Home Blog Page 164

Manu Samoa demolish Tonga 43-17

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Vaelei Von Dincklage, Samoa Observer

Manu Samoa demolished Tonga 43-17 on home soil in their second Pacific Nations Cup at Apia Park on Friday evening, keeping alive hopes of a semi-final spot.

Manu Samoa demolish Tonga 43-17

Melani Matavao fights for the ball. Samoa beat Tonga 43-17. (Photo: Junior S Ami)

Like last week, it was two different tales in each of the halves. The team showed discipline and good skill sets in the first half to lead 17-0. The second half had the team scoring more, however, the skill display left the head coach slightly disappointed.

Mase Mahonri Schwalger said even though they won he is quite disappointed that the game plan was not followed.

“We take the win. Pretty disappointed with some of our skill-set that I saw out there. They didn’t really secure the game plan that we worked so hard on in the last couple of days. But a win is a win. We’re happy,” he said.

He was also happy to have former players watching from the stands. He believes it was great to have the boys who paved the way for them to be there.

Samoa mounted a good lead in the first half through tries to Tuna Tuitama and Stacey Ili. Tuitama got his brace in the second spell with Izaiha Moore-Aiono and Samuel Slade getting their names on the score sheet as well.

Former Manu Samoa captain Paul Williams was in the stands. The game brought memories of his debut.

“I was fortunate to play for the Manu in 2010. It was my debut against Tonga here in Apia, and my last game was in 2016. So I got one World Cup in 2011 in New Zealand. It was a real privilege to represent our country,” he said.

“This certainly brought back memories, pulling out all the hard strings, emotions, and running. It was great to see the boys pull up a good win. Good scoreline, they were dominating that first half, some great running rugby and some great tries.”

“I was impressed, a fair few mistakes but at the same time, I know it’s not easy. For the Manu to pull out a lead like that was impressive.”

Tongan coach Tevita Tu’ifua said his boys did not play well.

“First of all, congratulations to Samoa on their 100-year celebration of rugby and also to Mase and the Manu Samoa team. In the game today, our boys did not play well, we lost a lot of possession, and we can’t play without the ball. There was a lot of learning taking it towards our next game with Fiji at home,” he said.

Samoa will get a rest next week as Fiji take on Tonga in Nukualofa. A win for Fiji means Samoa is through to the semi-finals.

Tongan family in Auckland struck by triple tragedy as second son dies at sea and cousin succumbs to cancer

By
Kalino Latu
-

A family from the village of Pea in Tonga, currently living in Auckland, is grappling with the loss of their son.

(Inset) Setaita ‘Ofa Tu’ungafasi (L) and Māsila Siua

He drowned after his boat capsized and sank in the Manukau Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.

Kaniva News can now reveal the name of the victim as Māsila Siua.

The police Eagle helicopter made the discovery on Thursday afternoon near Puketutu Island, where the deceased was last seen.

His body was recovered by police divers with help from the police maritime unit.

It is understood that Māsila was on a fishing trip with a nephew who raised the alarm that someone was missing after a treacherous swim to shore in large swells.

The boat was recovered and towed back to shore on Tuesday evening.

Eldest brother’s death

The family previously faced a similar tragic event in 2007 when Māsila’s oldest brother, Palu Siua, disappeared in the coastal waters of Gulf Harbour.

In that incident, Auckland Police said Palu and his companion were in their four-metre aluminium boat when several large waves swept across it, causing it to sink rapidly.

Both men went into the water, but the relative was able to swim to shore.

The Police recovered Palu’s body five days later near Auckland’s Okoromai Bay.

Cousin dies from cancer

The family is also in mourning due to the passing of Māsila’s first cousin, Setaita ‘Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who succumbed to cancer in Auckland.

Kaniva News has learned that Tu‘ungafasi passed away last night.

Māori King Tūheitia dies aged 69

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Kiingi Tūheitia has died, aged 69, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

Kiingi Tūheitia pictured in 2020. Photo / RNZ / Dan Cook

A statement issued by the office of the Kiingitanga said Tūheitia had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery.

He died “peacefully” on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi and Ngawai Hono I Te Po, the statement said.

“The death of Kiingi Tūheitia is a moment of great sadness for followers of Te Kiingitanga, Māoridom and the entire nation.”

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

Advertisement

https://1c499afd1fe78cf5919ce6df31283579.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Advertise with NZME.

https://www.oneroof.co.nz/premium-property3?carousel=81&utm_source=NZME&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=NZH_extend_article

Tūheitia was expected to lie in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days.

He would then be taken to his final resting place on Taupiri Mountain, the statement said.

Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII was born Tūheitia Paki in 1955 in Huntly and educated in Waikato and Auckland.

Advertisement

Advertise with NZME.

He was crowned on August 21, 2006 following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Kiingi Tūheitia and King Charles III met at The White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace before Charles' coronation last year.
Kiingi Tūheitia and King Charles III met at The White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace before Charles’ coronation last year.

He has been at the forefront of Māori issues and represented the Kiingitanga at a number of events over the years, including the funeral of King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga in 2006 and the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London in 2023.

In 2019, he met with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Discover more

The kīngi was also the patron of several organisations, including the kapa haka competition Te Matatini.

More to come

New poll shows Harris closing gap with Trump, but it’s tight

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Jason Lange, Reuters

Donald Trump’s advantage over Kamala Harris on the economy and crime is eroding among US voters, a sign the Democratic vice president’s campaign is gathering momentum ahead of the 5 November presidential election, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Donald Trump questioned whether Kamala Harris was Black during the largest US annual gathering of Black journalists.

Trump’s approach to the economy and employment was preferred by 43 percent of registered voters compared to 40 percent who preferred Harris’s approach. Photo: AFP

The three-day poll, conducted 23-25 August, showed Republican former President Trump’s approach to the economy and employment was preferred by 43 percent of registered voters compared to 40 percent who preferred Harris’s approach. The 3 percentage point difference was too small to be significant given the poll’s 4 percentage point margin of error. A prior Reuters/Ipsos poll in late July showed Trump with an 11-point advantage on the economy.

On crime and corruption, Harris and Trump were tied with 40 percent support for each, showing more movement toward Harris, who trailed Trump by 5 points in the July poll.

Recent national polls have shown Harris building a small lead over Trump since she entered the race on July 21 following President Joe Biden’s decision to fold his campaign. The Reuters/Ipsos poll from late July showed Harris up by 1 point, 43 percent to 42 percent.

It remains to be seen how the race will be affected by independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s decision on Friday to suspend his campaign. Kennedy, who had attracted the support of about 8 percent of voters in a July poll, subsequently endorsed Trump.

Trump’s campaign speeches frequently criticize the Biden administration’s management of the economy as households continue to feel the sting of several years of high inflation. Harris has pledged to get prices under control through efforts like cracking down on “price gouging” by grocers.

The new poll showed the economy was the biggest issue for 26 percent of registered voters, compared to 22 percent who picked political extremism and threats to democracy and 13 percent who picked immigration.

Voters picked Harris over Trump on the issue of extremism by 42 percent to 36 percent. Trump had an advantage on immigration policy, picked by 45 percent of voters compared to Harris’ 37 percent.

Neither of the two candidates is broadly liked, with 59 percent of voters saying they have an unfavourable view of Trump and 52 percent saying the same of Harris. Harris was viewed favourably by 47 percent of voters, compared to 39 percent for Trump.

The poll gathered responses online from 1028 adults nationwide, including 902 registered voters.

– Reuters

US Visa processing will now be conducted in Nuku’alofa

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan citizens can now apply for Non-Immigrant Visas to the US in Nuku’alofa.

Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku (L) and US Deputy State Secretary Kurt Campbell. Photo/PM Office

The Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, confirmed this during a bilateral meeting today on Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu.

Mr Campbell is currently in Tonga to attend the Pacific Forum Leaders’ meeting.

This development resolves the challenges many Tongans encountered for years when having to travel to Fiji to process their US visa applications.

Tongans wanting to travel to the US, have had to pay for their flight to Fiji and back, as well as accommodation and other expenses.

The challenges were even greater when their visas were declined.

The milestone for the kingdom was announced during the launching of the Consular’s window pilot program, which marks a significant step in strengthening US – Tonga relations.

The program provides essential services to American citizens and extended non-immigrant visa services to all residents of Tonga. Available visa types will include B1, B2, B1/B2, F1, F2, J1, J2, M1, M2, and R visas.

“This marks a major step in diplomatic relations between Tonga and the US and provides significant financial relief for Tonga seeking US visas”, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The event was marked with a joint ribbon cutting by PM Hu’akavameiliku and Mr Campbell as well as the US Ambassador to Tonga.

The United States is home to approximately 68,000 Tongans.

Tonga and the US

Tonga and the United States’ relations date back to October 1886 when the two countries signed a Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation in Nuku’alofa.

In May 2023 the new United States Embassy to Tonga was opened in the kingdom.

Invitation-only breakfast meeting venue for debate on seabed mining at Pacific Forum

By
Philip Cass
-

Among the key issues at this week’s Pacific Forum meeting in Tonga has been the question of deep sea mining.

Pacific island nations are divided on the issue and there have been many strong statements from both sides of the debate.

However, not all debate at the Forum has been completely open.

Yesterday morning (Wednesday) Nauru Ocean Resources Inc and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd hosted an invitation-only breakfast meeting on the theme “addressing the environmental concerns of collecting polymetallic nodules.”

It has been argued that seabed mining – harvesting nodules of precious metals  – offers island nations the chance to profit from the demand for minerals like nickel and cobalt, which play a key role in new, carbon reducing  technologies.

The United Nation’s International Seabed Authority has been tasked with finding a way to balance the needs of citizens, nations, NGOs, scientists, mining companies and investors.

According to the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council arguments centre on whether the suggested financial benefits of allowing mining companies to extract metals from the seabed outweigh a potential environmental catastrophe.

“Nauru, Kiribati, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, see deep-sea mining as a lucrative opportunity. These countries possess vast areas rich in polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese, essential for electric vehicle batteries and other green technologies.” the Council said.

The Cook Islands has allowed exploration in its territorial waters and sees itself as a centre of excellence for deep-sea mineral understanding.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark brown told RNZ last year that he planned to protect his country against climate change through seabed mining.

However, other Pacific nations, such as Vanuatu and Palau, have called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until more is known about its environmental impacts.

“They argue that the potential for irreversible damage to marine ecosystems is too high, citing concerns over biodiversity loss and ecological disruption,” the Council said.

“Vanuatu’s Climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu has emphasized the need for comprehensive scientific research and has been vocal about Vanuatu’s stance against deep-sea mining.”

Earlier this week Members of the Civil Society Forum of Tonga and the Pacific Islands Association of NGOs led a peaceful protest against seabed mining outside the Forum.

Pelenatita (Tita) Kara Longopoa, Program National Co-ordinator at Civil Society Forum of Tonga, said: “As leaders from across the Pacific meet here it is crucial that they act to defend and protect our oceans from extractive corporations seeking to plunder our source of livelihood and the home for our fisheries for a quick profit.” 

Retreast

Pacific leaders left for Vava’u this morning where they have been attending a series of meetings on topics ranging from farming to energy transition, labour mobility and fisheries.

Much of this afternoon’s discussion was centred on climate change, with discussions around resilience and the use of digital data for climate change insurance.

Tonight Tongan Prime Minisgter Hu’akavameiliku, will host a reception and dinner.

Tomorrow morning (Friday) Fiji will lead a closed session on a Pacific regional peacekeeping co-operation network.

Foodie: First peek inside Auckland’s colossal Asian supermarket

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Duoya Lu, rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Thousands descended on the opening of what has been described as New Zealand’s largest Asian supermarket in Auckland on Thursday.

Roads leading to Foodie in Westgate were clogged with visitors ahead of the 8:30am opening, with few car parks left in the more than 200 parking spaces.

Queues at the checkout were equally chaotic, with one customer telling RNZ they had waited in line for more than an hour.

Located near wholesale supermarket Costco, Foodie boasts an indoor floor space that spans 3800 square metres, managing director Tao Shi said.

Shi said the store’s size placed it among mainstream supermarkets in New Zealand, suggesting it would be the country’s largest Asian outlet.

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Despite opening on a weekday, a seemingly endless stream of customers visited the store on Thursday to get a taste of what was on offer.

Greenhithe resident Joy Zhu was pleased with the one-stop shopping experience Foodie provided.

“It has all the food I need, so I don’t have to visit other supermarkets,” Zhu said.

“There’s a butcher, a seafood store and a roast vendor. It’s truly one-stop shopping.”

Living nearby, Zhu planned to visit the supermarket regularly.

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Zhuoqun Zhao praised the supermarket’s cleanliness, adding that clear signage made it easier to find products.

He made the most of the “opening specials”, picking up 30 eggs for $9.99.

“Other supermarkets sell the same number for more than $10,” he said.

“Vegetables are also particularly cheap, so I bought a lot of them.”

His main concern was overcrowding, which ultimately resulted in an uncomfortable shopping experience.

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Zaixun Deng expressed similar concerns, saying it had been impossible to find a parking space Thursday morning.

Shi believed more than 3500 visitors would visit the store on Thursday, with significantly more expected over the weekend.

Foodie joins a long list of supermarkets catering to New Zealand’s Asian communities.

Established operators such as Lim Chhour, Da Hua, Tai Ping and Golden Apple sell Asian food and household items in various parts of the country, particularly Auckland and Christchurch.

These markets have become more than simple shopping destinations, turning into essential hubs where immigrants connect with one another and maintain ties to their cultural roots.

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Shi said Foodie would not aim to compete directly with other Asian supermarkets, adding it offered a unique shopping experience that allowed customers the opportunity to purchase daily essentials at one location instead of visiting multiple stores.

“For example, I have to go to a Korean supermarket for barbecue ingredients and a Chinese supermarket for vegetables,” he said.

“Some stores don’t carry everything, so I end up going to New World or Pak’n Save for milk, bread and other essentials.

“I might need to visit four or five different stores to get everything. This is the current shopping experience for customers.”

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Shi hoped Foodie could meet the grocery shopping needs of Auckland’s diverse ethnic groups – as well as offering takeaway shops, bakeries and milk tea stands.

“We currently offer a wide range of foods from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and other Asian countries,” he said.

“The number of products has surpassed 12,000.”

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Foodie planned to expand by opening additional supermarkets on Auckland’s North Shore and in East Auckland.

By the numbers

  • Foodie’s indoor floor space measures 3800 square metres
  • Investment costs are estimated at $20 million
  • Around 2500 customers are expected to visit the store each day
  • The supermarket stocks more than 12,000 goods from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and other Asian countries
  • It takes an average customer about 20 minutes to walk around every section of the supermarket, taking around 2000 steps in the process

Foodie Supermarket located in West Auckland opened on its first day, 29 Aug,2024

Photo: RNZ / Lin Yiting

Pacific leaders arriving in Vava’u, Tonga, for retreat

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Lydia Lewis, in Vava’u, Tonga. This article is republished with permission

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat is starting in Vava’u,Tonga today.

Pacific Islands Forum leaders' in Vava'u. 29 August 2024

Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ in Vava’u. 29 August 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis

Eighteen Pacific leaders and representatives will meet on Vava’u to sign off what they have been discussing throughout the year.

The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders’ arrivals.

They told RNZ Pacific last night on Wednesday night that this is a big day for Vava’u to showcase the rich culture they have on offer to the world.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Retreat is starting in Vava'u, Tonga today. The leaders have landed there this morning. The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders' arrivals.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat is starting in Vava’u, Tonga today. The leaders have landed there this morning. The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders’ arrivals. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis

Mele Vaipulu, the wife of the Tongan deputy prime minister, Samiuela, said this visit is very special.

“It’s very important that they’re here to recognise some of our weaknesses and some sides of Tonga that we need help at,” she said.

“I believe that this Forum is a blessing.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Retreat is starting in Vava'u,Tonga today. The leaders have landed there this morning. The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders' arrivals.

The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders’ arrivals. Photo: Lydia Lewis

“I think the Forum will be a very helpful and very pleasing to the Kingdom of Tonga – not only to Tonga, but to the other islands.”

She said Vava’u “is the island paradise”.

“Today we will get to visit the place that that our first King, Tupou I, dedicated Tonga to God. And of course, we were known as the people of God and and the friendly island.”

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Retreat is starting in Vava'u, Tonga. The leaders have landed there this morning. The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders' arrivals. Mele Vaipolo, the wife of the Tongan deputy prime minister, left

Mele Vaipulu, the wife of the Tongan deputy prime minister, left. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis

Body found in hunt for Tongan man missing in Manukau Harbour

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have found a body in the search for the Tongan man after the vessel he was on sank in the Manukau Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.

Police at Puketutu Island. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

It was spotted by the police Eagle helicopter on Thursday afternoon near Puketutu Island, where he was last seen, and recovered by the Police National Dive Squad, with help from the Police Maritime Unit.

A formal identification was yet to be carried out.

However, Kaniva News understands that relatives and family members of the Siua family from Pea, Tongatapu in Auckland were asking for prayers since their son Masila Siua went missing at Manukau Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.

The body was recovered by the Police National Dive Squad, with assistance from the Police Maritime Unit.

Enquiries will continue into the matter, with the formal identification process to be carried out, Manukau Police said.

“Police would like to thank Coastguard, the Royal New Zealand Navy, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter for their assistance during this search, which has covered a wide area of Manukau Harbour”.

Tongan lay minister put on child sex offender register, jailed after sexually violating 10-year-old disabled boy in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

A former Tongan Methodist lay minister and Sunday school teacher has been jailed for four years and 10 months for sexually assaulting a vulnerable young boy.

Hapa ‘Ofanoa. Photo/Supplied

Hapa ‘Ofanoa, 47, has also been put on the child sex offender register.

He pleaded guilty early this year to three charges of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and five charges of doing an indecent act on a young person.

The victim, who had “significant behavioural and physical difficulties”, was repeatedly abused by ‘Ofanoa between July 2014 and September 2017 while he was in his care.

The presiding judge, Patel, said ‘Ofanoa’s offending was “serious, repetitive and premeditated”. 

“The offending also sits rather uncomfortably with your position in the church”, the Judge said.

The court was told that the victim’s parents trusted ‘Ofanoa and placed their son in his care as a healthcare assistant.

The judge said there was a significant breach of trust in ‘Ofanoa’s offending. 

The court was also told that much of the offending occurred in the victim’s home.

A reference letter showed ‘Ofanoa expressed remorse, but the judge said there was no indication as to whether the report’s writer was aware of the nature or the extent of the offence to which he pleaded guilty.

“The reference letter portrays you in good terms, but again, there is no indication that the writer was aware of your offending”.

The judge ordered that ‘Ofanoa must be placed on the Child Sex Offender Register.

His registration followed that of Tongan pastor Siosateki Tonga Faletau, who was registered as a Child Sex Offender in 2022. Faletau was sentenced to two years and three months for indecently assaulting seven young girls from 2001 to 2020.

Background

‘Ofanoa was brought up in Tonga, and he graduated with a Certificate in Theology.

He was a lay preacher at a Methodist church before emigrating to New Zealand with his family in 2005.

He contributed to the Methodist church by being a choir conductor and a Sunday School teacher.

He had been employed since then. He has five children aged between 14 and 27.

Child sex offender register

In New Zealand, the register is a record of a range of up-to-date personal information about registered child sex offenders living in the community. It is a tool to help Police and Corrections staff with the monitoring of people who have offended in the past, to prevent re-offending and keep children safe.

Almost every person sent to prison will one day leave. Before a child sex offender is released from prison, careful planning is undertaken to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Many offenders are released with special conditions or on extended supervision orders, which provide varying levels of protection to the community.

When a registered offender leaves prison, they are required to start reporting their personal information to the register and continue to do so until the end of their registration period. This applies to people who are subject to conditions or extended supervision orders, as well as those who are living freely in the community without conditions.

Corrections probation officers and Police case managers work with these people to develop a plan for their full reintegration back into the community. The aim is to support them in maintaining a low-risk lifestyle and protect the community where appropriate.

1...163164165...973Page 164 of 973