Home Blog Page 445

Tongan seasonal workers in Australia continue working as farmers around the world face shortage of labour due to Covid-19 restrictions

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
-

[maxbutton id=”2″]

Tongans in Australia on the Seasonal Workers Programme are continuing to work during the country’s lockdown.

Tonga’s liaison officer in Australia, Sione Vaka, told Kaniva News today all Seasonal Worker Programme employees’ visas had been extended for up to 12 months.

Vaka said Tongan workers had not been charged for the extension.

He said employers were making sure employees would not be infected with the virus.

Sione Vaka, Tongan Liason Officer in Australia’s Seasonal Worker Progamme

He said the Australian government had directed all employers to make sure their workers had work to do during the lockdown to help their families in Tonga.

All states were on lockdown, but the workers were exempted because they were doing essential services.

They had to be quarantined for 14 days once they arrived in a state.

The cost of their quarantine was paid by the employers, but at the same time the employers have to pay them while they were being quarantined.

The employers of various farms were allowed to share the workers and employ them if they had works available for them to do.

This was not normally allowed under the Seasonal Worker Programme.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced earlier this month that Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme participants could extend their stay for up to one year.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said extending the visas of working holidaymakers and seasonal workers would ensure farmers had enough labour to plant and pick their crops.

“What we are saying to those visa holders is that if you’re prepared to stay in this country and help us get through this coronavirus then we’ll extend your visa,” Mr Littleproud told ABC TV’s rural affairs programmer Landline.

The Minister said the extensions would be for people working in agriculture, health and aged care.

He said extending seasonal workers’ visas would ensure farmers had enough labour to plant and pick their crops.

New Zealand

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Recognised Seasonal Employer workers are entitled to government funding, equating to NZ$585.50 per worker per week, if they cannot work during the lockdown because their employer’s business is not operating or the employer cannot afford to pay them due to reduced business activity.

RSE workers required to self-isolate while in New Zealand, due to illness or close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, they are also eligible for the government’s wage subsidy.

RSE employers can apply for the subsidy on behalf of their workers and provide accommodation and pastoral care facilities during the 14-day isolation period.

Workers will continue to pay their accommodation and other living costs. Under existing medical insurance, RSE workers are entitled to receive medical treatment for any presenting conditions, including COVID-19, and treatment for the virus will be covered by New Zealand’s Ministry of Health.

RSE employers are required to set strict rules for the safety of their workforce, including restricting workers’ ability to leave their worksites and prohibiting engagement with people other than those they live and work with.

Global

Meanwhile, CNN reported yesterday that farmers in the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada are using charter flights to bring in thousands of seasonal migrant workers as coronavirus shutdowns threaten the supply of migrant labour.

CNN said farm workers had been deemed essential workers by most countries. However,  border closures in Europe and a virtual shutdown in global aviation had left countries that rely heavily on seasonal migrant workers facing labour shortages.

“A lack of farm workers would further stretch food supply chains that had been under huge pressure from restrictions on travel and shipping, and waves of panic buying by consumers worried about the coronavirus,” the American broadcaster said.

The main points

  • Tongans in Australia on the Seasonal workers Programme are continuing to work during the country’s lockdown.
  • All Seasonal Worker Programme employees’ visas have been extended for up to 12 months.
  • Farm workers had been deemed essential workers by most countries.

For more information

Backpackers allowed to extend stays in Australia during coronavirus pandemic, temporary visa holders to get access to super

COVID-19: RSE responses, challenges and logistics

Farmers are chartering planes to bring in workers and save their crops

Tongan Cabinet prepares to make tough decision on flight ban while Tongans reach out to help overstayers in New Zealand

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
-

[maxbutton id=”2″]

Tonga’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Vātau Hui, told Kaniva News this evening Cabinet would decide tomorrow whether to extend the ban on international flights until June.

The ban has been in place since March 23 and affects Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, and Talofa Airways flights.

Some flights have been allowed in to take Australians, Americans and New Zealanders home.

An air shipment of medical equipment was diverted to Fiji and its cargo sent on by ship.

Tonga remains free of the Covid-19 virus, but the decision on whether or not to extend the airline ban is in line with its extension of emergency laws including a nightly curfew and the closure of almost all public venues and events.

The kingdom instituted a lockdown on March 29.

Meanwhile, the kingdom’s plans to deal with the virus should it reach the islands have been boosted by the creation of an isolation facility at Mu’a hospital and the arrival of medical equipment from New Zealand.

Covid-19 testing equipment, an x-ray unit and 36 hospital beds have been sent to the kingdom.

Reaching out

Kaniva News has received many calls for help for overstayers during the crisis, with most people wanting assistance with food.

We published a list of contacts for food banks and other sources last night.

Auckland resident Nola Pasikala called to say she had collected food which she had given to a number of overstayers.

She described one family she visited as being in a pitiful situation, with a baby and no food. She said she was able to give them some food and cash after learning of their condition.

Other people have contacted Kaniva News to ask how they can get help with their rent.

Many overstayers have lost their jobs and because of their illegal position cannot access government financial support.

We have also had support for our call for the New Zealand government to implement a blanket amnesty or overstayers during the Covid-19 crisis for they can access the full range of official support.

Plight of many overstayers extremely difficult, but help available with food and Covid-19 tests

By
Philip Cass
-

As New Zealand enters its third week of lockdown, Kaniva News has been contacted by large numbers of people seeking help for overstayers who fall outside many of the provisions of government assistance.

Many overstayers are in extremely difficult situations and their friends have pleaded for help.

One woman texted us to say she, her husband and seven children were renting a sleep out in South Auckland.

She said their rent payment had been stopped when the lockdown began, but the landlord warned them to start paying their rent again next month.

She said  they did not know where to get that money from because they had lost their jobs and did not have access to government subsidies or financial supports. 

Many of the people who contacted us had large families and asked for help with food.

Food

Help with food is available, but the problems for many people living in New Zealand is becoming serious.

The Salvation Army said more and more families were struggling to buy groceries due to the Covid-19 lock down.

“Our individual and corporate partners are being very generous in helping us help those who are struggling. We are calling on those New Zealanders who are in a position to help, to keep our food banks stocked by donating to The Foodbank Project, our online foodbank, at https://www.foodbank.org.nz/ ” Assistant Territorial Secretary for Mission, Captain Gerry Walker said.

“They can also place non-perishable items in our purple bins at Countdown Supermarkets.”

The Auckland City Mission has a consultation service for the provision of family food parcels.

All consultations are now completed by phone.  If callers need a food parcel, they should call 09 303 9200 to arrange for a phone consultation.  They will be given a time to collect the parcel and instructed how to pick up.

Family food parcels can be collected from the following locations:

The mission’s distribution centre in Grafton. Monday – Friday 9.00am – 3.00pm.           

Nga Whare Waatea Marae, Favona Monday – Friday 10.00am – 2.00pm

People living in the Auckland region can also  call the Auckland Council Emergency Management Team for a food parcel on 0800 22 22 96 if they are in isolation and have no access to other support networks or if they are unable to afford groceries.

Outside Auckland people can check the foodbank directory at : https://www.foodbank.co.nz/foodbanks for the location of their nearest food bank.

People in need are advised to call to make an application for emergency food assistance. People are asked not just to turn up at the foodbank because it puts everyone at risk.

A national list of whānau Ora Covid-19 support partners can be found at http://pasifikafutures.co.nz/covid-19-support/. The site provides the names and contact details of a range of organisations.

Pacific providers that are funded to provide support to vulnerable Pacific families have been supporting overstayer families and will continue supporting them.

Tongan Mormon churches have made their Kau Matu’a Offices in every stake open to all members of the public if they need helps such as food and groceries.

Covid-19 testing

Minister for Pacific Peoples William Aupito Sio said it was important for Pacific individuals and families who were overstayers to  get tested if they have any of the symptoms for COVID-19 or if they think you have Covid-19.

Covid-19 symptoms include  a cough or fever, a sore throat or shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell

“Our expectation as Government is that you will be served and tested for Covid-19 regardless of your legal status, including if you are an overstayer here in New Zealand, when you visit either a Community Based testing station, a GP clinic or any of our hospitals,” Hon. Sio said.

“We must collectively as a country.

“Please remember you can always call Healthline for free from a mobile or landline on 0800 358 5453.

“You can be referred by Healthline or your GP for a free COVID-19 test.

“Many of these Community Testing Stations also allow you to drop in, in person for a free test when you fit within public health’s expanded criteria without an appointment.”

The Minister said health workers at the Testing Stations would be moving around to support people while they waited so as not to be with any person long enough to be at risk of Covid-19.

Health workers who were taking the swabs for testing would be wearing full PPE – mask, gloves, gowns and eye protection.

Patients would be given written advice about when to expect their results and what to do next. Most results would be sent out via text message, with other options available to people who don’t have a mobile phone. The expectation is that test results would take up to five days to be available.

It should be remembered that Community Testing Stations were only for testing.  They would not provide medical care or assessment.

“If any of you are feeling sick or unwell enough where you would normally seek the advice of your doctor you should contact your GP and schedule an appointment please,” Hon. Sio said.

The main points

  • As New Zealand enters its third week of lockdown, Kaniva News has been contacted by large numbers of people seeking help for overstayers who fall outside many of the provisions of government assistance.
  • Many overstayers are in extremely difficult situations and their friends have pleaded for help.

PM Tu‘i‘onetoa denies allegations Her Majesty the Queen and Deputy Prime Minister return to Tonga on today’s aircraft from New Zealand amid coronavirus ban

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa and his Deputy have vehemently denied allegations the Deputy Prime Minister Sione Vuna Fa’otusia and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u were expected to return to Tonga on an Air New Zealand special flight from Auckland to the kingdom today.

The Tu’i’onetoa government has extended its Covid-19 related restrictions on its borders last week and confirmed all Tonga bound passenger flights must be banned. International airlines have to get permission from the government before they were allowed on strict conditions to land at the Fua’amotu International Airport.

The allegation that the Deputy Prime Minister was expected on the flight was released by suspended Tonga Broadcasting Commission Station Manager Sētita Tu’i’onetoa yesterday in a livestream news update she shared to Facebook.

People who contacted us last night about the allegations said other sources on social media alleged Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho was expected to return to Tonga on the Air New Zealand charter flight.

When contacted by Kaniva News about the allegation Sētita said her sources were reliable.

In Tongan she said: “naa ku ma’u e fkmatala falalaanga oku Folau ae tokoni PM ki Tonga tomorrow peau fetu’utaki ia ki Tonga ke fkpapaui pe oku mooni pea fkha mai meiai io.”

The Prime Minister said the fake news was made to discredit the government and made the public think he was being selective and allowed only elite to travel to Tonga during the ban. 

He said this type of political spin must be stopped as it could cause chaos while the government was trying to unite the people.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e politiki koia oku totonu ke tuku he oku fakamoveuveu nofo, ‘oku mio’i ke malava ke ‘oua te tau nofo melino. ‘Oku fakatu’utamaki ia, he oku feinga a e Pule’anga ke tau nofo melino, ke hoko a e ua ko e taha pe.”

The email by the Prime Minister in his response to Kaniva News this morning included a response from his Minister of Health to an urgent request to confirm to him whether or not the allegations were true.

In her response to the Prime Minister Hon ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu said:

“This news is untrue as per MoH directions.”

Hon Fā’otusia, is currently in New Zealand and he has also denied the allegation to us.

“No I am here and well, and would like to speak with anybody concerning my health. In short, I am not returning to Tonga as I am currently under some medication, but I am in constant communication with my office as to any matter of interest to the country as a whole that I may assist,” the Deputy Prime Minister said in an email to Kaniva News.

Hon Fā’otusia said Setita did not contact him and he was concerned about it.

“I am not in prison not allowed to share news with the outside world. As to lock down, the Prime Minister and his office has all the information about it, and they will answer any question concerning it.

“However, personally, i would like to see Tonga treats the situation as if the virus is already there as we cannot afford to be too comfortable about the virus.”

Sētita along with two other television anchors Vilisoni Tu’iniua and Salamo Fulivai were currently being suspended with pay after TBC board received complaints from former Cabinet Minister and MP ‘Etuate Sungalu Lavulavu.

As we reported last week, New Zealanders stranded in Tonga wanting to get home will find some relief soon thanks to the announcement of a special flight.

An Air New Zealand flight from Tonga to Auckland has been scheduled for today Wednesday, 15 April.

Fanongonongo eni ki he ngaahi mātu’a Stutton Park

By
Kaniva Staff
-

SUTTON PARK SCHOOL

89 Vine Street, Mangere East, Auckland 2024

Telephone (09) 276 4560   

Principal: Fa’atili Iosua Esera

Fanongonongo ki he Ngaahi Mātu’a moe Tauhi Fānau ‘Apiako Sutton Park

‘Aho 11 ‘Epeleli 2020

‘Oku ou ‘amanaki ‘oku mou mo’ui lelei pea tokamālie ‘a e ngaahi fatongia mei ‘api na.  Pea kuou tui koe fakamanatu ‘o e Pekiá ‘oku ne fakamo’oni’i ai kiate kitautolu ‘a e ‘ofa lahi moe kelesi ‘a e ‘Otua ‘oku tau ‘inasi ai.  Na’e kalusefai hono ‘Alo tofu pē Tahá ko hotau Huhu’i. ‘Oku ou ‘amanaki pē ko ho’o mou tokoni ki ho’o mou ngaahi fāmili fakafo’ituitui, ko e founga pē ia ‘e malu ai ‘a e tokotaha kotoa.  Fakatauange ke tāpuekina kimoutolu  ‘e he ‘Otua, ‘a kimoutolu  ‘oku mou fai ‘a e ngaahi fatongia tokoni ko ia. 

‘Oku kamata ‘a e teemi hono 2 ‘i he Pulelulu ‘aho 15 ‘Epeleli.  Ka neongo ia, ‘oku kei hokohoko atu pē ‘a e fakataputapuí pea koe ngaahi ‘apiako ‘oku te’eki ngofua ha ‘alu ki ai.  Ko e ako ‘etau fānau ‘e kei hokohoko atu pē ‘i he on-line. ‘Oku lolotonga ngāue ‘a e Potungaue Ako mo ‘ene kau ngāue ki hono fokotu’utu’u ‘a e ngaahi founga ‘e lava ke tokoni ki he ako online ‘a e fānaú.

‘Oku ou fakamālō atu kiate kimoutolu kotoa pē ne mou kau mai ki he savea na’e ‘oatú, ke fakapapau’i ai ‘a e ngaahi fāmili ‘oku lava ke ngaue’aki ‘e he fānau ‘a e ‘initaneti ki he ‘enau ako mei ‘api.  Fakamālō atu kiate kimoutolu na’a mou fetu’utaki mai fekau’aki moe fiema’u ha ngaahi naunau fakakomipiuta ke tokoni ki he ako ho’o mou fānau.  Kuou ‘osi ‘ave ‘a e fiema’u ko ia ki he timi ‘oku nau tokanga’i ‘a e tafa’aki ako fakakomipiuta ‘a e ‘apiako. ‘Oku ou fie fakamālō makehe heni kia Mrs Lakokiperitania pea mo Mr Lemanu ‘a ia ‘oku na tokanga’i ‘a e tafa’aki ko ‘eni.

Ko e ngaahi fāmili ‘oku mou lava ke ngāue’aki ‘a e ‘initaneti ‘i ‘api, ‘oku lahi pē ‘a e ngaahi ngāue fakaako te mou ma’u atu mei he website pē facebook ‘a e ‘apiakó.  Ko e ngaahi taki fakatimi moe whanau ‘oku hokohoko atu pē ‘enau fetu’utaki moe kau faiako ‘i he ngaahi timi takitaha, ke fakapapau’i ‘oku lahi pē ‘a e ngaahi ngāue fakaako ma’a ‘etau fānau.

Kuo fa’u ‘ehe Pule’anga e polokalama televīsone ‘o fakafou mai ‘i he Potungāue Ako ke fakamafola mai ai e  ngaahi polokalama akó.  ‘Oku ou fiefia ‘aupito ‘i he fokotu’u ‘a e televīsone ki he ako ‘a e fānaú pea ‘oku ‘i ai  foki moe polokalama ako ngāue’aki ‘a e lea ‘a e kau Mauli.

Ko e ngaahi fāmili ko ia ‘oku ‘ikai ha ‘initaneti, pē koe ngaahi naunau fakakomipiuta fe’unga ke ngaue’aki ‘e he fanaú, ko e faingamālie lelei ‘eni ke mou ako’i ai ‘a e fānau ke nau lava ke ngāue’aki ‘etau lea faka-Tonga.  Ko e ako ‘a e fānau ki he teemi hoko, ‘e fakamamafa ki he ‘Mo’ui lelei’, ko ia ai kātaki ngaue’aki ‘a e ngaahi faingamālie kotoa pē ke tokoni ai ki he ‘etau fānau ke fakalahi ‘enau ‘ilo ki he ngaahi founga ‘o e faka’ehi’ehi mei he mahaki Covid19. Ko e mo’ui lelei kakató, ‘oku kau ki ai ‘ae mo’ui lelei honau ‘atamai, mo’ui fakasōsiale, mo’ui fakaeloto, pea moe mo’ui fakalaumālie. ‘Oku lahi ‘a e ngaahi me’a ke tau tokoni ai ki he fānau ‘i he fa’a talanoa mo e fevahevahe’aki.

‘I he teemi hono 2, ‘e fakahoko ai ‘a e ngaahi fe’auhi lea faka’apiako ‘i he lea ‘a e kau Ha’amoa, Tonga, Mauli moe lea faka-Pilitānia foki.  ‘ E fiema’u ‘etau fānau ke nau kau ‘i he ngaahi fe’auhi ko ‘eni.  ‘Oku ou faka’amu pē ‘e lava ha fe’auhi ‘i he lea ‘a e kau Lalotonga moe Niue kae lava ke kau atu ‘a e fānau ki ai.  Ko ia kātaki ‘o ngāue ‘aki ‘a e ngaahi faingamālie ko ‘eni ‘oku tau ma’u ‘i he lolotonga ni, ke ako’i ai ‘a e fānau ‘i he ngaahi ‘ulungaanga moe lea faka-Tonga.  Koe toe faingamālie ‘eni ‘e lava ai ‘a e fānau ke nau ako ‘i he founga hono ngaohi ‘o e me’atokoni faka-Tonga mo e ngaahi tala tukufakaholo hotau ki’i fonua.

‘Oku ou faka’amu pē te mou talangofua ki he ngaahi fakahinohino mei he Potungāue Mo’ui moe Pule’anga, ke mou malu ai mei he mahaki Covid19.  ‘Oku ou lotu mo e tui ‘e vave ni pē ha ‘a tau toe fakatahataha mai koe fāmili ‘o e ‘Apiako Sātoni Paaka.

Ko e ngaahi fanongonongo kotoa pē ‘e ma’u atu ia mei he website ‘a e ‘apiakó pea mo e ngaahi letiō fakamatakali. ‘Oku ou fakamālō heni kia Mrs Mrs, Mrs Tosogi mo Whaea Molly he tokoni ki hono liliu ‘etau fanongonongo ki he lea Faka-Tonga, Faka-Ha’amoa, moe lea faka-Mauli.  Kapau ‘oku ke toe fiema’u ha tokoni makehe pea ke fetu’utaki mai kiate au ‘i he tu’asila principal@suttonpark.school.nz pē tuku mai ha fekau ‘i he telefoni 021-250-6684.  Fakatauange pē ke mou malu mo hao ‘i he ‘aofinima ‘ofa ‘o e ‘Otua. Talamonū atu, ‘ofa ke mou ma’u ha Pekia moe Toetu’u fonu kelesi’ia foki.

 ‘Ofa lahi atu moe hūfaki,

Fa’atili Iosua Esera

Tumuaki/Pulea’oga/Puleako

Master of Education [Merit]

Time for amnesty for overstayers in New Zealand to help check spread of Covid-19

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Kaniva News commentary

[maxbutton id=”2″]

Today’s announcement by Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio that overstayers qualify for health care during the Covid 19 epidemic is welcome.

While Kaniva News does not condone remaining illegally in New Zealand, we know that overstayers’ families and children are particularly vulnerable in the current crisis.

Many have lost their jobs because of the lockdown and information on government websites indicates they have no automatic right to financial help.

We believe that overstayers should be offered a blanket amnesty covering the period of the Covid-19 epidemic to allow them to access the full range of services.

As Kaniva News reported last night, for many Tongan overstayers, the cultural practice of fe’inasi’aki, where families and relatives share whatever they have when things are hard, is their only hope.

Unfortunately, this can mean that families who may already be facing financial difficulties are expected to make unrealistic sacrifices.

It can also mean that families are crowded together in inadequate housing, where it is easier for the virus to spread.

The government responded early to help visa holders whose permits were about to expire.

Holders of a work, student, visitor, limited or interim visa with an expiry date of April 2 – July 9 who were in New Zealand on April 2 have had their visas automatically extended to September 25.

But for overstayers, there has been no such generosity.

As we reported last night, right now there is currently no amnesty for the overstayers.

In 2018 it was estimated there were about 10,000 overstayers in New Zealand, many of whom are Tongans.

A full scale amnesty can be complicated.

During the large scale amnesty in 2000 about 7000 overstayers, including 3500 Tongans and Samoans and a similar number from other countries were eligible to apply for permanent residence.

Overstayers who had been living in New Zealand for five years or more, had New Zealand-born children and were married or in a de facto relationship of at least two years to a New Zealand citizen or resident were able to apply for a two-year work permit as a prerequisite for permanent residence.

In the current crisis such a complicated process would be inappropriate.

Once the pandemic has abated and international travel is possible again, the government could set criteria for an amnesty and provide proper legal pathways for overstayers to remain in New Zealand or be sent home.

For now, what is needed now  is a blanket amnesty that allows overstayers  to augment the medical care Hon. Sio has announced and seek additional help with financial support and accommodation.

PM Second interview on Covid-19 measures: Tonga is in good position in terms of food, water if pandemic dragged on

By
Kalino Latu
-
Ko e hoko atu e faka’eke’eke ‘a e Letiō FM 87.5 mo e ‘Eiki Palēmia’ kau ki he ngaahi makatu’unga mo e founga ‘oku tēkolo’i’aki ‘e he pule’anga’ e feinga ke ‘oua na’a hū ki Tonga ‘a e mahaki Koviti-19. Ko e polokalama ‘eni mo e ‘Ōfisi ‘o e Palēmia’ ne hiki he ‘aho 25 Mā’asi pea tok liliu ‘e he Kaniva’ he ‘aho’ ni 12 ‘Epeleli’ ki he lea ‘Ingilisi’

This is a translation of an audio recording provided by the office of Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa. It is provided as a statement of record of Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s public statements. The English version had been abridged.


Sponsored:

[maxbutton id=”2″]

The Prime Minister was interviewed by FM 87.5’s Managing Director and Editor, Katalina Tohi, the day before the  Legislative Assembly closed on March 26.

During the interview the Prime Minster said the Cabinet was expected to meet with the Speaker and MPs to look at the government’s economic plan to combat Covid-19.

The economic plan included what the government has planned for all sectors such as agriculture, health, fisheries, tourism, education, transportation, elderly and vulnerable people.

This meant the government’s budget for the year 2020/2021 had to be adjusted.

The Prime Minister said there was enough money and countries like Australia and New Zealand and other donors were helping.

The interview:

Katalina Tohi: Have there been any new laws to look at?

PM Tu’i’onetoa: We had our Cabinet meeting a while ago and we looked at assistance by the government for the tourism, agriculture, fisheries and business sectors which were affected. We also looked at the Public Service Commission’s rules for leave periods if civil servants were infected with the Covid-19 virus. Some have to work from home like the vulnerable people and those in essential services and those who directly work for those affected by the Covid-19 like doctors and nurses. They are entitled to special duty allowances and benefits for their partners and children if they die. There are rules for things like that, including full and part time civil servants

We also looked at how to prepare and the five phases the world has taken to combat Covid-19.

1. Prepare or prevention before the disease arrives

2. When a case or infection is confirmed

3. Prevent it from being spread.

4. It becomes deadly and spreads

5. When the disease is under control.

The countries in the world, even if they are rich, could not stop their people from being infected and dying. We have a small population and cannot wait until somebody is sick before we isolate and treat them. That process will not save lives.

The best process here in Tonga is to be heavily focussed on step one. Be prepared and take preventative measures so that no one falls sick.  We had 113 people quarantined at home. Four of them were at Taliai camp. These were the people we cared for in the next two weeks like those from March 21 before international flights were banned. Their 14-day quarantine will end on April 4. Work is underway to see if they are fine and if they needed to be moved to another place and if some of them were sick their conditions must be brought under control and not allowed to spread.

Katalina Tohi: Thank you very much Mr Prime Minister, can you talk about the country’s economic conditions?

PM Tu’i’onetoa: At the moment we are preparing for six months or more and if longer and up to 12 months we must travel that pathway. We have plenty of food. The weather has been favourable and we have had rain, so people have begun growing crops like kumara.  The government has begun its programme to provide growers with seedlings and ploughing services. The situation is manageable, but there was a plan B if it deteriorates.

Katalina Tohi: We are talking about planning for the civil servants being under the Public Service Commission and if the government shut down, at the same time there is concern for the private businesses.

PM Tu’i’onetoa: Thanks Katalina. Yes I have touched base on that and talked about the seven rules that had been submitted to Cabinet from PSC. They covered various conditions at this stage and what to do if the condition escalated to a stage in which Covid-19 will arrive. We are still at stage one where we have to be prepared and the preventive measures are being increasingly enforced. The seven rules will cover more areas especially if somebody is sick.

Katalina Tohi: It is understood while international flights are currently being banned there would be exceptions to those who wanted to return home overseas.

PM Tu’i’onetoa: The Cook Islands had requested to allow an aircraft from Rarotonga to land at the Fua’amotu International Airport. It was expected to come with patients to be taken to New Zealand. I declined and demanded further detail information about the kind of patients in the plane, what was their plan for the plane while it arrived here such as re-fuelling, whether the passengers would have to leave the plane and whether any garbage would have to be dumped here, what was the process if the aircraft broke down while it was here. These are what I wanted the Ministry of Health and Civil Aviation to work on and reported back to me. This morning Australia requested through its High Commission office here an aircraft to come and pick up their volunteer workers . I just learnt that the aircraft arrived here a while ago. The US requested to allow an aircraft to pick up their Peace Corps volunteers. They had been given the same response. I was just given this information before I came into our interview. We have 101 people being quarantined at home. They arrived here in Tonga on March 19, 20 and 21. Their quarantine order will end on April 3 – 5 and if they did not show any Covid-15 symptoms we will be grateful they are safe.  The hospital was still awaiting the sixth sample being sent to be tested. The case number seven was still in isolation in Uoleva, Ha’apai. She was a woman who arrived from the US and she was fine. Case number eight she was a woman who came from Australia who showed signs of flu, but she recovered. The samples for tests seven and eight were sent through the aircraft that just arrived from Australia. Six people were being isolated at Taliai camp. There were 101 people in the eastern district, 13 in central, 10 in western, 32 in Kolomotu’a, 20 in Kolofo’ou they all were in home quarantine. 

Katalina Tohi: It is important Mr Prime Minister to be obedient and stay home.

PM Tu’i’onetoa: As I have previously said during our interview, police and army officers are on duty to make sure it is safe and no one flouts the laws. The Scenic Hotel was being contacted as we needed  a good facility like that for isolation. Some people preferred being isolated at their own homes but the disease needed to be well controlled.

Katalina Tohi: Will the two-week lock down be extended?

PM Tu’i’onetoa: If the lockdown went for a year we would still be in a good position in terms of food, water and fisheries. We do not expect this to happen but when we experience difficulties we learn to live wisely.

Overstayers qualify for health care says New Zealand’s Minister for Pacific Peoples

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio said today overstayers qualify for health care during the Covid 19 epidemic.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Hon. Sio said any Pacific person who was in New Zealand with irregular or illegal status would not be denied testing, or healthcare support for Covid-19.

“With the borders closed, these vulnerable Pacific families should be confident in getting tested if they have any of the symptoms of Covid-19 and will not be denied healthcare support.”

The Minister said Pacific providers that were funded to provide support to vulnerable Pacific families would continue supporting these families.

Overstayers, their families and children are particularly vulnerable in the current crisis.

Many have lost their jobs because of the lockdown and do not have accesss to government financial support.

As Kaniva News reported last night, for many, the Tongan cultural practice of fe’inasi’aki , where families and relatives shared whatever they have when things are hard, is the only hope for these overstayers.

Unfortunately, that often means that families who may already be facing financial difficulties are expected to make unrealistic sacrifices.

It can also mean that families are crowded together in inadequate housing, where it is easier for the virus to spread.

For many overstayers the lockdown, medical and financial worries have created a devastating situation, with calls for help from all over the country.

COVID-19 message especially for our vulnerable Pacific individuals and families who are overstayers currently in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

It is very important for you, your family members and all those within your family bubbles to get tested if you have any of the symptoms for COVID-19 or if you think you have COVID-19.

COVID-19 symptoms include:

·         a cough or

·         a fever or

·         sore throat or

·         shortness of breath

·         loss of sense of smell

“Our expectation as Government is that you will be served and tested for COVID19 regardless of your legal status including if you are an overstayer here in New Zealand when you visit either a Community Based COVID-19 testing station, a GP clinic or any of our hospitals. We must collectively as a country #UniteAgainstCOVID19.” 

“Please remember you can always call Healthline for free from a mobile or landline on 0800 358 5453.

“You can be referred by Healthline or your GP for a free COVID-19 test.

“Many of these Community Testing Stations also allow you to drop in, in person for a free test when you fit within public health’s expanded criteria without an appointment.

“Health workers at the Testing Stations will be moving around to support people while they wait so as not to be with any person long enough to be at risk of COVID-19.

“Health workers who are taking the swabs for testing will be wearing full PPE – mask, gloves, gowns, and eye protection which is the same protection the Ministry of Health advises for primary care staff.

“Patients are given written advice about when to expect their results and what to do next. Most results will be sent out via text message, with other options available to people who don’t have a mobile phone. The expectation is that test results will take up to 5 days to be available.

“Please note Community Testing Stations are only for testing.  They will not be providing medical care or assessment. If any of you are feeling sick or unwell enough where you would normally seek the advice of your doctor you should contact your GP and schedule an appointment please.”

For more information

Immigration consultant vows to share “bread he has” with overstayers as concerns for their well-being amid coronavirus lockdown grows

Immigration consultant vows to share “bread he has” with overstayers as concerns for their well-being amid coronavirus lockdown grows

Immigration consultant vows to share “bread he has” with overstayers as concerns for their well-being amid coronavirus lockdown grows

By
Kalino Latu
-

[maxbutton id=”2″]

A Tongan consultant in Auckland said if any overstayer in New Zealand was in a very difficult situation and wanted help he would share his bread with them.

Kaniva News has interviewed a number of Tongans this morning through Facebook messenger in an attempt to delve deeper into the overstayers’ situation, which some interviewees described as distressing and devastating.

Pacific Immigration Consultancy Director Koliniasi Vānisi told Kaniva News he felt for these Tongans whose well-being, food, accomodation and financial supports were badly affected during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Vānisi said the Tongan cultural practice of fe’inasi’aki where families and relatives shared whatever they had in times of difficulty was the only hope for these overstayers.

He said there was no amnesty for the overstayers and as far as he understood the New Zealand policy and laws for these illegal immigrants still stood.

Any immigration overstayer must either “leave the country immediately, or make a request for a special temporary or resident visa under Section 61 of the Immigration Act, but only if you believe you have a special case.”

A woman who we chose not to name, said some people in the community should stand up and do something about these overstayers.

READ MORE:

She said although they were here in the country illegally, when it came to disaster like the Covid-19, every human being had a right to get access to all the benefits the government has offered as disaster relief.

She said three overstayers she knew about were working. However, when the lockdown was enforced they lost the jobs.

“They only relied on families and friends’ supports but now the country is on lockdown and it makes things worse for them,” the interviewee said.

Another interviewee told us he knew of a family of five and they have a baby.

“I know their situation was really bad and they urgently need something for their baby,” he said.

All the way down from South Auckland to Katikati in the northwest of Tauranga, our responders made dramatic pleas for helps for overstayers who were in a pitiful situation during the one-month nationwide lockdown.

“Any helps please donate,” another interviewee said.

As Kaniva News reported recently, the latest statistics on overstayers in New Zealand showed 2498 were Tongans.

Many of these people had little or no access to social welfare, justice or medical care. Simply  going to a public hospital could mean they risked being deported. This could also happen if they applied for a driver’s licence, or going to court.

Last month Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that those who held temporary visas in New Zealand automatically extended to late September.

“Travellers with a temporary work student visa and limited interim visa expiring before 1 April 2020, who are unable to leave NZ will be able to stay legally,” she said.

Tongan workers in New Zealand on Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme contracts are covered for medical costs and sick leave under New Zealand’s Essential Services package.

Under their own compulsory insurance, the workers costs for doctors’ visits and medicine are covered, but the government will pay for sick leave and self-isolation if caused by the coronavirus.

Portugal new immigration laws – model for New Zealand

As Kaniva News reported last week, one European country has introduced new laws on illegal migrants that could prove a model for New Zealand.

We said in that article that this would be good news for Tongans, who have traditionally made up the largest group of overstayers in New Zealand.

Laws recently introduced in Portugal are designed to regularise the status of illegal migrants more sympathetically.

Under new rules recently introduced in Portugal, illegal immigrants who have worked in the country for more than a year and paid taxes for the past 12 months may obtain a residence permit for humanitarian reasons.

The new residency permit will be for two years and will help applicants to apply for legal residence in Portugal and act will help the country having more documented immigrants instead of illegal.

The Portuguese programme has been described as a more human approach to regulating immigration and helping the employment market.

Those who need helps with their immigration status can contact Koliniasi Vanisi on 0212941443

The main points

  • A Tongan consultant in Auckland said if any overstayer in New Zealand was in a very difficult situation and wanted help he would share his bread with them.
  • Kaniva News has interviewed a number of Tongans this morning through Facebook massenger in an attempt to delve deeper into the overstayers’ situation, which some interviewees described as distressing and devastating.

For more information

Tongan seasonal workers doing essential jobs qualify for help under NZ emergency package

Tongan seasonal workers doing essential jobs qualify for help under NZ emergency package

‘Ikai mo‘oni ongoongo fakamofele ‘e he 5G ‘a e Kōviti-19 mo fakavaivai‘i ‘ōkani malu’i sino e tangata’

By
Kalino Latu
-

Kuo ma’ave’ave ‘eni hono sea holo he mītia fakasōsiale’ ‘e hotau kakai’ he uike’ ni ha ngaahi fakamatala hala mo ‘ikai mo’oni pehē tokua ‘oku lava ke puke ha ni’ihi he ivi ‘uhila kuo fa’u’aki ‘a e tekinolosia fetu’utaki ‘ikai fakafou ‘i ha uaea (wireless telecommunication technologies.)

Kuo hope atu e fakamatala ni he mītia fakasōsiale’ ‘o pehē tokua ‘oku lava e vailasi kolona’ ‘o mofele mei he ngaahi tekinolosia 5G. ‘Oku toe ‘i ai mo e fakamatala hala ‘o pehē ko e Koviti-19 ne fa’u ‘i ha leepti ‘i ‘Iuhani, Siaina ‘o taumu’a ko e me’atau fakapaiolosia. ‘Oku ‘ikai ha fakamo’oni ki ai pea ne ‘osi fakahū ki he White House ‘a ‘Amelika ha lipooti ko e fakatotolo ‘a e CIA ki he tupu’anga mo e mofele ‘a e mahaki’ ni pea na’e mahino ai ngali ko ‘ene mofele ‘ana mei he monumanu ‘e ua ko e peka mo e pengikolini ‘i ‘Iuhani, Siaina.

Ko e ongoongo ko ‘eni, ko e to’oto’o pe mei he ngaahi fakamatala ‘a e ngaahi kautaha ongongo BBC, Aljazeera mo e CNN ke tokoni ki hotau kakai ‘oku manako laukonga fakaTonga’. Ko kinautolu manako lau ongoongo ‘i he lea ‘Ingilisi ‘oku tuva ‘ānoa e ngaahi fakamatala ko ‘eni he neti ma’a kimoutolu ke mou laulau ai.

‘I he ‘ātikolo’ ni te ke lau ai kau ki he:

  • Fakahalaki fakasaienisi pehē ‘oku fakatupu ‘e he 5G ‘a e Koviti-19 tu’unga he’ene uesia e ‘ōkani malu’i ‘o e tangata’
  • Ko e hā ‘a e 5G
  • Ko ‘Iulani ‘oku te’eki fokotu’u ha 5G ia ai ka ko e fonua ia kuo tō lahi ai ‘a e Koviti-19

Ko e ha ‘a e 5G?

Ko hono fakalea ‘e taha’ ko e 5 Generation pe ko e to’u ‘eni hono 5 ‘o e tekinolosia fetu’utaki ‘ikai fakafou ‘i ha uaea’ hangē ko e telefoni to’oto’o. ‘A ia ko e to’u fakamuimui taha ‘eni kuo a’usia ‘e he māmani ‘o e tekinolosia’ pea ‘i he ‘uhinga ko ia’ ‘oku mahino ko e lelei taha ia fakatekinolosia kuo a’usia ‘e he to’utangata ‘o e ‘aho ni’. Vave ange, faingofua ange, mālohi pea toe mohume’a ange ‘a hono fa’unga’.Te tau to’o mai pe heni ha ni’hi ‘o e ngaahi tali kuo pulusi ‘e ha ngaahi kautaha ‘iloa ‘i māmani kau ki he tukuaki’i’ ni.

Kuo ui ‘e ha ngaahi kautaha ongoongo fakamāmani lahi’ a e fo’i tukuaki’i hala ko ‘eni’ ko e conspiracy theory pe ko e tui ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e kaunga ‘a e 5G ki ha me’a ‘oku hoko hangē ko e Koviti-19 ka ‘oku ‘ikai lava fakamo’oni’i ‘a ‘ena fehokotaki’.

‘I he ‘aho ni, ne tuku ange mai ai ‘e he kautaha ongoongo fakamāmani lahi ko ia ko e Aljazeera ‘a ‘enau fakamaama ki he tukuaki’i hala ko ‘eni.

Ne nau pehē ne fakalalahi hono tufaki holo e tui ko ‘eni ‘e he kakai ‘iloa ‘o hangē ko e tokotaha ‘eti faiva ko ia ko Woody Harrelson, ‘oku lau miliona hono kau muimui’ he mitia fakasōsiale’. Taimi tatau, ne toe ma’ave’ave pe mo e fakakaukau ‘a ha kau fakatotolo fakaako ‘o pehē ko e fa’ahinga tui fakamahamahalo ko ‘eni’ ko hano keimipeini’i ‘o ha fakamatala ta’emo’oni mo takihala mo taumu’a tu’uaki.

Pehē ‘e he tokotaha fakatotolo ko Marc Owen Jones mei he ‘univēsiti ‘o Hamad bin Khalifa ‘i Qatar ki he Aljazeera, toko taha ‘eni ‘oku mataotao makehe ‘i he ‘ilo ki he ngaahi fakamatala taki hala mo ‘ikai mo’oni ‘oku fai he ‘initaneti’ na’a’ ne ‘analaiso ‘e ia ‘a e fo’i fakamatala ‘e 22,000 ki mui’ ni he Tuita’ ‘oku ‘asi ai ‘a e 5G mo e kolona’. Na’a’ ne ‘ilo ai ko e lahi taha ‘o e ngaahi ‘akauni ko ‘eni’  ko e ha’u mei he ngaahi ‘ekitivitī ta’emalava ke fakamo’oni’i. Na’a’ ne pehē ‘oku mālohi ‘aupito ‘a e mahino mai ko e ngaahi fakamatala ko ‘eni’ ko e ha’u mei he tufaki’anga fakamatala ta’emo’oni.

Faka’ikai’i pule’anga Pilitania’ e fakamahalo’ ni

‘I he uike kuo ‘osi’ na’e vela ai ha taua ki he telefoni to’oto’o ‘i Pamingihami, Pilitānia. Ne oma ‘aupito ‘a hono tukuaki’i ne ‘i ai ‘ene fekau’aki mo e Koviti-19 ‘e ha ni’ihi ‘i he Feisipuka’, Tuita’ mo e ‘Iūtiupi’. Ka ne oma ‘aupito ‘a e tali ki heni ‘a e taha kau minisitā kapineti ‘a e fonua’ ko Michael Gove ‘o ne pehē ko e fo’i laulaunoa fakatu’utāmaki ‘a e fakamatala hala ko ia’. Toe ta’ota’o atu  mo e lau ‘e taha mei he Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport he BBC ai pē ‘o pehē ‘oku hala mo ha fakamo’oni ‘e taha na’e ‘i ai ha’ana fekau’aki ‘a e 5G mo e vailasi kolona’ pea ‘oku fakatu’utāmaki ‘aupito ‘a e fa’ahinga tui tu’umaumau mo telelouniu ko ‘eni’.

‘I he māhina Fepueli ne hili pe mafola holo ‘a e fo’i telelouniu ko ‘eni ne tuku mai ai ‘e he BBC ‘enau ongongo ‘o ‘ulu’i tohi’aki ‘a e fakalea ‘o pehē – Oma e mafola ‘a e ongoongo fa’u’aki e fakamatala ta’emo’oni (Fake news is spreading fast.)

Ko e ta’au ‘o e 5G ‘e malava ai ke liliu e anga ‘e tō’onga mo’ui lahi ‘a e kakai mo e me’a kuo nau angaheni ki ai. Ko e aake ‘i hotau kuonga’ ni ‘a e netiueka’ ni ‘e malava ke  fa’u ai ‘a e ngaahi motokā ‘oku ‘ikai toe fiema’u ha tangata ia ke faka’uli, pule’i atu pe ia mei ha feitu’u e halafononga ke lele holo ai’, fakahoko e ngaahi tafa ‘e ‘ikai ‘i loki tafa ai ‘a e kau toketā faitafa’ ia nau nofo pe kinautolu mei he feitu’u mama’o ‘o fakahinohino mai pe ki ha toketā faitafa ‘e taha ‘a e me’a ke ne fai ‘i ha fetu’utaki vitiō fakafou he netiueka 5G. Kuo kau ai foki ki heni mo e ngaahi ngāue’anga fa’u koloa lahi ‘e ‘ikai toe fiema’u ha kakai ka ko e komipiuta pe te ne fai ‘a e ngāue’.

Ko e hā kuo fakafehokotaki ai ‘e he kakai’ ‘a e 5G moe Koviti-19.

Na’e kamata hono ngāue’aki ‘o e netiueka 5G ‘i he ngaahi siti mo e ngaahi fonua’ he 2018 pea lahi ‘aupito hono ngāue’aki ‘i he 2019, ta’u tatau ‘eni ne mafola mai ai ‘a e mahaki vailasi kolona’ mei ‘Iuhani, Siaina’. Ne vave hono hoko’i ‘e he kau tui fakamahamahalo’ ‘a e netiueka’ ni heni mo e vailasi’.

Ka ne ‘ikai ke nau tokanga ki he lau ‘a e palōveape ‘oku pehē: ‘Oku ‘ikai ke hanga ‘e ha hoko fakataha ‘a ha ongo me’a ‘o tala mai na’e fakatupu ‘e ē ‘a ē.

Kuo fokotu’u ‘e he kakai’ he ‘initaneti’ ha mape ‘e ua ‘o ‘Amelika ‘o pehē ko e ongo feitu’u ia ‘oku lahi taha e tō ai ‘a e Koviti-19 pea ko e ongo feitu’u ‘eni kuo ‘osi fokotu’u ai ‘a e netiueka 5G.

Ko e toe me’a ‘e taha ‘oku tatau ai ‘a e ongo feitu’u ko eni ko hona fu’u tokolahi pea mahino ne tōmu’a ‘enau ngāue’aki ‘a e 5G.

Te’eki ha 5G ‘i ‘Iulani ka fele ‘a mate ai he vailasi kolona

‘Oku toe ‘i ai mo e ngaahi ‘uhinga kehe ‘oku ‘ikai mo’oni ai e tukuaki’i ko eni. ‘Oku te’eki ai ke ‘i ai ha 5G ia ‘i ‘Iulani, ka ko e taha ia ha fonua kuo tō lahi ai ‘a e mahaki ko eni Koviti-19.

Ko e taimi ko ē ne fai ai hono hiki e me’angāue tekinolosia’ ki he uaealesi’ na’e ‘i ai e tukuaki’i loi ‘o pehē te ne fakatupunga ha mahaki, pea ko e toe me’a tatau ‘eni ki he vailasi kolona’. Ko e lahi taha ‘o e kau taukave tui fakamahalo ko ‘eni ki he 5G/Koviti-19 ‘oku ai ‘enau fekau’aki mo e ngaahi kulupu ‘oku nau pehē ko e peau’ea mei he ngaahi tekinolosia uaealesi’ ‘oku fakatupu kanisā, neongo ‘a e ‘ikai ha fakamo’oni ki he tukuaki’i ko ia’.

Kuo mahino mei he ngaahi fakatotolo fakaako, ‘oku ‘ikai mālohi fe’unga ‘a e ivi ‘uhila fakaletiō ‘i he telefoni’ ke ne maumau’i ‘a e DNA pe tīsiu ‘i he sino ‘o e tangata’ – ‘oku ma’olalo pe honau lēvolo fakaivi ‘o hangē ko e maikoloueivi’ mo e televisone’.

Fakahalaki fakasaienisi

Kuo ‘i ai ha ngaahi fakakaukau kuo’ ne fakafehokotakinga ‘a e 5G mo e Koviti-19. Fokotu’u mai ‘e he fakakaukau e taha ‘o pehē ‘oku fakatupu ‘e he netiueka 5G ‘a e Koviti-19, pe faka’ilonga ‘o ha puke. Fakakaukau ‘e taha ne pehē ‘oku tuku ange mai ‘e he netiueka 5G ha ivi faka’uhila ‘oku ne fakavaivai’i e ‘ōkani he sino ‘o e tangata’ ke ne tali teke’i ‘e mahaki’ pe ha kona pea ‘oku lahi ange ai e faingamālie ke puke ‘a e kakai’.

Ko e kautaha ko e The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) ko e sino ‘o ha kau saienisi mataotao tau’atāina ‘oku nau fakamaau tuku e anga hano uesia ‘e he ivi makineti ‘uhila’ mei he fa’ahinga me’a ngāue ‘a e sino ‘o e tangata’. Kuo nau fakapapau’i mai  ‘oku ‘ikai ‘aupito ha fekau’aki ia ‘a e 5G mo e vailasi kolona’.

Pea ‘oku ‘ikai ‘aupito, fakatatau ki he ngaahi fakatotolo fakasaienisi’, hano uesia ‘e taha ‘e he 5G ‘a e ‘ōkani ‘o e tangata’ kuo fa’u ke ne tali teke’i ha mahaki pe kona, pea tokua te nau puke ai he Koviti-19, ko e fakamatala ia ‘a Eric van Rongen, ko e Sea ‘o e ICNIRP ki he kautaha ongoongo CNN.

1...444445446...951Page 445 of 951