Tongan Olympian Pita Taufatofua has delighted fans once again—this time not from an Olympic stadium, but from home.
Pita Taufatofua. Photo/File photo
In a Facebook post this morning, Taufatofua shared a photo of himself with his sister and nephew, captioned: “Back home and explaining to my sister and nephew about that time I carried the Olympic flag and didn’t drop it!”
The light‑hearted post comes just days after Taufatofua returned to the headlines for his appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, officially opened on February 6, 2026, in a historic dual ceremony across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
During the Opening Ceremony, he carried the Olympic flag as a “messenger of peace,” joining a group of global representatives selected for embodying unity and Olympic values.
Taufatofua’s role in the 2026 ceremony adds another chapter to his remarkable Olympic journey.
He first captured worldwide attention at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he appeared bare‑chested and wearing a traditional taʻovala as Tonga’s flag bearer—a moment that became a viral sensation and an iconic Pacific representation on the world stage.
Although he was eliminated in the first round of the taekwondo competition in Rio, his Olympic journey was far from over.
He stunned audiences again at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, competing in cross‑country skiing and placing 114th out of 119 in the 15km freestyle event—still earning admiration for braving the cold in his cultural attire.
Pita Taufatofua at home sharing the story with his sister and nephew about the moment he carried the Olympic flag without dropping it.
He went on to make a third Olympic appearance in 2020, walking alongside fellow Tongan taekwondo athlete Malia Paseka during the Opening Ceremony, further solidifying his status as one of Tonga’s most recognisable and versatile athletes.
While Taufatofua did not compete in the 2026 Winter Games, his presence as a flag‑bearer once again brought pride to Tongans worldwide.
Media coverage has highlighted him as a recurring symbol of Pacific identity, perseverance, and global representation.
The Government has unveiled a nationwide expansion of police powers allowing officers to issue “move‑on orders” to rough sleepers, beggars, and people exhibiting disorderly or intimidating behaviour in any town centre across the country.
The government has confirmed it will give police the power to issue move-on orders – not just in Auckland, but all town centres across the country.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced the new powers during a briefing in Auckland, describing the measures as a response to community concerns about safety and the visibility of homelessness.
Goldsmith said the policy is not aimed at punishing hardship, rejecting claims that the changes criminalise poverty.
Under the new rules, police will be able to instruct individuals — including those as young as 14 — to leave an area for a specified time – up to 24 hours – and distance determined by the officer if they are deemed to be causing disruption or posing a risk to public order.
The orders specifically target behaviours such as aggressive begging, rough sleeping in high‑traffic areas, and conduct considered threatening or disorderly.
They will also apply to individuals obstructing entry to a business, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, or engaging in behaviour that suggests an attempt to inhabit a public place.
The move comes despite recent data showing that offences related to public order, health, and safety have fallen significantly compared with a decade ago.
The Government’s approach also appears to contrast with earlier statements from the Police Minister expressing reluctance for police to be the primary agency handling homelessness in Auckland’s central city, calling instead for social agencies to “step up” and take greater responsibility.
Goldsmith defended the scope of the policy, saying it responds to ongoing concerns raised by businesses, residents, and local authorities. He insisted it would help restore confidence in public spaces without unfairly targeting people experiencing homelessness. Mitchell echoed this view, saying the orders provide police with a clearer legal tool to deal with behaviour that makes the public feel unsafe.
However, the consequences for defying a move‑on order are severe. Those who refuse to comply could face fines of up to $2000 or imprisonment for up to three months, raising concerns among advocacy groups about criminalising people who may already be in crisis.
The Government maintains that the measures strike a balance between compassion and community expectations, while critics argue the policy addresses visible symptoms of homelessness rather than root causes such as unaffordable housing, mental health gaps, and inadequate support services.
As the legislation rolls out nationwide, town centres across New Zealand can expect a greater police presence and a sharper focus on street behaviour — setting the stage for renewed debate over how best to respond to homelessness and social distress.
The UK government is weighing the possibility of introducing legislation that would formally remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — formerly known as Prince Andrew — from the royal line of succession, following his recent arrest and an intensifying police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, whose ties to Jeffrey Epstein remain under police investigation.
Andrew, who remains eighth in line to the throne, continues to be legally eligible to become King despite having been stripped of his princely titles and facing ongoing scrutiny over his long‑standing association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
On Friday (local time), police conducted a second search of Andrew’s former home, one day after his arrest and nearly 11 hours in custody. He was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to claims that, while serving as a UK trade envoy, he shared sensitive information with Epstein.
Investigators are also questioning former members of his close protection unit, with the Metropolitan Police urging them to report anything they “saw or heard” that might assist in the inquiry into Epstein-linked activities. Police say the widening probe includes reviewing allegations involving flights connected to Epstein and the possible movement of trafficked individuals through UK airports.
Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, denies any wrongdoing in relation to his associations with Epstein.
Government reconsidering earlier stance on legislation
Until recently, the British government had argued that passing a law to alter the royal line of succession would not be an appropriate use of parliamentary time. However, that position has now shifted.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray confirmed that the government is reassessing the need for legislation and is “not ruling anything out,” though any formal action would only be taken once the police investigation has concluded.
The move would require an Act of Parliament, as well as agreement from the other Commonwealth realms where King Charles III is head of state — a process constitutional experts warn would be “really complicated.”
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said such matters were “purely for Parliament” and that the Palace would not interfere with any legislative process.
Public and political pressure increases
Public support for removing Andrew from the line of succession is significant. A YouGov poll conducted immediately after his arrest showed that 82% of respondents favour his removal.
Multiple senior politicians, including Defence Minister Luke Pollard, have indicated that preventing Andrew from being “a heartbeat away from the throne” is the right course of action, regardless of the investigation’s outcome. Pollard said the government and Buckingham Palace have been working together toward this end, though any formal steps must wait for the police process to finish.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell has also reiterated calls for Andrew to be stripped of all royal roles and responsibilities, saying the country must be left with “Andrew the citizen” — fully accountable under the law.
A rare and historic move
Removing a royal from the succession line through legislation would be highly unusual. The last comparable instance occurred in 1936, following the abdication of King Edward VIII.
With investigations deepening and political will shifting, Andrew’s position in the line of succession is now more uncertain than ever. The government is expected to decide its next steps once police complete their inquiry, signalling that a historic constitutional change may be on the horizon.
Why Former Prince Andrew Lost His Royal Titles
Former Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles after years of controversy driven by his close association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a series of damaging allegations. His friendship with Epstein — including evidence that he shared official trade documents while serving as a UK envoy — fuelled public and political pressure on the monarchy.
Andrew also faced sexual assault allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who said she was forced to have sex with him as a teenager. Although he denied the claims, he later settled the civil lawsuit out of court. These allegations, resurfaced repeatedly through legal filings and Giuffre’s later memoir, intensified scrutiny.
His credibility suffered further after a widely criticised 2019 BBC interview, which led him to step back from public duties. As pressure mounted to protect the Crown’s reputation, King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove Andrew’s remaining titles, styles, honours, and royal privileges. He was also required to leave his long‑time residence at Royal Lodge.
Despite denying wrongdoing, Andrew’s continued ties to Epstein, conflicting accounts about their relationship, and the gravity of the accusations ultimately led Buckingham Palace to conclude that revoking his princehood was necessary to safeguard the monarchy’s integrity
The Queen Sālote College (QSC) Committee has issued an official statement refuting recent allegations circulating on Facebook that contractors engaged in college projects have not been paid for weeks.
Queen Salote College campus, where preparations continue ahead of the centenary celebrations.
The online claims quickly triggered debate, with some highly committed former students defending the allegations while others sided firmly with the complainants.
According to the Committee, all QSC contractors have been fully paid according to the agreed contracts and arrangements.
In a firm response, the Committee emphasised that “ALL CONTRACTORS HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL,” and clarified that every payment has been “properly completed” as stipulated in the contractual agreements.
The Committee advised the public, including former students and community members, to exercise caution when consuming unverified information shared on social media.
They stated that any claims not released directly by the contractors themselves or by the QSC Committee should not be trusted, urging people to rely solely on official channels for accurate updates.
Complaints Spark Online Debate
The Committee’s statement follows multiple posts made on Facebook in recent weeks by individuals claiming to be workers on the QSC building project.
Some alleged they had not received payment for weeks, with a few stating they had families to support and were struggling financially while awaiting wages.
The controversy quickly triggered debate across online Tongan community spaces, raising concerns about worker welfare and transparency surrounding the college’s centenary projects.
Significance Amid 100-Year Anniversary
The timing of the allegations is particularly notable as the College marks its 100-year centenary this year — a milestone of major cultural and historical significance.
The building project at the centre of the dispute is reportedly one of the key memorial initiatives planned to commemorate the three‑day anniversary celebration scheduled for March 12–15.
The Committee’s statement aims to reassure stakeholders, alumni, and the wider public that the college’s centenary preparations remain on track and that financial obligations to contractors have been honoured.
Videos and images of Wests Tigers young gun Heamasi Makasini have surged across Tongan Facebook groups this week, with supporters enthusiastically sharing clips of his explosive runs and labelling the 18‑year‑old as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in years.
Wests Tigers rising star Heamasi Makasini, whose explosive performances have Tongan fans sharing his highlights across social media.
Footage taken from playing fields — alongside highlights from recent trial matches — is being widely reposted, with many Tongan fans celebrating his raw power, acceleration and instinctive attacking style.
Several online groups have described him as an “attacking prodigy,” with some commenters even likening his barnstorming carries to the legendary Jonah Lomu, whose impact on world rugby remains iconic in Tonga and beyond.
Makasini, standing 192cm tall and weighing 105kg, has quickly become one of the brightest young talents in the NRL system.
His breakout 2025 debut earned him early “rising star” recognition, but it was his dominant 2026 pre‑season performance — including a hat‑trick against the Roosters in a trial match — that ignited a new wave of excitement across the Tongan community.
Clips of his performances have spread rapidly, with many Facebook pages posting slow‑motion replays of his fend‑offs, line breaks and powerful finishes.
Supporters are praising his combination of size, speed and confidence — traits they say echo the style of Tonga’s most celebrated sporting figures.
“Every time he runs, defenders bounce off him. This is Lomu‑level stuff,” wrote one commenter in a popular Tonga supporters’ group.
Others say Makasini represents the next generation of elite rugby league talent emerging from the Tongan diaspora, noting his potential to become a major figure for both the Wests Tigers and the Tonga national team.
With the 2026 season approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating what he will deliver next — and whether his rising profile will translate into international honours.
For now, however, his highlight reels continue to dominate online spaces in Tonga, where supporters are praising not just his talent, but the growing pride he brings to the kingdom.
As one fan wrote in a post shared hundreds of times: “Tonga’s future is already here — and everyone can see it.”
Tonga Police has issued a fresh public alert on domestic violence, posting a new advisory to its official Facebook page today, urging families to recognise the seriousness of violence within the home and to report incidents early.
The notice, titled “Domestic Violence Is a Crime,” reinforces that abuse of any form remains a prosecutable offence and stresses the need for collective community action to keep families safe.
The advisory outlines six key forms of domestic violence: physical assault, verbal and emotional abuse, threats and intimidation, sexual abuse, financial control or deprivation, and damage to property. Police reiterated their zero‑tolerance stance, promising firm action against offenders and prioritising the protection of victims.
The public message comes at a critical time, following the release of new data that paints a stark picture of the scale of violence occurring in Tongan homes.
According to the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC), findings from Tonga’s 2024 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) reveal that 86.1% of children aged 1–14 experienced physical punishment and/or psychological aggression from household members within the previous month.
Meanwhile, 33.68% of women aged 15–49 reported suffering physical, sexual, or psychological violence from an intimate partner in the past year.
WCCC says these figures expose not only widespread abuse but deeply rooted attitudes that continue to normalise violence. The survey found 23.6% of women and 14.5% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances. Overall, 38.1% of respondents agree it is acceptable to beat a woman in some situations.
“These are not just statistics – they are reflections of daily pain and fear endured by our women and children,” said WCCC Monitoring & Evaluation Advocate Soana Pongi.
The Police advisory, posted just hours after the WCCC statement, includes practical guidance for those needing help. Members of the public are urged to report incidents immediately to 922, reach out to trusted family or community leaders, and take action early to prevent further harm.
Police say they issued today’s reminder because many cases remain unreported, and the harm caused—especially to children—can have long‑lasting effects on wellbeing and relationships. The advisory reinforces the national message: “Safe Homes. Safe Communities. Safe Tonga.”
With both law enforcement and frontline advocates calling attention to the escalating problem, authorities are urging the public to take domestic violence seriously and to support efforts to break what they describe as a cycle of silence, fear, and generational trauma.
Auckland, NZ – A nine‑month police investigation has uncovered what authorities describe as a sophisticated drug‑importation and distribution ring using the dark web to smuggle large quantities of illicit substances into New Zealand.
Cocaine seized during Operation Solana (Source: NZ Police )
Operation Solana — led by the National Organised Crime Group — culminated in coordinated raids across Auckland and Hamilton on Thursday and Friday, resulting in the arrest of 11 people.
The operation targeted an alleged network involved in sourcing and supplying methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.
Police executed 16 search warrants, seizing significant quantities of drugs alongside approximately $500,000 in cash and three firearms, one of which was a 3D‑printed weapon.
Investigators say the group relied on encrypted messaging platforms, anonymous online marketplaces and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial trails.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt said the inquiry began after investigators identified a local syndicate suspected of using anonymous dark‑web trading sites to conduct illegal activity.
“We have established this group allegedly imported and distributed these controlled drugs across the country,” Hunt said.
Police believe the drugs were shipped from multiple overseas sources, including the UK, Europe and the United States.
Working with New Zealand Customs and international agencies — among them US and European law‑enforcement partners and the Australian Border Force — authorities intercepted more than 200 kilograms of controlled drugs offshore before they could reach the network.
Additional quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine were discovered during the execution of this week’s search warrants.
The 11 arrested individuals, aged between 24 and 42, were expected to appear in the Auckland District and Hamilton District Courts today.
They face a raft of charges, including the importation, possession and supply of Class A, B and C drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and participation in an organised criminal group.
Hunt said Operation Solana demonstrated the growing capability of police to track offending in encrypted and anonymous online environments.
“Offending on the dark web is not invisible,” he said. “These arrests send a clear message: If you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account.”
Explainer – Tonga’s Police Commissioner, Geoff Turner, told Matangi Tonga he is seeking government approval to authorise wastewater drug testing in the kingdom.
Turner said the approach would help police measure illicit drug consumption trends nationwide.
If approved, he said wastewater testing could initially be carried out at police stations, where officers would be tested first as a lead‑by‑example measure before the programme is expanded to the wider community.
While wastewater testing works best in countries with centralised sewage networks like New Zealand, Tonga lacks such infrastructure.
Instead, local authorities would need to rely on sampling from individual septic systems and other decentralised wastewater sources.
The programme would be backed by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, which has secured funding to carry out wastewater testing initiatives across several Pacific nations.
But what exactly is wastewater testing — and how has it been used overseas?
Wastewater Drug Testing
Wastewater drug testing, known scientifically as wastewater‑based epidemiology (WBE), analyses raw sewage for traces of illicit drugs excreted by users. Daily samples are collected from wastewater systems and examined using advanced laboratory methods such as chromatography‑mass spectrometry.
These tests detect drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, heroin, fentanyl and new synthetic substances. The findings are usually expressed as estimated milligrams per 1,000 people per day, offering an anonymous and real‑time picture of drug use across regions.
The technique can also distinguish whether drugs were consumed or simply dumped into the sewer, using chemical profiling to compare parent drugs with their metabolites.
WBE is now widely used by law enforcement, public‑health agencies and policymakers to identify emerging drug threats and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
How New Zealand Uses Wastewater Testing
New Zealand operates one of the world’s most comprehensive wastewater drug monitoring programmes, covering more than 75% of the population. Regular reports from New Zealand Police show consistently high levels of methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine across multiple districts.
In late 2024, RNZ reported that wastewater data revealed a sharp increase in methamphetamine, cocaine and MDMA use, prompting police to investigate the cause and consider enforcement responses.
Earlier nationwide testing summarised by Water New Zealand also noted that methamphetamine was the dominant illicit drug detected, with an estimated $20 million per week in associated social harm.
Wastewater Testing Leading to Police Action
In December 2025, The New Zealand Herald reported that three people were arrested and drugs, weapons and cash seized during raids in Hawke’s Bay. According to the report, the arrests followed a six‑month police operation codenamed Operation Tukutuki, which police launched specifically in response to high levels of methamphetamine detected in wastewater testing.
Police said wastewater analysis indicated methamphetamine had “an increasingly strong grip” on the region, prompting targeted enforcement. Multiple search warrants were executed, uncovering methamphetamine, cash, a 3D‑printed firearm and stolen property.
This case is a clear example of how wastewater data can directly influence police operations — not by identifying individual users, but by guiding strategic enforcement in high‑consumption areas.
Why Tonga Must Adopt the Same Method
Turner reportedly said a large proportion of drugs transhipped through the region were not destined for domestic markets.
This assessment is consistent with reports from experts in Fiji and Samoa, who say their islands have become strategic transit points in a wider trafficking network funnelling drugs toward New Zealand and Australia.
While the bulk of these shipments move onward, portions are believed to be left behind as part of the transactional arrangements that enable the smuggling routes to operate.
In Tonga, however, the pattern is becoming harder to ignore. A steady succession of arrests involving alleged illicit drug dealers — including cases brought before the courts as recently as last week and earlier this month — points to a deeper, largely unseen flow of narcotics within the country.
The frequency of these cases raises questions about how much contraband escapes detection and whether Tonga is now facing the domestic consequences of a trade long thought to pass through the region rather than settle in it.
Given the precision and evidentiary strength of wastewater testing, its adoption in Tonga is widely viewed as long overdue.
The system would allow police to better target resources and avoid unnecessary or failed operations that stem from unreliable tip‑offs.
A building in Tonga has been demolished after what is understood to be a family dispute, according to video footage shared online.
An excavator demolishes a building in Tonga following a family land dispute, as seen in footage shared on social media. Photo/Screenshot
The video, posted to social media, shows a large excavator tearing down the structure while bystanders recorded the incident from outside the property’s gate.
The footage shows the excavator positioned on top of piles of broken timber, roofing iron, and other debris as it continues to pull apart what remains of the building.
Kaniva News understands the destruction stemmed from a disagreement related to land rights.
In the video, a woman can be heard alleging that the conflict arose because of a legal issue involving land registration. She claimed that under Tongan law, “no one should register two land allotments, only one.”
Her comments suggest the dispute involved questions about whether one party held more than a single legal allotment, an issue that has historically caused tension within some families under Tonga’s land tenure system.
The location of the property and the identity of its owner remained unknown.
Authorities and those involved in the dispute could not be reached for comment.
Strong Reactions from the Public
The footage has prompted a wave of responses across social media.
Some commenters expressed sympathy for those affected, with several alleging that the demolished building was worth “millions,” though no official estimate has been confirmed.
Others offered religious reflections, quoting verses from the Holy Bible and urging patience, forgiveness, and compassion.
Some urged families to pursue peaceful resolution rather than resorting to actions that cause visible and emotional destruction.
No Official Statement Yet
As of publication, authorities have not released any statement regarding the cause of the demolition or whether any legal proceedings will follow.
It remains unclear whether the dispute had been taken through any formal mediation channels before the situation escalated.
Kaniva News will continue to monitor developments and report as more information becomes available.
Shocking images exposing dangerous structural decay inside Ngū Hospital in Vavaʻu have unleashed fierce criticism, as frustrated residents point to years of government promises to build a replacement facility — promises that vanished without action.
Photos uploaded by Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota reveal the deteriorating state of Ngu Hospital, with a hazardous floor hole and crumbling door frame among the visible damage.
One of the photos shows a gaping hole in the hospital floor, directly beside a hospital bed or medical trolley.
The hole exposes broken flooring material and a dark cavity beneath—posing an immediate danger to anyone walking or working near it. The image highlights how parts of the hospital appear to be literally falling apart under the feet of staff and patients.
Another photo reveals severe structural failure around a doorway, with crumbling concrete, broken wall surfaces, and debris scattered across the ground.
The area inside the room appears filled with damaged materials, giving the impression of long‑term neglect and abandonment rather than an operational health facility.
It comes after Kaniva News reported about four years ago, in 2022, that Ngū Hospital was facing serious infrastructure problems, including leaking and outdated buildings. At the time, senior cabinet ministers described the situation as urgent and unacceptable.
The then Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Dr Viliami Uasikē Lātū, said the conditions were “inappropriate and pitiable” (“’tu’unga ‘ikai fe’unga mo faka’ofa”). Posting in Tongan on Facebook after a ministerial site visit, he wrote: “It is in a dangerous state and really needs reconstruction urgently.”
Dr Lātū inspected the hospital alongside the then Minister for Health, Dr Saia Piukala, and the Minister for Justice, Sāmiu Vaipulu. They were accompanied by the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Tonga, Ms Lucy Joyce, and the First Secretary to the Australian High Commission.
Two years later, on 7 November 2024, the World Bank announced the approval of a US$30 million grant to help Tonga address the growing burden of non‑communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and heart disease. The funding was also intended to support the reconstruction of Ngū Hospital.
Public Outcry as Photos Confirm Years of Neglect
Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota published the images on Facebook this week, describing the condition as rotten (“popo”), triggering a wave of frustration among local residents, many of whom say the photos confirm long‑standing warnings about the hospital’s deteriorating condition.
Some commenters expressed disbelief that the main hospital for the Vavaʻu island group could be allowed to fall into such disrepair, while others questioned how patient safety and dignity could be maintained in such conditions.
One outraged commenter pointed out that while authorities are urging the public to clean up amid dengue outbreaks, the very institution that should embody cleanliness and safety — the hospital itself — is in a state of chaos and neglect.
“We never thought one of the main hospitals in Tonga could ever end up in this kind of danger,” a commenter wrote.
Another commenter pointed out that past governments repeatedly promised to renovate the hospital, yet none of those pledges ever materialised.
Last year, the Australian High Commission in Tonga announced on Facebook that the redevelopment of Vavaʻu’s Prince Wellington Ngū Hospital was “a project close to our hearts,” noting that work with key partners was progressing.
The post said the Australian team had joined the Ministry of Health and the World Bank to mark early milestones, confirming that design work for the new hospital building would begin soon. Tonga’s Ministry of Finance has allocated AUD $10 million from Australia’s budget support funds to the national project.
