Four different funeral services were expected to be held in Vava’u this week after the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa docked at the Puatalefusi wharf this afternoon Wednesday 21.
One of the four deceased taken away from the wharf. Photo/Supplied
The inter-island ferry brought the deceased from various places in Tongatapu including Niua Toputapu.
Among them was a church minister and teacher Rev Sione Hautau Taufa.
He was the Free Wesleyan Church superintendent in Niua Toputapu.
People from around Tonga’s teaching and church communities have expressed their shock and sadness at the sudden death of Hautau.
They took his death into heart not only because of their special connections but the fact that people who have professions and chose to serve the two Niuas – Niua Toputapu and Niua Fo’ou, have hearts of gold.
These were people who vowed to walk extra mile to make sure government services, good education and religious teachings reached the two islands which are regarded as the most remote islands in the world. Normally a vessel and an aircraft from Tongatapu arrives at the Niuas once a month with passengers, goods for the shops, petrol and mail.
“We were anointed together (with Hautau) during the Free Wesleyan Church conference 1999 and he was a friend at the church’s mission. Love his wife Meliame, the children and the kāinga. May God gives you tranquility and calm through this very difficult time of mourning. Rest In Peace Sione Hautau,” a heartfelt tribute posted to Facebook by Rev Dr Nasili Vaka’uta.
Samoan Independent MP, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, has confirmed he will join the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party following more than a week of post-election deliberations.
The Samoa Observer reports the decision comes hours after the paper revealed that as part of his negotiations with both parties, Tuala had asked HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi to stand down, as a condition of the party securing his vote.
Tuala’s announcement, and creation of an additional parliamentary seat last night leaves Parliament in a 26-26 deadlock.
Samoa Independent MP, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponfasio, Photo: Social Media
Parties are only given 45 days after election day to form a government.
The villages of Mauga, Patamea, Samalaeulu and Saleaula gathered at Samalaeulu and hosted an ava ceremony for Tuala.
The decision was met with loud applause and cheers from the constituents gathered.
The constituency will formally present Tuala to FAST on Friday this week.
The creation of an additional parliamentary seat
Votes being tallied during the general election in Apia (file photo) Photo: AFP or licensors
Samoa’s Head of State has declared that an additional seat has been added after an article in the country’s constitution, regarding female representation, was activated.
Article 44(1A) requires that a minimum of 10 percent of Parliament’s seats be occupied by female members.
In a public notice last night the Electoral Commission Office announced that the Article had been activated because the election results had not met the 10 percent threshold. Rather, “Only 9.8 percent of the women membership was achieved after the general election”.
The extra seat was allocated to the female candidate who came closest to winning an electorate seat.
In the current circumstances the new seat has gone to the former chair for the Parliamentary public accounts committee, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuu’au, who represents the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).
She is the sixth woman to be sworn in for the new Parliamentary term.
The 2021 general election result means six women will take seats in the new 52 seat Parliament.
Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) has been dismissed permanently from International Rugby League (IRL) after the decision was upheld by a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) verdict yesterday.
Speaker Lord Fakafanua also the president of Tonga Ma’a Tonga National Rugby League
The TNRL was expelled from the International Rugby League (IRL) in March last year, after a long-running battle over governance, money and a threatened player boycott.
CAS confirmed on Tuesday the resolution of the IRL’s Board to expel the TNRL from its membership had been upheld, after a two-day hearing was held in December.
The President of the IRL’s appointed rugby governing body Tonga Ma’a Tonga (TMT), Lord Fakafanua, told Kaniva News this morning he was “relieved” at the verdict.
Asked what TMT next move will be, he said: “This is a matter for the board to decide however, the biggest priority is preparing a team for the next international fixtures”.
The 2021 Rugby League World Cup is expected to be held in England between 23 October 2021 and 27 November 2021.
The IRL has sole responsibility for deciding which organisation controls IRL’s games in Tonga.
This means any local rugby league governing body which wanted to become a member of the IRL must apply to the IRL for membership status.
TMT is now the sole governing body recognised by IRL.
Lord Fakafanua said he would welcome it if TNRL and TMT were merged.
“TNRL is a separate entity with Mate Ma’a Tonga. I would welcome the restoration of TNRL and Mate Ma’a Tonga on the international stage but this is a conversation that must be initiated between TMT and TNRL”.
The 12 sequestered jurors considered three weeks of testimony from 45 witnesses, including bystanders, police officials and medical experts, along with hours of video evidence in the most high-profile US case involving accusations of police misconduct in decades.
Chauvin, who is white, pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree “depraved mind” murder and second-degree manslaughter.
All three charges required that jurors find that Chauvin’s acts were a “substantial causal factor” in Floyd’s death, but none require that they find he intended to kill Floyd.
In an arrest captured on video, Chauvin pushed his knee into the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old handcuffed Black man, for more than nine minutes outside the grocery store where Floyd had been accused of buying cigarettes with a fake $20 bill.
Floyd’s relatives, many of them travelling from Texas, have taken turns sitting in a single chair reserved for them in the courtroom.
Derek Chauvin, right, in court during the trial. Photo: AFP / Court TV
The jury is comprised of four white women, two white men, three Black men, one Black woman and two multiracial women, according to court records. The court has promised to shield their identities until some time after they give their verdict. Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill presided over the trial.
The courthouse is surrounded by high barricades and guarded by National Guard troops. Many downtown businesses have boarded up their windows for fear of a repeat of the violent street clashes that unfolded last year between police in riot gear and protesters, some of whom set fire to a police precinct house and damaged nearby property.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday confirmed the International Rugby League’s (IRL) dismissal of Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) from the international sport body.
William Edwards. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koro Vaka’uta
IRL suspended TNRL in 2019 after the Tongan governing sport body sacked the Mate Ma’a Tonga coach Kristian Woolf citing leaked information which contained what it described as “inaccuracies”.
The information was allegedly part of a letter of concern written by a group of players to the International Federation, the National Rugby League (NRL), the government and other stakeholders in August 2020.
The group including key players Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita sent the letter in support of Woolf and wanting him to stay.
The dispute divided the country, international and local rugby league players and fans as well as two governments – the current Tu’i’onetoa government and the outgoing government which was led by former Acting Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika.
Two rugby league bodies were established and existed as a result with one under the Mate Ma’a Tonga banner supported by the disgraced TNRL, and the Tonga Ma’a Tonga (TMT) with its new international rugby league team known as Kau To’a, under the control of newly appointed president Lord Speaker Fakafanua and Chairman Sika.
The TMT was appointed by an IRL implementation committee.
The Tu’i’onetoa government supported TNRL and following TMT appointment it released a press release saying, it held strong reservations regarding the Implementation Committee, “including the appropriateness of the proposed governance structure, the composition of its membership and the institutional arrangement.”
It also said it still recognised the TNRL as the governing body in the kingdom and was awaiting the outcome of its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The appeal
TNRL, through its Secretary and lawyer, William Clive Edward, appealed its expulsion before the sport’s highest court in Switzerland in December.
CAS made its decision and said yesterday in a statement that TNRL had refused to cooperate with the IRL’s investigation and failed to consider good governance recommendations.
“The panel of CAS arbitrators … established that expulsion was a proportional disciplinary sanction for TNRL’s failure to comply with its IRL membership duties,” Reuter reports.
By Barbara Dreaver, One News/TVNZ and is republished with permission
Fiji authorities will lock down cities Nadi and Lautoka for at least two more weeks after fears a Covid-positive case may have spread the virus at a funeral.
In a media conference , rime Minister Frank Bainimarama says it is highly likely there will be more cases.
Authorities were put on alert after a soldier at a Nadi quarantine facility tested positive in a routine weekly test and it is believed he contracted the virus from a couple who had returned from India.
While he has not gone into the community, he came into contact with a 53-year-old maid who was cleaning his room after he returned there sooner than expected.
The woman returned back home and attended a two-day funeral which she travelled to in a mini van with other passengers.
Nadi, Fiji, on first day of Covid-19 lockdown Source: Supplied
Bainimarama says what is concerning is she had symptoms late last week but didn’t notify anyone or get tested.
“This situation is rapidly evolving and like we always have the Government will keep you updated every step of the way,” he said.
Anyone needing to go back into the lockdown areas have 24 hours to do so but wont be able to leave for two weeks. Only essential services will be open.
All schools around Fiji have had their holidays brought forward and are closed for three weeks from tomorrow, there are to be no religious gatherings and social distancing and contact tracing is to be activated.
It was hugs and tears all round today as family and friends reunited on the first day of the trans-Tasman bubble.
A passenger on the first quarantine-free flight into Auckland embraces with a loved one Photo: RNZ/ Dan Cook
Thousands of people flew into New Zealand today from Australia on quarantine-free flights.
RNZ photographers and reporters were at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown airports capturing the emotional reunions on camera.
Reporter Tess Brunton and camera operator Simon Rogers – both Australians – were on the first flight leaving Auckland this morning, heading to Sydney.
Passengers leaving Auckland on first day of trans-Tasman bubble Photo: RNZ/ Simon Rogers
By 9.30am, 10 flights had departed Auckland for Australia and Brunton and Rogers had almost arrived in Australia. They were welcomed at Sydney Airport by drag queens and Kylie Minogue’s Can’t Get You Out Of My Head blaring over the loud speaker.
Drag queens welcome visitors to Australia on the first day of the trans-Tasman bubble Photo: RNZ/ Tess Brunton
Meanwhile, in Auckland, people were starting to gather to welcome loved ones arriving from Australia.
A boy holds a ‘welcome home’ sign as families wait for people on board the first flight from Sydney to Auckland under the trans-Tasman bubble arrangement. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Air New Zealand estimated roughly three-quarters of passengers crossing the ditch today would be family and friends reuniting after months apart.
Auckland Airport’s ‘welcome back’ sign Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The first commercial flight to arrive from Australia was from Sydney. It arrived in Auckland about 12.30pm, an hour after it was due.
A passenger gives a thumbs-up as he walks into the arrivals hall after flying from Sydney to Auckland Airport Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
An emotional reunion after the first flight from Australia arrives in Auckland Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
So many happy moments Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
So many smiles Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Lily was at the airport waiting for her best friend Lilli. She said the two of them cried on the phone when she booked her flight.
Lily awaiting her best friend Lilli. She says the two of them cried on the phone when she booked her flight. Photo: RNZ/ Kate Gregan
Finally, Lilli arrived.
Photo: RNZ/ Dan Cook
Wellington Airport had not received any international passengers through its terminal in more than a year – until today.
Workers created a big black ‘welcome whānau’ sign yesterday, just in time for the trans-Tasman bubble flights.
A passenger is reunited with loved ones after the first quarantine-free Wellington flight from Australia disembarks. Photo: Samuel Rillstone
A passenger is reunited with loved ones after the first quarantine-free Wellington flight from Auckland disembarks. Photo: Samuel Rillstone
Christchurch also welcomed its first quarantine-free flight this afternoon.
A soft touch and kiss as loved ones reunite at Christchurch Airport Photo: RNZ/ Nate McKinnon
Loved ones embrace at Christchurch Airport Photo: RNZ/ Nate McKinnon
Queenstown Airport had a band, face painters and stilt performers ready to welcome people arriving from Australia.
Stilt performers stand by to welcome visitors to Queenstown. Photo: RNZ / Belinda McCammon
After touching down, the first quarantine-free flight into Queenstown went through the water arch – a salute to welcome the special visitors.
Photo: RNZ/ Belinda McCammon
Passengers onboard Qantas Flight 121 were welcomed by cheers from the ground crew.
People prepare to welcome loved ones from across the ditch Photo: RNZ/ Belinda McCammon
About 100 passengers were onboard the flight, the first into the town in 387 days.
An emotional reunion as loved ones greet each other at Queenstown Airport Photo: RNZ/ Belinda McCammon
This Canberra couple were on the first flight into Queenstown. They’ve never been to the resort town before, but made the special trip for their honeymoon.
The man who killed a Tongan New Zealand resident father who visited Tonga last year, in a drink-driving crash has been sent to jail.
‘Aisea Kaifa. Photo/Facebook
In the Supreme Court on Tuesday last week, Simione Ikahihifo, 55, was jailed for seven years and six months, for drink-driving and speeding causing the death of ‘Aisea Kaifa, 66.
Judge Laki Niu said Ikahihifo “knowingly drove” while he was already drunk.
“You knew very well what you were doing, namely, that you were drunk and that you should not be driving. Yet you chose to drive at excessive speed, such that you had to overtake the vehicle in front of you – knowing very well there was another vehicle coming towards you”, the judge said.
When police asked Ikahihifo about what happened he chose not to say anything and did not cooperate.
The judge said: “You did not want to take the responsibility for your action. I consider that you have only pleaded guilty because the evidence against you were overwhelming”.
Mr Niu said he considered that the mitigation and reduction of the starting point from 9 years to seven and a half years have been generous to Ikahihifo.
“Any further reduction of that term by way of suspension will weaken the deterrence which can only be achieved if the actual time you serve is kept to the half way mark of seven years six months”.
Ikahihifo was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment for dangerous driving causing death.
For dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm he was sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment. Both sentences are to be served concurrently, so that he only serve a total of seven years six months imprisonment.
Mr Niu said Ikahihifo “deliberately chose to overtake”, a vehicle knowing that the oncoming vehicle was right up close to him and that he might collide with it.
The driver of that on-coming vehicle was Kaifa.
“He was so taken by surprise, that all he could do was shout “Oiaue!”
Ikahihifo’s vehicle and his vehicle crashed into each other.
Kaifa died instantly as a result of the crash.
His foster daughter, ‘Ana Na’a, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of Kaifa’s vehicle suffered severe fractures to both her legs and other injuries.
The court was told Ikahihifo apologised to the deceased’s daughter and sought her forgiveness for what he did. The daughter did forgive him wholeheartedly, not only for herself but also for all her siblings.
Ikahihifo’s sisters in the U.S. sent their condolences and sympathies to the family of the deceased. They also sent them nearly US$10,000 to help with the shipping of Kaifa’s body to New Zealand, the court judgement read.
The trial of the Minister of Infrastructure, Tourism and Transport Akosita Lavulavu and her husband ‘Etuate Lavulavu will take about two months, it has been estimated.
(L-R) Opposition Leader Semisi Sika and Tourism Minister Akosita Lavulavu
The couple have been accused of knowingly dealing with forged documents and obtaining credit by false pretences. They first appeared in court last week, April 12.
In a separate trial which began last month, they have been accused of using forged documents in a land lease deal.
‘Etuate has a long history of court appearances and convictions in Tonga and the United States.
No more excuses
Opposition Leader Semisi Sika believes there are no more excuses for Akosita to continue in her various ministerial roles on full pay when she is expected to spend most of her times in court.
Sika’s second call came after Akosita rejected his first call saying there were no legal basis for her to resign.
All ministers who resigned in the past in Tonga, including one who was at the centre of an allegation in New Zealand, did so because they were connected to allegations.
Trials vs ministerial duties
“The thing is she will try to pursue two different things at once, and I tell you she will fail at both,” Sika told Kaniva News.
Sika said he was also concerned at what he described as “diversionary tactics” he claimed Akosita had used to keep public attention diverted from the allegations.
The Leader of the PTOA party said he believed Akosita attempted to expend emotions on the reinstatement of the Tonga Tourism Authority Board (TTAB) and to distract the public from targeting them amidst their serious fraud allegations.
“The problem here is that she would tend to make unthoughtful decision because of the pressure, and you can see that happening when she reinstated the Tourism Authority Board last week with a budget of $1.5 million,” Sika said.
Sika said the country’s economy was currently on life support and it was important for the country’s leaders to act prudently and work smart.
“How on earth can a small country which relies heavily on New Zealand and Australia’s funding for more than 50 percent of its annual budget spend $TP1.5 million to set up and pay a board of directors with no experiences at all in tourism to advise the government on the tourism industry that is currently being devastated by the coronavirus pandemic?” Sika asked.
Sika said the move may have been justified if the Minister used the money to help boost the local tourism operators.
“These businesses are facing increasing compliance costs as they struggle to keep their heads above water with no international visitors,” Sika said.
TTAB appointment can be delayed
It took the Minister more than a year to reinstate the TTAB, something her critics believed should have set a precedent for the Minister to delay the TTAB reinstatement further because of border closures.
The Tonga Tourist Association wrote to the Minister and asked her to defer the reinstatement of the TTAB and wait until borders open, a process critics believed she could work around it to give space for the tourism businesses’ request.
When Akosita took up the Tourism ministerial seat in 2019 one of her first move was to revive the previous whale watching licensing policy which was restricted under the previous Minister.
Revival policy
Akosita suddenly stopped her revival process and restricted the number of licences again amid reports the king was concerned about the increasing numbers of approved operators in Vava’u.
Her handling of that restriction led to the minster being sued after she denied six whale watching operator license applications.
The Supreme Court eventually quashed her decision and ruled that the Minister must pay the plaintiffs’ court fees.
As Kaniva News reported recently, the Minister came under the spotlight after the Chief Magistrate asked the Attorney General to take a look at Akosita’s Traffic and Roads Laws 2020. The Magistrate believes the laws were flawed.
She has been accused of being insensitive after she refused to waive or defer payments of whale watching operators’ licence fees due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She said she has no power under the law to do so.
FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA
‘Oku fakafuofua ‘e nofo fale hopo ‘a e Ministaa’ ni ‘i ha mei mahina ‘e ua ke fai ‘ene hopo tukuaki’i kākaa’i e pa’anga tukuhau ‘a e kakai’ taimi tatau ‘e kei vahe kakato pe ‘i hono lakanga minisitaa’ ka ‘e ‘ikai taimi kakato ia ke fai hono ngaahi ngafa fakaminisitaa’. Kuo toe ui ai e taki Fa’ahi Fakaanga’ kia Akosita Lavulavu mo pehē ‘oku ‘ikai ha toe ‘uhinga ka ko e pau ke ne fakafisi leva ‘o fai ‘ene hopo kae ‘atā e sea fakaminisitā ki ha taha kehe he ‘oku lolotonga lahi e launga fekau’aki mo ‘ene ngaahi potungāue’. ‘Oku ‘ikai fea ke ne vahe kakato mei he tukuhau ‘a e kakai kae ‘alu ia ‘o nofo fale hopo he’ene me’a fakataautaha ia ‘a’ana.
Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea, of Tonga Police said the firearms incident occurred at a residence in Kolomotu’a, Matangi Tonga Online reports.
