community about the incident in Facebook post at 2.20pm.
“There was an incident at Rānui Medical Centre today,” the post said.
“It is SAFE now but the road has been blocked and there will be traffic.”
A 29-year-old male was due in the Waitākere District Court tomorrow charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with a weapon, according to police.
Four ambulances, one rapid response unit and one operations manager responded to the incidents, a St John spokesperson said.
A grieving mother has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of her seven-year-old son, Fakaola he Vahanoa ki Emalata Misifane, who died after falling from the back of a moving vehicle in Tongatapu.
Fakaola ki Emalata Misifane. Photo/Supplied
The tribute comes after Police said the child was injured when he fell from the back of a moving vehicle in Popua last month.
In a statement, Police said the child sustained injuries after falling onto the roadway and was taken to Vaiola Hospital for treatment.
A 31-year-old man from Pātangata, residing in Fanga ‘o Piloleva, was arrested and remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Fakaola, who lived in Patangata and attended Popua Primary School, died on April 26.
In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Fakaola’s mother spoke of her deep grief and faith as she mourned her son’s passing.
“Rest on, my son Fakaola ki Emalata Misifane Jr… Lord, forgive us, for we have wept over You taking back Your treasure, but Your perfect will is higher still,” she wrote in Tongan, acknowledging the pain of loss while affirming her belief in God’s purpose.
She reflected that life and death ultimately rest in God’s hands, saying, “You are the One who gave, and You are the One who has taken back. May glory and thanks always be Yours.”
In a final farewell, she added, “Bye-bye, my little son, and be at peace, even though we were not ready to part, but we have no power over it,” describing her child as young, kind, and deeply loved.
The grieving mother also made an emotional reference to the boy’s late father, saying her son had now followed to be reunited after being separated since infancy.
Bay of Islands, NZ – Members of the Tongan community in Kerikeri gathered on a beach in the Bay of Islands in prayer and song as one of their own was feared missing at sea before later being found alive and safe.
Members of the Tongan community gather at the shoreline in the Bay of Islands, praying and singing hymns during a search for a missing man at sea.
Sources told Kaniva News that Aufuato Kaufisi was rescued and taken to hospital for a medical check-up before being released and returning home in good condition.
Videos shared with Kaniva News show a group of Tongans standing near the shoreline, singing hymns and praying together.
Some appeared visibly emotional during the vigil. Later social media posts referenced Kaufisi’s rescue, although no other individuals were mentioned as being with him during the ordeal.
Meanwhile, Police reported that on the same day, Friday May 1, three men had “narrowly escaped tragedy” after their boat capsized in rough conditions in the Bay of Islands earlier that morning.
Police said they received a report at 6.45am from a man who had swum ashore after the dinghy he was travelling in sank off Wairoa Bay, near Waitangi, at around 3am.
Detective Sergeant Paul Overton said the man’s two crewmates were initially unaccounted for and were “last seen clinging to a chilly bin in the water”.
“The males had been fishing at the time and were not wearing life jackets,” Overton said.
Coastguard responded swiftly, with five volunteers from Coastguard Bay of Islands launching rescue vessel Bay Rescue 2 to assist in the search, alongside a Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“At around 8.30am, the second person was found safely washed ashore,” a Coastguard spokesperson said.
Less than an hour later, the third missing person was located on rocks near Bayleys Farm in a moderate condition.
“The person was flown to Waitangi Bike Park where they were transported to hospital by road ambulance,” an Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters spokesperson said.
Overton said the incident was caused by a large 12-foot wave striking the vessel, causing it to “rapidly fill with water and sink”.
“I cannot stress just how incredibly lucky these three men are,” he said, describing the situation as a “terrifying ordeal.”
Kaniva News was unable to confirm whether Kaufisi’s rescue and the boating incident were linked.
The events have drawn attention to the dangers of changing sea conditions in the Bay of Islands and the importance of safety precautions, including the use of life jackets.
Tonga Police have arrested 22 people during a week-long Driving Under the Influence (DUI) operation aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm on the country’s roads.
The arrests were made as part of a nationwide enforcement effort targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol.
Police said the operation reflects an ongoing commitment to improving road safety and protecting all road users.
According to a media release issued on Monday, 14 of those arrested were males aged between 19 and 56, while eight were females aged between 22 and 44.
Tonga Police emphasised that driving under the influence is a criminal offence that poses serious risks not only to drivers but also to passengers, pedestrians, and the wider public.
“This action reflects Tonga Police’s commitment to promoting road safety and reducing the harmful impact of alcohol on the community,” the statement said.
Authorities have warned that enforcement operations will continue and urged the public to make responsible choices.
Police also reiterated a strong message to motorists: “Do not drink and drive.”
The campaign forms part of broader efforts to curb dangerous driving behaviour and ensure safer roads across the Kingdom.
Nuku’alofa – A journalist with Kele’a Publications in Tonga was allegedly threatened at gunpoint following the broadcast of a radio news report about a prominent individual with links to an outlaw motorcycle gang.
‘Eneasi Taumoefolau is serving a life sentence in Tonga for importing methamphetamine and has admitted attempting to establish a Comancheros chapter in the island nation.
The alleged gunman is reported to have targeted the journalist in apparent retaliation over coverage that linked a prominent individual to the Australian outlaw motorcycle gang, the Comancheros.
The suspect is believed to have been angered by a radio news item broadcast earlier that morning concerning Mr Eneasi Taumoefolau — currently serving a life sentence at Hu’atolitoli Prison — and his reported associations with the Comancheros.
Taumoefolau, an Australian deportee and senior member of the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang, was sentenced to life imprisonment in Tonga in early 2026 for importing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. He was also accused of attempting to establish a “Kingdom Chapter” of the gang in the kingdom.
No one was injured, and police are investigating the incident, according to Kele’a Media.
The outlet confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the organisation’s office in Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu.
An unidentified individual reportedly entered the premises and confronted the staff member while armed with a handgun.
The suspect, described as wearing a black hooded cardigan, allegedly approached the journalist who was alone at the time and threatened them with the firearm.
It is alleged that the suspect warned the journalist not to broadcast any further reports related to Taumoefolau or the gang before leaving the office. The individual then exited in a waiting vehicle.
The news item in question reportedly drew on information from an ABC Foreign Correspondent documentary released on April 22, 2026, via ABC Pacific’s social media platforms. The documentary examined drug trafficking routes from South America to Australia through the South Pacific and the impact of such operations on island nations, including Tonga.
The programme included an interview with Taumoefolau, during which he discussed his alleged connections to the Comancheros and a reported failed attempt to establish a local chapter in Tonga.
Kele’a confirmed that the incident was reported to Tonga Police on the morning of Friday, April 24, and that investigations are ongoing.
In its statement, the publication expressed serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists operating in Tonga, particularly when covering sensitive or controversial issues.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the risks our local journalists face in carrying out their duties,” the statement said.
Kele’a also acknowledged the support of Police Commissioner Geoff Turner and law enforcement officers for their response and ongoing investigation into the matter.
Police have not yet commented.
The report comes after Tonga was ranked 51st by Reporters Without Borders, which noted that politicians are often a source of pressure on local news organisations.
The report on the rare appearance of a comet in New Zealand skies this coming week has prompted cultural reflection among Tongans, bringing renewed attention to the meaning of fetu‘u fuka—the Tongan term for comet—and its deeper significance in poetic expression, which many had not fully understood despite its long-standing use in song.
Queen Sālote Tupou III
Known scientifically as C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS, the comet will be visible for a limited time before disappearing for an estimated 170,000 years—a rarity that helps explain why a song, Fonua Mana, celebrating the singular greatness of Queen Sālote Tupou III, the beloved Queen of Tonga, was so highly regarded for its use of fetu‘u fuka.
As one of the earlier compositions shaped by the figurative conventions of the traditional popular song genre known as hiva kakala, it has retained its popularity to the present day.
This genre is distinctive for its deliberate reflection of Tonga’s hierarchical social structure, using figurative language or heliaki to both enhance the honour of those of higher status and to subtly convey meaning in accordance with cultural taboos.
The comet’s rare and unpredictable appearance conveys a sense of uniqueness, suggesting a figure who is unparalleled and unlikely to be seen again in the same way. At the same time, the comet’s striking brightness as it crosses the sky signifies radiance and distinction.
As a poetic device, it reflects the Queen’s commanding presence, dignity, and exceptional stature, portraying a leading figure in Tongan literature whose excellence stands out vividly and endures in memory.
Grace That Outlived Time
Queen Sālote ascended to the throne in 1918 at just 18 years of age and reigned for nearly 48 years until her death in 1965, leaving a profound imprint on Tonga’s cultural and national identity.
Regarded as the greatest punake Tonga has ever produced, she composed more than 100 works, including lullabies, laments, hiva kakala, and dances.
In recognition of her enduring contribution to Pacific music and culture, she was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, presented during the ceremony’s 15th anniversary.
Professor Futa Helu, a distinguished authority on Tongan literature and song, has argued that the use of fetuʻu fuka in Fonua Mana constitutes the highest expression of heliaki within a hiva kakala, signifying the Queen’s unmatched greatness.
The song Fonua Mana, composed by Sēmisi ‘Iongi—often regarded as the “Shakespeare of Tonga,” in reference to William Shakespeare (1564–1616), the renowned English playwright, poet, and actor widely considered the greatest writer in the English language—features fetuʻu fuka as a powerful lyrical hook in its opening line.
Fonua Mana
[V1]Lupe fano ‘i he fetu’u fuka Takafia e la’ā mo e ‘otu nēpula Kaveinga ko si’ene mafua Ko e ola ‘o e tavatava ‘i Manuka
The first verse figuratively portrays Queen Sālote as a dove (lupe) soaring endlessly (fano) upon a comet (fetu‘u fuka), journeying beyond the sun and nebulae toward the stars (kaveinga). These layered expressions elevate her as a figure of rare distinction, moving beyond earthly boundaries and embodying a presence both far-reaching and exceptional.
The placement of fetu‘u fuka as the lyrical hook in the opening line is significant, immediately establishing the song’s central image and giving its message clarity, power, and lasting impact.
The reference to tavatava ‘i Manuka introduces a nuanced proverb, often associated with the act of revealing what is usually kept guarded; in this poetic context, it suggests the sharing or outpouring of her inner gifts—particularly her poetic brilliance—offered openly and generously beyond expected bounds.
[V2] Maui fusifonua pea tauala ‘O ne tuku ‘a Tonga ki he ‘olovaha ‘Eva laukau ‘i he fonua mana Nofo he nonga kae toe holi vaka
In the second verse, the punake elevates Queen Sālote’s legacy by likening it to the demigod Māui Fusifonua—the land-puller—celebrated in Tongan tradition for securing and shaping the land for his people. Through this imagery, the Queen is portrayed as a guiding force who set Tonga on a firm and purposeful path, enabling her people to dwell in a flourishing and blessed land.
The phrase Fonua Mana, from which the song takes its title, suggests that the composer is invoking the idea of a “magical world”—commonly defined in English as one shaped through imaginative expression in literature and artistic creativity, and imbued with elements of fantasy. Within this framework, the punake appears to highlight the Queen’s exceptional creative vision, portraying her artistic works as a powerful force that enriches and elevates Tonga.
The closing line introduces the proverb nofo he nonga kae toe holi vaka, a caution against risking stability by venturing into uncertainty. In this context, it underscores the value of the peace and order established under her leadership, reminding her people to safeguard what has been secured rather than endanger it.
[Chorus]
Fangumahua mei Falelahi Fakafunga ‘a e laumanu ekiaki Moto e heilala ve’eve’e ‘o e Paki ‘Elito e lolo ‘alaha kei tangitangi
In the chorus, the punake distils the essence of the Queen’s legacy as an overflowing fangu (calabash) of fragrant oil poured out from Falelahi, symbolising the royal source of blessing and abundance. The imagery suggests a richness that spreads beyond its origin, drawing attention and admiration, as reflected in the reference to the young white tropical birds (laumanu ekiaki) that imaginarily encircle and honour it.
The final lines employ metonymy, linking the Queen to treasured indigenous fragrant flowers and oils—symbols of refinement, beauty, and enduring value—evoking a legacy that continues to diffuse its fragrance and presence long after its source is unseen.
[V3]He ‘oku tatau ‘a e tua moe palai Kae tuku ‘a ‘eta matalafo laukai Ko e mui vaka ‘a e folau tongiaki Na’e fēfē ho’o kau ‘i he’emau telekaki
In the final verse, the punake delivers a reflective and cautionary message, addressing those who may question or lose faith in the Queen’s leadership. Through a series of proverbs and idiomatic expressions, the verse draws on contrasts—such as sameness versus discernment—to challenge superficial judgment. Together, these expressions create an antithesis that ultimately highlights the Queen’s distinctiveness, urging recognition of her wisdom, leadership, and enduring legacy.
Editor’s Note: The authorship of this song has been variously attributed to Penisimani Lātū Langi, while others maintain it was composed by Sēmisi ‘Iongi. Both punake were close associates of Queen Sālote, and some of their works were performed by the Queen’s acoustic ensemble, Fuiva ‘o Fangatapu. For this article, ‘Iongi is identified as the composer, based on Professor Futa Helu’s account.
