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Item discovered in search for missing Tongan fisherman in NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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Members of the public living as far north as Lake Ellesmere, also known as Te Waihora are asked to report sighting a grey or blue tarpaulin, blue shorts, and a green plastic dinghy.

Lionati Fotofili

This comes after a blue and white T-shirt was found during the search for a missing Tongan pastor who went missing at a South Canterbury river mouth on December 30.

Lionati Fotofili was reported missing at the mouth of the Ōpihi River after he did not return home from a fishing trip the night before.

The family of the 44-year-old father of two are launching their own intensive search party, about more than a week after he was last seen. 

“We are continuing with our own search hoping & praying for his safe return”, a spokesperson for the family wrote on Facebook on January 6.

It is understood search efforts involving police, the New Zealand Air Force, coastguard and surf lifesaving has so far failed to find Fotofili, who was also known by the name Lio.

The family and friends’ own searches were announced after it appeared the official search for Fotofili had not resumed.

Fotofili’s community gathered to support his family in their search for him by holding prayer services, sharing tributes online and meeting at beaches.

 “Prayer is powerful and we know that. We love you Lio. We are all praying from first light until the sun goes down and this will have a good outcome I can feel it in my heart”, a post on Facebook read in Tongan.

Covid-19: Infectious new ‘Kraken’ subvariant arrives in NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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‘Oku taupotu ‘i lalo ha fakamatala fakaTonga

The new Omicron subvariant dubbed “Kraken” has been detected in New Zealand for the first time according to the Ministry of Health.

Omicron.
Omicron. (Source: Getty)

“The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) reported the whole genome sequencing results for two Covid-19 cases with XBB.1.5 late last week,” the ministry said in a statement this afternoon.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) senior epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove last week said XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible Omicron sub-variant detected so far.

It spreads rapidly because of the mutations it contains, allowing it to adhere to cells and replicate easily.

The subvariant is fast becoming dominant in the US, leading to a rise in hospitalisations of worst affected areas, according to leading epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl Ding.

“The detection of XBB.1.5 is not unexpected, following its recent detection in Australia and globally, and our Covid-19 response accounts for the emergence of new variants,” the ministry said.

“So far, most Omicron variants have not demonstrated a change in severity of the disease, and there is no evidence at this stage to indicate XBB.1.5 causes more severe disease compared to other variants.”

It comes as there were 21,685 new Covid-19 cases reported in New Zealand over the past week.

It continues a trend of falling case numbers over the last two weeks, however its unclear how the holiday period has affected people logging their positive tests online.

The Ministry of Health said it “remains unknown” how the Kraken subvariant will compete against other Covid variants in New Zealand.

“Relative to many other parts of the world, New Zealand currently has a high level of immunity based on high vaccine uptake, combined with a recent wave of infections (so-called ‘hybrid immunity’).

Vaccines are still expected to provide protection against severe disease from XBB.1.5, particularly in those who have received boosters. We encourage people to get their vaccine and booster doses when they fall due,” the ministry said.

FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA

Fakatatau ki he Potungāue Mo’ui ‘a Nu’usila, ko e kalasi fo’ou ko ia ‘o e Omicron ‘oku taku ko e “Kraken” pe tēvolo tahi ko e fuofua taimi ‘eni ke ma’alifekina ai ‘i Nu’usila.
Na’e pehē ‘i he fakamatala ‘a e potungāue ‘i he ho’atāa ni, Na’e lipooti mei he Ako’anmga ki he Saienisi ‘o e ‘Ātakai mo e Fakatotolo [ESR] ‘a e ola ‘o e ongo keisi ‘e ua ‘o e Kōviti – 19 pea mo e XBB.1.5 na’e lava ‘o sivi ‘auliliki ‘o mahino ‘a e fa’unag ‘o e fanga ki’i me’a mo’ui ni, ‘i he faka’osinga ‘o e uike kuo ‘osi.
Na’e pehē ‘e ha toko taha ma’olunga ‘i he mala’e fakafaito’o mei he Kautaha Mo’ui ‘a Māmani ‘i he uike kuo ‘osi, ko e kalasi fo’ou ko ia ‘o e Omicron ko e XBB.1.5 ‘oku ‘ilo ‘oku fu’u vave ‘aupito ‘ene mafola.
‘Oku vave ‘ene mafola koe’uhi ko e ivi maliuliu ko ia ‘oku ne ma’u, ‘oku ne fakafaingofua’i ai ‘e ia ‘a ia ke vave ‘ene pipiki ki he fanga ki’i ivi malu’i [cell] ‘o na fefa’uhi lelei.
 Ko e kalasi fo’ou ni ‘oku vave ‘aupito ‘ene hoko ‘o mafola lahi ‘i ‘Amelika, ;o hoko ai ha toe kaka ki ‘olunga ‘a e kau tākoto falemahaki, ‘i he ngaahi feitu’u ko ē ‘oku uesia kovi, fakatatau ki he lau ‘a e takimu’a ‘i he mala’e faito’o ko Dr Eric Feigl Ding
Kōviti – 19: ‘Oku holo ‘a e toko lahi ‘o e kau puke kuo lipooti ki he toko uamano tahaafe onongeau valungofulu mā nima [21685].
Na’e pehē ‘e he potungāue ” ‘e ‘ikai fai ha ofo ‘o ka ‘asi ‘a e XBB.1.5 hili ko ia ‘a hono ma’alifekina ‘i ‘Aositelēlia mo e toenga ‘o māmani, pea mo ‘etau ngaahi fakamatala tali ki ha hoko mai ‘a ha kalasi fo’ou, “
” Ko ‘ene tu’u ko ē ‘i he taimi ni, ko e lahi taha ‘o e kalasi ko ‘eni ko Omicron ‘oku te’eki ke pehē kuo hoko ha liliu ai ‘o toe fakatu’utāmaki ange ai ‘a mahaki, pea ‘oku te’eki ha fakamo’oni ‘i he tu’unga lolotonga ni ke ‘asi mai ai ‘oku ‘i ai ha tu’unga fakatu’utāmaki ange ‘a e kau puke ko ia ‘i he XBB.1.5 ‘i hono fakahoa ki he toenga ‘o e kalasi vailasi kehe.”
‘Oku a’u leva ki he toko uamano tahaafe onongeau valungofulu mā nima [21685] ‘o e kau puke ‘i he Kōviti – 19 kuo lipooti ‘i Nu’usila ‘i he kakato ‘o e uike kuo ‘osi.
‘Oku hokohoko ai pē ‘a ‘ene holo vave ki lalo ‘a e toko lahi ‘i he uike ‘e ua ko ‘eni kuo ‘osi, kae kehe ‘oku ‘ikai mahino pe ‘e fēfē ha uesia ‘o e vaa’i taimi mālōlō ‘a e kakai ‘oku tuku mai ko ia he ope ‘a honau ngaahi sivi positivi.
Na’e pehē ‘e he Potungāue Mo’ui ‘oku ke tu’u ta’emahino pē ‘a e anga ko ia ‘o e fe’auhi ‘a e kalasi vailasi fo’ou ko e tēvolo tahi [Kraken] mo e toenga ‘o e kalasi vailasi kehe ‘i Nu’usila.
“Felāve’i mo e ngaahi feitu’u kehekehe ‘o māmani, ‘Oku tu’u ‘a Nu’usila ko e ma’olunga taha ia ‘o e tu’unga malu ‘o ‘uhinga ‘eni ‘i he toko lahi ‘a e kakai kuo nau kau ki he huhu malu’i, fakataha’i atu ki ai mo e ta’au ko ia ‘a e pipihi ki mui ni mai ‘a e kalasi ‘oku ‘iloa ko e ‘hybrid immunity’.
Na’e pehē ‘e he potungāue, ko e huhu malu’i ‘oku  tu’unga ai ‘a e ‘amanaki ki ha malu’i ‘o ha puke lalahi mei he XBB.1.5, tautefito kia kinautolu kuo huhu tu’o tolu [boosters]. ‘Oku mau fakalotolahi’i ai ‘a e kakai ke fakahoko honau huhu tu’o tolu ‘i he’ene a’u ko ia ki he taimi ke fakahoko ai. 

Driver in custody after Tongan grandfather, child killed in US crash

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan community in the US are in mourning after a crash in Arizona’s Chandler killed a Tongan man and his grandson.

Vaka To’oa Snr and Vaka ‘Isitolo To’oa Jnr killed in a crash in Arizona. Photo/Supplied.

Gage Kauffman was driving northbound on Dobson Road on December 20 at a high rate of speed, reported the ABC15.

Vaka To’oa Snr was driving another vehicle that was entering Dobson Road at Shawnee Drive. Kauffman’s vehicle crashed into Vaka’s vehicle.

Vaka To’oa Snr of Houma, Tongatapu, Tonga but was residing in Arizona was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and died on December 30.

His grandson Vaka ‘Isitolo To’oa Jnr, a four-year-old boy, was also killed from injuries suffered in the crash.

The ABC15 report quoted a court document which said that Kauffman was driving over 100 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone moments before the deadly crash

He faces two counts of reckless manslaughter, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of endangerment.

The family of the victims have announced that the deceased will be laid to rest this Friday 13 US time.

One of Vaka To’oa Snr’s children and parent of the child posted a heartfelt message on Facebook after the deadly crash.

“My son Vaka Isitolo Tooa Jr & my dad Vaka Tooa Sr, were involved in a really bad car accident”, the post read.

“The vehicle that hit them was speeding so fast, they hit my dad’s car & all passengers in both vehicles were injured in some way or form”.

“God gives & He takes. He is loving & merciful. My dad always taught us His word & truth will always carry us thru whatever was holding us up or weighing us down. My sister Fa said it best, May He lead us this year”.

Global experts react cautiously to new Covid variant that makes up 40% of US cases

By
Philip Cass
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‘Oku taupotu ‘i lalo ha fakamatala fakaTonga

There was no evidence a new variant of Covid-19 causes more severe illness according to a University of Otago expert.

The XBB1.5 variant now accounts for about 40% of cases in the US, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms with XBB.1.5 are the same as with earlier variants and can range from almost nothing to shortness of breath and low oxygen levels that require emergency medical attention.

Professor Peter McIntyre from the University of Otago said XBB.1.5 appeared to be similar to other variants of Omicron, RNZ reported.

He said it may be more likely to cause infection, including in people who had been vaccinated or infected before.

The existence of a new variant was not important in itself.  What mattered was if there was any evidence that it caused not just breakthrough infection, but that it resulted in severe illness, he said.

In New  Zealand the number of reported case numbers has fallen, as has the number of people hospitalised.

Globally, other experts have cautioned against over-reacting to the new variant.

In the United States an official from the CDC official said there was no indication it caused more severe illness than other Omicron variants.

Dr Barbara Mahon, director of CDC’s Coronavirus Division, told the American NBC network that while the number of people in hospital in the US with Covid was rising, areas with high levels of the new variant, such as the northeast, did not have a disproportionate increase in hospitalisations.

The number of people hospitalised at this time was well below last year’s Omicron surge.

The XBB.1.5 variant has been detected in the UK and is thought to account for about four percent of Covid viruses being sequenced.

Professor of clinical microbiology at Cambridge University, Ravi Gupta, told the Guardian  he thought the new variant might drive an increase in cases, but he not necessarily an explosive wave of infections in the UK.

“I don’t think there’s any cause to panic. The main thing we worry about is the severity of the disease, and there is no evidence that it’s more severe. People should, however, make sure they are up-to-date with their vaccines,” Professor Gupta said.

In Canada, Dr Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organisation at the University of Saskatchewan, said she did not expect to see big changes in terms of disease severity, since infections would happen in a population where people had been vaccinated and infected with the Omicron variant.

However, while experts have been careful not to over-react to the emergence of a new variant, they have all urged people to make precautions against the virus, making sure their immunisation and boosters are up to date  and taking other precautions, such as mask wearing, as necessary.

Fakamatala fakaTonga

Ko e talanoa ‘eni ki he fōtunga kehe fo’ou XBB1.5 ‘o e Koviti  ‘a ia ko e pēseti ia ‘e 40 ‘o e ngaahi keisi ‘i US, fakatatau ki ha teita mei he Senita ki he Disease Control and Prevention.

Ko e ngaahi faka’ilonga ‘o e XBB.1.5 ‘oku tatau pe mo e ngaahi fotunga kehe ki mu’a ange’ pea ‘oku lava ke ‘alu mei he ikai ha me’a ‘e hoko ki he nounou ‘a e mānava mo e tō lalo ‘a e levolo ‘o e ‘osikena ‘a ia ‘e fiema’u ai ha tokoni fakafale mahaki.

Kuo pehe ‘e Palōfesa Peter McIntyre mei he ‘Univesiti ‘o Otago ‘oku ngali tatau ‘a e XBB.1.5 mo e ngaahi fōtunga kehe ‘o e ‘Omikoloni’. Na’a’ ne pehē ‘e malava pe ke ne fakatupu ha puke, pea ‘e malava ke toe puke pe ai ‘a e kakai ne ‘osi huhu malu’i pe pihia ki mu’a’.

‘I Nu’u Sila’, kuo holo ‘a e tokolahi ‘o e ngaahi keisi na’e lipōti’ tatau pe mo e fika ‘o kinautolu ne tākoto fale mahaki’. Fakamāmani lahi’, oku tokanga ‘a e kau mataotao kehe’ ki he fu’u hoha’a ki he fōtunga kehe fo’ou’. ‘I ‘Amelika’, na’e pehē ‘e ha ‘ofisiale mei he CDC na’e ‘ikai ha faka’ilonga te ne fakatupu ha puke lahi laka ange he ngaahi fōtunga kehe ‘o e ‘Omikoloni’.

Ne pehē ‘e Dr Barbara Maho, ko e talēkita ‘o e CDC’s Coronovirus Division ‘i ha’ane lau ki he American BNC ko e lolotonga na’e mahiki ‘a e tokolahi ‘o kinautolu ma’u ‘e he Koviti’ ne ‘i fale mahaki ‘i ‘Amelika’ na’e ‘ikai ta’e hohoatatau ‘a e fakalalahi ‘a e tākoto fale mahaki ia ‘i ngaahi feitu’u hangē ‘i he Tokelau hahake’.

Ko e tokolahi ‘o e kakai kuo ‘i fale mahaki ‘i he taimi peheni ‘o e ta’u kuo ‘osi he ‘oho ‘a e ‘Omikoloni’, ‘oku fu’u si’isi’i ‘aupito ia.

Ko e fōtunga fo’ou ko ‘eni XBB.1.5 kuo ‘asi ia ‘i UK pea ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e tui ko e pēseti ia ‘e fā ‘o e vailasi Koviti kotoa kuo lava ke fakahokohoko’.

Pehē ‘e Palōfesa Ravi Gupta mei he ‘Uivēsiti ‘o Cambridge ki he Guardian na’a ne fakakaukau ‘e ala fakalahia ‘e he fōtunga fo’ou’ ha tupulaki ‘i he ngaahi keisi’, ka e ‘ikai ko ha fu’u tupu fēfē ia ‘i UK.  Me’a tatau pe ‘i Kanata fakatatau kia Dr Angela Rasmussen ko e vilolosisi he univesiti ‘o Saskatchewan, ‘a ia na’a ne pehe ‘e ‘ikai ha ‘amanaki ki ha toe mapuna ‘a e mahaki ‘i he ngaahi feitu’u ne ‘osi huhu malu’i mo puke ai ‘a e kakai he ‘Omikoloni’.

Neongo ia ne fale’i ‘e he kau mataotao’ ki he kakai ke ‘oua ‘e fu’u tokanga tōtu’a ki he ‘asi ‘a e fōtunga fo’ou, kuo nau fakalotolahi’i ‘a e kakai ke nau tokateu ‘o fakafepaki’i ‘a e vailasi ‘aki ‘a e fakapapau’i ‘oku muiaki fakakakato ‘a honau huhu malu’i mo e hoani’ mo e ngaahi malu’i kehe hangē ko e masaki’.

Authorities treating church minister’s car fire in Vava‘u as arson

By
Kaniva Staff
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Authorities in Vava’u are treating a blaze in a car in Holonga village as arson.

Photo/ Vava Lapota

The vehicle was allegedly set on fire during the early hours of Sunday January 1.

Neiafu Town officer Vava Lapota said the incident happened at around 3am while the car was left unattended on a road from Holonga to Ta’anea.

The car belongs to a Pentecost Church pastor. It broke down before the pastor and his family sought help from a nearby village, Lapota said.

When they arrived back at the scene with a helper the car had been torched and destroyed.

Photos of the burnt-out vehicle showed the car received an extensive damage and what appeared to be its windows had been smashed.

It is understood Police were seeking a person of interest.

New Zealand won’t impose travel restrictions on travellers from China

By
Kaniva Staff
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‘Oku taupotu ‘i lalo ha fakamatala faka-Tonga

The Government won’t impose mandatory Covid-19 tests on travellers from China – despite the virus running rampant in the country – as there is “minimal public health risk to New Zealand”, Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall said.

It means arrivals won’t be required to take a Covid-19 test.

A number of other countries have placed new restrictions on travellers from China.

“There is minimal public health risk to New Zealand from the current situation,” Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall said.

“That means additional public health or border measures are not required to protect New Zealanders.”

“Nothing is going to change on that front.”

Verrall said this was because BF7 is the prevalent variant in China, and it hasn’t caused significant outbreaks in other countries – particularly those, like New Zealand, which have had experience with the related BA5 Omicron variant.

“Visitors won’t contribute significantly to our Covid case numbers, meaning entry restrictions aren’t required or justified,” she said.

“However, we do share the WHO’s concerns about China’s lack of information sharing and this is why we’ll be asking travellers from China to help us gather more information.

“It’s entirely voluntary and we’ve had high uptake of these types of measures when we’ve used this method before.”

Verrall also emphasised that new Covid variants can emerge across the world, not only in China.

“Which is why we’re reminding arrivals from all countries; please take the free rapid antigen tests that we offer at the airport, and test if you develop symptoms once you’ve arrived in New Zealand.”

Wastewater from international flights will also be tested by ESR scientists in the coming weeks, she said.

This could potentially replace the voluntary RAT testing in the future if feasible.

“I’ll finish with a hopefully well-known reminder that your best protection against Covid-19 is to make sure that you’ve had a booster vaccine if you’re eligible,” Verrall said.

FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA

‘E ‘ikai hilifaki ha fakangatangata ‘i Nu’u Sila ke fakapapau’i ‘oku ‘ikai
ma’u ‘e ha kau folau mei Siaina ‘e he Koviti’. Kuo ‘i ai ha ngaahi fonua kuo nau
hilifaki ha fakataputapu fo’ou ki he kau folau mei Siaina.

Ka ‘e ‘ikai fai ‘eni ia ‘e Nu’u Sila, fakatatau ki he Minisita ‘o e Koviti
Ayesha Verrall.

Pehe ‘e Verrall ‘oku tupu ‘eni he ko e fōtunga ko ia ‘o e Koviti ‘oku ‘iloa
ko e BF7 ne lahi ‘ene ‘asi ‘i Siaina ka ne ‘ikai lahi ha puke ia ai ‘i he ngaahi
fonua kehe, tautefito ki he ngaahi fonua hange ko Nu’u Sila.

Kaekehe pehe ‘e Verrall ‘oku fai ‘a e hoha’a koe’uhi ko e tokanga ‘a e WHO
ki he mahino ‘oku ‘ikai ke faitotonu ‘a Siaina ‘o tuku mai ‘a e fika totonu ‘o
e lahi ‘o kinautolu puke he Koviti ‘i honau fonua’.

Ne toe pehe ‘e Verrall ko e fotunga fo’ou ‘o e Koviti ‘e lava pe ke ‘asi ‘i mamani
kotoa ‘ikai ko Siaina pe.

Ko e uhinga ia ‘oku nau kole ai pe ki he kau folau ke nau kataki ‘o ngaue’aki
‘a e me’a tesi Koviti ‘oku ma’u ta’etotongi pe ‘i he ngaahi mala’evakapuna ke
fakapapau’i ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau ma’u ‘a e faka’ilonga ‘o e Koviti’.

Ko e vai ‘uli mei he ngaahi fepuna’aki fakavaha’a fonua’ ‘e tesi’i ia ‘i ha
ngaahi uike mei heni ‘e he kau saienisi ESR.

New Zealand ‘likely’ to impose Covid checks on travellers from China

By
Kalino Latu
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‘Oku taupotu ‘i lalo ha fakamatala faka-Tonga

The Ardern government will likely impose pre-flight Covid checks on travellers from China, as Covid-19 numbers surge there, epidemiologist Michael Baker says.

A New Zealand public health risk assessment report due today will help officials decide whether to require a negative Covid-19 test result before departure. (file picture) Photo: stringer / ImagineChina / Imaginechina via AFP

China’s switch last month from the “zero-Covid” policy that it had maintained for nearly three years led to infections sweeping across the country unchecked, with experts suggesting there was inconsistency between case and death numbers officially reported and what was happening on the ground.

The Chinese government has rejected claims that it has deliberately underreported the total number of fatalities.

A New Zealand public health risk assessment report due today will help officials decide whether to require a negative Covid-19 test result before departure.

Baker said it was likely the government would follow Australia’s lead so those coming from China would have to to prove they were Covid-negative.

He said other countries – like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada – had also recently introduced pre-departure testing for travellers from China.

However, he warned that any policy changes for people travelling from countries with high Covid-19 cases should be carefully worded.

He said changes to the rules should apply to any country where case numbers were surging or where there was not enough information to know the situation and the proportion of the population with Covid-19.

“It will be important that the policy is framed in a way that it has thresholds.”

Baker said China currently met both of those thresholds, but it was possible other nations would also have Covid-19 resurgences, particularly if new variants emerge.

Yesterday, NZ government duty minister Stuart Nash said New Zealand’s response would be proportionate to the potential risks from incoming travellers “and in the context of the international situation.”

Beijing recently announced it would end quarantine requirements for inbound travellers arriving in China early this month, and it was downgrading wider control measures to slow the disease, shifting away from its strict zero-Covid strategy.

On Friday, the World Health Organisation repeated its calls for China to share detailed data with the rest of the world about its Covid-19 situation.

Health officials called for specific and real-time figures, details of hospitalisations, deaths and vaccinations, and more details about genetic sequencing results.

FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA

‘E ngali na’a fiema’u ha tu’utu’uni ki he kau folau mei Siaina ki Nu’u Sila ni’ ka nau toki tū’uta heni fakatatau ki he fakamatala ‘a Michael Baker ko e ‘epitemolosia.

Na’e mavahe ‘a  Siaina  mei he‘ene polisi “Koviti noa” ‘i he māhina kuo ‘osi’ ‘a ia ko e ta’u’aki ia ‘e mei tolu ‘ene ngāue’aki pea kuo tupulaki ai ‘a e mahaki he fonua, ‘o pehe ‘e he kau mataotao ‘oku ‘i ai e fetō’aki ‘i he tokolahi’ o e ngaahi keisi ‘o e mate’ kuo lipooti, mo me’a totonu ‘oku hoko’.

Kuo faka’ikai’i ‘e he pule’anga Siaina ‘a e pehē na’a nau mātu’aki lipooti ke pehē ne si’i pe ‘a e mate’.

Na’e pehe ‘e Baker ngali ‘e muimui ‘a Nu’u Sila ‘i ‘Aositelelia ‘a e pau ke fakamo’oni’i ‘oku ‘ikai puke ‘a kinautolu fou mei Siaina ‘i he Koviti’.

Na’a’ ne pehē ‘oku fai ‘e ‘Amelika, Pilitānia mo e Kātana ‘a e me’a tatau ki he pau ke mu’aki tesi ‘a e kau folau mei Siaina’.

Neongo ia na’a’ ne fakatokanga ‘e lava ke liliu ‘a e polisī kia kinautolu ko ia folau mei he ngaahi fonua ‘oku kei mā’olunga ai ‘a e Koviti’.

Na’a’ ne pehē ko e ngaahi liliu ki he ngaahi tu’utu’uni’ ‘oku totonu ke ‘apalai ki ha fonua pe ‘oku toe tupulaki ai ‘a e mahaki pe ‘ikai ha fu’u fakamatala mahino ki he tu’unga ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e Koviti mo hono fakahoa ki honau tokolahi’.

Na’a’ ne pehē ‘oku mahu’inga ke fa’u ‘a e polisii’ ‘i ha founga ke ‘i ai hano kamata’anga.

Pehē ‘e Baker kuo ‘osi a’u ‘a Siaina ia ki he kamata’anga, ka ‘oku malava kuo toe kamata ‘a e Koviti’ ‘i he ngaahi fonua kehe, tautefito ki he fōtunga fo’ou ‘o e Koviti’.

Na’e pehē ‘e he Minisita ‘a e pule’anga Nu’u Sila’ ‘aneafi, Stuart Nash ko e tali ‘a Nu’u Sila ‘e fakahoa ki he malava fakatu’utāmaki ‘a e kau folau mai pea fakatatau ki he tu’unga ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e mahaki’ fakavaha’apule’anga’.

Na’e toki fanongonongo ‘e Beijing ‘e fakangata ‘ene ngaahi fiema’u kolonitini ki he kau folau mai mei Siaina’ he konga ki mu’a māhina ni’, pea na’e toe holoki hifo mo ‘ene ngaahi tu’utu’uni ke fakatua’i ‘a e mahaki,  ‘o ‘ikai ai toe nofo ki he’ene tu’utu’uni fefeka ko e pau ke ‘ikai ha toe Koviti’.

Na’e toutou ui foki ‘a e Kautaha Mo’ui ‘a Māmani’ ki Siaina ke tuku ange mai kia kinautolu mo e toenga ‘o māmani’  ‘a e fakamatala fakaikiiki ki he tu’unga ne ‘i ai ‘a e Koviti.

‘This is for you’: 24 Pasifika New Year’s honours recipients

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

Twenty four Pacific peoples have been recognised in the 2023 New Year’s honours.

A former Premier of Niue, Young Vivian, leads the list of distinguished Pacific peoples in the list.

Vivian has been made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Niue.

Fiji-born Dr Api Talemaitoga, a familiar face to Pacific communities during the height of Covid-19 in Aotearoa, has been acknowledged for his decades of service in the medical sector.

The first Pacific Priest ordained in Rome in 1990, Father Paulo Filoialii of Samoa, has been recognised for services to the Pacific community.

Also on the honours list is Lisa Taouma, the producer and director of Coconet TV, the largest pool of Pacific content on screen in New Zealand.

And the lead singer of the popular band Ardijah, Betty-Anne Monga, has been recognised for services to music.

Betty-Anne Monga from Ardijah

Betty-Anne Monga from Ardijah Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

‘Better things will come’: Niue’s Young Vivian

Young Vivian started his career as a teacher in New Zealand.

He went to a British school based on an English system. He failed English and was told to leave because enrolments were backed up.

He said he “begged the education officer” to stay so he was sent to Northland College and was “very happy” there.

Community members say he has been instrumental in fostering a love for Vagahau Niue, or Niue language, as a respected elder.

Speaking to reporter Lydia Lewis in 2022, at the launch of the Niue language app in Auckland, Vivian said:

“A language is a key to your culture and your tradition. It gives you that spiritual strength of who you are and you are able to face the world,” he said.

“That’s very, very important to a small nation like Niue who has a population of only 2500 people, but here in Australia and New Zealand it’s 80,000.”

When he went home to Niue, he was “dissatisfied”.

“I want to be fully independent, but I could see signs that people were not acceptable to that so I gave up, only then we can be real Niueans,” Vivian said.

His message to Pacific leaders is to believe in themselves.

“They must depend on themselves and God, they have everything in their homes, they need guts, stickability and determination, small as they are, they can stand up to it.”

He encourages the next generation to go back to basics.

“You have to depend on literally what you’ve got,” he said.

‘Profound privilege’: Dr Api

Dr Api Talemaitoga has been acknowledged for his decades-long work in the medical sector.

“I see it as a profound privilege, I have this knowledge about health and I find it a real pleasure to do it.”

A young Dr Api sitting on the arm of sofa to the left of his paternal grandmother Timaleti Tausere in Suva. His parents Wapole and Makelesi Talematoga are on the left, his sister Laitipa Navara is sitting on his dad's lap and his brother Josateki Talemaitoga is in the middle next to his mum. At the back is his Dad's youngest brother Kaminieli and sitting on the ground at the front is cousin Timaleti.

A young Dr Api sitting on the arm of sofa to the left of his paternal grandmother Timaleti Tausere in Suva. His parents Wapole and Makelesi Talematoga are on the left, his sister Laitipa Navara is sitting on his dad’s lap and his brother Josateki Talemaitoga is in the middle next to his mum. At the back is his Dad’s youngest brother Kaminieli and sitting on the ground at the front is cousin Timaleti. Photo: Supplied, Dr Api Talemaitoga

More than three decades in the job after graduating in 1986, he has a deep sense of pride for the next generation.

“I was really fortunate to be given the opportunity to give the graduation address at the University of Otago for medical students,” he said.

“To see the highest number of Pasifika medical students walk across the stage was really emotional.

“I can happily retire now that I see this new generation of young people, enthusiastic, bright, diverse and they are the ones that will carry on the load in the future.”

Dr Talemaitoga always has a smile on his face and an infectious laugh, he is incredibly hard to get hold of because he is always helping his patients.

Dr Api Talemaitoga

Dr Api Talemaitoga Photo: GREG BOWKER VISUALS

When asked how he keeps his charisma day in day out, he said:

“I am not superhuman, some days are just dreadful and you come home feeling really disillusioned and what’s the point of all of this when you see three or four people in a row heading for dialysis,” he said.

“Then you have days where you make a difference to one person out of the 25 or 30 you see that day.

“They feel really encouraged that you’ve been able for the first time to explain their condition to them … you can’t put it in words, it’s such an amazing feeling.”

‘This is for you, not me’: Father Paulo

The first Pacific Priest ordained in Rome in 1990 – Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii is dedicating his medal to the community he has served for decades, that has in turn backed him.

“I want to offer this medal for the Pacific Island people, this is for you, not for me. This medal I will receive is for all of you and I thank you all for your prayers, for your love and your support, God bless you all,” he said.

Father Paulo has contributed his time to the Catholic community in Christchurch and Ashburton.

Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii and Pope John Paul II.

Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii and Pope John Paul II. Photo: Supplied/Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii

Upon Father Filoialii being ordained, the Samoan Mass was performed for the first time in the Vatican, resulting in Pope John Paul II decreeing that the Samoan Mass can now be performed anywhere in the world.

‘Proud’: The Coconet TV’s Lisa Taouma

Pioneering Pasifika producer and director Lisa Taouma paved the way for Pacific peoples in media.

She created the ground-breaking site ‘The Coconet TV’ which is the largest pool of Pacific content on screen in Aotearoa.

On top of that, she made the Polyfest series, the long-standing Pacific youth series Fresh, five award-winning documentaries, the feature film Teine Sa and two short films.

Taouma believes you are only as good as the people you bring through.

“I’m proud of having brought Pacific stories to the fore around the world, I am proud of having brought Pacific people with me into that space, that is what I am most proud of,” She said.

Taouma said it was awesome that more indigenous people were being recognised globally.

Producer and director Lisa Taouma who created the ground-breaking site 'The Coconet TV'.

Producer and director Lisa Taouma who created the ground-breaking site ‘The Coconet TV’. Photo: Supplied/Lisa Taouma

While she is humbled to receive the honour, she admits not accepting it crossed her mind.

“I felt quite conflicted at the start, you know there are problems with the idea of empire and how Pacific people have been treated under the history of the British Empire,” she said.

“At the same time, it is really important to stand in this space as a Pacific woman and to have more Pacific people recognised by the Crown if you like.

“This is a system that is hopefully more reflective of Aotearoa and where we stand now.”

‘I never looked back’: Sully Paea

Niuean youth-worker Sully Paea has dedicated his life to working with youth, founding the East Tamaki Youth and Resource Centre between the late 1970s and 1986.

Paea said he was lost. He battled alcoholism and pushed through a diagnosis of depression. He had a violent criminal career until he met his wife which changed him completely.

He has dedicated his life to working with youth, founding the East Tamaki Youth and Resource Centre between the late 1970s and 1986.

After 40 years serving the community, he has never looked back.

‘We’re getting there as people’: Tafilau Nina Kirifi-Alai

Tafilau Nina Kirifi-Alai has been honoured for her great services to Pacific Development.

Kirifi-Alai has been the Pacific manager of Otago University for more than 20 years.

Nina has been nominated for her great services to Pacific Development with an Honorary Queen's service medal. She is posing with her grandchildren.

Photo: Tafilau Nina Kirifi-Alai

She has assisted scholarships of Pacific students and has led developments for the University of Otago to support Pacific tertiary institutions in the region.

“Seeing Pasifika communities graduating from university has been rewarding,” she said.

“To see all those colours in the garments and all those families and all that, was like oh yeah we are getting there, we’re getting there as a people. This is why we left our homes to seek greater opportunities, education wise and work wise, and I actually believe that education is the key.”

‘Knowing your culture, knowing your roots’: Rosanna Raymond

Activism is what paved the road for multidisciplinary artist and curator Rosanna Raymond.

Her work has taken her to China, Australia and Britain, where she has built an awareness of Pacific art and fashion.

She draws on her strong cultural bond to artefacts that were taken from their original land and are now displayed in museums throughout the world.

She made a huge written contribution by co-publishing Pasifika Styles: Artists inside the Museum in 2008 and was Honorary Research Associate at the Department of Anthropology and Institute of Archaeology at University College, London.

She said moving forward whilst staying true to several of her roots was what led her to where she was today.

The full list of Pasifika in the New Year’s Honours list are:

To be Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

The honourable Mititaiagimene Young Vivian, former Premier of Niue – For services to Niue.

To be Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

Nathan Edward Fa’avae – For services to adventure racing, outdoor education and the Pacific community

David Rodney Fane – For services to the performing arts

Dr Apisalome Sikaidoka Talemaitoga – For services to health and the Pacific community

Lisa-Jane Taouma – For services to Pacific arts and the screen industry

To be Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit:

Father Paulo Sagato Filoialii – For services to the Pacific community

Sefita ‘Alofi Hao’uli – For services to Tongan and Pacific communities

Lakiloko Tepae Keakea – For services to Tuvaluan art

Marilyn Rhonda Kohlhase – For services to Pacific arts and education

Felorini Ruta McKenzie – For services to Pacific education

Betty-Anne Maryrose Monga – For services to music

Sullivan Luao Paea – For services to youth

Rosanna Marie Raymond – For services to Pacific art

The Queen’s Service Medal

Kinaua Bauriri Ewels – For services to the Kiribati community

Galumalemana Fetaiaimauso Marion Galumalemana – For services to the Pacific community

Hana Melania Halalele – For services to Pacific health

Teurukura Tia Kekena – For services to the Cook Islands and Pacific communities

Nanai Pati Muaau – For services to Pacific health

Lomia Kaipati Semaia Naniseni – For services to the Tokelau community

Ma’a Brian Sagala – For services to Pacific communities

Mamaitaloa Sagapolutele – For services to education and the Pacific community

Honorary

Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai – For services to education and the Pacific community

Tuifa’asisina Kasileta Maria Lafaele – For services to Pacific health

Nemai Divuluki Vucago – For services to Fijian and Pacific communities

Covid-19: More countries impose restrictions on travellers from China

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Authorities around the world are imposing or considering curbs on travellers from China as Covid-19 cases in the country surge following its relaxation of “zero-Covid” rules.

(Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

They cite a lack of information from China on variants and are concerned about a wave of infections. China has rejected criticism of its Covid data and said it expected future mutations to be potentially more transmissible but less severe.

Places imposing curbs

The United States will impose mandatory Covid-19 tests on travellers from China beginning on 5 January. All air passengers aged two and older will require a negative result from a test no more than two days before departure from China, Hong Kong or Macau.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said US citizens should also reconsider travel to China, Hong Kong and Macau.

The UK will require a pre-departure negative Covid-19 test from passengers from China as of 5 January, the Department of Health said on Friday.

France will require travellers from China to provide a negative Covid-19 test result less than 48 hours before departure, the health and transport ministries said on Friday.

From 1 January, France will also carry out random PCR Covid-19 tests upon arrival on some travellers coming from China, a government official told reporters.

India has mandated a Covid-19 negative test report for travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, the health minister said. Passengers from those countries will be quarantined if they show symptoms or test positive.

Japan will require a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival for travellers from mainland China. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for seven days. New border measures for China went into effect at midnight on 30 December. The government will also limit requests from airlines to increase flights to China.

Italy has ordered Covid-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers from China.

Milan’s main airport, Malpensa, had already started testing passengers arriving from Beijing and Shanghai.

“The measure is essential to ensure surveillance and detection of possible variants of the virus in order to protect the Italian population,” Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said.

Spain will require a negative Covid-19 test or a full course of vaccination against the disease upon arrival for travellers from China, the country’s Health Minister Carolina Darias said.

Malaysia will screen all inbound travellers for fever and test wastewater from aircraft arriving from China for Covid-19, Minister Zaliha Mustafa said in a statement.

Taiwan‘s Central Epidemic Command Centre said all passengers on direct flights from China, as well as by boat at two offshore islands, will have to take PCR tests upon arrival, starting on 1 January.

South Korea will require travellers from China to provide negative Covid-19 test results before departure, South Korea’s News1 news agency reported on Friday.

Places monitoring the situation

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was monitoring the situation in respect of China “as we continue to monitor the impact of Covid here in Australia as well as around the world.”

Philippines is being “very cautious” and could impose measures such as testing requirements on visitors from China, but not an outright ban, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

-Reuters

Tonga Police correction: pedestrian struck by vehicle in ‘Eua not a ‘hit-and-run’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have issued a correction over a prior statement about a crash involving a pedestrian in Tonga’s ‘Eua island.

Tonga Police. Photo/Kalino Lātū

The driver actually stopped and rushed the injured young man to the Niu’eiki hospital. It was not a hit and run crash, Police said in a second statement this afternoon.

“Police at ‘Eua confirmed that the road accident at ‘Ohonua on Thursday, 22 December 2022 where the 15-year-old man was injured was not a ‘hit-and-run’ as initially reported”.

When the Police announced the pedestrian’s injury on Monday, it said the victim had been hit while crossing a road in ‘Ohonua by a 71-year-old driver who had not stopped. 

“What the driver failed to do was to report the accident to Police”, it said in its correction.

“Section 47(3) of the Traffic Act obligates a driver that caused an accident that involves injury to report the accident in person at the nearest police station or to a Police Officer no later than one hour after the time of the accident unless the driver is incapable of doing so due to him sustaining injuries in the accident”.

The driver has been charged with reckless driving and for failure to report the accident to Police within one hour of the accident.

Tonga Police would like to remind drivers of their obligations where accidents occur. At the same time, we encourage members of the public to focus more on the prevention side by being careful and responsible while on the roads and maintaining safety for yourself and others.

Contact Police at 740-1630,740-1632 or 922 to report crime.

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