The Opposition Party said the king’s message of dissatisfaction with the Tu’i’onetoa government should be spread and circulated as much as possible in all forms of media which communicate information to the general public.
Ngalu’afe ‘Akau’ola wearing a T-Shirt with the label ‘Oku ‘Ikai Fakafiemālie. Photo/Supplied
News of King Tupou VI’s disappointment dominated the pages of Tongan social media users since last week.
Many have called on government to step down immediately after His Majesty’s statement.
They believed the speech was the first time in the history of Tonga for a king to have rebuked the MPs in a public speech from the throne.
In his speech, the king after making his introduction, began by saying, “’Oku ‘ikai fakafiemālie”.
This translates into English as “It is unsatisfactory”.
Opposition Leader Sēmisi Sika who was behind the T-shirt design said the phrase is catchy.
“It’s a new political slang,” he said.
The king was upset by the Cabinet and parliament’s not doing specific actions to resolve certain national issues he raised with them in previous years.
The king then said: “Taxpayers and people of the country, who elect Members of Parliament, should therefore vote wisely as they were the ones who voted in this government, who is in the House now.”
As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the Prime Minster reportedly said he approved the king’s speech and it was a learning experience for him.
Tu’i’onetoa was reported as saying he regarded the royal speech as a huge blessing.
He said it was important to address the king’s concerns nationally and seriously.
The Prime Minister also wanted His Majesty’s concerns to be part of his controversial monthly national fasting prayer programme.
This story appears on RNZ.co.nz. RNZ reports are republished by Kaniva News in partnership.
A nightclub which was expected to close for good last year after being linked to a shooting is back in business after a change of name and ownership.
Police outside the Vava’u Lahi Night Club in Manukau’s Cavendish Drive in 2017 after a gang related shooting outside the venue. Photo: LDR
Grant Rimmer, who owns an adjoining commercial property in Cavendish Drive, South Auckland, said that he felt let down by the Auckland Council over the matter.
He said he was concerned the new Wolf Club’s owners were still operating without the necessary consents and still only had a temporary liquor licence.
The new owner said they were “not causing any issues” and were taking steps to avoid a repeat of problems which occurred under the previous operator, when the business was run as Vava’u Lahi Night Club.
Rimmer is representing local property owners who opposed the previous nightclub’s licence renewal last year.
“The new people have come in on the back of the Vava’u Lahi Night Club’s licence and have continued to trade. It should never have been allowed to happen in the first place,” he said.
“It’s been a four-year nightmare.
“A nightclub should never have been permitted here.”
The Vava’u Lahi Night Club’s owners originally sought to renew its licence in 2017, but that was opposed by police following a gang-related shooting outside the club.
Police said there had been incidents involving intoxicated patrons and disorderly behaviour in the 12 months before the licence renewal bid. Documents from last year’s District Licensing Committee hearing showed an ongoing litany of complaints.
Then in August last year the then owners of the club sought a temporary licence so it could be sold.
Under the agreement the new owner could apply for a temporary authority to allow them to keep trading under the terms of the existing licence, giving them up to nine months to get their own licence.
New owners ‘not causing any issues’
The new proprietors renamed the venue the Wolf Club and opened for business in October.
Owner Mavis Wolfgramm said she was keen to make sure she did not make the same mistakes the previous operators did.
“We said to the other businesses ‘if you have any problems, let us know and we will sort it out’. We want to make sure there aren’t any problems like there were with the previous owners,” Wolfgramm said.
“It’s a legal business and we’re not causing any issues.”
She confirmed the club needed to get retrospective building and planning consents to allow it to continue operating.
The Wolf Club in Manukau’s Cavendish Drive which is operating without the necessary consents and still only has a temporary liquor licence. Photo: LDR / Stephen Forbes
Wolfgramm said she was well aware of Rimmer’s opposition to the nightclub.
“But we want to sit down with him and sort something out instead of using our lawyers,” she said.
“We only operate on Fridays and Saturdays between 10pm and 3am and none of the other shops are even open at that time.”
Wolfgramm said the club has hired extra security to prevent people drinking in the carpark and was paying for cleaners to clean up the site on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Council keeping an eye on liquor licence application
Auckland Council manager of alcohol licensing and environmental health Mervyn Chetty said the Wolf Club’s owners were applying for a liquor licence for the venue.
“As part of this process, the company requires a building and planning certificate which takes into account factors such as fire egress, toilets, occupancy levels and car parking.”
Chetty said the reported incidents related to the previous operator.
“While operating under a temporary licence, applicants must continue to progress with their licence application. If there is deemed to be a lack of progress, council inspectors may follow up with the applicant to get a better understanding of what is causing the delay.
“If the reason given is not satisfactory, it is likely the licence application will be opposed, and the applicant will need to appear at a hearing with the District Licensing Committee.”
He said the Wolf Club’s temporary authority was only valid until 21 July.
Local Democracy Reporting is a public interest news service supported by RNZ, the News Publishers’ Association and NZ on Air.
By One News / TVNZ and is republished with permission
All Blacks and Highlanders star Shannon Frizell has allegedly been involved in an assault of a woman at a Dunedin bar over the weekend.
Shannon Frizell. Photo/One News
Stuff reportsFrizell was part of an alleged incident that took place at Vault 21 – a popular restaurant and bar complex in the centre of the city.
A police spokesperson said in a statement to 1 NEWS they were investigating a report of an assault at “a bar in the Octagon” at approximately 2:30am on Sunday. The Octagon known as the hub for Dunedin’s nightlife in the middle of town.
Officers weren’t called to the incident, but police were notified of the situation and allegations yesterday afternoon. St Johns was also notified but did not attend.
Enquiries have since been launched but nobody has been arrested as of this afternoon, the police spokesperson added.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clarke said the club was aware of the alleged incident.
“We are aware of an alleged incident involving a player on Saturday night. We will investigate and make no further comment at this stage,” Clarke said.
Frizell has earned 13 Test caps since his All Blacks debut in 2018.
The 27-year-old re-signed with New Zealand Rugby in April until the end of 2023, committing to the Highlanders and Otago as he did.
“I have enjoyed my time here, I like Dunedin and the culture of the team, it seems to get the best out of me,” he said at the time.
The Highlanders play the Reds in Dunedin this Friday to begin their Super Rugby Trans-Tasman campaign.
By One News / TVNZ and is republished with permission
In two months All Blacks fans could be settling into their seats for the opening Test of 2021 – at Mount Smart Stadium.
New Zealand All Blacks v Tonga at St James Park Source: Getty
1 NEWS can reveal New Zealand Rugby is in discussions about a fixture against Tonga on July 3 with Mount Smart Stadium and Waikato Stadium being considered to host the Test.
Meanwhile, Samoa are eyeing a potential clash with the Māori All Blacks on the same date, creating an opportunity for a mouth-watering double-header.
The Tonga fixture would be followed by back-to-back All Blacks’ Tests against Fiji, which have already been locked in for July 10 and 17, but venues are yet to be confirmed.
The All Blacks have never played back-to-back games against any Pacific Island nation and have only faced one Pacific opponent, Tonga, in the last four years.
The new schedule is being worked on after Italy withdrew from their New Zealand tour in the same window.
The All Blacks and Tonga drew a crowd of 23,443 in Hamilton before their departure for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
That number could potentially be much bigger at Mt Smart, given the All Blacks have never played there while a double-header with the Māori All Blacks versus Samoa would add to the appeal.
Witnesses have claimed in court the receipts which appear to show they paid $100 each as part of their tuition fees at ‘Unuaki ‘O Tonga Royal Institute (UNTRI) were allegedly forged.
Hon. ‘Akosita and her husband ‘Etuate Lavulavu
They claimed they never studied at the school and this was the first time for them to see the receipts when they were provided in court.
Meanwhile, the legal teams for the two parties have agreed for the prosecutor not to call further 152 witnesses, the Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper reported.
The paper has quoted Supreme Court Nicholas Cooper as commending the move to help keep down a long process expected to hear the witnesses.
The deal was struck after the two parties agreed that these more than 150 witnesses did not attend the institute despite UTRI claiming they were registered.
Florence Lasike and Malia Lasike, two of the witnesses who were called by the prosecutor claimed the signatures appeared on two separate UNTRI receipts of $100 each were not theirs, the paper reported. The Lasikes’ names were recorded at the UNTRI in 2014.
Justice Cooper asked Florence to confirmed that she did not pay $100 to UNTRI in which she replied no she did not, the Kakalu said.
Malia told the court this was the first time for her to see the receipt in question.
Another witness, called by the prosecutor, ‘Olimipa Filiai denied receiving a receipt of $200 from UNTRI as proof of payment in 2013 for a tuition fee. She told the court she did not pay the money.
She claimed she did not study at UNTRI but she once worked at the school’s drive-through restaurant as well as being a teacher at one stage teaching Tourism and Hospitality there.
She alleged the signature in the receipt was different from hers.
The witnesses appeared in court as part of a fraud trial which involved the Minister of Infrastructure and her husband ex-Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu.
The couple have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to knowingly dealt with forged documents and obtaining credit by false pretences.
The investigation was prompted by the Auditor General’s office claiming hundreds of students supposedly attending the UNTRI could not be identified and that the Institute should repay TP$553,800 to the Technical Vocational Education and Training fund (TVET).
Police charged the couple with using forged documents to support an application to obtain supplementary government funding to assist students at their UTRI private school.
The first Pacific Language Week in New Zealand this year makes clear that language is the key to the well-being for all Pacific people.
The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, made the comment while launching the Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta – Rotuman Language Week in Auckland on Sunday.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio launches the 2021 Rotuman Language Week in Auckland. Photo: Supplied
The islanders are excited to celebrate their language and culture together this year.
Last year’s Rotuman language week, New Zealand’s third, was forced online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The theme for is Tutur häk ne måür lelei – the four pillars of life and well-being:
Aupito said language is one of the pillars of any people’s identity.
Pacific languages, cultures and identity are essential to the health, well-being and lifetime success of Pacific peoples and their communities in Aotearoa, he said.
“This Government believes Pacific languages deserve to thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand,” he said.
“This year’s Rotuman Language Week theme is Tutur häk ne måur lelei, or, in English, the ‘four pillars of life’, including health: Fak’ata (spiritual), Fakforo (physical), ‘Os A’häe (psychological) and Hạikạinagaga (relationship with people).
“This is a holistic approach to life and language that will inspire our young people.
“Tutur häk ne måur lelei reminds us that Pacific resilience is about more than just physical health – we must also nurture the other aspects that make up our entire beings. It is a call to action to take stock of our overall well-being.
“The Wellbeing Budget 2019 delivered a $NZ20 million ($US14.6m) package to MPP over four years to support the revitalisation of Pacific languages.
“The funding will lay the foundations for making sure Pacific languages flourish in Aotearoa,” said Aupito.
Rotuman Language Week will run from Sunday 9 May to Saturday 15 May.
“My hope for Rotuman Language Week is that we accept the invitation to nourish our culture through Rotuma’s four pillars of life.
“We will also unite with the Rotuman community as they share with us the beauties of their culture and language,” Aupito said.
.. Photo: Supplied
What’s happening
Monday
10.00am – Hanuju (Story Telling) by Tupou Mafileo
Venue: Mangere Town Centre Library, Auckland.
12pm – Rotuman Alphabet Song led by Mairani Group
2pm – Mara ma ‘a’ana Fekei: traditional taro dessert led by Mairani Group.
6pm – Hanuju (storytelling): Kirkir sāsā: The mother with a tattooed armpit led by Sopapelu Samisoni.
7pm – Kainaga Gardening & Water Pledge Project led by Kainaga Fitness Health Group members Leona Chute, Mosese Rigamoto, Konrote Tonu and Sopapelu Samisoni.
Tuesday
9am – Ruemba: When Rotumans do Zumba. It’s exciting, energetic, flavoursome and colourful. Led by Ricco Panapasa, a qualified Zumba instructor with support from the NZ Rotuman Fellowship Group, Wellington Community.
11am – Elderly Day Showcase Arts and Craft Display, Avondale Library, Auckland.
Ōtara Kai Village Rotuman songs and arts display for whānau and community, Ōtara Town Centre, Auckland.
1pm – Healthy Cooking with Kainaga & Childrens Fruits & Vege Segment. Join Elon Sokra’a and Josie Parker in a fun cooking segment. The Children of Kainaga will also be introducing fruits and vegetables in the Rotuman language.
6-9pm – Rotuma Te ‘is ‘otomis Haharagi (youth) fara workshop at the University of Auckland. To register email hata.committee@gmail.com
Rotuman Youth of New Zealand (RYNZ) and the University of Auckland’s Fijian Students Association (UAFISA) share the protocols of a fara, teach songs and do a short fara. Level 3 C-Space at Auckland University.
7pm – Rogrog ui ragi (red-table talk) Canterbury Rotuman Community Youth discuss switching to a plant-based diet and whether you can you be a vegetarian and an athlete too.
Wednesday
1pm – Terän ‘esea ta (One Day at a Time) Rotuman song led by members of the Rotuman Wesleyan Church.
3pm – Christchurch Rotuman Mini Sports Day led by the Canterbury Rotuman Community.
6pm – Hanuju (StoryTelling).
7pm – Creating and Finding Community in the Diaspora: Join young Rotuman youth panelists online as they discuss migration and finding community in the Diaspora Led by Canterbury Rotuman Community Youth.
Te Ran on La’ri’ri’I – Sua Maka – (Children singing) at NZ Rotuman Community Centre. Papatoetoe, Auckland.
8pm – Dinner (children recite prayers in Rotuman at NZ Rotuman Community Centre. Papatoetoe)
.. Photo: Supplied
Thursday
9am – Join the Final Ruemba! Exciting and colourful Rotuman Zumba led by Ricco Panapasa.
1pm – The History of Rotuma Day: If you didn’t know the history behind Rotuma Day then don’t forget to tune in. In partnership with Pacific Education Centre.
5-7pm – Rotuma Day 140th Anniversary Celebrations in Wellington. To register email hata.committee@gmail.com
Join the members of the New Zealand Rotuman Fellowship in Wellington in this celebration of culture and koroa (treasures), the Rotuman-New Zealand way at Te Papa Museum, Wellington.
6pm – Rotuma Day Celebrations in Auckland: In partnership with LIFE Soup Kitchen, dinner will be shared with communities, Wesley Community Centre.
7pm – Polynesian Panthers 50th Anniversary Talanoa with Will ‘Ilolahi. Cutting of Rotuma Day Cake and singing of Rotuman songs, Wesley Community Centre, Auckland.
Friday
10am-2pm – Manea (Games): Opening Prayers by Toma Vaurasi and snippets of Rotuman history, cultural games and sampling of Rotuman food at Te Puke Otara Community Centre, Auckland.
1pm – Rotuman Poem: Composed by Tui Pesamino.
3pm – Fekei Making with Mairani Group.
6pm – All Zoomed-out: Rako in a Covid-19 world!
Like many Rotuman kainaga (family) around the world, the islanders will also share their online learning experiences as Rotuman families and learners of all ages. Facilitated by some amazing educators and parents of the Rotuman Community in Aotearoa. Join the youthful panel discussing the highs, lows and learnings of a Covid-19 World!
7:30pm – Hanuju (storytelling). Share a story from Rotuma.
6:30-8:30pm – Children’s Fere Friday. To register email hata.committee@gmail.com
Children get the chance to jump as high as they can at JUMP Avondale hosted by Kingsland Rotuman Methodist Congregation and supported by the Auckland Methodist Central Parish and the Methodist Church of NZ at JUMP Avondale.
Saturday
7am – Devotion & Majesty Song: Pastor Mike Sikuri and the Canterbury community.
10am – Kato’aga Closing Ceremony and first To’a Awards at the Lesieli Tonga Auditorium in Favona, Mangere.
To register email hata.committee@gmail.com
11am – Rotuman Showcase at Auckland War Memorial Museum. Welcome.
11.30am – Rotuman cultural dance performances.
12pm – Hula and Samba to Rotuman Music by Danni Freeman.
12.15pm – Activities and Displays at Tefui/Para Station and snippets of Rotuman history by Jioje Fatiaki.
1.30pm – Fijian meke dance performances by Te Mana Performing Arts.
1.50pm – Words of Thanks by Fereti Fatiaki in Rotuman, Rachael Mario in English and Prayers by Toma Vaurasi from the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group, Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Parliament has been suspended, just days after the king publicly rebuked the MPs, so that a committee working on a response to his speech has time for the job.
Tonga Government Head Office known as St George Palace
The House was scheduled to sit today Monday 10 after king Tupou VI opened it last week but it has been reportedly adjourned.
Speaker Lord Fakafanua announced that a special committee, chaired by former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakanō, has been set up and will have the power to write up the response.
As Kaniva News reported last week, the king chastised the House saying he was fed up with their repeated broken promises.
The king said the Legislative Assembly gave him the same responses every year after he raised his concerns over issues regarding education, health, war against drugs and the country’s economy but it appears they did nothing about it.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minster has been reported by local media as saying he approved the king’s speech and it was a learning experience for him.
Tu’i’onetoa reportedly said he regarded the royal speech as a huge blessing.
He said it was important to address the king’s concerns nationally and seriously.
The Prime Minister also wanted His Majesty’s concerns to be part of his controversial monthly national fasting prayer programme.
The Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRL) is taking the lead on the future of Tonga’s international membership.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 25: Tonga fans during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Semi Final match between Tonga and England at Mt Smart Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
It comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport last month dismissed an appeal by the former governing body, Tonga National Rugby League, over its expulsion from the International Rugby League (IRL).
Admitting a new Tongan member was not discussed at the IRL Board meeting two weeks ago but Secretary General Danny Kazandjian said the Asia Pacific Confederation
“will now assume formal responsibility for speaking to all Tongan parties on both the issue of the new membership and the world cup campaign.”
He said there is no requirement for an IRL member to be in place in time for the Rugby League World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off in October, but an entity must sign the tournament participation agreement.
Discussions are already underway with the Tonga government, the national team management and Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League, who last year applied for full IRL membership.
The IRL also received a letter from the Tongan Prime Minister, Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, and Kazandjian said there was a commonality of purpose in what both parties want to achieve.
“Now we will allow APRL to undertake its consultations with various stakeholders.”
The Lapaha community lost one of its leading activists when Polikalepo Kefu, who was a human rights activist and LGBTQ+ president, was allegedly murdered last week.
Community Leader Kapeli Lanumata. Photo/Facebook (cropped)
A 27-year-old man charged in connection with his death is expected to appear on May 19, at the Magistrate’s Court in Mu’a.
It is understood Kefu’s body was still in hospital today (Sunday, May 9) awaiting autopsy.
The huge flow of tributes to his death not only in Tonga but from overseas has been likened to the proverb which says “you can tell the tree by the fruit it bears”.
Kefu, 41, was a true leader in the community especially the youth, said Lapaha Community Leader Kapeli Lanumata.
“He was active in the Catholic church and its groups such as the Divine Mercy and St Vincent de Paul.
Lanumata described Kefu as “humble and a true asset” for the Lapaha community, where he grew up.
“He dreamed for a better Lapaha,” Lanumata said.
“His death was truly felt in the community since he was a leading figure in everything he did”.
Lanumata said Kefu’s older brothers moved overseas, leaving him to take care of his sisters and their children including a sister who was handicapped. Kefu’s parents were dead.
From the time his death was revealed, there has been a call to redefine the Tongan word
Joey Joleen Mataele. Photo/Supplied (cropped)
for gay man (fakaleitī) and fakatangata for lesbians to make sure it covers the meaning covered by the acronym LGBTQ+ or Lesibian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer.
The word fakaleitī comes from the English word lady (leiti) and the addition of the Tongan prefix faka, which denotes likeness, at the front to make it fakaleitī means a gay man.
Tongan women said to behaving like men are called fakatangata. The word is a combination of the prefix faka and the Tongan word tangata which means man.
Supporters of the LGBT community wanted to make sure the Tongan words for LGBT people had connotations of respect and equality.
One of the founding members of the Tonga Leitii’s Association, Joey Joleen Mataele, said they had accepted and used the word Leitī for LGBTQ+ hence the Tonga Leitis Association.
Mataele said the word fakaleitī “sounds like a vulgar word”.
“When I grew up that word was not used. The word was fakafāfine or fakafefine”, he told Kaniva News.
The word fakaleiti, according to Mataele was coined by a researcher working in Tonga.
“And that everybody started using it and it became a derogatory word,” he said.
“And that’s why when we started the Tonga Leitis Association we removed the prefix faka”.
“The word Leiti is inclusive to us and we call everyone of us as Leiti, whether they are lesbians, gay man or transgender etc.”
“We just totally reject it. When we communicate with our stakeholders overseas they know it and they used to us the word Leiti.”
It is understood the locals quickly used the word fakaleitī as part of a campaign to suppress the rights of the LGBTQ+ to be equally treated like the straight men and women.
Mataele, who said the association was the oldest organisation for LGBT in the Pacific, said the word lady is more convenience and formal to use.
Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson, the director of a film titled Leitis in Waiting, about the Tonga Leitis’ Association, said he wanted to “ensure that the terminologies being referenced are more accurately described or defined with sensitivity for the individuals / groups to which they apply. Leiti (or the outmoded term fakaleiti) is a term that now has a broader and more inclusive connotation than just gay man. It can be a specific reference to the English term transgender, but also a more welcoming umbrella term for all of the LGBTQIA community.”
Kefu’s death has been seen by many as the result of a hate crime.
But Mataele said he did not want to see their organisation as being targeted.
“If it was we need to be protected and to work closely with the Police, law and government,” Mataele said.
“We don’t want to think that that is happening, because we still believe Tonga is a Christian country
“We just need justice for Poli and we pray for his soul.”
Mataele said LGBT rights were in a better position now in Tonga, compared to 30 years ago.
“It was really difficult, but now we are able to work together with various community leaders like church leaders, town and district officers,” he said.
“The mentality towards us has changed.”
He said the association had about 300 members excluding the school students.
Mataele said members included gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.
He said the organisation helped accommodate LGBT members who were evicted from home because of their orientation.
They also had scholarships for students who are LGBT as well as straight students who needed their help.
“We have awarded 62 scholarships,” he said.
The organisation helped educate its members, some of whom had gone overseas and taken up opportunities there.
The organisation is mainly funded by its annual Miss Galaxy competitions and stakeholders in Tonga and overseas.
COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa‘s answers to Kaniva News over the death of a woman who was killed in a two-car crash show he needs to learn to show empathy and sensitivity to his people when they are in trouble.
Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa. Photo/Kalino Lātū (Kaniva Tonga)
The Prime Minister’s response was defensive and will appear to many as an attempt to deflect criticism from highly questionable practices at the Ministry of Transport.
His comments will also be seen as showing little sensitivity or understanding of the feelings of the dead woman’s family.
The Prime Minister’s controversial response was made after we asked him to comment after the Ministry of Transport issued a fake driving license to a handicapped man, allowing him to drive on the road. A court case which was reported by Kaniva News recently revealed that he had killed a 76-year-old woman in Tongatapu.
The man told the court he did not sit any driving tests and his license was issued at the counter through his mother.
In sentencing the driver, the Lord Chief Justice said: “Having regard to his physical and mental handicaps (particularly that he has the ‘mind of a child’), it is extremely regrettable that he was ever allowed to drive a motor vehicle in the first place.”
Questions and responses
Tu’i’onetoa was asked if any action had been taken against the staff who issued the license.
He was also asked to comment on the victim’s family considering legal action against his government because of how the license contributed to the death of their mother, Sitela Fungavaka, who is survived by her husband and their children.
In his response the Prime Minister e-mailed us and said: “It is not prohibited in Tonga to issue a driving license to a person under 21. Discriminating against the disabled is not allowed in the world including Tonga. There are many disabled around the world including Tonga who have been issued with driving licenses if they fulfilled all the legal requirements. Therefore the law rules. The law makes the decision. And the law makes the conclusion”.
The Prime Minister also said: “That’s why the judiciary system is in place to resolve disputes. It was a good idea to make use of the court as that was why the constitution was written and there is the third power (the courts) to resolve our disputes.
He also said: “It is not new to have vehicle crashes which claim many lives. The same thing goes to disabled and able-bodied. There still crashes and deaths on public roads. It is not a bad thing for a person to seek truth and justice in court”.
The Prime Minister’s insensitive comments fly in the face of the serious concerns raised by the Lord Chief Justice about the failure of the government to make sure those who had been issued with driving licenses have fulfilled the requirements by the law.
Good leader quality
One of the qualities of a good leader of a nation is to show empathy when their people are in trouble. In democracies like Tonga where government leaders are accountable to the voters, empathy becomes responsibility.
It is a quality of leadership which is also associated with sympathy and compassion which prove to the people that they can continue to trust their leaders.
Tongans in New Zealand see it
The 80,000 Tongans living in New Zealand have seen this leadership quality when families have lost their loved ones because the government failed to protect them or indirectly caused their deaths.
The best example was when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unreservedly apologised to the Islamic community after the Christchurch terror attack in March 2019 which killed 51 people and injured 40 others.
She admitted the government had failed in the lead-up to the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attacks, after a Royal Commission later recommended a raft of legislative changes to prevent another massacre in the future.
Ms Ardern said there would be accountability and said implementing the recommendations was the “least we owe” those who died in the attacks.
She did not evade her government’s responsibility or ignore the victims and their families.
Lessons for PM Tu’ionetoa
The lesson to be learned from New Zealand is for Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa to commission an independent investigation into what appears to be fraud at the Ministry of Transport licencing unit. He should have done this once the case was revealed in court and reported by the media.
He should consider apologising to the family of the victim and announce any recommendations by an investigation about how to make sure such a tragedy does not happen again.
In doing so he would encourage the public to continue to trust his government and leadership and see him as a leader who is led by his conscience.
The Prime Minister or ‘Etuate
It is still unclear who wrote the Prime Minister’s response.
As reported last week, we queried the Prime Minister after he appeared to have mistakenly sent us an e-mail he intended to send to a person called ‘Etuate, presumably for ‘Etuate to answer Kaniva’s queries.
The only ‘Etuate we know of who was very close with the Prime Minister was ‘Etuate Lavulavu.
We asked him whether he was the ‘Etuate to whom the Prime Minister sent our questions, but he was offended and swore at us.
FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA
Tapu ange mo e ‘Eiki Palēmia’ ka ‘oku kau ‘ene tali ko ‘eni’ he ma’olalo pea ‘oku fu’u fehu’ia lahi ai ‘a hono tu’unga falala’anga ko e taki ‘o e fonua’ pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke tau fakaanga he houhau lahi ‘a e Tama Tu’i’ ‘i hono pule’anga’. ‘Eke atu ko e hā e me’a kuo fai ki he ngāue kākā ko ‘eni ‘ikai ke ne tali hangatonu kae fakaloea holo ia mo tala mai ko e mate ko e me’a pe ‘oku hoko pea ‘oku ‘ikai tapui ke foaki ha laiseni faka’uli ki taha henitikepi. Ko ha tali ia ke fai he taimi ‘oku mole ai ha mo’ui he pau’u ‘ene kau ngāue? ‘Ikai ke faka’apa’apa’i ‘e he PM ‘a e pekia’ mo hono fāmili ‘o tali mahino ko e ha e ngāue ‘oku ne fai ki ai he ‘oku fakaongoongo atu ‘a e fāmili’ mo e kakai’ he ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha me’a si’i ‘eni kuo mole ‘a e mo’ui. Ko e tali ‘eni ‘a e Palēmia ‘o Tonga’ ki he fehu’i fekau’aki mo hono foaki fakafufū ‘o ha laiseni loi ke faka’uli ha taha henitikepi ‘i Tonga pea iku mate ai ha fa’ē. ‘Oku fakaloea e tali mo tātākehe ka ‘oku tau maheni ‘i he’ene hoko ‘a e ‘ū me’a peheni ‘i muli’ ni hono fakae’a ai ‘e he kau taki maama mo lotu mo’oni’ ‘a e uho fakalaumālie ‘enau taktaki kakai ‘oku fai’ ‘o nau kole fakamolemole mo fakahā ‘e fai leva ‘a e ngāue ki ai mo hano fakatotolo’i.
