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Prosecutor recommends $10,000 fine for Ha’apai governor who was convicted of unlawful possession of turtle meat

By
Kaniva Staff
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The crown prosecutor has recommended a fine of TOP$10,000 for Viliami Manuopangai Hingano after he was convicted of unlawful possession of 198kg of turtle meat.

Ha’apai governor Viliami Manuopangai Hingano

But the governor’s lawyer has argued a $1,000 fine was appropriate, the Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper reports.

The Supreme Court is expected to sentence Hingano tomorrow Wednesday 19.

Hingano, 46, was in possession of the turtle meat out of the shell, without it being certified by an authorised officer that it came from a turtle of legal size.

He pleaded not guilty and elected trial by judge alone.

Hingano told the court that he had no guilty intent to commit this offence and that he did not know that the law required that there be prior approval to kill a turtle.

But Judge Niu didn’t buy it.

Judge Niu said: “Having heard the accused‘s background, he being a director in the Ministry of Public Enterprises, and he had been a member of Parliament representing District 12 of Ha’apai which included Lofanga, and having grown up and living in Ha’apai, I do not believe his evidence that he did not know that an approval was required before a turtle was killed”.

Tonga hoping for sea of red fans against All Blacks, Samoa

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga is hoping the famous sea of red will turn out in force when they face the All Blacks in their first rugby test in almost two years.

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)

The ‘Ikale Tahi will take on the three time world champions at Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium on 3 July in their first match since the 2019 World Cup.

Tongan fans have previously packed out the South Auckland stadium for rugby league tests against England, New Zealand and Australia.

Tonga Rugby Union CEO Peter Harding is hoping their loyal supporters will turn up en masse.

We’re hoping that we get everybody there…a sea of red. There might be a little bit of black in there at some stage but we’re hoping for as much red as we can possibly get in there,” he said.

“Our fans are very very passionate and they’ll get out there and support the team no matter what, so what we want is a full stadium, everyone turning up and everyone dressed in a red jersey.”

Manu Samoa will face the Māori All Blacks in the curtain raiser at Mount Smart Stadium, before Samoa and Tonga clash in two Rugby World Cup qualifying matches on consecutive weekends.

Peter Harding said he discussed with ‘Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu whether playing the All Blacks would help or hinder the kingdom’s World Cup hopes, before deciding it was an opportunity they could not afford to turn down.

“We have to take that game to give the players the opportunity to test themselves against the best team over the last ten years and it’s not really for us to decide to take that opportunity off them. How many times do we get it? We don’t get it very often. We wanted to make sure they got the chance to play the All Blacks.”

Despite the excitement of playing New Zealand, Tonga’s main focus remained the two-tests against Samoa on 10 and 17 July, from which the aggregate winner will qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023.

“Our one objective this July is to qualify for the World Cup again,” Harding stressed.

“Once we qualify then we can really get stuck into preparing for it: blooding new people, blooding new players, blooding new staff, but until that’s done then everything is up in the air. It has to be the number one priority.”

Most of Tonga’s European based players will not be able to travel to New Zealand for the qualifying matches, because of the requirement to quarantine for 14 on arrival, but Toutai Kefu and his staff were working hard to put together the strongest squad possible, Harding said.

“All the original planning was done about the majority of the squad coming from Tongan qualified players living in New Zealand and the majority of the squad will be based around those sort of players.

“We’re in this situation that we can’t control so we’re doing whatever we can to make sure we get a good team and a good bunch of staff out there on the day.

“With the talent around, if you look through ITM Cup (NPC in New Zealand) and Super Rugby teams there’s a lot of Tongans who can play and play well, and we’re doing our very best to convince them to play for Tonga.”

A venue for the first test between Tonga and Samoa on 10 July is yet to be confirmed, with the All Blacks hosting Fiji at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on the same day.

All four teams will take part in a double-header the following weekend at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

Tongan ‘rising star’ MMA boxer fights for his life in hospital after central Auckland brawl; family asks for prayers

By
Kaniva Staff
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The family and cousins of a Tongan young father who is currently fighting for his life in Auckland hospital are asking for prayers and positive thoughts for their son.

Liufau Vake. Photo/Supplied

Liufau Vake is being treated with serious injuries after he was attacked in central Auckland early Sunday morning May 16.

Police said officers responded to reports of a group of people fighting on Symonds St in central Auckland at about 3am.

The incident happened near the intersections with Khyber Pass Rd and Newton Rd in Eden Terrace, just south of the CBD.

Two people were taken into custody. Police said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter.

Vake’s uncle-in-law Veili Pāongo shared photos of the victim’s family and friends rallying at his bedsides this evening and asking for prayers.

He said members of the UFC Tongan Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fight community including coach Lolo Heimuli were at the hospital.

Vake is a talented fighter and people around him looked up to him because he was “a rising star” in his boxing field, Pāongo said.

Tongan young father dies unexpectedly in his sleep – now family trying to get his body home

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tongan Recognised Seasonal Worker (RSE) who we have reported his death this morning has died after a suspected heart attack while he was asleep.

Fuifuikula ‘O Lofakaitamaki ‘Ealelei. Photo/Supplied (cropped)

The death of Fuifuikula ‘O Lofakaitamaki ‘Ealelei, 36, from Haveluloto, Tongatapu was referred to a corona.

His co-workers attempted to wake him up on Sunday May 16 at 12pm before they realised he was dead, RSE Liaison Officer in New Zealand Sefita Hao’uli told Kaniva News this afternoon.

‘Ealelei died at the Mr Apple Tongan RSE worker’s accommodation at Williams St, Hastings.

Police and emergency services attended the scene.

The deceased’s family and next of kin were contacted in Tonga.

They got a chance yesterday to watch ‘Ealelei’s body on a live video stream, Hao’uli said.

His family are now working together with Tongan and New Zealand authorities to bring his body back home to Tonga.

The young father is survived by his wife and their two children.

A prayer vigil for ‘Ealelei is being conducted by the Tongan RSE workers in Hastings.

There are now 1162 Tongan workers in New Zealand.

Samoa court dismisses call for second election

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

Samoa’s Supreme Court has thrown out the Head of State’s decision to call a second election, clearing the path for the newcomer FAST party to form a government.

Samoa's parliament
Samoa’s parliament Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Announcing the second election earlier this month, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II told Samoans it was the best way to break the political deadlock that emerged after last month’s election.

However the court today found that he had no constitutional power to call for the election while outstanding matters relating to April’s election were still unresolved.

This decision follows another ruling by the court earlier today which gave FAST an electoral majority, by voiding the addition of an un-elected extra women’s seat.

The sixth women’s seat had created the deadlock between FAST and the caretaker government HRPP party following last month’s general election.

It is expected that FAST’s leader Fiame Naomi Mata’afa will call for parliament to be re-called so as she can declare a government.

Fiame would become Samoa’s first woman prime minister.

More to come…

Extra seat thrown out, FAST wins Samoa election

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

The Supreme Court in Samoa has thrown out the electoral office’s decision to appoint an extra woman member of parliament.

It means the decision breaks a month-long deadlock from the April election, handing the newcomer FAST party a majority.

The Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi party leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa
The Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi party leader, Fiame Naomi Mataafa Photo: RNZ Pacific/Tipi Autagavaia

The electoral office last month added the extra seat purportedly to meet a provision in the constitution that 10 percent of seats are reserved for women.

That extra seat fell to the caretaker HRPP government, creating a 26-all deadlock.

But the Supreme Court today returned a unanimous verdict ruling that decision was unconstitutional.

However, this decision was the premise for the head of state’s controversial call for a snap election, scheduled for Friday.

Whether that call was constitutional is to be ruled on this afternoon by the Supreme Court.

All Blacks to play Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ and is republished with permission

The All Blacks will play at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland for the first time when they host Tonga in July.

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the dates and venues for the Tests against Tonga and Fiji.

Italy were originally scheduled to tour here, but cancelled due to concerns around travelling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The All Blacks will play Tonga at the Warriors home ground on July 3rd, the following Saturday they’ll play Fiji in Dunedin and then a week later they’ll meet Fiji again in Hamilton.

There are two double-headers with Mt Smart also hosting the Maori All Blacks against Manu Samoa, while Waikato Stadium will also host the World Cup qualifier between Tonga and Samoa.

It will be the first time the All Blacks have played back-to-back Tests against Fiji.

The All Blacks have played Fiji nine times before, but not since 2011 in what was the final Test match at Carisbrook in Dunedin. The first match against Fiji was in Suva in 1974, with the All Blacks pipping the home side that day 14-13.

New Zealand Rugby NZR CEO Mark Robinson said: “We know the passionate All Blacks and Māori All Blacks fans, together with the fanatical Pasifika fans, will make these game days very special occasions.”

Fiji Rugby Chief Executive John O’Connor said: “We would like to thank New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby for their support in giving us this great opportunity for our players and, likewise, our coaching panel.

He added that, despite Fiji facing a second wave of COVID-19, Flying Fijians Head Coach Vern Cotter was trying everything possible to assemble the best Fijian team to take on the All Blacks, after a lapse of ten years.

Tonga Rugby Union CEO Peter Harding said: “The Tonga Rugby Union is proud to be presented with the opportunity to play the All Blacks. The connection between the two countries is very strong and this connection is amplified through rugby.”

The All Blacks last played Tonga in Hamilton in 2019 ahead of the Rugby World Cup and have played ‘Ikale Tahi six times.

Meanwhile, Manu Samoa will also play a second RWC 2023 Qualifying match against Tonga, with further details on that match to be confirmed at a later date.

The All Blacks schedule for The Rugby Championship, as well as an additional Bledisloe Cup Test, will be announced in due course, with Eden Park and Wellington’s SKY Stadium expected to host a number of games.

All Blacks vs Tonga, Saturday 3 July, 7.05PM, plus Māori All Blacks vs Manu Samoa (kick-off TBC), Mt Smart Stadium, AUCKLAND

All Blacks vs Fiji, Saturday 10 July, 7.05PM, Forsyth Barr Stadium, DUNEDIN

All Blacks vs Fiji, Saturday 17 July, 7.05PM, plus Tonga vs Samoa (kick-off TBC), FMG Stadium Waikato, HAMILTON

Tongan seasonal worker dies in Hawkes Bay

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan Seasonal Worker has died in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, it has been confirmed to Kaniva News this morning.

No further details were provided.

The death comes about nine month after New Zealand authorities said they were concerned about the well being of Pacific Island workers still unable to return home and says Tongan authorities must help out.

At the time, it was reported that some 487 workers from Tonga and 763 from Vanuatu were registered as requiring urgent repatriation.

Johnny Appleseed director Paul Paynter reportedly said it was not acceptable that young vulnerable men had been left in New Zealand. He said the Tongan government needed to be more pro-active.

READ MORE:

As we reported in August last year, about 7000 Tongans became stuck overseas because of the border closures.

CEO Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi of the Ministry of Internal Affairs told Kaniva News at the time the government could not just prioritise RSE workers.

He said the number of rooms in the quarantine facilities and the number of front line workers at the isolation facilities were also a significant issue.

Meanwhile, two repatriation flights are planned for June from Auckland, New Zealand, and Brisbane, Australia.

Tongan authorities said a plan has now been in place for repatriated passengers to start paying for their quarantine starting on 28 July.

Each passenger is expected to pay TOP$4,000 for their quarantine.

Tongan suspect sought after man killed in Melbourne drive-by shooting

By
Kaniva Staff
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Melbourne Police said they are still looking for the suspect who killed a father-of-five in a drive-by shooting on Westwood Drive in Ravenhall in February.

Detectives have released CCTV of the ute believed to be involved in the incident. (Supplied Nine)

Police believed it may have been a case of mistaken identity as police probe whether bikie gangs or community groups were involved in the crime “gone wrong”.

Deer Park man Ikenasio Tuivasa, 33, known to family and friends as ‘Sio’ was standing outside the All Star Lounge on Westwood Drive in Ravenhall with his two younger brothers, cousins and family friends, when he was shot dead by a moving vehicle just before midnight on February 27 this year, 9News reports.

“Investigators have been told a Toyota Hilux SR5 ute approached the group and stopped on the roadway, with a passenger calling out in Tongan language to gain their attention, before producing a gun and “firing a number of shots”, it said.

Sio died from his injuries and a 24-year-old Endeavour Hills man who was standing nearby was also injured.

The ute then sped away towards Ballarat Road and was last seen travelling on the Western Highway towards Rockbank, in the city’s west.

Despite “extensive enquiries”, Homicide Squad detectives are yet to establish a clear motive for the shooting, prompting theories of mistaken identity in a feud between bikie gangs or Pacific Islander groups.

“Homicide detectives have made extensive enquiries into Mr Tuivasa’s background, along with the other people who were present that night and found no discernible motive for the crime,” Detective Inspector Tim Day said.

“There is nothing in his background that suggests that he would have been targeted.

“They’ve either mucked it up targeting the wrong group, or fired indiscriminately into the crowd.”

Police have identified a number of other altercations leading up to the shooting involving Pacific Islander community members near the billiards lounge and other similar venues in Melbourne’s north.

Covid-19: King and Queen receive vaccinations

By
Kalino Latu
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The king and the Queen of Tonga have received Covid-19 vaccinations, the Ministry of Health has said.

Photo/ Ministry of Health (cropped)

It said the vaccinations were administered this morning Saturday 15 by the Ministry’s vaccination team led by the Minister for Health, Honourable Associate Professor ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu.

“His Majesty King Tupou VI, reigning King of Tonga and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u received their first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine today, Saturday 15 May 2021, 10am at Vaiola Hospital,” it said.

The team included Acting CEO for Health Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa, Royal Physician Dr Sione Latu, lead vaccinator Sr Afu Tei and supporting physicians and nurses.

King Tupou VI receives vaccination. Photo/Ministry of Health (cropped)

“This is a historical event for Tonga and the Ministry of Health is proud to have achieved this milestone during the national vaccination rollout here in Tonga. Long may Your Majesties live!”

Meanwhile, New Zealand has promised to top up the amount of Tonga’s Vaccination programmes using vaccines from the global COVAX programme.

“New Zealand is following up its commitment to equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines by donating enough for 800,000 people through the COVAX Advance Market Commitment. These doses will go to developing countries, with a focus on the Pacific,” said New Zealand’s Associate Health and Foreign Affairs minister Aupito William Sio.

Tonga is still Covid-19 free.

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