Home Blog Page 116

Baby dies of whooping cough over Christmas period

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

An infant died from whooping cough over the Christmas period, Health New Zealand has confirmed.

A colony of pertussis bacterium, which causes whooping cough.
A colony of pertussis bacterium, which causes whooping cough. (Source: istock.com)

Officials declared a national epidemic in November last year, with 1232 cases notified and 101 people hospitalised since the onset.

“Today we are acknowledging the death of an infant from whooping cough over the Christmas period,” National Public Health Service public health medicine specialist Dr Matt Reid said.

“Our hearts go out to the family who have lost their child to this highly infectious disease.”

Reid said it was “more important now than ever” to prioritise getting pregnant women, infants and those who are vulnerable immunised against whooping cough, also known as pertussis.

“Whooping cough is highly contagious and can cause serious harm to pēpi (babies), especially those aged under six-weeks-old, who are too young to be vaccinated.

Medical advice should be sought by parents or caregivers if their children have a cough that ends with a “whoop” sound or vomiting, if they stop breathing or go blue with coughing, if they get exhausted from coughing, or if they are unable to feed properly or lose weight due to coughing and difficulty breathing, he added.

“The best protection for you and your whānau against whooping cough is to get vaccinated – particularly pregnant people, pēpi, tamariki and older adults who are at higher risk.”

The whooping cough pregnancy vaccine is free, best given from 16 weeks of pregnancy, and should be given with each pregnancy to protect each baby.

Vaccinations for whooping cough are required at ages 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months, then again at 4 years. A further booster is given at age 11. Adults are eligible for one free booster from age 45 and can also get one free from age 65.

Reid said in 2023 three infants died of whooping cough.

Health Minister Shane Reti said he was “very saddened” to hear of the infant’s death.

“My thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.”

He said we all have a role in protecting babies from serious illnesses like whooping cough.

“Immunisation is the best way to prevent whooping cough, and since the epidemic began I am pleased to see data suggesting an increase in pregnant women getting vaccinated. But there is still much more to do.

“It’s incredibly important that people look out for symptoms of whooping cough and I urge pregnant women and anyone who has close contact with young children to get immunised.”

Flying Fijians confirmed to play Wallabies and Scotland in 2025

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Iliesa Tora, RNZ Pacific

The Flying Fijians will play the Wallabies and Scotland in two Test matches during the July/August international rugby window.

The Flying Fijians celebrating their 2024 PNC final win over Japan. Photo: World Rugby

The Flying Fijians celebrating their 2024 PNC final win over Japan. Photo: World Rugby Photo: World Rugby

Former Flying Fijian and new Fiji Rakavi Football Union Limited (FRFU) board chairman John Sanday confirmed the two matches to RNZ Pacific.

Fiji Rakavi (Fiji Rugby) is the new company registered to administer, operate and manage rugby in Fiji.

“We have held discussions with Australia Rugby around the Vuvale Partnership and confirm that July 6 is the date for the Test against the Wallabies,” Sanday said.

“The Flying Fijians then return home to play Scotland the following weekend.”

Sanday said the Test matches will be good opportunities for the team to confirm their status in the World Rugby top 10 rankings.

Simione Kuruvoli sets up to fire a pass out against the Wallabies in Saint Entienne, France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Kuruvoli kicked Fiji to beating the Wallabies for the first time in 69 years, on Sunday 17 September 2023. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Simione Kuruvoli sets up to fire a pass out against the Wallabies in Saint Entienne, France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Kuruvoli kicked Fiji to beating the Wallabies for the first time in 69 years, on Sunday 17 September 2023. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Fiji is currently ninth below both Australia (8th) and Scotland (6th).

The Flying Fijians had defeated Australia, 22-15, for the first time in 69 years, at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, sending the Wallabies out of the top 10 rankings.

On their November tour last year, the Fijians lost badly to Scotland.

Sanday said both Test matches would be exciting and tough for the Fiji national side but he was confident the side can cause upsets again.

Under new coach Joe Schmidt the Wallabies began their resurrection in 2024.

They face the British and Irish Lions over three Test matches in July and August, with the Fiji clash lined up as a warm-up for that.

Sanday said that makes the Test clash on 6 July interesting.

“I am sure the Wallabies will be focused on winning that Test, avenging their loss in France and then of course warming up to meeting the British Lions,” Sanday said.

The Scotland Test back home in Fiji will also be a chance for the national side to avenge their loss in Murrayfield last November.

“We would like to welcome back Scotland to the Pacific and am excited because that will be the opportunity for the Flying Fijians to claim a win back over them.”

Read more:Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika look strong on paper but can they make it to the top in 2025?New board of trustees tackles the challenge of running Fiji rugby

Following the two Test matches the Flying Fijians will then aim to defend their Pacific Nations Cup title when the series rolls off at the end of July and into August.

Two pools, Pacific and Asia, will be drawn up again for the series, which could also become the first qualifying event for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Pacific teams Samoa and Tonga will need qualification while Asia pool teams Canada and USA also need to qualify for 2027.

Sanday said the board is working with the FRFU management to finalise other Test matches in the November window.

“We are still discussing that with other unions and will confirm the details later.”

FRFU Board chairman John Sanday. Image: Fiji Rugby

FRFU Board chairman John Sanday. Image: Fiji Rugby Photo: Fiji Rugby Union

Diaspora involvement critical

Meanwhile, Sanday said one of the critical areas the board was working on is strengthening its commercial arm, which will be charged with securing funding, sponsorships and partnerships.

As a commercial director on the board, Sanday revealed one of the areas they are looking at is working with the Fijian diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA as partners.

“We are open to ideas and discussions,” he said.

“We want all Fijians to come on board and be a part of Fiji Rugby to support the national teams.”

The board had held discussions with the 8th Man, a fan group based out of Europe.

They will hold discussions also with similar fan groups and communities in the other countries around the globe.

The Flying Fijians and the sevens teams do not lack support when they travel to play around the globe, with thousands of Fiji fans turning up to support them.

“If you notice while watching these games, the majority of these fans are decked out with some kind of merchandise that identifies them as a fan for the Fijian team playing on the field,” Sanday said.

“These patriotic fans have contributed financially to Fiji Rugby by online purchase of merchandise through our distribution partners.

“The board is currently considering a review of the Fiji Rugby business model to introduce a subscription element.

“The basic strategy is to harness the patriotism from our growing supporter base to participate in a loyalty program with benefits/content that come with an annual fee to enable our rugby crazy fans to get a better online media content experience and through that, their annual subscription will directly assist our teams and sport nationally.

“These are being discussed and we are hoping to formalise and launch some of these this new year.”

Sanday said they want to make those connections beneficial to everyone involved.

Locally, he said they are working with member unions on understanding the strategic plan and how they can be involved.

He added that is important and they want to have a transparent system with the unions.

“Strengthening relationships with the rugby unions and national teams, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that all stakeholders are working cohesively is critical to the board, and the emphasis will also be placed on continued development of grassroots rugby to create future stars and clear talent pathways,” he said.

“My main focus as chairman, though, is to reconnect and strengthen the relationships with member unions and associations and listening to the challenges they face and see how and where FRU can intervene to help fix them. I am not making big promises but I am here to serve and to listen.”

He also revealed that sportswear brand Umbro is the new supplier for all team uniforms for five years, replacing Nike, whose sponsorship contract ended in December 2024.

Sanday said they will continue working with World Rugby and other stakeholders to ensure that during their watch Fiji Rugby develops positively and is in a better place when they complete their terms as a board.

Gun allegedly fired at vehicle from another in Auckland’s Mount Wellington

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

Two people were taken into custody in Auckland last night after a gun was allegedly fired from one vehicle at another, while a third is accused of driving through a police cordon.

Police said an altercation took place between two groups outside a restaurant on Lunn Ave in Mt Wellington before the two parties separated and got into two vehicles.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said the occupants of one vehicle allegedly fired a shot towards the other one.

“Both vehicles fled immediately after, however our staff were in the area, and signalled one to stop.”

The other vehicle continued on towards Mt Wellington and was tracked by the police helicopter heading towards Māngere Bridge, where it pulled into a property on Mountain Rd.

The occupants ran through properties and got into another vehicle, Baldwin said.

“The offenders then continued onto the South-Western motorway towards Manurewa and officers attempted to stop it on Puhinui Rd, however, it failed to stop.

“A pursuit ensued towards a Burundi Ave address where two people were arrested, both with gang links.”

A sawn-off shotgun was also located in the vehicle.

While officers were at the scene, another vehicle drove through police cordons and failed to stop when signalled. Baldwin said the driver, who was the partner of one of the arrested men, was also taken into custody.

“We know incidents like this are distressing for the wider community, so these swift arrests by our diligent staff are really pleasing and significant to ongoing public safety.”

He added there was currently no known link to a firearms incident which left a man critically injured in East Auckland later that night.

“We are keeping an open mind at this very early stage.”

A 30-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, failing to stop, and intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a firearm.

Expert weighs in after insurer’s refuses payout for Lulutai airlines’ crashed Saab340 Aircraft 

By
Kalino Latu
-

The insurer for the Lulutai Airlines’ crashed Saab340 aircraft has allegedly denied a payout for the aircraft following a collision at Fua’amotu Airport in December 2023. 

Lulutai Airline Saab 340 aircraft that slid off the runway at Tonga’s Fua’amotu airport on Friday. 8 December 2023 Photo: Facebook

The impact rendered the aircraft non-operational and has remained stationary since then.  

As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, Monte Aircraft Leasing, an Australia-based UK company, has claimed ownership of the aircraft.

Tony Frank, the director of Monte, claimed QBE Insurance insured the Saab340 aircraft. 

However, after the crash, Frank also claimed QBE reportedly insisted that the aircraft could be repaired. He said QBE would only provide financial compensation if the repairs were carried out as a prerequisite.  

One year has passed since the crash, yet Lulutai and Monte are in an ongoing battle with QBE, and their request for a replacement aircraft remains unapproved. 

QBE Insurance could not be reached for comment.

While attention turned to Monte and QBE, insurance advisor Semi Halanukonuka suggested that the primary issues may be attributable to Lulutai Airlines. 

With 15 years of extensive experience working at AIA Insurance in New Zealand, Halanukonuka expressed concerns regarding the approval process from the insurer.  

He said that the year passed without any sign of approval led him to conclude that it is increasingly unlikely that any approval will be granted in the foreseeable future. 

Standard Procedure

Halanukonuka said it is standard practice for insurance companies, including QBE, to perform a thorough independent assessment of the aircraft when processing a claim.  

“This assessment typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of the aircraft’s condition, documentation verification, and examination of any relevant incident reports”, he told Kaniva News in Tongan.  

He said this was aimed to ensure an accurate determination of the damage and losses incurred, which ultimately helps in establishing the appropriate compensation for the claim.  

“For example, if they discovered that the aircraft wasn’t serviced on time and that essential mechanical parts, which were due for replacement based on their expiry date, weren’t replaced, they may consider denying the claims”, Halanukonuka said.  

He said that if the insurance experts discovered that the aircraft had operated with damaged parts, they could decline the claims. 

Other possible issues that might force the insurer to consider refusing any claims include receiving incorrect information or false statements or altering the circumstances of the loss, he said.  

“The insurer could also consider that the policy may not cover the loss or damage or there was insufficient proof of the loss or damage”.  

Controversy surrounding Lulutai airlines 

Lulutai Airlines has been a subject of controversy since it was founded in 2020. 

Semi Halanukonuka, an Insurance Advisor for AIA Insurance

 Critics, particularly from the Opposition Party, have consistently raised concerns about the airline’s financial viability.  

They argued that the market in Tonga is too small to sustain such an operation, leading to significant doubts about its profitability.  

The government maintained its position for quite some time, but tensions grew when the king voiced his concerns regarding its involvement in various business ventures.  

He argued that such involvement was inappropriate and that the operation of business enterprises should be the private sector’s responsibility. 

This week, Kaniva News made a surprising revelation regarding the Saab340 aircraft, which many assumed was owned by Lulutai. This information has remained undisclosed since the airline first began operations.  

Monte Aircraft Leasing  

We asked Frank how much Lulutai paid for the lease and whether the airlines is still paying the lease while the aircraft is inoperative. We also asked if we can get a copy of the lease agreement. 

He said he could not release this information to us, citing confidentiality.   

Frank said: “We believe that the aircraft is a constructive loss and Lulutai and Monte have been seeking a payout from QBE for most of this year.    

“However QBE have refused the payout, claiming that the aircraft is repairable and only offering to pay only a small portion of the insured value.  

He said this has caused a huge amount of damage to Tonga’s people, economy, and to Monte’s business.    

“Lulutai and we are continuing to press QBE but more than 12 months after the incident there is still no resolution”. 

The revelations follow a recent report by Kaniva News, which raised questions about the aircraft’s insurance status.   

The article asked whether the aircraft was indeed insured and, if so, why it had been taking approximately 12 months without any replacement being provided.   

In that article, we said we had asked Lulutai CEO Poasi Tei for comment, but he has yet to respond.   

The crash  

The aircraft was heading to the terminal after reportedly experiencing an undesired landing before hitting a cement block on the side of the apron. Following this incident, the plane was rendered inoperative and could not resume normal flight operations. 

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) were in Tongan early last year to assist the Civil Aviation Division’s Chief Investigator’s ongoing investigation of the accident involving the SAAB340 aircraft.   

It follows with a report that the Minister for Infrastructure received an update on the status of the Preliminary Report.   

As Kaniva News reported previously, the preliminary report showed several mechanical issues the aircraft had experienced, including hydraulic fuel loss and other safety problems.    

The report also indicated signs that the aircraft’s flight recorder may have been deliberately disabled.   

Thieves steal $75k worth of safety fences on Auckland’s North Shore

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Finn Blackwell of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Thieves have stolen $75,000 worth of road safety fences from a suburb on Auckland’s North Shore.

A total of 76 panels have been stolen from around the North Shore, costing about $75,000

A total of 76 panels have been stolen from around the North Shore, costing about $75,000 Photo: Supplied

More than 60 panels have been stolen from on top of a newly built retaining wall in Albany, between Silver Moon Road and Gills road.

Around 50 fence panels were stolen at the end of last year and more were taken last week, said Auckland Transport.

“The large black metal pool-like fencing panels would require at least two people to dismantle, and their removal would have required a vehicle and taken a fair amount of time,” they said in a statement.

They said 10 panels were also stolen from a recently repaired site on Glenvar Road in early November.

More than 60 panels have been stolen from on top of a newly built retaining wall in Albany, between Silver Moon Road and Gills road.

More than 60 panels have been stolen from on top of a newly built retaining wall in Albany, between Silver Moon Road and Gills road. Photo: Supplied

A total of 76 panels have been stolen from around the North Shore, costing about $75,000.

Upper Harbour local board deputy chairperson Uzra Casuri Balouch said the panels were there for pedestrian safety.

“The appalling theft of these panels has put the public’s safety at risk, as these fences were protecting pedestrians from the drop-off of a steep embankment,” she said in a statement.

“We’re disgusted by the actions of these thieves, and all the thefts have been reported to the New Zealand Police, and the incidents are currently being investigated.”

Getting the fences installed took a lot of effort and advocacy from the community, Balouch said.

“More and more you’re hearing about these things,” she said.

“I don’t know if it’s the cost of living crisis, people are stooping to this behaviour, it’s disappointing.”

A few residents saw the thieves, Balouch said, but they believed they were contractors as they wore high-vis jackets.

Balouch hoped someone would come forward with information.

“They’re not small panels, they will turn up somewhere to be sold, melted, so somebody somewhere, in Auckland or whereever, knows that some stolen panels have arrived.”

Police said they were not immediately aware of reports of stolen fencing, but were looking into reports referenced by Auckland Transport.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily news

Additional US$21 million fund increases number of student benefits on resilient school project to 8,000 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A new World Bank grant of US$21 million will allow a school project in Tonga to extend the number of students benefiting from it to a total of 8,000 students. 

Construction work is currently in progress at GPS Teékiu, led by Ca’Bella Pacific Construction (Tonga) Ltd. Photo / Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project

The World Bank initiated the Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project to enhance the safety and resilience of selected education facilities and improve the quality of data-driven education management.  

This included curricula and assessments in specific selected educational programs.  

The original project has already delivered results, a World Bank statement said.  

New classrooms and upgraded facilities for 571 students have been completed at schools in Atele, Kanokupolu, and Te’eiku, with further upgrades at Euieki and Kolomotua schools to commence in 2025.  

Work on an additional six schools in Ha’apai are also set to commence soon.  

To date, resilient school design packages for 11 schools have been completed, setting the stage for further improvements. 

The additional financing will advance the establishment of a comprehensive school maintenance program, including the finalization of a Pilot Maintenance Operations Manual and enhanced support for asset management in the education sector. 

Tonga’s education systems will also be strengthened through the project in other ways beyond infrastructure.  

The rollout of an Education Management Information System is ongoing, for instance, with coding and testing phases completed and the system operational in Tongatapu schools.  

The financing will also enable the project to expand into other regions, ensuring better data management and decision-making across the sector. Additionally, revisions to core curricula—covering mathematics, science, English, and Tongan language—are progressing, with the World Bank funding supporting training and implementation of these new learning modules and standards. 

The Tonga Safe and Resilient Schools Project is being implemented by the Government of Tonga and the additional financing supported by the Global Partnership for Education and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.  

Technical assistance is also being provided by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. 

This nationwide project represents a vital investment in the future of students across all of Tonga, ensuring they have access to safe learning spaces and high-quality education, even in the face of challenges ahead. 

‘She was the best of us’: Tributes flow as Lyn Fleming farewelled in Nelson

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

Police colleagues, family, friends and politicians gathered in Nelson today to farewell and honour the life of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming who died after being struck by a vehicle in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Hundreds of people turned out to the funeral of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming.
Hundreds of people turned out to the funeral of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. (Source: Supplied)

A large number of people attended the funeral of the 38-year police veteran at the Trafalgar Centre.

Police officers were brought into Nelson from other districts so that her colleagues can farewell the 62-year-old.

Fleming’s casket arrived via police motorcade at around 12.50pm followed by the service. The first part of the ceremony took place inside the venue before police relocated to the eastern carpark for the flag folding ceremony, police haka, and to form a guard of honour.

‘I love you so much’: Lyn Fleming remembered by her family

Both her son Aren and daughter Rayna, who led the eulogies, said that words were not enough to remember their mother by.

“Mum, I love you, always have, always will, I’m the person I am today because of you,” said Aren.

“I am sorry for all the fuss I know you would have hated being the centre of attention like this, but you deserve it.”

Rayna said her mother was her everything and the “glue that holds us all together”.

“I love you so much.”

Fleming’s brother Michael ‘Woody’ Fleming, a firefighter, began his speech by thanking those who tried to save her life.

He told childhood stories of his older sister and how he idolised her.

“The fact she has become an historical figure is going to annoy the hell out of her,” he said.

Lyn's brother Michael 'Woody' Fleming.
Lyn’s brother Michael ‘Woody’ Fleming. (Source: Supplied)

‘Full of goodness’ – Police Commissioner

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said that as a senior officer, Fleming did not have to work the night she died, but she did anyway to support her team.

Chambers said he had read Fleming’s personal file and that it was “full of goodness” after 38 years and seven months on the job.

“Letters of thanks and acknowledgement from members of the community, families, children, for what she did for them in their time of need.”

The pair worked together for a short period when Chambers served as Tasman District Commander and he needed assistance with some “complex tasks”.

“I needed someone who had influence, someone who had a lot of common sense, someone whose commitment I could rely on. She got me there.

He said had asked Fleming if she would be interested in doing a similar job but at a national level, which would require “quite a bit of time” away from Nelson.

“Her response to my offer was resounding and clear. ‘No’. I said, ‘Lyn, why not?’

“She said her commitment to her family, to her community, and to her colleagues here in Nelson was more important, and she was right.”

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers speaks at the funeral of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers speaks at the funeral of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. (Source: Supplied)

Jon Routhan, director of sport at Nelson College for Girls, spoke of her impact on countless people.

“She was the best of us and she is irreplaceable. Her wit, knowledge, love and purple puffer jacket stay with our girls forever.”

Earlier today, representatives from police in Australia laid flowers outside the Nelson Police Station.

As well as a dedicated police officer, Fleming has been remembered as a loved mother, wife, daughter, and sister. She was heavily involved in Nelson netball.

Fleming is the 34th officer to die in the line of duty in New Zealand. She is also the first female officer and only officer from the Nelson region to be killed.

Convicted former MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu finally spotted as public awaiting the couple’s retrial  

By
Kaniva Staff
-

After more than a year of disappearance from the public eye that has sparked an increasingly feverish wave of online conspiracy theories, ‘Etuate Lavulavu has finally been seen out in public. 

Former Convicted MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu

The former Cabinet Minister and his wife Akosita Lavulavu, also a former MP and Cabinet minister, are awaiting retrial after an Appeal Court decision overturned the 2021 Supreme Court decision, which sentenced them to six years in jail. 

‘Etuate appeared on a streamed video last week and shared his ideas on Tonga’s recent Vote of No Confidence.

The last update we had on the Lavulavus retrial was late last year.

We reported that Tonga’s Attorney General was appealing a Supreme Court ruling that prevented the use of the Auditor’s report on Lavulavus’ school attendance as admissible evidence in the couple’s pending retrial. 

The couple had previously been jailed after charges they had fraudulently claimed $US250,000 in government funding given to their private school, ‘Unuaki ‘O Tonga Royal Institute, to cover student transition. 

The retrial was delayed multiple times after the Lavulavus protested against the evidence used against them. 

‘Etuate was also reported being admitted to a hospital in New Zealand last year. 

His doctor had long advocated for him to receive home care while he was in jail due to his health conditions. 

MetService has issued strong wind warning for Tongatapu and ‘Eua

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Wind gusts are some of the intense weather ‘Eua and Tongatapu residents may experience this afternoon till tomorrow. 

A trough is currently positioned over the regions of Vava’u, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua, Tonga MetSerice said. 

Occasional showers with strong winds may affect most of these areas until tomorrow. 

At the same time, a moist northeasterly wind flow is prevailing over the region. 

Light northeast wind variables at times have been forecasted for the Niuas at midnight tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the chance of a tropical cyclone hitting the Pacific, including Aotearoa, New Zealand, is “normal to elevated”, according to NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) and MetService.

NIWA’s tropical cyclone outlook for the region shows that six to 10 named tropical cyclones could affect the region between now and April.

The first cyclone of the cyclone season, Pita, passed near the Niuas, Ha’apai and Vava’u last week.

New lava lobe on Tonga’s Home Reef volcano

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Caleb Fotheringham of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

There’s a new lava lobe on Tonga’s Home Reef Volcano, covering close to half the island, and which has grown nearly 2000 times the size that it was when the thermal anomaly was first detected.

Image from Home Reef on 12 January 2025, showing no growth of the island since 2 January.

Image from Home Reef on 12 January 2025, showing no growth of the island since 2 January. Photo: Tonga Geological Services

Thermal anomalies have continued to be detected on Home Reef Volcano, located south west of Vava’u and north west of Ha’apai, since 4 December.

However, Tonga’s Geological Services said there are no indicators for major explosive eruptions.

The volcanic activity poses a low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai communities.

Tonga’s Geological Services senior geologist, Mele Manu said there is a new lava flow lobe on the northern shoreline of the volcano.

“The overall area of the island is approximately 158,000 square meters and 42 percent of this area is covered by the new lava lobe,” Manu said.

She said when the thermal anomaly was first detected the island was only 85 square meters.

Manu said a stream of pumice from Tonga’s Home Reef Volcano might be created if it becomes more active.

“Just in case there will be an increase in volcanic activities a pumice rust might be created – then most likely some of the pumice will drift to the southern islands of Vava’u.

“It is less likely that this will happen to Ha’apai – that’s just because of the direction of the sea current.”

All mariners are advised to remain at least two nautical miles away from Home Reef.

1...115116117...958Page 116 of 958