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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.

Captain Sione Tuʻipulotu shares royal moment as Princess Anne presents Calcutta Cup

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan‑born Scotland captain Sione Tuʻipulotu received remarkable royal attention this week when Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, presented him with the Calcutta Cup following Scotland’s 31–20 victory over England in the Guinness Six Nations match at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.

The emotional post‑match moment was widely shared across social media, showing Princess Anne warmly congratulating Tuʻipulotu as he stepped forward to receive one of rugby’s oldest and most prestigious trophies.

The Royal’s gesture — including a brief embrace — struck a chord with fans in both Scotland and Tonga, celebrating not only the victory but the milestone for a proud Pacific Island captain leading a Tier‑1 national side.

A Proud Day for Tonga and Scotland

Tuʻipulotu played a direct role in Scotland’s early dominance, throwing the long, pinpoint pass that sent flanker Jamie Ritchie over for Scotland’s second try at the 14‑minute mark, helping his side surge to a commanding 17–0 lead.

Match reports detail how he controlled Scotland’s midfield attack, combined cleanly with Finn Russell, and maintained clarity under pressure during key momentum swings, setting the tone for what became Scotland’s fifth win in six Calcutta Cup clashes.

Tuʻipulotu’s leadership was just as significant as his playmaking. After a difficult opening‑round loss to Italy, he had spoken of the squad’s “desperation” to respond, and he backed that up with a performance rooted in discipline and intent.

Post‑match, he said he was “beyond proud” of the team’s effort, praising the collective resilience that helped Scotland blunt England’s attempts to fight back, particularly when the visitors were reduced to 14 players for two extended spells.

His command of the midfield defence and his direction at key moments reinforced Scotland’s control of the game, making the Calcutta Cup triumph both a tactical and emotional milestone in his captaincy.

Tuʻipulotu’s rising profile in European rugby mirrors the growing influence of Tongan athletes across global sport. His Calcutta Cup moment, acknowledged personally by Princess Anne, further amplifies his standing as a cultural ambassador for both Tonga and Scotland.

Young Tongan wing Faeamani shines as Titans’ rebuild takes flight

By
Kaniva Staff
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A stunning debut try has put young Tongan flyer Sialetili Faeamani firmly on the NRL radar this week, with the Gold Coast Titans praising the 21‑year‑old for his explosive performance and growing impact within the club’s new generation of talent.

While coach Josh Hannay has spoken openly about the challenges ahead in the Titans’ rebuild, Faeamani’s try stood out as a bright spark — a sign that the club’s investment in emerging players is already beginning to pay off.

Josh Hannay, who took over as head coach in the off‑season, recently said “there’s going to be pain” for the Titans as they reshape their roster and transition heavily towards youth.

The inclusion of 21‑year‑old Faeamani — a Tongan‑heritage winger built for power and speed — is a clear illustration of that shift.

Faeamani, born in Auckland to Tongan parents, joined the Titans from the Penrith Panthers on a development contract for the 2026–27 seasons. The club viewed him as a long‑term project, but his explosive pre‑season performances accelerated that timeline dramatically.

NRL.com reported that Faeamani impressed Hannay with his strong carries and work ethic during trials, earning him selection for both pre‑season challenge matches and positioning him for an NRL Round 1 debut.

Zero Tackle later confirmed the Titans promoted him into their Top 30 squad, clearing the way for his first NRL appearance.

Faeamani rewarded the faith in him by scoring a try in his debut against the Cronulla‑Sutherland Sharks in Round 1. The Sporting News’ team list listed him as the Titans’ starting winger for the opening match of the 2026 season.

Hannay’s warning: ‘There’s going to be pain’

Hannay’s stark assessment — that the Titans will endure “pain” in 2026 — was tied directly to the club’s decision to rebuild its roster around promising young players like Faeamani.

The Gold Coast finished near the bottom of the ladder last season and narrowly avoided the wooden spoon, prompting Hannay to overhaul the squad and prioritise youth development. The Sporting News noted that the team has entered 2026 with a renewed system and several new faces in key positions.

Faeamani is the prototype of that new era: hungry, physical, and raw — a player whose development will take time, but whose ceiling is high.

Faeamani’s journey to the NRL has been anything but easy. After starring in 1st XV rugby for St Peter’s College in Auckland, he switched from union to league, joining the New Zealand Warriors’ SG Ball and Jersey Flegg squads. He then moved to Penrith, where he played U21s and earned his first NSW Cup appearances.

His performances caught Hannay’s attention, leading to his recruitment at the Titans. LeagueNews.co confirmed Faeamani signed a two‑year deal after impressing in Penrith’s 2025 campaign.

Faeamani himself said the transition to the NRL and the decision to leave New Zealand was a “risk,” but one that was “worth it.”

Symbol of a new Titans identity

For coach Hannay, blooding players like Faeamani is part of the long‑term plan. The coach highlighted the youngster’s “strong carry” and “great work ethic,” pointing to him as a player who fits the new identity he hopes to build on the Gold Coast.

But Hannay also knows that relying on rookies means inconsistency — hence the forecast of “pain” before the team finds stability.

The Titans’ Round 1 lineup featured several emerging players, including Faeamani, Jojo Fifita, and new halfback Lachlan Ilias, as part of a team reshaped significantly over the off‑season.

This youth movement reflects Hannay’s long‑range strategy:

  • Develop young talent now
  • Accept short‑term challenges
  • Build a stronger future core

As one of their most promising young backs, Faeamani sits squarely at the centre of that vision.

A Tongan star in the making?

The Auckland‑born winger proudly embraces his Tongan heritage and has already spoken about his ambition to represent Mate Ma’a Tonga at international level — a dream he hopes to fulfil if he can secure regular NRL minutes this season.

If his debut performance is any indication, Faeamani may soon become one of the standout Tongan players in the NRL’s next generation.

While the Titans brace for the tough season their coach has predicted, the emergence of players like Sialetili Faeamani offers hope for a brighter future.

In many ways, his journey captures the story of the Gold Coast in 2026:
raw talent, signs of promise, early success — and a long road still ahead.

Beating the Odds: Police officer’s standout drumming at QSC centennial rehearsal draws public praise

By
Kaniva Staff
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A young female police officer has broken into one of Tonga’s most male‑dominated cultural roles, emerging as a standout talent in the traditional art of drumming.

Constable Cecilia Le‘ao of Houma, Tongatapu, is attracting widespread admiration after stepping forward as a ma‘ulu‘ulu drummer—an honour traditionally reserved for men—and delivering a performance praised for its precision, power, and professionalism.

Her performance this week during Queen Sālote College’s centennial preparations drew significant public attention.

With many travellers arriving from overseas to attend the 100th anniversary, videos of Le‘ao’s exceptional drumming quickly spread across social media, becoming a frequent topic of praise and admiration.

The practice of tā nafa mā‘ulu‘ulu—the drumming that accompanies a mā‘ulu‘ulu performance—developed its own distinctive style separate from the dance itself.

Various drumming groups created signature rhythms by featuring a lead drummer who performed the main riffs and runs, while the rest of the drummers provided the supporting beat.

While drumming of this kind was never reserved exclusively for men, it was uncommon for women to perform it because of the physical demands involved. This is precisely what made Le‘ao’s performance so striking and captivating.

Interestingly, she is in her early 20s and of average build for a young woman, which further contributed to the high level of public attention she received.

The College’s celebration is a major event in Tonga, not only because it marks a significant anniversary, but also because the school belongs to the nation’s largest Christian denomination, the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.

International Women’s Day Tribute

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Police for International Women’s Day, Constable Le‘ao has served with Tonga Police for two years and eleven months and is currently stationed at the Nukunuku Police Station.

Balancing her responsibilities as a committed officer, she has also become known for her impressive musical ability, which recently took centre stage during the final rehearsal for Queen Salote College’s 100th anniversary commemoration.

Her involvement in the iconic school’s preparations underscores the vital role police officers play in supporting community events and national milestones. But it also represents something more: a quiet revolution in gender expectations within Tongan performing arts.

A Talent Born in Childhood

Le‘ao’s passion for drumming began long before she donned the police uniform. Growing up, she spent countless hours watching her father play the drums. His dedication to music left a strong imprint on her, shaping both her love for the instrument and her determination to learn.

Although she was told throughout her youth that drumming was a skill “only for men,” she refused to abandon her interest. Her defining moment came when her father was once unable to fulfil a drumming commitment. She stepped in—and never looked back.

Learning directly from her father, Tēvita Le‘ao developed not only her technique but the confidence to perform traditionally male roles with skill and dignity. His influence remains one of the strongest pillars of her musical journey.

Celebrating Diversity Within Tonga Police

Tonga Police has welcomed Constable Le‘ao’s achievement, noting that her story reflects the diverse talents within the organisation. Officers, they emphasise, are not only protectors of public safety but also active contributors to cultural, educational, and community life.

Constable Le‘ao’s rise as a female ma‘ulu‘ulu drummer is seen as an inspiring example of strength, resilience, and the evolving role of women in the Kingdom. Her dedication—both to policing and to preserving Tongan performing arts—continues to inspire colleagues, students, and community members alike.

By recognising officers such as Constable Le‘ao, Tonga Police celebrates the determination and achievements of women who break barriers and redefine what is possible for future generations.

Search and rescue operation continues in Greymouth after person swept out to sea

By
Kaniva Staff
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Greymouth, NZ — A major search and rescue operation is under way in Greymouth after a report that a person was swept out to sea on Saturday evening.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood of West Coast Search and Rescue confirmed that emergency services were alerted around 6pm on Saturday after witnesses reported seeing someone carried out by the tide in the Greymouth/Blaketown area.

A large-scale response was launched, involving Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving, and Garden City Helicopters.

Search teams worked across the shoreline and offshore through Saturday evening and into today.

Among the assets deployed was the Emily B Drifter, a device used to simulate how a person in the water may drift, helping teams to predict likely search areas.

At approximately 7:30pm, a kayak was found washed up near Blaketown.

Police are now working to determine whether the kayak is linked to the person seen in the water.

“We are asking anybody who recognises this kayak, or who has not heard from someone who was kayaking in Greymouth yesterday, 7 March, to contact Police,” Senior Sergeant Kirkwood said.

Members of the public with information are urged to call 105 and quote reference number P065678948.

Search efforts are continuing.

Tongan King calls UAE, condemns Iran attacks as Embassy urges citizens to leave Middle East

By
Kalino Latu
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The King of Tonga has condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other regional states, calling them a grave violation of national sovereignty, international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

His Highness thanked His Majesty Tupou VI for his supportive stance towards the UAE. Photo/WAM

The denunciation was conveyed to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a phone call from His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the official state news agency of the United Arab Emirates.

His Highness expressed appreciation for Tonga’s supportive position as both leaders emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional and international security.

Iran Offensive Meets Surge

The call came amid intensifying conflict as the United States and Israel escalate joint military operations against Iran, with airstrikes reported across Tehran and Beirut while Iran launches retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf nations.

Israeli and U.S. military officials say most of Iran’s missile launchers and air defences have been destroyed, with B‑2 bombers striking deep underground facilities as part of an expanded offensive.

In the past 72 hours, President Donald Trump has signalled a major escalation in the conflict with Iran, with U.S. stealth bombers expected to arrive soon at UK military bases as part of an expanded air campaign.

The New York Post reports that Trump previously warned Tehran that “the big one” could be imminent, as the administration prepares for what officials describe as a significant surge in military strikes.

The Northrop B‑2 Spirit, the U.S. Air Force’s heavy strategic stealth bomber designed to evade advanced air-defence systems and deliver long‑range precision strikes, is among the aircraft positioned for potential deployment in the intensified operation.

Power Vacuum Widens in Tehran

Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership remains in flux following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in earlier strikes, with state media reporting preparations to select a new leader as the conflict enters its seventh day.

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, and drone-related incidents impacted U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Gulf.

In the last 48 hours, international media reports said Gulf countries remain on high alert as Iran has launched several waves of drone and missile strikes across the region in response to continued attacks by the United States and Israel.

Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates faced a barrage of Iranian attacks late on Thursday, with the Kuwaiti army’s general staff saying in a social media post that air defences were intercepting projectiles in the country’s airspace, Al Jazeera reported.

International responses to the war continue to evolve, with Canada not ruling out future military involvement and China preparing to send a special envoy to help mediate the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly providing Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of American troops, ships and aircraft, marking the first indication that Moscow has sought to involve itself in the conflict, according to CNN.

Evacuation Urged for Tongans

The King’s message followed a series of travel notices issued by Tonga’s diplomatic services advising Tongans in the Middle East to register with Tonga’s Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, urging them to leave the region as soon as possible.

Tonga and the United Arab Emirates maintain formal diplomatic relations, established in July 2007, forming the basis for growing cooperation between the two nations.

In recent years the relationship has strengthened further, including the signing of a Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, aimed at expanding economic and development partnerships.

High‑level meetings between Tongan and Emirati leaders have also underscored both countries’ commitment to deepening collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience and sustainable development.

Tonga further delays ban on importing vehicles aged 10 years or older

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku‘alofa — The Tongan Government has once again postponed the enforcement of its planned ban on importing vehicles aged 10 years or older, extending the effective date to 30 June 2026.

The Ministry of Revenue and Customs announced the decision today following approval by Cabinet on 13 February 2026.

The prohibition was originally reinstated on 22 November 2024 by direction of the Legislative Assembly, before being deferred by Government directive on 21 February 2025.

According to the Ministry, the latest extension is intended to give Government agencies responsible for environmental protection, waste management, road transport, and customs operations more time to prepare for implementation.

Officials say the additional months will enable ministries to strengthen legal frameworks, align procedures, and conduct public awareness programs to ensure the prohibition can be effectively enforced.

The Ministry also called for cooperation from the public, including the Tongan diaspora, as well as shipping agents and freight forwarders.

Authorities urged importers to plan ahead and avoid the significant expenses and risks associated with bringing in vehicles that will become prohibited under the new rule.

The prohibition aims to reduce the importation of older vehicles, which are often linked to higher emissions, increased waste challenges, and greater road safety concerns.

Members of the public seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Revenue and Customs on 7400653 or via email at cst@revenue.gov.to.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stands firm despite calls to step down after damaging poll

By
Kaniva Staff
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has emphatically rejected speculation about his leadership, insisting today that he is “absolutely not” considering stepping down despite a new poll showing support for the National Party plunging to its lowest level in more than four years.

Luxon made the comments in a live interview with Newstalk ZB after the latest Taxpayers’ Union–Curia poll put National at 28.4 percent, a nearly three‑point drop from last month and the party’s weakest result since 2021.

The Prime Minister told the broadcaster that all his ministers had assured him they continued to back him, dismissing rumours of internal pressure.

The RNZ report earlier today noted that Luxon was facing heightened scrutiny following a difficult week in which he struggled to articulate the government’s position on the Iran conflict, adding fuel to political speculation.

Despite this, Luxon said the “only thing” he was focused on was “the future of our children and grandchildren,” stressing that he still believed he had the skills to lead both the National Party and the country.

A separate report from Reuters described the poll results as the ruling party’s worst polling performance in over four years, noting that Luxon is no longer the public’s preferred prime minister—a symbolic blow less than eight months out from the November general election. The Reuters analysis found support for National’s coalition partners, New Zealand First and ACT, also slipping as the centre‑left Labour bloc gains ground.

Luxon, however, pushed back strongly against mounting speculation, insisting there is “no problem” with his leadership and that the public polling does not align with National’s internal numbers. He also said he had not set any threshold at which he would consider resigning, emphasising that he retains the full confidence of his caucus.

The Otago Daily Times reported that senior National ministers were today rallying behind the Prime Minister, saying there was “no need to panic” despite the political fallout. Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledged the result was “not acceptable” but reiterated her support for Luxon’s leadership.

Asked whether he was shaken by the poll, Luxon said the media had “gotten carried away” and that he appeared on radio specifically to dispel rumours that he was contemplating standing down. “No, I’m not doing that,” he told Newstalk ZB.

With the government facing a weakening economy, rising unemployment and growing public dissatisfaction, the coming months will determine whether Luxon’s insistence on staying the course can stabilise his leadership—or whether today’s poll marks the start of a deeper political crisis.

Ban on drinking water in ‘Eua remains in force as Tonga awaits overseas test results

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku‘alofa — A temporary ban on drinking water in ‘Eua remains in place as Tonga’s Ministry of Health awaits confirmation testing from laboratories in New Zealand and Fiji.

The latest update from health officials follows an earlier Kaniva News report that authorities had issued an urgent public health advisory instructing all residents of ‘Eua not to drink, cook with, or consume water from the island’s public supply or any bore water sources.

According to the Ministry of Health, testing conducted in collaboration with the Tonga Water Board found dangerously high levels of lead (Pb) in both the public water system and groundwater bores.

Officials said the detected lead levels exceeded World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, rendering the water unsafe for human consumption.

Health authorities stressed that boiling the water does not remove lead, and therefore does not make the supply safe to drink.

The Ministry confirmed that the current water supply may only be used for bathing and other non‑consumption purposes, while residents are urged to rely on rainwater tanks and commercially bottled water, which remain safe for drinking.

The advisory does not affect alcoholic beverages.

Officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates once overseas laboratories return final confirmation results on the contamination.

Tonga declares special public holiday to mark 100 years of Queen Salote College

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa — The Government of Tonga has declared Thursday, 12 March 2026, as a one‑off public holiday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Queen Salote College.

The decision was approved by Cabinet during its meeting on 2 March and announced in an official media release issued today.

According to the statement, the public holiday recognises the national significance of the centennial milestone and the important role Queen Salote College has played in the educational and cultural development of Tonga over the past century.

The declaration means all government offices will close for the day as the country joins former students, staff, church leaders and the wider community in marking the historic anniversary.

Queen Salote College, one of Tonga’s most renowned girls’ schools, was established in 1926 and named in honour of the late Queen Salote Tupou III.

The centennial programme is expected to include church services, traditional celebrations, and alumni events.

The Government’s announcement underscores the school’s enduring legacy and its contribution to generations of Tongan women over the last 100 years.

Joint Australia–NZ probe identifies Roman Khubov in Tonga Health ransomware attack

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa – A months‑long tri‑nation cyber probe has pinpointed Roman Khubov as the hacker behind the crippling ransomware attack on Tonga’s Ministry of Health in June 2025.

The Australian authority said this afternoon that the investigation confirmed Khubov’s group controlled the malicious infrastructure used to penetrate the Ministry’s systems and steal sensitive data.

INC Ransom—an international cybercriminal group—has been linked to multiple high‑profile attacks across Australia and New Zealand in recent years, disrupting essential services and putting public safety and livelihoods at risk.

Authorities say the same group attempted similar attacks on critical systems across the Pacific region.

Rapid Assistance After the Attack

Following the breach, Tonga and Australia activated the Cyber Rapid Assistance for Pacific Incidents and Disasters (RAPID) program to contain the attack, restore Ministry of Health systems and resume healthcare services as quickly as possible.

Officials say the RAPID program played a critical role in minimising the disruption to health services for the Tongan public.

The joint advisory includes practical recommendations for organisations across the region to help defend against INC Ransom and similar threat actors.

These include strengthening network monitoring, improving data backup systems, and implementing multi‑factor authentication.

Authorities emphasised the important role that Pacific media organisations can play in distributing the advisory to ensure communities and organisations are better prepared for potential attacks.

A Milestone in Cyber Cooperation

Today’s announcement marks the first time Australia has co‑signed a technical cyber advisory with a Pacific nation, highlighting the growing depth of cyber cooperation between Tonga and Australia under the Australia–Tonga Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Cooperation, signed during His Majesty King Tupou VI’s visit to Australia last year.

Officials from all three countries described the joint statement as a strong signal that their governments are united in deterring malicious cyber activity targeting national interests and in upholding peace and security across the Pacific.

“We stand together in sending a clear message,” the advisory states, “that our Governments will deter and respond to malicious cyber actors threatening our national interests, and promote peace and security in the Pacific.”

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