Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog

COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
-

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

Controversy surrounds MPs’ pay rise backdated  to 2018; but Parliament claims move was legal

Costs and details of MPs’ flight to rugby match still unclear as Speaker responds to our story

PM’s son slams approval of TP$200,000 to pay MPs to fly to NZ for Mate Ma‘a Tonga test

Bad luck fears mount amid debates on MPs’ controversial Mate Ma‘a attendance

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.

NZ Commission probes scheme linked to BG Wealth Sharing amid warnings from Tongan authorities

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A scheme operating under the controversial BG Wealth Sharing brand is now under investigation by the New Zealand Commerce Commission, following concerns that it is being promoted from a base in Wellington.

Originally called TXEX, the scheme has resurfaced under several new names—UICEX, CR GLOBAL, Signal Trader, BG Wealth Sharing Group, and DSJ EX—according to the Commission.

The news comes as Tongan authorities warn that overseas promoters of the BG Wealth Sharing scheme who have recently arrived in the kingdom are acting illegally, as the scheme is prohibited in Tonga.

The Commission says it is still too early to determine whether TXEX constitutes a pyramid scheme, but has reiterated the Financial Markets Authority’s warning issued last August.

In that warning, the Authority described a network of group chats and fake investment platforms linked to a high‑risk Ponzi‑style scam first flagged under the name TXEX.

The scheme encourages people to invest in cryptocurrency investment trading platforms, and they are informed that they will receive a significant return on investment.

“Schemes present themselves in different forms, with different investment requirements and methods of promotion. These schemes entice people by promising high returns quickly and an opportunity to create ongoing wealth, which is typical of these scams,” says Commission Deputy Chair Anne Callinan.

The Commission did not identify the ethnicity of individuals involved in the Wellington campaign.

Regulators Unite Against BG

New Zealand has now joined Tonga, Australia, the UK and the US in warning that BG Wealth Sharing is a scam, with New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority previously listing “813 websites and 30 entities which have been linked to this investment scam as they were found to be duplicates.”

As Kaniva News recently reported, Tonga Police warned the public last month against participating in the scheme, saying it is prohibited in the kingdom following an earlier public warning from the central bank.

The development comes after Kaniva News previously reported that several promoters of the BG scheme had travelled to Tonga and organised a meeting in Haʻateiho.

Footage provided to Kaniva News and corroborated by witnesses confirms that the Haʻateiho meeting proceeded and that promoters were planning further gatherings in the Hahake (eastern) district.

Dr Fotu Fisiʻiahi, chief executive of the Ministry of Public Enterprises and a resident of Niutōua, issued a warning to the district not to participate in the scheme.

He later told us he had received reliable information that a BG campaign meeting had also taken place in Niutōua, adding that it was his responsibility to advise his people to avoid potential harm.

Mother overjoyed as daughter Honora Lynch wins prestigious Otago Pacific Postgraduate scholarship

By
Kalino Latu
-

The family of Honora Lynch is celebrating a major milestone in their journey in Aotearoa New Zealand, after the University of Otago awarded her the School of Biomedical Sciences Pacific Peoples’ Postgraduate Scholarship for 2026.

Honora Lynch proudly wearing her academic regalia after being awarded the University of Otago’s Pacific Peoples’ Postgraduate Scholarship — a milestone that has filled her mother Seli with immense joy and pride. Photo/Provided

For Honora’s mother, Seli, the news has brought overwhelming joy, pride, and a deep sense of fulfilment.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Seli described her daughter’s achievement as “a blessing for our whole family and a reward for many years of sacrifice.”

In an official letter dated 12 March 2026, the university confirmed that Honora had been selected for the scholarship, which aims to support the development of Pacific biomedical researchers and help Pacific students achieve their full academic potential.

The award is open to students undertaking full‑time study in programmes such as the BSc Hons, BBiomedSc Hons, PGDipSci, or the first year of a Master of Science.

The scholarship carries a value of $7,500, which will be paid as a fee rebate at the start of the academic year.

However, the award does not cover the university’s Student Services Fee.

In the letter, the Manager of Postgraduate Scholarships, Prizes and Awards, congratulated Lynch and extended the university’s best wishes for her 2026 studies.

Seli was deeply grateful that her daughter had been fortunate enough to receive the scholarship, ensuring that Honora’s talent and exceptional academic ability could be fully supported.

She also became emotional as she reflected on her roots in Utui and Ma’ufanga in Tonga.

She attributed her daughter’s success to God, saying in Tongan, “Fiefia pe he ʻEiki,” meaning “Rejoice in the Lord.”

The Pacific Peoples’ Postgraduate Scholarship is part of Otago’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Pacific success across the sciences, and reflects the growing emphasis on supporting pathways for Pacific students in research and postgraduate education.

Woman vents her frustration in livestream as family home of 28 years is demolished in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

A woman has taken to social media to vent her shock and heartbreak after witnessing the demolition of the home she says her family has lived in for nearly three decades.

Footage from her livestream — seen by Kaniva News — shows a popcat excavator tearing into what appears to be a small concrete house, while a van is parked on the roadside with several men standing nearby watching the demolition unfold.

In the video, filmed just in front of the demolition scene, the woman can be heard sounding visibly distressed as the heavy machinery continues to break through the walls of the home.

Her emotional reaction has resonated with viewers, many of whom expressed sympathy in the comments, noting the pain of losing a place her family had long considered home despite having no formal legal claim to the property.

It was unclear whether the house was still liveable, whether anyone had been residing in it, or whether it formed part of a larger cluster of dwellings on the property.

The exact location of the property and the demolition site in Tonga remains unknown.

The woman said she was not upset about the house being demolished; what troubled her was that the decision was made at a time when people are expected to uphold religious and Christian moral values.

Through tears, the woman expresses disbelief that a relative dared to order the demolition of the home she and her family have occupied for 28 years.

She acknowledged on camera that although her family had lived on the property for many years, it appeared they did so with permission only—without any formal legal entitlement to the land or the building.

Despite acknowledging this limitation, the woman said she never imagined the situation would escalate to the point where she would be forced to watch the home she shared with her children being destroyed right in front of her eyes.

In the livestream, she can be heard questioning how a family member could proceed with such an action without consideration for the people who had lived there for decades.

It is unclear whether authorities were notified prior to the demolition, or whether any formal eviction process had been undertaken. Details regarding ownership, land rights, and the relative’s authority to order the demolition have not yet been confirmed.

The incident highlights a growing number of disputes involving family‑owned or informally occupied properties, where emotional ties often clash with legal realities.

As the video continues to circulate online, many have called for greater compassion and mediation within families facing similar conflicts.

Tributes flow for young Tongan girl killed in Auckland crash

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ – Tributes are pouring in on social media for the young girl who died after a three‑vehicle crash in East Tāmaki on Sunday night — a child Kaniva News can now confirm was of Tongan heritage.

Emergency services including police, St John and firefighters were pictured assessing the scene on Smales Road. (Source: 1News)

The fatal incident occurred just after 8pm on Smales Road, near the intersection with Te Irirangi Drive.

Emergency services responded quickly and found the child in critical condition, immediately commencing CPR at the scene.

She was transported to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Four other people suffered minor to moderate injuries, and the Serious Crash Unit carried out a full scene examination.

Police say inquiries into the circumstances of the collision remain ongoing.

As news of the tragedy spread, members of the Tongan community — both in Aotearoa and abroad — took to Facebook to express their sorrow and offer condolences to the grieving family.

A source who is very close to the family of the deceased has confirmed to Kaniva News that the little girl was Tongan.

Many described the girl as “beautiful,” “cherished,” and “gone too soon,” while others posted prayers in Tongan, calling for strength and peace for her parents during this devastating time.

A mourner posted a tribute—written in both English and Tongan—saying: “Sooo unfortunate 😭😭 Our little angel has gained her wings. RIL, Linda. Si‘i had a very sad evening when we broke the heartbreaking news to her 😢💔‘Ofa lahi atu, sissy. Lots of love,”

Some relatives shared heartfelt messages honouring her short life. Others expressed shock and sadness that another young Pasifika life had been lost on Auckland roads.

Residents near the crash site also shared accounts of the chaotic moments following the collision.

One local told media he heard a loud bang and people shouting the child’s name as they desperately tried to help before emergency crews arrived.

The intersection has long been known to locals as a hotspot for serious accidents, with one resident saying crashes occur there “every three or four months.”

Police continue to call for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

NZ temporarily cuts visitor visa fees for Pacific nationals, including Tongans

By
Kaniva Staff
-

New Zealand has announced a temporary reduction in visitor visa fees for eligible Pacific nationals — a move expected to benefit Tongan travellers and strengthen regional ties.

The reduced fees, effective 1 June 2026 for a 12‑month trial period, will lower the total cost from NZD $216 to NZD $161, including the standard immigration levy.

The policy applies only to applicants lodging their applications from outside New Zealand, and excludes Parent Boost Visitor Visas and Group Visitor Visas.

Pacific visitors already pay significantly lower fees than travellers from other regions and are exempt from the International Visitor and Conservation Levy, which helps keep overall travel costs down.

For Tongans — one of the largest Pacific communities engaged in frequent travel to Aotearoa — the reduction is expected to ease financial barriers for family visits, cultural travel, church events, and short‑term stays.

In comparison, visitors from non‑Pacific countries pay NZD $441, nearly three times the new Pacific rate.

New Zealand’s government says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Pacific neighbours and deepening long‑standing relationships across the region.

The 12‑month period will also allow immigration officials to study how lower visa fees influence travel demand, operational costs, and movement patterns.

The fee reduction follows recent steps aimed at improving mobility for Pacific peoples, including longer default visa durations and a trial of a visa‑free travel pathway for Pacific travellers arriving from Australia.

Eligible nations benefiting from the reduced fee include Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, American Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

For many Tongan families — especially those with strong transnational ties across New Zealand — the change is expected to make short visits more accessible during the trial year.

Fiji and New Zealand tests clear ‘Eua water supply, Ministry lifts drinking ban

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Confirmation tests from Fiji and New Zealand have cleared the ‘Eua drinking water supply, prompting Tonga’s Ministry of Health to lift its two‑week ban on consumption.

Authorities announced on Friday that laboratory validation found the water safe for drinking ending a public health restriction first issued earlier this month after elevated lead levels were detected in the island’s public and bore water systems.

The clearance marks a significant update two weeks after officials warned residents of ‘Eua not to drink, cook with, or consume water from the public supply after routine tests revealed dangerously high levels of lead.

That earlier advisory followed testing conducted in collaboration with the Tonga Water Board, which showed lead concentrations exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

The Ministry said continued monitoring will remain in place as investigations into the source of the earlier contamination proceed.

The lifting of the ban restores normal water use for households, schools, and businesses across the island, bringing relief to residents after two weeks of uncertainty and restricted access to drinking water.

Man dies in electrocution incident in Tongatapu

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nuku‘alofa — A man has died following an electrocution incident in ‘Utulau on 13 March, marking the second fatality in recent months involving electrical hazards.

In a statement issued on Monday, police said the 29-year-old man died after coming into contact with an electrical source, underscoring the serious risks associated with handling electrical equipment and attempting repairs without proper expertise.

Authorities extended condolences to the victim’s family, acknowledging the difficult time they are facing.

Police used the incident to urge the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with electricity or any electrical device.

They reminded households not to attempt to repair or touch faulty wiring or equipment, stressing that only licensed and qualified electricians should carry out electrical work.

Tonga Police said they remain committed to ensuring public safety and encouraged anyone concerned about potential electrical faults in their homes or workplaces to contact a certified electrician immediately.

For further inquiries, police referred media to the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office.

PM Fakafanua moves to calm Tonga’s fuel panic as NZ petrol stations run dry and prices surge past $3

By
Kalino Latu
-

Queues formed at petrol stations across Tonga as fuel panic buying grew, but Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua moved to reassure the public that there is no immediate shortage.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua

It comes as regional tensions have surged after the US‑Israel war with Iran, which began on 28 February 2026 and has now entered its 17th day, triggering missile and drone attacks across the Middle East and disrupting vital oil routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has led to heightened fears over global fuel supply stability, contributing to public anxiety in countries like Tonga.

Fuel prices in New Zealand are genuinely rising and some petrol stations — mainly Gull — have temporarily run out of fuel due to panic buying.

However, the Luxon government says NZ’s overall fuel supply remains secure, with several weeks of stock both in the country and en route.

The temporary outages are caused by sudden surges in demand, not by an actual nationwide shortage, it says.

Fakafanua Addresses Fuel Concerns

The Tongan government says the kingdom still has sufficient fuel supplies and there is no need for panic.

It says Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua met with national energy stakeholders on Monday to review Tonga’s Energy Security Strategy.

The meeting on 16 March brought together senior officials and sector representatives to assess the country’s current fuel reserves and long-term energy resilience.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions confirmed that Tonga’s immediate fuel supply remains stable.

In a statement, the government urged the public not to engage in panic buying or unnecessary queuing at petrol stations, saying there is no immediate risk of shortages.

To provide further clarity, the Prime Minister’s Office will host a press conference on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 9am, where the government is expected to outline its broader energy security plans and answer media questions.

NZ Police hit comancheros in major operation — firearms, meth and cash seized

By
Kaniva Staff
-

New Zealand Police have targeted Comanchero members and associates as part of coordinated enforcement activity across Australasia targeting the gang’s criminal operations.

Three men have been arrested, with items seized including an AR-15 rifle, cash and methamphetamine.

Taskforce Morpheus is a working group of law enforcement agencies across Australia and New Zealand that focus on the targeting and disruption of illegal activity by organised criminal groups.

Last week, the National Day of Action targeted the Comanchero Motorcycle Club, and saw nine Police districts carry out enforcement activity, supported by the National Organised Crime Group and the National Gang Unit.

Police charged three men who are members or associates of the gang and laid 14 charges for drugs and firearms offending.

In Tokoroa, Bay of Plenty staff searched three addresses with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad.

Five firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, were recovered along with cannabis and a kilogram of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Two men, aged 36 and 39, were arrested without incident during the warrants.

Around the country, Police also worked with the Department of Corrections given the number of members currently in custody.

Director of the National Organised Crime Group, Detective Superintendent Greg Williams says the Comancheros remain of interest to law enforcement agencies.

“This gang is seen as one of the top organised crime groups in both Australia and New Zealand for their involvement in the importation and distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs,” he says.

“They remain a focus for us, and through our investigative work we continue to find their members and associates involved in a large number of importations, alongside their propension for committing serious violence to maintain control over the market.”

Police continue to work with law enforcement agencies in New Zealand and abroad to combat the Comanchero’s influence globally.

“We are focused on taking their influence out of New Zealand, and we have had many successes since the gang established operations here through Operations Nova and Embargo,” Detective Superintendent Williams says.

“Nearly all of the gang’s members and associates have been prosecuted, and this includes its entire senior leadership team that are all facing serious charges.”

Director Prisoners of Extreme Risk Directorate, Jeanette Burns says a large number of cells were searched across six prisons in New Zealand.

“Across those prisons a large amount of tobacco was located, alongside quantities of suspected illicit drugs,” says Jeanette.

“Some prisoners go to extreme and elaborate lengths to continue offending from prison. Our staff work hard to stop contraband entering our prisons, and when we do find it we take this extremely seriously.

“Corrections does not tolerate any criminal behaviour in our prisons, and we continue to work with our partners to stamp out this offending and the harm it causes to our communities.”

Police warn public not to approach dangerous fugitive as manhunt intensifies in South Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of Nigel Edwards who is wanted to arrest.

The 41-year-old man is wanted in connection with a firearms incident in Papakura on 8 March 2026.

Police have made a number of enquiries to locate Edwards in the past week.

Edwards is actively avoiding Police, and the public should consider him dangerous. Do not approach him.

If you sight Edwards, call Police on 111.

Information on his whereabouts can also be provided to Police via 105 using the reference number 260308/7975.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

123...943Page 1 of 943
© Copyright 2026 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment