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Category 3 Cyclone Vaianu triggers warnings across Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A tropical cyclone warning is now in force for Tongatapu, ʻEua, Tele‑ki‑Tonga and Tele‑ki‑Tokelau as Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, a Category 3 system, continues to affect parts of the kingdom with strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous seas.

The warning was issued by the Fuaʻamotu Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre at 7am on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, under Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number 04.

Authorities have placed strong wind warnings, heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories over Tongatapu and ʻEua, while coastal warnings have been intensified across several island groups.

For coastal waters, the gale warning for Tele‑ki‑Tonga and Tele‑ki‑Tokelau has been upgraded to a storm warning, with heavy damaging north‑westerly swells expected to persist. Strong wind warnings over Tongatapu and ʻEua coastal waters have also been upgraded to gale warnings.

A strong wind warning and small craft advisory are now in force for Haʻapai coastal waters, while small craft advisories remain active for Tongatapu, ʻEua, Tele‑ki‑Tonga and Tele‑ki‑Tokelau.

Cyclone Location and Movement

As of 5am this morning, Cyclone Vaianu was located near latitude 20.7° South and longitude 176.3° East, approximately 880 kilometres west of Nukuʻalofa and 905 kilometres west of ʻEua. The system was also about 365 kilometres southwest of Suva, Fiji.

The cyclone is tracking south to southeast at around 12 knots (24 km/h). Maximum sustained winds near the centre are estimated at 85 knots (170 km/h), with gusts reaching 110–120 knots (220–240 km/h).

On its current track, the cyclone is forecast to lie about 795 kilometres west of Nukuʻalofa by 1:00pm today, with its associated cloud bands, heavy rain and storm‑force winds expected to affect Tele‑ki‑Tonga, Tele‑ki‑Tokelau and parts of Tonga.

Area Forecasts

Tele‑ki‑Tonga and Tele‑ki‑Tokelau are expected to experience north to northeast winds of 35–45 knots (70–90 km/h), with gusts up to 55–65 knots (110–130 km/h). Conditions will be mostly cloudy to overcast with heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, poor visibility, and very high seas of 6–9 metres, along with damaging north‑westerly swells of up to 4–6 metres.

For Tongatapu and ʻEua, northeast winds of 15–20 knots (30–40 km/h) are expected to increase to 30–40 knots (60–80 km/h) at times tonight, particularly in western and southern waters. Cloudy conditions with occasional heavy showers and possible thunderstorms are forecast, with rough seas up to 3–4 metres.

In the Niuas, Vavaʻu and Haʻapai, northeast winds of 10–20 knots (20–40 km/h) are forecast, rising to 25–30 knots at times tonight over Haʻapai coastal waters. Seas are expected to be moderate, becoming rough over Haʻapai waters later tonight.

High tide is expected at 11.40am, with low tide at 6.15pm, raising concerns about coastal flooding in exposed areas.

At 7am, the mean sea level pressure recorded at Fuaʻamotu Airport was 1010.4 millibars, with relative humidity at 90 percent.

The Meteorological Service has advised the public, especially coastal and low‑lying communities, mariners and small craft operators, to take precautionary measures and closely monitor updates.

The next tropical cyclone advisory for Cyclone Vaianu will be issued at 1pm today.

Deputy PM Lātū and Lavulavu clash again as electoral bribery allegations reach court

By
Kalino Latu
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A town officer from Hōleva island in Vavaʻu has been summoned to court later this month following allegations that he received money during the 2025 general election campaign, in a case that has drawn in Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Viliami Lātū and ‘Etuate Lavulavu

It comes as the kingdom faces a deepening political crisis, with multiple electoral bribery cases now before the courts, including one that last month resulted in the conviction of Finance Minister Lata Tangimana.

The case also revives a long‑running political rivalry between the parties, Lātū and former Cabinet Minister ʻEtuate Lavulavu, who have previously confronted each other in court over election‑related matters.

Court documents filed on April 2 under case number CV 51/25 show that Lavulavu has initiated proceedings alleging that town officer Uele Moala received a substantial sum of money from Lātū during the November 2025 campaign period.

The writ, written in Tongan, orders Moala to appear in court on 20 April and give evidence regarding an allegation that Lātū gifted him money outside his home on 18 November 2025, which he allegedly accepted.

According to the document, the money was purportedly intended to be given to the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga minister in Hōleva.

Court Rivals Once More

Moala has publicly denied the allegation. In a Facebook post published on Tuesday evening, he shared a copy of the court document and rejected claims of any wrongdoing, saying he would contest the matter through the legal process.

“I have not yet seen how lies are being fabricated to appear as truth, but I am glad we have reached court so the truth can be revealed,” Moala wrote.

“Not only for me, but now even church leaders have been accused, which has damaged their reputations, but we will see what happens in court on April 20.”

The case is expected to consider whether, if proven, the alleged payment breached electoral laws governing campaign conduct and the use of money during elections.

No findings have been made, and all allegations remain before the court.

This is not the first time Lātū and Lavulavu have faced each other in court.

As previously reported by Kaniva News, Lavulavu was convicted in 2016 of electoral bribery and of exceeding the legal spending limit during his 2014 election campaign, in a case brought against him by Lātū.

Following Lavulavu’s conviction, a by‑election was called to fill his vacant parliamentary seat.

In that contest, Lavulavu’s wife, ʻAkosita Lavulavu, stood as a candidate against Lātū and won.

What is E coli bacteria contamination, and what does it mean for your health?

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Nik Dirga, Digital Explainer Editor, rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Explainer – What does it mean when a boil water notice is issued due to possible E coli contamination? Here’s what you need to know.

Several Auckland suburbs were put under a boil water alert Monday night after routine water sample testing showed traces of E coli.

The notice was for about 7500 households in parts of Hillsborough, Mt Roskill, Royal Oak and Three Kings.

That doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a major E coli outbreak.

“From time to time, a single E coli result can occur for reasons that don’t reflect a problem in the network itself,” Watercare chief operations officer Mark Bourne said.

“For example, it could be caused by contamination at the sample tap, or environmental factors like wind or rain during sampling.”

Watercare is continuing to monitor the situation and has said it will update the public, but E coli scares in water have happened several times before.

What is E coli?

It’s short for Escherichia coli and basically, it’s a kind of bacteria.

We all actually carry it around in our lower intestines, and that’s where it should stay in healthy people as part of your digestive system.

But if certain strains of E coli are consumed by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated foods such as undercooked meats or raw milk or contact with animal faeces, then you’ve got a problem.

Is it dangerous?

Most types of E coli are harmless, Health NZ says, but some can cause diarrhoea or gastroenteritis.

That’s not pleasant for anyone, of course, but in some people – young children, older people or those with compromised immune systems – it can be much more dangerous.

“We test for it as part of our regular monitoring programme, which sees us sample all of Auckland’s water supply distribution zones at least once a day,” Bourne said.

A strain of E coli known as Shiga toxin-producing can cause severe disease – symptoms include abdominal cramps and diarrhoea that may in some cases progress to bloody diarrhoea, the World Health Organisation says.

Last year, a Christchurch man said his daughter got violently sick and was hospitalised for 10 days after drinking Shiga E coli contaminated water at a north Canterbury campground.

“She was very sick, she had diarrhoea, stomach cramps, she was very lethargic, she was hooked up to an IV line and fed intravenously – she wasn’t well,” the father told RNZ.

“Most patients recover within 10 days, but in a small proportion of patients (particularly young children and the elderly), the infection may lead to a life-threatening disease, such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome,” WHO writes.

There’s no specific treatment for E coli, other than rest and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent hydration.

Health NZ’s website also offers more tips for dealing with gastroenteritis.

The best way to avoid getting E coli is to wash your hands regularly and follow food and water safety advice, Health NZ says.

If your symptoms haven’t gone away in seven days or you have bloody diarrhoea or a fever, you should see a healthcare provider.

For children, watch to see if they’re not drinking, not passing much urine, if they have a dry mouth or sunken eyes or seem drowsy. If so, they need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

A boil water notice has been issued for several Auckland suburbs after routine water sample testing showed traces of E coli.

A boil water notice has been issued for several Auckland suburbs after routine water sample testing showed traces of E coli. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel

How do they search for E coli contamination?

Regular water samples are conducted by authorities to check for quality and safety.

Bourne told Morning Report that all other testing in the area showed normal results, and the boil water decision was made to protect public health while investigations continued.

“Typically we’re taking about 40 samples throughout the networked area of Auckland each day. Those samples are then analysed for a range of parameters. One of those parameters is E coli.”

Bourne said Watercare was investigating how E coli could have possibly entered the water supply.

“Part of our rapid response yesterday evening and overnight was we’ve undertaken investigations of the local reservoir that supplies the area, and we’ve walked all of the upper reaches of the water supply pipelines.”

“Our water treatment plants are also continuously monitored for water quality parameters to make sure we meet the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules set by the Water Services Authority Taumata Arowai and provide safe and reliable drinking water to our customers.”

Why was a boil water notice issued?

“When it comes to these rare positive results, we have taken guidance from Taumata Arowai and are working with them to take a precautionary approach,” Bourne said. “That means if we get a positive result, we may issue a boil water notice while we carry out further testing.”

Boiling water in an electric kettle is sufficient to kill bacteria and other organisms, Watercare notes on its website. The water only needs to be boiled once, then it can be cooled before use.

“All we need to do is literally boil [water] in an electric jug, and then if you want to drink it cool, let it cool down,” Bourne said.

Is it common for E coli to be detected in water?

“These are rare events – on average we might see around three isolated detections a year – and in those cases, all other test results have been normal, and follow-up testing confirms the water is safe,” Bourne said.

“We have robust processes in place to maintain our network’s integrity and minimise the chance of contamination.”

There have been other incidents around Aotearoa.

A study in 2023 found that about half the groundwater wells across the country monitored long-term were contaminated with E coli.

And last year, The Water Services Authority said the risk of E coli contamination in many school water supplies is extremely high.

The authority’s Drinking Water Regulation Report for 2024 said 71 schools reported at least one instance of faecal contamination of their drinking water last year.

Bourne said Watercare’s approach “puts public health first and is increasingly being adopted across New Zealand”.

“Once we are confident that all results are back within drinking water standards, the notice is lifted.”

Six years on, $100,000 reward offered in USA as alleged murder of Akosita Kaufusi remains unsolved

By
Kalino Latu
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Nearly six years after the body of a Tongan mother was found near Utah’s Great Salt Lake, her alleged murder remains unresolved, prompting continued calls for justice from her family and police investigators.

A photo of Akosita Kaufusi who was found killed near the Saltair on Aug. 29, 2020. (Lita Kaufusi-Ofa)

Forty‑two‑year‑old Akosita Kaufusi’s body was discovered on 29 August 2020, just off Frontage Road, approximately half a mile east of Saltair. Police believe she was killed at the same location about two weeks earlier, around 14 August 2020.

The family of the deceased offered a $100,000 reward in August 2024, marking the fourth anniversary of her alleged murder, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, as frustration continues to grow over the lack of progress in the case.

“We are still grieving,” her aunt, Lita Kaufusi-Ofa told KSL TV.

“We want answers. We want closure.”

Investigation Still Active

Unified Police Department detectives say the homicide investigation remains open.

Authorities have linked Kaufusi’s death to a shooting at the K&K African Market, located at 996 South Redwood Road, on August 9, 2020, just days before she is believed to have been killed.

“Based on the physical evidence, what we believe is that she was killed at that location,” said Detective Ken Hansen, spokesperson for Unified Police.

“We have not forgotten about this case.”

Despite the connection between the two incidents, no suspect has yet been named or arrested.

“We believe other people know about it,” Hansen said.

“We don’t know why they’re not talking.”

Family Desperate for Justice

For Kaufusi’s family, the lack of arrests has been deeply painful.

“We feel like it’s not a priority on the list, but we hope things will change,” Kaufusi-Ofa reportedly said.

On anniversaries marking her death, family members have returned to the remote location where her body was found, placing flowers to honour her life and to keep attention on the case.

The family’s newly announced $100,000 reward supplements a $5,000 reward previously offered by Unified Police for information leading to an arrest.

“You can’t put a price tag on a life,” Kaufusi-Ofa said. “And yet we have to, because we want answers. This person, or these persons, have ruined our family.”

The reward applies to information that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Remembering Akosita Kaufusi

Kaufusi was of Tongan and Ute heritage. Her father was Tongan, and her mother was a member of the Ute tribe, an Indigenous people recognised as among the earliest inhabitants of present‑day Colorado and Utah, with a history in the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regions spanning thousands of years.

Her family has become strong supporters of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, which highlights the disproportionately high rates of violence faced by Native American women across the United States.

“The biggest thing is that Akosita’s life mattered,” Kaufusi-Ofa said. “It mattered to her family, her village in Tonga, and her tribe.”

Call for Information

Police continue to urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.

“We don’t want this case left behind,” Hansen said. “This is an unresolved homicide.”

Anyone with information about Akosita Kaufusi’s death is encouraged to contact Unified Police at 801‑743‑7000.

Information can be provided anonymously.

Convicted Finance Minister still active as PM’s Office welcomes TOP$42,500 payout

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Two weeks after the Supreme Court convicted Tonga’s Finance Minister of electoral bribery, the Prime Minister appears to continue to work alongside him, despite the ruling.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua with Finance Minister Lata Tangimana and Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company CEO ‘Aholotu Palu during the presentation of a TOP 42,500 insurance payout, as released by the Prime Minister’s Office. Photo/Prime Minister’s office

In a judgment delivered on 24 March 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that Lata ‘i Faingata’a Tangimana had committed two acts of bribery during the lead‑up to the 20 November 2025 general election for the Ongo Niua 17 constituency, in breach of section 21 of the Electoral Act.

The court found beyond reasonable doubt that Tangimana, acting indirectly through another person on his behalf, provided valuable gifts of fish to two electors in September 2025, within three months of the election, for the purpose of inducing them to vote.

Justice Garlick KC accepted evidence that the fish were delivered with an explicit request to “remember” Tangimana at the election and rejected the defence claim that the gifts were acts of personal generosity.

The judgment stated that the statutory presumption of bribery applied and had not been rebutted by the respondent.

As a result, the court declared Tangimana’s election void and ordered that its determination be certified in writing to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, formally unseating him as a Member of Parliament.

Tonga’s Electoral Act

Section 9 of Tonga’s Electoral Act states:

“It shall be unlawful to use threatening language or bribery for the purpose of obtaining votes or of influencing electors in their votes, and any person found guilty of such offence shall, upon conviction, be punished in accordance with the law relating to bribery. Where the offender is a member of the Legislative Assembly, that member shall be unseated, and it shall be lawful for the Minister of Police to prosecute all parties concerned in the offence.”

“Threats and Bribery” – Clause 66 of the Constitution states that:

“Any person elected as a representative who is proved, to the satisfaction of the Assembly, to have used threats or offered bribes for the purpose of persuading any person to vote for him shall be unseated by the Assembly.”

Drought Payout Ceremony Images

Despite the ruling, a press release issued today by the Prime Minister’s Office shows Tangimana continuing to participate in official government activity.

Photographs released with the statement show Tangimana either standing alongside Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua or seated beside Ministry of Finance CEO Kilisitina Tuaimei’api.

In one image, Tangimana is seen posing with the Prime Minister and Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) ‘Aholotu Palu as the TOP 42,500 insurance payout cheque is displayed.

The press release avoided naming Tangimana and did not elaborate on his role in the insurance payout.

It reported that Palu presented Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua with a cheque valued at TOP 42,500 following a drought event in the Niua Islands.

The release highlighted Tonga’s role as the first country to secure drought insurance coverage through PCRIC, with the February drought triggering a partial payout.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the payout represents 50 percent of the drought insurance policy, which has a total value of USD $115,500, after the drought reached a 16 percent trigger threshold.

US‑based Tongan investor Victorine allegedly arrested as online posts spark mixed reaction

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A Tongan‑born investor from the United States, at the centre of widespread social media dispute and controversy, is believed to have been detained in Tonga.

Victorine, who has been accused by investors of failing to return money they say they invested. Photo / Screenshotted

Kaniva News has obtained a copy of what appeared to be a Tongan Magistrate’s Court order directing police to detain a woman identified as Victorine ‘Unaloto Ki Love, of Maʻufanga, and to hold her in custody at the Nukuʻalofa Prison pending a court appearance scheduled for 10 April 2026.

The purported document, written in Tongan and dated 2 April 2026, is titled “Order to Detain a Person Who Has Been Charged but Not Yet Convicted” and bears the reference number SP 110/2026 from the Nukuʻalofa Magistrate’s Court, Tongatapu.

Kaniva News analysis of information from multiple sources suggests that Victorine ‘Unaloto Ki Love is the same individual linked to the Facebook account known as “Victorine Polygirl”, an account that has been the subject of allegations from investors who claim promised returns on substantial sums of money deposited were not delivered or refunded.

She is based in Utah but regularly travels between Tonga and the US, where she runs a retail store known as the Falekoloa Famili Tonga USA Trading store in Tonga. The business came under scrutiny from authorities amid allegations it lacked a licence to import medical products.

Police have been contacted seeking clarification and comment.

Post Reveals Tonga Presence

The arrest warrant follows a social media post last month in which Victorine stated that she was in Tonga and operating from her business office in Ma‘ufanga.

In a later livestreamed video viewed by Kaniva News, Victorine thanked individuals she described as investors who had taken time to meet with her, saying the meeting had been productive. She did not share any photos or videos of the meeting.

She also urged investors who had yet to meet her to come to her Maʻufanga home to discuss what she described as an “investment programme.”

Victorine could not be reached for comment.

As Kaniva News previously reported, debate intensified across Tongan social media after investors accused Victorine of failing to honour promises to return money they had invested.

Posts Signal Authorities’ Involvement

However, her online activity took a surprising turn earlier this week after a post on Victorine’s account indicated that authorities had approached her.

“This is what we end up with because of the actions of those trolls who accused me — now that authorities have stepped in, it is out of my hands,” she wrote in Tongan.

Many families have been seriously affected, Victorine wrote, “and only now are some people opening their eyes to realise my value to the children — but it’s already too late.”

She has also claimed that she refunded some investors, saying only a small number of people were still owed money.

However, she did not provide evidence to substantiate those claims.

Mixed Emotions Erupt Online

Reaction to Victorine’s alleged arrest has been mixed.

While some critics welcomed police action and praised authorities for intervening, supporters moved quickly to defend her online.

Several questioned why she had travelled to Tonga, while others expressed messages of solidarity.

“We still love you, Victorine — especially during this Holy Week. Be strong and know that God is with you,” one supporter wrote.

Victorine previously admitted on her Facebook account that some people involved in her investment scheme appeared to be two‑faced. After initially messaging her with support, she later discovered that they were criticising her publicly on Facebook.

Instructions to Police

Police, according to the alleged warrant, are instructed to arrest, transport, and detain the accused at Nukuʻalofa Prison until the scheduled court hearing date.

The order is addressed to all police officers in the Kingdom, with specific direction given to police stationed at the Nukuʻalofa Prison. It formally authorises law enforcement to act on the court’s instruction regarding the detention of the accused.

Under the order, police are directed to take the accused into custody and place her at Nukuʻalofa Prison, where she is to remain detained pending court proceedings.

The detention is to continue until 10 April 2026.

The document further instructs police to ensure that all required police procedures are completed while the accused remains in custody.

On the scheduled date, officers are required to produce the accused before the Magistrate’s Court, without the need for any additional or further court order.

Posts published on the official Tonga Police Facebook account, which regularly issues public notices, have not made any statement concerning the accused, nor have they confirmed whether the accused has been taken into custody.

Tongan family fundraises for daughter’s funeral as Police name East Tāmaki crash victim

By
Kalino Latu
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Auckland, New Zealand — Police have released the name of the nine‑year‑old girl who died following a serious crash on East Tāmaki Road in mid‑March.

The child has been identified as Isabella Tulumi, 9, of Auckland.

As Kaniva News first reported at the time, the victim was of Tongan descent. Police confirmed that Isabella died following injuries sustained in the crash on 15 March.

In a statement, Police said they extend their deepest sympathies to Isabella’s family and loved ones, adding that enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Family Shares Grief Through Fundraiser

In a Givealittle fundraising page set up following the tragedy, the family shared a message expressing their profound grief and appreciation for public support.

The message states:

“On behalf of my wife & I we share with deep sadness that our daughter Linda Tulumi, 9 years old, has sadly passed away in a severe car accident on Sunday 15th of March 2026.

We sincerely thank everyone for the overwhelming support, prayers, and generosity shown during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness has brought comfort and strength to the family.”

The family said funds raised would help with funeral arrangements, vehicle repairs, and other losses arising from the crash.

“The funds raised will help support funeral arrangements and to repair vehicle and everything that is at loss. We ask kindly to donate a little. Thank you.”

Kaniva News notes that Police have officially identified the child as Isabella Tulumi. The name used in the Givealittle message reflects the wording provided by the family on the fundraising page and has been quoted directly.

Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the crash, and investigations remain underway.

Authorities have asked for privacy for the family as they mourn the loss of their daughter.

Doctoral research exposes abuse and vulnerability of women tou’a in kava practice

By
Kalino Latu
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Auckland — A new doctoral research has brought renewed attention to the experiences of Tongan women involved in kava-related practices (KRP), exposing how cultural shifts and commercialisation have placed women tou’a at risk of abuse, sexual objectification, and social disrepute.

Dr Hilda Port. Photo/Moanaroa Pacific Research Network (cropped)

Dr Hilda Port’s PhD research, titled How Do Evolving Kava‑Related Practices Impact the Role of Tongan Women Living in Aotearoa?, examines the views of Tongan women on kava and provides insight into how traditional practices are changing within New Zealand’s Tongan diaspora.

Her research contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge on kava by amplifying female voices—voices that have long been marginalised in discussions dominated by male-centred narratives.

While kava is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Pacific cultural life—celebrated for its spiritual, social, and communal value—the research shows that evolving practices have created troubling consequences for women, particularly those serving as tou’a.

Using a kakala research framework, grounded in Pacific worldviews, Port employed qualitative methods including talanoa and tauhi vā to gather deeply personal accounts from participants.

These approaches prioritised relationships, mutual respect, and cultural integrity, creating safe spaces for women to share experiences that are often silenced due to cultural sensitivities and stigma.

“Women’s experiences with kava have largely been shaped by others speaking on their behalf, rather than by the women themselves,” Port, who is of Tongan heritage, said.

“This research seeks to change that.”

Participants described positive experiences when traditional cultural protocols were properly observed.

In these spaces, the tou’a role was described as one of honour and respect, in which women felt valued for their service and contributions to the cultural setting.

Several women shared that when kava ceremonies adhered to customary standards—such as clear leadership, respectful conduct, and appropriate boundaries—the role of the tou’a strengthened community cohesion rather than undermining it.

Challenging Male‑Only Kava Narratives

The research also challenges long-held assumptions that kava is a male-only practice.

Both female and male participants acknowledged the physical, spiritual, and mental health benefits of kava consumption for women, reinforcing the notion that women’s participation is not only legitimate but culturally grounded.

However, the research reveals a stark contrast when cultural protocols are weakened or ignored—particularly when tou’a are paid in informal or commercial settings.

Dr Port’s findings show that monetisation of the tou’a role, combined with the erosion of traditional safeguards, has contributed to inappropriate relationships and sexual objectification.

In some cases, women were placed in vulnerable positions where boundaries were blurred, and their dignity compromised.

As a result, the tou’a role—once considered honourable—has, in some contexts, become associated with disrepute, devaluation, and moral judgement within the wider community.

Participants spoke candidly about their fears for young women entering these spaces, expressing concern about exploitation, lack of protection, and the social stigma that follows.

Calls for Education and Protection

A consistent theme across the research was the urgent need for education—for both men and women—about the cultural significance of the tou’a role and the evolving place of women in KRP.

Port argues that education is key to reshaping attitudes that continue to portray women as decorative or subordinate in kava settings.

Women in the study made it clear they will not allow themselves to be devalued or excluded from KRP, asserting agency and challenging narratives that limit their role to service and appearance.

Port says her research highlights serious concerns about how girls who take on the role of tou’a are treated within the community, including in cases of sexual abuse.

She notes that one participant faced community disapproval after being sexually assaulted, rather than receiving support. This response, she says, has had lasting effects, with around 70 percent of participants saying they would not want their daughters to become tou’a.

Port argues the findings expose deep‑rooted attitudes and pressures surrounding the role, and point to an urgent need for open discussion and action to better protect and support young women.

NZ deportation law tightens: What it means for Tongans with residency

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A proposed law change in New Zealand could significantly increase the risk of deportation for migrants living on resident visas, even for less serious offences.

The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament, passed its first reading, and is being progressed by Immigration Minister and National MP Erica Stanford.

The legislation states that its purpose is to improve the management of immigration risks while maintaining a balance between the national interest and the rights of individuals.

At its core, the bill extends the length of time a resident can be deported after committing a crime.

If a resident leaves New Zealand for five years or more, their deportation liability period will reset on return, effectively treating them as if they have just been granted residency again.

Liability Period

In New Zealand, the liability period refers to the length of time a resident or permanent resident can still be deported after their visa is granted.

For Permanent Resident Visa holders, that period is generally up to 10 years from the date they first obtained a residence‑class visa.

While a permanent resident can live in New Zealand indefinitely, they remain liable for deportation during that period if they are convicted of serious criminal offences.

These include crimes that carry a potential prison sentence of five years or more, or offences involving the exploitation of unlawful workers.

The liability period does not start from the date a Permanent Resident Visa is issued, but from the date the person was first granted residence.

Liability can also arise if Immigration New Zealand later finds that residence was obtained through fraud or error.

Once a person becomes a New Zealand citizen, they are no longer subject to deportation under the liability rules, unless citizenship itself was obtained dishonestly.

Extended Liability Period

The proposed changes to immigration law signalled that the liability period for criminal offending could be extended in future, potentially increasing it beyond the current 10‑year limit.

“For offences subject to imprisonment of at least three months, the period of liability lengthens from two to five years. For offences punishable by two-plus years imprisonment, the liability period changes from five years to 10. For offences culpable for five-plus years, the liability period changes from 10years to 15; and for offending punishable by at least 10 years’ prison, it changes from 10 years to 20,” RNZ reported.

It says the bill would clarify “the range of false and misleading submissions that can make a person liable for deportation; and that historic crimes that were committed outside New Zealand can give rise to deportation liability; and how administrative errors can give rise to deportation liability.”

Under the proposal, people who commit criminal offences while in New Zealand on visitor or temporary visas, as well as those unlawfully in the country, would lose the right to challenge deportation on humanitarian grounds.

What this means in real terms is that Tongans who have lived in New Zealand for many years are no longer “in the clear” as quickly as before.

A mistake made years after gaining residency could still lead to deportation back to Tonga.

The law also tightens scrutiny around honesty in immigration applications.

Providing false or incomplete information—even by leaving out important details—can now lead to deportation.

Past criminal convictions overseas, even before arriving in New Zealand, may also be used as grounds.

Government agencies will be allowed to share more information to verify a person’s identity, background, and eligibility for services. This increases the ability of authorities to detect inconsistencies or undisclosed issues.

For Tongans in New Zealand, the message is clear: the window of deportation risk is getting much longer, the rules are tighter, and even smaller offences or past mistakes can now carry more serious immigration consequences.

April Fools’ Day fools Tongan translation

By
Kaniva Staff
-

April Fools’ Day may be all about harmless pranks in English, but in Tongan, its common translation—“Aho ʻo e Kau Vale”, or “the day of the ignorant or foolish”—casts a much harsher, more permanent label on anyone caught in the joke.

In English, an “April Fool” is not someone who lacks intelligence or judgment.

Rather, it describes a person who momentarily becomes the target of a prank, usually unknowingly and in good humour.

The concept is situational and temporary—it describes what happens to someone, not who they are.

In Tongan, “vale” can also mean unskilled, incompetent, or incapable, but these definitions still do not capture the true, fleeting meaning of an “April Fool.”

The more accurate Tongan translation of April Fools’ Day could be “Aho ʻo e kau Toó”, meaning “the day of those who fell for the prank.”

Another possible option is “Aho ʻo e kau Pau’ú”, or “the day of the prank,” which emphasises the prank itself or those who play it, though it does not fully capture the notion of a fool.

A phonetic approach is also acceptable in Tongan, such as “Aho ʻo e ‘Epilafū”, translating April Fool directly as ‘Epilafū. This method is commonly used in Tongan for English phrases, as seen in words like manuao (from man-of-war) or Puatalefusi (from port-of-refugee).

This creates a semantic mismatch: the translation implies a permanent state of foolishness, whereas the English term is context-specific.

Where April Fools’ Day Comes From

Every year on April 1, people around the world wake up wary of jokes, hoaxes and playful deception. But where did April Fools’ Day actually come from—and why do we still observe it today?

Despite its global popularity, the origins of April Fools’ Day are not tied to a single historical event. Instead, historians believe it developed gradually from European calendar changes and older springtime traditions that celebrated humour, mischief and social reversal.

The most widely accepted explanation traces April Fools’ Day to 16th-century Europe.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar, replacing the older Julian calendar. Under the old system, much of Europe celebrated the New Year at the end of March, with festivities extending into April 1.

When the New Year was officially moved to January 1, news of the change spread slowly. Many people—particularly in rural areas—continued celebrating the New Year in late March or early April. Others mocked them as “April fools”, playing tricks on them for being slow to adapt.

This practice became popular in France, where prank victims were called poisson d’avril (“April fish”), a term still used today.

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