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Lord Vaea slams Parliament’s ‘security’ failure as rival supporters clash online over viral brawl video

By
Kalino Latu
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Political tensions that erupted in Tonga’s Parliament earlier this week escalated further Thursday night after unverified viral footage surfaced, appearing to show a fight between Whole House Committee Chair Lord Tu’ilakepa and Police Minister Piveni Piukala.

Lord Vaea. Photo/Kalino Lātū/Kaniva Tonga News

The explosive footage has triggered a social media firestorm, with rival political factions engaged in heated online battles defending their respective leaders.

Piukala’s supporters have alleged the video is fabricated, claiming it was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

No official statement has been released by Parliament concerning the leaked video footage.

It showed what appeared to be Piukala and Tu’ilakepa in a heated argument, pointing fingers at each other, before Piukala walked toward the Chairman – who stood several metres away at his seat.

Seconds later, the footage appears to show Lord Tu’ilakepa throwing a punch before Piukala is seen falling backwards to the floor and bracing himself with his hands.

Speaker Lord Fakafanua suspended the two members for five days. They are excluded from parliamentary proceedings and will not receive their salaries during this period.

Security Fears Rock Parliament

The widely shared footage follows Noble MP Lord Vaea’s condemnation of parliamentary security on Monday, when—moments after the apparent brawl—he delivered a scathing address declaring the legislature “unsafe” and lambasting authorities’ delayed intervention.

“Mr Speaker, I was so concerned this morning after what had happened in your House”, Lord Vaea said in Tongan.

He said a scuffle broke out in the House, and while efforts were underway to defuse it, no security measures were in place to prevent it from happening.

The king’s noble representative stated that, to his understanding, when an incident like this occurs, the Speaker must descend from his seat and suspend the session immediately until order is restored.

The footage shows an apparent security officer emerging to walk with Piukala during his approach, but only intervening after the punch was thrown and before Piukala fell. Several individuals, including parliamentary staff members, intervened to quell the commotion.

Lord Vaea further reminded the Speaker that the Crown Prince and female MPs were in the House when the quarrel occurred, which deeply concerned him, as there’s no guarantee weapons couldn’t be brought into the House in such situations.

He told the Speaker that the dignity and security of the House had been compromised.

He reiterated that this matter has raised serious concerns, and he hopes that such events will not be repeated in the House.

Lord Vaea suggested that the Speaker should have left the chair instantly to formally close the House after in such an incident.

He observed that the Speaker stayed seated even after the scuffle ended, only descending later when the disruption was over – by which point the fight had already moved outside.

“Based on what I have explained,” Lord Vaea told the Speaker, “I am now formally filing a complaint with you.”

In response to Lord Vaea, the Speaker acknowledged receipt of the complaint and confirmed its submission to Parliament’s Privileges Committee for official investigation.

Tongan man charged over wounding guard at Australian detention centre

By
Kaniva Staff
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A 29-year-old Tongan man has been charged with reckless wounding following an alleged assault on a security officer at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre yesterday.

The man, who was awaiting deportation for visa breaches, allegedly attacked the officer with an improvised weapon on 6 August 2025.

NSW Police arrested the suspect and transferred him to Bankstown Police Station, where he was later charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under Section 35(4) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.

The accused was denied police bail and is set to reappear before Bankstown Local Court tomorrow (8 August 2025). Meanwhile, the injured security officer was treated on-site before being taken to Auburn Hospital for minor injuries.

He has since been discharged.

It follows our report in May, after a high-risk manhunt was underway in Sydney’s west after a 28-year-old Tongan national allegedly stabbed two Australian Border Force officers during a botched deportation attempt.

The detainee, who had been held at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for overstaying his visa, violently attacked the officers while being transported to Sydney Airport for removal.

Tongan national Paea Teu was being taken from the detention centre to Sydney airport when police allege he attacked two men who were transporting him. He then went on the run for two days.

A 24-year-old woman has also been arrested and charged with knowingly harbouring an escaped inmate.

Unverified video appears to show Lord Tu’ilakepa knocking down Police Minister Piveni Piukala

By
Kalino Latu
-

An unconfirmed viral video circulating on social media appears to show the Whole House Committee Chair, Lord Tu’ilakepa, engaged in a physical confrontation with an individual resembling Police Minister Piveni Piukala.

Inset: A person believed to be Piukala leaning back on his hands. Main image: What appears to be Lord Tu’ilakepa throwing a punch.

In the footage, a person identified as the nobleman appears to throw a punch, after which the individual thought to be Piukala falls to the floor.

The video purportedly showed the Minister of Police wearing a red coat confronting Lord Tu’ilakepa, who appeared to be standing a few meters away in his seat, before advancing toward the Chairman.

As the confrontation escalated, Tu’ilakepa seemed to throw a punch before Piukala was seen apparently falling to the floor and bracing himself with his hands.

House staff and security officials attempted to restore order as tensions flared.

If proven authentic, the footage would contradict Piukala’s claim made during an interview on his weekly VPON Media program last night, in which he dismissed the incident as merely involving pushing each other and the application of chokeholds with security personnel.

Kaniva News has been unable to independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

The video clip has been widely shared on Facebook this evening with more than 1000 reactions and shares.

It follows an audio clip, circulated shortly after the physical altercation on Monday, which alleged that one of the leaders in question was knocked down and that injuries were involved.

As we reported on Monday, a fiery debate between the Minister of Police and the Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, erupted into a full-blown confrontation in Parliament at the time, culminating in the Speaker calling security to remove the Minister from the House.

The political relationship between the Minister of Police and Tu’ilakepa had long been strained, particularly during debates on government bills and policies.

The incident originated during parliamentary debate over a proposed amendment to the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act that had been submitted by Law Minister Mo’ale Finau.

As we previously reported, Piukala and Tu’ilakepa exchange escalated into a heated argument, culminating in the Minister daring Tu’ilakepa to a physical fight.

The Speaker portedly muted the sound system as the incident escalated. The audio was shortly restored, but the livestream remained unclear about subsequent events.

It followed that Speaker Lord Fakafanua intervened, ordering security to escort the Minister out of the chamber.

The confrontation follows last week’s incident when Piukala challenged Tu’ilakepa after the Chairman remarked that he was considering making the Acting Prime Minister wear women’s clothing instead of formal men’s attire.

That heated exchange began during a high-stakes session where the Minister urged the Chair to “hide what was in his heart” and warned that the public could see the remark as demeaning to the Acting Prime Minister.

Yet the Chair retaliated by threatening to eject him from the House.

Tempers flared as voices rose, with the Minister at one point slamming his fist on the table.

Tu’ilakepa, attempting to defuse the situation, ultimately apologised to both the Minister and the Acting Prime Minister.

‘Na’a homo ho le’o’ vs ‘Ke tuku kae ’ai e hā?’ – Veiled threats, fighting words that pushed Parliament to the brink

By
Kalino Latu
-

Warning: This article contains culturally sensitive Tongan phrases with provocative double meanings that some readers may find offensive.

Analysis – The heated exchange that turned into a “physical altercation” in Tonga’s Parliament this week reveals how deeply language and power intertwine in the kingdom’s political culture.

Minister of Police Piveni Piukala (L) and Lord Tu’ilakepa Chair of the Whole House Committee

The tensions flared in Parliament as Whole House Committee Chair Lord Tu’ilakepa clashed with Police Minister Piveni Piukala during debate on an anti-money laundering amendment. The proposed changes to the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, originally submitted by Law Minister Mo’ale Finau, became the flashpoint for a heated exchange between the noble and the Minister.

The two leaders’ strained relationship often turned volatile in Parliament, with clashes erupting even over matters beyond their official portfolios.

At the centre of their clash on Monday were two phrases that carry far more weight than their literal translations suggest.

Weaponising Language in Parliament

When Lord Tu’ilakepa told the Minister of Police to moderate his tone, he also warned him in Tongan: “Na’a homo ho le’o,” a deployment of what appeared to be carefully chosen words with explosive cultural resonance.

While the phrase technically means “be careful, otherwise your voice will come out,” it represents an unusual combination of homo and le’o. Typically, the use of the word “homo” in conflict is explicitly provocative in nature, given the vulgar terms it usually combines with.

For clarity, the term, when deployed in an altercation, evokes vulgar Tongan expressions like “homo ho l***” – where the obscured word l*** refers to the rectum. Unlike in English, where rectum functions as a clinical term, in Tongan, this word constitutes a deeply offensive swear word.

The Minister of Police’s response—“Ke tuku e kaikaila kae ’ai e hā?” (literally to stop yelling and do what?)—to Lord Tu’ilakepa’s warning to lower his voice, was inherently provocative, signalling his readiness to escalate the confrontation.

This incident lays bare Tonga’s intricate interplay of linguistic nuance and social hierarchy, where communication operates through layered registers that simultaneously enforce faka’apa’apa (respect intertwined with sacred taboo) and fatongia (status-bound cultural duties).

Veitapui vs Veitokai

Tongan faka’apa’apa (respect associated with taboos) comprises two distinct categories. The first is veitapui – the taboos governing sacred relationships between brothers, sisters, and cousins of opposite genders.

These include maintaining physical distance in public spaces to prevent accidental exposure to inappropriate language or behaviour.

The second category, veitokai, encompasses all other faka’apa’apa observances that regulate respectful conduct toward broader society.

Veitokai embodies a profound respect for individuals or institutions, inspired by their demonstrated abilities, virtues, or accomplishments. This included young people respecting elders, in-laws and leaders.

The prefix vei- denotes mutuality, rendering veitokai a practice of reciprocal respect—not a unilateral obligation, but a dynamic exchange where both parties mutually uphold dignity through their interactions.

Within Tonga’s Parliament, this principle underpins the formal decorum expected between members, regardless of political differences.

While breaches of veitokai are not unprecedented, the recent parliamentary clash between the Minister and the Chair—occurring during debate on critical anti-money laundering legislation—transcends mere political discord.

The Weight of Words

From a cultural perspective, the physical altercation raises fundamental questions about leadership integrity: when deliberating laws of national importance, the conduct of officials must visibly demonstrate their recognition of the law’s gravity, reinforcing public trust in the legislative process.

The public rightly expects debates to mirror the solemnity of the laws being enacted.

The surface meaning of words often matters less than their cultural connotations and the context in which they’re delivered – and we rightly expect our lawmakers to understand this distinction. The exchange between Piukala and Tu’ilakepa in Parliament wasn’t merely about vocabulary, but rather a test of how deeply our leaders value the very laws they create.

On one side, the Minister pushed to approve the bill quickly, given the limited time before the House’s year-end closure, while Lord Tu’ilakepa appeared to delay proceedings with what the Minister described as unnecessary obstructions.

The confrontation also highlights the ongoing tension between traditional and modern systems of authority in Tonga. Lord Tu’ilakepa’s word choice deliberately invoked the traditional power of nobility, while the minister’s defiant response reflected the confidence of an elected official.

Both Piukala and Tu’ilakepa had previously been accused of breaching parliamentary decorum.

Suspension Stands Amid Inquiry

After suspending both leaders on Monday, the Speaker rejected MP Taione’s motion to reinstate Lord Tu’ilakepa on self-defence grounds, insisting both parties shared blame.

While the full details of the incident—including allegations of physical altercation and possible injuries—remain unreleased, the specific grounds for suspension have also yet to be disclosed.

The only available evidence consists of the final exchange between the noble and the Minister (as documented here), broadcast live on radio and streaming platforms, may explain why the Speaker informed Taione that “both leaders were involved,” thus warranting their suspension.

Domestic rugby structure remains under microscope as ‘Ikāle Tahi set to face Queensland Reds

By
Kalino Latu
-

The ‘Īkale Tahi will host the Queensland Reds at Teufaiva Park on 15 August in a high-stakes pre-Rugby World Cup qualifier—a match the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) hopes will mark a turning point after a disastrous 2024 international campaign.

The fixture comes amid mounting pressure from fans and former players over the team’s management, which has yet to address last year’s dismal record of just one win in ten matches in their tour in Europe.

The outcry reached Tonga’s June National Summit, where former ‘Īkale Tahi lock and coach Polutele Tu’ihalamaka made an emotional plea for government intervention to overhaul the struggling program.

With head coach Tevita Tu’ifua’s future still unresolved, supporters fear this match could expose deeper systemic issues unless urgent reforms are made.

Discipline Crisis Engulfs TRU

Criticism of Tongan rugby’s stagnation spans all levels, from the national team to local unions.

Kaniva News revealed in June that ex-‘Ikale Tahi player-coach Quddus Fielea publicly rebuked the TRU for its lax disciplinary response to on-field assaults.

The controversy stems from two high-profile incidents during a local tournament where players were subjected to brutal on-field attacks.

However, the TRU dismissed formal complaints and allegedly sided with what Fielea had described as referees’ flawed decisions rather than enforcing proper disciplinary measures.

Tuifua Unites ‘Ikale Tahi

Coach Tuifua has marked a milestone with the squad’s first full assembly in Auckland ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, featuring veteran leaders Piutau and Tameifuna.

“We have some players in camp while there are others who are tied up with club commitments at the moment,” Tuifua reportedly said.

“We hope that we can get everyone together before the PNC starts.”

TRU media said on its Facebook, the Queensland Reds and Tonga match “is a strong follow-up to last year’s historic match between the sides when they met for the first time in 29 years.”

PacificAus Sports-backed match at Teufaiva highlights Australia-Tonga rugby partnership, it said.

Tonga and Samoa will battle for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification through this year’s Pacific Nations Cup, which serves as the regional qualifying tournament.

With Fiji and Japan already qualified, the two Pacific nations must compete against Canada and USA for the three remaining Oceania spots.

‘Respect our Holy Day!’ Tonga fans blast NZRL over Sabbath game scheduling

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan fans are furious after rugby league officials scheduled their national team’s match against New Zealand on Sunday, November 2—a move seen as disregarding Tonga’s sacred Sabbath traditions.

The tournament’s second round will see Tonga take on Samoa at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday October 26.

The decision has sparked backlash, as Tonga’s Christian traditions strictly prohibit work, trade, and sports on Sundays, upholding the Biblical commandment to keep the day holy.

Social media critics accuse organisers of cultural insensitivity, with many calling for an immediate rescheduling.

This comes after the Tongan government recently pledged stricter nationwide Sunday enforcement, reinforcing King Tupou VI’s recent reaffirmation of Sabbath observance as a core national value.

The monarch’s remarks come amid reports by Kaniva News highlighting inconsistent enforcement of Sunday trading laws, with allegations that some businesses remain open for tourists while locals face restrictions.

Although Tonga’s constitution prohibits Sunday activities considered secular or non-religious, it grants Cabinet Ministers the authority to authorise exceptions.

While emergencies qualify, permitting restaurants and hotels to operate for tourists has often stirred repeated controversy, with critics condemning the double standard that allows tourists to dine while local businesses must shut.

Faith Clashes With Football

In sports, it is not uncommon for Tongan players to observe Sunday religious prohibitions by refusing to play on the Sabbath.

In 2016, former Canterbury Bulldogs star William Hopoate notably stood down from Sunday rugby league matches due to his faith.

In 2003, Rev. Penisimani Fonua, then General Secretary of Tonga’s Free Wesleyan Church, publicly objected to the national rugby team’s scheduled Sunday World Cup match against Wales in Australia. Fonua emphasised that Tonga, as a devoutly Christian nation, observes Sunday as a holy day.

The New Zealand Rugby League announced the Pacific Championship 2025 yesterday, revealing that another fiercely contested double-header will take place at Eden Park on Sunday, November 2.

It said the event will feature the Kiwi Ferns facing the Australian Jillaroos, followed by the Kiwis taking on Tonga.

Social Media Backlash Erupts

“Disrespectful much? Tonga observes the Sabbath as a day of worship, not rugby. Organisers couldn’t find ANY other day?” wrote one fan on Facebook in Tongan, capturing the outrage flooding Tongan social media circles.

The criticism gained momentum as others joined the thread. “Shame on NZRL! Players shouldn’t have to choose between faith and sport,” another wrote.

“Please respect our holy day.”

Sarcasm soon sharpened the tone. “Cool, let’s just ignore a nation’s sacred day for ‘entertainment.’ What’s next—Easter Monday tackle tournaments?” quipped a Tongan meme account, sparking dozens of reactions.

Not all criticized the scheduling, with some fans contrasting the match with rowdy weekend behavior: ‘A Sunday game beats Saturday-night parties spilling into Sunday with noise and fights,’ one posted.

Some commenters invoked the proverb – When in Rome, do as the Romans do, arguing that Tongan teams playing in New Zealand and Australia should adapt to local norms where Sabbath bans don’t exist.

“If we want to compete internationally, we can’t expect host countries to follow Tonga’s religious laws,” wrote one Facebook user,

Tonga to face Kiwis at Eden Park in 2025 Pacific Championships showdown

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s national rugby league team is set for a blockbuster showdown against New Zealand at Auckland’s iconic Eden Park in the 2025 Pacific Championships, marking another thrilling chapter in their growing trans-Tasman rivalry.

The highly anticipated clash, confirmed today by tournament organisers, will see Tonga test their might against the Kiwis at Eden Park on November 2.

The Kangaroos are not participating in this year’s tournament.

The two teams clashed last year at Go Media Stadium, where Tonga edged the Kiwis 25-24 in a thriller before a crowd of over 22,000 spectators.

The news typically sparks expectations of waves of red—Tonga’s signature colour—to flood Eden Park, as their vibrant fan base has consistently delivered massive turnouts.

The stadium’s 40,000+ capacity could provide the perfect stage for this Pacific rugby spectacle.

The Kangaroos will miss the Pacific Championships’ third edition as they embark on a three-Test series against England.

Meanwhile, Tonga and Samoa are set to reignite their fierce rivalry in the tournament’s second round at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on October 26.

War of images on social media to counter injury claims after Tu’ilakepa-Piukala near-brawl

By
Kalino Latu
-

Rival supporters of Chairman Lord Tu’ilakepa and the Police Minister Piveni Piukala have taken to social media with photos to disprove allegations that either leader was injured in Monday’s near-violent parliamentary clash.

Chair Lord Tu’ilakepa (L) at a kava club Monday evening, in a photo circulated by MP Johnny Taione following the parliamentary confrontation. The image shows no visible injuries after his near-altercation with Police Minister Piukala.
Police Minister Piveni Piukala (R) during his regular VPON Media livestream on Tuesday night, displaying no apparent injuries from Monday’s parliamentary incident. His appearance came hours after rival supporters began disputing injury claims online. (Screenshot: VPON Media)

As Kaniva News reported at the time, a heated debate between Minister Piukala and Lord Tu’ilakepa, Chair of the Whole House Committee, spiralled into a physical confrontation—forcing the Speaker to summon security to eject the Minister.

The Speaker later issued a statement confirming there had been a quarrel (“makuku”) in the House, which led to the five-day suspension of the duo.

Following the clash, the lawmakers’ supporters flooded Facebook with opposing claims, fiercely defending their respective leaders. Allegations included saying there were injuries and that one of the duo was floored.

Much of the speculation arose from unverified audio clips circulating online, reportedly from livestreams of the incident, featuring terms like “fuhu” (fight) and “tokoto” (lying on the floor).

The rivalry intensified when Piukala’s U.S.-based supporters sponsored a special livestream, giving the public an opportunity to hear directly from him. During the broadcast, the VPON host explained that these overseas supporters had grown concerned after hearing allegations of injury and had specifically funded the program to hear Piukala’s firsthand response.

When asked to clarify what had happened, Piukala implied in Tongan that his attempt to reach Tu’ilakepa was blocked by security personnel. He noted that a large number of security officers were present in the House.

He allegedly applied chokeholds to security staff trying to intervene, according to VPON media.

He also claimed he had chased Lord Tu’ilakepa outside the House.

Lord Tu’ilakepa has yet to go public, although his supporters stood by him in his attempt to challenge Piukala.

On Tuesday, his staunch supporter MP Taione pleaded with the Speaker to reconsider Tu’ilakepa’s suspension and allow his return to the House. Taione argued the noble was acting in self-defence.

The Speaker declined and stated that after reviewing security footage and consulting with his staff, he had confirmed both Tu’ilakepa’s and Piukala’s involvement in the incident – the basis for their suspension.

Woman denied bail after toddler found in suitcase on bus

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A 27-year-old Northland woman accused of neglecting a two-year-old girl after allegedly confining her in a suitcase on an InterCity bus has been remanded in custody following her second court appearance today.

The woman, whose identity remains suppressed, appeared before Judge Anna Fitzgibbon in the North Shore District Court, where she was denied bail and referred to a mental health unit for assessment.

She has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled to reappear next week.

Toddler Found in Luggage Compartment

The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when a bus passenger requested access to the luggage compartment during a scheduled stop in Kaiwaka, Northland, during a trip from Whangārei south to Auckland.

The driver discovered the toddler inside a suitcase, wearing only a nappy.

Police were alerted at 12.50pm, and the child was rushed to the hospital for evaluation.

Authorities confirmed the girl had been in the suitcase for nearly an hour before being found.

Despite the ordeal, she was assessed as being in “minor” condition and is now medically well. Police are working to ensure her ongoing care.

Subdued Court Appearance

During the 25-minute bail hearing, the accused stood with her head bowed, facing the wall, 1News reported.

Judge Fitzgibbon acknowledged two family members present in court, noting they were facing a difficult time.

The woman’s lawyer did not enter a plea during Monday’s initial hearing, and details identifying her remain suppressed.

A forensic psychology team is expected to evaluate her while she remains in custody.

Ongoing Investigation

The InterCity bus had been travelling from Whangārei to Auckland when the incident occurred.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the child being placed in the suitcase.

The accused will return to court next week as proceedings continue.

Speaker suspends Police Minister and Chair Tu’ilakepa following near-fight in Parliament

By
Kalino Latu
-

A fiery debate between the Minister of Police and the Chair of the Whole House Committee Lord Tu’ilakepa erupted into a full-blown confrontation in Parliament today, culminating in the Speaker calling security to remove the Minister from the House.

Chairman Lord Tu’ilakepa and MInister of Police Piveni Piukala (R)

The Speaker suspended the duo following the incident.

The political relationship between the Minister of Police and Tu’ilakepa had long been strained, particularly during debates on government bills and policies.

Today’s clash erupted as the House discussed a proposed amendment to the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, submitted by the Minister of Law, Mo’ale Finau.

Piukala and Tu’ilakepa exchange escalated into a heated argument, culminating in the Minister daring Tu’ilakepa to a physical fight.

While the livestream session was unclear on subsequent events, it seemed the Minister advanced toward the noble with aggressive intent.

Moments later, Speaker Lord Fakafanua intervened, ordering security to escort the Minister out of the chamber.

The confrontation follows last week’s incident when Piukala challenged Tu’ilakepa after the Chair remarked that he was considering making the Acting Prime Minister wear women’s clothing instead of formal men’s attire.

That heated exchange began during a high-stakes session where the Minister urged the Chair to ‘hide what was in his heart’ and warning that the public could see the remark as demeaning to the Acting Prime Minister.

Yet the Chair retaliated by threatening to eject him from the House.

Tempers flared as voices rose, with the Minister at one point slamming his fist on the table.

Tu’ilakepa, attempting to defuse the situation, ultimately apologised to both the Minister and the Acting Prime Minister.

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