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.
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 reportedby 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that four senior staff — including its Director of Investigations — have resigned, clarifying earlier reports that identified only three departures.
Director of Investigations Kalisi Tohifolau (left) with ACC Commissioner Chris LaHatte. The image is cropped from a group photo shared on the ACC’s Facebook page.
As reported by Kaniva News last week, the investigators resigned amid allegations of dissatisfaction with the Commission’s working policies and its leadership.
They reportedly believed the Commission’s approach to investigations conflicted with their professional values and established policing principles.
ACC Commissioner Chris LaHatte previously declined to comment on the specifics of the officers’ resignation, as reported by Kaniva News.
In a later statement to the media confirming the resignations, he did not deny the allegations, instead stating that the reasons for the officers’ departure “must be handled confidentially and respectfully.”
In the statement issued amid growing public speculation, the Police Commissioner, Geoff Turner — in a joint release with the ACC Commissioner — confirmed that the investigators will not be immediately returned to their former police duties, as suitable replacements must first be identified.
While the Commission did not identify the officials who resigned, Kaniva News understands the Director of Investigations is former Police Inspector Kalisi Tohifolau, who was previously named in an ACC statement. The identities of the other three remain unknown.
Meeting Invitation Not Taken Up
Mr LaHatte said he had invited the Director of Investigations to discuss the issues raised, but the meeting did not take place.
Despite the high-level departures, the ACC said its operations remain unaffected, with investigations continuing under existing governance and delegation arrangements.
The Commission said it released the statement to counter speculation and ensure accurate reporting while maintaining its legal and ethical obligations around staff confidentiality.
The Commission said the leak appeared to reveal only the resignations, not the underlying reasons.
The Commission indicated that any discussion of the reasons behind the resignations would, if addressed at all, be handled through the appropriate channels at a later stage.
The recruitment of senior police officers to the ACC was part of the government’s effort to accelerate the handling of a large volume of complaints before the Commission, including about 70 complaints lodged ahead of the country’s general election in November.
The complaints reportedly included allegations against the former Hu’akavameiliku government, ranging from misappropriation of public funds to breaches of governance protocols. Hu’akavameiliku denied the allegations at the time.
The Commission was also tasked with investigating former Police Minister Piveni Piukala, who was accused of assisting Mormon leader Pita Foliaki Hopoate to flee Tonga while he was subject to a restraining order. Piukala argued at the time that it was his job to assist Hopoate.
No public updates on the investigations have been released to date.
The Anti-Corruption Act came into force in 2007, but no commissioner was appointed until the establishment of the current Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), with its first commissioner sworn in in July 2024.
Although different explanations have been given for the delay in activating this critical institution, critics argue that successive lawmakers may have hesitated to enforce the law due to longstanding allegations that could implicate those in power.
Utah prosecutors have charged a California man with murder in connection with a deadly January shooting that impacted a Tongan LDS church community in Salt Lake City, leaving two people dead.
Fatal shooting victims Sione Leonaitasi Vatuvei and Vaea Tulikihihifo, Jr. are shown in GoFundMe account photos.
John Vea Uasike Jr. 32 was arrested and taken into custody on April 14 in connection with six felony charges, including two counts of murder and weapons violations, the Salt Lake County district attorney’s office said in a news release.
The shooting took place on January 7 in the back parking lot of a place of worship for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon church.
According to reports, the gunfire broke out from a dispute between people who knew each other and were attending a funeral. All the victims were adults. Police have previously said they do not believe the violence was connected to animus toward a particular faith.
The men who died in the shooting have been identified as Vaea Tulikihihifo, 46, and Sione Vatuvei, 38.
Gun Drawn in Confrontation
Witnesses saw Uasike get a gun from a black sport utility vehicle and point it at a man’s head, according to the newly unsealed charging information in the case.
Others tried to calm Uasike down and, while they held up his hand with the gun, Uasike fired twice into the air causing the others to duck then scatter, alleges the information written by Salt Lake City police detective Steven Bigelow.
Uasike then went around the SUV and allegedly fired toward the church and funeral attendees, killing two and striking others, Bigelow wrote.
A witness said someone returned fire and Uasike, who was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound, went to California after being treated, according to Bigelow.
Authorities in Tonga have moved to dispel circulating claims by a social media group alleging a significant drug bust in Vavaʻu, describing the information as false and misleading.
The Facebook group Tonga Felafoaki alleged that police conducting a checkpoint operation in Vavaʻu discovered 300 kilograms of methamphetamine, but Tonga Police have denied the claim, describing it as incorrect.
Tonga Felafoaki is a large, widely followed Facebook group with more than 150,000 members that serves as an informal platform for sharing news, opinions, and community discussions among Tongans in Tonga and the diaspora.
The page appears to attract significant engagement due to its ability to quickly circulate information, particularly on issues of public interest such as crime, politics, and social events.
However, the group is not known to be operated by qualified journalists or a recognised media organisation.
The individuals or administrators behind the page are not publicly identified, and there is limited transparency regarding editorial processes, fact‑checking standards, or accountability mechanisms.
As a result, content shared on the platform is not subject to the same professional verification standards typically expected of established news outlets.
In an official media release issued on Wednesday, April 29, the Tonga Police addressed a viral post shared on the Facebook page TongaFelofaki, which claimed that police officers from Tongatapu—currently stationed in Vavaʻu—had seized 300 kilograms of methamphetamine, locally referred to as “ice,” during a checkpoint operation.
The police firmly rejected the claim, stating that no such seizure has been recorded.
“Tonga Police confirm that this information is false and misleading. No such seizure has been made by officers in Vavaʻu,” the statement said.
Police emphasised that the claim is not supported by any official records, operational reports, or documented enforcement actions by law enforcement in the area.
Call for Public Caution
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant when encountering information shared online, particularly on social media platforms, where unverified content can spread rapidly.
“The public is urged to exercise caution and verify information through official Tonga Police communication channels before sharing or believing unverified social media posts.”
Officials warned that misinformation, especially regarding serious issues such as drug activity, can lead to unnecessary concern and confusion within communities.
Impact of Misinformation
The Tonga Police highlighted the broader risks associated with spreading inaccurate information. False reports about criminal activities—particularly large-scale drug seizures—can create unwarranted fear among residents and undermine trust in public institutions.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to transparency and encouraged members of the public to rely only on confirmed updates provided through official channels.
“Spreading false information can cause unnecessary fear and confusion within the community,” the release noted.
The police statement concluded with a reminder that accurate and responsible sharing of information is essential to maintaining community trust and public safety.
By Jonty Dine, Sports Reporter of RNZ and is republished with permission
Fehi Fineanganofo is in rare form.
Already with 14 tries to his name this season, the calls for an All Black callup have become deafening
Unfortunately, Fineanganofo is the latest export from Aotearoa’s rugby factory, and will leave our shores at the end of the season.
Clark Laidlaw asked if the journos in the room could pitch in to keep him in the country, with skipper Jordie Barrett adding that maybe they need to start a GoFundMe.
“I’m not sure. Be nice to keep him here, wouldn’t it? For the competition, forget higher honours and stuff, for us and for the competition he’s a genuine X-factor. He’s a highlight reel most weeks,” Laidlaw said.
However, he was hopeful he would return.
“Who knows, he might be back. He’s only 23, his best rugby is ahead of him. Hopefully he continues to improve.”
Fineanganofo will link up with English Premiership club Newcastle, leaving a huge hole at the Hurricanes.
Jordie Barrett joked there was an internal campaign to get their star wing to reconsider his move.
“He gets the odd jab in the ribs and an arm around him to stay. But that’s ultimately up to him. As a player in New Zealand, we’d love to have him. Pure and simple. But he’s made a decision for himself and his family, but between now and June, who knows. We’d love to have him.”
Laidlaw said Fineanganofo provided them with serious firepower outwide.
“He’s pretty devastating when he gets ball in hand and even a half opportunity. He’s a handful when he gets space and gets one-on-one.”
Despite a first half hat-trick, Laidlaw said he still gave Fineanganofo a rev-up at the break.
“He got a little bit of a hurry-up at half-time, if I’m being honest. I felt his off-the-ball stuff wasn’t where it needed to be, and he responded really well in the second half.”
Barrett said it was a special feeling having a player on the park in such blistering form.
“It’s pretty cool. The job is to get him the ball. You give players opportunities sometimes and in today’s game a one-on-one with a bit of space is as good as you get with organised defences.”
With Josh Moorby bagging a brace and Jone Rova coming off the bench for a late try, the Hurricanes scored all seven tries through their wingers.
“All our outside backs are going really well and it comes off the back of their hard work and getting into position to take opportunities,” said Laidlaw.
Barrett, who began his professional career playing for Canterbury, said it was a special occasion to play at Te Kaha.
“Unreal. So good. It’s amazing to have the stadium in New Zealand and for us to enjoy it after the time and money that’s gone into it. It’s got a different feel to Forsyth Barr, almost more like a European stadium, not as much airflow, quite humid, the ball gets a little more slippery. But the atmosphere is outstanding. Purpose-built rectangular stadium, crowd right on top of you. Tough to beat. More of that please.”
The Hurricanes were again expansive with their attack, a tactic they don’t plan to reign in come play off time.
“Competitions are won in June. But it’s not going to stop our ambition. A lot of it comes off working really hard to earn opportunities to play. The game’s at a stage where we want to ask what’s next and be brave and ambitious with the ball,” Barrett said.
“But we’ve also got an eye on playing smart rugby when conditions limit opportunities.”
