Jason Taumālolo has lost two of his mother’s brothers after they died within hours of one another.
Vaimama Sole (L) and Palei Sole. Photo/Supplied
Vaimama Sole died in Tonga while Palei Sole died in Hawai’i on Friday 18 (Tonga time) with their heartbroken kāinga and friends sharing their grief at the loss of their friends and cousins.
The causes of their deaths are still unknown.
Now devastated relatives have shared their devastation on social media.
They described the brothers as “mata ‘ofa and mata kāinga” or loving and eager to connect with their relatives wherever they met.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we heard the tragic passing of the Sole brothers,” a commenter wrote.
“Their family and friends are devastated by their loss”, another wrote.
The news comes as North Queensland Toyota Cowboys were still celebrating Taumālolo’s 250th game milestone last night Thursday 17.
The North Queensland co-captain and middle forward played his 250th NRL game for the club against Cronulla.
Taumālolo has become the youngest player in the club’s history to reach this historic achievement.
His success comes after he missed two months of action mid-season with a knee injury and returned against Penrith on the bench in Townsville in round 16 to inspire a vital 27-23 win.
A Tongan man who was caught trying to smuggle 29.7kg of methamphetamine from Tonga into New Zealand has been sentenced to life at Hu’atolitoli prison.
Norman Kama Manulevu
Norman Kama Manulevu, 45, from Nukuhetulu, Tongatapu was charged with exporting illicit drugs after a joint operation between New Zealand and Tonga police intercepted the suspicious parcel in Auckland in 2021.
The parcel was concealed in a food container which was transported from Tonga before it arrived in New Zealand in July that year.
At the time, New Zealand authorities arrested five suspects and charged them with importation of methamphetamines from Tonga as part of the investigations.
A report by theMatangi Tonga Online this week said Justice Cooper sentenced Manulevu to life imprisonment, after he was found guilty by a jury on 10 August, at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.
“It is understood that the accused is the first to be convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment under new amendments to the Illicit Drugs Control Act introduced in December 2020”, the report said.
“The new provisions provide that a person convicted of importing or exporting a class A illicit drug such as methamphetamine or cocaine, above a certain weight, will receive a mandatory life imprisonment sentence.
“The provisions were introduced to impose tougher sentences for persons who import or export class A illicit drugs”.
A Tongan father who died after being electrocuted at a construction site was laid to rest on Wednesday at the Northshore Memorial Park, Auckland.
Wesley Talakai, with his wife Tasha and their two boys. Talakai died in a workplace accident in the North Shore
Wesley Talakai, 38, was delivering timber to the worksite of a house being built on Tauhinu Road in Greenhithe, Auckland on August 5, a Daily Mail report says.
Mr Talakai was helping to unload the timber from his truck as a crane operator tried to move the packets of wood.
But the tradesman was electrocuted when the raised crane accidentally touched high voltage power lines that were above Mr Talakai’s truck during the operation.
Emergency services were called to the construction site by the owner but Mr Talakai died at the scene.
Mr Talakai leaves behind a wife, Tasha Talakai, and two boys aged 12 and five.
His funeral is scheduled for next week with family from Tonga set to fly over to attend.
The family has also received support from the local Tongan community in Auckland.
Lisa McKenzie, who is a close friend of Ms Talakai’s, reflected on the tragedy.
‘They are the nicest, most loving family. He was so devoted to her and anyone they came into contact with, they carried light and were nice to everyone, and like a really sweet family,’ she told the New Zealand Herald.
‘It’s sad for anybody but heart-wrenching for this family because they were so closely connected.’
Ms McKenzie has set up a Givealittle page to support the family which will go towards covering their bills.
‘Let’s help this beautiful Christian homeschooling family through our donations, which will allow a bit of breathing space, by paying to keep a roof over their heads, food, electricity, and other basic necessities,’ she wrote.
WorkSafe has commenced an investigation into the incident.
Tonga government is expected to face Parliament’s Select Committee over concerns about airworthiness of Lulutai’s aircrafts.
DHC-6-400aircraft. Photo/Supplied
The government’s owned national troubled Lulutai airlines had been under the spotlight long enough for the House to unanimously vote in favour of a proposal this week by the Tongatapu 7 MP to investigate the services.
The Select Committee of six MPs had been approved by the Legislative Assembly after mounting concern surrounding the airworthiness of the Lulutai aircraft.
The Committee is responsible for making sure that Lulutai’s works meet levels of transparency and accountability expected by taxpayers.
The inquiry comes after the company’s Y12 aircraft veered off the runway during its take-off run last month.
As Kaniva News reported at the time the aircraft spent 20 minutes trying to take off before it returned to the terminal at Kaufana airport.
Shortly after the Kaufana incident the Y12 plane collides with an aircraft tug after the tow-bar snapped during towing at Fua’amotu hangar prompting cancellations to its flight schedules.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku told a press conference recently that Lulutai’s 34-seater SAAB aircraft had to return to Tongatapu after it struggled to land at the Lupepau’u International Airport.
The Parliament had also been concerned this week over the government’s lack of transparency about its new aircraft which most of the MPs had only became aware of the purchase after Kaniva News reported it last week.
In that report we said the airlines has bought a 19-seat DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter for US$6.5 million including other costs.
Deputy Prime Minister Sāmiu Vaipulu said the new aircraft was part of the government’s move to fix the domestic flight services ongoing issues. He said once these problems are resolved the airlines will be given to a private operator.
New aircraft to leave China
Meanwhile, Kaniva News understands the Lulutai’s new aircraft is expected to leave China heading to Australia for painting and to have its logo designed before heading to Tonga.
The Lulutai airlines chief executive Poasi Tei has confirmed this to Kaniva News this morning. When asked about the new aircraft’s schedules once it leaves China, Tei said they are currently working on it.
The Select Committee six members include the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu and the Hon. Finance Minister from Cabinet, Lord Tu’ivakano and HSH Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili of the Noble’s bench and Tongatapu 5 MP, Dr. ‘Aisake Eke and Piveni Piukala of Tongatapu 7.
The reserve members also include the Hon. Trade Minister Dr. Viliami Latu from Cabinet, Mateni Tapueluelu of Tongatapu 4 constituency from the People’s Bench and Lord Nuku from the Noble’s Table.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku has confirmed the troubled Lulutai airlines has bought a new aircraft.
Hon Hu’akavameiliku
He was responding in Parliament after a submission by the Tongatapu 7 MP calling on the House to stop the government from “planning to buy a new aircraft”.
However, the Prime Minister adimitted that the aircraft has already been purchased.
The news comes after Kaniva News reported last week it had information that the airlines has bought a 19-seat DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter for US$6.5 million including other costs.
The Lulutai’s chief executive, Poasi Tei, did not respond to our request for confirmation at the time.
It is understood that in May this year Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade awarded a contract to support a Twin Otter in Tonga.
Twin Otters have an extremely good reputation and have been used widely in the Pacific.
The Kiribati government bought one in February through an American company and it appears the deal may have been supported by the US government.
According to Kaniva New’s sources, a Twin Otter is being prepared and is expected to arrive in Tonga soon.
It is understood that earlier this year, Tei was enquiring about the possibility of acquiring a Twin Otter for a three to six months lease.
Micro operators such as Lulutai normally seek a package known as a wet lease that includes an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. However, Tonga’s financial position is likely to affect its chances of securing an aircraft without external funding guarantees.
A man has died on a plane at Fua’amotu International Airport despite desperate attempts to revive him by an experienced off-duty medical doctor who was on the same flight.
Sione Tukuafu. Photo / Supplied
The man reportedly died on Air New Zealand flight NZ977 to Auckland about 11pm last night Saturday 12.
All passengers, except the deceased’s son and a grandchild, were told to leave the plane so paramedics could treat the passenger, a source told Kaniva News.
An ambulance was called to the scene.
After the man was declared dead it was announced the aircraft would return to Auckland without the passengers.
A relative told us the deceased was Sione Tukuafu.
The details of the cause of his death were still unknown.
Tonga has defeated Canada 28-3 in the first of two test matches at Te’ufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa on Thursday afternoon after having had to play large parts of the match with 14-men due to a yellow card to flanker Solomone Funaki in the first half and a red to former All Black centre Goerge Moala.
Tonga has defeated Canada 28-3 in the first of two-Test matches at Te’ufaiva Park in Nuku’alofa on Thursday. 10 August 2023. Photo: Canada Rugby Union
The ‘Ikale Tahi outscored their visitors four tries to none, with number eight Sione Vailanu claiming two while hooker Samiuela Moli and halfback and captain Sonatane Takulua adding one each.
The hosts scored three tries in the first half to lead 21-3 at halftime and scored their fourth in the second half and deny the Canadians any try in front of 6,000 local fans.
Skipper Takulua, playing his 51st Test for the men in red, led the rampage early, getting on the scoresheet himself after he received a well-timed pass from winger Fine Inisi Junior to run in untouched under the crossbar.
He also amassed a personal tally of 13 points in the clash and recorded a 100 percent conversation rate with his boots.
The win was what head coach Toutai Kefu was hoping for to restore confidence in the team amongst local fans, following the win-less Pacific Nations Cup series against Fiji, Japan and Samoa.
Hooker Samiuela Moli dived over after the forward pack mauled their way towards the Canadian line, following a lineout win early in the game as the Tongans turned the heat on.
Then it was Takulua who added his try followed by number eight Sione Vailanu, who finished off another forward drive.
Takulua’s conversions had the team leading 21-3 at halftime, after the Canadians claimed three points from a successful penalty attempt by fullback Peter Nelson.
It was a scrappy first half as both teams tested each other out.
Vailanu claimed a second try in the second half, peeling off a maul to crash over the Canadian line.
Canadian captain and flanker Lucas Rumball was a terrier amongst the forwards and thwarted a number of Tongan forward attacks.
His pack included Tongan Siaki Vikilani, son of Tasi Vikilani, a former ‘Ikale Tahi captain himself.
Winger Kainoa Lloyd had two good runs for the visitors but unfortunately halfback Ross Braude and then Liam Murray knocked on when the ball came their way.
Defending well
Tongan flanker Funaki was sin-binned for an infringement in the first half while inside centre and former All Black Moala was sent off the field after what was deemed a dangerous tackle on his Canadian opposite Spencer Jones early in the second spell.
That meant Tonga had to play the last 30 minutes of the match with only 14 players.
But they defended well and denied Canada two possible tries.
The second half was scrappier, with a number of knock-ons and penalties from unnecessary infringements in rucks and tackle-ball situations.
Tonga is using the series as their final warm up matches before they leave for the Rugby World Cup in France.
Coach Kefu is expected to name his 33-member squad next week, following the second Test against Canada on Tuesday afternoon in Nuku’alofa.
The investigation into missing Massey man Jayden Mamfredos-Nair is now a homicide inquiry, police say.
Missing West Auckland man Jayden Mamfredos-Nair
Waitematā CIB Detective Inspector Callum McNeill said Mamfredos-Nair was 19 years old when he was reported missing on 24 April, 2023 and in the time he had been missing, had turned 20.
“Jayden’s last known sighting was at this location in Birdwood Reserve on Birdwood Road… at 8.45pm on Friday, 21 April, 2023. Since that time Jayden has not been seen by his family or friends, and this is of great concern to obviously them and to the New Zealand Police.
“Since he has been missing he has had his 20th birthday. Police have kept an open mind during this investigation, but as time has gone on, our concerns – and the concerns of the family – have increased.
“He has not touched bank accounts, social media, telephone, anything. It’s highly unusual for him not to be in contact with his family and [not] celebrate his 20th birthday.”
The Operation Violin investigation team had made appeals for information and the team had spoken to a large number of people, McNeill said.
“They’ve carried out area canvasses, CCTV phases … and a number of search warrants across North and West Auckland. I’m afraid that the evidence to this point leads me to believe we are now investigating a homicide, and that Jayden is the victim of foul play.
“Jayden’s mum and dad … They’re still coming to terms with what has happened to their beloved boy.
“We need to find Jayden. We need to provide some closure to Jayden’s family. Today I’m renewing our appeal to the community, to the public, for information that will help us find Jayden and that will help us hold those to account, who are responsible for Jayden’s disappearance.
“We are obviously interested in Jayden’s movements at this location, on this street, on Friday, 21 April, 2023 at around 8.45pm. We know 45 minutes earlier he was on Lincoln Rd at a service station… so within 45 minutes of being on Lincoln Road he is at this location. We know from our investigation and from CCTV taken from around this area that Jayden has met two associates. Jayden has got into their vehicle and has left this area with them. That is the last time anyone has seen Jayden alive – with these two individuals.”
The vehicle that he left in was a black 2022 Toyota Hilux utility without a canopy, which police have now seized. Police had identified the two associates, who were both men. The Hilux did not belong the the two men and had been searched and returned to its owner.
“They (the two associates) are known to us, we have spoken to them. They have links to the Head Hunters gang and they are not cooperating with the police.”
One of them had a “a long-standing association with Jayden” but police would not gone into details.
“We have had statements taken from parties, but not everyone is cooperating with the police. As you can imagine, sometimes when it involves gang members – especially the Head Hunters – they don’t exactly tell us the truth.”
Asked if it was a drug deal gone wrong, McNeill said: “That is definitely something we are investigating, absolutely”.
“Jayden was well-known in the West Auckland community, and I’m desperate to seek answers to his disappearance and help get some closure for Jayden’s family. For those people out there that might know something about Jayden’s disappearance, I want you to forget those allegiances that you may have with those people – now is the time to come forward and give police whatever information you have… If you have any information at all in relation to Jayden’s disappearance or those responsible for it, please contact the police on 105 or anonymously on Crime Stoppers – 0800 555 111.”
Mamfredos-Nair was last seen wearing a black and white jacket, navy blue pants, grey running shoes, and a black hat.
McNeill read out a statement from the family: “We … are deeply concerned and distraught over his disappearance… our hearts ache with worry and we are deeply concerned for his wellbeing and safety. Jayden is a cherished member of our family and we are desperately seeking a safe return for him… please help us bring our boy home. We ask that you keep Jayden in your thoughts and prayers, and we are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time.”
Public transport usage across Nelson and Tasman has increased by more than 40 percent since the new electric bus service began a week ago.
Daa from the first seven days shows 15,500 thousand trips were taken around the Nelson and Tasman regions. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee
The eBus service was launched on 1 August and data from the first seven days shows 15,500 thousand trips were taken around the two regions.
Nelson mayor Nick Smith said there had been a 195 per cent increase in weekend journeys, due to the more frequent services.
On the old NBus schedule, the bus only ran six times on a Saturday, with no services on Sunday. The new eBus schedule sees 25 Saturday trips on Route 1 alone.
Due to high passenger volumes, one bus route between Nelson and Richmond has already been changed to manage numbers, as it was getting full half way through the journey.
At the launch of the service last week, Tasman mayor Tim King said the success of the eBus service would come down to people’s willingness to change the way they chose to commuted around the region.
In the first week, there had also been 1200 journeys on the routes to Wakefield and Motueka.
“It is a service that both communities have been asking for and the numbers are a great start to this service becoming a genuine option for residents in these townships.”
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said people often told her they would catch the bus if the service was more frequent and visited more locations and results from the first week showed that, but there were still a few tweaks that needed to be made.
“I know that many people want the bus routes to begin at 6am and I support that. I am encouraging the councils to make that change as soon as they are able.”
Boyack said she also wanted to see an On Demand service for people living in the Nelson South, Victory and Washington Valley area, an extension of the service to Wakapuaka and Hira and timetable changes to the Wakefield service, so it could better serve workers and school children.
A man is still being sought by police following the fatal shooting of Tongan man Sione Tu’uholoaki in the Auckland CBD on Thursday night.
Dariush Talagi. (Source: New Zealand Police)
Two men were critically injured following reports of a fight on the corner of Queen St and Fort St around 11.30pm.
One man was shot in the head, while a second was shot in the abdomen. The pair were taken to hospital in critical condition.
One of the men, which Police had previously identified Tu’uholoaki, died in hospital overnight, while the other remains in a stable condition in Auckland City Hospital.
Police are now seeking the public’s help locating Dariush Talagi, who officers “believe can assist us in our investigation”, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said.
“Talagi has a warrant for his arrest and is considered dangerous,” he said.
The 24-year-old has distinctive facial tattoos.
“While there’s no risk to the wider public, it’s important that we locate him.
“Our message to Daruish would be to hand himself in, or for anyone who sees him to call us immediately.”
