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In brief: News from around the Pacific

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

Baby dies in Samoa after being electrocuted at home

An 8 month-old baby died after being electrocuted at home on New Year’s day.

Deputy Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo confirmed the death of the toddler and expressed condolences to the family.

The incident reinforced a call by the Ministry of Police and Prisons for parents and guardians to be vigilant when it come to the safety of their children.

Responding to questions from Radio Polynesia, Auapa’au said that losing a child is never easy but this tragic incident could have been avoided.

He said adults in the family home need to make sure young children can’t reach electric sockets, cabinets and shelves are inaccessible, and for a TV stand to be mounted securely to avoid it falling on children.

He said the police are investigating.

Tonga Geological Service warns toxic seawater around volcano may poison fish

Seawater around the active Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano is contaminated with toxic volcanic discharge and local fishermen should assume that fish in these waters are poisonous or poisonous if consumed, Tongan authorities warned.

“The discoloration of the sea shows a significant discharge of volcanic fluids (steam, condensates laden with chemical elements) into the sea and contaminating the seawater.

The discoloration of the sea shows a significant discharge of volcanic fluids (steam, condensates laden with chemical elements) into the sea and contaminating the seawater.
The discoloration of the sea shows a significant discharge of volcanic fluids (steam, condensates laden with chemical elements) into the sea and contaminating the seawater. Photo: Tonga Geological Service

It is advised to assume fish in these waters are poisoned or poisonous if consumed,” Tonga Geological Services told Matangi Tonga.

Volcanic activity has decreased significantly since the explosive eruption of December 20, 2021, when gaseous emissions, including acidic dust and ash, reached altitudes of 3-16km.

“It is safe to reconnect your rainwater harvesting systems at this time,” the Tonga Geological Services said.

The volcano continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.

Suspended Samoa police prosecutor reinstated

Samoa’s Ministry of Police and Prisons has reinstated suspended police prosecutor Khamtahn Stanley.

He was due back at work on Tuesday.

This was confirmed in a memo issued by the Ministry of Police and Prisons and obtained by Radio Polynesia.

The internal memo issued on 31 December, 2021 showed acting Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti approved the resumption of duties for Sergeant Khamtahn Stanley, effective on 4 January, 2022.

Sergeant Stanley and High Chief of Vaiusu Ulugia Lomalasi Laufili https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/417055/suspended-police-sergeant-in-samoa-denies-manslaughter-charge were charged with manslaughter] in relation to the death of a 20 year-old man in 2019.

The charge was reduced to actual bodily harm, which both defendants pleaded guilty too.

Last month Stanley was discharged without conviction.

Cruise ships book to berth at Apia harbour

Cruise ships have booked to berth at Apia harbor in Samoa despite the State of Emergency (SOE) lockdown enforce.

It has been two years since lockdowns were initiated by the Samoan government following the global outbreak of Covid-19.

TV1Samoa reports Chief Executive Officer for Samoa Ports Authority, So’oalo Kuresa So’oalo, confirmed the bookings had been made but they will only be allowed in port if there are changes in the SOE orders.

So’oalo said everything is dependent on the National Emergency Operations Committee (NEOC) especially the number of people that have been fully vaccinated.

The NEOC said 86 percent or 104,827 of the eligible Samoan population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and 117,020 or 96 percent have had first doses.

The number of cruise ship bookings will last three years.

PNG leadership tribunal clears Sir Puka Temu of misconduct

A leadership tribunal in Papua New Guinea has cleared Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu, of the two allegations of misconduct in office.

Tribunal chairman Justice Panuel Mogish said none of the evidence provided supported any element of the allegations of misconduct against Sir Puka.

Sir Puka was charged with two counts of office misconduct in the allegations of awarding a contract for refurbishment and construction of a multi-storey government office complex to Niame Investment Ltd and Central Lands Ltd.

Bad weather in Samoa disrupts interisland ferry service

The cancellation of interisland ferries in Samoa over the last two days due to bad weather has seen the national airline step in to help stranded holiday makers get back in time to start the 2022 working year.

The Samoa Observer reports Samoa Airways started operating flights between Faleolo airport and Maota airstrip on Savaii island on Tuesday as hundreds found themselves unable to travel after the Samoa Shipping Corporation cancelled sailings due to high seas.

But most stranded passengers were unable to fork out the WST$85 one way ticket, with many opting to wait out the bad weather.

The Samoa weather office is forecasting continued strong winds and high sea swells.

Families of men killed in American Samoa still waiting on release of bodies

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

The families of the four men killed in a car accident in American Samoa on December 18 are still waiting on the release of their bodies to make funeral arrangements.

The four were killed in front of the StarKist Samoa plant.

Portraits of Taumaoe Filipo, Ierome Vili, Faasaulala Ahoni, and Alatina Faleasi who were killed in an accident,
Portraits of Taumaoe Filipo, Ierome Vili, Faasaulala Ahoni, and Alatina Faleasi who were killed in an accident, Photo: Supplied

The Department of Public Safety has requested the Attorney General’s office for autopsies of the four men.

Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala’ilima Utu told KHJ News that based on the request from police, his office has asked LBJ Hospital for autopsies of Faasaulala Ahoni, Taumaoe Filipo, Ierome Vili and Alatina Faleasi.

The head of the Criminal Division of the AG’s Office Kristine Soule has written to the Chief Medical Director at LBJ Dr Iotamo Salaeapaga requesting autopsies to determine if a crime was committed in the deaths.

KHJ news asked the AG if the Department of Public Safety is conducting a review of police conduct in the deadly accident.

According to police information that’s cited in a court affidavit supporting charges against the man charged in connection with the deaths, police had stopped his car which was reported to be speeding and driving recklessly.

StarKist Samoa compound in American Samoa
StarKist Samoa compound in American Samoa Photo: RNZ Pacific/Fili Sagapolutele

Police flagged down Chanel Lafua near the Satala cemetery, and he stopped.

However according to police, when they approached the driver, he took off at an accelerated speed and police quickly lost sight of it.

The car crashed into another vehicle that was coming onto the highway from the StarKist plant before careening off the road and crashing into the cannery gate.

Deputy commissioner Foifua said he doesn’t believe police were at fault, the car had crashed before police followed it.

He said there’s no internal investigation on police conduct and role into the tragic accident.

King to open Parliament via livestream from ‘Eua

By
Kaniva Staff
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King Tupou VI will officially open Tonga’s Parliament on Thursday via livestream while the House will sit in-person.

Tonga Parliament. Photo/Tonga Parliament

The King will deliver his Royal Address from the Royal Palace in ‘Eua to the Parliament’s Chamber.

A Parliament statement said: “The Legislative Assembly of Tonga will then hold its first meeting next week on Monday 10 January”.

“At this meeting, Members of Parliament, including Cabinet Ministers, will take their respective oaths of office.

“Other agenda items include the election by Parliament of the Chairman of the Whole House Committee and Members of Standing Committees”.

It is normal practice for the Parliament to sit for only two sessions in January every year before a close until further notice was announced.

The first sitting was to sworn in new MPs while the second meeting was to table and approved the agenda.

The Parliament would then close and normally reopened in May for the new government budget.

Toddler dies in her sleep after testing positive to Covid-19

By
Kaniva Staff
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By CHARLOTTE KARP FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

The heartbroken parents of a 13-month-old girl who became the youngest Australian to die with Covid-19 said their ‘little angel’ and her twin sister had only just started walking when she passed away.

Dakota Nenke (pictured), from South Australia, passed away hours after going to bed on December 28

Dakota Nenke’s father Ryan Nenke, 29, and mother Karly Conry, 27, had no idea their little girl had coronavirus when they put her down to sleep at their home in North Haven, north-west Adelaide, on December 27.

Mr Nenke told Daily Mail Australia her body temperature was hotter than usual, but otherwise there was ‘nothing out of the ordinary’.

‘We gave her Panadol two times that day she had her normal naps and was playing with her siblings in the afternoon and went to sleep,’ he said.

The following morning, Dakota was gone.

Dakota’s parents were shocked when doctors told them the toddler tested positive to Covid.

Aside from that, she had no underlying conditions and her cause of death is yet to be determined.

‘The whole family tested positive to Covid after that,’ he said, adding that they are all fully vaccinated.

He and Ms Conry were very worried about Dakota’s twin sister Hallie and spent a day with her in hospital after her sister’s tragic death.

‘She’s back to herself now, and we’re all fine,’ he said.

Mr Nenke remembered Dakota as a ‘happy’ little girl with a ‘bubbly personality’.

‘Dakota had just started walking,’ he said.

‘She loved her big brother Kaylan, big sister Ella, and her twin sister Hallie so much already.’

While Dakota’s older siblings are devastated, Mr Nenke thanked family and friends for dropping by with food, toys and activities to keep them distracted.

Brooke Page, a family friend, set up a Go Fund Me to ensure Mr Nenke and Ms Conry don’t have to worry about money while they grieve.

‘Those who know Karly and Ryan know their children are their life and have always been patient, loving, attentive and admirable parents,’ the fundraiser read.

‘Their darling 13-month-old Dakota grew her wings and went to heaven.

‘The devastation they are feeling is unbearable.’

Page said the funds would be used to pay for living expenses and help Mr Nenke and Ms Conry feel comfortable while they organise the funeral.

Friends and family flooded the fundraiser with heartfelt messages for ‘Dakota Bear’ and her loved ones.

‘Sending all my love to my family,’ her grandmother wrote.

‘Dakota will always be in our hearts and forever missed. She is now being looked after by our other angels.’

Another wrote: ‘My heart just breaks.’

Someone else said: ‘We are so deeply sorry to hear about your dear little Dakota such unimaginable shock sadness and grief we are thinking of you all and sending love.’

The fundraiser reached more than $27,000 within the first 24 hours.

South Australia recorded 3246 new Covid cases on Tuesday – up from 2552 on Monday.

There are 102 people in hospital, 12 of whom are in ICU. One person is on a ventilator.

On December 30, two days after Dakota’s death, South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announced a child under two had passed away with Covid.

He said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.

‘This child was Covid-positive but the cause of death hasn’t been determined yet,’ Mr Marshall told reporters.

‘We’ll need to do that investigation, but very sad news that a child under the age of two has passed away.

‘That has now been referred to the coroner.’

Prior to Dakota’s death, the youngest known Australian to die with the virus was a 10-year-old from Victoria in November.

Why are mosquitoes attracted to some people more than others?

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Anna Salleh for the ABC

If you’re like me, you approach those late afternoon outdoor summer gatherings with trepidation.

After all, if there are mozzies around, it will be you they head for above others. It will be you that’s slapping and scratching at your skin while others enjoy their gin and tonic uninterrupted.

“But why me?”, I hear you groan.

It’s not for want of trying, but scientists still don’t definitively know the answer to this – although they think it’s likely to be more than one thing.

And they’ve been doing some pretty out-there experiments in the name of science to help answer the question.

Dirty socks and Limburger cheese provide clues

Did you know scientists have tested mosquitoes’ taste in cheeses and found some species love the smell of blue cheese, while others prefer Limburger?

In fact, US entomologist Dan Kline took this idea and ran with it back in the 1990s when he was visited by European colleagues bearing gifts of Limburger cheese.

“To me, it smelt like dirty socks,” says Dr Kline, based at a Department of Agriculture research centre in Florida.

One day in the lab, things were “particularly boring” for him because the mosquitoes weren’t being attracted to any of the scents he was presenting them with.

So Dr Kline pulled off his smelly socks – which he’d been wearing for four days – and presented these to the insects.

“It was the best response we ever saw.”

It turns out that Limburger cheese contains similar bacteria to those found between our toes – a fact not lost on the monks that originally developed the cheese, Dr Kline says.

“The monks used their feet in the production of this cheese. Thus, the toe bacteria were involved in the production of Limburger cheese.”

The ‘smell’ of your skin

While experimenting with dirty socks is not Dr Kline’s usual MO, it did highlight the fact that mosquitoes are attracted to volatile chemicals we breathe out, or that are produced by bacteria acting on substances produced on the skin, including sweat.

And some volatile chemicals people give off actually seem to protect them from mosquitoes.

Interestingly, one of Dr Kline’s colleagues was apparently immune to mosquito bites, and analysis of her skin scents discovered she was exuding relatively high amounts of a chemical that blocks mosquitoes’ sense of smell.

“Her ratio of this compound compared to other compounds was higher,” Dr Kline says.

Findings like this are tantalising from the point of view of developing the ultimate natural mosquito repellent.

But there are no simple answers here.

Carbon dioxide and body heat

Even before they get up close to your skin, mosquitoes will be attracted by the carbon dioxide you breathe out – something they can detect at least 10 metres away. Your body heat also helps mosquitoes to zoom in on you.

“A complex interaction of all of these cues will determine if you get bitten,” says Dr Kline’s chemist colleague Ed Norris.

Differences in our genetics, and the cosmetic products we wear also add to the mix, making it a very tricky job to identify what exactly makes someone a mozzie magnet.

Plus, different mosquitoes prefer different scents.

“There are plenty of mosquitoes that are known to be ankle biters or face biters, so there’s presumably different volatiles on those different parts of the body that are attracting them,” Dr Norris says.

Finally, your skin’s tendency to react to any bites you get may also explain why some people blithely enjoy that outside party, while you don’t.

They may be being bitten but not even notice it!

Will eating bananas/garlic/vitamin B make a difference?

Still, many of us love a simple explanation – and the promise of a more pleasant alternative to slathering ourselves in insect repellent – so it’s no wonder there are so many theories out there claiming to explain why mozzies prefer some people over others.

For example, you may have heard eating bananas or drinking beer attracts mozzies, while eating garlic or vitamin B protects you.

Sadly, says medical entomologist Cameron Webb at the University of Sydney, you can’t hang your hat on any of these ideas.

“While some food or drink may subtly change the attraction of mosquitoes, changing diet won’t stop you having to use insect repellents,” Dr Webb says.

There’s some evidence those with certain blood types are more attractive to mozzies, but Dr Kline says there’s conflicting evidence and not enough research to settle the question.

And are men or women more likely to get bitten? Well, it depends.

“Typically males tend to have more of the skin volatiles that mosquitoes are attracted to, but it’s hard to generalise,” Dr Norris says.

There are also studies suggesting pregnant women are more likely to get bitten.

This could be because they produce more CO2 and have higher temperatures in the late stages of pregnancy, which may lead to more volatiles being released from their skin.

Take heart, not all mozzies are out to get you

While mosquito-borne diseases are a problem, some species of mosquitoes don’t even bite humans.

Some prefer to bite animals such as frogs, snakes, birds or even leeches.

And the really good news is there are a small number of mosquitoes that don’t suck blood at all.

Dr Webb points to the giant Toxorhynchites speciosus, which has a wingspan of 10 millimetres.

“Stretched out from the end of their legs to tip of proboscis would be almost 30mm.”

The females of mosquito species that bite us rely on blood to help develop their eggs, but females of this giant species get their protein by eating the larvae of other mosquitoes.

“They are as ‘good’ a mosquito as there can be,” Dr Webb says.

-ABC

Three dead in separate water-related incidents today

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Three people have died in separate water-related incidents across the North Island on Tuesday afternoon.

Surf lifesaving flags out at the beach.
Photo: RNZ / Claire Eastham-Farrelly

Earlier this afternoon, a person died after getting into difficulty while in water at Wenderholm Regional Park, north of Auckland.

CPR was provided at the scene but the person has died.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

Later, a child drowned at Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland.

A rescue helicopter was dispatched after police received a report of the incident shortly after 2.10pm.

The child was found unresponsive. Police said despite efforts of the public to revive the child and paramedics performing CPR, the child had died.

Emergency services were at the scene and the death will be referred to the coroner.

Police also confirmed a 28-year-old man died while swimming in the Waingaro River, west of Ngāruawāhia in Waikato this afternoon.

Police said the swimmer was reported missing to emergency services just before 1.45pm.

Fire and Emergency had dispatched a jetski to search the river and St John Ambulance was also in attendance.

He was later found and despite attempts to resuscitate him, he died at the scene.

Police said they were making inquires in relation to the death on behalf of the coroner, who will release their findings in due course.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Daniel Gerrard said the spike in water-related deaths followed low drowning rates during lockdowns.

He is urging people to think before they swim and keep safety front of mind.

Covid-19 update: 31 new community cases in New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

There are 31 new community cases of Covid-19 and 29 new cases of the virus at the border reported in New Zealand today.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said there were 14 new community cases in Auckland, one in Waikato, 12 new cases in Bay of Plenty and four cases in Lakes.

There were 29 Covid-19 cases identified at the border and the ministry said that although genome sequencing of these cases has not yet occurred it is expected some will be the Omicron variant.

The ministry said it has identified a third-border related case with the Omicron variant. The person is a household contact of the Air New Zealand crew member who tested positive for Omicron last week.

The person has now been transferred to an MIQ facility and is fully vaccinated and was in isolation during their symptomatic period, the ministry said.

There are currently 53 patients with Covid-19 in hospital including 22 in Middlemore, 16 in Auckland, nine in North Shore, five in Tauranga and one in Rotorua. There are six patients with Covid-19 in ICU or HDU.

The ministry said that nearly 4500 booster shots were administered yesterday, which was a jump of 1500 on the day before.

Yesterday, there were 27 new community cases of Covid-19 and 24 new cases reported at the border.

The ministry also yesterday revealed that it would not be taking legal action against a UK musician who became the country’s first reported community Omicron case last week.

Covid-19 vaccine booster dose: What you need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Explainer – From early January, New Zealanders who have had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for at least four months can get their booster dose.

No caption
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver, Nick Monro / AFP

The timing of the rollout had previously caused some confusion about when people should go and how it all works.

There’s also a difference between booster doses and third primary doses.

RNZ is here to clear it all up.

What is the booster dose?

The Pfizer vaccine is being used in New Zealand for boosters, regardless of what vaccine was used for earlier doses.

The booster is different to the third primary dose recommended for people who are immunocompromised.

People eligible for a third primary dose can access a booster dose six months after receiving their third primary dose.

When can you get your booster?

In early December, the government announced it would shorten the required gap between the second dose and booster, from six months to four months.

For people who don’t mind going to a walk-in vaccination centre, they are able to get your booster dose from 5 January. Find locations by clicking here.

For those who prefer to book in, appointment slots will be available from 17 January via Book My Vaccine online.

While the rollout with shortened intervals officially starts in early January 2022, people who have had their second shot for six months were encouraged to go get their booster dose right away.

Others wanting to get in early before 5 January were advised to check with their local vaccination provider to ensure they have appointments and supply available.

The Ministry of Health has said there were plenty of booster doses available and no one would miss out.

Other options for booking

If you cannot book online, you can call the Covid-19 Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, seven days a week).

Interpretation services, and text, email and NZ Relay options for deaf and hearing impaired are available if you need them via the 0800 number.

There is also a specialist team for disabled people (option 2 on the 0800 number).

You can also make an appointment with your doctor if they are providing Covid-19 vaccines.

Who is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine booster?

Healthcare and border workers have been the priority for booster doses since large numbers of people in those industries had their primary doses at least six months ago.

When you arrive for your booster, the date of your last dose will be checked in the booking system to ensure you have gone through the required interval period.

People aged 12 years and older have so far been able to get their primary Covid-19 vaccine courses throughout 2021, but the booster dose is currently only going to be available for those aged 18 years and above.

(For most people, a primary course is two doses, for some people a primary course could be three doses.)

If you had your full ‘primary course’ while you were pregnant, the Ministry of Health advises you to wait until after your baby is born before you take a booster.

Those who had their full ‘primary course’ before they became pregnant only need to wait six months on before taking the booster, the ministry said.

If you had your Covid-19 vaccination overseas, you can get still get the Pfizer booster once you have gone through the required interval from your last dose.

Potential side effects of boosters

You may experience some side effects with the booster similar to that of the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, according to the Ministry of Health.

These include muscle aches, pain at the injection site, headaches, nausea, and feeling tired or fatigued. For most people, these tend to be mild effects and don’t last long.

Some side effects are more serious but very rare, like a severe allergic reaction or an inflammation of the heart (myocarditis).

An online reporting form for adverse events following immunisation with Covid-19 vaccines is now available.

If you develop difficulty breathing, a racing heart, chest pain or feel faint immediately or in the days after the vaccine, you should seek medical attention.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or if they get worse, call Healthline: 0800 358 5453.

Vaccine mandates and vaccine passes for boosters

You do not need to have a booster to be certified as ‘fully vaccinated’ for My Vaccine Pass or an International Travel Vaccination Certificate.

If you do get a booster dose, it will be added to My Covid Record and you can create another pass.

Early in December, the government announced Cabinet has agreed in principle that where workers are required to be vaccinated, this mandate will now extend to booster doses.

Border and health workers will be required to have their booster dose by the end of January, or not later than six months after their second dose for those recently vaccinated.

It will then be extended to all others covered by vaccination mandates from 1 March. These changes are expected to be confirmed in January 2022.

How effective is the booster against Covid-19?

The Ministry of Health says data from Pfizer shows that a booster dose is 95.6 percent effective against the coronavirus, including the Delta variant, compared to those who did not receive a booster.

At this stage, there is no data available on duration of protection against infection and disease following a booster dose.

The ministry said current evidence shows that after six months of a full vaccination course, protection against Covid-19 is reduced and so a ‘top up’ vaccine will help boost immunity against the virus.

“We already know that booster vaccinations significantly lift an individual’s immunity, reducing the spread and the severity of Covid-19.

“Data is emerging now that booster doses of Pfizer provide better protection than two doses do when it comes to the Omicron variant.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) analysed more than 600,000 confirmed and suspected cases of the Omicron variant up to 29 December in England and found a booster vaccine is 88 percent effective at preventing people ending up in hospital with Covid-19.

The new data confirms that two doses of the AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines offers little protection against being infected with Omicron.

Why has the time between the second dose and booster been shortened?

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins has said that soon it is expected that every case coming into New Zealand’s border would be of the highly infectious Omicron variant.

The government hopes having widespread administration of the Covid-19 vaccine booster will help prevent any potential massive outbreak of the variant and decrease the risk of transmission.

Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said speeding up the booster rollout was a key part of the country’s response to Omicron.

“The shorter interval means more than 82 percent of vaccinated New Zealanders will be eligible for a booster by the end of February 2022.”

Tonga’s MAFF Minister flooded with messages of love and support while in Auckland for medical treatment

By
Kalino Latu
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The family and friends of Hon Viliami Manuopangai Hingano have sent him love and encouragement after the newly appointed Cabinet Minister apparently flew to Auckland for medical treatment.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forests Viliami Manuopangai Hingano

A photo seen by Kaniva News appears to show the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests posing with a female cousin in Auckland last week.

The cousin’s father, who we chose not to identify at this stage because he has yet to respond to more queries from Kaniva News and for permission for us to use the photo, said his daughter visited the minister in Auckland and took the photo while she was with him.

He claimed Hon Hingano was sick, “puke”.

He posted the photo of her daughter and the Minister on Facebook.

The Minister appears to have left Tonga shortly after the Prime Minister appointed him on December 29.

Hon Hingano could not be reached for comment.

We have contacted the government for comment.

We have asked the Minister of Health Saia Piukala to confirm whether it was true Hon Hingano was in a hospital in Auckland for medical treatment.

We also asked Hon Piukala if he could provide an estimate of how long  Hon Hingano would be in Auckland.

We asked the Minister of Finance Hon Tatafu Moeaki to tell us whether or not Hon Hingano’s medical treatment was paid by the government.

We have asked the Prime Minister to tell us who was filling Hon Hingano’s portfolios while he was away from the country.

We will update this story if the government responds to our request for comment.

Kaniva News understands Prime Minister Sovaleni has yet to choose someone to temporarily fill Hon Manuopangai’s portfolios, even though it was clear right before his appointment that he was seeking an opportunity to come to New Zealand due to his medical needs.

It is normal practice for the Tongan government and Parliament to pay for their members’ medical treatment overseas as part of their office entitlements.

“Happy New Year Manuopangai I was happy seeing him today he was cheerful while we were talking let’s pray for him and that God help him through the doctor”, a commenter wrote in Tongan under the photo on Facebook.

”We love you and pray that you will be successful in your endeavour”, one wrote.

”Sending love. Love you Manuopangai Hingano, wish there will be an opportunity and everything will be fine. Happy New Year”, another wrote.

“You are lucky to be here (in New Zealand)”.

The former Ha’apai governor was convicted and fined $12,500 in the Supreme court last year after he was charged with possession of unlawful huge amount of 198 kg turtle meat in August 2020.

Severe gale warning as Vava‘u lashed by heavy rain bringing surface flooding on roads

By
Kaniva Staff
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Heavy downpours in Tonga have caused surface flooding in the Vava’u main island where capital Neiafu is.

Surface flooding at Vaipua and small boats being capsized at Puatalefusi. Photo/ Vāvā Lapota

Photos taken at the scene showed Neiafu’s Vaipua village was affected by surface flooding.

Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota told Kaniva News there was heavy rain last night and it continued this morning.

It is understood high tide in parts of the main island had added to the flooding causing some small boats anchored at Puatalefusi wharf to capsize.

Severe gale and heavy rain warnings were in place for all of Tonga, with a risk of thunderstorms in some areas.

Tonga MetService issued a weather watch on Monday 3 at 1pm saying a gale warning is now in force for Vava’u, Ha’apai, Tongatapu, ‘Eua and the Niuas land areas.

“A heavy rain warning and flash flood adivsory remain in force for all of Tonga land areas”, it said.

“An active trough continues to lie slow moving over the Group. Associated clouds, strong to gale force winds, occasional rain and thunderstorms will affect the Group today, tomorrow and Wednesday”.

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