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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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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.

Tonga eyes revival as AU$150m rugby investment opens new pathway

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga stands to benefit from a major AU$150 million Australian Government investment earmarked for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga over the next five years, a package designed to strengthen rugby development across the Pacific under the Veimoana Partnership.

The deal has already been signed by the Fijian and Tongan governments, but remains stalled in Samoa due to political disagreements within Lakapi Samoa’s leadership.

The funding is designed to strengthen pathways, expand competitions and lift high‑performance programmes throughout the Pacific, with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade overseeing the initiative, ABC News reported.

It says that both Fiji and Tonga have already signed the agreement, while Samoa has not yet given approval due to a political standoff between Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and the leadership of Lakapi Samoa’s board.

Tonga Rugby Union leaders told ABC the package would be a financial “godsend,” emphasising that Tonga urgently needs this investment to rebuild structures, improve development systems and strengthen its national programme.

ʻIkale Tahi Under Pressure

Tonga enters this period of potential investment from Australia at a challenging time for its national men’s team, the ʻIkale Tahi, which currently sits 19th in the World Rugby rankings with 66.66 points, placing the side behind Chile (18th) and just ahead of Samoa (20th).

The ranking reflects years of limited high‑performance resources, infrastructure constraints, and ongoing struggles to retain top‑level talent eligible for multiple nations — factors that have collectively contributed to Tonga’s gradual slide down the global table.

As a result, the AU$150 million Pacific rugby funding package represents a rare and crucial opportunity for Tonga Rugby to rebuild development pathways, strengthen player depth, and restore the ʻIkale Tahi to stronger international competitiveness.

Tonga’s rugby history shows that the ʻIkale Tahi were once global contenders, reaching their highest‑ever World Rugby ranking of ninth in both 2011 and 2012, a peak confirmed in official World Rugby records and historical ranking data.

The early 2010s marked a golden period for Tongan rugby, highlighted by their famous 19–14 victory over France at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, but the nation’s proud legacy stretches back further.

One of the most celebrated moments came in 1973, when Tonga stunned the rugby world by defeating the Wallabies 16–11 in Brisbane, a landmark win recorded in the team’s historical match archive and remembered as one of the greatest upsets in Tongan rugby history. These achievements serve as reminders of the heights Tonga has reached before — and the potential that could be reignited through renewed investment and development support

For Tonga, the funding represents a crucial opportunity to address long‑standing performance challenges facing the national side, the ʻIkale Tahi, whose world ranking has slipped in recent years amid limited financial resources, lack of high‑performance infrastructure and a continuing struggle to retain top‑level talent.

Tonga Rugby Union officials have described the Australian funding as a potential “godsend” for rebuilding the national programme and lifting the team back to competitive international standards if released in full.

Paea ‘I Middlemore Tupou among Australians sentenced over Bali villa murder

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan‑Australian man, Paea I Middlemore Tupou, has been sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment by a Balinese court after being found guilty of carrying out a brutal attack that left a Melbourne father‑of‑six dead inside a luxury villa.

Coskun and Tupou (above) earlier confessed to assassinating Melbourne gangland figure Zivan Radmanovic

Tupou, 27, was sentenced alongside his co‑accused Mevlut Coskun, also jailed for 16 years, while a third man, Darcy Francesco Jenson, received 12 years for organising logistics for the deadly operation.

Court documents and media reports identify Tupou as one of the two gunmen who stormed Villa Casa Santisya in Badung, Bali, in the early hours of June 14, 2025, during what authorities say was a premeditated attack motivated by a dispute involving debt collection.

According to the court findings, the attackers had been hired to intimidate Sanar Ghanim, a man staying at the villa, but ended up killing 32‑year‑old Melbourne father Zivan Radmanovic after allegedly mistaking him for their intended target.

Ghanim survived the attack but was seriously injured.

Tupou was found guilty of premeditated murder and the illegal possession and use of a firearm. He admitted to shooting Radmanovic, claiming he believed he was shooting Ghanim.

Coskun also fired shots during the attack and was convicted on the same charges as Tupou.

Darcy Francesco Jenson – Logistics organiser

Jenson coordinated the group’s travel and planning — arranging accommodation, vehicle rentals and scooters in the months leading up to the attack. He was convicted of assisting premeditated murder and sentenced separately.

Indonesian police alleged that all three men flew to Bali on instructions from an unnamed Australian man to threaten Ghanim over an unpaid debt. Prosecutors said the operation was meticulously planned, with Jenson supplying weapons and organising the group’s movements.

Radmanovic’s wife, Jazmyn Gourdeas, who was celebrating her 30th birthday at the villa, was present during the attack and survived by hiding as gunfire erupted. Her family travelled to Bali for the sentencing and expressed deep disappointment that the men did not receive longer terms.

The Denpasar District Court ruled the men were “legally and convincingly guilty” of premeditated murder — a charge that carries a maximum penalty of death in Indonesia. Prosecutors had sought heavier sentences of up to 18 years.

Radmanovic’s family described the sentences as “a joke,” expressing frustration that the men might one day walk free despite the devastating loss suffered by the victim’s wife and their six children.

No tsunami threat to Niuatoputapu after magnitude 6.0 earthquake

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s National Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed there is no tsunami threat to the country following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake recorded on Saturday night.

The Tonga Meteorological Service reported the epicentre was located 17 kilometres east‑southeast of Niua­tou­tapu, at coordinates 15.9° South, 173.5° West.

The earthquake occurred at 10.28pm (08 March 2026) Tonga time, with a depth of 150km

In an advisory issued at 10.40pm, authorities said the quake was not expected to generate a tsunami capable of affecting Tonga.

“Based on the earthquake information above, a resultant tsunami wave is unlikely to affect Tonga,” the statement said.

The agency noted that the magnitude is provisional and may be updated as additional seismic data becomes available.

The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has not activated in response to the event.

Officials say this will be the final message unless significant changes occur.

Residents seeking further information can contact the Tonga Meteorological Service on (676) 7400026, (676) 35009, or 0800 638. General emergency enquiries can be made to (676) 26340.

The advisory was authorised by duty officers at the Tonga Meteorological Service.

Tongan LDS missionary reportedly injured in suspected machete attack in Papua New Guinea

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reportedly been injured in what appears to have been a machete attack in Papua New Guinea.

Footage circulated on social media, seen by Kaniva News, shows a man in a white shirt, smeared with what appears to be human blood, walking with one hand tightly wrapped in black cloth, apparently indicating the location of his injuries.

Facebook user, Maʻata Monu Halafihi, shared the video and photographs online showing the young man with visible injuries.

She identified him as a relative, Elder Lautaha, who was the victim of the alleged attack.

At this stage, no official details about the incident have been released.

According to Halafihi’s account, Lautaha and his missionary companion managed to escape their attacker and sought refuge at the LDS church, where they were reportedly able to find safety.

Halafihi also posted words of encouragement for the injured missionary, wishing Elder Lautaha and his companion a “speedy recovery.”

The circumstances surrounding the attack, the extent of the injuries, and the safety of other missionaries in the area remain unclear.

Kaniva News sought comment today from both the victim and LDS Church authorities, but was unable to reach them.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be published as more information becomes available.

Father of six jailed for cannabis cultivation as court highlights impact on family

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa — A 39‑year‑old father of six has been jailed for 18 months after the Supreme Court of Tonga sentenced him for cultivating and possessing cannabis, along with the unlawful possession of drug utensils.

The sentence, delivered by Lord Chief Justice Bishop KC, drew attention not only to the seriousness of the offending but also to the severe consequences for the prisoner’s young family, who now face life without their sole provider.

Mekiloni Fotu Aso, a carpenter and part‑time plumber from Fuaʻamotu, pleaded guilty to three charges after police discovered 63 cannabis plants, 266 grams of packed cannabis, and drug‑smoking utensils during a search of his home on 14 July 2025.

He admitted ownership of the items and cooperated with police. The court found he played the role of a supplier, noting the need for deterrence and strong denunciation in drug‑related cases.

According to the pre‑sentence report, Aso is the sole breadwinner for his family, supporting six children aged between 15 years and six months. The court heard he had no previous criminal convictions and had maintained stable employment within his brother’s construction business.

His sudden imprisonment leaves his children without their primary source of financial support, a factor the judge acknowledged when ordering the return of TOP$390 seized during the police search, noting it belonged to the family and was needed for their welfare.

Despite Aso’s cooperation and early guilty plea, the court determined that the scale of cultivation and the presence of utensils used for consumption and distribution required a custodial response.

He was sentenced to 18 months, with the final six months suspended for two years on strict conditions, including probation supervision, reporting requirements, and mandatory participation in a drug and alcohol awareness programme. All other sentences for related counts were ordered to run concurrently.

Lord Chief Justice Bishop stressed that while this was Aso’s first offence, the seriousness of his actions could not be overlooked. However, he also acknowledged the impact on his children, stating that the return of the seized money was necessary given the family’s dependence on him for survival.

Aso will serve 12 months in custody, followed by six months suspended, during which he must remain offence‑free or risk serving the remaining term in full. His imprisonment, the court noted, stands as both a punishment for his offending and a stark reminder of the collateral damage experienced by families left behind.

Judge spares ‘Best in Tonga’ Fijian worker but warns: ‘This is your last chance’

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa — The Supreme Court of Tonga has handed Bijay Singh an eight‑month prison sentence, fully suspended for three years, after he pleaded guilty to forgery, knowingly dealing with a forged document, and obtaining money and goods by false pretences totalling TOP$300.

Singh pleaded guilty on 5 November 2025 to four charges stemming from incidents on 17 April 2025, when he used a false cheque from a Sean & Huberto Auto Repair chequebook without authorisation.

The offences included forgery, after he issued a counterfeit cheque intending Palu Trade Vaini Service Station to treat it as genuine.

He then knowingly dealt with a forged document by submitting the same cheque for payment.

He also obtained money and goods by false pretences, receiving TOP$200 from a victim using a fraudulent TOP$300 cheque and securing TOP$100 worth of fuel with that same false cheque.

The Crown sought a custodial outcome, recommending eight months’ imprisonment with two months suspended, citing the seriousness of forgery and comparable cases.

A pre‑sentence report noted Singh’s background (a Fiji national living in Tonga since 2017, in a de‑facto relationship with three young children, employed at HM Imports Tonga) and assessed him as at high risk of re‑offending given prior financial offending and a 2016 deportation. Defence counsel sought a fully suspended sentence with strict conditions to support rehabilitation.

In delivering his decision, the Lord Chief Justice Bishop KC said he initially believed imprisonment was necessary “to remove you from society so that the public are protected.”

However, his position shifted after reading a letter from the defendant’s employer, which described the offender in unexpectedly positive terms.

The employer stated that the accused was “the best in Tonga” at his job, had stopped consuming alcohol, and had agreed to a structured repayment plan for his debts, with deductions taken directly from his wages. The judge said these factors weighed heavily in favour of giving the offender one final opportunity under strict conditions.

Mr Bishop also warned the accused: “This is your last chance… any breach will result in the eight months being activated in full.

Lord CJ Bishop set Count 2 as the head count, imposing a 10‑month starting point, reduced by two months for an early guilty plea (net eight months).

For Counts 1, 3 and 4, the Court imposed 5 months, 3 months, and 3 months, respectively, all concurrent with the head sentence.

While emphasising the need to “stamp out” forgery because it “makes commercial life in the Kingdom more difficult and causes loss to innocent people,” the Court credited Singh’s cooperation, early plea and a strong letter from his employer describing him as “the best in Tonga” at his job, noting alcohol cessation and wage deductions arranged to repay debts. On balance, the Court fully suspended the eight months for three years.

The suspension carries strict conditions:

  1. No offending punishable by imprisonment during the suspension;
  2. Repayment to victims within 12 months;
  3. Placement on probation for the duration of the suspended term.

Any breach will activate the full eight months in custody.

“You have been given every chance… We must remove you from society so that the public are protected,” the judge said, adding he was “very reluctant” but persuaded to suspend the term given the employer’s guarantees and the structured repayments already in place.

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 Tongan 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.

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