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Suspect still at large six days after North Shore stabbing

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1News Reporters

Police are continuing to search almost a week on for the person responsible for a stabbing that left a man critically injured in Auckland’s Birkenhead.

Armed police block off Birkenhead Ave on Auckland's North Shore.
Armed police block off Birkenhead Ave on Auckland’s North Shore. (Source: Supplied)

A man was found with serious injuries on Birkenhead Ave by a member of the public at around 2pm on February 4.

Hato Hone St John said it responded to the incident with one ambulance and two rapid response vehicles.

“One patient, in a critical condition, was transported to Auckland City Hospital.”

A witness told 1News that they saw a badly injured man lying on the side of the road on his back at around 2pm.

“An elderly lady stopped to help him, then a cop car pulled up.”

North Shore area commander inspector Stefan Sagar earlier said that police did not believe it was a “random incident”.

Police said today the victim was recovering from his injuries.

“Since the incident occurred, police have completed a scene examination and area canvas as part of the investigation,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone with relevant information could call police on 105.

British historian who tutored late King George V’s Oxford exam dies

By
Kaniva Staff
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By: Panayiota Demosthenous, https://www.mynewsmag.co.uk/

A Chorleywood historian and former tutor to the son of the King of Tonga has died, aged 88.

Ian Foster (L), Late King Tupou V (inset)

Ian Foster, who wrote books on the history of Chorleywood, Chenies, Loudwater and Heronsgate, was born in West Lancashire and briefly attended St Martin’s School in Northwood, before reading History at Trinity College Dublin.

After 15 years of teaching at King’s College in Auckland, New Zealand, Ian was returning to the UK by sea when he received a request from the King of Tonga to tutor his son for his Oxford entrance exam. This job led to Ian spending six months at Tonga’s royal palace.

In the late 1980s, Ian taught at The Beacon School in Amersham, was a keen member of Chorleywood Cricket Club, and settled in Heronsgate a few doors down from his sister Gill Gibbins.

Gill said: “Ian was a very gifted teacher who made children think for themselves.”

Ian met his future wife Kate in The Land of Liberty, Peace & Plenty pub in Chorleywood, and the couple were married at St John’s, Heronsgate, in 2011.

Kate said: “We were complete soulmates from the beginning and our marriage was wonderful.”

Have you seen William Tupou?

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police in New Zealand are appealing to the public for information regarding the sighting of a currently wanted person.

William Tupou. Photo/NZ Police

Police are seeking to locate William Tupou, who is wanted to arrest for charges of violent offending and is believed to be in the Waikato or Auckland.

Any sightings of William should be reported to Police on 111 immediately.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Police on 105, quoting file number 250204/3017.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111

Catholic Church in Tonga’s almost 200 years ‘much overlooked records’ written in French translated into English in new book  

By
Kalino Latu
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The arrival of the first French Marist missionaries in Tonga in 1836 marked a significant moment in the kingdom’s history, as it facilitated the introduction of Catholicism and advancement in formal education throughout the islands.

Despite its significance, this history remained largely unknown to the broader public because it was documented exclusively in French.  

Given that Tonga’s official and secondary language is English, the French historical context presents a linguistic barrier that restricts the engagement of Tongan and English historians and impedes the opportunity for varied interpretations and discussions for about two centuries.

As such, the new book and its author have received recognition on social media as groundbreaking contributions to the history of the church and Tonga, with numerous commenters saying about two centuries years of previously unacknowledged history have finally been brought to light.

Dr Felise Tāvō has this week announced the publication of his book, “Catholic Church in Tonga”, focusing on its history, the missionaries and timeline.  

The book, written in English, covers various aspects of the Church’s history, including the establishment of what appeared to be the first high school in Tonga, Apifo’ou College, which was founded in 1865 by the French Marist priests. 

Tāvō said additional readings were still required on diaries, letters, and documents stored at the church’s archive at Toutaimana headquarters in Tonga.

“The research has yet to be completed as I have yet to read the multi-volume diaries by the French missionaries such as Lamaze, Blanc, Castagnier, Reiter and others at Toutaimana’s archive”, he told Kaniva News.

“If that’s done, there will be a possibility for better understanding and more corrections to our history”. 

He plans to visit Tonga next year to continue his research and writings.  

He acknowledged that prior research and endeavours had been made to translate and compile the history. However, he has not yet identified any published works resulting from those initiatives.

Tāvō, a dux of ‘Apifo’ou College and former priest, previously said that ‘Apifo’ou College had undergone different names in its 160-year history, should one count from its foundation at ‘Ahopanilolo.  
 
It was first named St Stanislaus College in 1865 and renamed as Blessed Peter Channel College in 1889, Kolisi Katolika / The Catholic College in 1892, St Peter Channel College in 1954 and St John High School in 1964. St. John’s High School was renamed ‘Apifo’ou College in 1987, which marked its merger with Saint Mary’s High School.
 
St Mary’s High School was established in 1965 for girls.  

The book also details several notable incidents regarding the interactions between the Marist priests and King George Tupou I, who was regarded as the Founder of Modern Tonga, before and after the Civil War of 1852.  

Despite some drawbacks, especially since the king had already accepted the Protestant Wesleyan Church and became a member, he subsequently developed a close relationship with the priests. This included the king’s frequent visits to the priests at Ma’ofanga, where he received various gifts from them. 

Tāvō has invited all who are interested in the book, especially the ex-students of the Apifo’ou College, to buy it, as all proceeds will go to the college.  

He said: “But why should anyone buy this book? Apart from doing it for a worthy cause, the chapter on the history of ‘Apifo’ou alone makes it worth getting a copy according to former Principal Fr. ‘Ekuasi Manu in his Foreword to the book (see first comment below). But a more important reason, I think, is the sources upon which this book is based, namely, the much overlooked records left behind by about 40 French Marist missionaries sent to Tonga since 1842, many of whom died there for the faith. 

Once again, all proceeds from the sale of this book, either online or at ‘Apifo’ou, will be donated to the college. Given the goal, may I urge my fellow ex-‘Apifo’ou to consider buying a hardcopy or at least spread the word”.  

You can buy the book here:

Those in Tonga can now buy a hardcopy of this book at ‘Apifo’ou for $50 Tongan Pa’anga. Please enquire at the college during office hours.

For those in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and anywhere else but Tonga who would like a hardcopy of this book, you can now buy it online for $25 USD (excl. shipping) from Lulu Press via this link: bit.ly/4jipyVR

“Once again, all proceeds from the sale of this book, either online or at ‘Apifo’ou, will be donated to the college. Given the goal, may I urge my fellow ex-‘Apifo’ou to consider buying a hardcopy or at least spread the word”.

Gov’t Reviews: Recent increase in Tonga fatal crashes brings back court concerns after driver license scandal revealed  

By
Kalino Latu
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COMMENTARY: While authorities have identified some of the causes of recent fatal traffic accidents in Tonga, a warning by a former Lord Chief Justice after a fraudulent driver’s license issued by the Ministry of Transport had been revealed in court should not be ignored.   

Incoming Minister of Transport Taniela Fusimalohi. Photo/Fale Alea ‘o Tonga

During the previous month, there were three fatal motor vehicle accidents, one of which resulted in the tragic loss of two young children. Law enforcement authorities have indicated that excessive speed and alcohol were contributing factors in these incidents.

A traffic incident in the Hahake district of Tongtapu involved a father and son, with the son serving as the driver. The father succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. According to police reports, alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident.  

Another crash in Tongatapu claimed the life of a young medical doctor, Police said, citing alcohol as a possible contributing factor.

This week, a crash in Vava’u killed the driver of a heavy truck, who was a young father. 

These fatalities did not include several road accidents which involved injuries, severe damages, and posed a danger to other drivers and pedestrians.  

Recently, footage captured instances of what appeared to be reckless driving on the road had been shared online. Notably, one vehicle was observed overtaking others while travelling in the oncoming lane, narrowly avoiding a collision with an approaching vehicle.  

Government Reviews 

The Eke government is currently conducting reviews of all ministries and departments.  

The purpose was to assess management’s and operations’ effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance.  

It was to ensure each ministry was functioning properly and delivering intended outcomes in line with government goals.  

However, it has also been indicated that the objectives included reviewing to identify potential deficiencies that allegedly pertained to mismanagement and the abuse of authority.  

Transport concerns 

There has been longstanding suspicion that the Ministry of Transport may have issued driver licenses in an under-the-table manner. 

In 2021, a court decision revealed that the then Lord Chief Justice was shocked to learn about a disabled driver who killed a woman was driving with a license for which he had never taken a theory or practical test. 

Siolosi Hu’akau, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death and one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm after the death of a 76-year-old mother in Tongatapu. 

Stella Fungavaka died after Hu’akau lost control of his vehicle, swerved onto the right lane and collided head-on with the Fungavakas’ vehicle. 

Hu’akau told the court he did not sit any driving tests, and his license was issued at the counter through his mother. 

“He admitted to Police that he was not aware of the speed limits because he did not obtain his driver’s licence validly – it was given to him over the counter through his mother”, the judgement document read.

He was physically and emotionally dependent on his mother and was attached to her. 

Hu’akau could not read or write, having only completed class 1 at school. He is described as having the mind of a child. 

In sentencing the driver, the former Lord Chief Justice said: “Having regard to his physical and mental handicaps (particularly that he has the ‘mind of a child’), it is extremely regrettable that he was ever allowed to drive a motor vehicle in the first place.” 

Alleged extortion case by supermarket security guard referred to police

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Pak N Save is conducting a review after a security guard allegedly tried to extort a customer.

No caption

The incident is alleged to have take place at Pak N Save Manukau. Photo: Google Maps

A customer, who has asked to stay anonymous, said a security guard at Pak N Save Manukau accused her of stealing two bottles of moisturiser.

She told Checkpoint the security guard threatened to call the police if she did not pay a $395 fine.

After requesting the CCTV footage several times, she said it showed she had scanned the bottles and was innocent.

The woman has complained to Pak N Save and referred the case to police.

Pak N Save has apologised and said it was conducting a review.

The woman said when she was going through the self checkout the guard asked to see the two bottles and then took her to one side.

When she checked her receipt the bottles were not on it, she said.

“I tried to explain to him like that wasn’t my intention to do it … it was just an accident.”

The security guard then told her that usually they would call the police but in this case she might have to pay a fine of $395, she said.

“I requested to see my CCTV footage if I can just to see just what I’ve done … I can’t remember what I’ve done to those two bottles of moisturiser from the beginning – I wasn’t sure that I scanned them or no.”

Another supermarket employee then asked the woman for her details including name, address and she took a photo of her driver licence, she said.

The woman said the security guard then asked her if she wanted to pay the fine and she said no.

“The security guy say ‘if you are not going to pay this fine, then you will be faced with more fines later on’,” she said.

The supermarket woman started writing out a trespass notice, she said.

The woman left and after several requests the security guard played her the CCTV footage, she said.

“Yes, apparently I have scanned those two bottles one by one.”

The complainant then said she told the security man it was obvious she had scanned the bottles, that she did not want to say anything further and asked him to call the police.

She was then able to leave the security office, she said.

The woman said she made a complaint to the Pak N Save Manukau branch’s store manager, as well as emailing a complaint to Foodstuffs and reported the incident to the police.

The woman said it was a horrible experience and she was very scared.

Foodstuffs was approached for comment but said they were unable to comment in detail as the matter was with the police.

However, they did say that they had “sincerely apologised to a customer” for a distressing incident in Pak N Save Manukau on 25 January allegedly involving a third party provider.

The spokesperson said they took such matters “extremely seriously” and “their customers have a right to be safe and welcome in the stores and they would undertake their own review to ensure such incidents did not occur again.

Man arrested on suspicion of Longolongo ‘deliberate’ arson

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and theft in Tongatapu’s Longolongo town.

The 38-year-old from Sopu was charged with housebreaking and arson, the Police said.

It said the Police responded to an incident involving the theft of valuable Tongan mats and the deliberate burning of the residence in Longolongo.

Emergency crews were alerted to the Free Wesleyan Church complex fire just before midday on Sunday and advised about the suspect.

It is understood that the property belongs to the pastor serving the congregation.

“We urge the public to remain alert and take precautions to safeguard their homes and valuables. If suspicious activities are present, please direct reports to the nearest stations.

“Together, we can work as a community to prevent such crimes from occurring. Tonga Police remains committed to working with the community to prevent crimes and ensure a safe and protected community for residents”.

‘Pushing the boundaries’: Is Tonga’s King turning his back on democracy?

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior Journalist and is republished with permission

Tonga’s King Tupou VI is reasserting his royal authority, with his imprint clear in the new Cabinet announced this week, a high-profile lawyer on the island says.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - March 27: The visit by the King of Tonga to Government House March 27, 2019 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Mark Tantrum/ http://marktantrum.com)

King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga (NZ Governor General’s Office) Photo: 2019 Mark Tantrum

After a month of delays, the new Tonga Prime Minister, ‘Aisake Eke, named his 11 senior ministers on Tuesday.

The Cabinet includes the Crown Prince Tuputo’a, who is now in charge of the foreign affairs and defence portfolios – a move that gives King Tupou complete control over both sectors, with no input from the elected government.

Tongan lawyer Lopeti Senituli told RNZ Pacific that, given the democratic changes embraced by the country in 2010, there has to be a dialogue between the Palace and the Cabinet.

“This is what I call pushing the boundaries,” he said. “Apparently, the King has some executive powers that he retained after the reforms in 2010.”

He said although the executive powers of the King in the Privy Council were devolved to Cabinet and prime minister, there was an exception clause.

“And that exemption clause included executive powers that have been specifically provided to His Majesty via the constitution, through other legislation, regulations, ordinances or through royal prerogative.

He said the 2010 Constitution provided for an an opportunity for the prime minister to select a maximum of four Cabinet ministers from outside those 26 that are elected by the people and the nobles.

“What we are seeing today is a mixture of the Westminster system, where the prime minister selects his Cabinet ministers, and the Washington system, where the president appoints his cabinet ministers from outside.

“We are going back to a mixture of what happened prior to 2010 and after it.”

King Tupou VI (L) officially appoints 'Aisake Eke as Tonga's prime minister

King Tupou VI (L) officially appoints ‘Aisake Eke as Tonga’s prime minister Photo: Prime Minister’s Office

According to Senituli, the reason for the long delay in appointing a Cabinet was that Eke’s initial submission – that included nobles to be Cabinet ministers – was refused by King Tupou.

“Except, of course, for his, who is the Crown Prince. This is very interesting because, for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry for Defence, His Majesty has some executive powers directly over these two ministries.

King Tupou is the commander-in-chief of Tonga’s Armed Forces, and appoints the chief of defense staff, who is the commander, and the board.

“The board at the moment is His Majesty plus the Privy Council members, so there are all appointees of his, with no input from the prime minister or for the other major shareholder of the executive power.”

Under Tonga’s constitution, the King also has authority to sign treaties with other nations.

“It’s that executive power which the King is using to strech the boundaries. We are in for a rough ride,” Senituli said.

When asked if the King appreciates the value of Tonga having embraced more democracy in 2010, Senituli said, “Very clearly, he is trying to reassert his royal authority.”

“The executive powers that are still in his hands under the constitution and other legislations, he’s trying to reassert that.”

Senituli believes the King needs to sit down and have a dialogue with the current prime minister and his Cabinet about the way forward.

“The Cabinet includes some members of the people with pro-democracy sympathies, although the pro-democracy sympathisers now are broken up into several camps.

“It’ll be interesting to see how the prime minister can put a team together to dialogue with His Majesty about the overlaps in the executive powers.”

2025 elections

Tongans are set to head to the polls later this year to elect a new government and the formation of another Cabinet.

Senituli hopes that the dialogue between the King and Eke takes place soon.

“It cannot happen within the next 10 or 11 months or before the next election. It should happen soon. Hopefully, by the time we get to the elections after the elections in November, it will be held under a different arrangement.”

He has also warned that Eke’s government faces the possibility of impeachment or a vote of no confidence.

“When the current prime minister submits his budget for the next financial year, which must be done before 1 July, it’s possible that the others that are not included in his Cabinet will vote against it.

“If that happens, we’re back in trouble.”

Driver dies after truck crashes into trees in Vava‘u’s Vaipua village 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A person has died after their truck crashed into trees in the Neiafu village of Vaipua. 

The crash happened in the afternoon near Taoa. 

Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota, who took the photo at the scene, said the deceased was Lisiate Tone.  

The fatality comes amid concerns in Tonga at the number of reported fatal crashes on the main island of Tongatapu.  

As Kaniva News reported this week, a two-car collision at Vaolōloa on Sunday claimed the life of a medical doctor. 

Viliami Lavemai died after it appeared that alcohol was a factor in the crash.  

That incident followed the report of a massive vehicle accident that occurred on Hihifo road at Hōfoa, where a young sister and brother died. 

Reports claimed speed had been a factor in that double tragedy.  

Smuggler who carried $1.6m of meth into NZ jailed for 6.5 years

By
Kaniva Staff
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By 1News Reporters

A 69-year-old Dutch national has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after he attempted to smuggle $1.6 million worth of methamphetamine through Auckland Airport last year.

The man hid the drugs in the lining of his hand luggage.
The man hid the drugs in the lining of his hand luggage. (Source: Customs NZ)

He was sentenced at the Manukau District Court yesterday after being convicted of the importation of the Class A controlled drug.

The 4.4kg of methamphetamine was seized by Customs in September last year after it was found in the lining of the man’s hand luggage.

The estimated street value of the seized drugs was up to $1.6 million, and $4.9 million worth of social harm.

“Anyone committing such a serious crime will have to face the consequences,” Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said, in a statement.

“Drug couriers may be willing to take the risk of trying to smuggle illegal drugs, but they should understand that Customs’ training and access to intelligence means there is a good chance we will catch and arrest them.”

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