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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.

Social media users claim security guard is Tongan after viral confrontation in Australia

By
Kalino Latu
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A security guard who made headlines in Australia this week for forcefully confronting and shoving a would‑be thief to the ground has been widely praised online, with many social media users—particularly Tongans—labelling him as Tongan.

Composite images show a security guard wearing a high‑visibility vest approaching and physically engaging with an individual holding a boxed item in a carpark.

The 17‑second footage, captured by the dashcam of a fortuitously positioned passing vehicle, shows a large security guard in a high‑vis vest and shorts walking calmly across the car park in Melbourne.

A man dressed in black then tries to briskly slip past him, carrying a 10‑pack—allegedly stolen from the nearby Aldi—in his left arm.

As the two cross paths, the security guard delivers a swift and forceful blow to the man’s upper chest and throat, sending the alleged thief crashing backwards to the ground.

However, a second video has since surfaced featuring the same security guard, showing him being confronted by two men.

In the clip, he is seen engaging one man directly while reacting to another who approaches from the side.

News 10 identified him on‑air as “Maka the Security Guard”—and while Maka is a common Tongan name, his nationality has not been confirmed.

Online Reactions Pour In

The viral footage has generated a wave of enthusiastic responses across social media platforms, with many users praising the security guard’s decisive action.

Dozens of commenters urged authorities and his employer to “give him a pay rise,” arguing that his quick thinking likely prevented further theft or harm.

Others hailed him as a hero, applauding both his confidence and the sheer force of the takedown.

“This guy deserves a medal,” one user wrote, while another added, “Best tackle of the year—sign him to the NRL!”

Tongan Claims Emerge Online

A number of Tongan users claimed the guard as their own, pointing to his build and the name “Maka” mentioned by an Australian news anchor.

“If he’s Tongan, that’s to’a right there,” one commenter said, referencing the cultural expression for courage.

Humour also filled the comment threads, with some jokingly referring to him as “the Aldi Avenger” and others teasing that the alleged thief “picked the wrong day, wrong store, and definitely the wrong security guard.”

Despite the comedic tone of many reactions, several users also highlighted the risks involved in such confrontations, praising the guard for staying calm before delivering the decisive blow.

“His composure was next level,” one person noted in Tongan.

“He waited, watched, and reacted at exactly the right moment.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Back to Foundations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Living Landmark

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

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

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

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

Community Applauds the Restoration

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

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

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

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

Photos show items toppled from pantry during Tonga quake

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

Photo/Vava Lapota

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

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

Photo/Vava Lapota

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

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

Photo/Vava Lapota

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

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

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

Tsunami warning cancelled for All of Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urgent tsunami alert issued for Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This message is being repeated continuously as instructed by authorities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Zealand Introduces Support Package Amid Rising Fuel Prices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nakita Tu‘itavake confirmed as president of Tonga Boxing Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tonga Fire Services celebrates 20-year partnership with South Australian fire service

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Fire & Emergency Services (TFES) has paid tribute to its long-standing partnership with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS), acknowledging two decades of support that have significantly strengthened the kingdom’s emergency response capabilities.

For more than 20 years, the collaboration has delivered substantial benefits to Tonga’s frontline services, including the donation of over 28 fire trucks, ongoing training, operational assistance, and vital knowledge-sharing initiatives.

TFES said the partnership has played a crucial role in enhancing the country’s preparedness for urban fires, bushfires, rescues, and disaster response.

Two additional fire trucks donated in November 2025 have already been deployed across the country. TFES confirmed that one of these vehicles responded to a 999 emergency call just yesterday, arriving at the scene within nine minutes of dispatch.

Officials said such improvements in response time demonstrate the practical life-saving impact of the long-term support from South Australia.

Tonga Fire & Emergency Services responds to more than 400 urban and bush fire incidents annually, placing heavy demands on equipment and personnel. TFES said the continued support from SAMFS is vital for maintaining and improving its operational readiness.

“This partnership reflects strong friendship, shared values, and a unified commitment to protecting our communities,” the service said in a statement.

Tonga star may never play again after brain injury – Storm coach

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1news and is republished with permission

Melbourne Storm’s coach says he doesn’t know if Tongan rugby league star Eli Katoa will ever play the code again.

The 25-year-old underwent brain surgery in November after suffering seizure activity due to multiple head knocks before and during a Test against the Kiwis.

He suffered a horrific head knock before the match began, but was allowed to take the field, where he suffered two more blows.

The former Warrior posted on Instagram at the time that his “recovery is going well and hopefully I can keep ticking all of the boxes that I need!”

Craig Bellamy told Channel 7 that Katoa was “doing really well at the moment,” but was unsure if doctors would clear him to return to the game.

“I don’t know if he’ll play next year… I don’t know if he’ll play again,” Bellamy said.

“The doctors haven’t made that decision, and I don’t know when that decision will get made to be quite honest.

“I imagine after a certain amount of time he’ll have more tests and go from there.”

Bellamy described Katoa as “one hell of a player”.

“It was a major injury, and we want him to live the rest of his life in a normal way, so fingers crossed.

“But we’d love to have him back playing footy and playing with us.”

Despite being ruled out for the entire NRL season, Katoa still working with the Storm squad in a mentorship role.

Bellamy said the role has been instrumental in advancing the development of younger players.

Finance Minister Lata Tangimana convicted of electoral bribery by Supreme Court

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa — The Supreme Court has this afternoon convicted Latalaga Lata Tangimana, the Minister of Finance, for breaching Tonga’s Electoral Act in connection with the 2025 General Election campaign.

Lata I Faingata’a Tangimana

Tangimana, also the MP for Niua 17, was found guilty on charges relating to bribery, following evidence presented to the court showing that he had offered benefits to voters during the campaign period.

It is understood that this case forms part of a broader set of complaints reportedly filed against several Members of Parliament, including the representatives for Tongatapu 2, Tongatapu 4, Tongatapu 9, Tongatapu 10, Haʻapai 12, Haʻapai 13 and Vava’u 16 with additional filings from other constituencies also anticipated.

The judgment, reported on FM 87.5, claims that the minister committed offences under the laws governing electoral conduct.

The conviction automatically triggers constitutional implications.

Under the Constitution and the Electoral Act, a candidate or elected representative found to have committed bribery is subject to the court’s ruling and may subsequently lose their seat.

However, Tangimana retains the right to appeal the decision if he believes the ruling is flawed or that legal errors were made in the judicial process.

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of electoral conduct in Tonga, especially as similar cases in previous election cycles have led to the unseating of Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers.

Further proceedings will now depend on whether Tangimana files an appeal to challenge the ruling.

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