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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.

READ MORE

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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.

Zaandam arrival lights up Nuku‘alofa with culture and celebration

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku‘alofa came alive yesterday as the Zaandam cruise ship made a vibrant arrival at Vuna Wharf, bringing with it 1,147 passengers and 619 crew members for a day of cultural discovery and warm Tongan hospitality.

Most visitors were from the United States and spent the day exploring the capital, enjoying local food, handicrafts, tours, and community‑run activities.

The visit marked another positive milestone for Tonga’s tourism sector as cruise travel continues to rebound.

The arrival was coordinated by Pacific Forum Line, while Jones Travel managed passenger arrangements to ensure smooth on‑shore experiences throughout the day.

The Zaandam berthed at 8am and departed at 5pm, allowing guests ample time to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Tongatapu.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Ministry of Tourism’s performance team delivered a lively floor show and group dance that captivated the cruise visitors.

Their colourful performance highlighted Tonga’s cultural pride, showcasing traditional movement, music, and the warmth that defines the Tongan spirit, Tourism Tonga said.

Tourism officials praised the collaboration that made the visit a success and extended gratitude to staff, partners, and community members who contributed to the day’s activities.

Tonga looks forward to welcoming more cruise visitors in the coming months and continuing to share its rich culture, hospitality, and island beauty with travellers from around the world.

First weather advisory issued as TD10F forms near Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued its first Tropical Disturbance Formation Advice for system TD10F, warning that while the disturbance does not currently pose a direct threat to Tonga, it will continue to track south and away from the country over the next 24–48 hours.

In an advisory released at 8pm on Sunday, 22 March 2026, officials confirmed that TD10F was located near latitude 12.9° South and longitude 160.5° East, positioned approximately 390 km south of Honiara in the Solomon Islands.

The system was also measured at distances of 2,585 km west of Niuafo‘ou, 2,795 km west of Niuatoputapu, 2,810 km west‑northwest of Vava‘u, 2,795 km west‑northwest of Ha‘apai, and 2,745 km west‑northwest of Nuku‘alofa at 4pm Sunday.

According to the advisory, the potential for TD10F to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours remains low.

However, the system will continue to move southwestward and is expected to maintain a path that keeps it well away from Tonga’s island groups.

A track map released with the advisory shows the system shifting gradually southwards, with its projected movement keeping it outside Tonga’s forecast zone.

The Tonga Meteorological Service will issue its next update at 8am on Monday, 23 March 2026, and is continuing to monitor TD10F closely for any changes in intensity or direction.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official advisories as the system moves further southwest.

What’s happening with digital driver’s licences?

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Jack Horsnell, of 1news and is republished with permission

Digital driver’s licences were promised by the Government last year, and the law change required to introduce them is still crawling through Parliament – but ministers say they’re committed to getting the legislation in place before the election.

Composite image by Vania Chandrawidjaja (Source: 1News

The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill, introduced to the house by Associate Transport Minister James Meager, is a piece of omnibus legislation aimed at tidying up New Zealand’s land transport, aviation, and maritime legislation.

It is also intended to modernise some transport laws and bring them up to date with technology.

One of those is to expand the definition of a driver’s licence to include electronic versions as well as the current physical ones. It also creates a framework for the Government to introduce further legislation on digital licences.

But these digital licenses are just one part of the bill, which covers a range of areas. It was passed with the support of all six parties in Parliament following its first reading.

It then went on to select committee earlier this year, with the Transport and Infrastructure Committee suggesting several changes, a large chunk dedicated to the electronic licences.

The next stage is a second reading in Parliament before becoming law. With an election in November creating a hard deadline for all legislation to get through before a potential change in government, the clock is ticking for all proposed legislation.

But the government appears committed this reform, saying it hopes to have the bill passed by the middle of the year.

Digital licences ‘optional’

The select committee which looked at the legislation said it was “vital” that use of electronic driver licences remained “optional”, and that “people remain equally free to use just a physical driver licence”.

“We note that the intention is that electronic driver licences would provide an optional alternative to physical driver licences,” it said. “We recognise that there are many reasons why individuals might prefer to continue using a physical driver licence.”

It recommended the bill add the words: “Different prescribed forms may be prescribed for different types of driver licences, including different formats of driver licences.”

When introducing the bill at its first reading, Meager said it was “important to note” that physical licences would “always be an option”.

James Meager
James Meager (Source: Getty)

The committee said the amendment would also recognise that electronic licences could take a different form from physical licences while containing the same information.

It recommended changing some of the wording to say a licence must “include” prescribed features rather than stating that those features must be “on” the licence.

“This would allow more flexibility in designing the format of electronic driver licences and reflect that not all information must be displayed simultaneously.”

The committee noted how potential organ donors’ status would be shown on an electronic licence, and said this would be considered during the implementation process.

“Whatever way the status is displayed, it will not change how donor information is accessed for clinical purposes.”

If successful in its second reading, the bill will head to the committee of the whole house to be scrutinised before its third and final reading. Its second reading would be scheduled by the Leader of the House, Chris Bishop.

“The Government does have a busy legislative agenda, so it will occur as and when time permits to do so,” a spokesperson for Meager’s office told 1News.

A spokesperson for Bishop said the Government was aiming to pass the bill “by mid year”.

The bill would also open a pathway for other transport documents, like Warrant of Fitness and Registration stickers, to be digitised.

In December last year, the Government launched the govt.nz app, which allows users to access government information and services from their phones – and will, eventually, hold digital driver licences.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said last year that digital driver’s licences are a “common sense thing”.

“We’re all using digital wallets to buy products and services across the country,” he said

Digital licences are already available in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and several US states.

Founder of Auckland’s popular Lepuhā nightclub, Christopher Yate, dies

By
Kaniva Staff
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The New Zealand businessman who founded the once‑iconic Lepuhā Nightclub, a major entertainment hub for Tongans in Auckland during the 2000s, has died.

Christopher Yate. Photo/Supplied

Christopher Yate, a former police officer widely known in the Tongan community simply as Chris, passed away last month, and his family held his cremation service last week.

News of his death has stirred memories among Tongans who frequented or benefited from his businesses.

For many, Lepuhā was more than a nightclub — it was a cultural gathering place during a time when Tongan‑run entertainment venues were scarce.

Yate operated the original Lepuhā Nightclub in Panmure from 2000 to 2017, a venue that became a staple of weekend nightlife for Pacific communities across Auckland.

The club later relocated to Karangahape Road and was rebranded as Lebox — a modernised English interpretation of puha, drawn from the original name Lepuhā, which in Tongan refers to a mythical attractive young man associated with the village of Leimātu‘a in Vava‘u.

Under Yate’s ownership, Lepuhā provided opportunities for local Tongan bands, DJs, performers, security guards and bartenders, many of whom built their early careers on its stage.

Community members today recall not only the entertainment but the sense of belonging the venue fostered.

Friends and patrons have taken to social media to share memories of Yate’s support for young Tongan musicians, his approachable nature, and his commitment to running a venue that celebrated Tongan identity through music and nightlife.

One commenter described the gathering at Yate’s cremation service as “beautiful and simple.”

Funeral details beyond the cremation were kept private.

Landmark NZ–Tonga hotel deal marks major tourism boost after pact with the King

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s tourism and economic future has received a major boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Sudima Hotels and His Majesty King Tupou VI for the development of a new upscale hotel at the King’s Tufumāhina royal estate.

The agreement marks one of the most significant private‑sector investments in Tonga in recent years and stands as a clear example of the strengthening partnership between New Zealand businesses and the Kingdom of Tonga, a statement said.

The project, which will include an upscale resort and convention centre at Tonga’s Parliament precinct, is being developed in partnership with Hind Management and Sudima Hotels.

It is expected to create up to 100 permanent and part‑time jobs, inject around T$18 million a year into the local economy through wages and procurement, and act as a catalyst for further investment in Tonga’s expanding tourism sector.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the project during his recent visit to Tonga, noting its importance in meeting rising demand for high‑quality accommodation and business facilities in the Pacific nation.

Tourism remains a cornerstone of both the New Zealand and Tongan economies, and the development signals confidence in Tonga’s long‑term growth potential.

Industry leaders say the collaboration demonstrates how shared expertise and strategic partnership can deliver sustainable benefits for Pacific communities.

Sudima Hotels founder and Hind Management executive chairman Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala, ONZM, said the company is honoured to support a project that will bring meaningful economic and social benefits to Tonga.

“This development reflects our commitment to the region and our belief in Tonga’s future. We are proud to contribute to a partnership that will create opportunity, strengthen tourism and support the wellbeing of local communities,” he said.

Construction timelines and further project details are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Thousands evacuated as Hawaii faces worst flooding in 20 years

By
Kaniva Staff
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Oahu — where significant numbers of Tongans live — was among the areas placed under urgent evacuation warnings as floodwaters swept through towns and pushed a century‑old dam to the brink of failure.

Hawaii is enduring its worst flooding in more than two decades after back‑to‑back Kona storms unleashed torrential rains across multiple islands.

Authorities ordered thousands to flee as rising waters submerged homes, washed out roads and stranded residents in several communities.

The North Shore of Oahu, home to a large Pacific Islander population including many Tongans, was one of the hardest‑hit regions.

Officials warned that the 120‑year‑old Wahiawa Dam was “at imminent risk of failure,” triggering sirens and urgent orders for families downstream to leave immediately.

Governor Josh Green said more than 5,500 people were under evacuation orders as floodwaters lifted cars, damaged homes and blocked all exit routes from several towns.

He confirmed that no deaths had been reported, though several people were treated for hypothermia.
More than 230 residents have been rescued so far, including 72 children and adults airlifted from a spring‑break camp on Oahu’s west coast.

Muddy floodwaters pushed some homes off their foundations and left neighbourhoods buried under debris. A collapsed building was swept into a bridge as water surged through the North Shore.

Much of the destruction was caused by rainfall rates of two to four inches per hour, overwhelming already saturated ground.

Some areas recorded more than a foot of rain in 24 hours, cutting power and stranding motorists on major roads.

Airports, schools, hospitals and homes across Maui, Oahu and other islands have reported significant damage.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi described the damage as “catastrophic,” noting that full assessments could take days.

Governor Green said the flooding could result in more than US$1 billion in statewide damage.

Shelters have opened across the islands as displaced families seek refuge from rising waters.

Officials say unstable weather will continue through the weekend, keeping flash‑flood warnings in place for most of Hawaii.

Residents are being urged to stay on high ground, avoid flooded areas and follow all emergency instructions.

In the dark: Tonga’s power crisis demands more than patience

By
Kalino Latu
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Commentary – In Tonga, rolling outages and sudden blackouts have become an exhausting part of daily life, forcing households and businesses to constantly adapt to an unstable electricity supply—an experience that stands in stark contrast to the near-uninterrupted service relied upon in Auckland, where Kaniva Tonga news is based.

This month alone has exposed the scale and frequency of the problem. A series of notices from Tonga Power Limited indicates that the system is under sustained strain, with both planned maintenance and unexpected faults causing widespread disruption across Tongatapu.

From early March, consumers were warned of load shedding due to “limited generation capacity,” driven by maintenance on key generators and “reduced solar generation” caused by poor weather conditions. What followed was a near-continuous cycle of interruptions.

Planned outages for infrastructure upgrades stretched for hours at a time, while unplanned faults—from transformer issues to “broken HV lines” and “burnt overhead cables”—left entire communities without power with little notice. In some cases, residents were told to expect outages lasting most of the day; in others, they were left waiting indefinitely as repair crews worked to stabilise the network.

Normalisation of Uncertainty

For many Tongans, the issue is no longer the inconvenience of occasional outages—it is the normalisation of uncertainty. Families are now routinely advised to charge devices in advance, limit refrigerator use, and prepare backup solutions for essential medical equipment. The instructions have become formulaic: “charge mobile phones and other essential devices in advance”—a directive appearing verbatim in multiple TPL notices—has become a standard refrain. Businesses, meanwhile, must factor power instability into their daily operations, often at high financial cost.

The repeated need for load shedding points to deeper structural challenges. Limited generation capacity, reliance on weather-dependent solar input, and pressure on ageing infrastructure are combining to create a fragile system that struggles to meet demand. Twice in March—on the 2nd and again on the 16th—Tonga Power Limited issued nearly identical load shedding warnings. Both cited “limited generation capacity.”

Both pointed to reduced solar output from poor weather. Both acknowledged that the Battery Energy Storage System could not fill the gap. The repetition is telling. These are not one-off emergencies. They are the recurring symptoms of a system whose constraints have been known—and unaddressed—for years.

Acknowledgment Is Not Action

Public frustration is growing. While Tonga Power Limited has consistently acknowledged the inconvenience and urged patience, many residents are increasingly asking when a long-term solution will be delivered—rather than temporary fixes that manage, rather than resolve, the problem.

To its credit, Tonga Power Limited does not obscure the problem. Its notices name the constraints plainly. But transparency is not the same as capacity. The question these notices raise—without answering—is whether TPL has the resources to do more than manage decline. A utility that repeatedly warns of “limited generation capacity” lacks the means to expand it.

Margin Makes the Difference

The comparison with places like Auckland underscores the disparity. Here, power interruptions are rare and often unexpected; in Tonga, they are scheduled, anticipated, and, increasingly, endured as part of everyday life. The fragility reflected in Tonga Power Limited’s own notices—”limited generation capacity,” reduced solar output from poor weather, a battery storage system that cannot fill the gap—points to a system designed with little margin.

In Auckland, by contrast, the grid is interconnected across the North Island, drawing on hydro, geothermal, and thermal generation that provides redundancy so that no single weather pattern or generator outage can easily compromise it. The disparity is not merely geographic; it is structural.

Past Time for Answers

At its core, the situation raises a broader question: how long can a modern economy function effectively when something as fundamental as electricity remains uncertain? Until systemic investment and infrastructure resilience are addressed, Tonga’s power crisis risks becoming not just a temporary strain—but a defining constraint on daily life and economic progress.

Given that this month’s incidents are merely the latest in a decades-long pattern of power issues, several critical questions arise that the government must address. How will generation capacity be expanded so that “limited generation capacity” is no longer a recurring warning?

What backup exists for when the weather reduces solar output—and why does the Battery Energy Storage System repeatedly prove insufficient?

And what investment plan exists to replace ageing distribution infrastructure that continues to fail with “broken HV lines” and “burnt overhead cables”?

These are not new questions. They are the same questions Tonga Power Limited’s notices have been raising for years. It is past time for answers.

Billy Vunipola set for Tonga World Cup switch as Mako moves toward coaching role

By
Kaniva Staff
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England international Billy Vunipola is poised to switch allegiance to Tonga for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, as older brother Mako prepares to step into a coaching role with the ‘Ikale Tahi after confirming his playing career is nearing its end.

Vunipola brothers reveal they are swapping nations for next Rugby World Cup

The revelation was first reported on 20 March 2026, with Mako stating that he hopes to join Tonga’s coaching team for the tournament, while Billy is being lined up as a player under World Rugby’s three‑year stand‑down law, making him eligible in time for 2027, Ruck UK reported.

Tongan rugby officials have reportedly reached out to both brothers about formally joining the ‘Ikale Tahi programme, reflecting their long‑standing connection to the Kingdom.

Their father, Fe‘ao Vunipola, captained Tonga and represented the nation at the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups, giving their potential return deep family significance.

Mako, now in the final stages of his playing career, confirmed that he will retire at the end of the 2024–25 season and move into full‑time coaching.

The former England and British & Irish Lions prop said he had held direct discussions with Tonga head coach Tevita Tu‘ifua, with coaching the national team described as a meaningful way to give back to his heritage.

“I am very proud of my Tongan heritage… Coaching is something I would really love to help with,”
Mako told RugbyPass.

Although Tonga also approached him about playing, Mako admitted the 2027 World Cup “comes too late” for his body to endure another full international cycle.

Younger brother Billy Vunipola, who last played for England in 2023, is fully eligible to switch under World Rugby’s three‑year stand‑down rule, making him a strong candidate for selection in 2027.

Tonga officials are said to be “keen to get him involved,” and Billy’s current form in the French Top 14 has strengthened expectations he will feature in their 2027 campaign.

Mako joked that coaching his brother would not be new, saying he had “done that throughout our time together at Saracens,” but added seriously that the opportunity to contribute to Tonga’s future would be “very special.”

Emotional and cultural significance

The potential code‑switch has stirred considerable enthusiasm among Tongan fans and the wider Pacific rugby community, as the Vunipolas are among the most decorated rugby players of their generation, earning 154 England caps between them.

Their parents’ service to the Tongan community — with their mother, Rev. Iesinga Vunipola, a Methodist minister and chaplain to the UK Tongan community — has added further meaning to their move.

If finalised, Billy’s arrival as a player and Mako’s involvement in the coaching staff would significantly bolster Tonga’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where the Pacific Island nation aims to field its strongest squad in decades.

The Vunipola brothers’ transition marks a major milestone in rugby’s evolving eligibility pathways — and a major boost for Tonga’s ambition to rise on the global stage.

Tonga among nations hit as Trump team accused of ‘largest fraud in U.S. immigration history’

By
Kalino Latu
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The Trump administration has been accused of orchestrating what analysts describe as the “largest fraud in U.S. immigration history,” after allegedly collecting more than $1 billion in visa and immigration fees from applicants — potentially including Tongans — whose cases were intentionally stalled or never processed.

A new analysis by the Cato Institute claims the administration froze visa and legal status applications for citizens of 92 countries, effectively taking payments for petitions that authorities no longer intended to adjudicate.

According to the report, applicants were left in limbo as U.S. agencies allegedly refused both to approve or formally deny their cases, preventing refunds and blocking appeals.

“The US government is taking fees from immigrants and US sponsors for services that it has no plans to provide,” the report claimed.

“The government took their money, and now it won’t even adjudicate their applications—in many cases, it refuses even to issue denials.”

The report stated that the State Department was instructing consular officers not to inform future applicants from the affected countries that they had been banned by the government.

The report said the alleged fraud resulted from three policies introduced by President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and USCIS director Joseph Edlow.

While the Cato Institute does not publish a list of the affected countries, Tonga appears on recent Trump‑era U.S. travel‑restriction and visa‑freeze lists—making Tongan applicants potentially among those affected.

Mainstream media attempted to seek comment from the Trump administration, but no response was provided.

According to the analysis, the Trump administration’s immigration measures included expanded travel bans affecting at least 40 countries, alongside a freeze in visa processing for 75 nations that U.S. officials claimed posed a risk of over‑reliance on American welfare systems.

These combined restrictions have created a backlog of an estimated two million immigration applications, leaving applicants with no clear pathway forward.

Tonga Faces U.S. Restrictions

The allegations come as the Trump White House faces increasing scrutiny over a wide series of immigration restrictions which heavily target developing nations — including Tonga, one of the Pacific Island nations placed under newly expanded U.S. visa limitations beginning 1 January 2026.

Restrictions apply to B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas and F, M, and J study‑related visas, cutting off key pathways historically used by Tongans to enter the United States. The U.S. cited “security‑focused screening and vetting concerns,” including document‑verification standards and visa overstay rates, as justification.

The move has caused widespread anxiety within the 70,000‑strong Tongan community in the United States, with many fearing that family visits, graduations, funerals, and cultural gatherings will be disrupted. Critics argue that the restrictions — which disproportionately impact non‑white and developing nations — echo the racially‑motivated quotas of the 1920s.

Visas Continue Under Scrutiny

Despite the restrictions, the United States continues to grant visas to some Tongan applicants, who told Kaniva News that travel is still possible — but only after undergoing a significantly stricter scrutiny process.

The Trump administration had warned Tonga in June last year that a travel ban could be imposed if the country failed to meet certain cooperation requirements, although the specifics of those conditions were never made public.

As of 1 January 2026, the United States formally imposed restrictions on Tongan travellers for the first time, including a partial suspension of B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas and several study‑related categories — a move indicating that the kingdom had not satisfied the Trump administration’s concerns following its warning issued in June.

U.S. immigration authorities later announced that applicants who are still deemed eligible may also be required to pay a refundable visa bond of between US $5,000 and US $15,000, creating a significant new financial hurdle for Tongan travellers.

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, recently revealed that around 60 Tongan students enrolled at BYU–Hawai‘i were unable to obtain visas for the upcoming semester because of the new U.S. restrictions.

He said the government is working closely with American authorities to resolve the issue.

Tongan scholars and community leaders have criticised the inclusion of Tonga in the restrictive lists. Many note that Tonga has long cooperated with the U.S. on security matters, including deploying troops to support U.S. missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A Guardian report noted widespread frustration in Nuku‘alofa, quoting experts who argued that Tongans “pose no threat” to U.S. security and that the decision punishes families and students rather than addressing any documented wrongdoing.

Utah authority warns investors against BG Wealth Scheme; PM Fakafanua reaffirms it is illegal in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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The Utah Division of Securities in the United States has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when approached with any investment or business opportunity connected to the BG Wealth Sharing Ltd scheme or its affiliated platform, DSJ Exchange.

The Division’s March 10 alert was issued just two days before the New Zealand Commerce Commission announced it was investigating TXEX — an investment scheme that has since resurfaced under new names, including BG Wealth Sharing.

The Utah Department of Commerce is the state’s main regulator for securities, licensing, and investor protection through its Division of Securities.

Coincidentally, Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who is also the Minister of Police, also confirmed in a recent livestream that BG Wealth Sharing Ltd is prohibited in Tonga, echoing earlier warnings issued by the National Reserve Bank of Tonga and the police.

The Utah Division warning follows a separate warning released by Canadian authorities, but Utah officials stress that their notice is based on concerns relevant to U.S. investors.

According to the Division, individuals have reported being approached about cryptocurrency‑related opportunities tied to BG Wealth Sharing LTD, prompting regulators to advise the public to verify a company’s legitimacy before handing over any funds.

To help protect consumers, the Division is directing potential investors to trusted regulatory tools, including the California Division of Financial Protection and Innovation Crypto Scam Tracker and the British Columbia Investment Caution List.

Both databases track entities associated with complaints, suspected scams, or regulatory action, and are updated regularly to help the public identify high‑risk or fraudulent ventures.

Officials also emphasised the importance of using the Utah Division of Securities’ own resources, which include guidance on identifying suspicious investment structures, recognising high‑pressure sales tactics, and reporting potential scams.

The Division clarified that the warning applies exclusively to BG Wealth Sharing LTD and its associated DSJ Exchange platform.

It does not affect or refer to any other companies that may use similar names such as “BG Wealth” or “Wealth Sharing.”

Regulators are reminding the public that cryptocurrency investments remain a high‑risk area where fraudsters frequently operate. Anyone contacted by representatives of BG Wealth Sharing LTD is urged to research the entity thoroughly, confirm its regulatory status, and report any suspicious activity to securities authorities.

Fresh Warning for Tongans

The Utah warning carries particular weight because the state is home to the largest Tongan population in the United States. The scheme has reportedly gained strong traction among Tongans across the US, New Zealand and Australia.

Critics say it reflects a recurring pattern in which parts of the community fall victim to investment scams, despite recent pyramid‑scheme collapses that left many families penniless and resulted in promoters facing court proceedings in both New Zealand and the United States.

Two notorious scams — Validus, which collapsed with an estimated US$200 million in losses, and Hyperfund, also known as Hyperverse, which collapsed with an estimated US$1.8 billion in stolen funds — were heavily promoted among Tongans using slogans and enticing promises of high returns from small deposits. Both schemes ultimately failed, leaving many Tongan investors unable to withdraw their money as promised.

The Utah warning comes as similar investigations and alerts have also been issued by the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority and Commerce Commission, Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Canada’s Alberta Securities Commission, and the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, all targeting BG Wealth Sharing Ltd.

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