A public exchange on social media has sparked tension in Neiafu after the town officer, Vava Lapota, accused the ‘Utukalongalu Market management of neglecting cleanliness duties, prompting a sharp response from a market staff member.
An area of the ‘Utukalongalu Market in Neiafu shows litter scattered near a rubbish bin alongside grassy edges, as vendors and vehicles occupy the busy market surroundings. Photo/Vava Lapota
The dispute began when Lapota posted photos on Facebook yesterday showing areas of the government-owned market lot, which he described as “repulsive” and unclean.
The photos appeared to show overgrown, unmowed grass, while one image depicted what looked like an overflowing black rubbish bin with garbage spilling out.
The post, accompanied by critical commentary, quickly drew attention from the local community, highlighting concerns about sanitation standards at the busy marketplace.
Among those who responded was a Facebook user whom Lapota later identified as a staff member from the ‘Utukalongalu Market Department.
The commenter challenged the town officer’s approach, suggesting that instead of public criticism, he should come to the market and take action. She reportedly urged Lapota to “come and clean it up” himself and invited him to address the issue directly with the department in person.
The exchange escalated after Lapota publicly condemned the response as “uncivilised,” maintaining that the responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of the government lot lies with the market authorities.
He argued that his post was intended to draw attention to an issue affecting public health and the town’s image, particularly in a key commercial and community hub like the Neiafu market.
“The duty to keep the government lot clean rests with the Market Department,” Lapota told Kaniva News, defending his actions and rejecting the suggestion that he should personally intervene in the clean-up.
The Market authorities were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
The incident has prompted mixed reactions from residents, with some supporting the town officer’s decision to highlight what they say are long-standing sanitation issues, while others have questioned whether the matter should have been addressed privately rather than on a public platform.
Local observers say the dispute reflects broader concerns about accountability and communication between government officials and public service departments.
The ‘Utukalongalu Market is a key commercial hub in Vava‘u, serving vendors, farmers, and residents on a daily basis.
Its upkeep is considered essential for public health standards as well as for supporting tourism, with Neiafu remaining a major destination for visitors to the island group.
By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalist and is republished with permission
Biman Prasad, left, and Manoa Kamikamica Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
Two of Fiji’s former deputy prime ministers face trial on separate corruption charges after their applications to permanently stay criminal proceedings against them were dismissed.
The High Court of Fiji has refused Biman Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica’s applications to halt their prosecution by the country’s anti-corruption agency, ruling that grounds raised lacked “merit”.
The move comes as a general election looms in Fiji, with Fijians expected to go to the polls some time between 24 June this year and 6 February 2027.
Prasad and Kamikamica will appear in the Magistrates Court in Suva on Thursday, when a trial date is expected to be fixed. Both men have previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prasad, who is the current National Federation Party (NFP) leader, resigned from cabinet last October after the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) charged him with corruption.
He was charged with allegedly failing to declare his directorship in hotel ventures as required under the Political Parties Act.
Kamikamica, the former trade minister, stepped down a week before Prasad after also facing corruption charges.
The former deputy prime minister is charged with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
A High Court judgement reveals that between December 2024 and March 2025, Kamikamica allegedly made a false statement while he was a witness during a controversial Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of FICAC’S former head, Barbara Malimali.
The prosecution alleges he “wilfully made a material statement on oath, namely that he had nothing to do with her appointment, a statement he knew to be false”.
Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo-Bull ruled in the High Court on Monday that Prasad, the former finance minister, had not met the legal grounds required to justify a permanent stay of proceedings.
She made a similar ruling regarding a bid by Kamikamica two weeks ago.
fijivillage.com reports that Prasad alleged that FICAC initiated the charge against him in bad faith because he was not interviewed under caution.
However, Justice Fa’alogo-Bull said the commission had previously explained in the Magistrates Court that Prasad had been overseas at the relevant time.
She ruled the absence of an interview, on its own, did not appear to compromise the fairness of a trial.
The 33-year-old heavyweight spoke to 1News while helping promote David Nyika’s IBF cruiserweight world title eliminator bout against Floyd Masson in Auckland set for August 8.
Parker said the situation was “crap” and has always maintained he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
When asked if he had any idea how it happened, he said he most likely took something that was contaminated or was the victim of “foul play”.
“Who in their right mind would take some stupid substance before a fight… when you’ve had the best, most perfect camp ever?”
He said he began to tear up when he found out he had failed the drug test – “it was such a shock”.
It’s been reported he launched an appeal on the grounds that any illegal substance entered his system without his knowledge.
He expected to get an answer in the next couple of weeks.
“We’ve given all the evidence we can provide to those in UKAD [the UK Anti-Doping organisation], so hopefully we get a result soon.
“It’d be nice to get it soon so I can just put it behind me and get to work, get to training, and get back to the top.”
Parker said he was “so close” to fighting for another world title before being derailed and having to fight this battle.
He said he has been able to keep training and has always known he did nothing wrong but the situation has been “right there, just hovering over me”.
He believed total exoneration or a light ban were the two most likely outcomes.
He has been able to enjoy spending much more time with his family over the past few months but he was desperate to get back in the ring and has kept training hard.
“I’m desperate to fight as soon as possible. I’ve given myself two years to achieve whatever I can achieve in boxing.
Nuku’alofa — Preliminary research by students at the Tonga National University (TNU) has found signs that intensive farming practices may be increasing soil acidity across parts of Tongatapu, raising concerns about crop productivity and long-term land health.
TNU agriculture students conduct soil testing as part of their research into changing soil acidity levels across Tongatapu. Photo/TNU
Second-year students from the School of Agriculture have been conducting the study to examine how repeated cultivation affects soil pH levels.
Their findings suggest that heavily farmed areas are beginning to show measurable changes in soil chemistry, with acidity levels rising in some locations.
The research team collected soil samples from every district of Tongatapu, aiming to build a comprehensive picture of soil conditions across the island.
By covering a wide geographic area, the students sought to ensure that their findings reflect broader trends rather than isolated cases.
The students hope their research will help raise awareness among farmers about the importance of sustainable cultivation practices, such as crop rotation, fallowing, and soil management techniques that maintain balanced pH levels.
By Sam Sherwood, National Crime Correspondent, of RNZ and is republished with permission
An Auckland courier driver was allegedly murdered by a US-based hitman after Customs intercepted 18kg of cocaine and firearms police believe were linked to an international organised crime syndicate.
Auckland courier driverTuipulotu Vi was shot and killed in 2024. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
RNZ earlier revealed Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi is believed to have been sent to New Zealand by an organised criminal group based in the US to carry out a killing. He is jointly charged with two others of killing Tuipulotu Vi in August 2024. Vi was not involved in the drug world.
The homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Block, is linked to Operation Mexted, a joint investigation by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Customs, which targeted a transnational organised criminal cell.
Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz
RNZ has obtained a court document which reveals the police allegations regarding Operation Block. There are five defendants in total who have all been charged with participating in an organised criminal group.
Two of the defendants have also been jointly charged, alongside Tangi, with murdering Vi. All of the defendants, aside from Tangi, have name suppression and have pleaded not guilty. Tangi is yet to appear in court in New Zealand.
The court document alleges the group are part of an international organised crime syndicate responsible for importing and dealing controlled drugs, mainly methamphetamine and cocaine as well as trafficking firearms.
A firearm seized in 2025 as part of Operation Mexted. Photo: Supplied/NZ Police
In January 2024, Customs intercepted a consignment containing 18kgs of cocaine and six prohibited semi-automatic pistols. Police claim the syndicate had attempted to import the consignment into New Zealand. This seizure led to a police investigation which uncovered more than 125kgs of controlled drugs they believe the syndicate had attempted to import into the country from North America.
After the seizure there was a series of shootings in the South Auckland area. Police believe one of those targeted was Vi’s son.
One of the shootings was in February 2024, where two people shot at a property in Favona more than a dozen times. The property was the home of a man serving a prison sentence for importing methamphetamine from the US.
In March another property was shot more than 12 times in Mangere East. The property was next door to the bail address of a defendant facing charges related to importing methamphetamine through Auckland Airport.
A third shooting happened in June where two people shot at another property in Mangere East. The property was the bail address of another person also facing charges over importing methamphetamine through Auckland Airport.
Police claim that after these shootings, the syndicate turned their attention to Vi’s son.
In July 2024, two armed offenders shot at his bail address in Beach Haven. Police said he then went into hiding.
Customs intercepted three more consignments of methamphetamine, containing about 5kg each, that police believe members of the syndicate had attempted to import into New Zealand.
Police believe the syndicate eventually arranged for Tangi to travel to New Zealand as a “Fly in Fly Out” shooter.
It is alleged one of the defendants was responsible for sourcing the firearm for Tangi to use in the shooting.
Police claim another defendant was paid for this assistance, including being a point of contact for Tangi once he arrived.
US-based hitman Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi is believed to have been sent to New Zealand by an organised criminal group based in the USA to carry out the killing. Photo: NZ Herald/Jason Oxenham
The arrival
Tangi arrived in Auckland from San Francisco on 7 August before travelling to Wellington via another flight that same day.
While in Wellington he rented a car from the airport and then drove to Auckland, staying at a motel in St Johns under his full name.
That evening, Tangi was captured on CCTV footage meeting another defendant and an unknown associate at McDonalds in Mount Wellington.
He was then seen removing a suitcase from his car and giving it to the defendant. They then drove to a property in Panmure.
The following day Tangi met the defendant again. The defendant gave him a black suitcase, which police said contained a firearm.
The court document said that in the days leading up to Vi’s death, Tangi carried out “reconnaissance” on at least 35 occasions at Vi’s family home and his son’s last known address in Beach Haven.
On the day of the killing Tangi was captured on CCTV leaving his motel about 4:45am. About 6:30am he parked near Vi’s home.
Vi left his home at the usual time and got into his courier van and started driving to work.
As his van approached the intersection where Tangi’s car was parked, Tangi allegedly got out of his car, walked up to the van and fired six times from a semi-automatic pistol. Vi received four gunshot wounds to his head and upper torso. He died at the scene.
Police at the scene in Pakuranga. Photo: NZ Herald/Jason Oxenham
Tangi then returned to his car and drove towards Flatbush where he abandoned his car. Then, about 7:30am another of the syndicate members picked Tangi up and drove him back to the syndicate’s Airbnb accommodation.
A syndicate member then drove to a Mobil and bought items including pre-paid sim cards. He then returned to Tangi. Tangi’s former NZ mobile phone number was deactivated shortly after. The member and Tangi then swapped clothing and Tangi returned to his motel.
Tangi travelled to Wellington that evening.
That same day one of the syndicate members received snapchat messages into a group called “OTF – Only the Family”. A group member messaged a screenshot of a news article about the shooting with the caption “U heard it hear (sic) 1st!”.
Tangi flew out of New Zealand to Sydney on 21 August 2024 before returning to the United States.
The following evening one of the defendants took a video of two members of the syndicate who were wearing balaclavas and sunglasses with a person heard saying “Operation Homicide”.
That same evening one of the defendants took videos of his at-home CCTV system in which he was captured saying: “we in the clear man we in the clear”.
On 28 August one of the defendants was arrested at Auckland Airport attempting to get a flight to Sydney.
Other defendants were arrested on 17 and 18 September.
As Vi’s van approached the intersection where Tangi’s car was parked, Tangi allegedly fired six times from a semi-automatic pistol. Photo: NZ Herald/Jason Oxenham
The attempted murder
In August last year Tangi allegedly attempted to murder a man in a shooting in Oakley, California.
RNZ has obtained court documents in relation to the charges Tangi faces in the USA.
He is accused of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, fleeing a pursuing police officer’s vehicle while driving recklessly, and possession of a firearm.
He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on trial.
A spokesperson for the local District Attorney’s office earlier told RNZ the office was “generally aware” that Tangi had another pending matter in New Zealand and that it was aware an extradition warrant existed.
Tangi was facing a possible life sentence with the possibility of parole, the spokesperson confirmed.
“Regarding the New Zealand matter, the DA’s office does not litigate extradition proceedings. However, we expect that once Mr Tangi’s case here in California concludes, the extradition process to New Zealand would move forward at that time.”
RNZ sent several questions to Tangi’s lawyer, who declined to comment.
“We cannot comment at this time and do not foresee being able to offer anything in the near future.”
In an earlier statement to RNZ police confirmed a third person had been charged in relation to Vi’s death.
“The man is currently in custody in the United States for offences committed in that country and is now subject to an extradition process,” Counties Manukau CIB detective inspector Shaun Vickers said.
“We are working with the relevant authorities in relation to this.”
A man believed to be of Tongan heritage has been shot dead in what police have described as a targeted attack in Sydney, with emerging reports linking the incident to ongoing gang tensions.
Alai Ahio died after a ‘targeted’ shooting in Canley Heights. Picture: Instagram
Alai Ahio, 28, was killed in the shooting on Tuesday night in Canley Heights, while four others were injured.
Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire, finding multiple victims at the scene, including Ahio, who later died in hospital.
Police confirmed the attack was targeted, with Sydney media reporting it may be linked to escalating gangland rivalries.
“I can confirm that police are looking for two males that entered the premises shortly before 8.20pm where a number of gunshots were heard from that premises,” Detective Superintendent Craig Middleton reportedly said.
Officers were called to Liverpool Hospital about 8.30pm on Tuesday after two men went to the emergency department with “multiple” gunshot wounds, according to the report.
It is understood the men were members of the Coconut Cartel.
Authorities are also investigating reports that Ahio had associations with a well-known drill rap group, a factor that is now forming part of the broader inquiry.
The four injured victims were taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries and are expected to recover.
Police have launched a major investigation into the incident and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
No arrests have been announced at this stage.
Police are urging anyone with information or footage to come forward.
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist, and is republished with permission
Australian and New Zealand police will fund a strike force in Colombia to fight the Pacific drug trade.
Aotearoa’s acting deputy commissioner Mike Johnson said an International Joint Investigations Team is being set up with the aim of gathering evidence on illicit shipments before they enter Pacific waters.
New Zealand will base one liaison officer in Bogota, “allowing us to more effectively identify and respond to specific threats that impact New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific,” he said.
“The role would enhance international law enforcement ties and disrupt money laundering and drug trafficking.”
In a statement, Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Krissy Barrett said they will take “new action” with the help of the New Zealand, United States, Mexican, Colombian, and Pacific authorities, as well as Interpol.
“Coming together with trusted partners is how we will target and frustrate the cartels and other organised criminals,” Barrett said.
Pacific police chiefs, including New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, are this week gathered in Fiji’s capital, Suva. Fiji is considered a distribution hub along the Pacific narco highway.
Both the volume and scale of drug busts regionwide have risen this year, though law enforcement still struggles to keep pace. Separately in January, in the infamous Vatia drug bust, more than US$500 million worth of cocaine was seized, and six people were charged, including four Ecuadorian nationals.
Meanwhile, the US is going all out in the Eastern Pacific, with drone strike footage showing attacks on boats and submarines.
Barrett was full of praise for her Fijian counterpart, Rusiate Tudravu.
“The effect on such small populations is devastating … this is where the leadership of [Tudravu] has come to the fore.”
“He has implored the AFP and other partners to take action to help protect his country and the wider Pacific because Pacific regionalism is about the collective, and nothing underscores this more than the influence of Pacific Island Chiefs of Police.”
The Pacific narco highway
If Australia is the destination on the Pacific narco highway, Colombia is the gateway.
It is widely understood that the islands are a strategic transit corridor, located between two key producers – Southeast Asia and the Americas – and two major consumers – Australia and New Zealand.
Australia is believed to command the highest street-level price in the world, with New Zealand not far behind.
However, Virginia Comolli, an organised crime expert advising leaders at the summit, told RNZ that Pacific Islands have become a drug market in and of themselves.
“Fiji is the most striking case … but this is also happening elsewhere in Tonga, Solomon Islands, PNG, et cetera,” she said.
“But oftentimes the people who end up in court are locals. Normally they are not the masterminds … so it’s so important to look upstream and [go to] where the drugs originate.”
Over time, drugs in transit have fallen into the hands of Pacific Islanders, partially due to cases of corruption among police and customs officials, and the region is now emerging as a market in and of itself.
Comolli said for the police chiefs at the summit, this is a fact that cannot be ignored.
“Of course, these are not comfortable things to bring up, but we just need to read the news from across the Pacific.”
All the same, she felt as though police ministers were fronting up to the responsibility.
“It’s not an elephant in the room that people are not mentioning: quite the opposite, it’s front and centre of the discussion.”
Two foreign nationals have been arrested at Auckland International Airport after Customs officers allegedly uncovered cocaine concealed inside their luggage.
The pair, aged 22 and 23, arrived in Auckland on Tuesday, 19 May, after travelling from Chile.
During routine processing, both travellers were referred for a baggage inspection.
Customs officers identified irregularities in the suitcases during X-ray screening, prompting a more detailed examination.
Further inspection revealed each suitcase had a hidden false bottom within the lining.
The concealed compartments contained vacuum-sealed packages filled with a powder-like substance.
Initial testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
Authorities estimate the total weight of the drugs at approximately 6.3 kilograms.
The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated at around NZ$2.2 million.
The two individuals were detained and are expected to face charges in court.
Customs Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams praised the officers involved in the operation.
“This interception highlights the skill, experience, and vigilance of our Customs officers,” Williams said.
He added that officers work daily to prevent illicit drugs from entering the country.
Customs said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to protect communities from drug-related harm.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
Officials are also working to determine whether the travellers were part of a wider smuggling network.
The interception adds to a growing number of drug seizures at New Zealand’s borders.
Customs has warned that international trafficking attempts remain persistent.
Authorities continue to urge vigilance as they step up border enforcement efforts.
Tonga’s 2026–2027 national budget has allocated $3.2 million to Lulutai Airlines, despite the previous government acknowledging the national carrier’s financial struggles and warning it was on the verge of collapse.
The budget allocation appears to be the first time the government has provided a clear indication that it remains committed to the struggling airline, despite earlier efforts to offload or privatise the business.
Last year, the airline was put up for tender by the former government in an attempt to attract private bidders and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.
At the time, former Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala had warned that the airline was facing a critical financial crisis and required urgent government support to continue operating.
He claimed Lulutai Airlines was carrying debts of around $40 million.
Piukala revealed that Lulutai needed approximately TOP$7 million (NZ$5.2 million) to sustain its operations.
He cautioned that without immediate financial intervention, the airline risked collapse.
He said the bailout was intended to keep the airline operational while awaiting a successful bidder to take over.
However, Kaniva News understands that potential bidders later withdrew after determining that the costs and outstanding debts were too substantial to make the business viable.
Questions Over Continued Funding
The government’s latest financial assistance to Lulutai Airlines was revealed as Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua presented the 2026–27 budget, estimated at $929.5 million paʻanga with a projected deficit of $38.1 million.
It signals a continued reliance on public funding to sustain the airline, raising further questions about why the government continues to pour millions into what appears to be a failed project.
Lulutai Airlines’ establishment was controversial from the outset, with many critics believing it was politically motivated by the government of the time.
The move was justified by citing the financial impact of COVID-19 on Real Tonga Airline, which was used as a basis for returning the national carrier to full government ownership.
The King had earlier cautioned the government against operating businesses while neglecting its fundamental duties, including the timely presentation of annual ministerial reports to Parliament.
Auckland-raised graduate James Heimuli has celebrated a major academic milestone, earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Otago.
Graduate James Heimuli, pictured with his mother Temaleti Heimuli ahead of the Pacific Breakfast yesterday, has completed a Master of Business Administration.
With strong Tongan roots, Heimuli moved to Dunedin three years ago with his partner and their four children, seeking a quieter lifestyle in Brighton.
Despite the change of pace, life remained busy as he balanced full-time work, family responsibilities, and postgraduate study.
Already holding a Master of Public Health (Hons), Heimuli said the MBA was driven by a desire to better understand how strategic thinking can address complex health and social challenges.
He credited his success to careful planning and strong support from family, colleagues, and classmates.
“A big part of getting through it was having the right support network,” he said.
Heimuli also shared a friendly academic rivalry with his sibling, who recently completed a business master’s degree.
During his studies, he became involved with Startup Dunedin, contributing to projects exploring the experiences of families navigating disability support services.
This work involved engaging directly with families and practitioners to identify practical ways to improve systems.
Heimuli said the programme encouraged critical thinking while maintaining a strong focus on real-world impact.
For him, the journey has been about breaking down complex challenges and creating meaningful change for Pacific communities.
He hopes his achievement will inspire other Pacific and mature students to pursue higher education.
Heimuli plans to continue building on his work, focusing on community-based solutions and innovation in Ōtepoti.
He also acknowledged the support of The Cause Collective and his wider community.
“Thanks, village,” he said, reflecting on the collective effort behind his success.
