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Tongan girl becomes first Pacific Islander crowned Mini Miss Aotearoa New Zealand 2026

By
Kaniva Staff
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A six-year-old girl of Tongan and Cook Islands heritage has made history after being crowned Mini Miss Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 in Auckland, becoming the first Pacific Islander to win the prestigious title.

Mini Miss Aotearoa New Zealand 2026, Cook Islander Maliana Roi receiving her award for best talent. SUPPLIED/26051006

Maliana Tupou Here Roi impressed judges and audiences alike earlier this month at the national pageant for girls aged 5 to 14, where she also won the Top Talent award for her standout cultural performance.

Her winning act—a Cook Islands solo dance blending both slow and fast rhythmic beats—drew a standing ovation from judges and captivated the audience.

The performance showcased her confidence, cultural pride, and stage presence well beyond her years.

Maliana was all smiles as she received her crown, marking a milestone achievement not only for herself but also for Pacific representation in national pageantry.

Early talent and rising star

Maliana’s journey began at just five years old when she started modelling in a Cook Islands fashion show run by Paul Hagai.

Although she was later scouted for professional modelling opportunities, her family chose to give her time to grow and enjoy her childhood.

Her unique look and striking presence were noted as key factors in her success, with judges reportedly impressed by her natural beauty and confident presentation.

Despite the magnitude of her win, those close to Maliana say she remains grounded. When asked how she felt about her victory, her response reflected her humble nature—she continues to be “just herself.”

Challenges and resilience

Behind the scenes, Maliana’s journey was not without challenges. During rehearsals, tensions reportedly emerged, with some contestants attempting to unsettle her. However, her resilience and determination stood out, a member of her family said.

Her uncle and chaperone, Kayne Strickland, who also served as her campaign manager, praised her composure and strength.

“She did a fantastic job—not only on the night but throughout all the community events,” he said.

Strong community and family support

Her family expressed immense pride in her achievement. Her grandparents, in particular, were overwhelmed with emotion, moved to tears as they watched her crowned on stage.

Maliana also demonstrated a strong sense of compassion, participating in charity fundraising efforts as part of the pageant programme.

Proud of her rich Pacific heritage, Maliana represents both sides of her family. Her mother, Anaseini Solo, is from Haʻapai, Tonga, while her father, Caleb Roi, has roots in Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.

Her success has already opened doors to international opportunities, with the national director encouraging her to consider competing in Little Miss Universe. However, her family has yet to decide whether she will take part in the 2027 event.

For now, Maliana remains open to appearances and engagements within the Tongan and wider Pacific communities, proudly embracing her identity.

Her crowning moment—met with loud applause and admiration—signals not only personal success but also a growing recognition of Pacific talent on the national stage.

Australian police on high alert after Vietnam killing of cartel leader and Sydney death of Alai Ahio

By
Kalino Latu
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The fatal shooting of an Australian gang leader in Vietnam and the earlier, separate gang-related killing of a Tongan-Australian man in Sydney have prompted police to investigate whether the two incidents are connected.

Alai ‘Ahio (L) and Lorenzo Lemalu

The 24-year-old Coconut Cartel gang leader, Lorenzo Lemalu, was shot dead outside a restaurant in Vietnam, just two days after 28-year-old Alai ‘Ahio—a former associate of the controversial rap group OneFour—was gunned down at a residence in Sydney’s Canley Heights on Tuesday night, May 19.

Australian authorities are on high alert over fears of retaliation following Lemalu’s death, while also investigating whether the earlier shooting of Ahio was linked to the Coconut Cartel, according to reports by news.com.au and 9News.

Relatives and those closely connected to Ahio’s family have confirmed to Kaniva News that he was of Tongan descent.

According to reports, the assailants were carrying firearms and knives, ambushing Ahio and four others in a coordinated assault before fleeing the scene. Ahio was killed in the attack, which left four others seriously injured.

Police have launched a major investigation, treating the killing as a premeditated act linked to ongoing gang tensions in Sydney’s south-west corridor—an area that has experienced periodic flare-ups of violence tied to organised crime networks.

Detectives are examining Ahio’s known associations and past activities to determine the motive behind the attack.

Cross-Border Violence Intensifies

Just days later, Lemalu was shot dead in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Lemalu, who reportedly had historical ties to the Alameddine crime family in Australia, was ambushed outside a restaurant on Thursday night. Witness accounts suggest he was targeted in a hail of gunfire at close range.

Disturbing footage of the incident, which has circulated widely online, captures the moments leading up to the fatal shooting, underscoring the brazen nature of the attack.

Another individual believed to be associated with the Coconut Cartel was also wounded during the incident, though their current condition has not been publicly confirmed.

Vietnamese authorities are working alongside international law enforcement agencies to piece together the circumstances surrounding Lemalu’s death, including any possible links to recent events in Australia.

The Coconut Cartel, in particular, has been associated with a range of criminal activities and has drawn attention from authorities due to its perceived links to other established syndicates. Similarly, the Alameddine network has long been a focus of Australian law enforcement, with members reportedly involved in high-profile criminal cases.

Tonga faces double immigration setback as U.S. requires green card applicants to return home

By
Kalino Latu
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The Trump administration’s new requirement for non-immigrant visa holders seeking permanent residency or green cards to return home to apply is expected to deepen the difficulties already confronting many Tongans under existing U.S. visa restrictions.

It comes after Tonga was placed on a United States list subject to partial visa suspensions, halting the processing of visitor, business, student, and exchange visas and restricting some immigrant visa pathways, with limited exceptions. These measures, introduced in January 2026, were linked to national security concerns, including relatively high visa overstay rates among Tongan nationals, significantly affecting opportunities for travel, study, and migration.

Under the new rule, individuals in the United States on temporary visas—such as students, seasonal workers, or tourists—will no longer be permitted to apply for a green card from within the country.

Instead, they will be required to leave the U.S. and complete their applications through consular processing in their home countries.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesperson Zach Kahler said the move reinforces the original intention of temporary visas.

“From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” Kahler said.

He added that the change would make the system “fairer and more efficient,” ensuring temporary visas are not used as an indirect pathway to permanent residency.

The statement explained that individuals entering the United States on non-immigrant visas—such as students, temporary workers, and tourists—are intended to stay only for a limited period and for a clearly defined purpose.

Impact on Tongan Diaspora

According to the 2020 US Census, there are 78,871 people of Tongan descent living in the United States, including those of partial ancestry.

The Tongan community in the United States is one of the largest Pacific Island populations overseas, with strong ties to the LDS Church, the second-largest denomination in Tonga. Each year, hundreds of students—many from Church-run schools in Tonga—travel to study at Brigham Young University–Hawaii (BYU).

Shortly after the January visa ban on Tonga, Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua revealed at a press conference that around 60 Tongan students due to begin studies at BYU had been unable to secure United States student visas.

He said the situation was a direct result of recent US restrictions affecting tourist and student visa categories.

Many Tongans enter the United States on student visas or temporary work schemes and later adjust their status through employment sponsorship or family-based petitions, eventually securing green cards and citizenship. However, that pathway is no longer available following the new directive announced this week.

Half-Million Domestic Filing Figure

Under previous rules, nearly half of green card applicants—around 500,000 people annually—were able to apply from within the United States, according to former USCIS official Doug Rand.

This pathway allowed individuals to maintain their livelihoods and family stability while their applications were processed.

However, the new requirement could disrupt this process.

The new directive means Tongans returning from the United States to lodge visa applications could face challenges similar to those reported by applicants who travelled to Fiji, where many encountered high costs and, in some cases, visa refusals.

Critics warn policy backfires

Former immigration officials have criticised the policy, saying it could effectively close off legal pathways rather than streamline them.

Doug Rand described the policy as restrictive, arguing that forcing people to leave the U.S. may act as a barrier rather than a solution.

“The purpose of this policy is exclusion,” Rand said. “Forcing them to go abroad for consular processing is no pathway at all.”

Critics also point out that consular processing systems abroad can be slow and unpredictable, often facing backlogs that may take months or even years to resolve.

The impact could extend beyond individuals to affect Tonga itself.

Former Police Minister to face court over alleged role in assisting Mormon leader’s departure from Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A former Minister of Police is expected to appear in court on Monday next week following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into allegations he intervened in a court matter that allowed a church leader to leave the country.

Piveni Piukala (R) along with Pita Foliaki Hopoate

Kaniva News understands that Piveni Piukala is expected to answer allegations that he assisted Pita Foliaki Hopoate to leave Tonga for the United States, despite a court-issued restraining order prohibiting his travel.

Details of the charges and specific court proceedings have not yet been publicly released.

In an earlier statement, authorities confirmed that Hopoate remains the subject of ongoing court proceedings, and that a formal order had been issued preventing him from leaving Tonga.

The restraining order followed legal action brought by ‘Epalahame Taukei’aho’, a member of their Mormon Church school alumni association.

It is understood that Hopoate is currently in the United States

The case has drawn significant public attention, raising concerns about the enforcement of court orders and the potential misuse of authority.

As Kaniva News reported previously, the case plunged the nation into intense public outrage, exposing deep divisions across Tonga’s political and social landscape.

When the incident first emerged last year, former Minister of Customs Māteni Tapueluelu publicly criticised Mr Piukala, raising concerns over what was seen as interference in matters under his ministry’s authority at the airport.

It follows criticism from Lord Vaea at the time, now the Speaker of Parliament, who faulted former Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke for not removing Mr Piukala from Cabinet earlier.

Dr Eke later announced that Mr Piukala had resigned in December, citing pressure from the Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner to ensure the investigation could proceed independently.

As previously reported by Kaniva News, Mr Piukala did not deny assisting Mr Hopoate, publicly maintaining that it was his duty as a Member of Parliament to help members of the public when approached for assistance.

Tonga Electoral Commission appoints new Supervisor of Elections

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Electoral Commission has officially appointed Mr Samuiela Vao as the new Supervisor of Elections and Chief Executive Officer, marking a key leadership change in the administration of the country’s electoral system.

Mr Samuiela Vao

The appointment, which took effect on May 8, 2026, follows a formal selection process, the Commission said in a statement released on Friday.

Mr Vao, 37, is no stranger to the role, having previously served as the Acting Supervisor of Elections after the retirement of former Supervisor Mr. Pita Vuki. His confirmation to the position signals continuity within the Commission’s leadership.

In his new role, Mr Vao will be responsible for overseeing the Electoral Commission’s administration, carrying out statutory duties under the Tonga Electoral Act, and advising commissioners on electoral matters.

The Commission said it expects Mr Vao to deliver “trustworthy services” to the people of Tonga and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

The appointment comes as Tonga continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, with the Electoral Commission playing a central role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections across the Kingdom.

The Board of Commissioners extended its best wishes to Mr Vao as he assumes his new position.

Two arrested in Mataika over alleged drug offending

By
Kaniva Staff
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Two individuals have been arrested following an alleged drug-related investigation, according to a media release issued by Tonga Police.

Police said a 40-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, both from Mataika in Tongatapu, were taken into custody after information was received alleging they were selling illicit drugs within the community.

Both suspects have been charged with possession of drugs (methamphetamine) and possession of drug utensils.

During the operation, officers seized a quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and more than 70 boxes of tablets.

Police also recovered cash in multiple currencies, including Tongan paʻanga, New Zealand dollars, Australian dollars, and United States dollars.

Additional items believed to be linked to the alleged offending were also confiscated.

Police confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Authorities are continuing to urge members of the public to report suspicious activity, stressing that community cooperation plays a vital role in addressing crime.

“Every report matters,” the statement said, encouraging the public to work together with police to build a safer and stronger community.

Further details are expected to be released as inquiries progress.

Sentence handed down in North Carolina hit-and-run that killed LDS missionary Aleki Langi

By
Kaniva Staff
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A man responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a young Latter-day Saints missionary in North Carolina has been sentenced after pleading guilty in court.

PHOTO: TYZHAUN DIAMNE CARNEY, COURTESY: Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Mecklenburg County court records show that Tyzhaun Carney entered guilty pleas to multiple charges related to the May 1, 2025, crash on Beatties Ford Road, which claimed the life of 18-year-old Elder Aleki Langi from Magna.

The charges included involuntary manslaughter, two felony counts of hit-and-run involving serious injury or death, misdemeanour child abuse, and driving while his license was revoked.

The court heard that Carney fled the scene after the collision, which resulted in the death of Elder Langi, who was serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the time.

The incident occurred just over a year before the sentencing.

Following his guilty plea, Carney was sentenced to an active prison term of 31 to 47 months, according to court records.

Elder Langi’s death was widely mourned by his family, church community, and members of the wider Pacific and LDS communities.

He has been remembered as a young man devoted to his faith and committed to serving others.

The sentencing brings a legal conclusion to the case, although the loss continues to be felt by those who knew him.

Tonga marks 30 years of Ocean of Light School, highlighting education for service

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s Ocean of Light International School has celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of an educational approach that seeks to integrate academic excellence with the cultivation of moral and spiritual values.

Minister of Education and Training, Dr Moʻale ʻOtunuku, cuts the ribbon during the 30th anniversary celebration of Ocean of Light International School in Nukuʻalofa.

The milestone was commemorated with a gathering of government officials, educators, students, alumni, and families, featuring cultural performances, speeches, and the official opening of a new science and laboratory facility.

At the heart of the anniversary reflections was a central question: how education can move beyond the mere accumulation of knowledge to nurture qualities such as unity, service, and responsibility.

Speaking at the event, school director Taʻhirih Fifita Hokafonu emphasized that the institution’s mission has always been to align intellectual development with ethical and spiritual growth.

“We have striven over these years to create a school where knowledge acquisition is guided by moral and spiritual principles and learning is directed toward service to humanity,” she said.

She explained that when education is understood in this way, students begin to see their studies not simply as personal achievement but as preparation for contributing meaningfully to their families and communities.

Government recognition and partnership

Tonga’s Minister for Education and Training, Moʻale ʻOtunuku, acknowledged the school’s contribution to the nation’s education system, highlighting its long-standing partnership with the Ministry.

“We are ensuring that students are prepared not only for examinations but for life,” he said. “They are equipped with knowledge, values, and skills to serve their families, their communities, and the nation.”

Dr. ʻOtunuku praised the school’s holistic model, noting its emphasis on both academic rigor and character development. Drawing from Bahá’í teachings, he described knowledge as “wings to the human spirit,” enabling individuals to rise beyond limitations and expand their vision.

The Minister also participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the school’s new science and laboratory facility, symbolising the continued growth of its academic programs.

Harmony of science and religion

A defining feature of Ocean of Light’s philosophy is its commitment to the harmony of science and religion. Speakers at the anniversary event underscored that the two are seen not as opposing forces, but as complementary systems of knowledge.

This perspective encourages students to think critically about both the technical and ethical dimensions of the world around them—examining not only how things work, but why they matter and how they should be used.

Educators at the school say this approach helps young people develop a deeper sense of responsibility, equipping them to apply knowledge for the betterment of society.

Growth from humble beginnings

Reflections from alumni revealed how the school’s ethos has shaped generations of students. Former student Mona Taumoefolau recalled being part of the school’s first class in 1996, which consisted of just nine students.

“We all remember, as alumni, the importance of unity and being able to work together as a team,” she said.

She noted that, from the beginning, the school fostered collaboration rather than competition—encouraging students to view each other’s success as interconnected. This culture of mutual support helped attract families seeking a different educational experience for their children.

Today, the school has grown to more than 580 students, ranging from preschool to high school. Its expansion was partly driven by parents who requested the addition of secondary-level education after seeing the school’s impact.

Teachers at the school say the emphasis on service applies equally to educators and students. Ms. Hokafonu described education as a shared journey toward higher ideals.

“This element of being called to our higher self, to our noble being, is most important as a student or as a teacher,” she said.

She added that fostering a spirit of service within the school community strengthens relationships and creates an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute.

For current students, the school’s principles resonate with their own identity and aspirations. A high school student, Christine, said learning about unity has shaped how she views diversity.

“Even though we are from different backgrounds, we are all one—part of one human family,” she said.

Teachers echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that graduates will carry these values into wider society.

“We hope our students will become a light everywhere they go,” said teacher Pua Tuaimeiʻuta.

As Ocean of Light International School enters its fourth decade, its leaders say they remain committed to refining a model of education that integrates knowledge and character.

The anniversary celebration not only honored the institution’s history but also reaffirmed its vision: that education, when rooted in both intellectual and moral foundations, can empower individuals to lead lives of purpose and service.

Unitec’s Mt Albert campus evacuated over threat

By
Kaniva Staff
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Part of the Unitec campus in Mt Albert in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

The Mt Albert campus of Unitec was evacuated after a bomb threat was received.

Police assessed the situation supported by the campus’s security team, the head of the incident management team for MIT and Unitec Dan Brady said in a statement on Friday.

Students, staff and the community were the top priority, he said.

“We have received the all-clear for our operations to resume at the site.

“However, schools have the option to deliver online today to minimise any further disruption to learning caused by this incident. Normal services will resume from tomorrow.”

Earlier today, a Unitec staff member said they were worried about the evacuation.

The person said police and ambulances were on site.

One dead in Onehunga house fire, cordons in place

By
Kaniva Staff
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One person has died following a house fire in Onehunga this morning, as emergency services remain at the scene and nearby roads are closed.

Emergency services are responding to a house fire that has sent smoke billowing over Auckland’s Onehunga this morning. (Source: 1News)

Police were alerted to the blaze on Trafalgar Street at around 7.20am, after reports of a house well involved in fire. Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews responded alongside police and other emergency services.

Several people managed to evacuate the property before firefighters arrived.

Fire and Emergency acting assistant commander Kenton Rusbridge confirmed that one person was located deceased inside the building.

“On arrival, the crews got straight to work to locate the person missing,” Rusbridge said.
“We’ve confirmed that there is one fatality that’s been located inside the building.”

Details about the victim have not yet been released.

Authorities have established cordons around the area, with multiple roads closed to the public while emergency crews continue their work.

  • Trafalgar Street is closed between Pleasant Street and Forbes Street
  • Symonds Street is closed to Aumoana Lane

Officials expect the cordons to remain in place for most of the day.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate safely and without disruption.

Emergency services are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fire. It is not yet known how the blaze started.

Police say further information will be released as it becomes available.

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