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Party MP Tapueluelu leaked letter revealing late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva wanted to “resign with dignity” as PM before he died divides supporters; PTOA leader demands response or may face dismissal

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITORS’ NOTE: We have edited this article to reflect the fact that the former Acting Attorney General did not draft a letter of resignation for Late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva. In fact, there was no such letter.

MP Māteni Tapueluelu, who was also the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s son-in-law, has revealed in what appears to be a letter he sent to the Democratic (PTOA) Party’s Leader and Chairman Sēmisi Sika, that the late Prime Minister wanted to resign five months before he died in September 2019.

Tapueluelu’s revelations appear to be his responses to demands from  Chairman Sika to reply within five days or may face dismissal from the Party. The Party was expected to meet tomorrow Monday 21 to decide the future of Tapueluelu.

The Party’s strong overseas chapters and frontliners have accused Tapueluelu of being power-hungry and causing chaos within the party. Tapueluelu has denied these.

The letter, which was leaked to Kaniva News,  claimed that ‘Akilisi’s eldest son Siaosi Pōhiva and people who were very close to ‘Akilisi at the time, but were not Members of Parliament or Party members, gave the late leader of the democrats  wrong advice to stay in the premiership until his death.

Tapueluelu accused Siaosi of engaging with these people in power struggle which led to the demise of the Party before last year’s premiership election.

Siaosi told Kaniva News he was unmoved by his brother-in-law’s allegations against him because he had done nothing wrong and he had submitted his full response to Chairman Sika.

Tapueluelu was contacted for comment.

PTOA loses premiership election

Hon Tapueluelu claimed the Party lost the government after some of the Party’s MPs, led by current Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, defected and formed the new People’s Party with Noble MPs before they won the premiership election last year, because of the wrong advice given to ‘Akilisi by Siaosi and others.

Tapueluelu said if ‘Akilisi’s resignation had happened according to plan, he would have been able to assist  a smooth transition of power and make sure the party still won the following premiership election.

The leaked letter also claimed the then Acting Attorney General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu, gave legal advice about ‘Akilisi’s plan to resign. The written legal advice was then allegedly labeled ‘Strictly Confidential’ before it was passed on to Tapueluelu to hand it over to ‘Akilisi in about April 2019.

Tapueluelu, who claimed he worked with ‘Akilisi for about 19 years and had helped him organised three consecutive election campaigns, said he handed the letter to ‘Akilisi and waited.

“April passed then May, June, July and August then the Prime Minister became seriously ill before he died,” Tapueluelu said in Tongan.

Phone call claim

He said before ‘Akilisi died he was “so surprised” when he allegedly received a phone call from Siaosi telling him he did not want ‘Akilisi to resign. He claimed Siaosi said the people owed it to ‘Akilisi to continue on as Prime Minister until he died.

Tapueluelu said this was in conflict with what ‘Akilisi had allegedly told him to do about his plan to resign with dignity – (“mālōlō fakahau”.)

Tapueluelu’s leaked letter which appears to have been written on March 6 2020, claimed  that when ‘Akilisi became seriously ill he repeatedly asked his media adviser, Lopeti Senituli, about the resignation letter.

Chairman Sika demands response

The leaked letter purportedly showed that Chairman Sika demanded Tapueluelu explain why he no longer attended the party’s board meetings and why Tapueluelu had accused other Party members without them knowing about it. The party also wanted a clear explanation about his membership status.

Tapueluelu’s letter has divided the PTOA Party supporters overseas with the US stronghold and  frontliners calling on Chairman Sika to dismiss him.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand PTOA officials split with some said they were behind both Siaosi and Tapueluelu and called for reconciliation. Others said they wanted him out of the Party.

Party in disarray

A number of  PTOA chapters were set up in New Zealand, Australia and the US after ‘Akilisi’s death. They have been extremely active in supporting the Party’s core team.

There was an attempt in New Zealand to have all chapters come under one umbrella after a committee was elected and named as PTOA New Zealand. However, this was opposed by some supporters, including the PTOA Auckland Aotearoa, which said it wanted to work directly with the core team in Tonga and not go through PTOA New Zealand.

That dispute in New Zealand was toned down after MP Siaosi visited Auckland two months after replacing his father as MP for Tongatapu 1.

He told PTOA fans during a welcoming feast in Mangere, South Auckland, hosted by the party supporters that every chapter would be free to contact the core team in Nuku’alofa directly.

Despite the statement from Siaosi, who is also the secretary of the Core Team, New Zealand supporters kept debating on Facebook about who should lead them in New Zealand.

The PTOA chapters overseas called on  the PTOA’s core team to publicly admit the Party was in disarray and they accused Tapueluelu for causing chaos.

Many were behind Siaosi and Chairman Sika, while others supported Tapueluelu.

MP Siaosi Pōhiva’s response

When contacted about the letter Siaosi told  Kaniva News he was unmoved by what his brother-in-law had said about him because he had not done anything wrong.

In Tongan he said: “neongo aipe ha fa’ahinga tukuaki’i ta’efakapapau’i ‘oku fai mai kiate au fekau’aki moe issue ko eni ‘oku ou ongo’i nonga pe mo fiemalie ‘ihe mahino ki hoku ‘atamai mo hoku laumalie ‘oku ‘ikai keu fai ha me’a ‘oku hala.”

Siaosi said he did not believe the allegations his brother-in-law  had made against him and others could be resolved through media.

He said he had submitted his response to Chairman Sika.

MP Siaosi said his father had the political freedom and divine mission to free the poor and oppressed from the rule of the oppressors.

The Party supporters grow

‘Akilisi’s supporters have been growing and more than ever publicly active since his death.

However, there was great concern about the party’s future and there were some conspiracy theories about another new party being set up.

Some analysts believed the disarray among the Party’s core team and the movement’s supporters was just part of a struggle by its leadership to put things together after their great leader died.

Editor’s note:

Kaniva News has just received a number of livestreaming videos and responses from the PTOA Movement’s frontliners to Hon Tapueluelu’s allegations and his Party roles. One of those videos came from Dr Tu’i Uata, the former Minister of Trade and Economic Development. Because of the need to keep the length of our articles to our standard word length we will write more stories on this topic.

 

California illegals to get emergency payment; estimates say a third of Tongans undocumented

By
Kaniva Staff
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While overstayers in New Zealand remain cut off from government financial assistance, illegal migrants in California will receive government financial aids.

The money will go to illegal immigrants who do not qualify for assistance under the US$2.2 trillion federal Covid-19 stimulus package.

It has been estimated that there are about 10,000 Tongan migrants living in Los Angeles County, about a third of whom are undocumented, or, in New Zealand terms, overstayers.

Poverty rates among the Tongan population are higher than average.

On Wednesday California governor Gavin Newsom said the state government would spend US$75 million in taxpayer funds sending US$500 to 150,000 adult immigrants.

The New York Post described the migrants as reeling from the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

READ MORE:

According to the Public Policy Institute of California there are more than 2.5 million illegal migrants in California. Nearly 25 Percent of the United States’ undocumented immigrants reside in California.

Ten percent of California’s workforce consists of immigrants living in the country illegally according to Newsom. The state’s illegal immigrants paid over $2.5 billion in state and local taxes last year, the governor said.

“We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in fear of deportations that are still addressing essential needs of tens of millions of Californians,” Newsom said.

California’s state government will send the money to a coalition of regional non-profits, who will in turn vet potential recipients and disperse the money to those who qualify.

Overstayers in New Zealand have access to free Covid-19 testing, but Kaniva News has been contacted by large numbers of people seeking help.

Many overstayers are in extremely difficult situations because they have lost their jobs and are relying on friends for help.

Kaniva News has called on the New Zealand government to institute a blanket amnesty for overstayers to allow them to receive the full range of government assistance during the current crisis.

The main points

  • While overstayers in New Zealand remain cut off from government financial assistance, illegal migrants in California will receive government financial aids.
  • The money will go to illegal immigrants who do not qualify for assistance under the US$2.2 trillion federal Covid-19 stimulus package.

For more information

California will pay illegal immigrants not included in coronavirus stimulus

Undocumented Immigrants in California

Undocumented Immigrants in California

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Kaniva News commentary

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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
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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.


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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
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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
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