The Ministry of Infrastructure says the former convicted Cabinet Ministers ‘Etuate and ‘Akosita Lavulavu have been served with eviction notice to end their tenancy at the government property at Sopu.
‘Etuate and AKosita Lavulavu
In a statement this morning the Ministry said the couple was vacating the property at Halavuna road which had been allotted to them as MPs.
The government needed the property for further development, it said.
The Lavulavu were jailed in 2021 for corruption and fraud connected with a school they ran.
‘Etuate and others founded a private education institute in Tonga in 2003. Etuate was its president and his wife ‘Akosita was its director.
In 2022, the Court of Appeal overturned the original sentence, ruling that the judge in the earlier trial had not been impartial. The Court of Appeal ordered that the duo be re-tried in the Supreme Court.
Before the re-trial ‘Akosita claimed that Justice Langi would be biased because she had been working at the Attorney General’s office when the charges were first laid.
A court decision said the appeal had no merit.
On October 10, 2022 the Court of Appeal quashed their convictions and ordered a retrial.
The government’s property previously occupied by the Lavulavu marked in blue. Image/ Ministry of Infrastructure
The Court of Appeal said there was ample evidence to support findings of apparent bias on the part of the Judge, that the trial was unfair and that the verdicts could not stand.
However, the Court was satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to support convictions on a correct application of relevant legal principles.
As Kaniva News reported recently, the latest stage in the legal saga surrounding the Lavulavus was adjourned until last month, April 2.
The Supreme Court was conducting voir dire hearings.
According to Attorney General Linda Simiki Folaumoetu’i, voir dire hearings are a means of investigating whether police and people involved in collecting evidence for a trial had done so legally and lawfully.
The Attorney General said after the voir dire hearing on April 2, the new trial would begin.
The Prime Minister has been heavily criticised after documents from his government criticising Australia and New Zealand against China were leaked to media.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku
The leaked document from Tonga’s Foreign Affairs Ministry shows that kingdom’s officials sharply criticised Australia and New Zealand’s response to the security pact signed by China and Solomon Islands, while declaring that Pacific diplomacy from Western nations was “failing”.
“The views expressed by ANZ [Australia and New Zealand] on the situation in the Solomon Islands are that only they (or the Pacific) can decide which countries Pacific states should align themselves with,” the document says.
“This clearly shows they remain far removed from Pacific realities and only echoes the condescending rhetoric that we, unfortunately, see too often from ANZ leadership.”
The document acknowledges China’s “growing clout” in the region and says many Pacific island states are facing “threats to strategic independence as a result of growing indebtedness to Beijing”.
But it says that in the end, Solomon Islands is a “sovereign nation and has the right to make decisions about its own security”.
“Tonga should continue to promote that fact including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states,” it reads.
Last month’s leak came after the Morrison and Ardern governments tried in 2022 to rally Pacific nations to press Solomon Islands not to sign the vaguely worded and deeply contentious agreement with Beijing, in part because they feared it would allow Beijing to establish a military presence in the country.
The pact was signed by Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who promoted his pro-China stance as a key pillar in his bid for re-election. Sogavare lost the election, but was replaced by Jeremiah Manele, who has an equally strong Stand in favour of China.
The strongly worded assessment of the strategic situation was first published by the ABC last month and was republished by Kaniva News.
According to ABC, “The five-page document calls New Zealand’s response to the Solomon Islands-China security agreement “nothing short of frantic” and flags that its then-Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta had requested a phone call to her Tongan counterpart to express Wellington’s “grave” concerns about the pact”.
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the ABC that it was “for Tongan officials to determine how they brief their ministers”.
“New Zealand’s objections to Solomon Islands and China’s secretive security pact have not diminished. We see that agreement as unnecessary and unwelcome,” they said.
Tongan diaspora reactions
The leaked letter baffled many Tongans living in Australia, New Zealand and the United States, with many saying the Prime Minister, who was then Minister of Foreign Affairs, was out of touch with reality.
Many have taken to Facebook and criticised PM Hu’akavameiliku and his government in the comments section under Kaniva News’ story on the leak.
“What is the purpose?”, a commenter asked the Prime Minister in Tongan.
Another asked the Prime Minister to tell them the countries where most members of the Tongan diaspora lived, comparing Australia, New Zealand, the USA and China.
“The Prime Minister should step down now”, one commenter wrote, describing China’s involvement in Tonga as an enemy “fili”. They also described the leaked letter as playing with fire (“va’inga’aki ‘a e afi”) referring to the Communist Party’s stance against Christianity.
“Where is our Tuku Fonua ki Langi”, a commenter wrote, referring to an 1893 prayer in which King George Tupou I committed Tonga to God’s protection.
Some liked a comment which asked where the church leaders were to speak up on this issue.
However, some commentators took sides with the Prime Minister and asked whether Tonga had received enough benefits from Australia and New Zealand over the years and referred to restrictions on resident visas and the deportation of the overstayers.
China has free visa entry agreements with Tonga.
Foreign remittances
According to a report from the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre, personal remittances received in Tonga in 2021 were estimated to be US$220 million, or equivalent to around 44% of Tongan gross domestic product (GDP).
The ANU report said the majority of Tongan households received remittances. The mean remittances sent home in the second half of 2021 was TP$5,892, equal to Aus$3,684 or NZS4,065.
As Kaniva News reported previously, a World Bank report said remittances made up more than a third of the kingdom’s GDP in 2015. The bank report said remittances mostly came from Tongans living in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. It said Tonga depended more on money sent home by migrant workers than any other country in the Pacific.
There are about 100,000 more Tongan people living overseas than in Tonga.
This includes 33,000 Tongans living in Australia according to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades, 82,389 living in New Zealand according to Statistics New Zealand, 2018, and 67,221 living in the USA recorded by Wikipedia. There are only 100,179 people living in Tonga, according to Tonga Statistics, 2021.
A man wanted over a central Auckland fatal shooting, and revealed to be a gang member, has been found dead near Taupō.
Police were searching for Hone Kay-Selwyn, 31, who they believed shot one person dead on Ponsonby Road on Sunday night.
The victim, named as Robert Sidney Horne, had been with a group of people at the time, and was found dead by police when they arrived at the scene, outside a bar. Police said multiple shots had been fired.
On Wednesday morning, a source confirmed the discovery of Kay-Selwyn’s body to RNZ. Police later confirmed the death.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry said homicide investigators were travelling to the Taupō region on Tuesday afternoon.
“On the way, police were notified of a man located deceased at a rural address in the Broadlands area.”
Kay-Selwyn’s death was being treated as unexplained, he said.
He said the deceased man was found by an associate on Tuesday. Police also confirmed Kay-Selwyn was a member of the Killer Beez gang.
“While a post-mortem examination is yet to be completed, it is believed the deceased is the man sought by police in relation to the homicide investigation.”
Police did not believe there was any relationship between the Ponsonby shooting victim and the suspect, nor did they believe the victim and his associates on the night have any criminal group links.
Auckland City CIB would be working with Bay of Plenty CIB counterparts as part of the investigation.
Barry said the homicide investigation remained ongoing, but they were not seeking anyone else in relation to it.
“Our investigation team will continue to piece together the information received to date and we will continue to make enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
“Police have notified the victim’s family of these developments, and we have been in touch with the family of the man sought.”
Police thanked the public for the information received regarding the identity of the man sought.
A woman, who said she was the partner of Kay-Selwyn, had expressed remorse for his actions.
In a now deleted Facebook post earlier this week, she said her inbox had been “overflowing” with messages about her partner’s actions on Sunday night in Ponsonby.
“I want to express my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. I’m deeply sorry and feel a great sense of shame about the situation.”
She said she was “grappling” with the fact he had taken someone’s life.
When contacted by RNZ the woman did not want to comment further.
Police would not comment directly on the social media post or confirm if they had spoken to the woman.
What happened?
About 10.15pm on Sunday, police were called to Ponsonby Road after reports of a possible shooting.
When officers arrived, a man was lying dead on the pavement, outside Glengarry Wines. Police immediately cordoned off the area and launched a homicide investigation.
Detective Inspector Barry said it was believed the alleged gunman had been denied access to a bar on the road as staff were preparing to close for the night.
He lingered on the street.
Barry said it was believed the man had a gun concealed in a bag he was carrying, and when a group of four men got out of a car nearby, he fired multiple shots at them, killing one.
By the time police arrived, the shooter had left the scene.
A woman was killed after a suspected DUI (driving under the influence) driver crashed into her car Sunday night, the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) said.
Emergency Services Dispatcher Antoinette Finau was killed after a suspected DUI driver crashed into her vehicle Sunday night. She was on her way to work, police said (Photo: Alameda County Sheriff’s Office).
The crash happened around 11.14pm at the intersection of E. 14th Street and 150th Avenue in San Leandro.
The suspected DUI driver crashed into the victim’s car, which was broadsided, and caused it to roll over, according to SLPD. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.
The US-based Tongan victim was identified as Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Dispatcher Antoinette Finau. Finau was on her way to work when the crash happened, SLPD said.
“She died a senseless and tragic death at the hands of a drunk driver,” the sheriff’s office wrote in part in a Facebook post.
“We will remember Antoinette as someone who lived her life to the fullest and touched the hearts of those around her,” the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) said in a Facebook post. “Though her time with us was short (almost three years), Antoinette impacted our agency with her sweet nature, kind heart, warm smile, and pride in being the voice on the other end of a call for help. She was a loving mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend to many. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest well, Antoinette. We will miss you.”
The driver of the suspect vehicle was not injured. She was arrested for driving under the influence and was taken to jail, SLPD said.
“The San Leandro Police Department offers our condolences to the family of the victim as well as the men and women of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office,” said SLPD Lt. Jeffrey Walton, “This is a tragic loss of life and a painful reminder of the dangers of driving while impaired”.
On Monday, law enforcement agencies across the East Bay and members of Finau’s family escorted her body to Oakland in a long procession, ACSO said.
Social Worker Feleti Lotulelei, Tainui, ‘Eua – Tonga is Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland’s first graduate from the Master’s in Professional Supervision programme.
The proudly Papakura born and raised 31-year-old currently works for Oranga Tamariki. He said completing postgraduate studies had reshaped his approach to supervision within social work.
“It was like a gateway to another world… I always thought supervision was a dumping ground to vent your frustrations and then get on with the mahi again.”
Instead Lotulelei discovered the science that sits behind supervision practice, championing critical reflective practice and reshaping his approach to supervision.
“It provides the foundation of my supervisory practice. Going from a hierarchical approach in which I was familiar with, to professional supervision theory advocating for creating the vā (the sacred space between) for myself and the supervisees.”
Emphasising that in taking the journey together towards a new understanding of practice was a far better fit when it came to best practice and relating to those he works with.
As the social work field moves toward a new era of professionalism, Lotulelei says bringing about effective change required a paradigm shift and that for many the process of reflection was unfamiliar territory.
“I’ve had similar experiences with others having the opinion that the way to do things is the way that it has always been done.”
However, he says this practice was outdated, and professional supervision provides the platform to bring about effective change.
“By encouraging quality professional supervision, we are able to shift that mentality of responding with process driven practice versus ‘informed’ safe practice.”
Dr Matt Rankine, Senior Lecturer from the University’s faculty of Education and Social Work says Lotulelei is the first graduate of the Masters in Professional Supervision.
“Feleti works for Oranga Tamariki as a statutory social worker, so this is a great example of the many students who come into the programme who are already engaged in full time professional work and successfully complete post graduate study.”
Pursuing university studies was never on the social work supervisor’s agenda but he says faith led him toward the ‘helping profession.’ First volunteering as a youth worker after graduating from Papakura High School almost 14 years ago, he took the next step of completing a Bachelor of Social Work degree thanks to a scholarship from the Bongard family.
“I sort of fell into the field, but I knew this is the path that God had created for me. I’ve been blessed each step I’ve taken, always trying to be faithful and obedient along the way.”
He overcame the challenge of having to work and study fulltime with the help of colleagues providing flexibility to attend classes and a supportive family.
“Everyone knows the struggles of paying off a student loan and trying to get by. The struggle was real, Mie goreng became my new go to!” he laughs.
Grateful for the village of people that have carried him through the journey, Lotulelei says everyone who has supported him should have their names added on his Master’s degree.
“I feel like all Pasifika people, we have an obligation to those who have paved the way for us to be where we are today. My family from Tonga (and Aotearoa New Zealand) did not come from a rich background,” he says of honouring the sacrifices and challenges his family faced to realise his aspirations.
“I told my Dad I wanted to wear a ta’ovala (fine mat worn around the waist) to graduation. He asked me what ta’ovala I had to wear to graduation?
My sister and I joked with him, saying ‘you’re the Tongan, you should know?
He replied ‘I never had a graduation.’ This broke me. This is why we do it. We’re all graduating on that day.”
Police are searching for an “extremely dangerous” man believed to be behind a fatal shooting on Auckland’s Ponsonby Road.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry holds an image of a man he says police are seeking in connection with the fatal shooting in Ponsonby. Photo: RNZ / Screenshot
Detective Inspector Chris Barry said emergency services responded to reports of a gun being fired outside an address on Ponsonby Road about 10.20pm on Sunday.
“Around 10.15pm, a group of four people, including the victim, exited a parked car on Ponsonby Road and walked in the man’s direction,” Barry said.
The group of people who were with the victim at the time of the shooting were co-operating with investigators and were “very upset”, he said.
Barry said it was difficult to say whether the multiple shots fired were targeting one person or various people, as the scene examination was still under way.
Police are now hunting a person who they say is extremely dangerous and that members of the public should not approach him.
“If you see him or know who he is, please phone 111 immediately.”
Anyone concealing his identity or whereabouts could find themselves facing prosecution, Barry said.
Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
The man is described as being of large build, with dark hair and facial hair, and has a large tattoo on his left forearm.
“Earlier on Sunday evening, this man tried to enter a bar on Ponsonby Road, however was denied entry as it was closing.”
The time between the suspect being denied entry and the shooting was a matter of minutes, he said.
After the shooting, he was seen walking south on Ponsonby Road, in direction of Richmond Road.
The motivation behind the shooting was not yet clear, Barry said.
“You can be certain we will piece together why this shocking incident occurred last night.”
Police examiners at a section of Ponsonby Road amid a homicide investigation, on 6 May, 2024. Photo: RNZ / Maia Ingoe
It was difficult to say yet if the shooting was gang related, Barry said.
Police were aware of the concerns in the community due to the incident.
“We know unease in the community, particularly as police have not yet made an arrest. However, we would like to reassure Ponsonby residents and the wider community that a dedicated police team are working diligently to hold this person to account,” Barry said.
Auckland Transport said a section of Ponsonby Road, between Richmond Road and Franklin Road, was closed due to an incident.
“Avoid this area or expect delays with diversions in place affecting all traffic, including bus services.”
Police detectives on Ponsonby Road after reports of a death there. Photo: Finn Blackwell
A post-mortem and formal identification of the man found dead will be carried out over the coming days.
Police scene guards are expected to be stood down later on Monday afternoon, but a police presence will remain in the area.
Police at the scene of a cordon after a reported death on Ponsonby Rd. Photo: Finn Blackwell
The Chathams airline, which previously ran the kingdom’s airline service, has been approached by the Tonga government for aircraft lease, Kaniva News can reveal.
The Prime Minister has been reticent to speak openly about the airline, which is run by the government. For instance, Parliament only found out about the purchase of Lulutai’s new Twin Otter after we published the news.
Air Chathams ran Tonga’s domestic airline from 2007 to 2011.
The airline’s CEO, Craig Emeny, said he believed Chatham’s was the 11th airline to operate in Tonga. He blamed his airline’s departure on the then government’s decision to establish a rival airline using donated Chinese aircraft.
Emeny told media at the time that Chathams was financially secure and sustainable.
“I would continue to operate the domestic air service in Tonga in a normal operating environment. It is the government’s decision to sponsor competition with donated aircraft from China and that will make Chathams Pacific untenable in the future,” he said.
Chatham airlines currently operates 10 aircraft, including two ATR72s and three Saab 340s, the same type operated by Lulutai airlines. It serves destinations in New Zealand’s main islands and the Chathams, as well as Norfolk Island in Australia.
Lulutai airlins has kept functioning with technical and financial help from Australia.
In February last year Australia’s High Commissioner Rachael Moore told media in Nuku’alofa that Australia would help develop a business plan with Lulutai.
A man in his 40s was allegedly stabbed in the neck and thrown from his wheelchair during a struggle with a woman who forced her way into a home in Thornlie, in Perth’s southeast.
Another resident, a woman in her 50s, was also allegedly assaulted in the armed robbery that 7NEWS understands was a Facebook Marketplace meetup on Saturday morning.
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The alleged female offender first arrived at the home on Bremer Pl and, after a short conversation at the front door, allegedly forced her way inside, armed with a bladed weapon, WA Police said.
While she was inside, two other men — one allegedly carrying a weapon believed to be a pickaxe — also entered the residence.
The male resident was stabbed in the neck and the female resident sustained an arm injury, police said.
One of the residents sought help from a neighbour about 10.55am, and responding St John WA paramedics took both of the injured residents to hospital.
A man and woman were allegedly assaulted at a home on Bremer Pl at Thornlie on Saturday morning. Credit: 7NEWS
The alleged offenders fled the scene, and have all been described by police as appearing to have olive skin with medium height and build.
The female was, at the time of the incident, wearing blue jeans, a brown and white striped long-sleeved shirt and a black cap with a motif, or writing, on the front, WA Police said.
Any witnesses or anyone with relevant information about the incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
UPDATED: The body of the man discovered on a farmland road in the Nuku’alofa’s central south town of Tokomololo this morning has been identified as Kepueli ‘Ahome’e of Ha’alalo, Tongatapu.
Kepueli ‘Ahome’e
This has been confirmed to Kaniva News by his brother-in-law, Stanley Lui.
‘Ahome’e’s body was found lying face-down on what has been described as a tax allotment private road.
He has several tattoos with a distinct one on his right leg with the name Liahona, according to one witness.
He was wearing a red t-shirt and grey short pants.
Locals believed it was likely ‘Ahome’e died last night.
A witness reported on social media that Police had recovered the body.
