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Rau Tongia: Jury reach verdict with two found guilty of murder

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The jury have reached a unanimous verdict after a nearly three-month long murder trial into the death of Rau Tongia.

Shayde Carolyn Weston, Breeze Hunt-Weston, Louise Kelly Hume and Pania Ella Waaka

Shayde Carolyn Weston, Breeze Hunt-Weston, Louise Kelly Hume and Pania Ella Waaka. Photo: Stuff / Juan Zarama Perini

Shayde Weston, Breeze Hunt-Weston, Louise Kelly Hume, and Pania Waaka all pleaded not guilty to the murder of Tongia, who the Crown allege was shot in the back while he slept at a house in Wellington’s Karori in December 2020.

Hunt-Weston also faced two other charges.

For Weston, the jury reached a verdict of guilty of murder.

For Hunt-Weston, the jury has found her guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and of accessory after the fact to murder, but not guilty to murder.

For Waaka, the jury has found her guilty on the charge of murder.

For Kelly Hume, the jury has found her not guilty of either murder or manslaughter.

A fifth woman was also set to go on trial charged with murder but was excused due to health reasons. Her name is suppressed.

Sentencing will be on 19 September.

The trial was initially scheduled to begin on the 13 May and was set down for eight weeks.

After two weeks of delays, the Crown kicked off its case on 27 May, spearheaded by Crown Prosecutor Sally Carter.

The Crown alleged in the hours before Tongia’s death, he assaulted Weston and his death was a revenge killing.

What happened in the hours before Rau Tongia was killed?

The Crown said in the hours before Tongia’s death, Weston was with the fifth woman.

Witnesses reported seeing the two women and Tongia at a party, where Weston and the fifth woman were seen kissing.

Witnesses said she appeared to be trying to get a rise out of Tongia.

Tongia is then alleged to have assaulted Weston while she was sleeping alone in the woman’s bed.

Witnesses testified to seeing Weston with black eyes after the attack and reported a second confrontation then happening in the driveway of Tongia’s Percy Dyett Drive address.

Evidence was given that Weston’s sister Hunt-Weston and cousin Phoenix Colvin came to the address from Halswell Lodge to get her, along with another person.

There Hunt-Weston admitted to hitting Tongia in the head with a hammer.

She maintained it was in self-defence in response to Tongia attacking Weston again.

CCTV footage tracked Colvin’s car between Halswell Lodge and Percy Dyett Drive, then out to Onslow Road – where the Crown alleges that the gun that was used was collected.

Tongia’s death

The Crown alleged Tongia was shot in the back while he slept shortly after 4.30am.

CCTV footage tracked Hunt-Weston’s car going from Halswell Lodge back to Karori shortly before 4.30am.

The Crown alleged Hunt-Weston had told Waaka to drive the car, and that a witnessed had seen a person, alleged to be Weston, with a shotgun by the side of Tongia’s house.

Google Maps data from Waaka’s phone placed it outside the address on Percy Dyett Drive around the same time.

The Crown believed Weston either pulled the trigger or assisted in the shooting, Waaka drove Weston to the address, Hunt-Weston lent them the car to get there, and Hume supplied the gun used.

Waaka has admitted to driving the car.

The Crown said the fifth woman was also believed to have been in a bedroom the night Tongia was shot while he slept.

Hu’akavameiliku rejects foreign affairs stand off claims

By
Kalino Latu
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has rejected claims that there is a foreign affairs ministerial portfolio standoff which poses a threat to the upcoming Pacific leaders meeting.

Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku

Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Photo: RNZI/ Koro Vaka’uta

Tonga is hosting Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit at the end of this month.

Earlier this year, Tonga’s King Tupou VI disapproved of the government’s appointment of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

As a result, the then-minister, Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, stepped away from the post in April and a replacement is yet to be named.

RNZ Pacific’s Tonga correspondent, Kalafi Moala, said two weeks ago the matter was not resolved at all.

“There is a court case in which the royally appointed secretary to Foreign Affairs is suing the government and suing the Public Service Commission, as well as the secretary to government, for trying to get rid of him I don’t know what,” Moala said.

However, Hu’akavameiliku told RNZ Pacific this week that he is the acting minister of foreign affairs.

“When there is a vacant ministerial position, it is normally the Prime Minister [who] will take up their portfolio unless he [has] delegated to someone else,” he said.

He stressed there were no issues concerning the portfolio, as was being reported.

“I’m heading down to the Foreign Ministers meeting on Friday in Suva to give them an update in my capacity as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, so we are okay…things are lining up.”

He confirmed that he will update Forum Foreign Ministers about the preparation for the 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting, including progress on logistics and accommodation.

Name suppression lapses for Sione Tupou, accused of murdering Texas Doctor in Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Craig Kapitan of the NZ Herald

The man accused of murdering young Rebels MC member Texas Jack Doctor in Mt Wellington last month can now be identified as 23-year-old Sione Tupou.

Name suppression lapsed today for Tupou and co-defendant Malio Soakimi, who is charged with being an accessory to murder after the fact, as they appeared together for the first time in the High Court at Auckland.

Defence lawyer Annabel Ives, representing both men, entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

Doctor, 22, was fatally shot while sitting in a car on Penrose Rd on the night of Saturday, July 13.

Police cordon outside the Puffing Kiwi vape shop on Penrose Road, Mt Wellington at the scene of a fatal shooting incident. Texas Jack Doctor (inset). Photo / Isaac Davison
Police cordon outside the Puffing Kiwi vape shop on Penrose Road, Mt Wellington at the scene of a fatal shooting incident. Texas Jack Doctor (inset). Photo / Isaac Davison

Police have identified Tupou as a member of rival gang the Head Hunters but emphasised that the shooting was not being treated as gang-related.

“While both the offender and the victim are members of separate gangs, we want to assure the public that what has transpired related to an ongoing dispute between individual members of two families,” Acting Detective Inspector Chris Allan said in a statement last month calling for calm.

“Our inquiries have established this was not a gang-motivated incident.”

Sione Tupou appears in the Auckland District Court on July 18 charged with the murder of Texas Jack Doctor in Mt Wellington. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
Sione Tupou appears in the Auckland District Court on July 18 charged with the murder of Texas Jack Doctor in Mt Wellington. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Tupou was arrested just under a week after the shooting, charged with murder and unlawful possession of a pistol. Soakimi, accused of having given Tupou a ride on the night of the shooting, had been arrested a day earlier.

During today’s brief court appearance, Justice Timothy Brewer set a trial date for October next year.

Malio Soakimi appears in Auckland District Court in July 2018 charged with being an accessory after the fact to the murder of Texas Jack Doctor by giving a ride to co-defendant Sione Tupou. Photo / Dean Purcell
Malio Soakimi appears in Auckland District Court in July 2018 charged with being an accessory after the fact to the murder of Texas Jack Doctor by giving a ride to co-defendant Sione Tupou. Photo / Dean Purcell

Both defendants wore white as they stood side by side in the dock – Tupou in a T-shirt and Soakimi in a long-sleeve button-down shirt. Tupou, who has been remanded in jail while awaiting trial, glanced back at supporters in the gallery as his case was discussed.

Next year’s trial is slated to take three weeks.

Craig Kapitan is an Auckland-based journalist covering courts and justice. He joined the Herald in 2021 and has reported on courts since 2002 in three newsrooms in the US and New Zealand.

A night of crime: 12 people arrested for stolen vehicle offences

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police have recovered stolen vehicles and made a dozen arrests across Auckland overnight.

A range of Police resources were deployed to assist in the apprehensions, with many of those arrested facing court over driving and theft related offences.

  • Car stolen in New Lynn:

The night began at LynnMall just before 7.30pm with a report of a group of young people trying car doors in the centre car park.

Inspector Kelly Farrant, of Waitematā West Police, says the group eventually managed to break into one vehicle.

“The group left the car park, and the Police Eagle helicopter was advised of the incident.

“Police didn’t pursue the vehicle, but spikes were successfully deployed near Avondale.”

The occupants eventually gave up and abandoned the vehicle in the Kelston area.

“A 12-year-old male driver was soon taken into custody and we are following lines of enquiry into the others in the car at the time,” Inspector Farrant says.

The driver will be dealt with by through the Youth Aid process.

  • Stolen vehicles attract attention further south:

Seven arrests were made after a speeding vehicle caught the attention of Police in Ōtara.

The stolen vehicle was sighted on Flat Bush Road just after 11.30pm and was not pursued.

Inspector Gaylene Rice, of Counties Manukau West Police, says the vehicle was travelling at high speeds.

“Eagle was soon overhead and monitored the vehicle’s movements,” she says.

“The vehicle travelled south toward Takanini and was successfully spiked on multiple occasions.”

Before 12.30am, the vehicle came to a stop and all seven occupants were taken into custody.

Inspector Rice says the 14-year-old male driver is facing the Manukau Youth Court on charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.

“The other six occupants were all aged between 12 and 17 and will be dealt with by way of Youth Aid.”

A second incident in Ōtara before midnight also involved another speeding stolen vehicle.

The vehicle failed to stop for Police and the unit did not pursue.

“Shortly afterward, the vehicle collided with a fence and both occupants, including the 16-year-old driver, attempted to run on foot.”

Both were taken into custody.

In Ōtāhuhu, in the early hours of the morning, Police became aware of a stolen vehicle travelling at speed.

“The Eagle helicopter observed the vehicle park at an address with both occupants walking away,” Inspector Rice says.

“A dog handler at the scene located a man and woman a short distance away, and they were arrested.”

A 45-year-old man is facing a charge of dangerous driving in the Manukau District Court, with a 33-year-old woman being charged with possession of methamphetamine.

Tongan film director finalist of Best New Zealand short film

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Tagata Pasifika, tpplus.co.nz/

Award winning Tongan film director Vea Mafileo is one of five finalists selected for this year’s New Zealand’s Best short film competition.

Photo: Woman Magazine

Guest selector Gerard Johnstone made the selection after 95 films were submitted for consideration. The shortlist was cut down to 12 and then to five. 

Vea who directed her 2019 award winning documentary My Father’s Kingdom is nominated for her short film Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue. The story is about a young speech therapist who lied about her language skills and her ability to speak Tongan. She must find ways to communicate when she is assigned to an elderly Tongan patient who can no longer speak English. 

A jury of three will select the winner of the $7500 NZIFF Patrons Best Short Film Award, the $4000 Creative New Zealand Emerging Talent Award, and the $4000 Auckland Live Spirit of The Civic Award. 

The winner of the audience vote takes away the Panavision Audience Award, consisting of a $5000 credit for Panavision equipment hire and 25 percent of the box office from NZIFF screenings in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.  

The jury awards will be presented following the Auckland screening. The Panavision Audience Award will be announced at the NZIFF 2024 Auckland Closing Night on Sunday 18 August. 

Fog cancels Auckland flights, delays others

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

More than 30 flights in and out of Auckland Airport have been delayed or cancelled as fog blankets much of the city.

Fog at Auckland Aiport 7 August 2024.

Fog caused flight cancellations and delays at Auckland Airport on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ / Mark Stevens

Fog restrictions were put in place at the airport about 6.30am on Wednesday.

Thirteen regional flights were cancelled, and 15 delayed.

Main trunk flight were also delayed, with seven servies to and from Christchurch and Queenstown affected.

No international flights were affected.

Travellers were advised to check with their airline for the latest updates on their flight.

Fog restrictions were lifted late morning. MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti said conditions should clear completely by midday and fine weather was expected for the rest of the day.

Magistrate Court Judge Tu‘akalau shouldn’t preside over stolen boat engine case although he declared acquaintance with the accused: Supreme Court

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan Supreme Court judge has accused Learned Magistrate Similoni Tu’akalau of failing to recuse himself from a case involving an acquaintance.

The case had been successfully appealed and a Supreme Court decision ordered a retrial before a different Magistrate Court judge.

The Supreme Court had been told Mr Tu’akalau had declared the conflict of interest before presiding over the case.

The Supreme Court judgement said Tongatapu police stopped a vehicle with broken taillights at Fanga in September 2023.

The driver was Uasike Pailate, and the passenger was the accused, Ma’ake Kali.

Upon close inspection, the police found a wet boat engine inside the vehicle next to Kali, who was sitting in the car’s passenger seat.

They seized the engine and took it to the police station.  

Not long after the engine was seized, Sione Silivou Taufalele of Tatakamotonga reported to the police that his engine had been stolen from his boat at a beach.

Police believed the seized engine belonged to Taufalele, so they charged Kali with theft.

Magistrate decision

The case previously went to the Magistrate Court before Mr Tu’akalau acquitted Kali.

Mr Tu’akalau in his judgement ruled that the Crown had not proven all the elements of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

 He saidl that in relation to the element determining the value of the boat engine, there was no evidence given that verifies the value of the boat engine at $7,000. This would especially need to determine a sentence if Kali was to be found guilty.  

In relation to the element of Kali taking Taufalele’s boat engine, Mr Tu’akalau said no evidence proving or witnessing that Kali took the boat engine from Taufalele’s boat was put forward in court.

However, Supreme Court judge ‘Elisapeti Langi said: “Another issue raised by the Prosecution and which, in my view, clouds the judgement of the Learned Magistrate is the fact that he is closely acquainted with the accused and his family”.

Justice Langi said Mr Tu’akalau had clearly informed the Prosecution that he is very good friends with the accused’s older brother and that he finds it difficult to judge this case.

However, the Prosecution had agreed for the Learned Magistrate to hear the trial because the case had been around for too long.

“In my view, His Worship should have removed himself from hearing this case as there was a real likelihood of bias”, Justice Langi said.

“Although the Prosecution agreed for him to hear the case, the Learned Magistrate should have removed himself as he had confessed to finding it difficult for him to judge this case”.

Kamala Harris picks Minnesota Governor Walz as VP in US election: Reports

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Aljazeera

Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s candidate, has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate in the United States presidential election, according to US media reports.

Harris, the first woman and first Black and South Asian person to serve as vice president, considered a broad field of candidates during a fast vetting process in the race for the White House, after President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid on July 21.

Walz, 60, who was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and won re-election in 2022, would bring to the presidential ticket a record of defeating Republicans in a Midwestern state.

Harris, 59, will hold a major rally with her vice presidential pick later on Tuesday in Philadelphia in the swing state of Pennsylvania, followed by rallies in Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada through Saturday.

The duo will face off against the Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance in the November election.

If they win, then Walz will be second in line for the presidency.

A veteran of the US Army National Guard, Walz serves as co-chair of the Democratic National Convention’s rules committee.

As governor, he has overseen state approval of the right to abortion, protected gender-affirming care and introduced free school meals for students.

…………. More to come

‘Ikale Tahi player Patrick Pellegrini signs with Moana Pasifika

By
Kaniva Staff
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Electric fly-half Patrick Pellegrini has signed with Moana Pasifika for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. 

The 25-year-old is coming off two stellar seasons with the Coventry club in England, finishing the 2023/24 season as the top points scorer in the Championship. 

He also received the Coventry Rugby Supporters’ Club Player of the Year Award and was named in the Championship team of the season. 

Born and raised in Sydney and of Tongan descent through his mother, Pellegrini represented the ‘Ikale Tahi at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He also played for the New South Wales U20s team and the New South Wales schoolboys side. 

Pellegrini is a menace on attack with a dangerous side-step and blistering speed. He reads the defence well and can adapt to any situation, creating opportunities for his teammates.

His dedication to growth and persistence throughout his rugby journey is admirable, and are qualities that Moana Pasifika respects and embraces.

Pellegrini played for Sevenoaks in England’s fifth tier of club rugby before his stint with Coventry in the second division, catching the eye of Tongan national selectors. 

He said he’s excited to live out a childhood dream with Moana Pasifika.

“I’m really excited to join Moana Pasifika for the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to learning from a very experienced coaching staff and team. As well as grow and develop as a player and bring my own experiences and style to Moana,” said Pellegrini. 

“Playing Super Rugby has always been a goal of mine since I was a kid and started playing rugby so I can’t wait.”

“With my heritage and experience playing for the ‘Ikale Tahi, joining an organisation like Moana Pasifika is a great opportunity and a very proud moment for myself and my family.”

Head Coach of Moana Pasifika, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga, said he’s looking forward to welcoming Pellegrini to the team. 

“Patrick has had an inspiring rugby journey so far rising through the ranks, playing some awesome rugby in England and on the international stage with Tonga,” said Umaga.

“He brings tremendous attacking skills and an ability to play what’s in front of him, allowing his teammates to thrive.”

“We’re stoked to have Patrick join the Moana Pasifika fāmili and know he’ll make an impact.”

Tonga news in brief: New healthcare waste incinerator; fake $20 payment at Galilei Enterprise petrol station led to discovery of illicit drugs and imprisonment terms

By
Kaniva Staff
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Young Tala eligible for U21 National Team

Tonga Netball has selected 16 players for trials to choose the Under-21 National team for the World Youth Cup (NWYC) Oceania Qualifiers in the Cook Islands in September.

 Nine members of the U21 team are members of the National Tala Netball team,

The top three teams in the qualifiers will earn a spot at the Netball World Youth Cup next year.

They were expected to start a training camp soon to finalize the selection of a team of 12 players.

Players:

  1. Alice Cocker
  2. Isabella Fainga’anuku
  3. Lose Fainga’anuku
  4. Lucia Fauonuku
  5. Lupe Fonua
  6. Joesi Gisinger
  7. Lata Holi
  8. Liesl Hopoate
  9. Ana Kailahi
  10. Elisapeta Lousi
  11. Soana Manuofetoa
  12. Emma Mateo
  13. Beyonce Palavi
  14. Sovika Pousini
  15. Siulolo Richter
  16. Jaelin Tulikaki

New healthcare waste incinerator and equipment for digital village initiatives

Tonga has received a high-temperature apparatus for burning waste materials, especially industrial waste until they are reduced to ash.

The new waste incinerator was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forests (MAFF) last month, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“The incinerator handed over today is a crucial component of this initiative, designed to improve waste management practices, particularly in safely handling biomedical and agricultural waste. This equipment will significantly enhance public health and environmental protection in Tonga”, a statement said.

Among the equipment donated were screen house nets and laptops for the Digital Village Initiative (DVI).

DVI is a corporate programme by FAO that aims to combat hunger, poverty, and inequality by fostering digital rural transformation.

“This equipment aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote digital literacy, and foster gender inclusion in agrifood systems.

“The project will support farmers, especially women, in accessing vital information, improving their practices, and increasing their market opportunities”, the statement also said.

The handover ceremony was held at the MAFF Extension and Women Development Division at Vaolōloa.

Imprisonment after fake pa‘anga note payment at petrol station led to the discovery of illicit drugs

Two men have been jailed in Tongatapu after a payment using a fake TOP$20 note led to the discovery of illegal drugs and more counterfeit pa‘anga notes.

Tupou Haupeakui was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, while Sione Songo’imoli must serve four years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

It began after Haupeakui paid the fake money in exchange for petrol at the Galilei Enterprise petrol station before they left.

The woman who processed the payment realised it was counterfeit money and contacted the police.

The police traced and arrested Mr. Haupeakui that same day.

They searched his home address the following day, 6 September 2022.

Amongst the items they seized were $5 and $50 counterfeits notes and a torn counterfeit $50 note as well as empty packs and one test-tube,

Haupeakui admitted all those items were his.

The following day, acting on information that they received, the police raided Songo’imoli’s home.

They seized a total of $3605.00 in counterfeit money, which was found in various locations in his home. The money consisted of $5, $20, $50, and $100 notes.

Some notes had been discarded into a bucket, were not properly cut to size, and still showed parts of the white paper they had been printed and cut out of. 

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