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NZ criticised over Fiji Police Bill

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

A former Fiji government advisor has criticised New Zealand’s involvement in the controversial Draft Police Bill in Fiji.

Fiji PM Frank Bainimarama with New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern in London, 2018
Fiji PM Frank Bainimarama with New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern in London, 2018 Photo: Supplied

The draft legislation would give police greater surveillance powers if passed in Parliament.

Police can secretly monitor and record communications of people they suspect are about to commit a crime or have committed one, the Bill states.

The law also allows police to recruit an informer or anyone else who can provide information in relation to an investigation.

Another part of the draft bill drawing attention is where it forbids officers from joining a union and it would be unlawful for them to go on strike or to take any other type of industrial action.

The proposal, currently under public consultation, is expected to replace the 1965 Police Act.

Since its launch in Suva last week, attended by officials from the New Zealand High Commission, the draft bill had come under intense scrutiny from civil society groups and Opposition parties.

New Zealand confirmed it was funding the consultation process and the government maintained it had done nothing wrong.

But Auckland-based Shailendra Raju, a former advisor the late Fiji prime minister Laisenia Qarase, said NZ could not use its donor status as an excuse to support the ‘draconian’ draft Bill which could turn Fiji into a police state.

Raju condemned Wellington’s move.

“The record of the Fiji government has shown there has never been any consultation where feedback from it has been taken onboard. Just look at what happened to the constitutional process: a draft was drawn up and yet the government brought about its own constitution and that has been imposed on the people.

“What we find objectionable is New Zealand giving support in terms of funding to the public consultation which is not going to bring about any change to the form the bill as it has been written and which will be imposed on the people of Fiji.”

Raju said it was foolish to think the consultations would do any public good or that it would take into account objections to the bill.

Raju called on New Zealand to withdraw its funding and recall the high commissioner to “ask him what’s going on”.

He said Wellington should be aware of what is contained in the bill.

Shailendra Raju
Shailendra Raju Photo: Supplied

NZ pushes for consultation

New Zealand said while it was funding the consultations, it did not have a hand in drafting the proposed Bill.

The High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr, took to social media to counter claims that Wellington drafted a bill to give increased powers to Fiji’s often corrupt police force.

Amid intense criticism on Facebook, Curr took to Twitter: “NZ is engaged in a 4-year strengthening programme with @fijipoliceforce, partnering with @UNDP_Pacific & @nzpolice to improve policing, and support Fiji to meet international human rights obligations.”

In a second tweet, Curr said a component of the aid programme was to support public consultations on the Draft Police Bill 2020: “NZ has not been involved in drafting or developing the Bill.”

And in a third tweet he said: “Such an important piece of legislation needs to be consulted with Fiji’s citizens. This is an opportunity for the community to influence the final shape of the Bill, and to express concerns & provide feedback.”

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern signed off the deal during her visit to Fiji in February, 2020.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said New Zealand was working with the UN’s development agency (UNDP) to strengthen programmes in Fiji’s Police Force.

The ministry said increasing transparency around rule of law systems is one of its key objectives in supporting the consultation process.

“This is why we, along with other agencies, are supporting work to ensure the Bill is widely consulted with Fiji’s citizens to encourage open discussion and a diversity of views.

“This is an opportunity for the community to express concerns and provide feedback to help shape the final Bill.”

New Zealand is spending $US5.4 million over four years to improve the Fiji Police Force which, since the 2006 Bainimarama coup, had been under military control.

Fiji lawyer and politician Tupou Draunidalo supported New Zealand’s insistence on consultations, saying they were useful.

Draunidalo posted on Facebook that if New Zealand did not sponsor the consultations, Fiji would ‘get the bill in its raw form through s.51 standing orders (as is normal) with one-hour debate.

“So what NZ is sponsoring (to allow every Fijian a say in the Bill, not even just the parliamentarians) is highly commendable for current and future governance infrastructure.”

Jonathan Curr.
Jonathan Curr. Photo: MFAT

Serial mat thief mother given suspended sentence after stealing costly mats worth $14,000 in Tongatapu

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A 37-year-old woman has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment after she broke into a house in Nukunuku and stole mats and ta’ovala with a total value of $14,100.

Justice Laki Niu suspended ‘Ana Katokakala Siale’s sentence for three years on condition that she must not commit an offence punishable by imprisonment within the period of three years of her suspension.

Siale pleaded guilty to two charges of serious housebreaking and theft.

Siale was sentenced to five-year imprisonment for the housebreaking offence. For theft offence, she was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Both sentences were to be served concurrently and suspended.

The court heard that on 15 June 2020 Siale  broke into the dwelling house of Milise Vaiangina in Nukunuku and stole the valuable goods.

According to court records, in 2004 the mother of seven broke into a house and stole a ta’ovala and piece of tapa that belonged to her mother’s sister and sold them to get money. She was later charged and convicted of that theft.

In that case, she was fined $100 and ordered to pay compensation of $500.

In 2012, she bought a ta’ovala worth $800 for $200 knowing it had been stolen.

She was ordered to be on probation for two years but after the probation ended, she went and broke into a house in Kolomotu’a in 2015 and stole mats and ta’ovala from there.

“You offered the properties as security for loans you took from loan businesses at Havelu and Mataika. You did not repay the loans and the properties were put up for sale on the net and the owner identified them as hers,” the judge said.

“You were arrested, charged and convicted and you were sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, 6 months of which you served and 12 months were suspended for 2 years.”

Suspected murder suicide followed family violence as prayer vigil announced after death of Tongan couple

By
Kalino Latu
-

(AUCKLAND, NZ) A father who died in hospital after his wife’s body was found in a car on Wednesday is believed to have killed her before taking his own life.

Toakase Finau. Photo/Supplied

He has been identified by the family as Viliami Latu, who was on electronically-monitored bail before the tragic incident occurred.

Officers arrived about 9am to conduct a bail check and found him in a critical condition, along with a note.

He was rushed to Middlemore hospital and remained there for two days in critical condition before Police confirmed his death yesterday, Saturday morning.

He and wife, Toakase Finau, 29, are survived by their four children, three sons and one daughter.  The eldest is 10 year-old while the youngest was three-year-old, their grandmother, Finau’s mother Alilia Teu Kata told Kaniva News.

Reports said Latu allegedly breached bail several weeks before the killing at his brother’s house in Pukekohe.

Detectives believe Latu killed Finau before attempting to take his own life, according to reports.

Kata told Kaniva News her family were holding a meeting to see if the couple could be buried together.

Toakase’s family have announced a prayer vigil plan for her funeral services.

It said the first failotu was expected to be held in Ōtāhuhu at 13 Pukeiti Road this Thursday 18.

The body of Finau is expected to be buried this Saturday.

Stuff reported that “Neighbours and people who shared a house with the couple at their former rental property in Ōtara have described an abusive relationship where Finau would often be seen with injuries including black eyes.”

“Others described Latu wandering the streets of Ōtara with a machete after staying up for days at a time.”

Kata said a note was found with Finau’s body on Wednesday. She said she was with her before she left to go to Pukekohe the week before her death.

She said she told Finau to leave her only daughter Siunipa with her.

Finau later texted Kata after she left asking if she was okay.

Kata said that was the last message she received from Finau.

Auckland cafe first business charged for not displaying Covid QR code

By
Kaniva Staff
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This story by RNZ.co.nz is republished with permission

The owner of the first business to be prosecuted for not displaying the official Covid tracer QR code will appear in court next month.

A person using the Covid Tracer app
Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas

Worksafe has charged Auckland cafe owner Dilip Rupa with intentionally failing to comply with the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act.

Rupa appreared in the Auckland District Court today, but Judge Claire Ryan declared a conflict of interest.

She said she was working for her late father, Kevin Ryan QC, when he represented Rupa on another matter some years ago.

Rupa is due to appear in court on April 19.

It was the fifth appearance for the case, three of which Rupa did not attend.

Tonga weather authorities say 45 percent of cyclone this season

By
Kaniva Staff
-

This story by RNZ.co.nz is republished with permission

Tonga’s Meteorological Service has announced that the country has a 45 percent chance for at least one tropical cyclone to happen for the remainder of this cyclone season.

The Tonga Met Service reported that if a cyclone does affect Tonga between late March to mid-April, there’s a 25 percent chance of it being severe, and most likely coming from the Fiji area.

The peak time for the occurrence of tropical cyclones in Tonga is from January to March, with most events occurring in February.

The northern islands of Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu experienced heavy rainfall in December that exceeded the averages expected.

In January, heavy rainfall exceeded the averages expected for Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

However, climate models are expecting near normal or below normal rainfall for most of Tonga for the remainder of the tropical cyclone season.

Man dies in hospital two days after his wife Toakase’s body found in car

By
Kalino Latu
-

The man critically injured in an incident at a McNally Road, Pukekohe address on Wednesday 10 March has died overnight in hospital.

Toakase Finau. Photo/Facebook

Kaniva News can now reveal the man was Toakase Finau’s husband, the young Tongan mother Police found her body in a car on Wednesday.

Their death will be referred to the Coroner, Police said this afternoon.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Toakase’s mother ‘Alilia Teu Kata has confirmed the couple’s relationship saying the man’s name was Viliami.

Kata said the couple left behind four children, their daughter and three sons.

She said Toakase, from Māngere in South Auckland, was with her before she left to go to Pukekohe last week.

A report by Stuff this week said Viliami had only been staying at the Pukekohe address for a few weeks, and he was on electronically-monitored bail.

It is understood, Toakase’s older sister ‘Ana died last year.

Mangere Bridge person taken to hospital in critical condition

By
Kaniva Staff
-

One person has been injured following an incident on Rimu Road, Mangere Bridge, Police said this afternoon.

The person has been transported to Middlemore Hospital with critical injuries.

Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

The road is closed and could be for sometime while Police examine the scene.

Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Your ‘sister ‘Ana’, who died last year, happy to meet you, grieving mum says as she laments death of second daughter

By
Kaniva Staff
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The grieving mum of a young Tongan mother whose death was being investigated by Police in Auckland said her daughter texted her at work last week asking if she was okay.

Toakase Finau. Photo/Facebook

‘Alilia Teu Kata said that was the last time she heard from her daughter.

As we reported yesterday, Toakase Finau’s body was discovered after police went to the property, on McNally Rd, Pukekohe to conduct a bail check on Wednesday and found a man with critical injuries.

The body of the 29-year-old was found in a car, Police said.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Kata alleged a letter from Finau’s husband was found in a room which led to Police being called to the scene.

“Police are still investigating the incident,” Kata said.

It is understood, the deceased’s older sister ‘Ana died last year.

Kata wrote on Facebook that her daughter ‘Ana will be happy to see Finau.

“You are gone and will never come back, tears, tears, tears,” Kata wrote.

Body found at Pukekohe property named by Police as Toakase Finau

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan woman’s body which was found dead at a Pukekohe property has been identified.

She was Toakase Finau, aged 29, of Māngere, South Auckland.

The revelation came after a homicide investigation launched in Pukekohe following an incident at an address on Wednesday.

Police have now completed all of their formal identification and notification procedures relating to the woman located deceased at the McNally Road property on 10 March.

“Our team are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Toakase’s death and we are providing her whānau with the support we can at this difficult time,” said Counties Manukau Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton.

A man who was taken to Middlemore Hospital at the time of the incident remains in a critical condition.

“Our scene examination at the property remains ongoing at this stage.”

Anyone who has not yet spoken with Police as part of our investigation is asked to come forward and call Counties Manukau Crime Squad on (09) 261 1321.

Joseph Parker revealed as high-profile sportsman who lost two-year name suppression fight

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Sarah Robson of RNZ.co.nz. This story is republished with permission

International boxing star Joseph Parker can now be named as the high-profile sportsman allegedly connected to a global drug syndicate.

Joseph Parker during a media session to announce a change of date for the Parker v Fa heavyweight boxing match, now scheduled for December 12. Spark City, Auckland. Thursday 29 October 2020. © image by Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Photo: PhotoSport / Andrew Cornaga

Parker was named during the trial of a trio found guilty of importing methamphetamine from California at the High Court in Auckland in 2019.

Although Parker was the subject of police interest, authorities did not speak to him, did not execute a search warrant and have never charged him.

Parker has denied any involvement in the importation of class A drugs, or the purchase, supply or consumption of methamphetamine.

He has also denied being involved in changing or transporting money for the three men.

In 2017, Tevita Fangupo, Tevita Kulu and Toni Finau imported large amounts of methamphetamine, disguised in Nike shoes and clothing declared as gifts.

Kulu was jailed for 18 years, Fangupo for 17 years and Finau for eight-and-a-half years. Kulu and Fangupo must serve at least half of their sentences before they are eligible for parole.

During the High Court trial, Parker was refused name suppression, but that was challenged all the way to the country’s highest court.

In a judgment released yesterday, the Supreme Court said although naming Parker would cause him undue hardship, the principles of open justice outweighed that.

“In the present case, there is no dispute that publication would cause undue hardship to the applicant, so the discretion to make a suppression order was enlivened,” the judgment said.

“However, in all of the four decisions considering the application, the Courts have determined that the discretion should not be exercised in favour of suppression, having regard to open justice principles.”

Parker was given 24 hours by the Supreme Court to allow him to “communicate the result as he needs to”, before name suppression lapsed.

In a statement released after his name was revealed, Parker said he had resolved to put this matter behind him and concentrate on the future.

“This has been going on for ages now, and it takes a toll. I haven’t been charged with anything and it doesn’t feel right that my name will be connected to matters I’ve had no chance to defend myself against.”

He said he could not imagine anyone in his position not wanting to seek name suppression in similar circumstances.

“It’s a terrible position to be in. Things have been said about me that are quite untrue; some of them have already been proven untrue, and I was given no chance to respond at the time they were made.

“It’s caused a lot of stress and worry for myself and my family – and it just seems totally wrong.

“Having said that, I need to accept the decision and get on with my life. I have other fights to fight.”

Parker’s lawyer Michael Heron said Parker and his legal team “respectfully acknowledge and accept those decisions, whilst disagreeing with them”.

“In summary, Mr Parker was investigated by the police, who found there was insufficient evidence on which to charge him. The police made a public statement confirming that, after questions were raised with them. Mr Parker has denied, on oath, any involvement with methamphetamine or any involvement with the importation of drugs. He has not engaged in that conduct.

“Despite the lack of evidence against him, unfounded allegations were made against Mr Parker in court. Those allegations were not supported by evidence, were unnecessary and were unfair.”

The drug trial

During the trial of Fangupo, Kulu and Finau, the Crown alleged Parker had played a role in the import of methamphetamine, by transporting and changing currency.

It has since recanted part of the evidence presented at trial.

The Crown now accepts that it was not Parker who was referred to in a text to Kulu from a Californian supplier, in July 2017.

“It was to the effect that he was ‘taking sese and joe out’ and that they would be changing New Zealand currency for him. ‘(J)oe’ was said by the Crown to be Mr Parker. But the Crown now accepts that it cannot have been him. He was not in California at the time,” a Court of Appeal judgment in October 2020 said.

However, a second aspect of the Crown’s evidence – which the Court of Appeal called “more damaging” – has not been recanted: a later text from Kulu to another Californian supplier.

“It was more explicit, stating that Mr Kulu had ‘paid one of the guys I was with today to change [the price] into [US] currency’ and then stating, in a second message: ‘Alright bro..I got u tho..have all ur money..the dude I was with that’s on my snapchat is going to change it to U.S currency..they won’t question him bout all the money..cause he’s the WOB boxing champion so pple know he rich anyways so he’ll be good to change it with no hassles’,” the same Court of Appeal judgment said.

Other messages on the application Wickr between Parker’s account and Finau appeared to show the user of ‘joeboxerparker’ arranging for the purchase or supply of small quantities of drugs over a four-day period, the judgment said.

As part of the legal proceedings over name suppression, Parker denied helping the trio in a sworn affadavit: “I have never been involved in the importation of class A drugs. I have never changed or transported money for the defendants. I have never been involved in the purchase, supply or consumption of methamphetamine.”

Who is Joseph Parker?

Parker, 29, became the first New Zealand-born heavyweight boxing world champion in 2016, defeating Andy Ruiz Junior in Auckland to claim the vacant WBO World Heavyweight Championship.

After turning professional in 2012, he has recorded 28 wins and two losses. He was undefeated over his first 24 professional fights.

His most recent fight was just last month, with a unanimous points victory over Junior Fa in Auckland.

Last week, Parker split with his long-time trainer Kevin Barry. Parker left New Zealand on Tuesday to meet up with his new trainer.

FAKAMATALA FAKA-TONGA

Ko e tangata fuhu ‘iloa ko ia ko Joseph Parker ‘a e toko taha sipoti ‘iloa ne tukuaki’i na’a’ ne fetu’utaki mo e kau tila faito’o konatapu lahi ‘i Nu’u Sila kuo mo’ua ngāue pōpula ai ‘a e kau tangata Tonga ‘i he 2017.  Ko Tevita Kulu ‘oku lolotonga ngāue pōpula ta’u ‘e 18, kae ta’u ‘e 17 ‘a Tevita Fangupō. Ko Toni Finau kuo ngāue pōpula ta’u ‘e valu mo e konga ki he hia ko ‘enau hū mai ha faito’o konatapu lahi kalasi ko e mefi, ‘o fufuu’i mai he ngaahi su Naiki mo e vala ne fakahā ko e me’a’ofa. Fakatatau ki he fakamatala ne ma’u ‘e he kau polisi’ lolotonga ‘enau fakatotolo’i ‘a e hia ko ‘eni’ ne ma’u ai ha ngaahi  fetesi’aki ‘o kau ai ‘a e hingoa ko e Joe. Pea ne tui e kau polisi ko Joe Parker ia. Ne ‘i ai ‘a e tui ‘a e kau polisi foki ne ‘osi fakafetongi ‘e Parker ‘a e pa’anga muli mei he tila ko ‘eni’. Ka ne ‘ikai pe ke nau faka’ilo ‘a Parker.  Faka’ikai’i kotoa ‘eni ia ‘e Parker na’e ‘ikai ha’ane kaunga ‘e taha ki he hia ne fakahoko ko ‘eni’. Ne lele ‘a e hopo ka ne ta’ofi ke fakahā ‘a e hingoa’ koe’uhī ko e ala ke uesia ai ‘a e kaha’u mo e talēniti ‘o Parker. ‘Aneafi ne fakahā ai ‘e he Fakamaau’anga’ ke tuku ange mai ‘a e hingoa ki he kakai’. Ne ui e kau fakamo’oni Tonga he hopo’ ‘i he 2017 pea fakahā ai ‘e Sioeli Fakafanua ne ne fu’u ‘ohovale he’ena sio ko Parker ‘a e tokotaha ne ‘ave ki ai ‘e Finau ‘i Manukau ‘a e tangai ko e fo’i’akau hinehina. Ne ‘ikai fakamahino ‘i he hopo’ ko e hā ‘a e fo’i ‘akau ko ‘eni’.

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