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COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pƍhiva 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 Pƍhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pƍhiva 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 Pƍhiva’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.

Man convicted over forged Tonga Australia Support Platform documents for MFF workshop

By
Kaniva Staff
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Prosecutors alleged the defendant inflated payments and faked signatures on a Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP) allowance sheet, claiming TOP$2,000 per representative who attended a workshop when none had received that amount.

The Supreme Court of Tonga has found Simote Polelei guilty of forgery, knowingly dealing with a forged document, and theft.

The case centred on falsified travel allowance documents submitted to the TASP for a Ma‘a Fafine mo e Famili (MFF) workshop held in July 2024.

Evidence showed Polelei had prepared a signing sheet containing forged signatures and incorrect payment amounts for five outer island representatives.

The court accepted witness testimony that one listed recipient had not attended the workshop, while others received significantly less than the amounts recorded in the forged document.

The court heard that between 15 and 19 July 2024, the MFF held its annual reflection and review workshop in Tonga. Representatives from the outer islands were expected to attend and were entitled to receive travel allowances provided by MFF.

Those listed as outer island representatives were Mikaela Lino (Niuatoputapu), Fatafehi Latu (‘Eua), Veapina Fifita (Vava‘u), Veisinia Tonga (Niuafo‘ou), and Lesieli Setaleki (Ha‘apai).

According to documents presented by the prosecution, a total of TOP$10,000 was allocated for travel allowances, with TOP$2,000 intended for each representative. Court records show that on 11 July 2024 the defendant withdrew TOP$11,400 by cheque in relation to the workshop allowances.

Evidence presented to the court established that at the time of the workshop, Lino was on leave and travelling in Australia and did not attend the workshop. The remaining four representatives were present.

The prosecution said the defendant later distributed varying amounts of money to those who attended. Fatafehi Latu received TOP$1,000; Veapina Fifita received TOP$1,800; Lesieli Setaleki received TOP$1,800; and Veisinia Tonga received TOP$1,400.

On 26 July 2024, the accused submitted financial acquittal documents by email to the TASP. These included a travel allowance signing sheet indicating that each of the five outer island representatives had received TOP$2,000, totalling TOP$10,000. The document also bore signatures purported to be those of the representatives and of the MFF director, Betty Blake.

However, the prosecution told the court that the document, reproduced on page six of the court book, was prepared by the defendant and contained false information. Evidence showed that Mikaela Lino neither attended the workshop nor received any allowance; that none of the representatives received the TOP$2,000 recorded on the form; and that the signature attributed to director Betty Blake was not hers.

The prosecution alleged the defendant forged the document and submitted it to TASP with the intent to deceive the agency into accepting it as a genuine and accurate financial record.

It was further alleged that the defendant dishonestly appropriated TOP$4,000 for personal use, having received a total of TOP$20,000 in funds while distributing only TOP$16,000 to the representatives.

Justice Garlick KC delivered the verdict on 23 February, concluding that the prosecution had proven each charge beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge found that the document was created with the intent to deceive and submitted so TASP would act on it as genuine.

Sentencing has been adjourned pending a pre‑sentence report.

Talafo’ou man arrested for alleged meth and cannabis dealing

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police have arrested a 34‑year‑old man from Talafo’ou following an operation on 26 February 2026.

He is alleged to have been selling methamphetamine and cannabis in the Talafo’ou and Navutoka communities.

Police carried out an operation and searched the man’s residence.

They located illicit drugs, drug‑related utensils and cash believed to be proceeds of crime.

The suspect has been arrested and charged, and investigations remain ongoing.

Tonga Police said the arrest reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to disrupting illegal drug activity and protecting the wellbeing of communities.

For further media inquiries, the public is advised to contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740‑1613.

Tongan publication raises unverified drug‑link claim about missing boat; authorities report no evidence

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan online newspaper has claimed that a recently located missing boat may have been connected to local drug trafficking — a claim that remains unverified by authorities.

The 11.5‑metre wooden vessel, Mysterious Wonder, left Tongatapu on 8 February. Authorities were alerted on 17 February that the boat was missing, prompting the multinational search effort.

Kakalu ‘o Tonga reported the allegations, however, Kaniva News has been unable to obtain further information beyond the brief abstract available, as the paper’s full article remains behind a paywall.

In this case, it remains unclear whether the outlet has provided any evidence to support its allegation, and no official agency has corroborated the claim.

Kaniva News emphasises that there is no verified information linking the vessel or its occupants to any criminal activity.

The allegation remains unsubstantiated, and authorities have not indicated that the case involves drugs or wrongdoing.

As the case of the missing boat unfolded, Tonga Police remained cautious in their public statements, declining to release the names of the rescued passengers and the missing individual, and withholding any details gathered so far about why the vessel was at sea.

The crew on board the 11.5-metre wooden boat named Mysterious Wonder were reported to have left Tongatapu, Tonga, on 8 February. Authorities were notified on February 17 that the vessel was missing.

The boat was located last week by a New Zealand Defence Force aircraft, which assisted in the rescue of two people, while a third passenger remains missing.

According to a NZDF spokesperson, Commodore Shane Arndell the men, who were fisherman in the 20s-30s, were tired and hungry, but deemed to be in a good state after a medical check and a feed.

“I suspect they’d been at sea for a few days, but other than that they look like they’re fit and strong, and just have been through an experience that nobody wants to experience,” RNZ reported Arndell as saying.

Neither the Tonga Police nor the NZDF has made any reference to criminal activity in their public statements about the search operation.

The P-8A was on a mission to surveil illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing before it was diverted.

NZDF reported yesterday that a P-8A had carried out a successful patrol for fishing boats in the Pitcairn Islands, where strict marine conservation protections are in place.

They said the crew photographed 14 vessels who are now under assessment for possible illegal activity.

RNZ reporting on the missing Tongan boat similarly focused on the search effort, stating only that the NZDF and Tongan authorities coordinated the operation to locate the vessel and rescue survivors.

No criminal allegation was included in any official update.

Tongatapu man convicted after machete attack in family eviction dispute

By
Kalino Latu
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A dispute over the removal of a family parent from a home escalated into shouting profanities and an alleged machete attack, landing Viliami Taukei’aho in court with a conviction.

Justice Tupou KC found him guilty on two counts: serious causing bodily harm and common assault, arising from an incident on 13 February 2024.

The court heard that earlier in the day in Pea town, an argument took place at the home of Taukei’aho’s brother, Koloni.

Koloni and his wife Vaokakala were living in the house along with his parents, Sioeli Tupouhia and Naomi. Vaokakala’s brother, Tomasi Kitekei’aho, and his family had also been staying there while helping to build the home.

Tensions escalated when Koloni’s father, Tupouhia, became upset after being told to move out of the property.

Taukei’aho, who is Sioeli’s son, arrived at the house armed with a machete after collecting Sioeli from his own residence.

He confronted Vaokakala, his sister‑in‑law, demanding answers about the dispute involving their parents.

Witnesses told the court Taukei’aho was shouting profanities and threatening to cut the family “into pieces”.

Attempted Assault on Vaokakala

As Taukei’aho approached the front veranda, he lifted the machete and swung it toward Vaokakala, who ducked to avoid being struck.

The blade instead hit the wooden gate, leaving a visible cut.

Justice Tupou found that, although Taukei’aho may not have intended to seriously injure Vaokakala, his actions caused her to fear immediate violence.

“Assault is committed when the defendant intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate and unlawful violence,” the judge said, concluding that the attempt to strike her was intentional and unlawful.

Chase and Injury to Tomasi

After pushing Vaokakala aside, Taukei’aho pursued Tomasi, who attempted to escape by jumping over the veranda railings. As he leaped, Taukei’aho swung the machete a second time.

Tomasi felt the blade strike the base of his right foot and later noticed a trail of blood as he ran to safety. His wife, Fai’ana, also witnessed the moment the machete hit Tomasi’s foot.

A medical report from Dr ‘Eliesa Ma’u confirmed lacerations to Tomasi’s first and second toes consistent with a sharp‑bladed weapon.

The defence argued that Tomasi may have been cut by stones, glass or roofing iron during his escape, but the judge rejected this as speculative and unsupported.

Credibility of Witnesses

Justice Tupou said she found Fai’ana to be a reliable and credible witness whose evidence was consistent and convincing. Tomasi’s evidence was also accepted, except for a minor inconsistency about how the gate was opened.

The defendant admitted swinging the machete twice but claimed he only intended to scare the family because they were “mocking him”.

The judge ruled the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the injury was caused by Taukei’aho’s machete and that the attack was fuelled by anger over his parents being asked to leave the property.

Justice Tupou said the violence stemmed from an unresolved family dispute that “got out of hand”, but stressed the court could not sympathise with those who take the law into their own hands.

The judge found Taukei’aho guilty on both charges. Count 1, causing serious bodily harm, related to injuring Tomasi with a machete during the dispute. Count 2, common assault, was laid for his attempt to strike Vaokakala during the same incident.

Taukei’aho now awaits sentencing.

Tributes flow for Tongan man missing after Piha incident in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
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Tributes are pouring in for Manitisa Pāhulu, who was swept out to sea in Auckland after a tragic incident at Piha that triggered a major land, sea, and air search last week.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, emergency services launched an extensive search operation after a man was swept off the rocks while fishing south of Piha on Sunday morning.

Police confirmed that the fisherman had been at Union Bay, Karekare, when a powerful wave knocked him into the sea at around 10.15am.

Search teams from Police, Coastguard, and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand were immediately deployed, with lifeguards scouring the coastline between Karekare Beach and Mercer Bay.

Four rescue watercraft, an inflatable rescue boat, and the Piha Search and Rescue Squad were all involved in the operation. Surf Lifesaving New Zealand said the man was washed away near Farley Point, with the alarm raised by a witness who ran to the Karekare Surf Life Saving Club for help.

Despite the intense effort, lifeguards were stood down by 1pm, although Police confirmed the operation would continue, with further searches planned for low tide later in the day.

Police also noted that the Karekare coastline is notorious for its unpredictable surges and dangerous swell, and regularly warn rock fishers to use extreme caution.

Sunday’s tragedy unfolded just hours after another water‑related emergency in the region, when the body of a missing kayaker was recovered in Waiwera, north of Auckland.

While Police have yet to release additional official details about the Piha victim, family and friends have identified him as Sione Manitisa or known to many as Manitasa Pāhulu, a Tongan resident in Auckland, according to sources who knew him well.

Although Police have not issued any official confirmation of his death, Manitisa’s relatives and friends have begun expressing their grief on Facebook, describing the situation as “seriously unexpected” and remembering him as a man of good manners who had no issues with anyone.

Relatives said he was deeply loved, and that if his disappearance is ultimately confirmed as a loss, it would leave a profound shock throughout the community.

Further updates will be provided as Police continue their investigation and search efforts along the rugged West Coast.

Two arrested for alleged online harassment and harm via Facebook platforms in Tongatapu

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Police have arrested two individuals in separate incidents for the alleged misuse of electronic communication services, following reports of harassment and disrespectful online behaviour.

Police confirmed that on 23 February 2026, a 56‑year‑old resident of Te’ekiu was taken into custody after allegedly using an electronic communication service to menace, harass, or cause harm to another person during a Facebook Live broadcast.

In a second and unrelated case on 25 February 2026, a 42‑year‑old resident of Ha’asini was arrested for allegedly using an electronic communication service to menace or harass another individual by posting disrespectful and harmful information about them using a Facebook feature known as “My Story.”

According to authorities, both incidents raise concerns about the growing misuse of online communication platforms to target or intimidate others. Police reminded the public that harmful online behaviour carries legal consequences under Tonga’s laws.

In a statement, Tonga Police urged the public to uphold the nation’s Four Golden Pillars—Respect, Nurturing Relationships, Humility/Generosity, and Loyalty—not only in everyday interactions but also in all online spaces.

Officers emphasised that “words can impact others” and encouraged responsible communication across digital platforms.

The arrests also serve as a reminder that complaints about online harassment and threatening behaviour will be taken seriously, and individuals found misusing communication services may face prosecution.

For further media enquiries, the public is advised to contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740‑1613.

BG Wealth Sharing under scrutiny as Police warn public after local meeting videos emerge

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga – Tonga Police has warned that promoting the BG Wealth Sharing Scheme is an offence, following Kaniva’s report that scheme promoters appeared to meet in Tonga last week.

According to the advisory, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has formally identified BG Wealth Sharing as an illegal investment operation, warning that the scheme bears the hallmarks of a pyramid or Ponzi structure.

It followed videos shared on Facebook over the weekend showing a meeting, attended mostly by women, listening to a woman who appeared to be promoting the BG scam.

As we reported earlier on Friday, a meeting by BG campaigners had been announced on social media to be held at the Tonga Tauʻataina Church hall in Haʻateiho at 7pm the same day.

Authorities in Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and the US said the schemes depend on money from new participants to pay earlier investors and often collapse, causing significant financial loss.

Tonga Police reminded the public that it is illegal to initiate, donate to, advertise, implement, finance, or manage any pyramid or Ponzi scheme in Tonga. Individuals involved in such activities may face criminal prosecution.

Authorities are strongly advising people not to join or promote the BG Wealth Sharing programme and to be cautious of any similar schemes promising unusually high or guaranteed returns.

Members of the public who have already been approached by representatives of the scheme, or who may have provided personal information or money, are encouraged to report the matter to the Tonga Police Cybercrime Unit.

Reports or suspicious activity can be submitted by contacting 7401660 or emailing cybercrime.unit@police.gov.to.

For additional media inquiries, the public is advised to contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740‑1613.

One investment, withdrawals “until the end of time”

As Kaniva News reported last week, an aggressive promoter of the BG scheme, Siani Kijlstra, told her followers that a leadership team from the organisation would arrive in Tonga to hold a meeting and answer questions about joining the programme.

She promoted a slogan in Tongan: “Inivesi tuʻo taha fakatuputupu ki he pāʻangangalu,” telling followers that if they joined, they would make only one investment and then be able to withdraw profits from it “until the end of time.”

Online Promotion by Tongans

As Kaniva News has reported, a significant number of Tongans in New Zealand, Tonga, Australia, the United States and elsewhere have been actively promoting the scheme online.

Promoters circulated the company’s logo across Facebook and encouraged community members to join.

One Facebook group run by Tongans and dedicated to BG Wealth Sharing has amassed several thousand members.

Cyclone Urmil weakens but Tonga remains under multiple weather warnings

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tropical Cyclone Urmil continues to affect Tonga despite weakening and moving further away from the southern island groups.

According to a 5pm advisory issued by the Tonga Meteorological Services, the cyclone, now a Category 1 system, is expected to move out of Tonga’s maritime boundary later tonight, but heavy rain, damaging winds and hazardous seas are still forecast to impact several areas.

At 3pm today, the system was positioned about 805 kilometres west southwest of Nuku’alofa and was moving southeast at a speed of 23 knots.

Meteorologists reported maximum sustained winds near the centre of about 50 knots, with momentary gusts reaching as high as 120 to 140 kilometres per hour.

The storm’s associated cloud bands continue to produce widespread heavy rain, poor visibility and high to very high seas reaching between seven and ten metres, while strong northwesterly swells of four to six metres are expected to remain dangerous for coastal communities.

The Meteorological Service has maintained several warnings for land and coastal areas, including a gale warning for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, and heavy rain and flash flood advisories for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

Vava’u remains under a strong wind warning. Marine warnings also remain in place, with storm warnings and damaging swells affecting the Tele‑ki‑Tonga and Tele‑ki‑Tokelau waters, while gale and strong wind warnings apply to the coastal waters of Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua. A small craft advisory continues across all island groups due to dangerous sea conditions.

As the system tracked southeastward today, regional forecast models continued to show Urmil drawing closer to the southern maritime zones. By midday, the cyclone was sitting about 880 kilometres west southwest of Nuku’alofa and moving east southeast at roughly 36 kilometres per hour.

While Tonga braces for the cyclone’s continuing influence, Fiji has been dealing with heavy flooding after the system passed about 520 kilometres southwest of Nadi earlier this morning. Several roads were inundated and emergency officials issued warnings urging motorists to avoid flooded areas.

Photos shared on social media show fallen trees lying across the road, with authorities later seen cutting and removing them this afternoon. The clean‑up followed reports of heavy rain across Tongatapu and a small earthquake that was felt by some residents.

Man injured in Papakura shooting as Police launch investigation

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man has been taken to hospital after a shooting in the Auckland suburb of Papakura late this morning.

Police say officers were patrolling the Clevedon Road area at around 11.20am when they heard what sounded like gunshots. A short time later, they located a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

St John Ambulance confirmed they were alerted at 11.24am and responded with two ambulances, a rapid‑response unit and a manager.

Paramedics treated the injured man at the scene before transporting him to Middlemore Hospital, where he remains in moderate condition.

Police, supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, carried out inquiries at a property on Grove Road, though no arrests have been made at this stage.

Investigators believe the incident was targeted.

“We are following strong lines of enquiry in relation to the people allegedly involved in this incident. Initial indications are that the victim and the offenders are known to each other and there is no risk to the wider community,”
a police spokesperson said.

Cordons that were put in place around Grove Road have since been lifted, and police thanked affected residents for their patience.

A continued police presence is expected in both the Clevedon Road and Grove Road areas throughout the evening as officers work to establish what happened. Witnesses reported the Police Eagle helicopter circling overhead earlier in the day as part of the response.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

Tsunami no-threat advisory issued after 6.1 magnitude earthquake southwest of Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – The National Tsunami Warning Centre has issued a Tsunami No Threat Advisory following a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck southwest of Tonga this evening.

According to the advisory, the earthquake occurred at 6.44pm on 1 March 2026 (Tonga local time).

It was recorded at Latitude 21.9° South and Longitude 179.3° West, at a depth of 590 kilometers, with the epicentre located approximately 430 kilometres southwest of Nuku‘alofa.

Officials stated that, based on current seismic data, “a result tsunami wave is unlikely to affect Tonga.”

The magnitude remains provisional and may be updated as further analysis is completed.

The National Tsunami Warning Centre emphasised that this is the final message for the event unless significant changes occur.

Social media platforms lit up this evening with reports from residents across Tonga who say they felt strong shaking after an earthquake struck near the island nation.

One of the earliest social media posts came from Kaufaki Monukaeafe, who wrote in Tongan: “Mālƍ pē hao” — a phrase expressing relief, translated as “Thanks, we are just saved.”

His post drew immediate engagement, including a commenter who asked, “Was it big or small?”

Monukaeafe has not yet responded to clarify the strength of the shaking.

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