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Tongan men jailed for importing meth from US into New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Jessie Chiang, Reporter@je_chiangjessie.chiang@rnz.co.nz

Two men described as leaders of a drug syndicate smuggling methamphetamine from California have been given lengthy prison terms.

In the High Court in Auckland this morning, Tevita Sitanilei Kulu was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment and Tevita Matangi Fangupo to 17 years.

The pair sneaked meth in from California over a period of seven months, between June 2017 and January 2018.

Both were found guilty of numerous charges of importing meth, as well as conspiring and attempting to import the drug.

They pleaded guilty for firearm offences.

Justice Downs said that all the offending was reasonably sophisticated and had a pattern.

“All of the methamphetamine came here by post. All came to Auckland. Each package had a similar consignment note. Each package declared clothing, most with reference to the Nike label. Most packages desribed their contents as a gift [and] most contained Nike footwear,” he said.

Five packages were caught at the New Zealand border and contained 14.8kg of meth, two were caught at the United States border an contained at least 4.1kg of meth and four other packages were not detected by officials.

Justice Downs told both men they were motivated by profit.

“Mr Kulu, you had $215,000 in your apartment when you were arrested, photographs on your phone show bundles and bundles of cash,” he said.

“In one conversation you said you had never dreamt you would count so much.”

Justice Downs said while Mr Fangupo was not found with large amounts of cash, there was evidence he hoped to make millions.

“You made a note saying you hoped to make $12.9 m in a single year, the note contains calculations on how you would do so, essentially by importing kilogram after kilogram of methamphetamine to New Zealand,” he said.

Justice Mathew Downs said both men would have to serve half of their sentence before being eligible for parole.

Two others who were lesser involved in the drug syndicate were also handed prison sentences today.

Toni Rajendra Finau, 28, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison and Halene James Ikiuia, 28, was sentenced to three years and four months.

The public gallery was packed with friends of family supporting the four men.

Police appeal after victim suffered ‘brain bleed’ in south Auckland brutal bar assault

By
Kalino Latu
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Police are appealing for help to identify two suspects following a brutal assault at a south Auckland bar.  

Police said their first suspect “threw a cowardly punch instantly knocking out the victim.”

The second suspect saw the victim  on the ground and he slapped him on his head whilst the victim was still unconscious, Police said.

The second suspect was wearing a bulldogs rugby league jersey and up filler sexual bag, a raiders baseball cap and blue chains.

 It looked like he wanted to continue the assault but the bouncer has intervened, they said.

The first suspect was then seen walking off down the East Tamaki road.

He was wearing a blue t-shirt, a pair of black trousers and has a “distinctive hairstyle.”

The incident happened outside Weighbridge bar, which was frequented by Tongans who held fundraisings and performing music there.

One of the witnesses described the suspects as speaking Tongan.

Police believed the suspects arrived together at the bar in a Honda Odyssey which was parked at the car park directly behind the Weighbridge bar.

They also believed the suspects left together in the same vehicle at about 2.43am October 12.

They had been regulars at the bar, according to witnesses.

No arrests had been made and the police investigation was ongoing, a spokeswoman said.

The bouncer phoned paramedics immediately and some members of the public placed the victim in the recovery position.

It took several minutes before paramedics arrived and during this whole time the victim hasn’t regained consciousness.

The second suspect was around the scene watching the commotion. After the first police unit arrived then he decided to leave and walked in the same direction as the first suspect.

The victim, who appeared intoxicated, was hospitalized for three days after he suffered a brain bleed, Police said.

He was placed in a medically induced coma and required six weeks off work.  

He’s having issues with his eyesight as well as balance.

“He is in a long road to recovery,” Police said.   

Public reaction to photos of Hon Vaipulu, “Cheat Investors” banner as fear raised over Chinese business rival feud escalation

By
Kalino Latu
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There is fear of a significant escalation in a Chinese business feud following protests and disputes that got out of hand last week in Tofoa.

A lawyer, the Chinese Ambassador’s office and police were called in an attempt to disrupt the demonstration.

A group of Chinese arrived and protested outside the Tonga De Xing Construction Hardware store at Tofoa.

Photos circulated on social media showed what appeared to be three Chinese holding a banner in front of De Xing building.

Texts written in the banner read: “De Xing Construction Owner Wenhao Lin. Cheat Investors’ Money and Deny Repayment.”

A source at the company who did not want to be named, described the protestors’ actions to Kaniva news as “instigating a fight” and “causing disturbances.”

He said a protest of the same nature was staged last year and it ended up with some people being charged and eventually appearing in court.

He described that protest as “huge” and “threatening.”

The source said the company’s lawyer, Hon Samiu Vaipulu, who is also the Minister of Trade and Economic Development attempted to intervene but to no avail.

Police arrived but they did not immediately have the required warrant to be able to clamp down on the demonstrations.

The source said there was serious concern raised about the repeated protests and they had to be stopped.

No further details of the protest were made available to Kaniva news.

Public reaction

Meanwhile, there was a public reaction to photos which appeared to have been taken at the scene and shared on social media

One photo appears to show Hon. Vaipulu about to get into his van while a loud speaker and a stool were shown lying by the vehicle with the stool at the back and the loud speaker near the front of the van.

Some online users alleged that the minister disrupted the protest and threw away the protesters’ loud speaker and stool.

However, our source denied this and claimed the loud speaker and the stool were thrown away by those involved in the incident.

The Chinese Ambassador office, the protesters and Hon. Vaipulu could not be reached for comments.

The main points

  • There is fear of a significant escalation in a Chinese business feud following protests and disputes that got out of hand last week in Tofoa.
  • A lawyer,  the Chinese Ambassador’s office and police were called in an attempt to disrupt the demonstration.

New Ha‘apai hospital has new name

By
Kalino Latu
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Ha’apai’s hospital has changed its name.

The hospital is now to be known as Princess Fusipala hospital.

Fusipala was the half-sister of Late Queen Sālote Tupou III of Tonga.

The king opened the new TOP$5.03 million health facility yesterday.

As Kaniva reported previously, the project was part of a US$20 million reconstruction project funded by ADB and other donors through Cyclone Ian Reconstruction project to build  housing, electricity, solar system, sanitation and hospital after the cyclone struck the islands in 2014.

It was the most powerful storm ever recorded in Tonga, which passed directly over Ha’apai, taking part of the hospital’s roof.

The opening ceremony came after delays in the process because the location for the new hospital was not immediately available.

There was also a petition launched by the Haʻapai High School Parents Teachers Association with the government raising their concerns over the building of the hospital near the school in Pangai.

The new hospital replaced the old Niu’ui hospital which was located in Hihifo in Lifuka.

First Tongan to work under Australia’s Pacific Labour Scheme

By
Kalino Latu
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The first Tongan woman to work in Australia in its Pacific Labour Scheme is Mariska Koso of ‘Ananā.

Koso will be joined by another 42 workers who are expected to leave Tonga next week to work under the scheme.

“The Pacific Labour Scheme allows people from Pacific island countries to work in low and semi-skilled jobs in rural and regional Australia for up to 3 years.”

The scheme gives advice and assistance to employers and employees to help them understand their workplace rights and obligations.

This means the employees under the scheme have the same workplace rights as other employees in Australia.

Koso met with the Australian High Commission’s Second Secretary, Leon Braun, who congratulated her and wished her all the best.

“This is an exciting moment for both our countries,” Mr Braun, who manages Australia’s labour mobility programs in Tonga said.

“The Pacific Labour Scheme opens up great opportunities for Tongans to earn income and learn new skills in Australia for up to three years, and is helping Australian employers in a variety of industries overcome regional labour shortages.”

Miss Koso worked in Tasmania last year for six months under the Seasonal Worker’s Programme.

“This is an opportunity not just for me, but also for my family. Through this work, I can help my father and pay for my younger siblings’ education,” Mariska was reported as saying.

 She will work in Tasmania over the next three years in housekeeping and cooking.

The Pacific Labour Scheme commenced on 1 July 2018 following a successful pilot program in northern Australia and building on the success of the Seasonal Worker Programme.

Two Hahake drug dealer suspects arrested, one drives a car with two different plates

By
Kalino Latu
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Police arrested a 30-year-old man from Nakolo with methamphetamine, a firearm and bullets.

The accused was stopped while driving a vehicle with two different license plates.

Police seized four packs of methamphetamine (3.39 grams), one .22 rifle that was loaded, 53 live bullets and drug utensils. Police also seized 9.77 grams of cannabis from his residence.

Police have charged the accused with the unlawful possession of illicit drugs, firearm and ammunition.

A 29-year-old man from Nakolo was also arrested and charged with unlawful possession of 1.00 gram of cannabis, and one live bullet.

Both accused are in police custody while investigation continues.

Anyone with information can contact Police on 922, 22784 or the nearest Police station to you.

Court orders case of man who used forged passport be sent to Immigration for deportation

By
Kalino Latu
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A Sri Lankan man who tried to board a flight from Tonga to New Zealand using a forged French passport is facing deportation.

However, the Supreme Court said it would  not make him serve the two year prison sentence originally imposed on him, but which was suspended.

On May 10 2018 the accused, Vaseeth Samsudeen, was in Tonga and two days later tried to leave, on  both occasions using a fraudulent document.

On April 17 this year he was convicted of two counts of knowingly dealing with a forged document and was sentenced to two years in prison. This was suspended on condition that he left the kingdom within two months. He was told he could ask the court for an extension of time if there were exceptional circumstances.

He failed to leave Tonga and therefore appeared before the court for sentencing.

Lord Chief Justice Whitten said Samsudeen had been unable to obtain a visa either for his final destination or any transiting country.

The prosecution wanted the judge to make Mr Samsudeen serve his full sentence. Mr Justice Whitten said Samsudeen’s supporters were still trying to raise funds for a ticket and to obtain a visa.

Samsudeen said he did not want to return to Sri Lanka  because he feared being harmed there.

Additional enquiries were made at the judge’s order about other options, including contacting the UNHCR about his case for asylum.

Judge Whitten ordered that the matter be referred to the Principal Immigration Officer to take whatever steps were necessary to remove Mr Samsudeen from Tonga.

The main points

  • A Sri Lankan man who tried to board a flight from Tonga to New Zealand using a forged French passport is facing deportation.
  • However, the Supreme Court said it would  not make him serve the two year prison sentence originally imposed on him, but which was suspended.

Tongatapu residents urged to exercise caution over alleged home repair scam

By
Kalino Latu
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Online users are warning people to be on the lookout for a man offering deposited furniture maintenance work in Tongatapu.

The owner of the Liku’alofa Beach Resort alleged on Facebook a man of Indian descent has approached them saying he can repair old chairs and replace their covers.

They paid him a deposit before he took off taking with him their chairs, she told Kaniva news.

The owner said they contacted the man later but his phone was off.

They wanted their friends on Facebook to help provide them with the man’s address or a phone number in which he can be reached.

The post raised concerns and responses from a number of readers.

A commenter claimed a woman went with a police officer to the man after he did not fulfill a promise.

Another asked for the man’s phone number. A responder gave an address.

One commenter said they bumped into the man at their workplace and he refunded their money after they confronted him.

Tonga Invitational team historic victory over Australia honoured by public holiday

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga will honour its Invitational XIII rugby league team with a public holiday on Friday, November 15.

The team claimed a slice of history when they stunned world No.1 Australia 16-12 in a pulsating test at Eden Park on Saturday night.

The players are expected to arrive in Tonga next week.

It is understood the cabinet has approved the decision yesterday.

This morning the Prime Minister officially congratulated the team.

“Such, is the spirit of immense joy, felicitations, and thankfulness conveyed, on behalf of His Majesty The King Tupou VI, The Government and the People of the Kingdom of Tonga, to the Captain, the Manager, the officials and the Head Coach of the Winning Warriors Tonga Team respectively, for the outstanding, awe inspiring, and unique triumph of the Tonga Rugby League Invitational XIII over the reigning Australian and British Rugby League Teams,” a statement said.  

The victory comes a week after Tonga upset Great Britain, and two years after they also knocked off New Zealand during their fairytale run in the 2017 World Cup.

“Tonga fell one game short of the final that year, and are now dreaming of lifting the trophy altogether when the tournament moves to England in two years time,” NZ Newshub has reported.

Customers will pay old tariff while accountants investigate rise in kingdom’s electricity prices

By
Philip Cass
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Consumers will continue to pay the old rate for electricity for the next two months, the government has announced.

The government will bear the costs of the increase in electricity prices  for the next two months.

The old tariff is TP$0.7990 per kWh. The recently announced new price is TP$0.8316 per kWh, a difference of $0.0326 per kWh.

The new price was announced on November 1.

Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa  said the government would incur costs of about TP$360,000 in holding down the tariff for November and December.

The Prime Minister said Tonga Power Ltd has been ordered to bring in accountants Price Waterhouse Cooper to carry out an independent audit of the company’s pricing structure and the reason for the price increase.

The audit was expected to clarify the effect of the Renewal Energy Campaign, which was intended to bring down the price of electricity, not increase it, Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said.

He said the campaign had been intended to reduce the cost of electricity by 20-30% once half of the kingdom’s electricity was produced from renewable energy sources.

If no clear picture emerged, the government would have to redesign the strategy, because the 50% renewable target by 2020 had nearly  been reached.

Renewable energy

The change in energy production has been marked in the past six years.

In 2013 the New Zealand Institute for Pacific Research reported that more than half of Tonga’s national energy needs were  met  by  imported  petrol and diesel. The outer islands sometimes run out. 

At that stage solar panels produced  less  than  4%  of  the  total  energy  used.  in  2013,  although  rapid  expansion  has changed that figure.

The Asian Development Bank is administering $44 million in aid money to fund renewable projects, including the construction of the Pacific’s largest solar energy farm.

Samoa plans to be 100% renewable by 2025 and Fiji 90% by 2030.

The main points

  • Consumers will continue to pay the old rate for electricity for the next two months, the government has announced.
  • The government will bear the costs of the increase in electricity prices  for the next two months.

Fakamatala fakaTonga ki he ongoongo’ ni:

Kuo fakahā ‘e he Pule’anga’ te ne fu’a  ‘a e fakamole ki he hiki fakafokifā ‘i he totongi ‘o e ‘uhila’ ki he māhina ‘e ua ka hoko’ Nōvema-Tīsema 2019, ‘a ia ‘oku fakafuofua ki he $360,000 fakakātoa.  Kuo tu’utu’uni ai ke ‘omai ‘a e  Kautaha Price Waterhouse Cooper  mei Nu’u Sila ke nau ‘ātita’i  ‘a e makatu’unga ‘a hono hiki ko eni ‘o e totongi ‘uhila’.  Lolotonga hono totongi ‘e he pule’anga’ ‘a e hiki’ ni ‘e  kei totongi ‘uhila pe ‘a e kakai’ ‘o fakatatau ki he founga motu’a ne fika’i ‘aki ‘enau totongi ‘uhila’. ‘E ‘ikai foki ke kau a e kau totongi ‘uhila’ ‘i hono totongi e  fakamole ‘a e Kautaha ‘Atita Price Waterhouse Cooper.  Ko e ola eni ‘o e fakataha ‘a e ‘Eiki Palēmia’ ka ko e Minisita ki he Ngaahi Pisinisi ‘a e Pule’anga mo e Minisita Pa’anga pehe ki he ‘Ofisa Pule Ngaue (CEO) ‘o e Potungaue ki he Ngaahi Pisinisi ‘a e Pule’anga ‘i Novema 4 mo e Pule le’ole’o mo e timi ki he Tafa’aki fakalele ngaue ‘a e Kautaha Tonga Power Ltd ke fakapapau’i ‘a e hiki ko eni ‘a ia na’e fakaha ‘i Novema 1 2019. 

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