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Tatakamotonga man jailed after breaking into homes and attacking women as they slept

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga — A series of nighttime home invasions that left victims terrified in the safety of their own homes has resulted in a man being jailed in the Supreme Court.

Talikavili Loloa was jailed for three years and six months after admitting charges including serious housebreaking, theft, assault, and serious causing bodily harm.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges, revealing a pattern of offending that escalated from property crime to violent attacks.

Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC described the offending as “serious and disturbing,” noting it involved multiple victims and escalating violence over a short period.

The court heard that Loloa’s offending began in November 2024 when he stole equipment valued at about $5,000 from a residence in Tatakamotonga after entering the property unlawfully.

He later attempted to sell some of the stolen items before being reported to police.

However, the offending quickly escalated into violent intrusions into homes at night.

Women Attacked in Their Bedrooms

In one incident, Loloa entered a home in Lapaha at around 1am and covered the mouth of an 18-year-old schoolgirl while she slept, causing her to scream before he fled the scene.

The court heard the young victim continues to suffer anxiety and no longer feels safe sleeping in her own room.

In a more serious incident later the same night, Loloa entered another home and attacked a 50-year-old woman while she was asleep.

He covered her face and mouth, assaulted her, and repeatedly punched her in the head during a struggle before being restrained by her son and others.

Medical evidence confirmed she suffered multiple injuries, including bruising, cuts, and swelling.

Threat to Community Safety

Justice Bishop said the offending struck “at the very heart of community safety and security,” emphasising that people must feel safe in their own homes.

The judge noted the progression from property offending to violent and intrusive conduct, describing it as a serious aggravating factor.

Victim impact statements revealed ongoing fear and anxiety among the complainants, with all reporting lasting psychological effects despite forgiving the offender.

Mitigating Factors Considered by Court

The Court took into account Loloa’s early guilty plea, which spared the complainants from giving evidence and demonstrated acceptance of responsibility.

He also cooperated with Police and has a limited prior history, comprising a single minor conviction. In addition, the Court noted his relative youth and significant family responsibilities, including the care of young children.

Taken together, these factors warrant a substantial, though not excessive, reduction in sentence.

Starting Point and Reduction

The court adopted a starting point of six years’ imprisonment for the most serious offence but reduced the sentence to reflect Loloa’s guilty plea, cooperation with police, and personal circumstances.

He was ultimately sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on conditions.

The effective sentence to be served is three years and six months, backdated to November 2025.

Justice Bishop rejected submissions for a non-custodial sentence, stressing that imprisonment was necessary to reflect the gravity of the crimes, deter future offending, and protect the community.

The court also noted that failure to comply with the conditions of the suspended portion could result in Loloa serving the remainder of his sentence in full.

Court clears MP of electoral bribery, finds ‘innocent explanation’ — Tukunga considers appeal

By
Kalino Latu
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Nku’alofa, Tonga — The Supreme Court has dismissed an election petition challenging the Tongatapu 9 constituency result, ruling that bribery allegations against Member of Parliament Sevenitini Toumo‘ua were not proven.

Minister of Infrastructure and Civil Aviation Seventeen Toumo’ua

In a judgment delivered on 17 April 2026, Acting Justice Langi found that petitioner Tevita Tukunga failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that Toumo‘ua committed bribery during the November 2025 general election campaign.

Tukunga had sought to void the election result, alleging that Toumo‘ua unlawfully influenced voters by promising gifts, including lawn mowers, and by approving financial assistance to a community group.

Lawn mower allegation rejected

The primary allegation centred on claims that Toumo‘ua promised a voter a lawn mower during a campaign meeting in Nakolo shortly before the election.

The court accepted that Toumo‘ua told the voter to check with his secretary to see if any lawn mowers remained from those previously purchased using constituency funds. However, Justice Langi ruled this did not amount to bribery.

While the statement fell within the legal definition of “agreeing to give” a gift, the court found there was a credible and innocent explanation — that the respondent was responding to a request within the context of an existing community distribution programme.

The judge also raised concerns about the reliability of the key witness, pointing to inconsistencies in his evidence and concluding that his complaint appeared influenced by frustration at not receiving the mower.

Because a reasonable innocent interpretation remained open, the allegation did not meet the strict criminal standard required in election bribery cases.

Community funding claim fails

A second allegation involved a $2,000 payment to a local pickleball committee, which the petitioner claimed was intended to influence voters.

However, the court found that the funding had been approved in July 2025—months before the election campaign—and formed part of routine constituency assistance.

Evidence showed the payment was requested by the community and later distributed in September at the group’s request to support a sporting event.

Justice Langi ruled there was no evidence the payment was made to influence votes or targeted at a defined group of electors.

High legal threshold not met

The court emphasised that electoral bribery is treated as a “quasi-criminal” offence and must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

In both allegations, the judge found the petitioner failed to exclude reasonable alternative explanations consistent with innocence.

Possible appeal under consideration

The court dismissed the petition and upheld Toumo‘ua’s election victory.

Tukunga was also ordered to pay legal costs, to be assessed if not agreed.

Following the decision, petitioner Tukunga told Kaniva News he was working with his lawyer to determine whether to appeal the ruling. No appeal had been filed at the time of publication.

Court rules Reopoamo Darklie Tufunga a registered sex offender after 64,000 abuse files discovered

By
Kaniva Staff
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Reader discretion advised: This report includes details of child sexual abuse material

A guilty plea in Auckland, coupled with the discovery that Reopoamo Darklie Tufunga held over 64,157 child exploitation images and videos and shared nearly 18,000 with others, has sealed his fate.

A 35‑month prison sentence was handed down to the 27‑year‑old in the Auckland District Court, marking a significant outcome in the case.

The court said several electronic devices were seized as part of an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs’ digital child exploitation team, which executed a search warrant at Tufunga’s home in May 2023.

According to a report by the New Zealand Herald, the sheer volume of objectionable material found in the offender’s possession was described as deeply disturbing, highlighting the importance of his being brought to justice and prevented from causing further harm.

The report added that the distribution of child sexual abuse material and interaction with other offenders fosters dangerous behaviour and heightens the risk of physical harm to children.

Judge Belinda Sellars, KC, directed that Tufunga be listed as a child sex offender and that all electronic devices involved in the offending be destroyed.

Helplines

Advice and support for parents and caregivers on protecting their children online is available at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz. If you have concerns about potential online harm or wish to report a crime, contact the digital child exploitation team at DIA. For situations where abuse is occurring or a child is in immediate danger, contact the police at 111. Victims of child or sexual abuse crimes can access help and support services by contacting:

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s sexual behaviour, please reach out for support:

Nearly 200,000 misled by City Fitness membership prices – Comm Comm

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Finn Blackwell of RNZ and is republished with permission

Gym chain City Fitness has battled claims in court it deceived customers with misleading membership prices.

The fitness giant faced 16 charges under the Fair Trading Act.

City Fitness St Lukes, Auckland. (Source: Google Maps) (Source: Supplied)

The Commerce Commission claimed City Fitness’ advertised membership prices were misleading.

It said the gym chain did not include a compulsory transaction fee, which the commission said should have been included in the advertised price.

Labelling the 3% fee as a “transaction fee” that was not related to the costs for processing membership fee payments was also misleading, the commission said.

In the Auckland District Court on Thursday, the lawyer for the commission, Jacob Barry, said nearly 200,000 people had been affected by the costs over 16 months.

He described it as a cynical marketing ploy.

“As best as I can tell, none of the money has returned to the customers.”

He said City Fitness had been deceptive.

“City Fitness obviously saw there was a competitive benefit in pursuing it this way,” Barry said.

“It gets the benefit of the market, being able to sell its memberships with that attractive looking number, but it’s doing that in a false way and, in my submission, in a consciously false way.”

The fee generated just under $1.6 million during that period, which Barry said was illegitimately obtained.

City Fitness continued to advertise the membership price despite being alerted the Commerce Commission was investigating, which Barry said was reckless.

Representing City Fitness, James Every-Palmer KC, said the gym chain had not been deceptive and, by the time customers were paying, they would have known about the fee.

“It arose out of good intentions from City Fitness to keep prices as low as possible, however, they fell down through a flawed implementation,” he said.

“But, on the other hand, there’s no evidence that a single consumer has suffered actual harm, had ended up signing up without knowing about the fee, or would’ve signed up if the transaction fee had had a different label.”

Every-Palmer said the problem arose through carelessness, not through an intention to deceive.

He said there was no evidence of deliberate deceit.

“I’ve heard today that the commission says the most serious thing here is that general cost recovery, including the cost of processing transactions, was recovered through a transaction fee, that that dwarfs the unobtainable price problem,” Every-Palmer said.

“But there’s simply no evidence that that was a deliberate attempt to mislead people, that that was, in some way, meant to make them think that that was their actually cost of transacting, and there’s simply no evidence that it made any difference to anyone…”

Judge David Clark reserved his decision.

At the time the gym franchise was charged, the commission’s competition, fair trading, and credit general manager Vanessa Horne said a business advertising cheaper than reality prices could give them an unfair advantage over competitors.

“There’s no excuse for false or misleading advertising,” she said.

“This investigation and the charges we have filed should send a clear message – when we see prices that we think are misleading, the commission will act so that businesses are held to account.”

One NZ issue causing widespread internet outage across entire South, parts of North Island

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

One NZ and 2degrees customers are experiencing outages to internet and calls across the country.

Internet outage on 1 May 2026. Photo: screenshot / OneNZ

The telecom company said the issue was under investigation.

The South Island and the lower North Island were experiencing the outages heavily, with Christchurch and Wellington listing the most outages on One NZ’s outage map.

The company acknowledged the widespread outages under one report.

“We’re aware of an issue affecting some of our cell sites and internet across the Lower North Island and the South Island. This may result in intermittent or no service for some customers in these regions.”

The company said some customers’ internet or calls were dropping out, and it had opened One NZ Satellite access to more customers in affected areas.

“We’re sorry for the disruption, and our teams are working hard to get everything back up and running as quickly as possible.”

It said customers could still stay connected using WhatsApp calling, messaging, and data through its satellite service.

2degrees said on its website it also was aware of the outages.

“This is related to the widespread One NZ incident. One NZ is working to restore services,” it said.

Automobile Association (AA) centres across the lower North Island and the whole South Island are closed as a result of the internet outages.

“We’re working closely with local teams to manage this and will reopen services as soon as it’s practical to do so,” it said on social media.

The AA was asking people to check with their local centre before visiting.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility while this issue is being resolved.”

The website Downdetector showed a spike in outages for One NZ, Spark and 2degrees this morning.

A Spark spokesperson said there has been no impact to Spark’s network from this issue.

There were comments on the post from people around the country who said their internet had not been working – although some also reported it coming back in after 10am.

Tonga Power challenges $58m claim, stands by $20.47m as royal lease remains in limbo

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A dispute over the financial position of Tonga Power Limited (TPL) has intensified, with sharply conflicting claims over millions of paʻanga — the utility maintaining total borrowings of $20.47 million while a counterclaim of $58 million persists — alongside allegations that incorrect figures may have been presented to the Prime Minister.

Tonga Power Limited CEO Scott Westbury

The conflict follows earlier revelations that a lease over a royal estate allocated to TPL was allegedly subleased to the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) for the construction of a World Bank-funded headquarters for the Tonga Meteorological Service and the National Emergency Management Office (TMS/NEMO).

The lease is understood to involve land granted under royal authority, making its use and any subleasing arrangements subject to strict conditions.

As previously reported by KanivaNews, the headquarters was scheduled to be launched in February but was delayed after concerns were allegedly raised by the King regarding the lease.

Allegations linking the lease arrangement to the loan of the TOP $54 million were raised by broadcaster ʻEtuate Lavulavu through his Letiō ʻa e Kakai FM 88.1 platform.

The matter was also brought up during a press conference last week attended by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Tonga Power Chief Executive Officer Scott Westbury, both of whom rejected the claim.

Lavulavu later increased the alleged figure to TOP $58 million in a follow-up broadcast, saying he stood by his claims despite official denials, but did not reveal the source of the information.

He further accused the TPL CEO of allegedly providing incorrect information to the Prime Minister.

PM Fakafanua did not respond to questions during the press conference about the status of the dispute over the royal lease or whether the matter had been escalated to the courts.

Company Reassures Public

In a statement dated May 1, 2026, TPL said it was aware of online speculation and sought to reassure customers regarding its borrowing levels.

“Based on TPL’s FY2024/25 audited financial statements, total borrowings as at 30 June 2025 were TOP 20.47 million,” the company said, adding that its borrowing position had not materially changed since that time.

TPL also encouraged customers to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information.

New leadership appointed to Tonga electoral commission

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Electoral Commission has announced the appointment of two new commissioners, marking a significant leadership transition within the body responsible for overseeing the Kingdom’s electoral processes.

‘Amelia Fakahikuo’uiha Helu

The Commission confirmed that Police Magistrate Mr Penisimani Lupeitu’u Ma’u has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Tonga Electoral Commission, effective from April 29, 2026.

Mr Ma’u will serve a term of five years.

Mr Ma’u succeeds the former Chairman, Rt Hon. Lord Dalgety KC, who has recently retired from the Commission after his tenure.

In a concurrent appointment, Honorary Consul Mrs ‘Amelia Fakahikuo’uiha Helu has been named as a new Commissioner of the Tonga Electoral Commission.

Her appointment also took effect on April 29, 2026, and she will likewise serve a five-year term. Mrs Helu replaces Mr Ma’u, who previously held a position as a Commissioner before assuming the chairmanship.

In an official press release issued on April 30, 2026, both appointments were made with the formal consent of His Majesty, acting on the advice of His Majesty’s Privy Council, in accordance with Section 4(1)(a) of the Electoral Commission Act of the Kingdom of Tonga.

The Electoral Commission expressed confidence in the new leadership, noting that both appointees bring valuable skills and experience to their respective roles.

The announcement was released by the Acting Supervisor of Elections.

New mobile alert system rolled out by Tonga Met

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — Tonga Meteorological Services has introduced a new mobile phone alert system designed to deliver urgent weather warnings directly to the public, with a test message sent out today to parts of the country.

A cell broadcast emergency alert displayed on a mobile phone warns of strong winds affecting parts of Tonga, as part of a test of the new early warning system by Tonga Meteorological Services.

In a statement, Tonga Met advised residents that messages appearing on their mobile phones are part of a cell broadcasting system, a new multi-hazard early warning communication platform aimed at quickly disseminating critical weather advisories.

“This is a CELL BROADCASTING MESSAGE,” the statement said, urging the public to take note of the new system and understand its role in emergency communication.

The alert, as seen on mobile devices, appears as a pop-up notification labelled “Emergency alert: Severe”, prominently displayed on the screen. The message warns that a strong wind warning remains in force for Ha‘apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua land areas, along with a strong wind warning and small craft advisory for surrounding coastal waters, including Tele-ki-Tonga and Tele-ki-Tokelau.

The notice also provides contact details for further information, including a toll-free number for Tonga Meteorological Services, allowing users to quickly seek updates.

Tonga Met confirmed that the alert issued was part of a test for Ha‘apai and Tongatapu, as authorities assess the effectiveness of the system in reaching the public during emergencies.

Residents who received the message are being encouraged to provide feedback, including noting their location at the time they received the alert. This information will help authorities evaluate the system’s coverage and reliability.

Strengthening Early Warning Systems

The introduction of cell broadcasting marks a significant step forward in Tonga’s disaster preparedness efforts. Unlike traditional text messages, cell broadcast alerts are designed to reach all compatible mobile phones within a specific geographic area instantly, without requiring prior registration.

The system is expected to play a crucial role during severe weather events such as cyclones, strong winds, and other natural hazards, ensuring timely warnings reach communities at risk.

Authorities say public cooperation during testing phases will be vital to refining the system before it is fully implemented nationwide.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and resilience, particularly in a country highly vulnerable to extreme weather events.

First look at Tonga’s new Parliament building takes shape

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A newly released image has offered the public a first detailed look at Tonga’s new Parliament complex currently under construction, capturing the project in its early structural stages as work steadily progresses.

New Parliament Rising — Foundations of Tonga’s new Parliament complex take shape at the Lakalakaimonu Estate, with steel reinforcements and construction works underway on the NZ$60 million project expected to be completed in 2027. Photo/New Zealand High Commission, Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

The photograph, released by the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga, shows the scale of the development taking shape at the Lakalakaimonu Estate within the Tufumāhina Royal Estate on Tongatapu—site of the country’s future parliamentary headquarters.

In the foreground, a large rectangular foundation is visible, with dense steel reinforcement bars and timber formwork outlining the footprint of the building. At the centre of the site, workers and construction materials can be seen, indicating ongoing activity as groundwork continues.

The construction area spans a wide space, with multiple foundation segments being prepared simultaneously. Earthworks, gravel mounds, and heavy equipment are positioned across the site, highlighting both the scale and complexity of the project.

Behind the construction zone, the Royal Archives building stands elevated among trees and open green fields, providing a clear contrast to the emerging development.

The new Parliament complex is being built to replace the previous Fale Alea and Office of the Legislative Assembly, which were destroyed by Cyclone Gita in February 2018. The rebuilding effort marks one of Tonga’s most significant national infrastructure projects in recent years.

New Zealand and Australia are jointly funding the reconstruction, with the New Zealand Government managing a funding package of approximately NZ$60 million, alongside contributions from Australia. The project reflects a strong regional partnership aimed at strengthening Tonga’s governance infrastructure.

Designed with resilience in mind, the new complex will incorporate climate-resilient features to withstand extreme weather events, while also ensuring the architecture remains culturally appropriate and reflective of Tongan identity.

Plans for the facility include a public gallery, dedicated media spaces, and an education centre intended to promote civic awareness and improve public access to parliamentary processes. Officials say the development is expected to enhance transparency and engagement between the government and the people.

The construction is being led by Westland Construction, working alongside local subcontractor Ca’Bella Pacific Construction Tonga. The project is expected to employ a workforce made up of around 70 percent local workers, providing employment opportunities and skills development within the country.

Once completed, the new Parliament complex is anticipated to stand as a modern and resilient seat of governance for Tonga, symbolising both recovery and renewal following Cyclone Gita.

Construction is currently in its early stages, with the foundations now clearly taking shape. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Locked up 24 hours ‘for Carrying Books’: Man denied entry to New Zealand removed to Fiji instead of Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan national was denied entry into New Zealand, detained for about 24 hours at Auckland International Airport, and then removed to Fiji instead of Tonga, despite holding a valid two-year multiple-entry visa.

Tevita Sitelimani Finefeuiaki. Photo/Supplied

The man, Tevita Sitelimani Finefeuiaki, was reportedly stopped after failing to declare books he was carrying in his luggage on Friday, 24.

Finefeuiaki, who had travelled from Tonga as part of a research project, was detained in Auckland before being sent to Fiji, where he spent several more days in custody before returning to Tonga on Monday.

The circumstances surrounding his removal — particularly the decision not to return him directly to his country of origin — have raised questions about the handling of the case by Immigration New Zealand.

Dr Paula Onoafe Lātū, principal of Sia’atoutai Theological College in Tonga, described the treatment of Finefeuiaki, whom he called his “son in Christ” and research assistant, as “appalling” and “inhumane.”

Books Project Timeline Explained

Mr Lātū said Finefeuiaki was with him in Auckland before being sent to Tonga to collect books from his personal library to support research for new publications marking 200 years since Methodist missionaries first brought Christianity to the kingdom in 1826.

The books they were working on were expected to be completed and published in New Zealand by the end of May.

Lātū said Finefeuiaki was detained after failing to declare the books on arrival. However, he questioned the severity of the response, saying he was deeply concerned by both the treatment of Finefeuiaki and the consequences that followed.

He argued the declaration requirements may not have clearly specified that books intended for academic research needed to be declared.

Detention Costs And Expenses

The church minister alleged that Finefeuiaki was not provided with sufficient food during his detention in Auckland and was later required to pay for accommodation during his stay in Fiji.

An invoice shared with Kaniva News shows a payment of $532.95 to the Grand Melanesian Hotel, listing Finefeuiaki as a “detainee”, including $272 in security-related charges.

Lātū said he had also paid $600 to arrange for the books to be transported separately from Tonga to New Zealand, where they were expected to arrive last night.

Although Finefeuiaki has since returned safely to Tonga, Lātū said the experience had taken a significant emotional toll.

“What’s wrong with a Tongan carrying books?” he said in an interview with Kaniva News.
“Are books only for pālangi to carry?
I’m really down about this.”

Why Travellers Are Refused Entry

According to information published by Immigration New Zealand, travellers may be prevented from boarding or entering New Zealand if they do not meet entry requirements, including failing to provide evidence that they meet the conditions of their visa.

Dr Paula Onoafe Lātū. Photo/Tonga National University

Authorities also reassess travellers on arrival, checking identity, documentation, and declared goods before granting entry permission. Travellers can be denied entry if their documents are invalid, if they do not hold the appropriate visa, or if they provide false or misleading information.

Immigration New Zealand states that travellers must demonstrate they have a genuine reason for travel, sufficient funds to support themselves, and arrangements to leave the country at the end of their stay.

Kaniva News has sought comment from Immigration New Zealand, including clarification on the legal basis for Finefeuiaki’s detention and removal, the decision to send him to Fiji, the conditions of his detention, and whether the case will be subject to review.

Policy Concerns Raised

Lātū believes the immigration policy falls short of fairness.

“Dawn raids are on the horizon,” he said,  invoking a phrase commonly used within the Tongan community when immigration issues arise, reflecting fears that Pasifika and other migrant communities are once again being unfairly targeted, re-traumatised, and treated as criminals—despite the Government’s formal apology in 2021 for the notorious Dawn Raids of the 1970s.

“I do not see any crime in him carrying books into New Zealand,” Mr Lātū told Kaniva News.

“My son is part of this book project and lives with me at my home in Takanini.

“We arrived here late last year. He is my library assistant, researcher, and typist.”

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