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All Blacks: Perenara, Moody and Tu’ungafasi back for Rugby Championship

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

Halfback TJ Perenara and props Joe Moody and Ofa Tu’ungafasi will return to the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship.

The trio missed the July tests against Fiji and Tonga, but have been included in coach Ian Foster’s 36-man squad for the upcoming tournament.

Prop George Bower will remain with the squad as injury cover for Moody, who is not expected to return to Test rugby until after the Bledisloe Cup Series.

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho will also stay with the All Blacks squad as cover for Asafo Aumua who missed the two tests against Fiji. Aumua may also play the opening round of the NPC to build his match fitness.

69-Test halfback Perenara recently returned from Japan and has been playing club rugby for Norths in Porirua.

He will also play NPC rugby. New All Black Finlay Christie will remain as temporary cover with the squad.

Midfielder Braydon Ennor, who missed the July tests to undergo appendicitis surgery, has been named.

125-Test lock Sam Whitelock will again captain the All Blacks, in the absence of Sam Cane who is still recovering from chest surgery. As well as Cane, midfielder Jack Goodhue was also not considered for selection due to injury.

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said: “It’s exciting to be naming the squad for the Rugby Championship and we can’t wait for the next phase of our Test season.

“The July series gave us a great opportunity to grow some depth and experience. It also enabled us to re-establish some returning players, both from overseas or from injury. The Bledisloe Cup plus the Rugby Championship are pinnacle challenges for us and remain as our top priorities. There is real excitement in the group for these opportunities in front of us,” he added.

The All Blacks will have a two-day camp in Christchurch next week before assembling in Auckland for the pre-Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup Test presented at Eden Park on Saturday 7 August. The second Bledisloe Test is at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday 21 August, with the third back home at Sky Stadium, Wellington, the following Saturday, 28 August.

“Our players are looking forward to spending some time at home before what is shaping up to be a hugely-competitive Rugby Championship. The Bledisloe Cup Series is a great way for us to kick off this part of the season,” Foster said.

“It’s our first challenge; we’re playing for a trophy that is massively important to us, and we’re both coming in fresh off our respective Series wins, so it bodes well for a great Series.”

Following the Bledisloe Cup Series, the All Blacks will then play four Tests in a row in September, with back-to-back Tests against Argentina, at Eden Park on Saturday 11 September and Sky Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday 18 September.

The All Blacks then head to Dunedin for the 100th Test between the All Blacks and South Africa at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday 25 September with the team’s final Rugby Championship Test against South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday 2 October.

Foster said the team was again looking forward to playing the Pumas and relishing the return of the Springboks to the Rugby Championship.

“Having the South Africans back in the Championship is going to be exciting for everyone. We haven’t played them since Rugby World Cup 2019 so there’ll be a lot of anticipation about them, and the 100th Test match is going to be an extra special occasion.”

The 36-strong squad is as follows: Age, Super Rugby club, provincial union and Test caps in brackets.

 

Hookers

Asafo Aumua (24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 2)

Dane Coles (34, Hurricanes / Wellington, 76)

Codie Taylor (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 58)

Props

Nepo Laulala (29, Blues / Counties Manukau, 31)

Tyrel Lomax (25, Hurricanes / Tasman, 8)

Joe Moody (32, Crusaders / Canterbury, 50)

Angus Ta’avao (31, Chiefs / Auckland, 16)

Karl Tu’inukuafe (28, Blues / North Harbour, 18)

Ofa Tuungafasi (29, Blues / Auckland, 39)

Locks

Scott Barrett (27, Crusaders / Taranaki, 42)

Brodie Retallick (30, Chiefs / Hawke’s Bay, 83)

Patrick Tuipulotu (28, Blues / Auckland, 38)

Tupou Vaa’i (21, Chiefs / Taranaki, 4)

Samuel Whitelock (32, Crusaders / Canterbury, 125) – captain

Loose Forwards

Ethan Blackadder (26, Crusaders / Tasman, 2)

Shannon Frizell (27, Highlanders / Tasman, 14)

Akira Ioane (26, Blues / Auckland, 4)

Luke Jacobson (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 5)

Dalton Papalii (23, Blues / Counties Manukau, 5)

Ardie Savea (27, Hurricanes / Wellington, 50)

Hoskins Sotutu (23, Blues / Counties Manukau, 6)

Backs

Halfbacks

TJ Perenara (29, Hurricanes / Wellington, 69)

Aaron Smith (32, Highlanders / Manawatu, 99)

Brad Weber (30, Chiefs / Hawke’s Bay, 9)

 

First five-eighths

Beauden Barrett (30, Blues / Taranaki, 91)

Richie Mo’unga (27, Crusaders / Canterbury, 24)

Midfielders

Braydon Ennor (23, Crusaders / Canterbury, 1)

David Havili (26, Crusaders / Tasman, 5)

Rieko Ioane (24, Blues / Auckland, 37)

Anton Lienert-Brown (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 50)

Quinn Tupaea (22, Chiefs / Waikato, 1)

Outside backs

Jordie Barrett (24, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 25)

George Bridge (26, Crusaders / Canterbury, 12)

Will Jordan (22, Crusaders / Tasman, 5)

Damian McKenzie (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 30)

Sevu Reece (23, Crusaders / Tasman, 10)

Commentary: Criticisms and possible answers to why Tu‘i‘onetoa changed his stance on Clause 23 of the Constitution before Akosita Lavulavu finally resigned

By
Kalino Latu
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Commentary Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa finally gave up clinging to Clause 23 of the Constitution before he officially announced that fraudster Akosita Lavulavu has resigned as Cabinet Minister.

(L-R) Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa

The sudden revelation left many people confused while critics said the unusually formal and preacherly announcement of the resignation was another justification for the Prime Minister’s finally acting to avoid causing public controversy and outrage.

It came after the Prime Minister told media and Parliament he could not do anything to remove Akosita from Cabinet until her appeal was heard, citing Clause 23. He said he received legal advice to stand by the clause amid criticism.

It was another shift of justification he made after he previously told media he would not act against her until she was found guilty by the court.

Akosita and her husband ‘Etuate Lavulavu were found guilty by the Supreme Court on June 4 and they were sent to jail on July 2. After her conviction Tu’i’onetoa announced that Clause 23 barred him from making a decision that would go against her.

The announcement

If the Prime Minister had stood firm on Clause 23, Akosita would still be a Cabinet Minister in jail until her appeal was heard in September this year or March 2022. This meant she would still have been paid in full and receive all her allowances and entitlements.

When Tu’i’onetoa announced her resignation in a FM 87.5 Facebook livestream last week on Thursday, July 15, he did not say why he changed his mind.

His announcement began with a formal introduction of Tongan practice of fakatapu by mentioning His Majesty King Tupou VI and his main heralds as well as the nobles of the realm and church leaders before saying he had accepted Akosita’s resignation from Cabinet.

He said he stood by Clause 23 until July 9 to support Akosita as one of his “children in the Cabinet” (“taha ‘eku fānau ‘i he Kapineti”.)

“I made a decision to dismiss her effective from July 2 2021”, the Prime Minister said in Tongan.

He said it was a challenging moment for him.

He said it was important for him not to quick to make decision but be courageous and find spiritual assistance from God.

He also said there were four pillars of decision making which were administrative justice, executive accountability, good administration and good spirituality.

The Prime Minister also mentioned scriptures from the Holy Bible and preached on them to justify his support for Akosita.

He said Akosita had struggled to find help in times when she was in difficulties, but he was there and the Cabinet Ministers to support her.

He also sent his love and wished Akosita and ‘Etuate Lavulavu and their family good luck.

Former MP Lepolo Taunisila described the announcement by the Prime Minister as long winded and like a confession after he realised his previous decision to do nothing against Akosita had caused huge public controversy.

Taunisila said the Prime Minister should have got straight to the point and said Akosita had resigned and who was acting in her place.

Possible scenario

The Prime Minister should come clean and explain why she finally resigned and whether she was forced to tender her resignation.

Failing to do so will give the public and media the right to work it out for themselves apart from media and public pressures.

Firstly, it may be that the prime minister and his legal advisors finally realised that the power given to him by Clause 51(3)(a) to sack a minister at his pleasure had mirrored a flaw in his repeated claims that clause 23 barred him from taking action until the appeal is heard.

Secondly, it could be that this was because  ‘Etuate, the person who was said to have great influence on the Prime Minster, was no longer in contact with him. It has long been suspected that Etuate wrote the Prime Minister’s responses to the media especially whenever he was being accused or criticised. Former Deputy Prime Minister Vuna Fā’otusia resigned last year after saying he was dissatisfied with Tu’i’onetoa listening to ‘Etuate when he interfered in government affairs.

Thirdly, it could be that Akosita made the decision herself while in jail. It could be that the former Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism used her time in Hu’atolitoli prison to think deeply about how she embarrassed and discredited the government and the nation.

No mention of the stolen money

The Prime Minister’s justification for his doing nothing against the Lavulavus’ saga since day one  seems to have to protect the Lavulavus.

He never said anything about the New Zealand and Australian funds they stole from the government or to recover it through legal action. ‘Etuate told the Supreme Court during their trial he could pay back the money only if his sentencing was reduced to community work. The judge rejected his offer.

The Prime Minister did not apologise to Tonga, New Zealand and Australia after the money was stolen.

The Prime Minister must remember that his job includes making sure the tax and overseas grant monies are spent honestly and wisely.

Democracy principle

He also must remember that in a democracy like Tonga, it is all about the principle of the majority rules and minority rights.

This means, he is obliged to make his decision based on what is good for the majority of the people while not taking away the rights of the minority.

In the Lavulavu’s case, it is possible for the Prime Minister to love the Lavulavu couple despite the serious offending they made, but he overplayed the situation.  He was seen tearing up during his official Facebook livestream after the Lavulavu’s conviction while alleging that other schools did the same thing as the fraudster couple.

The Prime Minister should learn that his unwise decision not to immediately dismiss Akosita in the beginning has caused a lot of controversy and criticism in the public. His lack of leadership should be blamed for this.

FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA NOUNOU

Ne me’a e ‘Eiki Palēmia’ ‘o fakahā faka’ofisiale kuo fakafisi ‘a Akosita Lavulavu mei he Kapineti’ he uike kuo ‘osi’ fakafou mai he lavesitulimi (livestream) ‘a e Letiō FM 87.5. Taha e me’a mahu’inga kuo mahino heni’ ko hono tuku ange ‘e he  palēmia’ ‘ene pipiki ki he kupu 23 ‘o e konisitūtone’ ka ne fakahā mai kuo’ ne fakafisi. Kapau na’e kei piki mate pe ‘a Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa ‘i he kupu 23 ‘e kei minisitā pe ‘a Akosita neongo ‘ene ngāue pōpula’ pea ‘oku ‘uhinga ia ‘e kei vahe kakato pe ia mo ma’u ‘a e ngaahi monū’ia kotoa pe ne tonu ke ma’u ‘e ha minsitā na’e ‘ikai ngāue pōpula kae ‘oualeva kuo toe hopo’i ia ‘i he Fakamaau’anga Tangi’ ‘i Sepitema ‘o e ta’u ni’ pe Mā’asi ‘o e 2022. Ne ‘ikai fakahā mai ‘e he palēmia’ ‘a e ‘uhinga kuo toe liliu ai ‘ene fakakaukau’ pehē pe kia Akosita ke tuku e kupu 23 ki tafa’aki kae fakafisi ā ia. ‘I he ‘uhinga ko ia’ ‘oku ‘atā ai ki he kakai mo e mītia’ ke nau vavalo’i ko e hā nai ‘a e ‘uhinga’ makehe mei he ngaahi teke fefeka mei he mītia’ mo e papiliki’. He ko hono mo’oni ‘oku hā mai ‘oku ngali mole nai mei he palēmia ‘a e pōto’i taukei taki  mahu’inga ko e fai ‘a e tu’utu’uni totonu ‘i he taimi vave ke fakasi’isi’i ha maumau ‘e fakatupu vālau ‘i he kakai’ ‘o hangē ko ia na’e hoko’. Kaekehe ko e anga ‘eni e vavalo ki he ‘uhinga kuo fakafisi ai ‘a Akosita’.  ‘Uluaki, ngali na ko e tupu ‘eni he kuo ‘ikai ha toe fetu’utaki ‘a e palēmia’ mo ‘Etuate. Ko ‘Etuate foki na’e tukuaki’i ko ia na’e ‘atamai pea na’a’ ne fa’u e ngaahi tali ‘a e palēmia’ ki he mitia’ tautefito ki he taimi na’e fai atu ai hano tukuaki’i ‘o Tu’i’onetoa. Na’e fakafisi ‘a Vuna Fā’otusia mei he Tokoni Palēmia’ ko ‘ene mamahi he lahi e tui ‘a e palēmia’ ia ki he fale’i ‘a ‘Etuate’ ka ‘oku ‘ikai hano lakanga he pule’anga’. Ua, pe na’a kuo tali ‘e he palēmia’ mo hono kau fale’i fakalao’ ‘a e mātu’aki tōnounou ‘a ‘enau faka’uhinga ki he kupu 23 he ‘oku toe ‘i ai mo e mafai ia ‘o e palēmia’ he kupu 51(3)(a) ke ne tuku ha minisitā ki tu’a ‘i ha fa’ahinga taimi pe. Ne pehē foki ‘e ha fakamatala fokotu’u fakakaukau ki mu’a ‘a e Kaniva’ ngali ‘oku fepaki ‘a e kupu 23 mo e kupu 51(3)(a) ‘o e konisitūtone’. ‘I he’ene pehee’ ko e fatongia ia ‘o e Fakamaau’anga’ ke ne veteki mai ko e hā hono mo’oni’. Ka kuo toe to’o pe ‘e Tu’i’onetoa ia ‘a e fatongia ‘o e Fakamaau’anga’ ‘o ne pehē ‘e ia ko e tonu ē ‘a e kupu 23 kae hala ‘a e kupu 51(3)(a) ia. Pea ko e tolu e ‘uhinga ngali ne tu’unga ai e liliu e fakakaukau ‘a e palēmia’, na’a kuo toki ma’u taimi ‘a Akosita ‘i Hu’atolitoli ke ne fakakaukau ‘iate ia pe ke fakafisi he kuo’ ne  fakatupu ha mā’anga mo ne tukuhifo  e ngeia ‘o e pule’anga’. Kuo ‘i ai ‘a e fakaanga ki he founga ne fakahoko mai ‘aki ‘e he palēmia’ ‘a hono talaki e fakafisi ‘a Akosita’. Ne faka’uhinga’i ‘e he ni’ihi ne fu’u tō ia ki tu’a. Ne tonu k ene talamai pe kuo fakafisi ‘a Akosita pea ngata ai. Ka kuo toe malanga mai ia  fakaTohi Tapu mo lau lotu ka ko e feliuliuaki ‘ikai pau ki ha me’a ‘ene fakatonuhia’i ‘a e ‘ikai ke ne fai leva ha me’a kia Akosita ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha angatotonu fakalotu ia.  ‘Oku mahu’inga foki ke mahino ki he palēmia ko ‘ene ‘i he lakanga taki’ kuopau ke ne muimui he fakakaukau fakatemokalati ‘o e pule ‘a e tokolahi’ mo e totonu ‘a e tokosi’i (Majority rules and minority rights). ‘Oku ‘uhinga ‘eni kuopau ke vave ma’u pe ke fai tu’utu’uni ki he lelei ‘a e tokolahi taimi tatau te ne kei ‘oange pe faka’apa’apa’i fe’unga ‘oku taau  ma’a e  totonu ‘a e  tokosi’i. Pea ‘i he keisi ‘a e ongo Lavulavu ne ‘asi mai ia hangē kuo li’ekina ‘e he palēmia ‘a e fakakaukau ke ne fai ha tu’utu’uni ma’a e lelei fakalukufua kae kavekavea’u ia hono tu’uaki ‘ene poupou ma’a e ongo Lavulavu kuo ‘osi fakahalaia’i pea tautea ‘e he fakamaau’anga’. ‘Oku ‘ikai ko ha taki lelei ha taha ‘oku veiveiua mo faka’alonga ua ‘ene faitu’utu’uni’. Ta ko ē ‘e iku fakafisi ‘o ‘ikai muimui pau ki he kupu 23 ka kuo hoko ‘o vālau e kakai mo nau loto mamahi ‘o fakatupu ta’emelino ki he nofo’.

Police respond to reports of gunshots heard in Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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Counties Manukau Police said they responded to reports of gunshots heard early this morning in Māngere East.

Police said officers went to a Robertson Rd property shortly after midnight and found a house damaged.

No one was injured and police are examining the scene this morning.

Tonga have it all to do in second Samoa clash

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

The ‘Ikale Tahi are hoping to pin Samoa back on the field and on the scoreboard in this afternoon’s decisive Rugby World Cup qualifying match in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Manu Samoa won the first leg 42-13 in Auckland last weekend, with the aggregate winner from the two games sealing their spot in France in 2023.

Tonga only trailed by three points at half-time and prop Ben Tameifuna said they need to sustain their performance over 80 minutes.

“There was some bloody good things that happened last week and it was just towards the end there the boys folded a little bit but this week’s just being able to do what we did but for much longer.”

James Faiva is back at first five, having recovered from an ankle injury suffered against the All Blacks two weeks ago.

With rain forecast throughout the match, he believed it was crucial Tonga’s kicking game and on field management is up to scratch.

“What I can offer the boys, driving the boys and saving their energy in some part of the field,” he said.

“Last week I think we tend to play a bit more rugby in our own half, rather than kicking the ball and trying to save our energy and just try to play a territory game.”

There’s no denying Samoa is in the box seat, with Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua adamant they will playing to win on the night and not just protect their 29 point buffer from the first leg.

The Manu announced a late change on Saturday morning, with debutant hooker JP Sauni coming onto the bench after Seilala Lam picked up an injury during Friday’s captain run.

The losing team will have to back up against the Cook Islands next weekend and Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua said they will give it their best shot.

“29 points we have to beat but we’ve just got to come up and put everything we’ve got into the game and we come out the end with it,” he said.

“We’ve just got to take every point we can and get a lot of points.”

Covid-19 infections and deaths soar in Fiji

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

Fiji has recorded a daily record 1405 new cases of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to 8am on Friday.

That compares to 1220 cases and 10 deaths in the previous 24-hour period.

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.. Photo: Fiji govt

The government also confirmed six more deaths last night, taking the death toll to 80 – 78 of these from the latest outbreak that began in April.

Health Secretary Dr James Fong said all six patients were unvaccinated.

“A 58-year old man from Tacirua presented to a medical facility on Wednesday with severe Covid symptoms including shortness of breath. His condition worsened at the health centre and he died on the same day.

“An 82-year-old man from Waila presented to a health facility in severe respiratory distress. He was retrieved by a medical team to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.”

Dr Fong said the man’s condition worsened at the CWM Hospital and he died two days after admission on 12 July.

His family reported that he had been unwell with symptoms that included fever, and cough, Dr Fong said.

“The third Covid-19 death to report is a 34-year-old man from Koronivia also presented to a health facility in severe respiratory distress on 12 July. His condition worsened at the centre and he died on the same day.

“A 68-year-old man from Valelevu presented to the CWM Hospital with Covid symptoms on 14 July. His condition worsened in the hospital and he died on the same day he was admitted.

“The fifth death is a 76-year-old woman from Narere who presented to a healthcare facility with severe Covid symptoms including shortness of breath. She was retrieved by a medical team to CWM Hospital on 12 July where her condition worsened and she died on the same day.

“A 92-year-old man from Ba was retrieved by a medical team from an isolation facility and transferred to Lautoka Hospital. His condition worsened in hospital and he died four days after being admitted on 15 July.”

Dr Fong said three other people, who tested positive to the virus, had died but their deaths have been classified as due to serious pre-existing medical conditions and not caused by Covid-19.

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.. Photo: Fiji govt

Over 11,000 positive-people in isolation

Six other deaths are under investigation, he said.

“We also recorded 34 Covid-19 positive patients who died from the serious medical conditions that they had before they contracted the virus; these are not classified as Covid-19 deaths.

“There have been 470 new recoveries reported since the last update, which means that there are now 11,959 active cases. There have been 15,221 cases during the outbreak that started in April 2021.

“We have recorded a total of 15,291 cases in Fiji since the first case was reported in March 2020, with 3,218 recoveries.”

There are six more deaths currently under investigation, Dr Fong said.

He said a total of 10,356 individuals were screened and 1,893 swabbed at stationary screening clinics in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative total to 312,572 individuals screened and 52,386 swabbed todate.

“Our mobile screening teams screened a total of 4,197 individuals and swabbed 435 in the last 24 hours. This brings our cumulative total to 712,328 individuals screened and 60,855 swabbed by our mobile teams to date.”

Dr Fong said a total of 216,869 samples have been tested since this outbreak started in April 2021, with 259,734 tested since testing began in March 2020.

“3678 tests have been reported for July 14. Testing number data for one lab is pending for July 13-14. Based on available testing numbers, the national 7-day daily test average is 3943 tests per day or 4.5 tests per 1,000 population.

“These numbers are expected to increase once all lab testing number data is received. The national 7-day average daily test positivity is 19.2 percent and continues on an upward trend.”

The World Health Organisation’s test positivity threshold is five percent.

As of the 15 July, 384,480 adults in Fiji have received their first dose of the vaccine and 75,448 have received their second doses, Dr Fong said.

“This means that 66 percent of the target population have received at least one dose and 12.9 percent are now fully vaccinated nation-wide.

“Fijians can check the Ministry’s vaccine dashboard to find real-time data on first-dose and second-dose numbers at the national, divisional and sub-divisional levels at http://bit.ly/3h2JfCZ

“The 7-day average of new cases per day is 824 cases per day or 932 cases per million population per day. Average daily case numbers are increasing, together with cases of severe disease and deaths.”

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.. Photo: Fiji govt

Shots fired, car torched in Auckland amid gang tensions

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By One News / TVNZ and is republished with permission

A car has been set alight and shots fired in South Auckland in the early hours of this morning amid tensions between the Rebels and King Cobra gangs.

1 NEWS
Armed police at shooting in Favona, Auckland. Source: 1 NEWS

Authorities were called to an address along Favona Road following reports of gunfire in the area at 12.37am.

“Police attended and located a number of items including an empty shotgun cartridge,” Detective Inspector Chris Barry said.

Shortly after, a car was set alight on Raglan Road in Māngere.

“Police do not believe these incidents are random and are investigating the possibility they are linked to the recent ongoing tensions between the King Cobras and Rebels gangs.”

No one was injured in either incident but an investigation is ongoing into the circumstances around both.

Police presence in the area has been increased for the rest of the day.

This comes after a series of shooting in the past days.

Yesterday a man in Penrose, Auckland pointed a gun at the heads of two people while being chased by police. He was later shot and injured by police.

On Wednesday night, a man was shot dead by police in the Hamilton suburb of Hillcrest after the man opened fire.

A police officer was hospitalised over the weekend after being shot during a traffic stop, also in Hamilton.

Marshalls trials solar powered outboard engines

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Giff Johnson, Editor, Marshall Islands Journal / RNZ Pacific correspondent. It’s republished with permission

The testing of a solar powered outboard engine for a locally-built catamaran in Majuro this week is part of a large-scale sustainable ocean transport program underway in the Marshall Islands that could lead to multiple vessel use of this sustainable energy technology for sea transportation.

“We are developing systems that work for different types of boats in the Marshall Islands,” said Waan Aelon in Majel (Canoes of the Marshall Islands) Director, Alson Kelen of the trial of a solar powered engine on the “WAMCat” vessel, a twin hull sailing boat designed and built by the canoe program for carrying passengers and cargo.

The solar-powered outboard engine project is part of a sustainable transport program that WAM and others are engaged in locally to develop low-carbon vessel options for the Marshall Islands.

It is supported by multiple funders, including the German Agency for International Cooperation, known as GIZ, the Marshall Islands National Energy Office, and others.

For over 20 years, Kelen’s program has trained groups of young people in a range of life and vocational skills, including how to build and sail outrigger canoes.

Over the past year, the canoe program has stepped up its work in sustainable sea transport options for remote outer islanders, many of whom are dependent on engine vessels that rely on high-priced fuel.

A locally designed and built catamaran for use on remote outer atolls in the Marshall Islands is this week trialing use of a solar-powered 15hp engine.
A locally designed and built catamaran for use on remote outer atolls in the Marshall Islands is this week trialing use of a solar-powered 15hp engine. Photo: Giff Johnson

In the past year, the canoe program designed and built three types of boats – and is now training outer islanders to build them in an effort to spread the boat building skills and low-carbon technology to remote islands.

“Our goal is low-carbon, sustainable sea transport,” said Kelen. “We’ve designed and are building three different boats.”

These boats include a Marshallese canoe, 18-foot length, that can carry three men and limited cargo; a 20-foot catamaran that is designed to carry a family and half a ton of cargo; and a “proa,” a larger canoe vessel for lagoon passenger and cargo use as well as for fishing.

The lagoon trials are testing solar equipment that is running a 15hp engine powered entirely by the sun. “We’re testing the speeds at which we can maintain battery levels while using the engine,” Kelen said. Later, they will be testing using both sails and engine together.

In line with its new mission, the catamaran has been named Kõto im Al (Wind and Sun).

Kelen said the current trials of the solar-outboard engine technology is the first step to looking at applying this to other vessels.

“Next year, we aim to get a (a 10-passenger) boat and trial the solar-engine,” he said of the type of boat currently in use around Majuro Atoll. The aim is to develop solar-engine options for canoes, boom-boom inboard engine boats, and outboard engine boats of various kinds.

This technology can help people and businesses save a lot of money,” he said.

The partnership with GIZ has provided this program with an electrical engineer from Germany who has provided expert advice and worked on the design of the solar-engine equipment in support of the canoe program.

“We’re experts on boats,” said Kelen. “And we’re putting their expertise on power with our knowledge of boats to develop a solution that works here. We are transitioning to a low-carbon future.”

FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA NOUNOU

Lolotonga tesi’i ha vaka katamalani pe pōpao fōua ka ‘oku fakalele ‘e ha misini fakaivia mei he ivi ‘o e la’aa’ ‘i he ‘Otu Motu Māsolo’ he uike’ ni. Pea ka ola lelei ‘eni ‘e hono ia ke fo’u ai ha ngaahi vaka pehē lahi ki he fetu’utaki ‘i tahi’. Ko e vaka ‘eni fōtunga tatau mo e vaka ne fakatau ‘e he kāinga Niua’ ne fakahuafa ko e ‘Utuma’atu. Ka ko e vaka ‘a Niua’ ‘oku fōtolu ia pe tulaimalani pea ‘oku fakafalala pe ia ‘i he ivi ‘o e matangi’.

Is Labour funding the Mongrel Mob? What you need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and it’s republished with permission

Explainer – One of National’s current lines of attack against Labour is an accusation that the governing party has funded the Mongrel Mob to the tune of $2.75 million.

FOR WYNTK ONLY: A methamphetamine rehabilitation programme with close ties to the Mongrel Mob has received money from the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
A methamphetamine rehabilitation programme with close ties to the Mongrel Mob has received money from the Proceeds of Crime Fund. Photo: RNZ / Vinay Ranchhod

The money, from the Proceeds of Crime Fund, was signed off by those at the top of Labour, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

It was for a methamphetamine rehabilitation programme called Kahukura in the central Hawke’s Bay.

But the organisation running the programme has gang connections, some of the property it is held on has gang connections, and some of those taking part do too.

However, that organisation has its aim in its name: Hard to Reach. It’s trying to help “Māori and marginalised communities” and help them to rebuild.

And those applying for that $2.75m had to jump through a lot of hoops before it was approved.

So what’s going on? RNZ is here to clear it all up.

What is Kahukura?

A Ministry of Health (MOH) spokesperson said “Kahukura is a live-in marae-based programme using a mix of Te Ao Māori and western methodologies”.

“It aims to address past trauma and drug-use, instil better coping mechanisms, and prevent relapse.

“It is a 10-week course, consisting of eight weeks of a live-in programme and two weeks of intensive reintegration.

“Participants are then provided with wrap-around support for a six-week period following this.

“Re-engaging with Te Ao Māori and tikanga is a key component, and aims to build identity and resilience.”

There would be up to 10 participants, plus their partners and family, with up to 30 participants on each course (120 people in total per year), for three years, the spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Morning Report yesterday Kahukura was “based on an existing model and it had been trialled in 2020 and was showing positive results”.

“It’s a marae-based programme that yes, the participants … are gang affiliated participants, who have been involved in meth related crime and activity, who have this meth addiction.

“The programme is designed to try and reduce down criminal activity and meth addiction.”

Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Are there gang members involved?

Ardern said “there are individuals who have had gang related backgrounds are involved in running the programme, that is true, but also it is designed to try and address drug use within gang membership as well [so it is] not unexpected that those with a background would be involved in the programme.

“It’s a marae-based programme that is residential, and the question and the choice we have … is we either accept that we want drug rehabilitation programs to involve those who have criminal backgrounds, or we exclude them.

“My view is if they are involved in crime and victimisation, I want to address meth addiction with those groups. They are perpetuating a problem, if we choose not to do that, then I don’t see how we solve that problem.”

The organisation involved in running the programme – Hard to Reach – is run by co-director Harry Tam, a former Mongrel Mob member.

12072016 Photo: Rebekah Parsons-King. Harry Tam has worked in for the Government in a number of roles, he's also a member of the Mongrel Mob. His reaction to Judith Collins standing down a Black Power member, Ngapari Nui.
Harry Tam. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

And Stuff has reported “The programme involves participants working on a ‘community garden’ on the property of the president of the gang’s ”Notorious” chapter.

“The garden is on a Waipawa property that is home to Sonny Smith and his wife Mahinaarangi Smith, who is a programme facilitator.”

Stuff described Sonny Smith as “a lifelong Mongrel Mob member”.

How did the funding approval process work and where does the money come from?

The MOH received a proposal from Hard to Reach in late 2020.

Money for the programme comes from the Proceeds of Crime fund.

The fund’s purposes include addressing organised crime and drug-related harm, testing innovative solutions to complex issues relating to crime-related harm, and “enabling agencies to build an evidence-based case of what works in addressing crime-related harm”.

Initiatives supported by the fund must align with one of four criteria set by Cabinet.

While an organisation may make an application for funding, it must be supported by a government department to do so.

A panel then considers the initial proposals for shortlisting, weighing them against a range of factors.

That panel is made up of senior representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, New Zealand Police, The Treasury, Oranga Tamariki and the Chief Science Advisor.

If an application is shortlisted, it then has to submit a more detailed funding proposal for the Panel to consider.

The panel will then provide recommendations to the prime minister, minister of finance and minister of justice, who determine which proposals should be approved and funded.

In this case, those were Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson and Andrew Little.

As has been reported, Ardern has stood by signing off on the funding.

You can read more about the funding process here.

Why was funding approved?

“The Ministry of Health supported the proposal because the initiative filled a gap in service provision. We are committed to reducing the impact of drug-related harm for New Zealand communities,” the spokesperson said.

“To do this effectively, it requires a variety of approaches to support individuals to work through past trauma and drug-use.”

As noted earlier, Ardern said she wanted to address meth addiction for those with criminal connections. “If we choose not to do that, then I don’t see how we solve that problem,” she said.

Funding was provided for a three-year period.

The contract was signed in the last week and funding for the programme will start next week.

How will the programme be measured and monitored?

The programme will be externally evaluated, the MOH says.

“Governance of the initiative includes the Ministry of Health, Hawke’s Bay DHB and iwi and will be overseeing progress, risks and issues.

“There will also be regular reporting as per Ministry of Justice requirements.”

In addition, if an initiative is approved for funding by the Proceeds of Crime Fund, a six-monthly performance report must be provided for transparency and accountability.

This information may be incorporated into a report for the minister of finance and the minister of justice.

What do police say?

Police as a whole have backed the funding.

A statement by assistant commissioner Sandy Venables was quoted by Stuff as saying “Police recognises the need to work with different groups in our communities to develop lasting solutions that will reduce harm…. it is clear that the programme has strong support locally”.

But the Police Association – the union for police officers – has released a statement saying it “totally rejects” the funding, which has “riled a growing number of police officers, particularly those involved in organised crime investigations”.

President Chris Cahill said the association’s criticism was not directed at drug rehabilitation initiatives.

“We know only too well the crisis that exists in this area. Our members are left to cope every single day with people who need assistance and rehabilitation from drug use. New Zealand is so short on rehab resources that it falls to officers to do the caring, often in police cells, which are no place for a person who requires expert medical help.”

What was concerning was the money going to a group so closely linked to the Mongrel Mob, he said.

“It is difficult to understand how those who promote the need for drug rehabilitation seem blind to the dreadful optics of this Mongrel Mob scenario – let alone have faith in this multi-million-dollar scheme to do anything but line the pockets of key gang leaders.”

RNZ contacted Hard to Reach for comment, but a spokesperson declined the request.

FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA NOUNOU

Ko e pa’anga ‘eni ‘e $2.7 miliona ‘oku fakapa’anga ‘aki ‘e he pule’anga Leipa’ ‘a e polokalama fakaakeake mei hano mo’utāmakia ‘e he faito’o konatapu’ ‘oku ‘i he nima ia ‘o ha kautaha kuo ‘i  ai ‘a ‘ene felāve’i mo e kakai ko e kau taki ‘o ha kau keingi hangē ko e Mongrel Mob pea mo e ni’ihi kehe pe. Ka ‘oku fakatonuhia’i ‘eni ia koe’uhī fakatatau ki he palēmia’ Jacinda Ardern he ‘oku fiema’u ‘a e polokalama fakafokifoki ‘o e mo’ui’ ko ‘eni mei he nunu’a ‘o e faito’o tapu’ ni ke kau mai ki ai ‘a kinautolu ‘oku ‘i ai hanau puipuitu’a faihia. ‘A ia ko e tāketi’ ‘oku fai ki he kakai ‘oku fihia he hia ko ‘eni pea ko e ‘uhinga’ ia.

Nurses’ strikes called off, union taking pay offer to members

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By One News / TVNZ. It’s republished with permission

The Nurses union has called off strike notices and will take an improved pay offer to their members.

1 NEWS
Source: 1 NEWS

Health Minister Andrew Little described it as a “positive move towards settling district health board nurses’ pay claims”.

“It’s encouraging that the discussions between NZNO and DHBs over the nurses’ employment agreement have resulted in a new offer that will go out to nurses, and that the union has lifted strike notices for July 29 and 30.”

Nurses were fighting for a 17 per cent pay increase, having declined a previous offer of 1.38 per cent.

“Nurses have been under-paid for years, largely because it’s a female-dominated profession,” he said.

“Now that DHBs no longer have to spend time preparing to deal with the major disruption a strike would cause we can focus instead on resolving the main issue, which is the nurses’ pay-equity claim.”

Nurses call off planned strikes, will consider better pay offer

Little said separate to pay negotiations, “I have been driving officials hard to put together a comprehensive and principled offer on pay equity and we are a month away from tabling something that means we can address the long-standing historical unfairness that nurses have faced”.

“Settling the pay-equity claim means that for the first time, their work will be recognised and valued as much as comparable professions.”

Earlier this week, New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) delegate Diane McCulloch told Breakfast medical professionals have been “trampled over the years” and that “enough is enough”.

“Our nurses are so tired, they are so burnt out.”

Today, NZNO lead advocate David Wait said he was “glad negotiations had reached this point after talks broke down earlier in the week”.

“The DHBs had shown a willingness to move on a number of issues important to our members, but did not have an offer ready by close of business on Wednesday, which was the two-week deadline for issuing the strike notice.”

District Health Boards spokesperson Dale Oliff said today their fourth offer to nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants was a “package of measures addressing the issues raised by the NZNO and follows a meeting with the mediator in Wellington”.

“Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are an important part of our workforce, and key to delivering to the needs of our communities, this offer acknowledges the value of their role.”

Samoa, Tonga name teams for decisive World Cup qualifier

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By RNZ.co.nz. It’s republished with permission

Samoa and Tonga have finalised their line-ups for tomorrow’s decisive Rugby World Cup qualifying match in Hamilton.

The Manu beat Tonga 42-13 in Auckland last weekend, with the aggregate winner over two legs sealing a spot at the 2023 World Cup in France.

Samoa have named an unchanged forward pack, with Jonathan Taumateine coming in at halfback in place of Auvasa Faleali’i and Ed Fidow promoted from the bench to start on the right wing. That means Tomasi Alosio shifts to his preferred fullback slot in place of Ahsee Tuala.

The ‘Ikale Tahi have made two changes in the tight five, with Siua Maile replacing Sam Moli at hooker and Harrison Mataele in at lock for the injured Zane Kapeli. Former Chiefs number eight Maama Vaipulu will provide cover for the second row and loose forwards off the bench.

In the backs, James Faiva is fit again and starts at first five after being a late scratching from the first test. That forces another reshuffle, with Kalione Hala returned to fullback and Nafi Tu’itavake dropping to the reserves.

Both teams are also in line to cap some more test rugby debutants at FMG Stadium.

Grammar Tech hooker Jay Fonokalafi and North Harbour scrumhalf Aisea Halo have been named on the Tongan bench, while Bay of Plenty wing Losi Filipo is among the reserves for Samoa.

The winner of the two-legged Oceania 1 playoff will join England, Japan and Argentina in Rugby World Cup Pool D. The loser will face the Cook Islands in Auckland next weekend for the right to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Samoa squad:

1.Tietie Tuimauga, 2. Ray Niuia, 3. Michael Alaalatoa (c) , 4. Benjamin Nee-Nee, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Olajuwon Noa, 7. Alamanda Motuga, 8. Henry Time-Stowers, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Rodney Iona, 11. Neria Fomai, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Stacey Ili, 14. Ed Fidow, 15. Tomasi Alosio. Reserves: 16. Seilala Lam, 17. Jonah Aoina, 18. Kalolo Tuiloma, 19. Theo McFarland, 20. Jack Lam, 21. Dwayne Polataivao, 22. D’angelo Leuila, 23. Losi Filipo*.

Tonga squad:

1. Jethro Felemi, 2. Siua Maile, 3. Sila Puafisi, 4. Don Lolo, 5. Harrison Mataele, 6. Sione Tu’ipolotu, 7. Mateaki Kafatolu, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Sonatane Takulua (c), 10. James Faiva, 11. Hosea Saumaki 12. Nikolai Foliaki, 13.Fine Inisi, 14. Penikolo Latu, 15. Kalione Hala. Reserves: 16. Jay Fonokalafi*, 17. Duke Nginingini, 18. Ben Tameifuna, 19. Maama Vaipulu, 20. Viliami Taulani, 21. Aisea Halo*, 22. Nafi Tu’itavake, 23. Walter Fifita.

*on debut

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