Tonga Chief Secretary has written to church leaders and invited them to participate in the national fasting and prayer services conducted by the government in ‘Eua.
Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Edgar Cocker. Photo/Kalino Lātū (Kaniva Tonga News)
The services began at 5pm on Saturday and ended at 7pm on Sunday 20.
Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Edgar Cocker told the church leaders Tonga was still Covid-19 free because God looked after Tonga well.
He said this was a prayer and fasting services for their congregations, Tongans in Tonga and overseas, a copy of the letters seen by Kaniva News says.
It came after Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa has warned his critics last year not to resist the fasting and prayer tour programme.
Tu’i’onetoa believed Tonga has no cases of Covid-19 because of the fasting.
The Government’s fasting and prayer tours have not come without a price.
The first visit to ‘Eua last year, which ran from October 10 -11 was estimated to have cost TOP$100,000. It has been criticised as a waste of money.
The spouses of Cabinet members on tour were paid travel allowances.
At the time, the government has been attacked online, with many deeming it hypocritical and pharisaical and claiming the tours were a cover for other activity. The tours have also been criticised as really being a political campaign by the government’s People’s Party because of November’s general election.
Last year Parliament had to close while Cabinet toured the outer islands and again this week it was closed while they were in ‘Eua to join the Free Wesleyan Church’s annual conference and to conduct the government’s fasting campaign.
The prime minister is being accused of failing to take action against convicted Cabinet Minister ‘Akosita. .
A Fiji family is mourning the loss of their son after he was killed in the devastating tornado that hit South Auckland on Saturday.
Janesh Prasad. Photo: Supplied
Mechanic Janesh Prasad was working at a freight hub when the tornado swept him up and he struck a container.
Prasad was carrying out repairs when the tornado hit.
He leaves a wife and two children aged 13 and 10.
Family friend Reg Prasad described him as a much-loved man.
“It’s an absolutely terrible shock to his family and his wife is absolutely shattered,” Reg Prasad said.
“Wonderful person – he’s got two beautiful kids, young kids growing up.
“He’s just one of these people who just helps out other people in this world, and a wonderful husband to Mala.
“The daughter is obviously very distressed. The younger son, it hasn’t sunk in quite yet,” Reg Prasad said.
Photo: Ben Wilson
Janesh Prasad hails from Fiji’s northern town of Labasa.
His father, Ram Naresh, told local media the family is devastated and has been left without any means of support.
Naresh said Janesh was his eldest son and the family breadwinner.
Janesh had lived in Vuci, Nausori, before leaving for New Zealand in 2014, Naresh said.
The 75-year-old said he last spoke with his son two weeks ago and Janesh was concerned about his parents’ well-being due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Fiji.
Naresh said his son was a hardworking man who looked after his family well.
Naresh said he would have to rely on the government to take care of his 67 year-old wife and their disabled daughter.
He also said he would not be able to attend his son’s funeral due to the covid restrictions.
Meanwhile, Reg Prasad has started a Givealittle page to support the family. By Monday, it had raised $NZ44,000.
“We are just so grateful for all New Zealanders to support this family,” he said.
“We’ve had people bringing food, supporting, strangers coming up to the houses and helping out, got a huge network of support coming in at the moment.”
A blessing took place on Sunday at the site where Janesh Prasad had died.
The Tonga men’s rugby team will begin assembling in Tauranga today as they begin preparations to face the All Blacks and Manu Samoa in their first matches since the 2019 World Cup.
‘Ikaletahi Head Coach Toutai Kefu. Photo/One News (screenshot)
Half the squad are new to test rugby, with a number of front-line players unavailable for selection because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
‘Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu admitted finalising a list of 30 players was a challenge.
“Purely because of the Covid restrictions and the restrictions of guys playing overseas so, in that sense, really really difficult but on the positive side you get to explore, investigate new players, so that was interesting.”
22 of the 30-man squad are already based in New Zealand, with four plying their trade in France, two from Australia and one each from Japan and Italy.
Most of the European based players are already part-way through 14 days in quarantine in Auckland and are scheduled to be released a few days before the Tonga face the All Blacks next weekend.
Kefu said the European based players selected were already coming back to New Zealand but more than 20 players turned down the chance to play against New Zealand and Samoa.
“Some of them were actually finishing up in France so we’re quite lucky that they were all coming home,” he said.
“The other guys who were involved with ‘Ikale Tahi before and are in France have decided to stay there, purely because of just the restrictions in terms of travelling, the quarantine, so they decided to actually stay back in France and we totally respect that and we understand that, so we have to manage that.”
Veteran prop Ben Tameifuna is en route to Aotearoa after Bordeaux were beaten by Toulouse yesterday in the French Top 14 semi finals.
He will miss next weekend’s test against the All Blacks while he completes his stint in quarantine, and Kefu said it could be a very inexperienced team that runs out at Mount Smart Stadium.
“We want to have the ability to throw a few punches but…there’s not many times you get to play the All Blacks so this is a massive opportunity for guys,” he said.
“Just looking at our squad I dare say those who will take the field will mainly be guys who have never played for the ‘Ikale Tahi before, so it’s a good opportunity for us to get a look at them under some pressure and in the game situations.”
There are 15 debutants in the Tongan squad, including former New Zealand sevens player Sam Vaka and Japan based winger Hosea Saumaki, who turned down the chance to play for the ‘Ikale Tahi three years ago.
Kefu also has high hopes for Hawkes Bay number eight Solomone Funaki, who was called into the Highlanders squad last month, and Chiefs backrower Viliami Taulani, who made his Super Rugby debut against the Blues in May.
“They’ve got a lot of ITM Cup experience and, not only that, in the last 12 months they’ve been playing very well,” he said.
“They’re fortunate to just recently have some Super Rugby experience as well, so they’re two guys that in our environment it looks like they’ll get some definite game time against the All Blacks. I think those two players will really shine and stand up.”
The ‘Ikale Tahi squad includes half a dozen players who have turned out for the Tongan sevens team in recent years, including Vaka, Funaki, Aisea Halo, John Tapueluelu, Walter Fifita and Fine Inisi.
John Tapueluelu and Aisea Halo are in line to make their test debut. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
“They’re very good young players and we’ve had our eye on them over the last couple of years,” Kefu enthused. “And that’s what the sevens programme is
there for us, is to blood this new talent that’s coming through, and they’ve been very influential in those sevens tournaments over the last couple of years.
“The natural progression (is) if they go really well we’ll bring them into our programme and see how they go…and we have high expectations of them.”
Former All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa, ex Wallabies loose forward Lopeti Timani and former Australian Sevens international Afusipa Taumoepeau are also now eligible to play for the ‘Ikale Tahi after competing at the Olympic Sevens Qualifier in Monaco at the weekend.
While they won’t be available for the July tests, Kefu was excited to have them in the selection mix.
“We have to say thank you to Tevita (Tu’ifua) and Richie (Weightman from the Tonga sevens team) who have done a lot of work behind the scenes to get these players capped
“The normal person wouldn’t see the amount of effort and work that goes into these processing scenarios…and without them this wouldn’t have been able to happen.”
Malakai Fekitoa,Lopeti Timani and Afusipa Taumoepeau are eligible for the ‘Ikale Tahi after playing at the Final Olympic 7s Qualifier. Photo: Tonga Rugby Union
Tonga was outclassed 92-7 when they last played the All Blacks before the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
While the ‘Ikale Tahi want to do well next weekend, Kefu said the two tests against Manu Samoa that follow are what matter most.
“We really want to qualify for that World Cup instead of going to that repechage.”
A 33-year-old male will appear in the Blenheim District Court today charged with murder following the homicide in Blenheim yesterday.
Hiko Lynch. Photo/Supplied
The others charged will appear in due course.
The court appearance came after ten people were arrested yesterday in connection with the murder of 23-year-old Hiko Lynch who was stabbed to death on Market St.
Two Tongans with stabbing wounds remain in hospital in a stable condition, Police said.
It is understood Lynch was out celebrating the birthday of one of the men in hospital.
Police believe the “altercation” related to a fatal stabbing in Blenheim yesterday morning Sunday 20 was between local RSE workers and members of the Rebels gang.
A homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Alaia, is underway.
Marlborough Area Commander Inspector Simon Feltham said further arrests were likely as police continued to investigate.
Police continue to appeal to anyone who may have video footage taken at the Club Envy or around the Market Street area in the early hours of Sunday 20 June.
Any footage can be uploaded by using the following link: https://alaia.nzpolice.org/
Police would like to thank the public that have assisted with their enquires so far.
Ten people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after 23-year-old Hiko Lynch was stabbed to death on Market St, Blenheim, New Zealand this morning.
Hiko Lynch. Photo/Supplied
They have been charged with a range of charges including murder, wounding with intent to cause grevious bodily harm, assault and disorderly behaviour.
The first of those charged will appear in the Blenheim District Court tomorrow.
Police said: “Initial indications suggest the altercation was between local RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) workers and members of the Rebels gang from outside Marlborough”.
The scenes are no longer cordoned off but Police will continue to have an active presence in the area as they continue their investigation into the incident.
The two people in hospital remain in a serious condition.
Lynch arrived in New Zealand from Tonga as a Recognised Seasonal Employer worker. He worked for Hortus farm.
It is understood one of the men in hospital with knife wounds was celebrating his 26th birthday that night. He was also a Hortus employee, while the third worked for a separate RSE company.
Marlborough Area Commander Inspector Simon Feltham said further arrests are likely as Police continue to investigate.
“We acknowledge that today’s incident will be concerning to the wider community.
Police can assure the community that violent crimes will not be tolerated, and we will hold those who offend to account.”
Police continue to ask that anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything that could assist the investigation to get in touch.
A dedicated portal has been set up to allow anyone with images or recordings to upload this information.
It can be accessed via https://alaia.nzpolice.org/
You can also phone Police on 105 and quote event number P046918039 or file number 210620/6521.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously by phoning Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance and cooperation.
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a Tongan man died following an incident on Market St, Blenheim early this morning.
Hiko Lynch. Photo/Supplied
A cousin has identified the victim as Hiko Lynch. He was one of a group of Tongan Recognised Seasonal Employer workers who worked for Hortus in Blenheim.
Police were called to a disorder incident on Market St at about 2:55am, one person died at the scene.
Two people were also seriously injured and taken to hospital where they remain in a serious condition, Marlborough Area Commander Inspector Simon Feltham said.
“Police are speaking to several people in relation to this incident and an investigation is underway. We are also conducting scene examinations today,” Feltham said.
Reports said “members of a gang had been initimidating and eyeballing people in the lead-up to the stabbings”.
A person who had been at the bar told the NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB: “It’s not the normal thing that happens on a night out in Blenheim.
“There was a large presence of motorcycle gang members … I heard they were Rebels.
“I left there about 2.55am and they were closing up, I’m not really sure what happened but heard a scuffle broke out and knives came out and people got stabbed.
“One of them died … and they got chased all over town by police … yeah, it was a crazy morning in Blenheim.”
The witness said the nightclub was “usually fine” and there was not much of a gang presence in Blenheim.
He said it was “shocking”.
“The scenes remain cordoned off and there will be a Police presence in the area as we work to understand the circumstances of these incidents and ensure the community’s safety”, Feltham said.
“Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything that could assist is asked to get in touch.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who may have footage of the incidents.
You can phone Police on 105 and quote job number P046918039.
“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously by phoning CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
Further information will be released when it becomes available”.
One person has been killed and two injured, in the tornado that swept through South Auckland this morning.
Tornado damage in Papatoetoe Photo: Ben Wilson
The storm lifted roofs, toppled trees and sent trampolines flying in the suburb of Papatoetoe at around 8:30am.
A worker was killed when the tornado struck a freight container hub in Wiri Station Road.
Two others were taken to Middlemore Hospital – one is in a moderate condition and the other has minor injuries.
Several containers were toppled by the strong wind.
Ports of Auckland says it operates the site with several other businesses but none of the injured people worked for the company.
It said it is shocked by the freak event and its thoughts are with the people affected.
WorkSafe is investigating the death.
Photo: Ben Wilson
RNZ reporter Katie Doyle, who was at the fire service cordon at Freyburg Avenue in Papatoetoe, described it as carnage saying there had been a lot of damage.
She said the street was strewn with branches and one tree had been completely uprooted. There were pieces of corrugated iron ripped away, power lines down and roof tiles ripped off by the tornado, she said.
Damage at a Papatoetoe house. Photo: RNZ / Katie Doyle
Photo: Ben Wilson
Binpin Thakkar who lives on Hayworth Road, said his whole house shook in the tornado and he feared it would be blown away.
He said he could see roof tiles flying down his street and there is broken glass from shattered windows everywhere.
Thakkar said it was a frightening experience, as the tornado struck with force.
He said at the time trees were flying about and all the fences on his property have been damaged.
“It was very scary, everything inside the house, the whole house was shaking actually, we were thinking the whole house will go away. The outside property damage like glass damage and roof damage and our neighbour’s house tiles were actually flying.”
He said neighbours are rallying to help to clean up the damage.
There is a heavy police presence in the areas most affected by the tornado.
MetService meteorologist Andrew James said the tornado was due to a front that moved towards Auckland overnight.
James said the bad weather has now moved away from Auckland.
Downed trees after the tornado Photo: RNZ / Katie Doyle
A Tongan general practitioner in Darwin was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to medicine through a range of roles.
Dr Albert Tonga
78 year-old Dr Albert Tonga has been looking after the health of Territorians from the Red Centre to Top End for more than 35 years and He has no plans to stop any time soon, North Territory News reported.
He has been honoured as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Dr Tonga who was born in Tonga and raised in New Zealand moved to the NT after a five year stint in New Castle to work in his true field of interest – rural medicine.
He started in Alice Springs where he spent nine years working at the hospital – first as a medical officer, then as director of medical services and with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
He then moved to Tenant Creek, where he set up his own GP practice and assisted at the hospital and aged-care facilities.
He worked in the town for a total of 14 years.
“I was the only GP for thousands of square kilometres “, he reportedly said.
“That’s a big task for any one little fella.”
In 2006 Dr Tonga moved to Darwin where he worked as GP at the Woods Street Surgery and Casuarina Night and Day Surgery, an examiner with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a visiting medical officer at several Darwin City Medical Practice which set up in 2008.
Dr Tonga said he felt very privileged for his work to be recognised with an OAM.
I feel very honoured and blessed,” he said.
I think it’s a marvelous journey I’ve been on through many decades and a lot of people will not ever get to experience that.
“To me, it should be an encouragement to the graduates in the medical profession to think about working rural.
Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has threatened to fire Tonga Power Ltd director Paul Chapman.
Tu’i’onetoa has also put Chapman’s monthly director and meeting fees on hold.
Chapman was told he was “incompetence, neglect of duty, misconduct, or failing to assist the public enterprise to act in accordance with the principal objective.” Mr Chapman has “vehemently denied” this.
The director was given 14 days to make a response or his contract would be terminated.
Veteran journalist Kalafi Moala first published a story on Chapman and the prime minister last week.
Moala described Chapman as a person “who has been perceived by the TPL Board as someone who is not only a dissenter when he does not see things eye to eye with them, but can also be direct in his communication”.
Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa, who is also the Minister of Public Enterprises, is expected to make a “final decision” when receiving a response from Chapman.
Tu’i’onetoa is being accused of refusing repeatedly to take immediate action against convicted Cabinet Minister Akosita Lavulavu after she and her disgraced husband Etuate Lavylavu defrauded more than half a million pa’anga of the government school grant scheme.
In a surprising political twist yesterday Friday 18, Tu’i’onetoa has placed Akoslita on leave, amid mounting calls and pressures for him to sack Akosita.
It is uncertain whether she will be paid while she is on leave.
Tu’i’onetoa has been accused of constantly shifting justifications to defend his refusal to take action against Akosita. He told his critics he cannot sack Akosita until the court due process is completed referring to the constitution clause 23 which allows a convict to remain in office if they have sought leave to appeal their sentencing.
However his critics said the prime minister has sole power given by clause 51(3)(a) of the constitution to take immediate actions against Akosita.
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary of Health, James Fong, reports there have been 115 new cases of Covid-19 in the past day.
Most of the cases can be traced to existing clusters or localities where significant transmission has occurred.
21 have been identified as primary contacts of previous cases and are under investigation by the contact tracing teams to determine if there is a cluster link.
There has been another death at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Health, James Fong Photo: Fiji Govt
This 49 year old man was being treated for a severe pre-existing condition and his doctors are currently investigating whether his death is due to Covid-19.
To date there have been 6 deaths but another 7 Covid-19 positive patients have died of pre-existing illnesses.
There are 1182 active cases in isolation, with Fiji having recorded 1578 cases since the latest outbreak started in April 2021.
Dr Fong said since April, 121,193 samples have been tested, with averag daily testing now at 3443.
In terms of vaccinations, “43% of Fijians 18 and older have received their first dose, and 2.1% are fully vaccinated. That is a total of 252,791 who have received at least one dose and 12,246 who are fully vaccinated,” he said.
