The 2025 general election in Tonga has officially begun with Fotofili confirmed as the Noble Representative for the Ongo Niua constituency—after standing as the sole candidate.
Some of the people’s representative candidates (L-R): Former Minister and current MP for Tt9 Sevenitiini Toumo’ua, returning candidate and former DPM Sēmisi Sika of Tt2, new candidate for Tt10 Faka’osi Maama; current Minister of Customs and MP for Tt4 Māteni Tapueluelu and returning candidate for Tt6 Fane Fituafe. Photo/Faka’osi Maama
His unopposed election signals the start of the national voting process, with residents set to head to the polls on November 20.
The final count of registered candidates has now surpassed 90, following the close of the nomination period today, October 9.
Tongatapu 7 and Tongatapu 8 have attracted the highest number of candidates for the people’s representative seats, with seven each.
They are followed by Tongatapu 6 and Tongatapu 12, which have six candidates each.
The high number of contenders reflects strong public interest in this year’s election, which will shape the next term of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly.
Nobility Candidates:
Tongatapu:
1. Lasike
2. Ma’afu
3. Nuku
4. Tuívakano
5. Vaea
6. Veéhala
Vava’u:
1. Fulivai
2. Luani
3. Tuíáfitu
4. Tuílakepa
Ha’apai:
1. Fakafanua
2. Tu’iha’angana
3. Tu’iha’ateiho
Éua:
1. Lasike
2. Nuku
3. Tuívakano
4. Veéhala
Ongo Niua:
1. Fotofili
Peoples Representative Candidates
Tongtapu 1:
1. Tevita Fatafehi Pukola, Ísileli
2. Siaosi Vailahi Pohiva, Halaóvave
3. Éliesa Fifita, Tufuenga
Tongatapu 2:
1. Úhilamoelangi Fasi, Kolofoóu
2. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika, Haveluloto
Tongatapu 3:
1. Siaosi Ófa ki Vahafolau Sovaleni, Ngeleía
2. Gabriella Renee Blake Ílolahia, Fasi-mo e-afi- á Tungi
Tongatapu 4:
1. ‘Isileli Pulu , Fangaloto
2. Mateni Tapueluelu, Houmakelikao
3. Viliami Á. Takau, Maúfanga
4. Vili Fonolahi Pese a.k.a. Sione Laulaupeaálu, Úmusi
Lo‘au University has refunded a student’s tuition fees following complaints and growing scepticism about the quality and credibility of its academic offerings.
Dr Siosiua Lafitani
This development followed action taken by former Australian student Toki’ukamea Liutai, also known as Marshall Cameron, who engaged Auckland-based Tongan lawyer Nalesoni Tupou in an effort to reclaim his payment from the Australian-based Lo’au University Founder Dr Siosiua Lafitani.
Liutai said he requested a copy of the university handbook from Lafitani to choose a course but was told that access to the syllabus and course details would only be granted after paying the full tuition fee of $3,500 for the BA programme.
Liutai claimed that after paying $2,200, teaching began without any clarification about which course he was enrolled in.
Following his withdrawal and communication with Lafitani, Liutai took to Facebook to express his concerns, referring to the university as a “fraudulent academic organisation.”
He maintained that his short time as a student revealed a disconnect between the course delivery and what he had expected from Lo‘au University.
He questioned the upfront payment policy, citing the absence of detailed course information and the apparent use of Lafitani’s personal bank account for tuition transactions.
Speaking to Kaniva News, Liutai said he became suspicious after Lafitani cancelled their first scheduled face-to-face meeting.
His concerns deepened when he was assigned a five-page essay on a topic he found unusual and difficult to justify.
Liutai said he enrolled at Lo‘au University under the illusion that it was “a leading Tongan college” and a school that was grounded in “Moanan thought.”
Course Content Sparks Doubts
However, he claimed the course he was provided focused on “Rational Thinking”, which he felt did not reflect Moanan or Tongan Indigenous perspectives.
He said that his first assignment was a five-page essay on how modern Tongan professors associated with Lo‘au University differed from Greco-Western scholars.
“I was stumped as to how these Tongan men, educated at Western universities in the 1980s, could be edifying themselves alongside Socrates, Plato, Zoroaster, Thoth-Hermes, and Rumi,” Liutai told Kaniva News.
He said their first video call session lasted approximately 90 minutes, during which Lafitani allegedly read from his notes and dictated content that appeared to come from one of his own books, “which he requested that I purchase, and I did, for a cost of $80AUD.”
He claimed that the notes provided by Lafitani were neither “particularly special nor helpful” and appeared to have been “copied and pasted from Google or random websites.”
“In particular – although I am a firm believer that there are great philosophical and spiritual truths in Moana/Tonga, I am sceptical of his claims and assertions that modern philosophers are the equivalent or even greater than those Grecian scholars three thousand years ago.”
Liutai also shared with us course notes and message screenshots that appeared to show the university delivered its materials to students by uploading them via Facebook Messenger.
University Claims Under Scrutiny
Amid growing doubts, and following the conclusion of the first session, Liutai went online and began investigating the university’s credentials — including who approved them, the origin of the course outlines, and the authority responsible for issuing the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees it claimed to offer.
“The investigation found no active company, no valid credentials, and no governing body to approve the certification. Even the website, email, and phone number had been disconnected,” Liutai said of Lo’au University.
Toki’ukamea Liutai also known as Cameron Marshall. Photo/Provided
“I Facebook messaged him and proceeded to request my money returned whilst delivering the reasons why.”
In a letter to Lafitani, which he shared with us, Liutai says:
“I wanted to thank you for the time you have spent so far and your kind invitation to do some study with Lo’au University. I was excited to be able to engage with Tongan Higher Learning both to further my families knowledge but also to support the Tongan education system in my own way”, the letter read.
Liutai told Lafitani that his extensive experience in business administration and leadership in Australia’s RTO sector, regulated by ASQA, gives him a solid understanding of how universities should operate.
He said that, given his expertise, he checked with TEQSA in Canberra and TNQAB in Tonga—both responsible for regulating and assuring the quality of higher education.
“Lo’au University is not registered as a ABN, registered as a University/RTO or approved to offer the course range of Bachelor’s/Master’s or PHD courses in the Australian Capital Territory”, Liutai claimed.
“Lo’au University is not registered as a Tongan Company, registered as a University or approved to offer the course range of Bachelor’s/Masters or PHD courses in the Kingdom of Tonga by TNQAB.
“Lo’au University does not provide any official email, website, policies or procedures or code of conduct.
“My financial transactions, thus far have not yet received a formal written receipt from Lo’au; and where transferred directly to your personal bank not a company/organisation account which is contrary to the Tongan Code of Conduct for Academia.
With this being the case, I demand a full refund of the $$$ by no later then COB 12/09/2025. I will place the bank account to transfer to below this post so you can comply.”
School Fees Refunded
In an effort to recover his money, Liutai contacted Auckland-based lawyer Nalesoni Tupou for legal advice.
Tupou previously confirmed this communication with Liutai to Kaniva News and stated that he had reached out to the University’s Chancellor, Inoke Hu’akau, who acknowledged that the money had been refunded.
Tupou also took to Facebook to thank the Lo’au for repaying Liutai’s money.
In another post by Tupou on his Facebook, Hu’akau responded and confirmed their earlier conversation about Liutai’s school fees and said it has been paid.
He accused Liutai, writing in Tongan, of having what he described as personal issues.
Responding to Liutai’s Facebook post about the matter, Lafitani claimed that Liutai had defamed him and made false accusations.
In a Facebook post dated September 14, Lafitani stated that he and Liutai had agreed to a tuition payment plan in instalments.
He said Liutai had enrolled in the university’s Bachelor of Arts programme, and that Lo‘au University had supported him in fulfilling the course requirements.
“In the end, he withdrew and allegedly made threats and behaved inappropriately towards us,” Dr Lafitani claimed.
Institution Description Under Scrutiny
A Google search for the term “Lo‘au University” produced an AI-generated overview stating that the institution is a non-profit organisation dedicated to Oceanic and Tongan knowledge and scholarship, with a focus on cultural preservation and blending Tongan wisdom with global learning.
“The university offers degrees from bridging courses to PhDs across various schools, including Social Philosophy, Technology, and Health. It operates on an alternative framework to national accreditation, emphasizing transparency, academic integrity, and a commitment to student well-being.”
As Kaniva News previously reported, Lo‘au University no longer appears to be operating its two websites, known previously as Nuama and Lo‘au ‘University. It appears the University is now being operated through Facebook and has some videos on Youtube.
The university was launched by Minister for Education Dr. ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki on January 7, 2014. It was described by the media at the time as “Tonga’s first online virtual university.”
The Prime Minister of Tonga, Dr ʻAisake Valu Eke, has ordered all national flags across the Kingdom to be flown at half-mast on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.
King of Tonga and President Russel Nelson. Photo/churchofjesuschrist.org
This is to honour the late Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), who passed away on 29 September in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 101.
Dr Nelson, revered globally as a prophet and spiritual leader, was the oldest serving head of the LDS Church and credited with leading transformative policy changes during the final decade of his life.
His passing marks the end of an era for the church, which has seen significant growth in Tonga and among the Tongan diaspora.
Tonga: The World’s Most Mormon Country
Tonga holds the distinction of being the world’s most Mormon country per capita.
According to the Tonga Department of Statistics, the 2011 census recorded 18,554 Mormons (18%), surpassing 15,441 Catholics (15%), making Mormonism the second-largest Christian denomination in the Kingdom after Methodism.
This marks a notable shift from the 1996 census, where Catholics outnumbered Mormons.
The island of Vavaʻu has the highest concentration of Mormons at 18.5%, while Niuafoʻou and Niuatoputapu have the lowest, with only 4% identifying as LDS.
The village of Matahau in Tongatapu stands out, with 400 of its 628 residents identifying as Mormon.
The LDS Church also maintains a strong presence among Tongans living abroad, particularly in the United States.
A Legacy Remembered
Dallin H. Oaks, widely expected to succeed Dr Nelson as the next president of the LDS Church, described him as a man of “extraordinary modesty for someone with such great accomplishments.”
The Prime Minister’s decree reflects the deep cultural and spiritual ties between Tonga and the LDS Church, and acknowledges the profound impact Dr Nelson had on the lives of many Tongans.
The government has shortlisted two companies from the pool of bidders seeking to operate Lulutai Airlines.
Dr Aisake Eke
Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke confirmed this to Kaniva News this morning, following the government’s call for private ownership bids approximately three months ago.
It is understood that Fly Niu is among the companies shortlisted to operate Lulutai Airlines.
It is also understood that a key factor in the negotiation process is the Retirement Fund loan, which amounts to about $6 million.
The loan was originally used to purchase the airline’s Twin Otter aircraft, and the government is now working to ensure that this debt is addressed as part of the privatisation deal, a source told Kaniva News.
The loan is being treated as a central issue in discussions with potential bidders.
The move to privatise Lulutai Airlines comes amid ongoing financial challenges, including the need for a $7 million subsidy earlier this year to keep the airline operational.
The government is also reviewing the airline’s legal status and transparency, with concerns raised over missing share certificates and the lack of annual financial reports.
The former Hu‘akavameiliku government borrowed approximately $6 million from the Retirement Fund, but faced strong criticism from the Opposition for failing to address the loan transparently and in a timely manner in Parliament.
Concerns were raised by civil servants, with Public Service Association Secretary Mele ‘Amanaki previously taking to Facebook to question what would happen to the loan if Lulutai Airlines ceased operations.
PM Eke previously told Kaniva News that the loan is guaranteed by the government and therefore secured. However, he acknowledged that the challenge lies in finding funding to cover the cost of the loan.
Former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku previously informed the media that Lulutai Airlines had commenced repaying its debt to the Retirement Fund Board, which owns 27.19 per cent of the airline’s shares.
He stated that the airline had repaid approximately TOP $800,000 of its TOP 6 million loan.
At the time, he said the remaining balance—including principal and interest—stood at around TOP 5.7 million.
The Tongan government has rejected as false reports circulating on social media that its delegation walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations two weeks ago.
Trade Minister Kapeli Lanumata
The claims sparked backlash online, particularly among Tonga’s Christian community, many of whom are vocal supporters of Israel due to biblical and religious beliefs.
The revelation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations during a combative speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
Netanyahu described the recognition efforts as a “mark of shame,” claiming they send the message that “murdering Jews pays off.”
His remarks prompted dozens of officials and diplomats to stage a walk-out as he took the podium, leaving large sections of the conference hall visibly empty. Outside the UN headquarters, protesters gathered in Times Square to demonstrate against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Tonga’s Trade Minister, Kapelieli Lanumata, who was part of the country’s delegation to the UN, clarified the situation in response to the rumours.
“We did not walk out because we were not there in the first place,” Lanumata told a press conference last week.
He explained that at the time of Netanyahu’s address, Pacific Islands Forum leaders were attending a separate meeting with the UN Secretary-General.
The misinformation prompted strong reactions from Tongan social media users, who condemned the reports and reaffirmed their support for Israel.
As Kaniva News reported earlier today, Tonga recently voted in favour of Israel by rejecting the New York Declaration supporting a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
However, the move has drawn criticism from Tongan scholars abroad, who argue that Prime Minister Eke’s position overlooks serious humanitarian concerns, including allegations of genocide, starvation, and displacement in Gaza, as reported by the United Nations.
The controversy highlights growing divisions within the Tongan diaspora over the government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Nuku’alofa – It’s a court order that will prompt any Facebook user to pause for thought.
A Tongatapu Facebook livestreamer has been ordered by the Magistrate Court to apologise, remove a defamatory live broadcast targeting a Cabinet Minister, and comply with behavioural conditions — including a requirement to refrain from similar offences for one year.
Customs and Revenue Minister Māteni Tapueluelu (L) and ‘Asiata Māsima
‘Asiata Māsima, 56, who was using his Facebook account, Fatafehi Lola, told a supporter of the Customs Minister Māteni Tapueluelu that it was unfortunate he had failed to respond to a question asking him to confront the Minister about drugs allegedly addressed to him from Fiji.
Māsima claimed he had repeatedly asked the Minister for an explanation but received no response.
According to court documents, seen by Kaniva News, the remarks caused distress to Tapueluelu.
In his testimony, Tapueluelu detailed the extensive damage the video caused to his multiple roles in the community.
He described the harm to his work as a government Minister, President of a club, Church Committee worker, Constituency Representative, and, profoundly, as a husband and father.
It is understood that the charges against Māsima were filed in July 2024, when Minister Tapueluelu was serving as a Member of Parliament and former Minister of Police.
He was reappointed as Minister of Customs in January this year.
A Courtroom Pause for Clarification
The case’s pivotal moment came when the defendant was given the chance to cross-examine Minister Tapueluelu.
It became immediately apparent to the court that Māsima did not grasp the legal basis for his charge or the court procedures.
Judge Penisimani Ma’u halted the cross-examination, re-read the summons, and took the extraordinary step of personally explaining the specific clause of the 2020 Electronic Communication Act under which Masima is being prosecuted.
Māsima initially maintained a not guilty plea during the hearing, but later changed his plea to guilty after the judge clarified the legal basis of the charge.
The judge explained that the law only required the court to establish that Māsima’s actions harmed the victim and damaged his reputation.
According to court documents, Māsima attempted to justify his allegations, but the judge ruled that proving the claims was not relevant under the law he was charged with.
The prosecution successfully applied for a protection order for the minister and set a bond for the defendant, underscoring the case’s seriousness.
Tonga’s vote at the United Nations in support of Israel—despite widespread international condemnation over alleged genocide in Gaza—has triggered sharp divisions within the Tongan community both at home and abroad.
Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently adopted the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, with most Pacific Island nations either voting against it or abstaining, reflecting a region-wide reluctance to engage with the resolution.
Tonga joined Israel and eight other countries in voting against the resolution.
The dissenting group included Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and the United States. Twelve countries abstained, underscoring a divided global response to the resolution.
Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke defended the decision, calling it “the right choice for Tonga,” citing religious and historical ties.
He said there are two sides to the debate over Israel and Hamas, and Tonga aligns with the view that the core issue stems from the events of 7 October. He stated that Hamas should release the Israeli hostages immediately.
He added that the central concern is Hamas’s continued holding of hostages.
But critics argue the stance undermines Tonga’s moral credibility and ignores the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
Dr Eke’s support included backing the U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza peace plan.
Supporters of the Prime Minister say Tonga’s Christian identity, rooted in biblical history linked to Israel, justifies the decision.
One supporter commented online: “Thank you Honourable Prime Minister Aisake Eke for supporting Israel. Me’a totonu pe ia ke fakahoko neongo e longoa’a moe valauu.”
Another added: “The Tongan flag represents the cross of Jesus Christ, who was a Jew from Israel. I’m speaking for Tonga, not the world.”
However, prominent Tongan scholars and community leaders have voiced strong opposition on social media, particularly through Facebook, where they have publicly criticised the government’s stance.
Professor Dr Tevita Kaʻili, a cultural anthropologist, said: “I disagree with the Tongan Prime Minister’s position on Israel. As a Tongan Christian, I strongly oppose Israel’s settler colonialism, violence, ethnic cleansing, ecocide of Palestine, and genocide of Palestinians.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rev Professor Dr Nasili Vakaʻuta, a theologian, added: “The PM has no qualification to speak on this matter. It’s based on ignorance of history, geopolitics, and theology.”
Building on the criticism, Dr Unise Funaki, a Tongan academic, criticized the government’s rationale: “What’s right for us” is a lame excuse and the government is following suit with the US and Israel for fear of losing aid (which they don’t even get anymore like before) or protection as well as a false sense of Christian loyalty to Israel.”
Lawyer Aminiasi Kefu also weighed in, saying: “Media is weak to challenge his views as always. Blind eye to the reality on the ground: genocide, starvation, atrocities, displacement, war crimes. Complicit in promoting evil and hate, without knowing, accepting or understanding they are.”
Tongan-Australian educator Univa Havea, also known by her Facebook name Touhuni Hala Puopua, called for a more compassionate and informed approach:
“As Tonga’s Prime Minister leads our nation, he must not be left with only the ‘traditional view’ we grew up with, which too often silences compassion. We cannot ignore the atrocities being committed. I support Australia’s recognition of Palestine and urge Tonga to do the same—with clarity, conviction, and compassion.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Dr Eke continue to stand firm, praising his leadership and citing Tonga’s Christian heritage as the foundation of their support for Israel.
As Tonga’s position continues to draw both praise and condemnation, the debate reflects a broader struggle within the Pacific over faith, foreign policy, and moral responsibility.
Whether the government will reconsider its stance remains uncertain, but the voices of dissent are growing louder.
Nuku’alofa — The chief executive officer (CEO) of Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL), Edgar Cocker, has been suspended pending an investigation into alleged misuse of power, Minister of Public Enterprises and Police Piveni Piukala revealed today.
Tonga Airport CEO Edgar Cocker. Photo/Kalino Lātū (Kaniva Tonga)
The suspension comes amid what appears to be a standoff between the government-owned airport company and ATS (Air Terminal Services (Tonga) Limited), the luggage handling service provider.
The tension escalated after the government announced it would terminate ATS’s services effective September 30.
However, Kaniva News has been reliably informed that the termination did not go ahead as planned. ATS has continued to provide services into the first week of October, according to a source who spoke with Kaniva News.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nukuʻalofa, Piukala confirmed this afternoon that the suspension was part of a formal process initiated by the Airport Board of Directors.
He said the board, in consultation with its legal team, is currently preparing written claims to be delivered to Mr Cocker, who will be required to respond to the allegations.
“The suspension is based on misuse of power,” Piukala stated in Tongan, adding that the matter is being handled with legal oversight to ensure due process.
Further details about the nature of the allegations and the timeline for the investigation are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Cocker No Stranger to Controversy
Cocker’s suspension is not his first brush with controversy.
As Kaniva News reported in 2020, both Cocker, who was then Cabinet Chief Secretary, and then Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa vehemently denied claims that aircraft pilot Maikolo Fa’asolo had been appointed Chief Executive of Lulutai Airlines.
However, when Kaniva emailed them a copy of the contract — which clearly showed Fa’asolo had signed an agreement with Lulutai — Cocker did not respond to further questions regarding the issue.
In 2021, Kaniva News also reported that Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa had invited Fly Niu to purchase Lulutai Airlines if they wished.
Following the report, Cocker told local media the claim was false. But when Kaniva sent him copies of Tu’i’onetoa’s email correspondence with Fly Niu director Semi Halanukonuka — which supported the report — Cocker again declined to comment.
Later that year, in October, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a press release announcing government approval for a major upgrade of Vava’u International Airport. The proposed US$121 million project was to be led by a registered British company, Raw Mana Ltd, whose involvement had reportedly been referred to the Tongan Government.
However, the following day, Cocker told local media that a full proposal had not been received and that the Prime Minister’s Office’s press release did not mean the government had granted approval for Raw Mana Ltd to undertake the project.
Tonga is set to reclaim local leadership of its police force for the first time in over 15 years, as current Police Commissioner Geoff Turner prepares to hand over the role to a Tongan successor once his contract ends.
Minister of Police Piveni Piukala confirmed the transition this afternoon, stating that Turner is currently working through the handover process.
The move marks a significant shift in Tonga’s policing history, ending a long-standing arrangement where the top post was held by either an Australian or New Zealander since 2010 — with both countries also funding the commissioners’ salaries.
The announcement comes amid renewed calls for local leadership within the Tonga Police, following two petitions signed by around 150 officers over a decade ago.
The first petition, launched in March 2011, sought the removal of New Zealand’s Chris Kelley, the first foreign commissioner appointed under the arrangement, and called for a Tongan to take the helm.
The second petition raised concerns about the impact of Kelley’s reforms, which reportedly disrupted traditional policing procedures and practices deeply rooted in Tongan culture.
Minister Piukala’s revelation signals a turning point in the nation’s approach to law enforcement, reflecting growing confidence in local capability and a desire to restore cultural alignment within the force.
According to the Tonga Police Act 2010, the King in Privy Council is the only person who has the power to appoint or terminate the commissioner’s contract.
The Act also spells out that the appointment of a police commissioner cannot be terminated except for physical or mental incapacity, neglect of duty or misconduct.
Nuku’alofa — Tonga’s Police Commissioner, Geoff Turner has issued a public statement acknowledging recent misconduct within the Tonga Police and reaffirming the force’s commitment to accountability and public trust.
While the statement did not directly reference Kaniva News, it is understood to have followed our editorial published last week, which called on the Ministry of Police to address growing concerns over transparency and discipline within the force.
The editorial cited court documents revealing that several Tonga Police officers were heavily intoxicated during a party held at Sopu, rendering their testimonies unreliable.
One officer admitted in court that he had driven a motor vehicle while unfit to do so due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Two officers were allegedly injured by colleagues during the gathering, although a court later acquitted two other officers who had been sued in connection with the incident, citing a lack of evidence.
The court also ruled that Sopu, where the party took place, is a public area, and stated that police officers should not have been consuming alcohol there.
Our editorial also cited a May incident where Tonga Police charged 14 civilians at a large overnight gathering in Mataki‘eua for public drunkenness and disorderly behaviour.
The police response to the 130-person gathering was swift and public, involving official statements and roadblocks.
This stands in contrast to the recent court-revealed police drinking incident, which showed the Ministry’s transparency regarding internal misconduct has been less forthcoming.
Senior Officers Face Suspension
“As the Commissioner of Tonga Police, I take full responsibility for the actions of our officers and staff,” Turner said.
“Our vision is simple – to ensure a safe, secure and crime-free Tonga.”
Turner confirmed that the recent alcohol-related incidents involving police officers are under internal review, and disciplinary action “is being finalised.”
He also revealed that two senior officers have been suspended over unrelated incidents and will face review by the independent Police Board.
“We have a robust internal disciplinary process that includes oversight by an independent Police Board for serious breaches of discipline,” he said.
“Those members are also entitled to due process, and I will not be commenting further.”
The Commissioner expressed disappointment over the incidents and praised the majority of officers who continue to serve with integrity.
“I am saddened by these events, as are the members of the Tonga Police,” Turner said.
“No one is above the law within Tonga Police, and we will always hold ourselves accountable.”
Turner also reiterated the force’s core values — Faitotonu, Lao, Māteaki, Tauhi, Toka’i and Fonua — and said these must be reflected in daily policing.
The Kaniva News editorial had urged the Minister of Police to respond to public concerns and ensure that disciplinary processes are transparent and effective.
Turner’s statement is seen as a timely and significant acknowledgement of those concerns.
