Home Blog Page 2

Two Tongans honoured for language and community leadership in King’s birthday honours 2026

By
Kalino Latu
-

Two Tongans, Fane Fusipongi Ketu’u and Kathleen Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou, have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, which saw 178 people acknowledged in the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Fane Fusipongi Ketu’u (L) and Kathleen Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou, have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, which saw 178 people acknowledged in the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Ketu’u was awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for her services to Tongan language education.

She has dedicated more than 40 years to promoting Lea Faka-Tonga across schools, churches, and community groups. Her contributions include coordinating the Tonga stage at Polyfest, helping strengthen cultural identity among young people.

Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her decades of work supporting Pacific communities.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Vahefonua Tonga Methodist Mission Charitable Trust (SIAOLA).

Through SIAOLA, she has led major community initiatives, including food parcel and utility support programmes during times of hardship.

She has also supported housing projects such as the GREI programme to improve living conditions for Pacific families.

A strong advocate, Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou frequently speaks on key issues affecting Pacific communities, including labour exploitation, health, and education.

Their recognition highlights the significant contributions of Tongans to New Zealand society and reflects the values of service, leadership, and cultural commitment.

The honours have been widely welcomed as a proud moment for the Tongan community in Aotearoa and abroad.

Car crashes into power pole, causing damage in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A car crashed into a roadside power pole in Tonga, leaving significant damage to electrical infrastructure and raising concerns about public safety.

The crash, believed to have occurred along a residential roadside lined with dense vegetation and palm trees, left at least one wooden power pole severely damaged.

The pole appears to have snapped and is now leaning precariously against another, with overhead power lines visibly strained and displaced.

The black vehicle involved in the incident sustained visible front-end damage and came to a stop partially off the road near a corrugated metal fence and thick roadside foliage.

The impact appears to have been strong enough to compromise the structural integrity of the power poles, suggesting a high-force collision.

No official information has yet been released regarding injuries, the condition of the driver or passengers, or the exact cause of the crash.

It remains unclear whether speed, road conditions, or other factors contributed to the incident.

The damage to the power lines could potentially disrupt electricity supply in the surrounding area, with repairs likely required to restore full service. Fallen or unstable power poles also present a safety hazard to nearby residents and motorists.

Court rules MEIDECC acted unlawfully in multi-million paʻanga water tank contracts

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Tonga’s Supreme Court has ruled that the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) acted unlawfully in awarding multi-million paʻanga contracts under the government’s National Water Tank Project, in a decision expected to have wide implications for public procurement practices.

In a landmark judgment delivered on 11 May 2026, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC found that the Ministry breached procurement laws and a binding agreement when it awarded contracts for water tanks and septic systems without fair competition.

The Court determined that in August 2022 the Ministry used a limited bidding process to procure 1,500 water tanks valued at more than TOP$3.2 million, but unlawfully invited only one supplier, MJ Watertanks, despite identifying other capable local companies.

It ruled that procurement law required MEIDECC to invite more than one bidder where possible and that its failure to do so denied other suppliers a fair opportunity to compete.

The judgment also found that the Ministry’s procurement process was flawed because it effectively pre-selected the winning supplier before any bids were invited, creating bias and undermining fairness.

The Court further criticised MEIDECC for failing to publish the contract award as required by regulations, describing this omission as a breach of transparency obligations.

In addition, the Court ruled that a series of contracts awarded in October 2023 and April 2024, worth more than TOP$7 million, were unlawfully disguised as “grant agreements” in order to bypass procurement rules.

These agreements covered the supply and installation of 1,200 water tanks and gutters, 500 additional tanks for Vavaʻu, and 400 septic tanks, all awarded directly to MJ Watertanks.

Court Rejects Grant Defence

MEIDECC had argued that the use of grant agreements was justified by urgency and donor funding requirements, particularly support from New Zealand.

However, the Court rejected this argument, finding that the transactions were procurements in substance and could not lawfully avoid the requirements of Tonga’s procurement laws simply by being labelled differently.

The Court also found that the Ministry’s actions breached a Deed of Release and Indemnity Agreement signed in November 2022 following earlier litigation.

That agreement required MEIDECC to either share work fairly among local suppliers under limited bidding or conduct publicly advertised tenders. Instead, the Ministry bypassed both options by directly awarding contracts, depriving Rotomould of a reasonable chance to secure a share of the work.

Lord Chief Justice Bishop concluded that these actions amounted to a failure to ensure a “fair and equitable” distribution of contracts and violated both procedural and substantive expectations created by the government’s agreement with the company. The Court noted that Rotomould suffered financial loss through being excluded from the process, describing it as the loss of a real and measurable opportunity to compete.

The ruling further found that the Ministry continued to breach the agreement even in 2025 allocations, where contract shares were not distributed evenly among suppliers as required.

As a result, the Court declared the procurement decisions unlawful, ordered that damages be assessed, and directed that future contracts under the National Water Tank Project must strictly comply with the Public Procurement Regulations.

It also referred the ongoing project to the Minister of Finance and the Government Procurement Committee to ensure proper oversight.

The decision is seen as a significant ruling on government accountability, reinforcing the requirement for transparency, fair competition, and adherence to the law in the use of public and donor funds in Tonga.

Hungas’ deadly eruption may hold clues to reducing global warming

By
Kalino Latu
-

A new scientific discovery stemming from Tonga’s massive and deadly volcanic eruption may have revealed a way to help reduce the effects of climate change.

The underwater volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupts in the southern Pacific Ocean, on January 15 2022. NASA

Scientists have confirmed that the eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai in January 2022 was the largest volcanic eruption ever recorded by modern instruments.

Now, researchers say the eruption may have revealed an unexpected clue in the fight against methane. This potent greenhouse gas contributes significantly to global warming, according to a new study.

Using advanced satellite data collected during and after the eruption, scientists detected a huge cloud of formaldehyde high in the atmosphere.

“We found a huge cloud of formaldehyde that should normally not be there,” said Maarten van Herpen, a study author, physicist, and executive director of Acacia Impact Innovation, a Dutch consultancy.

Formaldehyde is commonly produced when methane—a potent greenhouse gas—is destroyed in the atmosphere. The discovery suggests that natural atmospheric processes triggered by the eruption may have accelerated methane removal on an unprecedented scale.

Methane is approximately 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Although it remains in the atmosphere for a much shorter time than carbon dioxide, it is responsible for roughly one-third of current global warming. Atmospheric methane concentrations have more than doubled since pre-industrial times.

Scientists say reducing carbon dioxide emissions remains essential because the gas can persist in the atmosphere for centuries. However, cutting methane emissions has increasingly been viewed as one of the fastest ways to slow global warming in the near term due to its relatively short atmospheric lifetime.

The researchers believe they may have observed a chemical process previously identified over the Atlantic Ocean, but on a far larger scale.

The extraordinary conditions created by the Tongan eruption appear to have provided a rare natural laboratory for studying how methane can be broken down in the atmosphere.

While the findings do not suggest volcanic eruptions themselves are a solution to climate change, scientists say understanding the chemical reactions behind the formaldehyde plume could help develop new methods to accelerate methane removal.

If confirmed through further research, the discovery could provide policymakers and climate scientists with a valuable new tool in efforts to curb global warming and limit the impacts of climate change.

This version is written in a newspaper style, with a stronger lead, clearer transitions, and a focus on the significance of the scientific discovery.

Tributes flow for man found dead in ‘Eua

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tributes are pouring in from family, friends, and members of the community following the discovery of a man who was found dead in ‘Eua last night.

Poulia Lavelua

A relative confirmed the body was located outside a community hall in ‘Esia, prompting an immediate police response and an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The relative identified the deceased as 46-year-old Po’ulia Lavelua.

Police have yet to issue an official statement.

As news of his death spread, messages of grief, remembrance, and support for his family quickly followed.

“Our hearts are broken. He was a devoted father and loving husband, always putting his family first. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him,” a relative said.

“He worked hard for his wife and children and never stopped caring for them. He was a humble man with a big heart,” a close friend shared.

“This is a devastating loss for ‘Eua.

He was a family man, dedicated to his loved ones, and respected in the community,” another resident wrote.

“We are keeping his wife and children in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

“May they find strength and comfort in the love of those around them,” one commenter said.

“Gone too soon. Your children will always be proud of the father you were, and your love will live on through them,” a family friend posted on social media.

Pacific drug boat death toll tops 200 in U.S. strikes as island leaders pull together – PM Fakafanua

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nuku’alofa – Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, has revealed that Pacific Island leaders are strengthening regional cooperation to combat the growing spread of illicit drugs across the Pacific.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Lord Fakafanua said leaders across the region have agreed to work together “as a network” to confront drug trafficking, which he described as an escalating threat to Pacific communities.

“The Pacific can no longer face this challenge in isolation. We have undertaken to stand together and coordinate our efforts to stop the flow of illicit drugs through our ocean,” he said in Tongan.

Regional concern over drug trafficking

The Prime Minister’s comments reflect mounting concern among Pacific nations about the increasing use of regional waters as transit routes for international drug syndicates.

However, Fakafanua said the Pacific is no longer merely a transit route for the global drug trade, but is increasingly being used as a hub, with international syndicates turning the world’s largest ocean into a ground zero for storage and transhipment.

His comments come amid reports that cartels are exploiting Fiji’s vast maritime borders to channel large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into Australia and New Zealand, while countries such as Tonga and Samoa continue to grapple with the growing impact of illicit drugs.

Authorities across several island countries have reported rising drug seizures and organised criminal activity, prompting calls for greater cooperation in surveillance, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement.

U.S. strike highlights global dimension

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as the issue of drug trafficking gained further international attention following reports from the United States military.

The U.S. Southern Command said it carried out another strike on Friday targeting a vessel accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to the statement, three men were killed in the incident, marking the third such strike this week in the ongoing anti-drug campaign.

The authority said it manages U.S. military operations in the region of Latin America south of Mexico and the Caribbean — and announced the latest strike in the monthslong campaign against alleged drug boats traversing the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific.

The Command said the targeted vessel was allegedly “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and linked to a designated criminal or terrorist organisation. However, no detailed evidence was publicly released to support the claim.

Reports indicate the latest operation is part of a broader, months-long campaign targeting suspected drug trafficking boats moving through the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific waters, with the overall reported death toll now said to exceed 200.

PM Fakafanua among dignitaries arriving for Samoa’s independence anniversary

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Apia, Samoa – Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, has arrived in Samoa this afternoon as one of the distinguished guests for the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Tonga’s Prime Minister Hon. Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua and Lady Fane Fakafanua are welcomed on arrival in Samoa by officials from the Samoa Police and Prisons Service during the 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations. Photo/Government of Samoa

Prime Minister Fakafanua was accompanied by Lady Fane Fakafanua and members of his official delegation.

Upon arrival, they were formally received with a Guard of Honour by the Samoa Police and Prisons Service, marking a respectful and ceremonial welcome in line with Pacific traditions of hospitality.

His visit underscores the close diplomatic and cultural ties between Tonga and Samoa, as both nations come together to celebrate a milestone of great historical significance for the region.

A Significant Regional Occasion

Samoa’s Independence Anniversary commemorates 64 years since the nation regained sovereignty from New Zealand on January 1, 1962, becoming the first Pacific Island country to achieve modern independence.

The occasion honours the determination and sacrifices of Samoan leaders and citizens who resisted both German and later New Zealand colonial administrations in their pursuit of self-governance.

This year’s celebrations have drawn regional and international guests, reflecting Samoa’s enduring role as a symbol of independence and resilience across the Pacific.

Unity, Culture, and Heritage

The anniversary is not only a historical observance but also a unifying national event.

It brings together communities across Samoa under themes of unity, pride, and resilience, reinforced through official programmes and nationwide participation.

Central to the celebrations is the preservation and promotion of Samoan culture. The multi-day programme features traditional events such as kilikiki (Samoan cricket), fautasi long-boat racing, and a range of cultural performances, highlighting the richness of Samoan heritage and identity.

Prime Minister Fakafanua’s presence at the celebrations reflects Tonga’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and standing alongside neighbouring nations during significant national milestones.

Elders honoured as ‘vaasi koula’ in special family month celebration in south Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ — A unique and deeply symbolic celebration marking the close of the Month of the Family brought together Tongan communities in Auckland on Friday, honouring the elderly as “Vaasi Koula” — golden vases, representing beauty, value, and sacred worth within society.

Honoured as Vaasi Koula — elders and families gather in South Auckland to celebrate the beauty, wisdom, and sacred value of Tonga’s golden generation.

The event, held at the Tongan Community Hepisipa Church on Great South Road, was the realisation of a vision by Bishop Silouan Silala Vea, who sought to elevate and recognise the contribution of Tonga’s elder generation.

The celebration formed part of Tonga’s traditional observance of May as the Month of the Family, a period that highlights the importance of family across generations.

The month typically begins with Faka‑Mē, the Children’s Sunday observed in the first week of May, followed by Mother’s Sunday in the second week and Father’s Sunday in the third.

Bishop Vea noted that while these occasions honour different groups within the family, the elderly often stand quietly as the foundation holding everything together.

“This vision was born to ensure our elders are celebrated together — united, respected, and uplifted,” he said.

In Tongan culture, the term Vaasi Koula — literally translated as “golden vase” — carries profound meaning. It symbolises something outwardly beautiful and highly treasured, yet also something sacred that must be handled with care and respect. Bishop Vea used this metaphor to emphasise the dignity and enduring value of the elderly, whose lives reflect wisdom, resilience, and faith.

“This celebration is about recognising our elders not just for their age, but for the richness they carry — like a golden vessel filled with life experience, culture, and spiritual guidance,” he said.

Ecumenical Gathering of Faith and Service

The programme was led by the Hepisipa brass band and choir, bringing together various Christian denominations in an ecumenical spirit. Elders from multiple churches participated, including some as old as 89 years, many of whom are still actively serving their congregations and communities.

The service highlighted not only their longevity but their continued commitment to faith and service — reinforcing the idea that, like a treasured vessel, their value does not diminish with time.

Following the formal programme, the celebration continued with a luncheon at the Star Motel in Ōtāhuhu, where participants shared food, stories, and fellowship — reinforcing the strong communal ties that underpin Tongan life.

The event was attended by prominent community and church leaders, including Rev Taniela Vaka, Rev Feleti Fonua, and representatives of the elderly community.

Acknowledgements were extended to ‘Uheina Kupu Tu‘ifua in London for sponsoring the celebration, and to Sione ‘Onevela Tupou, Public Officer of the Royal Guards Veterans in Aotearoa New Zealand, for his support.

Samoa’s Head of State hosts luncheon for King Tupou VI during visit for USP graduation ceremony

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Apia, Samoa – The Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Suālauvī II, on Wednesday afternoon hosted an official luncheon in honour of His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga, marking a significant moment in strengthening regional ties and shared Pacific heritage.

Head of State of Samoa Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Suālauvī II hosted an official luncheon to welcome His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga on Wednesday afternoon.Photo/Government of Samoa

The luncheon, held at the Lava Hotel in Apia, brought together distinguished leaders and dignitaries, highlighting the importance of the visit.

Among those in attendance were Members of Samoa’s Council of Deputies, including Afioga Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Susuga Malietoa Molī II, and Afioga Le La’ulu Tiatia Mapesone Mapusua.

His Majesty King Tupou VI, who also serves as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific (USP), arrived in Samoa earlier in the day and was accorded a full Guard of Honour at Faleolo International Airport.

The ceremonial welcome reflected the close diplomatic, cultural, and historical ties shared between Samoa and Tonga, as well as the broader Pacific region.

The King was formally received upon arrival by Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioʻo, alongside the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, the Honourable Fata Ryan Schuster.

His Majesty is in Samoa to officiate at the University of the South Pacific Samoa Campus graduation ceremony, where he will confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates on more than 200 graduands. His participation underscores the importance of education and regional collaboration in the development of Pacific nations.

USP Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, the Right Honourable Siosiua ʻUtoikamanu, welcomed the King’s presence, noting its deep significance for both the institution and the region at a time when the university is entering a new phase of strategic renewal.

“The presence of His Majesty carries great meaning for USP and our member countries, as we continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence and regional unity,” ʻUtoikamanu said.

The visit not only celebrates academic achievement but also reinforces longstanding ties between Samoa and Tonga, grounded in shared culture, leadership bonds, and a mutual vision for regional progress.

King Tupou VI’s engagements in Samoa are expected to further deepen cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas of education, governance, and cultural exchange.

Construction boss stunned by fresh crash damages barrier built to shield royal palace fence

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku‘alofa — A newly installed roadside barrier, developed with input from a Minister who is a civil engineer and an architect, intended to prevent further crashes and protect the Royal Palace fence, has been struck again, leaving the construction boss baffled.

Broken concrete boundary blocks lie scattered along the roadside after a vehicle crash damaged a newly installed barrier designed to improve safety. Photo/MP Tevita Puloka

A photo shared on Facebook by MP Tevita Puloka, who is also the owner of Puloka Construction, shows clear damage to the roadside concrete structures and fence line near the Nuku’alofa royal palace.

Some broken concrete blocks lie scattered along the curb, while part of the fence structure appears displaced, indicating the impact of a vehicle leaving the roadway.

According to information provided on the MP’s official Facebook page, the location has a history of accidents involving vehicles travelling from Kolomotu‘a along Vuna Road. These incidents have frequently resulted in damage to the Royal Palace entrance area, particularly the gate and surrounding structures.

The repeated crashes were the main reason traffic barriers and related safety features were installed at the site, the statement says.

“The work was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI), Minister Sevenitini Toumo‘ua (a civil engineer), and architect Leveni ‘Aho,” Puloka says in Tongan.

“The project included the design of footpaths, landscaping, and traffic posts aimed at improving safety at the corner.”

As part of those improvements, a large pine tree on the seaside of the corner was removed to make turning easier for vehicles, while a toa tree near the Talakaepau side was preserved.

Despite these measures, the latest incident has again caused damage—this time affecting newly constructed features that were part of the safety upgrade.

Puloka said the damage to the newly built boundary block came as a surprise, adding he was unsure how the incident happened.

123...968Page 2 of 968