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Joseph Parker eyes next bout: ‘I will fight anyone’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Joseph Parker does not care who, he just wants to know when.

The Samoan/Kiwi heavyweight (35-3), is riding an impressive five-fight winning streak and is eager to get back in the ring and extend it.

“I will fight anyone, and I’ll call out anyone.”

However, Parker is yet to lock down his next bout.

“I was told I could be fighting in September, but the last event happened in Saudi Arabia changed the whole landscape of what’s next so now hopefully in October. I’m training hard for that and once we get an opponent, we can design plan to taper to whoever we’re fighting.”

Despite largely dominating the first bout, Parker said a rematch with Zhilei Zhang is still on the cards.

“The rematch is there, it just depends on what Saudi Arabia wants but the rematch is what I’m contracted to fight next.”

He will also be keeping a close eye on Fury vs Usyk 2 in October.

“I would like the opportunity to fight any of those top guys, as I keep winning, sooner or later, they’re going to give me that chance.”

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 08: Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker exchange punches during the WBO Interim World Heavyweight title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker on the Knockout Chaos boxing card at the Kingdom Arena on March 08, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker exchange punches during the WBO Interim World Heavyweight title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker on the Knockout Chaos boxing card at the Kingdom Arena on March 08, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Getty Images / Richard Pelham

The 32-year-old believes Saudi Arabia has helped resurrect the sport.

“My last three fights have been in Saudi Arabia. I feel like Saudi Arabia are investing money into sports in general. You got golf, tennis, you got football, soccer, boxing and UFC. And so at the moment, a lot of the fights are in Saudi Arabia. They’re starting to expand around the world now. So I’m sure they’re looking at expanding and going all around the world.”

He said boxing was falling behind its combat sports competition such as mixed martial arts.

“If it wasn’t for Saudi Arabia, boxing would have went down more, but they’ve been able to jump in at a time where we needed them and they’re putting on these big fights people never thought would happen. Now boxing’s getting the attention back and now we’re not really in a competition, boxing is just doing its own thing.”

As well as a perpetual title contender, Parker has been making headlines of late due to his creative callouts of fighters on social media.

His first, a parody of Take That’s ‘I Want You Back’ aimed at British boxer Dillian Whyte, and then a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Lego House’ to get the attention of Anthony Joshua.

“Dillian and I have a sort of up and down relationship, where he’s sometimes nice, sometimes he’s a prick. I felt it was a great way to promote that fight, if it could eventuate but it never really happened. And the Joshua fight, we did another video and nothing happened.

“So I think we’ll a put a hold on those videos, focus on the training and lock something in soon. But if anyone has an idea for a video, we’re more than happy to do one. It’s a bit of fun and a nice thing to do outside of training.”

Parker also weighed in on the rise of influencer boxing, condemning the cancelled fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.

“It can hurt the sport if they’re putting on Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. Mike Tyson, way passed his prime. He’s a legend in the sport. But there comes a time where you just got to give it up and do something else in your life, fights like that would damage your sport, but there’s always going to be eyes on the sport when you have these influencers, they bring different crowds and different audience, or hopefully they could just make the fights more 50:50.”

But would Parker ever entertain a fight with the YouTube sensation?

“Jake Paul is too small. He’s improving, but there’s a difference between someone who’s just starting boxing, and someone’s been boxing for a long time, but he is getting better.”

Will Air Chathams take over air services? Lulutai CEO promises statement tomorrow

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Lulutai CEO Poasi Tei says the airline will make an announcement tomorrow (Friday, June 20) morning about the long-rumoured return of New Zealand-based Air Chatham to Tonga.

Poasi Tei

Kaniva News has reliable information that Air Chatham is expected to arrive in  Tonga some time this week or next week and start operating the domestic services.

We asked Tei for an update on the reported deal between Lulutai and Air Chatham, which we have previously reported.

We asked him how long Chatham was expected to operate temporarily in Tonga

We also asked him how many aircraft Chatham would bring to Tonga.

Responding to our questions this afternoon, Tei said: “We plan to issue a press release tomorrow following the completion of plans for considerations for this project”.

We have information that Air Chatham and Lulutai has been negotiating for the New Zealand airline, which previously operated Tonga’s domestic air service, to take over Tonga’s domestic flights on a four-month  wet lease.  

A wet lease means a leasing arrangement whereby Chathams can provide a Saab 340 aircraft – the same type operated by Lulutai until it was damaged in December – with air crew and maintenance.

Chathams could not be reached for comment. There was no announcement on its web site last night.

Meanwhile, Lulutai is expected to buy another Saab 340. This was recently mentioned in Parliament, with the Opposition saying money for the purchase had been allocated in the 2024-2025 budget. There was no further information available to us on the new aircraft. It has been claimed that they can be bought for as little as US$1 million.

The Saab is bigger than Lulutai’s recently purchased DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter, which the government bought for US$6 million.

Asked about the difference between the prices and why the Twin Otter was more expensive, our source said it depended on the negotiations between the buyer, in this case the Tonga government and the seller. He said the government should have got a better deal and bought a  cheaper Twin Otter for about US$3 million.  

Mother of missing Marokopa children posts letter she says is from their fugitive dad

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The mother of the missing Marokopa children has published a letter which she says was written to her by the children’s fugitive father, Tom Phillips.

A photo posted on social media by Cat of her and her three missing children during a visit to the park in November 2021 before they were taken by their father, Tom Phillips. Photo: Supplied

Police have been searching for Ember, eight, Maverick, nine, and Jayda, 10, since December 2021, when they were taken by Phillips to an unknown location – though police believe it was in Western Waikato within Marokopa or the surrounding areas.

Tom Phillips does not have legal custody of the children and there is a warrant out for his arrest.

A picture posted by Cat on social media which she says is the last birthday we got to celebrate with Jayda as a family.

A picture posted by Cat on social media which she says is “the last birthday we got to celebrate with Jayda as a family”. Photo: Supplied

Posting on Facebook, their mother, known as Cat, said she was “well aware of the hateful rumours being spread around” and asked that people knew her before judging her.

She said she was sharing the letter to show that all was not as it seemed and to assure people that the children would be coming home to a loving and stable family.

Cat said she along with their two sisters, grandparents, aunties and cousins would be waiting for them.

The handwritten letter – which is not dated or signed and which RNZ has not been able to verify – describes the writer’s love for Cat, apologises to her and says he has a good heart and means well.

“I know if I ever give up trying to make things right I will regret it forever,” the letter says.

“Im sorry for everything I have ever said or done to hurt you,” it says.

The letter goes on to say that “although I make multiple f*** ups I have a good heart and I mean well”.

“We have an awesome family and thats worth fighting for,” is the last line of the letter.

Cat said she had not spoken out earlier because she did not believe it would bring her children home, but the fact that police were now offering a substantial reward had given her the courage to break her silence.

On Tuesday Cat broke her silence to make a video appeal provided by police for people’s help in returning the children to her.

Police have offered an $80,000 reward for information that would help discover the whereabouts of three children and lead to their safe return.

RNZ has contacted the police to verify whether they knew about the letter and whether they can confirm it is from Tom Phillips.

Dispute between rival body building organisations flares again with demands to hand over gym equipment

By
Philip Cass
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A years-long dispute between two rival bodybuilding federations in Tonga has heated up again.

Talaiasi Nau

Lawyers acting for The Tonga BodyBuilding Federation (TBBF) have sent a demand to Talaiasi Nau, head of a rival body, demanding that it return gym equipment that was shipped to Tonga from Australia and which it said was the legal property of the TBBF.

The Federation also demanded that Nau stop using the TBBF name on social media and that it hands back any money obtaining through using the TBBF name.

It threatened legal action if its demands were not met.

The two groups both call themselves the Tonga Body Building Federation and fight over control of the national sports body.

The group led by Nau is recognised by the Tonga Amateur Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC).

The other group, which has threatened legal action, is led by Tofavaha Tuifua and is recognised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Sports. In the past Tuifua’s group has received significant government funding.

The TBBF was established in 2009, with Tuifua as first president. After he  left to live in Australia, a new board was elected and continued to run as the TBBF. Secretary of the TASANOC-recognised TBBF board Mary Nau told Matangi Tonga in 2019 that Tofavaha had returned to Tonga after 10 years away and wanted to use the name of the TBBF.

Nau also had a long running dispute with former business partner and President of the Tonga Body Building Association, Masanao Onodera, over the ownership of gym equipment.

The Supreme Court ruled this belonged to Nau. However, in 2022, Onedera demanded pay $15,400 to settle the long running legal dispute.

In 2016 the South Pacific BodyBuilding Federation voted to take disciplinary action against Nau for bringing the SPBBF into disrepute.

Kaniva News has contacted Mr Nau for comment.

Tongan suspects jailed in smash-and-grab robbery at USA’s Sunnyvale jewellery store

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By cbsnews.com

Five suspects were arrested Wednesday following a brazen, daytime smash-and-grab robbery at a Sunnyvale jewelry store involving nearly two dozen suspects and a police chase, authorities said.

 
(Clockwise from upper left) Afuhia Lavakeiaho, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe
SUNNYVALE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the robbery happened Wednesday afternoon just before 1:30 p.m. at PNG Jewelers at the Hacienda Shopping Center on the 700 block of E. El Camino Real.

Surveillance video from the store showed the scene as about 20 suspects swarmed the store, using hammers and other tools to break jewelry display cases and steal the merchandise. Suspect then fled in multiple vehicles before officers arrived, DPS said. 

Officers located two suspect vehicles and tried to pull them over, but both vehicles fled, triggering two separate chases on northbound U.S. Highway 101, according to authorities. One pursuit ended after officers lost track of the vehicle, while the during the chase of the second vehicle, the suspects were seen throwing some of the stolen jewelry out of the window, DPS said.

The pursuit of the second vehicle ended when officers lost sight of it, but the vehicle was found a short time later abandoned on Highway 101 near Whipple Avenue in Redwood City. Five suspects from the vehicle ran across the freeway and into a nearby industrial area, where four of them were arrested near Industrial Road and Brittan Avenue in San Carlos, DPS said.

Sunnyvale jewelry store robbery suspects
(Clockwise from upper left) Afuhia Lavakeiaho, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, Tonga Latu, Tavake EsafeSUNNYVALE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The fifth suspect was found nearby and arrested after being stopped by a police K-9 as he attempted to escape, DPS said.

The suspects were identified as Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho. Their ages and hometowns were not provided. The five were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants. 

Some of the stolen jewelry has been recovered; the total value of the jewelry stolen was not immediately known. No one was hurt during the robbery and police chase.  

Other law enforcement agencies involved were the California Highway Patrol, Palo Alto Police Department, Belmont Police Department, South San Francisco Police Department, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sunnyvale DPS investigators were trying to determine if the robbery is related to another robbery of a jewelry store in Sunnyvale that occurred in May which involved multiple suspects.

Conclusion of the Word Seminar in France

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Sponsored:

Revelation Prophecies and Their Fulfillment Revealed… Over 7,000 Participants Including 1,000 Pastors

Chairman Lee Man-hee: “Perceive Revelation and Teach It to Your Church Members”

European Pastors in Attendance: “We Want to Learn Revelation”… Expectation for Church Revival Through Continuous Exchange

“The teachings that explain the Book of Revelation were truly profound and amazing. I want to learn more about the Bible, and if invited to Korea, I will start preparing my ticket (airfare) right away.”

This was the impression shared by Pastor Delly Delphin Matondo of the Full Gospel denomination, who participated in the Bible Seminar held by Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman Lee Man-hee; hereinafter referred to as Shincheonji Church) in Paris, France on June 15 (local time).

Many other pastors who attended the European Bible Seminar also expressed a strong desire to hear more about Shincheonji Church’s teachings on the Book of Revelation.

The seminar took place at a critical time when measures were urgently needed as Europe’s Christian influence declined, with churches being sold off and repurposed as restaurants, bars, and clubs. This Bible Seminar was part of the “2024 Continental Bible Seminar” series that began in the Philippines on April 20, and was organized in response to numerous requests from pastors eager for a revival in Europe.

With over 7,000 participants, including 1,000 European pastors, the event garnered significant attention. Prior to the seminar, a discussion on “The Role of Pastors for the Spiritual Enlightenment of Christians Today” was held.

Following this, attendees watched a video lecture by Chairman Lee Man-hee from the “Shincheonji Bible Seminar: Testimony on the Fulfillment of Revelation” held in Korea on June 8.

In his lecture, Chairman Lee stated, “God’s work is fulfilled according to the unalterable Book of Revelation. Everyone listening to this lecture must know who is being referred to in Revelation,” emphasizing, “I hope all pastors will perceive these words and teach them to their congregants. You must teach your church members without adding or subtracting from Revelation.”

After Chairman Lee’s lecture, Simon Tribe Leader Lee Seung-joo provided an explanation of the meaning of biblical prophecies and their fulfillment, addressing European pastors with an appeal.

Tribe Leader Lee stated, “The fulfilled words of Revelation have life in them, and as more people are re-created in God’s image and likeness through these words, (European churches) will also experience revival. I encourage you to learn and testify from Revelation chapters 1 to 22 through Shincheonji Church’s Zion Christian Mission Center, which has produced over 100,000 graduates annually in recent years.”

During subsequent exchanges among pastors, a pastor from Austria commented, “I was impressed that Shincheonji Church focuses on the prophetic words written in the Bible. I want to work with enthusiastic and bright people for God’s kingdom and work. I would like to know how to collaborate and learn more about Revelation.”

A pastor from Poland also remarked, “Seeing European pastors and believers united brought tears to my eyes. I want to share these words with more people. Please tell me how I can spread this message to many others.”

According to data from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the United States, Europe’s Christian population increased to 560 million in the 2000s but has stagnated this year (2024) and is expected to decrease to 490 million by 2050.

As European society modernized and industrialized, it began to secularize. The rise of liberal theology led to a decline in Bible-based teachings within churches. Additionally, the rapid rise of atheism and religious pluralism, coupled with various clergy scandals, has caused Christianity to lose trust and struggle to find its direction. It is hoped that this Bible Seminar will serve as a catalyst for the revival of European churches.

A representative from Shincheonji Church stated, “After this Bible Seminar, many European pastors have inquired about how they can learn Revelation from Shincheonji Church. We are preparing places and programs where they can learn, and we will further activate Zion Christian Mission Centers across Europe to expand platforms for their education.”

The representative also mentioned, “Pastors worldwide have requested additional Bible Seminars to learn more about Revelation. We are planning and preparing a Bible Seminar at the end of this year to invite pastors from around the world to Korea. Through this event, we aim to create a platform where we can become one within God and His word.”

Meanwhile, according to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, as of June 5th this year, MOUs have been signed with a total of 12,538 churches in 83 countries overseas. Additionally, 1,341 churches in 41 countries have joined Shincheonji Church of Jesus and changed their signage. Furthermore, as of the end of May, the number of domestic and international pastors currently taking Bible education courses at Zion Christian Mission Center has reached 5,614.

A video lecture by Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus titled “Testimony on the Fulfillment of Revelation” is being shown at the Continental Word Seminar held in Paris, France on the 15th (local time). Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus]
Overview of the Continental Word Seminar held in Paris, France on the 15th (local time). Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus]
Photo 3: Lee Seung-ju, the leader of the Simon Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, is giving a lecture at the Continental Word Seminar held in Paris, France on the 15th (local time). Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus]
Scene from the Continental Word Seminar held in Paris, France on the 15th (local time). Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus]

Psychiatric nurse succumbs to injuries days after Hu‘atolitoli prison attack

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A Tongan psychiatric nurse has succumbed to injuries sustained during an alleged attack by a mental health patient at a Hu’atolitoli prison ward.

Samiuela Mafi died today Sunday 16 after he was admitted to Vaiola hospital on Saturday 9, a relative has confirmed.

Militoni Tu’akalau said it’s sad after he found out that the deceased was a half brother of his children in Tonga.

He said his daughter had tearfully informed him about Mafi’s death over the phone.

News of Mafi’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes on social media from his kāinga and friends.

“I love him to bits, I always will,” a commenter wrote on Facebook.

“He’ll never die in my heart.”

The incident comes in the wake of grave concerns about the country’s biggest prison’s severe overcrowding problem.

Reports said that inmates with psychiatric issues were transferred from the main clinic at Vaiola Hospital to the prison and dramatic increase in the prison population made it hard to control them.

Auckland woman Monica Reid, who went missing on Friday, found dead

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The 26-year-old woman reported missing from West Auckland last week has been found dead.

Te Atatū resident Monica Reid disappeared on Friday.

On Sunday, police said they had found Reid deceased.

Her death was not being treated as suspicious.

Police said her death would be referred to the coroner, and extended their sympathies to her family.

Earlier, Reid’s family described her as a “much-loved friend, sister and aunty of a large family”.

“All of us, we love Monica so much,” her sister Cecilia told Stuff.

“Monica, if you are out there, know that I love you, we love you, and we just want to know you are safe.”

Ex-ANZ bank teller Mary Mercedes Lea’aetoa jailed for stealing $56k from Carnarvon pensioner

By
Kaniva Staff
-

ABC Pilbara / by Jessica Shackleton

An ANZ employee in country Western Australia who withdrew $56,596 from a pensioner’s account has been jailed for two years.

Mary Mercedes Lea’aetoa was sentenced by Judge Belinda Lonsdale in the Albany District Court on Thursday.

The court heard Lea’aetoa, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges last year, made multiple withdrawals from a 63-year-old woman’s account over nine months.

The 26-year-old accomplished the theft by filling out forged withdrawal vouchers.

Her victim did not notice the unauthorised transactions at first but tried to seek help from ANZ when she found larger sums from $600 to $5,000 being frequently withdrawn.

The pensioner, who is known to Lea’aetoa, is in palliative care.

Prosecutors told the court the former teller used the stolen cash to buy a new iPhone, arguing her offending was “greed as opposed to need”.

But defence lawyer Sonia Anderson rejected that claim and told the court her then-23-year-old client was expected to financially support her family by buying food and alcohol for them.

Ms Anderson said her client felt “ashamed” of the crimes and her family had rejected her since her arrest.

ANZ dismissed Lea’aetoa following an internal investigation which ended in a four-and-a-half-hour interview, but she denied her employer’s accusations during the meeting.

The company concluded on the balance of probabilities Lea’aetoa was likely guilty and reported the matter to police.

Judge slams ‘despicable’ conduct

In sentencing, Judge Lonsdale said she had noted the former bank employee also refused to answer questions during her first police interview.

“It’s hard to accept you are sorry for anyone but yourself,” she said.

However the judge did outline there was evidence Lea’aetoa stole money due to being “financially controlled” by her family, who took her salary and left her with $50 each week.

Judge Lonsdale said a defence submission for a suspended sentence was “not appropriate” and the “repeated nature, continual breach of trust and amount of money stolen” warranted an immediate term of imprisonment.

A spokesperson for ANZ said a refund was issued to the victim and the institution took its responsibilities to customers seriously.

Lea’aetoa will be eligible for parole in July 2025.

Vava‘u police officer jailed for indecently assaulting of wife’s niece

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A police officer has been sent to prison for two years with the last 12 months being suspended after indecently assaulting a cousin of his children.

Vava’u Acting Officer in Charge Mu’a Ki Faleula ‘Otuhouma, 55, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of serious indecent assault.

According to the summary of facts, the victim – who Kaniva is calling Tina – was home alone after her parents left the house on 17 October 2023,  to go to their bush allotment.

At about 11am, Tina took a shower and dried herself before sitting on a chair in front of her dresser.

She then messaged a friend to come and stay with her as she was at home by herself.  

While she was still sitting naked on the chair, she was taken by surprise when ‘Otuhouma suddenly stood at the door to her room. Tina quickly fumbled around to find something to cover herself but she could not get hold of anything. She put one hand to cover her pubic hair area and one hand to cover her breasts in an attempt to cover her nakedness.

By that time, ‘Otuhouma had walked over to her and mumbled something that sounded like “sitting there like Adam”. He then forcefully pushed her hand away from her breasts and bent his head and sucked her breast. She tried to push him away from her and kept saying “go away”.  

‘Otuhouma continued trying to push her hands away and she struggled and tried to kick him. ‘Otuhouma stepped back and she was able to throw a bottle of lotion at him. However, he came back towards her and continued kissing her neck and tried to kiss her mouth.  

During his assault she still had her phone in her hand, and she was able to send another message to her friend to come quickly. While ‘Otuhouma was kissing up her neck she heard her friend calling out her name. ‘Otuhouma suddenly let go of her and walked out of the room.

Her friend came into the room and kept asking what had happened, but she was unable to reply as she was shaking and still in shock. After a while she was able to tell her friend what ‘Otuhouma had done. They remained in the room until they heard the toilet being flushed before ‘Otuhouma’s vehicle leaving.

On 24 October 2023, Police interviewed ‘Otuhouma. He did not cooperate and exercised his right to remain silent.

Victim’s impact statement

A counsel was able to talk to Tina on 23 April 2024. As mentioned in her evidence in Court, she said the families used to be so close, and she used to even have sleepovers at ‘Otuhouma’s house. Tina looked up to him as her uncle and that she is the same age as his oldest daughter. Now, the families do not speak to each other, and she would hear or sense people gossiping that she had an affair with ‘Otuhouma. The offending ruined her life.

At times, staying in her room is difficult given the offending occurred in the room. Tina sometimes thought that she was better off dead. She blamed herself for what had happened and how complaining to the Police has ruined their family ties.

At the time, she was taking courses with Pathway Connect and BYU. She was almost done with the courses when the offending happened which it stopped her studies altogether.

 She left for New Zealand in 2023 and fears coming back to Vava’u as people will talk and will still feel hurt about it. Tina also received a message on 23 April 2024, through Facebook from what looks to be a fake page telling her she was having an affair with her mother’s sister’s husband.

She would not accept an apology from ‘Otuhouma even if he made one, but if his children reached out to her, she would be delighted to keep seeing them as cousins.

Tina’s mother shared her daughter’s experience. She said both families were quite close prior to the offending. Both parents agreed they trust ‘Otuhouma not only because of their close family bond but because he was a Police Officer.

‘Otuhouma would come to their house even when they were not home and sometimes when he came at night, he didn’t  knock or called out or turned on the lights. They would only know that it was him when they heard someone in the kitchen. They would call out then he would identify himself.

Most times when they went to the bush, they left the house unlocked because nothing bad had ever happened in their neighbourhood.

She said: “She no longer feels safe in her own home, and has to lock the door, and feels the need to stay home”.

Both parents stated, if ‘Otuhouma were to apologise, they would not accept it.

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