By Maia Ingoe of RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission
Starting today, Auckland’s railway lines will be empty with no trains operating for the next 32 days.
Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
It is the first extended period of rail closures in the city – in total, 96 days of empty tracks are planned, through to the end of January 2026.
That means no passenger trains, freight trains, Northern Explorer or Te Huia train.
The shutdown is to allow for KiwiRail to complete rail rebuild works that are crucial to the successful opening of City Rail Link in 2026.
When will trains be down?
KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have tried to match up the rail shutdowns with school and public holiday periods.
These include:
The summer holidays from 26 December to 27 January 2025
Easter and term one holidays from 12 to 27 April
King’s Birthday from 30 May to 2 June
Matariki from 20 to 23 June
Labour weekend from 24 to 27 October
Summer holidays from 20 December to 26 January 2026
Another 24 days of trains running at single-line reduced frequency are also planned for 2025 – happening every second weekend from 28 June to 21 September, and for 12 consecutive days from 14 to 25 December.
A few weeks of back-up closures are also set out, but will only be used if needed – trains will run on a single line, at a reduced frequency. If KiwiRail needs more time to complete work, it has set out 29 total days, in three blocks over January/February, June/July, and September/October school holiday periods.
KiwiRail chief infrastructure officer Andre Lovatt said it was “critical upgrade work” to get the network ready for the City Rail Link.
“What we’re doing in that period of time is upgrading our network from a freight train network to one that can withstand or accommodate the very high frequency metro trains that are gonna be on the tracks when CRL opens.”
City Rail Link, when opened, will double Auckland’s rail capacity with four new stations in the CBD.
But to ensure the full CRL benefits of more reliable, faster and frequent trains are realised, rebuild work on the rest of the railway network needs to be finished.
Without the 96 days of closures, the rebuild would have been completed after CRL’s opening.
“If we weren’t able to do that, then all of that taxpayer money that’s been invested in CRL hasn’t actually resulted in the ultimate benefits of that project,” Lovatt said.
The government has also put $200 million towards getting the rail rebuild finished.
Photo: 123RF
What railway works will be done?
KiwiRail will be replacing track foundations and improving drainage on the Western Line between New Lynn and Swanson, and on the Southern Line between Newmarket and Britomart, and between Ōtāhuhu and Papakura, and on other parts of the network.
It will be replacing ageing sleepers on bridges around Newmarket, Parnell and near Tāmaki Drive, and working on the Parnell tunnel.
And upgrades to track infrastructure, power supplies and signal systems will – among other things – remove the temporary speed restrictions that caused havoc and widespread cancellations last February in Auckland.
Upgrades to Middlemore station will be finished, and new stations in Drury and Pareātā will finish construction.
Lovatt said KiwiRail was squeezing a decade’s worth of work into 15 months.
“We are going to be able to operate more frequent trains and trains will be able to run faster. In essence, what that will mean is in the city, trains will run every four to five minutes, and journey times – for example from Henderson in the west to the central city – will be a 35-minute journey.”
What other public transport options are there?
Auckland Transport group manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara said rail replacement buses will be put on whenever trains are not running, every 20 minutes, and other frequent routes will be bolstered with extra services.
From 6 January, AT will be adding express rail replacement buses as people return to work.
“We’re confident that the plan we have will be able to cope with the number of passengers that will be moving through this four-week period. It’s a quieter time of year for public transport with lots of people still on holiday. We’re also able to redeploy school buses to support our rail replacement services as well.”
Cara said the AT operations centre would be closely monitoring the network and traffic flow during the rail shutdown.
There was a dedicated plan for the first 32-day shutdown, and Cara said AT will come up with specific plans for the rest of the closures throughout 2025.
The Anti-Corruption Commissioner has promised to do his best to get rid of all kinds of corruption in the kingdom.
Mr Christopher LaHatte, Anti-Corruption Commissioner. Photo/Anti-Corruption Commission’s Facebook
Mr Christopher LaHatte, who recently took on the role as the first official holder of this position since the Commission’s inception in July, commented while presenting the Commission’s inaugural Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2029.
The plan offers strong protection for whistleblowers, ensuring that individuals can complain without fear of repercussions.
“As we embark on this journey, we invite constructive criticism and open dialogue”, it said.
Mr LaHatte said he was confident that by working together with the community, they could make “significant strides in eliminating corruption and upholding the law”.
The Commission said it combats “corruption through the promotion of transparency, accountability and integrity in public services”.
It is open to individuals from all walks of life, ensuring everyone can seek assistance and bring their concerns forward.
This contrasts with the Office of the Ombudsman, which primarily addresses issues related to government entities and statutory boards.
Anyone can file a complaint with the Commission about potential corrupt conduct.
“This can be done in person in their office in Nuku’alofa, by email or through their website”.
The staff of the Anti-Corruption Commission recently took part in workshops coordinated by local and Australian counterparts to improve and enhance their investigative skills.
It also actively engaged in a public awareness campaign to disseminate information about its duties and policy. This initiative is intended to educate citizens about the services it provides.
What is corruption?
The Transparency International defines corruption as:
“We define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis. Exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account can only happen if we understand the way corruption works and the systems that enable it”.
The public is being warned over the responsible use of fireworks during Christmas and ahead of New Year.
Police said fireworks were enjoyable for many, but they could also be distressing for some people and the elderly.
The police said they have received complaints about deafening fireworks that could be distressing, particularly for people with heart conditions and children.
The community was reminded about the laws for fireworks.
It said that lightning fireworks must cease by 10pm.
It follows warning from Tonga Fire and Emergency Services last month reminding the public “to celebrate responsibly and safely when using fireworks”.
“Fireworks can be exciting, but they can also pose serious risks if not handled properly”.
In 2022, three Chinese men were arrested after Police responded to reports of fireworks being set off in ‘Alo’italau, Vava’u.
Initial indications from the scene were that the suspects were allegedly drunk when the fireworks being let off, Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota told Kaniva News.
Police could not be reached for comment at the time.
A man has been arrested following the seizure of 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine by police in Lapaha.
A fight that broke out during a rugby tournament in Salt Lake City resulted in a coach losing sight in one eye after being assaulted by a man with an umbrella, according to police. (Barbra Ford, Shutterstock)
The 41-year-old man has been charged with possession of illicit drugs.
He is remanded in custody, the Police said.
The police expressed gratitude to the community for their contributions through reports, which helped them apprehend the suspect.
“It is through this cooperative effort that together we can defeat the scourge that all types of drugs bring to our communities across the kingdom”, a statement said.
It follows an arrest in 2022 when Police arrested two 20-year-old men, one at Lapaha and the other at Ngele’ia, for breaching curfew. Each had a pack of cannabis in their possession, for which they have been criminally charged.
Police urged the public to report any suspicious activity that might lead to drug-related incidents.
They emphasized the importance of community vigilance in keeping neighbourhoods safe and encouraged residents to share any information that could help combat drug-related crime.
The infights between the local construction companies and the Ministry of Infrastructure over the Hungas’ Tsunami building project took a new twist.
The Ministry has announced that it had awarded the building contracts to Chinese labourers currently in Tonga after a series of failed negotiations with Tongan contractors.
As Kaniva News reported recently, the local contractors were unhappy after the Minister for Infrastructure Hon Seventeen Toumo’ua fixed the contracts for each new house at what was claimed to be an undervalued price.
The contractors eventually submitted a petition to the Parliament before a Parliamentary committee was selected to work on it.
Hon Toumo’ua had been accused of lack of cooperation with the Parliamentary committee.
We contacted the Minister at the time for comment.
In the latest development, the Ministry said yesterday it made the decision after repeated failures by local contractors to deliver on the project.
According to the Ministry, local contractors were given an initial opportunity but could not meet expectations.
“The first group of contractors had their contracts cancelled, and new contractors were hired. However, that also did not work,” the ministry said in a statement.
It said the decision to hire Chinese labourers had been seen as the most practical solution to ensure the project’s completion.
It said that the Chinese labourers were in the process of completing some of the new houses.
Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke has been elected as Tonga’s Prime Minister designate.
Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke
His contender, Dr Viliami Latu received only eight votes.
Dr Eke ascended to the position today following his election in a confidential ballot, where he received the support of 16 out of the 24 members of Parliament eligible to vote.
It follows his submission of a motion of no confidence against the former Prime Minister, Honorable Hu’akavameiliku.
However, before the scheduled ballot, Hu’akavameiliku tendered his resignation.
Dr Eke told the House that he was thankful for the result, and this election marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape, as he brings a wealth of experience and a vision for the future.
In the melodious tones of Tongan heliaki (figures of speech), Dr Eke, with deep reverence, attributed his triumph to God Almighty, the radiant light guiding his path.
With heartfelt gratitude, he acknowledged the steadfast support of the Nobles and the dedicated People’s MPs.
He called forth a spirit of unity, urging all MPs to unite in a shared initiative aimed at elevating the nation, fostering what is best for the people and honouring His Majesty.
By Iliesa Tora, RNZ Pacific and is republished with permission
The Tongan rugby coaching staff will consider bringing in more experienced players, especially those playing club rugby in Europe, for the 2025 test rugby season, head coach Tevita Tuifua says.
Moana Pasifika assistant coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua (left), and ‘Ikale Tahi head coach Tevita Tuifua at the North Harbour Stadium on Thursday. Photo: RNZ Pacific Photo: RNZ Pacific
Spending a day with Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium in Albany last week, Tuifua and his coaching team had the opportunity to witness firsthand the work being done by the franchise club’s coaches.
Tuifua told RNZ Pacific that he wanted to ensure he had the right mix of players, while also making sure the coaching staff had a strong pool of players to work with.
He said the coaching staff had already discussed their plans with Tonga Rugby Union to ensure the national squad was able to play with consistency next year and beyond.
The focus this year had been on lifting the skills and rugby knowlege of their local-based players by giving them an opportunity to play for the ‘Ikale Tahi in test matches, he said.
This meant many experienced overseas-based players plying their trade in Europe were left out, he said.
“We wanted to make sure that we are able to have our own pool of local players and those playing in New Zealand and Australia who we can call upon,” Tuifua said.
“That is important for our growth moving forward. We have seen what happens when the Europe-based players are not available and we have to run around to find players.
“So our strategy is to upskill our players and have that pool of players ready when we need them.”
‘Ikale Tahi captain Ben Tameifuna ready to lead his side out against Fiji. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Despite calls by some for changes to the Tonga coaching line-up, Tuifua said people needed to understand the group’s focus.
“We are playing test matches, which is good because that is what our players need,” he said.
“But, as I have said, we need to make sure that we have that consistency with our players so the only way we can do that at the moment is give them opportunities to play test matches.
“We have seen some very good talent and am sure if they are mixed in with experienced players, they will lift and they will become better.
“Yes, we acknowledge that we were not as successful as what many would have wanted us to be, but I hope they understand that we are building up and will only get better if we do what we need to do, setting the foundation right.”
Local player pool
‘Ikale Tahi captain Ben Tameifuna (back) and Tupou Ma’afu Afu work on a lineout move. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Bridging the gap back home was critical, he said.
The Tonga Rugby Union is working with Japan in the management of its TRU Academy, which is headed by another ‘Ikale Tahi, Siua Taumalolo.
Tuifua said the academy was focused on upskilling players in the 18- to 20-year bracket.
“That is very important, that we have that continuity,” he said.
He believed improvements would come once the academy set-up was fully functioning.
“That’s going to be a bonus,” Tuifua said.
He pointed to the Fijian Drua set-up, which boosted Fiji Rugby and directly affected the Flying Fijians.
“That’s what we are trying to emulate here,” he said.
“The Flying Fijians have done well because they have the Drua set-up and their high performance unit plus the under-20s through the academy.”
Big year in 2025
2025 will be a big year for the ‘Ikale Tahi, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers being the most important assignment on the schedule for them.
Tuifua said that was the primary focus, with plenty needing to be done over the next few months.
Tonga will compete in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, which will also double as a qualifier for the world tournament.
The ‘Ikale Tahi and Manu Samoa will have to be at their best to qualify for the final 24.
Beyond that?
Tuifua wanted to see more internationals for his side, with some match-ups against Tier One teams.
“That is what we will then need, more games so our players can have more game time,” he said.
“And if we can get some hit ups against Tier Ones that would be great.”
Tuifua said the pre-season work to train players and schedule matches would continue, looking forward also to the 2025 Super Rugby Series.
“There are a lot of players also playing for Moana Pasifika and the other franchise clubsides in Super Rugby, so that will also be something we will follow with interest,” he said.
Tuifua and his coaching team are contracted to the end of the 2027 World Cup.
The twenty-six members of the Tongan Legislative Assembly will choose the country’s new Prime Minister, through secret ballot, in a special sitting in Nuku’alofa on Christmas Eve.
The Speaker Lord Fakafanua confirmed that the names of two contenders were received by the Clerk’s office when the nomination deadline closed at 4.30pm on Monday, December 23.
He said parliament will sit at 10am on Christmas Eve, when the sealed nomination envelopes will be opened and the nomination procedures takes place, before the actual vote is taken.
The Speaker of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua. Photo: RNZ Pacific
The 17 Peoples’ Representatives and nine Nobles Representatives will then vote in a new Prime Minister, to replace Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned on December 9.
The two nominees are reported to be Dr ‘Aisake Eke and Dr Viliame Latu.
Dr Eke, who filed a motion of no confidence against Hu’akavameiliku late last month, is believed to have the backing of 14 MPs, including three Nobles.
His nomination was handed in by Tongatapu 2 representative, Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi last Friday.
Dr Latu, a current Cabinet Minister, has been nominated by the current government. His name was registered by Vava’u 14 MP, Mo’ale ‘Otunuku.
To become the new prime minister one of the nominees must win at least 14 votes.
Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
Interim Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu was asked by RNZ Pacific, if he and other government ministers supported Dr Latu, to which he replied, “everything will be known on Tuesday”.
There were earlier claims that all 26 MPs had agreed to back Dr Eke.
It is something Lord Fakafanua said would have been ideal but that depended on whether the 17 Peoples’ representatives could unite.
He said the constitution allows for a government of national unity.
Lord Fakafanua said if no one is elected as Prime Minister on December 24, Parliament will have to sit again on Friday, to hold a second round of votes.
United front
Speaking to Tonga TV in Nuku’alofa at the weekend, Lord Fakafanua said the Nobles traditionally voted together as a block and it would be easier if the 17 Peoples’ representatives stood together as a united group.
“It is common knowledge that the Nobles representatives work together as a block,” Lord Fakafanua said.
“The ambition is for the 17 Peoples’ Representatives to also work together with the nine Nobles,” he said.
The MPs will vote by secret ballot, with his Majesty King Tupou VI expected to confirm the new Prime Minister later Tuesday.
The new prime minister will lead Tonga into the next general elections scheduled for November 2025.
EDITORIAL: The sudden resignation of Tonga’s former Prime Minister, leading to the kingdom’s search for a new government leader, has revealed apparent ramifications previously predicted in a report by a Commonwealth expert a decade ago.
It highlights the far-reaching negative consequences of a political instability interwoven with efforts to centralise power.
Since the implementation of democratic reform in 2010, considerable evidence suggests that the subsequent political upheavals have arisen from deficiencies within our constitution.
Power struggle
The former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku recently expressed concerns about his prerogatives as the prime minister provided by the constitution. In his speech announcing his resignation in the House, he implied that the king’s continued efforts to circumvent the constitution to intervene in daily government operations significantly impeded his capacity to govern independently.
I have consistently maintained that the king is actively engaged in efforts to undermine the 2010 democratic reform initiatives, demonstrating a clear intention to restore his authority by seizing as many executive powers as possible.
We have seen this in His Majesty’s recent letters to Hu’akavameiliku and his Cabinet, showing his loss of confidence and trust in their performance despite this not being addressed within the framework of the constitution.
The former Hu’akavameiliku government, in one of its responses to the king’s concerns, mentioned advice from the king’s appointed Attorney-General Linda Folaumoetu’i that the Privy Council’s letter stating the King’s concerns was “unconstitutional”.
There was also an incident of constitutional stalemate when the king reportedly chose not to appoint Hu’akavameiliku’s nomination of a new Minister of Fisheries.
Notably, the reform of 2010 was based on the agreement between the people and the late King George V to relinquish his executive powers to a people-elected government.
Executive powers
So, what is executive power?
Executive power is simply the authority given to government officials to enforce laws, make policy, and manage the day-to-day operations of the government.
When King George Tupou V announced the release of his authority, the media characterized this action as the king “voluntarily surrendering his powers to meet the democratic aspirations of many of his people.”
The agreement reflects a significant transformation in Tonga’s governance, moving away from an absolute monarchy to a more democratic political system.
This shift aims to enhance political participation and representation so that taxpayers can run their government and hold its leaders accountable.
Clauses 51 to 55 of our constitution clearly illustrate this significant transition in power, shifting executive authority from the monarchy to a Prime Minister who the people elect.
Constitution reviewed
Peter Pursgloves, a recognized expert in Commonwealth Constitutional law, was engaged in 2012 by Tonga’s inaugural democratic government, the nobility-backed administration of Lord Tu’ivakanō, to evaluate the nation’s first democratic structure.
They undertook this course of action upon realizing substantial deficiencies in the constitution and its inability to facilitate the anticipated democratic framework.
In his report to the Tongan parliament and a copy was submitted to the king, Mr Pursglove highlighted several important points:
He said Tonga’s 2010 constitution is poorly written, promotes secrecy, has compromised the role of the judiciary and parts of it may be illegal.
Tonga’s 2010 constitution does not uphold democracy
The Privy Council lacks any democratic composition or accountability
The judiciary lacks accountability and transparency.
Changes to the judiciary are inefficient, ineffective, unaffordable and possibly illegal.
No public discussions were held regarding the reforms to the judiciary or why they were considered necessary.
“The present Constitution of Tonga can lay claim to being the most poorly structured and drafted Constitution of any Country in the Commonwealth,” the report says.
A decade has passed since Mr Pursglove unveiled his groundbreaking findings, yet the issues he identified have only intensified in significance.
The political landscape of the kingdom now faces a multitude of complexities. These interwoven problems remain increasingly unresolved, casting a long shadow over the government, which relies heavily on foreign donors for more than 50 per cent of its annual budget.
As lawmakers grapple with these escalating challenges, particularly these series of questionable votes of no-confidence motions since 2010, it becomes increasingly evident that the ramifications of our poorly written constitution are more critical than ever, demanding urgent attention and decisive action from those in power.
Tips of the iceberg
Since the democratic reforms of 2010, all four Prime Ministers—including Lord Tu’ivakano, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, and Hon Hu’akavameiliku—have expressed similar concerns regarding the constitution’s inconsistencies and the implications of the monarchy’s ongoing involvement and influence in governance.
Lord Tu’ivakano initiated the Pursgrlive review. ‘Akilisi Pōhiva accused the king of breaching the constitution, among others, by disregarding his requests to meet to update him about the daily operation of the government. Tu’i’onetoa asked the king that he, as the prime minister, become a member of the Privy Council so that he could update him directly on government operations, but the king declined his request. He also raised his concerns with the king about the Minister of Police’s lack of prerogatives, according to the constitution, to allow him to get involved in the Ministry’s daily operations. Earlier this month, Hu’akavameiliku implied that he was not independent of the king’s repeated influences and interventions.
It is crucial to understand that a capable leader cannot thrive or achieve meaningful results if their leadership operates within a flawed or inadequate constitutional framework.
These issues represent merely the tip of the iceberg and require immediate attention before any other actions, including searching for an effective leader.
A more pressing concern, however, is that our inadequate constitution has not only negatively impacted the political framework but has also, regrettably, provided avenues for our leaders to act opportunistically. This has led to engagement in activities widely regarded as unlawful and abusing people’s wealth. Unfortunately, the democratic system we currently have lacks the essential mechanisms to hold leaders accountable. This deficiency makes it difficult to bring those in power to justice.
We have seen this in the Tu’i’onetoa government, whose handling of the government’s over $400 million road construction project had been mired in controversy since it was revealed that contracts had gone to friends of the government, including Tu’i’onetoa’s People’s Party (PAK – Paati ‘A e Kakai) bigwig and convicted criminal ‘Etuate Lavulavu. The current Minister for Infrastructure alleged millions of dollars remain unaccounted for.
We also experienced this in the Hu’akavameiliku government after he was accused of brazenly rewarding his two outgoing ministers, who the Supreme Court had convicted of electoral bribery, with other government posts. He has also been charged with increasing the budget by more than 50 per cent to support his Cabinet Ministers’ global travels. He had also been accused of his involvement with Lulutai Airlines, which was linked to millions in loans that have been classified as imprudent due to the airline’s consistent financial losses,
The new goverment
The prospect of the new government’s potential to surpass the performance of the previous Hu’akavameiliku administration is somewhat discouraging. The reason for this is the inadequacy of our current constitution and democratic framework.
The expected newly established government seems prepared to prioritize the preferences and directives of the monarch over the principles of democratic governance and the constitution.
This style of governance will maintain and strengthen the political challenges experienced since the 2010 democratic reforms.
We now need a leader who dares to approach the king to discuss Pursglove’s recommendations for our democracy and constitution.
The country is in dire need of a leader who can uplift the government from its current state of turmoil and prevent a complete collapse.
Someone must take bold action, provide direction and strategy, and at the same time, communicate with the king efficiently in terms of our democracy and constitutional challenges.
This leader should be unafraid and never bow to our traditions of unnecessarily feeling intimidated (mālū’ia) by the king’s presence and authorities.
Our current challenging political situation may endure for centuries if we continue our failure to fix the constitutional and democratic issues first.
