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Former Minister Vātau Hui reportedly sent to Hu‘atolitoli prison

By
Kalino Latu
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Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament Vātau Hui has reportedly been sent to Hu‘atolitoli prison, according to a broadcast this afternoon by Letiō ‘a e Kakai FM 88.1.

Former MP Vātau Hui

Reporter Tapinga Lavemaau of the radio station reported that Hui was found guilty in the Supreme Court of Tonga, after being charged under sections 124 and 112 of the Criminal Offences Act.

He said the hearing took place in October 2025, and the case was registered as CR223/2024.

Under the Tongan Criminal Offences Act, section 124 covers indecent assault, while section 112 addresses common assault. Section 124(3)(a) states that a person found guilty of indecent assault “is punishable by a term of imprisonment for any period not exceeding five years.”

The station did not release any further details about the alleged detention.

The report comes months after Kaniva News revealed in 2024 that police had charged Hui in relation to allegations made by a woman from Ha‘ateiho, who accused him of indecent conduct and harassment.

At the time, Hui strongly denied the accusations in later comments to Kaniva News, calling them fabricated and saying he intended to file a counter‑complaint against the woman.

Hui was ousted in last year’s general election by Lata‘ifaingata‘a Tangimana, who now serves as Minister of Finance.

Kaniva News was unable to reach the relevant authorities for comment.

Pita Lolohea sentenced for break‑in and theft at Ministry of Internal Affairs

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa — The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Pita Lolohea to a term of imprisonment for breaking into the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stealing electronic equipment and damaging government property during an incident in March 2025.

Lolohea pleaded guilty in November last year to serious housebreaking, theft and serious wilful damage.

The court heard that on 23 March 2025 he unlawfully entered the Ministry’s Kolofo’ou offices, where he stole a camera, two Apple tablets and four Samsung tablets worth a total of $14,756.

He also damaged six interior doors valued at $2,610. Police later recovered all the stolen items after executing a search warrant at his residence in Popua.

The Crown submitted sentencing recommendations that included a partially suspended imprisonment term, noting Lolohea’s early guilty plea and cooperation after arrest. Prosecutors also cited several previous decisions to guide the court’s consideration.

A presentence report from the Probation Office assessed Lolohea as a high risk to the community and recommended imprisonment. The report detailed his personal circumstances, including family responsibilities and the breakdown of his relationships following his remand in custody.

In sentencing, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC emphasised the seriousness of breaking into and damaging a government building. He said the court had a duty not only to rehabilitate but also to deter others from similar offending.

However, he acknowledged Lolohea’s remorse, early plea and his cooperation with police. A letter from the Police Chaplain describing Lolohea’s character also influenced the court’s decision to consider partial suspension.

For serious housebreaking, the court imposed a sentence of three years’ imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended for two years on conditions that include probation supervision, compliance with directions on residence, completion of an Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Course and reporting to Probation upon release.

For theft, Lolohea was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to be served concurrently. For wilful damage, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service within the suspension period.

The court clarified that Lolohea will serve a total of 18 months in prison, followed by a 12‑month suspended period, with the sentence backdated to reflect the time he has already spent in custody.

Tongan man in Australia accused of fatal stabbing during ‘random’ street attack

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan man living in Australia has been charged with murder after an alleged random stabbing attack in Sydney’s west that left one man dead and two others critically injured.

Leaaetoa being arrested by police.

New South Wales Police identified the accused as Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, 25, who is believed to have been experiencing mental health issues prior to the incident.

The attack unfolded just after 10am on Tuesday along a busy street in Merrylands, a suburb known for its large migrant communities. According to police, Leaaetoa allegedly stabbed three people in what authorities described as a sudden and unprovoked assault.

The victim who died at the scene has been named as Amammuddin Sadar, 38. Emergency responders attempted to revive him, but he succumbed to his injuries before he could be taken to hospital.

Two other victims — Ambika Sharma, 47, and Emre Sen, 21 — were rushed to Westmead Hospital with critical injuries. Police said on Wednesday that both remained in a critical but stable condition.

Police allege Leaaetoa fled on foot after the attack but was arrested shortly afterwards. Detectives later charged him with murder and two counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

Leaaetoa did not appear in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday when the case was briefly mentioned. No bail application was made on his behalf, and bail was formally refused.

He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on March 4.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what may have triggered the attack, but early indications suggest mental health may have played a role. NSW Police say investigations are ongoing, including inquiries into the accused’s background and possible motives.

Kaniva Tonga News will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.

Brother of All Blacks great Jonah Lomu admits drug charges

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ – The younger brother of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu has pleaded guilty to drug‑related charges, bringing a halt to a trial that had been scheduled to begin this week at the Manukau District Court.

Manukau District Court. Photo/Kalino Lātū

John Makatoa Lomu, 49, entered the guilty plea alongside co‑accused Silila Vaivai, 37. The pair had originally faced charges of importing and possessing methamphetamine following a police investigation that ran between August and September 2023.

On Monday, Lomu admitted to possessing an unknown quantity of a controlled drug, while Vaivai pleaded guilty to importing an unknown amount of a controlled drug. Both men were remanded on bail and are expected to return to court for sentencing later this year.

Police first charged the pair in May 2024 after the months‑long inquiry uncovered their alleged involvement in drug‑related offending.

John and his famous brother Jonah grew up in Manukau, where they played junior rugby league together. In a 2019 interview with Niu FM, John recalled the close bond he shared with Jonah, including the time the All Blacks winger bought him his first car while he was still a student.

Jonah Lomu, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to wear the black jersey, died in November 2015 at the age of 40 following long‑term kidney complications. Between 1994 and 2002, he played 63 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 37 tries and redefining wing play with his unmatched combination of size, power and pace.

One of his most memorable moments came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinal in South Africa, where he famously steamrolled England fullback Mike Catt — a moment still celebrated as one of rugby’s most iconic tries.

The court will set a sentencing date for John Lomu and Silila Vaivai later in the year, as the case continues to attract public interest due to its connection to one of New Zealand’s most beloved sporting families.

Dame Valerie Adams honoured with induction into New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

By
Kaniva Staff
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Dame Valerie Adams has expressed her deep gratitude after being inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in the career of one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated athletes.

The honour was announced during the 2026 Halberg Awards, where Adams was named among this year’s inductees alongside former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

In a message shared on social media, Adams said the recognition was “an incredible honour,” reflecting on the transformative role athletics has played in her life.

“From a young age, athletics changed my life and gave me opportunities to build a platform to inspire and uplift others, especially within our Pacific communities and in my homeland of Tonga,” she wrote.

Dame Valerie Adams was inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame at the Halberg Awards.
Photo/Facebook

Adams, a two‑time Olympic gold medallist and four‑time world champion, said representing New Zealand carried immense meaning throughout her career.

“Wearing the black singlet filled me with immense pride, purpose, and responsibility — I gave everything I had each time I stepped into the circle.”

She added that she hopes her journey motivates young athletes to persevere through challenges: “I hope my journey encourages young athletes to dream big, embrace setbacks, and believe that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Her induction comes on a night that highlighted the achievements of Pasifika athletes, reinforcing the growing impact Pacific communities continue to make across New Zealand’s sporting landscape.

The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, currently undergoing redevelopment ahead of its move to Cambridge later in 2026, described Adams’ inclusion as part of a new era celebrating the nation’s greatest sporting contributors.

With a career spanning more than two decades — including a nine‑year undefeated streak and dominance across Olympic, World Championship, and Commonwealth levels — Dame Valerie Adams remains one of the most influential figures in New Zealand sport, and a proud beacon of inspiration for Pasifika communities worldwide.

One person dies following late‑night crash in West Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police have confirmed that one person has died after a two‑vehicle crash in Glen Eden late last night.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Hepburn Road and Great North Road at around 11.12pm, where two vehicles had collided.

One person was found with critical injuries and was transported to hospital. Police later confirmed the individual has since died.

Two other people suffered moderate injuries and were taken to hospital in a stable condition.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, and enquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.

The road was closed for several hours overnight while investigators examined the crash site, but it has since reopened.

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

Late-night drive ends in charges after police uncover drugs, cash in northern Auckland’s Millwater suburb

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A routine late‑night patrol in Millwater led to significant drug‑related charges after Police stopped a suspicious vehicle shortly before midnight on Monday.

Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Area Response Manager, said officers were conducting proactive patrols in the North Auckland suburb when they noticed a vehicle behaving suspiciously.

“Once stopped, officers approached the vehicle and spotted a bong on the floor,” he said.

Police then conducted a full search of the vehicle, uncovering a substantial haul of illegal drugs and cash. The items seized included:

  • 14.5 grams of methamphetamine
  • 14 grams of cocaine
  • 55 grams of cannabis
  • 44 LSD tabs
  • A tick book
  • Approximately $5400 in cash

Senior Sergeant Fowlie praised the officers for their attentiveness during what began as routine patrol duties.

“This was a great find by our staff, who were simply out conducting proactive patrols during their shift,” he said.
“We are pleased to have been able to remove these items from circulation and the potential harm they could have caused in the community.”

A 19‑year‑old man is set to appear in the North Shore District Court today, facing multiple charges including:

  • Possession for supply of cannabis
  • Possession for supply of methamphetamine
  • Possession for supply of LSD
  • Possession of drug utensils

Police say enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.

Kiwi NRL star Matt Utai hospitalised after Sydney drive‑by shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Former Kiwi rugby league star Matt Utai is in hospital in a serious condition after being shot multiple times in a drive‑by attack in Sydney early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Macquarie Street in Greenacre at around 6am following reports of gunfire, local media reported.

Police said the 44‑year‑old was shot outside a home by the occupants of a passing SUV, which immediately fled the scene.

Paramedics treated Utai at the location before rushing him to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.

A short time later, police were alerted to a vehicle fire on Samuel Street in Wiley Park, about two kilometres from the shooting.

Officers located an SUV engulfed in flames and believe the vehicle is linked to the attack.

Crime scenes have been established at both locations by detectives from the Bankstown Police Area Command.

Utai, who was born in Auckland and represented both New Zealand and Samoa during his rugby league career, played for the Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs and later the Wests Tigers.

Media reports confirm he is the victim in the shooting, though police have not formally released his name.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Man charged over death in Haʻateiho

By
Kaniva Staff
-

An 18‑year‑old man has been charged in connection with the death of another young man in Haʻateiho.

Samuela Piukala Malupō. Photo/Facebook

Semisi Latu of Haʻateiho, has been charged in relation to the death of 23‑year‑old Samiuela Piukala Malupo.

He reportedly died on 26 November 2025,Kakalu ʻo Tonga Online has reported.

Malupo was initially found with serious injuries following a drinking session.

He returned home afterwards but was later discovered unresponsive.

He was rushed to hospital, where his death was confirmed.

Efforts to obtain comment from authorities were unsuccessful.

Police make progress in investigation into Onehunga shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ — A 43‑year‑old man has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition as police continue to investigate last month’s shooting in Onehunga.

Firearm and ammunition recovered by Police during a search warrant executed as part of the Onehunga shooting investigation. Photo/NZ Police

The charge follows ongoing inquiries by the Auckland City Organised Crime Unit into the incident, which occurred on Arthur Street on 16 January 2026.

As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a Māngere property on Friday, Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce confirmed.

“Our detectives were supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, and we have recovered a shotgun and ammunition,” he said.

“At this stage we are unable to confirm whether this firearm was involved in the original offending.”

A 43‑year‑old man has since been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He appeared in the Auckland District Court over the weekend.

“We have no tolerance for blatant violence involving firearms in our community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce said.

“While we cannot share further details of the ongoing work, a dedicated investigative team is focused on holding those involved accountable for what happened that day.”

Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.

People can contact Police via the online update form or by calling 105 and quoting the reference 260116/9278. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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