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Tonga names squad for Samoa test

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Radio New Zealand

Tonga’s rugby union coach has named his squad for this weekend’s test against Samoa in Apia with only a handful of newcomers in the starting lineup.

The match on Saturday is the Ikale Tahi’s first this year as they build up towards the World Cup in Japan.

Coach Toutai Kefu says there have been a few injury concerns but he is feeling confident about the team he has put together for Saturday.

“We have put in a fair amount of work leading up to this and just tracking players and seeing where they are up to and seeing what players we’ve got available to us,” Toutai Kefu said.

This weekend’s test will see the emotional return of Number 8 Nasi Manu as captain.

Nasi is back after long road to recovery having undergone surgery for testicular cancer.

Departing Hurricanes lock Sam Lousi is one of four new caps in the Tongan squad, alongside Bayonne prop Toma Taufa, Tonga A first five James Faiva and Auckland midfielder Otumaka Mausia.

Toutai Kefu said the former New Zealand Warriors rugby league player, who also played for the Waratahs and will join Welsh club Scarlets next season, is a player he’s been chasing for a long time.

“I’m very excited to get everyone together especially seeing a lot of the [other] teams who have had weeks more preparation than us. So, it is good to finally get together,” Toutai Kefu said.

Tonga Squad for Samoa Test

1. Paea Fa’anunu 2. Elvis Taione 3. Ben Tameifuna 4. Leva Fifita 5. Sam Lousi (first cap) 6. Onehunga Havili 7. Maama Vaipulu 8. Nasi Manu (Captain) 9. Samisoni Fisilau 10. James Faiva (first cap) 11. Viliame Lolohea 12. Cooper Vuna 13. Malietoa Hingano (first cap) 14. Tevita Halaifonua 15. Nafi Tu’itavake

Reserves: 16. Sefo Sakalia 17. Toma Taufa(uncapped) 18. Ma’afu Fia 19. Zane Kapeli 20. Fotu Lokotui 21. Sione Vailanu 22. Leon fukofuka 23. ‘Otumaka Mausia (uncapped)

Tonga internet company claims cable cut was ‘sabotage’

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Radio New Zealand

The company managing Tonga’s sole internet cable says the country’s internet blackout was “sabotage” by a powerful but unknown actor.

Tonga’s link to the outside world was cut in January, severing internet and many international phone links for 12 days.

An investigation by the state-owned Tonga Cable has found the cable was cut into four sections by an anchor dragged along the sea bed.

Tonga Cable’s director Paula Piukala says satellite mapping from two companies put the Turkish-flagged Duzgit Venture at the time and place of the damage.

“It was intentional. It was clearly sabotage,” Mr Piukala said. “Who has the motives? Who has the resources? Who can organise such a thing?” he asked.

“It has to be from a powerful institution, it cannot be from ordinary people and ordinary men.”

While Mr Piukala said he believed a third-party was responsible for the cable cut, he declined to say who he believed could be responsible – although he said he doubted it was a state actor.

Mr Piukala said the findings had been passed on to Tongan police and Tonga Cable will also seek damages from the ship’s owner.

A spokesperson for Duzgit says the company is cooperating with Tongan authorities.

“Our representatives met with the Ports Authority in Nuku’alofa in February to discuss the call of the vessel and to advise them we were available to cooperate with them,” said Kürşad Öztürk, a fleet manager with Duzgit, in a statement.

“We subsequently also provided them with further information that they requested,” he added.

Other than its positioning at the place and time of the outage on 20 January, the Duzgit Venture raised suspicions by having its anchor lowered in a no-anchor zones, despite being an experienced operator that carried regular oil shipments to Tonga, Mr Piukala said.

Adding to this, the ship was operating in the port area on Sunday, when ships are not authorised to enter because of sabbath.

Tonga’s Police Minister, Mateni Tapueluelu, declined to comment. Tongan police could not be reached for comment.

Boris Johnson named British prime minister

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Boris Johnson, the ebullient Brexiteer who has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by Halloween, will replace Theresa May as prime minister after winning the leadership of the Conservative Party.

His victory catapults the United Kingdom towards a Brexit showdown with the EU and towards a constitutional crisis at home, as British lawmakers have vowed to bring down any government that tries to leave the bloc without a divorce deal.

Mr Johnson, the face of the 2016 Brexit referendum, won 92,153 votes by members of the Conservative Party. His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, won 46,656 votes.

-Reuters. This story appears on Radio New Zealand.

More to come..

Pacific music legend Daniel Rae Costello dies

By
Kalino Latu
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By Radio New Zealand

One of the Pacific’s most successful musicians Daniel Rae Costello Junior has died following a long battle with cancer.

The Fiji-born singer/songwriter and producer was 58 years old when he died in Australia on Monday.

Influenced by the Caribbean sound, Costello’s music captured many hearts across the Pacific and the world.

Costello’s first album Tropical Sunset was released in 1979 and Lania in 1980.

He went on to release another 18 albums – the last was Light Up The World in 2009.

His hit songs include Samba, Dark Moon and Take Me To The Island.

Costello went on to open his own recording studio Tango Sound Productions in Lautoka where he lived for more than 30 years.

He and his family moved permanently to Samoa 10 years ago – the homeland of his grandmother Amy Peterson.

Both his parents were born in Fiji.

His mother Jessie Rae had Samoan, Rotuman and Scottish heritage. His father, the late tourism pioneer Daniel Costello Senior was Irish.

Pōhiva praises medal tally, says government reforms of sport administration led to success

By
Philip Cass
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Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has praised the Tongan team for winning the kingdom’s highest Games medal tally.

Tonga came seventh overall in the medal tally at the Pacific Games which have been held in Samoa for the past fortnight.

“I am very proud of all of the members of Team Tonga,” Hon. Pōhiva said.

“This is a major achievement for Tonga and full credit must go to the individual members of Team Tonga as well as the managers, coaches and support staff.”

The Prime Minister said he had stated in Parliament earlier this year Tonga would achieve the highest number of Gold Medals in the 2019 Pacific Games because of the government’s reform of the administration and management of sport in the kingdom.

“The Government will do its best to ensure that Team Tonga’s success can be built upon for future competition,” Hon. Pōhiva said.

Top medal winners for Tonga were:

‘Aiake Tu’itupou, gold for the men’s 109kg+ , clean and jerk and 109kg+ overhead; bronze for men’s 109kg+ snatch;

Mosese Foliaki, gold for the men’s high jump and 110m hurdle;

Malia Peeke’ gold for the women’s team taekwondo and the women’ 57-62kg taekwondo and

Ato Maama Tu’utafaiva, gold for women’s shotput and bronze for women’ discuss.

Other gold medal winners included Lile Loumoli for the women’ team taekwondo; Moala Takelo for the 80-87kg taekwondo; the men’s taekwondo team and Semii Fanguna and Matavao Fanguna for the men’ tennis doubles 

Tonga came seventh overall in the Pacific Games medal tally.

The kingdom’ athletes won a total of 29 medals, including nine gold, five silver and 15 bronze.

Tonga beat New Zealand, which gained a total of 24 medal.

Fiji came fifth with 116 medal and host Samoa came third with 125.

New Caledonia led the medal tally with 182 medal, including 76 gold, 55 silver and 51 bronze.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has praised the Tongan team for winning the kingdom’s highest Games medal tally.
  • Tonga came seventh overall in the medal tally at the Pacific Games which have been held in Samoa for the past fortnight.

Tongan Comancheros gang member jailed for ‘execution-style’ murder of Tu’uheava

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Anneke Smith, RNZ court reporter , Radio New Zealand

A Comancheros gang member who murdered a young father and tried to murder the man’s wife in Māngere last year has been jailed for life.

Villiami Taani shot Abraham Tu’uheava and his wife Yolanda multiple times during a methamphetamine deal on Greenwood Road in Māngere on 1 May.

Mr Tu’uheava, a patched Nomads member, died on the rural stretch but his wife miraculously survived, despite being shot in the head twice.

Taani appeared for sentencing in the High Court at Auckland this morning after pleading guilty to murder and attempted murder.

His cousins Fisilau Tapaevalu and Mesui Tufui were found guilty of the same charges after a four-week trial last month.

Abraham Tu’uheava was lured to Greenwood Road last May under the pretence of a potential drug deal.

He’d recently relocated back to New Zealand from Australia, where he became a patched Nomads member.

After getting out of his car carrying a bag full of $15,000 cash he was shot seven times in the arm, back and neck.

Mrs Tu’uheava was shot in the head twice and only survived by pretending to be dead until she was found by a passing motorist roughly six hours later.

During the trial, the court heard the killing may have been a hit ordered by the Comancheros gang in Australia over bad blood between the gang and Mr Tu’uheava.

But Taani’s defence lawyer Ron Mansfield said his client maintained the shooting was not gang-related, despite Tapaevalu and Tufui’s mutual affiliation with the Comancheros.

Mr Mansfield said his client was genuinely remorseful and had attempted – albeit unsuccessfully – to organise a restorative justice conference with the victims to assure them they were safe.

Justice Hinton said Mrs Tu’uheava, who still has a bullet lodged in her brain, was still suffering from ongoing physical pain and PTSD.

“She is in constant pain and attends medical appointments four times a week. She cannot work because of her injuries and her benefit leaves her only $20 at the end of the week after expenses.”

The judge said Mr Tu’uheava’s son was also struggling and his behaviour at school and at home had changed.

“He wears his father’s clothes and looks at pictures of him at night.. Mrs Tu’uheava writes that she is so grateful to be alive because she does not know how her son would cope without both of his parents.”

Justice Hinton said Taani’s own family had written to express their shock and sadness at the 26-year-old’s offending.

“They know you only as the kindest and most caring person and could not believe you had committed these terrible crimes.”

The court heard Taani was also a father and had expressed some remorse to a pre-sentence report writer; saying he had to live with the fact Mr Tu’uheava’s child would grow up without a father.

Justice Hinton said she was struck by the extensive damage done to both families through Taani’s offending.

“There could not be a more tragic illustration than this case of the true effects of gang membership and methamphetamine use.”

She agreed with the Crown that it was an “execution style” killing and said it involved a high level of brutality and callousness.

“The fact Mrs Tu’uheava lived is nothing short of miraculous. You went to some lengths to make sure she died… this was an execution style killing and there were a number of shots fired.”

Taani was supported by his own family in court this morning. He waved to supporters, some of whom attended his cousins’ trial in June, from the dock.

Justice Hinton jailed him for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17-and-a-half years.

Cop charged for taking bribe from drug suspect Sione Filipe Jr

By
Kalino Latu
-

A police officer has been charged with corruption for allegedly accepting bribe in connection with Sione Filipe Jr’s illicit drug charges.

The accused was officer Fanguna Alalea who had his case called today, July 22, at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court, Matangi Tonga online has reported.

The matter is now before the Court and as such Police have no further comment to make at this time.

As Kaniva news reported last week,  Filipe Jr has been arrested for the second time within the past three months after authorities seized illicit drugs.

Police reportedly said the arrest was in relation to illicit drugs.

A co-accused of Filipe, Siua Sekona has been also charged along with him in charges relating to the seizure of 242 grams of cannabis seeds brought into Tonga, at Fua’amotu International Airport in March, the report said.

Police reportedly said the case was called on July 15 at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court and adjourned to October 7 for investigation to be completed.

“Sekona, who lived in the United States, has been in police custody over the past few weeks. He was arrested while visiting Tonga and released on bail yesterday.”

As Kaniva news reported previously after Filipe’s first arrest, he was facing counts of illicit drug importation as well as firearms and ammunition charges, was scheduled to appear in Fasi Magistrate’s court on Monday, April 29.

It was understood the case has been held over until May 27.

In that case Filipe Jnr, 34, was charged after Quarantine Officers at Fua’amotu International Airport intercepted 242.22 grams of cannabis seeds on March 30.

However, police did not reveal the arrest until April 18 after Kaniva news asked them to confirm reports that Filipe Jnr had been arrested and charged with the importation of illicit drugs.

Police said at the time a search warrant executed at the accused’s residence in Tofoa resulted in the seizure of another 85.33 grams of cannabis liquid, together with illegal firearms and ammunition.

It said the accused had been charged with the unlawful importation of illicit drugs, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, possession of firearms and ammunition without a license and making a false declaration on arrival card.

He was subsequently released on bail.

Filipe Jnr, who is also known as Johnny Filipe, married Princess Pilolevu and Lord Tuita’s second youngest daughter, Hon. Frederica Fatafehi ‘O Lapaha, who is a niece of king Tupou VI.

Hihifo supporters to raise money for new centre at events in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga

By
Philip Cass
-

Supporters of the Hihifo rugby union club are hoping to raise TP$200,000 at fund raising events in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.

The money will go towards building a community centre at the rugby grounds, installing solar powered lights and a water system that alleviates the pressure on the local well.

The first fund raising event will be held in Sydney on August 2, at the Tokaikolo Hall, 213 The Trangate, Granville from 7.30 pm.

Another event will be held in Auckland on September 6 and a third event will be held in Tonga.

Special guests at the Sydney event will be members of the Ikale Tahi team which defeated the Wallabies 16-11 in 1973.

About a third of the squad were from Hihifo.

These include Fakahau Valu, Pēseti Ma’afu, Malakai ‘Alatini, Fa’aleo Tūpī , vice captain Tali Kavapalu, ‘Isikeli Vave and Wallabies of Tongan heritage.

Family members will represent players who have since died, including captain Sione Mafi, Siaosi Sēlupe and ‘Īnoke Lūpina.

Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho, is expected to attend.

The Sydney event will feature cultural performances, including the traditional Tau’olunga and provide an opportunity to speak with visiting players.

Father ‘Āliki Langi, a Tongan Marist priest based in Sydney, but from Kolovai, a village in Hihifo, volunteered to spearhead the community project.

The main points

  • Supporters of the Hihifo rugby union club are hoping to raise TP$200,000 at fund raising events in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.
  • The money will go towards building a community centre at the rugby grounds, installing solar powered lights and a water system that alleviates the pressure on the local well.

For more information

Tonga beats the Wallabies 1973

Swimming with whales disturbing natural behaviour

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Swimming with the whales tourism in northern Tonga is disturbing the natural behaviour of nursing Humpbacks who are there to give birth, bond and nurse.

New research from New Zealand’s AUT University shows tourism intensification is forcing mothers away from their calves as they dive to avoid tour boats. 

They’re also providing an unnatural attraction for infants.

AUT PhD researcher Lorenzo Fiori used aerial drones to record whale behaviour inside Vavau’s tourist areas to compare them to whales in their uninterrupted state.

He found clear evidence of avoidance.

AUT’s Mark Orams, who was involved in the latest Humpback research and with cetacean study in Vava’u since the 1990’s, says the industry has grown significantly since that time.

“What’s unique about the Tongan situation is that, unlike most other whale watching destinations, they actually allow people to get in the water and snorkel with the whales. And that is often a really wonderful experience for the tourist but does have the potential to disturb what is a really important part of the life cycle of Humpback whales.”

Professor Orams is referring to the birthing and bonding of new-born calves with their mothers.

He says tourism has the potential to disturb this fledgling bond.

“They learn most of what they need to know from their mother and so that time, that three to four months they spend after being born, up in those warm tropical waters is a really critical time so something that we need to be really sensitive about in terms of our interest in getting close to the whales.”

Mr Orams says increased tour boat activity is forcing mothers to make deep vertical dives to avoid vessels, a tactic which infant calves aren’t yet capable of.

He says these longer separation periods between mothers and calves caused by tourism are not necessarily harmful but indicative of something to be concerned about.

One of Vava’u’s longer term operators, Vaka and Moana’s ‘Aunofo Havea Funaki, has said previously it’s getting unsustainable.

“What I saw was that too many licences were issued in Vava’u and also too many boats.”

There are now over 20 commercial operators taking thousands of tourists out to snorkel close to the whales.

The Tongan government has implemented regulations mitigate negative impacts but Lorenzo Fiori’s shows compliance can be poor.

Wait times between tour operators is not being adhered to and minimum distances from the whales is often not being observed.

The Vava’u Environmental Protection Association’s (VEPA) Karen Stone says, via email, better policing and compliance are needed through active and methodical monitoring.

“With the current regulations, the legislation as attached has clearly laid out fines for infringements on the law, but without monitoring fines cannot be applied.”

AUT’s Mark Orams says caution is also needed to mitigate potential effects of human interaction.

“For example, if we are disrupting nursing behaviour, or if we are inducing stress reaction in the targeted whales, then that is something we should probably think about how we can reduce that negative impact because it is such a critical component of their life cycle.”

He says the research team will continue to work with the government to help educate operators and increase compliance. 

In the meantime, a Vava’u accommodation provider, Vaimalo Fale’s Nikki Griffin, says tourists are overwhelmed with the beauty of the interaction and say curious Humpback calves often are the ones who approach.

“The regulations seem to be followed. The guides that they’re with, the local guides, care about the environment, care about the interaction with the whales. so, it’s just a different perspective from the research.”

The Tonga government says it is committed to providing a healthy environment for whales and the tourism sector and is currently reviewing regulations.

It says its taking on board recommendations from the research including limiting operating hours, installing GPS tracking and observers on boats, and declaring a ‘no-go’ safe zones for nursing mothers.

Senior custom official in meth and firearms charges remains in police custody

By
Kalino Latu
-

The custom official charged in connection with the seizure of about TP$6 million worth of drugs at Queen Salote wharf remained in police custody.

Paula Naitoko. Photo/Facebook

Paula Naitoko’s case has been adjourned to August 9 after a court appearance on July 12.  

Another senior custom officer and a deputy commissioner of police were expected to appear in court to answer questions from Naitoko’s lawyer, a local report said.

Naitoko was expected to apply for his release on bail.

But his lawyer did not attend court when the case was called, it said.

Naitoko, 59, was charged after police busted the drugs smuggled from the US including more than six kilograms of methamphetamine.

Five illegal firearms were also found with ammunition.

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