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.
Inspired by her late mother Lilika, the Olympian activist is raising awareness about preventable illness.
Dame Valerie Adams hopes Jammies for June will kick off a national conversation about how we can better prevent illnesses that hit the Māori and Pasifika community hard.Photo credit:via Celebrity Speakers
Caption:Dame Valerie Adams hopes Jammies for June will kick off a national conversation about how we can better prevent illnesses that hit the Māori and Pasifika community hard.Photo credit:via Celebrity Speakers
With a mother who died of cervical cancer at just 39, Dame Valerie Adams is passionate about encouraging women to get cancer screenings via Women’s Health Week.
Knowing firsthand what it’s like to live in a South Auckland state house, she’s also the face of Jammies for June – a fundraising campaign to help keep tamariki, especially those coming out of hospital, warm and well this winter.
“A lot of these kids probably don’t even have pyjamas, probably never seen any. To see the smiles on their face when they’re leaving the hospital, if they get a pair of pyjamas with their siblings and their whānau… man, honestly, it just fills my cup,” the four-time world shot put champion tells RNZ’s Saturday Morning.
Dame Valerie Adams is supporting the Jammies for June campaign to provide donated pyjamas to New Zealand children over the winter.Middlemore Foundation
For many New Zealanders, preventable illnesses like asthma, respiratory disease, and rheumatic fever are “out of sight, out of mind”, Adams says.
But growing up in Māngere, the four-time Olympic medallist saw the daily struggle many parents have just to keep their kids warm and well.
“We’re talking about houses that are struggling to pay for power, or sometimes shutting off power just to save a bit of money, haven’t got enough kai in their cupboards and access to health.
“There are some people who screw the system over, but not everybody does it. The majority of people are actually struggling, are actually trying their best to make ends meet. Parents are working three jobs to try and put a roof over their head or to put gas in their tanks to get their kids to school.”
Dame Valerie Adams: Winning in other ways
Dame Valerie Adams at 15.Valerie Adams on Facebook / @valerieadamsNZ
Visiting a South Auckland family living in a garage recently (with the ManaKidz programme), Adams says it “hit home hard” when she found it had the same “real thin glass” as her childhood home.
“I was going to knock on the window to say hey, and they had the bloody glass. Honestly, trauma came back. I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, people are still living like this with these thin glasses that I could flick and smash.
“Sometimes people are too whakama or too shy or don’t know where to go. If a family does need help and they’re entitled to it, please let them know, ‘You need to contact your GP’.”
Dame Valerie Adams competing in Rome in 2016.PHOTOSPORT
“It must be so scary out in Ōtara”, Adams overheard someone say the other day.
Her response was, “Where did you hear that rubbish from? They’re the most friendliest people ever.”
“You need to hit up the Ōtara markets and Māngere markets. They’ve got the best kai. They’ve got cheap fruit and vegetables. Please go out and check them out because it’s a great morning for the family, for the whānau to be around that environment and that community.”
Dame Valerie Adams is an ambassador for Jammies for June.Middlemore Foundation
Growing up, Adams saw clearly how “completely different” opportunities for young Auckland athletes were, depending on where they lived.
A school PE teacher spent her own money to buy a pair of throwing shoes for the future two-time Olympic gold-winning shot putter.
Now sponsored by Nike, Adams has “shoes coming out of her ears” and sends many pairs on to aspiring athletes around New Zealand.
“That could make a difference, because those pair of shoes that I got when I was young made a difference.”
Dame Valerie Adams at the premiere of More Than Gold.Producers of ‘More than Gold’
The 41-year-old is now bringing her perspective as a proud Polynesian woman to tough, necessary conversations about the “very Eurocentric” sport of athletics as Chair of the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission.
“I was always very shy. [In the past] I was like ‘I’ve got nothing to give. These people are all smart. I’m dumb’. That’s just the way we think and the mindset we had.
“I was a bit quiet for the first few meetings and then slowly found my voice. Now it’s okay. I feel like I belong, you know.”
Dame Valerie Adams in 2016.PHOTOSPORT
This Mother’s Day, with her two children, she will visit the urupā [grave] of her mother Lilika, a very strong Tongan woman with Christian values who sacrificed a lot for her family.
“I’m one of these crazy people., I go there a lot, but it just gives me peace and comfort. I know it’s not for everyone, but it works for me. My kids have never met her, but they know exactly who she is. ‘This is Nanny Lilika, and we’re going to go clean her up.'”
Dame Valerie Adams with daughter Kimoana.PHOTOSPORT
Although Lilika died back in 2000, Adams says she still cries over her loss.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, losing your mum is one of the worst feelings in the world. Everybody that has their mum still around, I always tell them, ‘Cherish them’.
“Also, she died of something that was preventable, [so] why isn’t she here? She should have been here. There were a lot of very tough moments for me.”
A newly emerged video has provided a harrowing glimpse into the moments following the fatal shooting in Vava’u, capturing the trauma experienced by the victim’s family.
The victim’s daughter, seen here with a bandaged hand, was injured while trying to intervene during the fatal shooting in Vava’u
The tragedy unfolded on Thursday at the family’s home in ‘Utulangivaka, where the 43-year-old woman was fatally injured in a reported multiple shooting.
It is also understood that one of her daughters was injured during the incident, apparently while trying to intervene.
Tonga Police have since confirmed that her 43-year-old husband has been arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Sources and relatives who spoke to Kaniva News have identified the deceased as Taiana ‘One’one, also known as Taiana Koluse.
In a heart-wrenching development, the video circulating in the aftermath of the incident shows a young woman, believed to be the victim’s daughter, visibly shaken and in tears as she recounts her desperate attempt to intervene.
“I tried to stop him,” she cried out to her mum, though her body was not shown in the footage. The video appears to have since been removed from Facebook, with only a screenshot—published here as the featured image—remaining after efforts to trace it.
Police have released only limited details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but confirmed that the case is being treated as a serious domestic violence incident.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and statements.
The woman killed in Thursday’s shooting in ‘Utulangivaka, Vava’u.
“Tonga Police extend sincere condolences to the family, children, and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time,” a police statement read.
This is especially so as we approach the observance of Mother’s Day.”
Local community members have expressed shock and sadness at the incident, remembering the mother as a valued member of her community.
The mother is survived by her husband and four children.
Four Pines Park fell silent on Saturday night after Manly Sea Eagles prop Siosiua Taukeiaho suffered what appears to be a serious leg injury during his side’s victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
The incident occurred early in the second half, with Manly building momentum and holding a commanding lead. Taukeiaho, a veteran front-rower known for his power and determination, crossed the line to score the Sea Eagles’ fourth try of the match, extending the home side’s advantage to 20–4. However, in the act of grounding the ball, Taukeiaho appeared to twist awkwardly, immediately clutching at his lower leg.
Medical staff rushed onto the field as teammates and opposition players looked on with concern. The 32-year-old remained on the turf in visible distress while being attended to by trainers. Play was halted for several minutes as the seriousness of the injury became apparent.
Taukeiaho was eventually stretchered from the field and administered the “green whistle” — a form of pain relief commonly used in rugby league for acute injuries — to help manage his discomfort. An ambulance was later called to Four Pines Park, with the Tongan international transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment.
The mood inside the stadium shifted dramatically following the incident, with both fans and players shaken by the sight of the experienced forward being carried off. Despite the concerning injury, Manly regained composure and went on to secure the win, though the result was overshadowed by the worrying condition of one of their key forwards.
A post-match update from the club, reported by Fox League journalist Jake Duke, indicated that Taukeiaho is suspected to have suffered a fractured tibia. The diagnosis, while yet to be formally confirmed through scans, suggests a potentially lengthy stint on the sidelines for the former Sydney Roosters premiership winner.
Taukeiaho, who joined Manly with a wealth of NRL and international experience, has been a valuable addition to the Sea Eagles pack this season. Known for his strong carries and defensive presence, his loss would represent a significant blow to Manly’s forward rotation as the competition progresses.
Sea Eagles coach and players are expected to provide further updates in the coming days once Taukeiaho undergoes full medical evaluation. The club and fans alike will be hoping for a more positive outcome than initially feared, though early signs point to a significant recovery period ahead.
The rugby league community has already begun expressing support for Taukeiaho, with players and fans taking to social media to wish him a swift recovery. Injuries of this nature are a stark reminder of the physical toll of the sport and the risks players face each time they take the field.
As Manly celebrates an important win over one of their key rivals, attention now turns to the wellbeing of Taukeiaho, whose courage in scoring the try was quickly overshadowed by the severity of his injury.
Jason Taumalolo is poised to etch his name deeper into North Queensland Cowboys history tonight, as he prepares to become the club’s most-capped player of all time.
Jason Taumālolo. Photo/Broadcom FM Broadcasting (Facebook)
The 32-year-old forward will make his 295th appearance for the Cowboys, surpassing the long-standing record held by club legend Johnathan Thurston.
It marks a remarkable milestone for one of the most influential players in the club’s modern era and a figure synonymous with its identity over the past decade and a half.
Taumalolo’s journey with North Queensland began in extraordinary fashion. Debuting as a 17-year-old in 2010, Taumalolo quickly established himself as a powerful and dynamic presence in the forward pack. Over the years, that early promise has translated into one of the most consistent and dominant careers in the NRL.
His impact has been central to some of the Cowboys’ greatest achievements, most notably the club’s historic 2015 premiership victory. In that unforgettable grand final triumph, Taumalolo’s performance embodied the physical intensity and resilience that have become hallmarks of his game.
Beyond team success, Taumalolo has also reached the pinnacle of individual recognition. His Dally M Medal-winning season cemented his status as one of the game’s elite players, highlighting not only his explosiveness with the ball but also his work rate and influence across the field.
While his contributions at club level are significant, Taumalolo’s legacy extends far beyond Townsville. His decision to represent Tonga on the international stage has played a pivotal role in elevating Pacific rugby league, inspiring a new generation of players and strengthening the global profile of the Tongan national team.
Tonight’s milestone is therefore more than just a number. It represents durability, loyalty, and a sustained level of excellence rarely seen in the modern game. To surpass a figure like Thurston—widely regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby league history—underscores the magnitude of Taumalolo’s achievement.
As he runs onto the field for his record-breaking appearance, Taumalolo will do so not only as a cornerstone of the Cowboys, but as a player whose career has shaped an era.
For North Queensland fans, it is a moment of pride. For the broader rugby league community, it is a recognition of a career defined by consistency, power, and lasting impact.
Explainer – This Sunday, families across Tonga and around the world will celebrate Mother’s Day — a day dedicated to honouring mothers and maternal figures for their love, sacrifice and care.
But where did Mother’s Day come from, and how did it become a global tradition?
The idea of celebrating motherhood dates back thousands of years.
Ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals honouring mother goddesses associated with fertility and family life. In medieval United Kingdom, Christians observed “Mothering Sunday”, when people returned to their “mother church” during Lent and spent time with their families.
However, the modern Mother’s Day celebrated today began in the United States in the early 1900s.
The woman behind modern Mother’s Day
The modern observance was founded largely through the efforts of Anna Jarvis.
After her mother died in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for a national day to honour mothers and the sacrifices they made for their children. She organised the first official Mother’s Day service in 1908 in Grafton.
Her campaign quickly gained public support.
In 1914, then-US President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.
How it spread worldwide
The tradition later spread to many countries, including New Zealand and Australia, which also celebrate it on the second Sunday in May.
Different countries observe Mother’s Day on different dates depending on their cultural and religious traditions.
Today, Mother’s Day is commonly marked with church services, family gatherings, gifts, flowers and messages of appreciation.
In many Pacific cultures, including in Tonga, motherhood is closely tied to family unity, sacrifice and community values.
For many families, the day is not only about celebration, but also remembrance — especially for those whose mothers have passed away.
Ironically, Anna Jarvis herself later became critical of how commercialised Mother’s Day had become, arguing the day should focus on sincere gratitude rather than expensive gifts.
Despite that, Mother’s Day remains one of the world’s most widely observed family occasions, celebrated across generations and cultures.
A pair of twin sisters in the United Kingdom discovered at the age of 49 that they have different biological fathers in what experts say is an extremely rare medical phenomenon.
Photography – Emma Lynch/BBC
According to the BBC, twins Michelle and Lavinia Osbourne learned the truth after taking at-home DNA tests, which showed they are half-sisters despite being born together to the same mother in 1976.
The rare condition is known as heteropaternal superfecundation, where two eggs released during the same cycle are fertilised by sperm from different men. Reports say only about 20 documented cases have been identified worldwide.
The sisters, born in Nottingham, had a difficult childhood and said they relied heavily on each other for emotional support while growing up in foster homes and with carers.
Lavinia described the revelation as devastating, saying her twin sister had always been the “one constant” in her life.
Michelle, however, said she was less surprised after long suspecting that the man they believed was their father did not resemble her.
Further DNA investigations later identified different biological fathers for the twins.
Despite the shock, both women say their bond remains unbroken.
“She’s my twin sister,” Michelle said. “Nothing takes away from that.”
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), 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.
