Nuku‘alofa — A newly installed roadside barrier, developed with input from a Minister who is a civil engineer and an architect, intended to prevent further crashes and protect the Royal Palace fence, has been struck again, leaving the construction boss baffled.

A photo shared on Facebook by MP Tevita Puloka, who is also the owner of Puloka Construction, shows clear damage to the roadside concrete structures and fence line near the Nuku’alofa royal palace.

Some broken concrete blocks lie scattered along the curb, while part of the fence structure appears displaced, indicating the impact of a vehicle leaving the roadway.

According to information provided on the MP’s official Facebook page, the location has a history of accidents involving vehicles travelling from Kolomotu‘a along Vuna Road. These incidents have frequently resulted in damage to the Royal Palace entrance area, particularly the gate and surrounding structures.

The repeated crashes were the main reason traffic barriers and related safety features were installed at the site, the statement says.

“The work was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI), Minister Sevenitini Toumo‘ua (a civil engineer), and architect Leveni ‘Aho,” Puloka says in Tongan.

“The project included the design of footpaths, landscaping, and traffic posts aimed at improving safety at the corner.”

As part of those improvements, a large pine tree on the seaside of the corner was removed to make turning easier for vehicles, while a toa tree near the Talakaepau side was preserved.

Despite these measures, the latest incident has again caused damage—this time affecting newly constructed features that were part of the safety upgrade.

Puloka said the damage to the newly built boundary block came as a surprise, adding he was unsure how the incident happened.

Sydney – Several Tongan men are believed to be among a group of individuals facing serious charges after Australian police delivered a major blow to the so-called “Coconut Cartel” during a sweeping series of raids across Sydney.

The Sydney-based organised crime syndicate is known for its violent operations, having broken away from the Alameddine crime family and engaging in a bitter and ongoing feud for control of the illicit drug trade in western Sydney.

The Coconut Cartel’s dismantling comes as police investigate whether the death of 28-year-old Tongan Alai Ahio earlier this month is linked to a violent territorial turf war between the group and the rival Alameddine crime network.

Authorities revealed that a major breakthrough earlier this year significantly disrupted the Coconut Cartel, when more than 400 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during a large-scale police operation at an Emu Plains warehouse in April.

The crackdown intensified this week as police executed search warrants across Quakers Hill, Edensor Park, and Blacktown, resulting in nine arrests.

Police say they have all but dismantled the Coconut Cartel, following the arrest of its alleged on-shore leader and a series of raids across Sydney, including a major drug bust earlier this year.

Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook acknowledged the scale of the operation and the shift in momentum for law enforcement.
“For a long time, we’ve been playing catch-up. For the first time, we think we’re on par,” he said.

Among those arrested was 27-year-old Henry Kupa, identified by police as an alleged senior leader within the Coconut Cartel. He is believed to be directly linked to the Emu Plains warehouse operation and is accused of coordinating activities on behalf of offshore figures.

Police also moved against individuals described as “middlemen,” who allegedly played key roles in distributing drugs throughout Sydney. A prison officer accused of assisting the gang by identifying targets has also been arrested and remains before the courts.

Detectives say the investigation has led to the arrest of at least a dozen alleged “foot soldiers” this month alone. These individuals are said to include contract criminals, among them teenagers and women, highlighting the syndicate’s ability to recruit across different groups.

Cook pointed to the role of international figures in orchestrating the network’s activities from abroad.
“This investigation has reaffirmed the role that organised crime figures who are offshore play and in terms of directing the violence in NSW,” he said.

He added:
“The investigation has uncovered trusted insiders.
“[They] do not know who’s asking, do not know what it’s for, however, they continue to commit offences in terms of supporting the organised crime network.”

Tongan Men Face Charges

Among those brought before Blacktown Local Court were Isoa Moimoi, 27, Sione Tupou, 25, and Eric Hema, 29, who Kaniva News understands to be of Tongan descent. They face charges including drug supply and participating in a criminal group.

The Daily Telegraph also published a list of names among those arrested, which we understand includes Tongans such as Henry Kupa (27), Sonny Puleiku (23), and Talanoa Leaaetoa (27).

Authorities allege the Coconut Cartel has been behind a wave of violent incidents across New South Wales over the past 18 months, including shootings, kidnappings, and attempted murders. The violence is believed to stem from an ongoing feud with the Alameddine crime network.

Police say the syndicate has roots in western Sydney, with links to former members of the Mount Druitt street gang KVT. These individuals were once aligned with the Alameddine network before a bitter split led to escalating hostilities.

The group’s leadership structure has also been shaken in recent weeks. Lorenzo Lemalu, previously considered at the top of the cartel hierarchy, was assassinated in Vietnam last week. His death has reportedly left fugitive Anthony Pele, believed to be operating from Southeast Asia, as the most senior remaining figure.

Investigators allege Pele continued to issue directives to operatives in Australia, including Henry Kupa, who has now been taken into custody.

The arrests and seizures mark one of the most significant actions taken against organised crime networks operating between Australia and the Pacific, with authorities signalling that further investigations are ongoing.

Vava’u, Tonga — A striking moment captured during a brass band performance in Vava’u is drawing attention for its blend of improvisation and teamwork, after a drummer was seen seated on the back of a fellow student due to a lack of proper seating.

The photograph shows a group of uniformed students performing on a grassy hillside overlooking a coastal harbour.

The band members are arranged in formation with brass instruments and percussion, playing with the sea and anchored boats visible in the background.

At the centre of the scene, the drummer—positioned behind a drum kit—appears to be seated not on a stool, but on the back of another student who is bent forward on hands and feet to support the player. Nearby, additional band equipment, including cymbals and shells, rests directly on the grass.

The unusual arrangement appears to have been a practical solution after a proper seat for the drummer was unavailable.

Despite the inconvenience, the performance continued uninterrupted, with the group maintaining their formation and focus.

The scenic setting of Vava’u adds to the uniqueness of the moment. With rolling hills, scattered buildings, and a calm bay dotted with boats, the backdrop contrasts with the improvised arrangement in the foreground, underscoring both the beauty of the environment and the resourcefulness of the performers.

The photo was one of several shared by Paea Uasikē on Facebook, drawing lively reactions online with many commenters engaging in light-hearted banter over the unusual scene.

“No seat, no problem! This is next-level creativity from the band — Vava’u style!” a commenter wrote.

“Best seat in the house 😂 Strong back, strong band spirit — love the dedication!”

A source told Kaniva News the moment occurred while the Mailefihi Siu’ilikutapu College band was recently performing at the Fangatongo Royal Palace.

The moment reflects Vava’u’s well-known māfana spirit, where warmth, humour and strong community support often turn challenges into memorable highlights. Such spontaneity and teamwork are widely recognised as defining traits of the local culture.

American Samoan authorities have arrested eight men in connection with the death of a 41-year-old man whose body was discovered over the weekend, in a case that has shocked both Samoa and the wider Pacific community.

According to reporting from the Samoan news website Talanei, Commissioner of Public Safety Taaga Saite Moliga confirmed that police have taken eight suspects into custody as investigations continue.

He said the suspects are expected to be formally charged by Tuesday or Wednesday as inquiries progress.

The victim has been identified as David Golk, a resident of Iliili in American Samoa.

His family has confirmed that he had Tongan heritage through his mother, Vea Golk, who is from Matamaka in Vava’u.

Vea confirmed her son’s death to Kaniva News, expressing the deep grief felt by the family.

In her own words, she said, “It is so very hard.”

According to Talanei, Commissioner Moliga indicated that investigations remain ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence relating to the circumstances of the death and the involvement of those arrested.

Further information reported by KHJ News provides insight into the final moments before the tragedy came to light.

It reportedly said the last time Vea saw her son was on Friday afternoon.

She recounted that early the next morning, police arrived at her home and requested that she accompany them to the hospital to identify a body that had been found behind a store in Vaitogi.

She revealed that when she saw her son, his injuries were so severe that she could hardly recognise him.

His face, she said, was swollen and black, indicating the level of violence he had been subjected to before his death.

Nukuʻalofa – Allegations that MPs and Cabinet Ministers have misused overseas travel “to inflate their salaries” have resurfaced in Tonga, after Speaker of Parliament Lord Vaea raised concerns last week about ministers missing their oath due to overseas travel.

The Speaker’s intervention comes against the backdrop of lingering public unease following explosive allegations in July 2025 that three Cabinet Ministers in the former Hu’akavameiliku government received travel-related payments totalling up to $8 million, reportedly split as $5 million, $2 million, and $1 million.

The revelation emerged during scrutiny of a major increase in that government’s travel budget, which surged by more than 60 percent—from $13 million to $21 million.

The allegation, made during a press conference, claimed that some ministers travelled and remained overseas for months, leaving their ministerial posts effectively vacant.

During the media briefing, then–Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi warned that Cabinet Ministers should not exploit travel to inflate their salaries. He did not respond to questions about the alleged payout, and no further information was reported on the matter afterwards.

Before raising the alleged payout at the press conference, the Hu’akavameiliku government had defended the increase in the travel budget in Parliament, stating that ministers’ overseas travel was essential for international diplomacy and securing foreign aid, particularly as borders had only recently reopened following the COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaker Questions Ministerial Accountability

The renewed scrutiny over ministers’ overseas travel resurfaced last week when Lord Vaea stressed in Parliament that taking the oath is a fundamental constitutional requirement.

His comments followed notification to the House that Minister for Lands Taniela Fusimālohi was in Australia on official business and would miss his oath for the second time.

The Speaker said that although the law allows MPs to excuse themselves for overseas travel, there is also an unwritten expectation from the public that they should be present to take their oath.

He expressed serious concern over the repeated absence of MPs during the oath-taking, warning the Prime Minister about the issue and indicating he may seek to review the law to ensure it does not happen again.

Overseas travel by MPs, particularly Cabinet Ministers, has long been a source of controversy.

Former Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva previously told this reporter that the King once questioned why several ministers were travelling excessively after being presented with a list of ministerial trips during a royal audience.

Public Questions Cost Of Travel

Public criticism over ministers’ overseas travel has also extended beyond questions of parliamentary accountability.

The government’s recent decision to send overseas delegations under the Talatalanoa Programme, led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to consult Tongan communities abroad, has drawn criticism from some members of the public.

Critics noted that the same ministry undertook a similar overseas consultation programme in the 2010s, during which concerns raised by Tongans overseas were compiled into a report. However, they argued that little visible action had resulted from that earlier exercise.

Photos shared with this outlet last year appeared to show then–Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Lord Tu’i’āfitu posing for photographs with apparent restaurant staff in Sydney during the Australian leg of the programme.

A hotel employee alleged to Kaniva News at the time that some members of the ministerial delegation were seen playing pokie machines during the dinner.

Kaniva News sought comment from the Ministry at the time.

A tornado struck the Haʻafeva island in Tonga’s Ha’apai group this morning, causing minor damage to homes and vegetation.

According to the Tonga Meteorological Services, the tornado was reported around 9am following a burst of thunderstorm activity that affected the Lulunga Islands.

Several houses sustained roof damage, while a number of trees were uprooted by the strong winds.

The weather event was linked to an active trough of low pressure that moved across Tonga, bringing heavy rain and gusty conditions to parts of the Kingdom.

Authorities had earlier issued a heavy rain warning, flash flood advisory, and strong wind warning for the land areas of Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua as the system intensified.

Tonga Meteorological Services said it is working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the tornado.

No injuries have been reported.