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MP Piukala suspended after drug lord allegation sparks heated exchange with Lord Tu‘ilakepa

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku‘alofa — Independent MP Paula Piveni Piukala was suspended from Parliament for one day on Tuesday after a heated confrontation with Chairman of the Whole House Committee Lord Tu‘ilakepa, who warned that he would kai vevela—a Tongan figurative expression meaning to receive a severe beating and feel its full painful impact.

Lord Tu’ilakepa (L) and MP Piveni Piukala

The clash arose while Piukala was speaking on organised crime and illicit drug trafficking, referring to several incidents from his tenure as Minister of Police.

During his remarks, Lord Tu‘ilakepa repeatedly challenged Piukala, stating that he was making allegations without evidence and should first submit supporting documents to Parliament before such matters could be formally debated.

Gomez Connection Questioned

Tensions escalated when Piukala asked the Chair whether he was a friend of Antonio Gomez, apparently referring to Obeil Antonio Zuluaga Gomez, a Colombian drug lord linked to a major drug-trafficking investigation.

Gomez came under the spotlight in an Australian police investigation that alleged drugs from South America were trafficked through Tonga en route to Australia and China around 2010

Piukala’s remarks appeared to allude to longstanding allegations that Lord Tu‘ilakepa used his influence as former Speaker of Parliament to assist Gomez in obtaining a visa to Tonga and had offered to accommodate and financially support him.

The matter was brought before the courts in Tonga. However, the Crown later withdrew the drug charges after determining that intercepted phone communications presented as evidence were not admissible under Tongan law.

Tempers Flare in Parliament

The exchange quickly deteriorated, with raised voices and repeated interruptions from both sides. At one point, Lord Tu‘ilakepa warned Piukala that it would take only a short distance for him to reach and beat him.

Piukala responded, in a figurative remark, cautioning him not to assume he would prevail, and said he was willing for the House to be “tātāpuni” (closed doors), a Tongan expression meaning to lock the doors and allow the combatants to continue fighting until a winner emerges.

Lord Tu‘ilakepa then warned Piukala that he would “kai vevela”, a figurative expression conveying confidence that the opponent would receive a severe beating and feel its full painful impact.

Lord Tu‘ilakepa called Piukala to order three times, but the MP continued speaking. The Chair subsequently instructed parliamentary security officers to escort Piukala from the chamber and announced his suspension for a day.

Although no physical altercation occurred, the incident immediately revived memories of the pair’s parliamentary fight last year.

Previous Brawl

In the earlier incident, widely reported by local and New Zealand media, Parliament descended into chaos when Piukala and Lord Tu‘ilakepa exchanged punches on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.

At the time, Piukala, then Minister of Police, took offence after Lord Tu‘ilakepa repeatedly instructed him to stop shouting during parliamentary proceedings.

Piukala crossed the chamber toward the Chair’s seat, and a physical confrontation ensued before security and other Members of Parliament intervened to separate the pair.

Video footage of the incident shows Piukala apparently falling to the floor after what appeared to be a punch from Lord Tu‘ilakepa, although no injuries were reported.

Police seize nearly 500 cannabis plants in Auckland crackdown on organised crime

By
Kaniva Staff
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Auckland Police have seized close to 500 cannabis plants following a targeted operation aimed at disrupting organised criminal activity across several suburbs.

Police would like to acknowledge the support by members of the public around information on illegal operations occurring within their community.

The operation, known as Operation Green, was carried out on Tuesday, with officers executing four search warrants at residential properties in Hillsborough, New Windsor, Mount Roskill, and Mount Albert.

Acting Senior Sergeant Corey Foster of Auckland City West Police said the operation focused on shutting down organised cultivation networks operating within the community.

“As a result, Police located and dismantled several sophisticated indoor cultivation setups, seizing approximately 486 cannabis plants in varying sizes, along with associated equipment,” Foster said.

The indoor growing systems were described as advanced, indicating a level of organisation and investment consistent with commercial-scale drug production.

Police say the seizure is a significant step in preventing profits from being funnelled into wider criminal networks.

“By locating and seizing these cannabis plants, we have prevented them receiving payment that would have gone to fund a range of organised criminal activity in our community,” Foster said.

Authorities believe operations like these are often linked to broader offending, including drug distribution and other illegal activities.

Despite the scale of the operation, no arrests have been made at this stage. However, police say investigations are ongoing and further action has not been ruled out.

Foster expressed hope that the outcome of the operation would reassure the public that police are actively targeting organised crime groups.

Police also acknowledged the role played by members of the public in providing information that contributed to the operation.

“We would like to thank the community for their support and the information provided regarding illegal operations occurring in their area,” Foster said.

Authorities are continuing to encourage anyone with concerns or information about suspicious activity to come forward.

Information can be reported online or by calling 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police say they will continue operations targeting organised crime and illegal drug production across Auckland, with a focus on reducing harm and protecting communities from the impact of such activities.

Speaker Lord Vaea blasts government over delay in denying Chief Justice allegations

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Speaker of Parliament, Lord Vaea, has raised concerns over what he described as the government’s slow response in informing Parliament about the judiciary’s denial of serious allegations concerning Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC.

Lord Vaea. Photo/Kalino Lātū/Kaniva Tonga News

As Kaniva News reported on Monday, proceedings in the Legislative Assembly were temporarily suspended after a controversial allegation concerning Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC was raised during debate on the government’s annual budget.

The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, ordered an immediate halt to proceedings after People’s Representative for Tt 7 Piveni Piukala made claims regarding the Chief Justice’s health.

Lord Tu’ilakepa swiftly ruled the allegation out of order, describing it as highly sensitive and inappropriate for parliamentary discussion without proper substantiation.

He then directed that the House adjourn temporarily to prevent any further debate on the matter.

The Speaker’s concern on Tuesday revived the issue after Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Viliami Uasike Latu, told the House that the Court had firmly rejected the claims.

He also conveyed the judiciary’s “grave concern and disappointment” at the allegations, saying the allegations had spread rapidly, particularly on social media and through overseas news outlets.

“The allegations have damaged the credibility of the Judiciary, the third branch of government,” he told Parliament.

Drawing on Mr Uasike’s statement to the House, the Speaker confirmed that a complaint from the Ministry of Justice had been formally tabled.

The Speaker described the allegation as “serious” and warned the House any further discussion on it will not be allowed.

He then raised concern that the government failed to act promptly, only filing the complaint the following day.

“Me’a pe kou hanga ongo’i a e ikai ‘omai ‘e he pule’anga he vave taha ‘aneafi kae tuku mai ke toki fai ‘a e feme’a’aki ‘i he pongipongi’ ni”, the Speaker said in Tongan.

He confirmed that the House had now received a formal complaint and that the matter had been processed according to parliamentary procedures. The Speaker further ruled that the issue would not be debated until the appropriate processes had been completed.

MP Piukala challenged Mr Latu during the session, asking him to clarify which specific parts of his allegations were considered incorrect. His questioning suggested he continues to stand by his claims.

In response, Mr Latu urged Piukala to wait for the outcome of the review currently being conducted by parliamentary staff.

Following the exchange, the House proceeded with its scheduled business, resuming budget deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House.

Police investigate after unidentified body found near Masefield Naval base

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa – Tonga Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of an unidentified male body near the Masefield Naval Base on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Masefield Naval Base in Touliki. Photo/Kalino L,ātū

The body was found by personnel from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) in the vicinity of the naval base, the Police said in a statement.

Authorities confirmed the remains have since been taken into police custody and transferred to the morgue, where efforts are underway to establish the identity of the deceased.

Police say inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.

In an appeal to the public, Tonga Police are urging anyone with information that may assist in identifying the deceased to contact their nearest police station or call 922.

Officials emphasised that community support could play a vital role in advancing the investigation.

No details regarding the cause of death or how long the body may have been at the location have been released at this stage.

Police say further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For media inquiries, Tonga Police Media and Public Relations Office can be contacted on 740-1613.

Tonga Parliament adjourned after MP raises allegation against Chief Justice

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa — Proceedings in the Legislative Assembly were temporarily suspended on Monday after a controversial allegation concerning Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC was raised during debate.

Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC has not publicly responded to the allegation raised in Parliament.

The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, ordered a break in proceedings after People’s Representative Piveni Piukala made an allegation regarding the Chief Justice’s health.

Lord Tu’ilakepa immediately informed the House that he would not accept the claim, describing the matter as highly sensitive and inappropriate for parliamentary discussion without substantiation.

He subsequently called for Parliament to adjourn temporarily to prevent further discussion of the issue.

Previous Appointment Controversy

The incident is the latest controversy involving Lord Bishop, 82, since his appointment as Chief Justice in September 2024.

His appointment attracted significant public attention after reports emerged regarding his sexual orientation and a long-term same-sex relationship during his years in the United Kingdom.

Following his appointment, a number of legal practitioners and conservative groups petitioned King Tupou VI, calling for Lord Bishop’s removal from office.

The petition, as reported by Kaniva News at the time, dated 26 August, said Bishop was in a “sodomous relationship” with a British businessman for 51 years before his partner was killed by thieves in 2019.

These claims contributed to a wider national debate, generating significant public discussion about judicial appointments, constitutional principles, and social values in Tonga.

At the time, senior lawyer Clive Edwards accused Lord Dalgety and the King’s Judicial Appointments Panel of recommending Mr Bishop for appointment despite concerns that his sexual orientation and personal background conflicted with the Constitution and laws of Tonga.

However, supporters maintained that Mr Bishop’s judicial qualifications, extensive professional experience, and ability to perform the duties of Chief Justice should remain the primary considerations.

As of the time of publication, there has been no public response from Lord Bishop regarding the allegation raised in Parliament. No evidence was presented during the parliamentary proceedings to substantiate the claim.

Kaniva News attempted to contact the Chief Justice for comment but was unable to reach him before publication. It remains unclear whether the matter will be revisited when Parliament resumes debate.

Tonga Justice warns over false information in birth, death and marriage registrations

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Registrar General’s Office has issued a public warning reminding Tongans that providing false information when registering births, deaths or marriages is a criminal offence under the new Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act 2025.

In a series of public notices released today, the Office of the Registrar General highlighted penalties under Sections 63 and 64 of the Act, which deal with false information relating to marriages, births, and deaths.

The notices warn that any person who knowingly and wilfully provides false information in order to obtain a marriage licence, or to register a birth or death, commits an offence and may face prosecution.

Under the law, a person convicted of providing false information may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, fined up to T$10,000, or both.

The Registrar General’s Office said the provisions are intended to protect the integrity of Tonga’s civil registration system, which records vital life events including births, deaths and marriages.

The notices specifically caution members of the public against deliberately providing incorrect details during registration processes, stressing that information submitted to the Civil Register must be accurate and truthful.

The warning forms part of public awareness efforts following the enactment of the Civil Registration and Digital Identification Act 2025, which established a modern framework for civil registration and digital identification in Tonga.

The Act provides for the maintenance of the national Civil Register and the administration of birth, death and marriage records throughout the Kingdom.

Members of the public seeking information on registration requirements are encouraged to contact the Registrar General’s Office or visit the Ministry of Justice for guidance before submitting applications.

Customs uncover 100kg cocaine worth $35m hidden in Tauranga container

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ

Customs officers have seized an estimated 100kg of cocaine worth up to $35 million after it was discovered hidden inside a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga.

The drugs were found on Monday during a routine inspection of a refrigerated container carrying legitimate goods that had travelled from Chile via Peru, Colombia and Panama before arriving in New Zealand.

Customs said officers had identified the container as a potential risk before it arrived in the country as part of standard screening procedures for incoming cargo.

An x-ray scan revealed irregularities in a stack of boxes near the container doors, a concealment technique commonly known as “rip-on, rip-off”, where drugs are secretly added to legitimate shipments without the knowledge of the importer.

A detailed search uncovered 10 boxes containing a total of 100 bricks of cocaine. The bricks were branded “PRADA”, and further testing confirmed they contained cocaine.

Customs maritime manager Robert Smith said the seizure highlighted the ongoing efforts of transnational organised crime groups to exploit international supply chains.

“Transnational serious organised crime groups are continuously testing border security and supply chains globally, looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit,” he said.

“This seizure highlights our ability to detect those efforts and intervene before harm reaches our communities.”

Smith said Customs officers screened hundreds of shipping containers arriving through New Zealand ports each week.

“Through sustained operational activity, sharper risk assessment, and continued investment in targeting and detection technology, Customs is raising the cost, complexity, and risk for criminal groups seeking to operate here.”

Enquiries into the shipment are ongoing.

This story was first published on rnz.co.nz

Miss Heilala 2026 organisers warn of fake contestant posts after registrations close

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga — Miss Heilala organisers are warning the public about fake contestant announcements circulating online, saying several unauthorised posts have falsely claimed to reveal participants ahead of official confirmation.

Tonga’s Miss Heilala 2025–2026, Siosi’ana Patricia Taumoepeau

In a statement on its official platforms, the committee said: “We have noticed several fake Miss Heilala contestant announcements circulating online.”

It stressed the posts are not legitimate, with some misusing the Miss Heilala and Tonga Tourism logos without permission.

Organisers urged the public not to create, share, or engage with such content, warning it risks confusion and undermines the recognition of officially confirmed contestants.

“Please do not create or share unofficial contestant announcements. Let’s allow our official contestants the spotlight, recognition, and support they deserve,” the statement said.

They reiterated that all contestant announcements will be made only through verified pageant channels.

Registrations for the 2026 Miss Heilala Pageant closed at 4.30pm on 5 June, with organisers confirming no further applications will be accepted as the event moves into its next phase.

The Heilala Festival remains one of Tonga’s leading cultural events, with the Miss Heilala Pageant a central highlight of the annual celebrations.

Two packages of ‘ice’ discovered at Vavaʻu beach, site of $2.3m cocaine find in 2021

By
Kalino Latu
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Nearly five years after cocaine packages washed ashore at Hōleva and Haʻalaufuli beaches in Vavaʻu, two bags of what has been described as “ice” were discovered on Sunday.

Photo released by Tonga Police in July 2021 showing cocaine packages worth about $2.3 million paʻanga that washed up on beaches at Hōleva and Haʻalaufuli in Vavaʻu, prompting a major police search. Photo/Tonga Police

Neiafu town officer Vava Lapota claimed that the two packages of “ice” were discovered by residents and later handed over to the Neiafu Police.

Kaniva News has contacted Police for comment.

The details of the items and how they ended up on the beach are still unknown.

The discovery follows a major cocaine shipment that washed ashore in July 2021 at what is believed to be the same location.

In that incident, more than 14 kilograms of cocaine—estimated to have a street value of $2.3 million—washed up along the beaches of Hōleva and Haʻalaufuli, triggering a large-scale search by Tonga Police and the Navy.

At the time, Police warned: “There is possibility that more packages may turn up on the beach and we ask any members of the public to immediately contact Police if they found or knew anyone to have found further drugs,” said Detective Acting Deputy Commissioner Halatoa Taufa.

Taufa strongly reminded that anyone who has in their possession any of the washed-up drugs and failing to hand over to Police is a serious offence.

Eight people were later sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 13.5 years for their opportunistic roles in handling blocks of cocaine from a large shipment that washed ashore at Ha’alaufuli’s ‘Otualea Beach.

PM Fakafanua warning

The reported drugs washing ashore come after suspected cocaine packages were found across islands in Fiji’s Lau Group last week.

Reports said the latest discovery adds to earlier finds in Moala, Kabara, and Moce.

Authorities believe recent rough sea conditions may have dislodged concealed packages, causing them to surface and wash ashore.

The developments in Fiji come shortly after Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, warned that Tonga must step up its alertness and preparedness to combat illicit drugs, citing increased trafficking in nearby Fiji.

Minister of Lands found guilty of breaching electoral law

By
Kalino Latu
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The Minister of Lands, Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, has been found guilty under the Electoral Act for electoral bribery, in a ruling expected to carry significant political and legal implications, according to a report by Kele‘a Voice.

While details of the case proceedings are yet to be fully released, the conviction signals the judiciary’s firm stance on upholding electoral integrity. .

Under the Electoral Act, a conviction for an electoral offence may result in penalties including fines, removal from office, or disqualification from holding public office, depending on the court’s final orders.

As the situation develops, more information is expected regarding sentencing and any potential appeals.

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