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$50,000 campaign spending proposal revoked following public division in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Eke Government has firmly rejected a proposal to raise the spending cap for election campaigns, choosing to maintain the current limit of TOP$20,000 per candidate.

The decision was announced this morning by Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi.

He revealed that the proposal, which originated from the Electoral Commission to increase the limit to $50,000, had proven to be divisive among the public.

“The proposal from the Election Commission divided the public,” Fusimalohi stated, “and the government decided to cancel it and stay with the current law.”

In conjunction with this announcement, the government confirmed key dates for the upcoming general election.

The nomination period for electoral candidates will be held on October 10 and 11.

The nation is then expected to go to the polls on November 20 to elect 17 People’s Representatives to the Legislative Assembly.

The electoral process is now formally underway.

Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki confirmed to RNZ Pacific that the Office of the Electoral Commission is awaiting the official writ of election from His Majesty King Tupou VI.

They expect to receive the crucial writ from the Palace Office on Thursday, September 11. This document will officially trigger the commencement of the election period.

Dr Tu’ipulotu Kātoanga appointed as inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Tonga National University

By
Kaniva Staff
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UPDATED The government has officially approved the appointment of Dr. Tu’ipulotu Katonga as the first Pro-Chancellor of Tonga National University (TNU).

The announcement was made today by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, following a Cabinet meeting.

The TNU, which was officially inaugurated by the Crown Prince in January 2023, represents a major consolidation of Tonga’s tertiary education resources.

The university’s leadership comprises: the king, who serves as Chancellor, and Dr. Masaso Paunga, who serves as Vice-Chancellor.

Established by the legal mandate of The Tonga National University Act, the Government is obliged by law to ensure the establishment and prudent management of the TNU.

As such, six government-owned higher education institutions have merged to form a hybrid university – offering both academic and vocational study programs.”

The newly formed TNU is a comprehensive institution comprising five faculties.

It delivers over 50 programs ranging from certificates and diplomas to degrees.

This diverse portfolio is designed to directly meet the skills and knowledge-based demands of both the Tongan domestic employment market and to harness opportunities from overseas labour demands.

Tonga’s lifesaving dialysis centre set for October opening

By
Kaniva Staff
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A new date has been set for the long-awaited opening of Tonga’s first dialysis centre, with celebrations now planned for the end of next month.

The new dialysis building in Tonga. This side view (L) shows the verandah, with the conceptual design of the full premises displayed on the right.

A reliable source confirmed to Kaniva News this morning that the Siaosi Brown Dialysis Centre is scheduled to open on October 31, pending final confirmation. The centre was previously expected to begin operations in November.

The new date marks a significant acceleration of plans, driven by the critical need for the service.

As we previously reported, the Minister of Health, Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola, confirmed significant work has been ongoing to ensure the centre would open “as soon as possible given the needs and urgency for Tongan patients.”

For years, Tongans suffering from kidney failure have faced immense hardship, forced to seek costly and logistically challenging treatment overseas in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

The centre, located at Lotoha’apai in southern Tongatapu, promises to end that struggle for many.

The facility is named in memory of Siaosi Brown, a Tongan man who passed away in the United States in 2017.

Its construction was funded by the Utah-based Siaosi Brown Dialysis Board.

In a major relief for patients and their families, services will be provided free of charge to all eligible individuals.

Minister Dr ‘Akau’ola has also highlighted the strict protocols surrounding overseas medical referrals, noting that all such cases are reviewed by a Health Committee of senior doctors.

The establishment of the local dialysis centre is expected to drastically reduce the need for these difficult referrals, keeping families together and saving lives within the kingdom.

The upcoming opening represents a monumental step forward for healthcare in Tonga, offering hope and a new lease on life for countless citizens.

Tongatapu bridge project set to launch next month

By
Kaniva Staff
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The long-awaited multi-million dollar Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge project, a centrepiece of Tonga’s infrastructure development, is finally expected to break ground next month.

Conceptual design image of the proposed Fanga’uta Lagoon bridge. Image: Ministry of Infrastructure

The USD $55 million project is designed to transform connectivity and travel between the capital, Nukuʻalofa, and the densely populated south-eastern communities of Tongatapu from ‘Umusī to Folaha.

Once completed, the new link will directly address the country’s growing problem of road congestion, offering a major alternative route and reducing travel times.

The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and designed by the Japanese engineering firm Chodai Co, Ltd will feature a 720-metre bridge stretching across the lagoon, accompanied by 4.96 kilometres of new approach roads extending to Vaini.

While initially scheduled for completion this year, the project’s timeline has been updated.

Officials now anticipate construction will be finished within the next three years.

The launch will mark a significant step in modernising Tonga’s transportation network and is eagerly anticipated by residents and businesses alike who deal with daily traffic congestion.

Seeking Opportunity: Do Tonga’s poverty and land laws explain its top spot on NZ’s visa overstay list?

By
Kalino Latu
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Commentary – While Tonga has made notable progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, deep-rooted economic hardship and systemic legal inequalities remain key factors pushing some citizens to seek opportunities abroad—sometimes leading them to overstay their visas in countries like New Zealand.

Tongan travellers to New Zealand have been listed as having the highest rate of visa overstays for the period ending July, according to a new report from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). However, the authority was quick to note that the overall rate remains very low.

The Eke government has recently announced that 500 families have been identified as living in housing conditions so substandard that they are deemed unfit for human habitation.

A report based on Tonga’s 2021 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) reveals a complex picture. Although the nation successfully eradicated extreme poverty and saw its overall multidimensional poverty rate fall from 27% to 24% between 2015 and 2021, a significant portion of the population continues to struggle.

Crucially, the data shows that 20.6% of Tongans still live below the minimum standard required to meet their basic consumption needs. Parliament was told last year that the actual rate of people living under the poverty line had increased, putting the number at 25%.

The opposition criticised the then-government for allocating only $1 million to address the issue.

Barred from Inheritance by Law

This economic pressure is compounded by longstanding structural issues. Tonga’s inheritance and land tenure laws, which prohibit women from owning land, play a significant role.

The laws stipulate that upon a father’s death, all assets—including land, the family home, and belongings—automatically transfer to the eldest son.

This system disenfranchises women entirely and often forces younger sons to seek alternative living arrangements if the family land is insufficient to share.

This traditional and, in the view of many, unjust societal construct adversely impacts the commoners or ordinary people, creating a lack of long-term security and limiting economic mobility for a large part of the population.

No Welfare State, but Royalty Receives Stipends

Furthermore, Tonga lacks a social welfare system similar to New Zealand’s, which provides financial assistance to unemployed citizens and residents.

This absence of a public safety net exists alongside state expenditures for the monarchy, including the king and 33 noble titles, who receive annual stipends from the government.

Together, these push factors help explain why some Tongans, once granted visas to work or visit in more prosperous countries, choose to overstay despite the risks.

The chance to earn higher wages, own property, and build a secure future for their families can outweigh the fear of penalties, illustrating how domestic challenges are a direct driver of migration-related issues like visa non-compliance.

New Deportation Powers Threaten Diaspora

The recent announcement from Immigration New Zealand, which will allow the deportation of serious criminals who have been permanent residents for up to 20 years (doubled from 10), adds another layer of complexity for the Tongan diaspora, reminding migrants of the precarious nature of their status when seeking a better life abroad.

The statistics showed the top nationality of overstayer based on the past 30 years of data was Tonga, followed by China, then the United States.

  • Tonga: 2599
  • China: 2577
  • US: 2213
  • Samoa: 1697
  • India: 1582
  • Great Britain: 1256
  • Philippines: 938
  • Malaysia: 753
  • Canada: 510
  • Germany: 498
  • Other: 6356

Persecution, Law, and Seeking Refuge

Push factors include human rights issues, with many gay and trans people seeking opportunity in New Zealand. This is due to a legal contrast; New Zealand has protections for LGBTQ+ rights, while Tongan law criminalises consensual same-sex relations.

As Kaniva News recently reported, a Tongan woman was granted refugee status in New Zealand due to the persecution she would face in Tonga because of her lesbian identity, where same-sex relationships are illegal and can lead to jail time. 

This case highlights the ongoing challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals in Tonga and their need for protection in countries like New Zealand, which has a history of protecting such individuals through its refugee system and is a globally recognized LGBTQ-friendly country

Emergency services clean fuel leak; Qantas passengers disembark in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Qantas flight from Tonga to Sydney was delayed this afternoon after a technical issue was allegedly discovered during passenger boarding.

Emergency services contain a fuel spill from a Qantas aircraft on the tarmac. Photo/Screenshot

The incident involved QF 190, scheduled to depart Fuaʻamotu International Airport (TBU) for Sydney (SYD) at 4pm.

An apparent problem during refuelling necessitated the emergency services call as passengers were boarding, sources told Kaniva News.

As a precaution, all passengers who had already boarded were instructed to disembark and return to the departure lounge.

Video footage, seen by Kaniva News, apparently from the scene, showed emergency crews attending to a spill.

The departure was postponed pending a full assessment and resolution of the fault.

This follows last week’s emergency evacuation of a Lulutai Y12 aircraft due to a technical issue.

Woman sentenced to life imprisonment in Tonga for methamphetamine importation

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Supreme Court has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for her role in importing methamphetamine into the country.

The court found ‘Anita Toutaiólepo, 45, guilty on two charges.

The primary charge was that she knowingly, and without lawful excuse, caused to be imported approximately 137.36 grams of methamphetamine, a Class A illicit drug.

The second charge related to the knowing importation of drug utensils, namely six smoking pipes used for consuming illicit drugs.

The court was told a container arriving in Tonga aboard the vessel “Papalan Poly” on April 4, 2024, was inspected at SF Oceania Limited.

The court found that the container held illicit drugs shipped from Anthony Vea in San Francisco, California, USA, and that the shipment was intended for the accused, Toutaiolepo.

During the inspection, a drum within the container was found to contain a bag holding illicit items.

These items included a coffee bottle concealing a package of a white crystal substance, a pair of pants hiding six smoking pipes, and a second package containing another bottle with two more packages of the same crystalline material.

Police were immediately notified and subsequently arrested Toutai’olepo at the scene.

While she admitted the drum was hers, she denied any knowledge of the illicit contents, claiming they belonged to someone else and had been sent through her consignment.

Laboratory testing later confirmed the substances to be methamphetamine. The total net weight of the drugs seized was 137.36 grams.

Based on the evidence, defense lawyer Mr. Corbett argued that his client should be acquitted. He presented a positive defense, asserting that the illicit drugs were actually placed into the drum by another individual, Uinikoni.

Mr. Corbett pointed to three key factors that he stated should raise reasonable doubt: the absence of any forensic evidence linking his client to the drugs, the specific timing of when the drum was opened, and a lack of transparency in the procedural handling of the evidence. He contended that these grounds were sufficient for his client to be found not guilty.

Presiding Judge Tupou KC, however, found the account of Uinikoni to be credible, siding with his version of events. The court accepted that the broker, not Uinikoni, was the individual who opened the drum containing the illicit goods.

Furthermore, the judge believed Uinikoni’s testimony that he was with his supervisor, Fa’one, in a designated clearing area when the black bag containing the drugs was brought to them, supporting his claim that he was not directly involved in the discovery.

Justice Tupou delivered the stern sentence, emphasising the severity of the crimes which contravene Tonga’s Illicit Drugs Control Act.

In addition to the life imprisonment term, Justice Tupou ordered the immediate destruction of all illicit drugs and utensils seized during the investigation.

The order was made pursuant to section 32(2)(b) of the Illicit Drugs Control Act, which mandates the disposal of such materials to prevent them from re-entering the community.

Tongan family mourn after son shot dead in a drive-by shooting in California 

By
Kaniva Staff
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Two people were killed in a drive-by shooting in Fremont, California, last week, according to US police.

Edwards Paasi and his parents. Photo/Supplied

Edward Paasi, a Tongan man, was among those killed in the shooting on Stevenson Boulevard.

According to a CBS report, two people were in a large parking lot when someone in a vehicle approached them.

An occupant of the vehicle then opened fire and struck them. 

Police said one person died at the scene, and another victim died at the hospital.  

It is understood Paasi and his family were attending a wedding reception at the Banquet Hall.  

Witnesses said the parking lot was full, with many people attending.  

The owner of the Banquet Hall, Jamal Saddiqi, declined to comment. When approached by CBS News Bay Area in front of the business, he shut the door without answering questions. 

This is not the first time violence has erupted at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall, CBS reported. In May 2017, a wedding with an estimated 900 guests ended in multiple fights. Police said at the time, about 70 people were involved, and one man was beaten so badly he was left in a coma. 

Tributes flow for Tongan mother who died suddenly in Australian hospital

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan family in Sydney is grieving the sudden loss of a beloved mother-of-four, Vaimoana Feohi-Moe-Langi Fonua, who passed away from a heart attack while holding her seriously ill infant son in a hospital.

A Sydney family is mourning the sudden loss of mother-of-four Vaimoana Feohi-Moe-Langi Fonua, who suffered a fatal heart attack while cradling her seriously-ill infant son in hospital.

Vaimoana was comforting her young son, who remains hospitalised, when she suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.

Her passing has sent shockwaves through her family, kāinga (extended family and community), and the broader Tongan diaspora in Australia.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in on social media, reflecting the profound love and respect she inspired.

One grieving family member wrote on Facebook: “Wake me up from this bad dream. Tell me it was all a dream a nightmare. Haueee my beautiful big sister Vaimoana Lanivia-Fonua I miss and love you so dearly. God called you home too soon. You left your husband Liongi Jr Fonua heartbroken sis 😭😭😭😭 I do my absolute best for your babies and make sure Mou is okay.”

Another close relative shared: “Vaimoana Lanivia-Fonua I praise God with all of my heart, for who you are my beautiful sister, I call my day one, my best friend…. Fakafeta’i kia Sihova he ko ia pe Pule ‘o mo’ui [Thank you to Jehovah, for He is the Lord of life]. It truly is an honour to live life with you. I thought we would grow old together, I love you so much. Thank you Vai for being our family’s rock and always putting others before your needs.”

Vaimoana is remembered as a selfless caregiver, a pillar of her family, and a devoted friend. Her passing underscores the immense emotional strain faced by families with critically ill children.

A fundraising page has been established to support her husband, Liongi Jr Fonua, and their four children during this profoundly difficult time, particularly to help cover costs associated with both Vaimoana’s passing and their son’s ongoing medical needs.

The family has requested privacy as they navigate this double tragedy.

Mechanical issues on Lulutai Airlines’ aircraft; emergency crews respond

By
Kaniva Staff
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Videos and reports circulating on social media appear to show passengers disembarking from what is believed to be the Lulutai Airlines Y12 aircraft, amid claims of mechanical issues.

The footage, which has yet to be independently verified, depicts individuals exiting the aircraft on the tarmac as emergency workers—including firefighters in full uniform—are seen attending the scene.

The presence of emergency personnel suggests precautions were taken in response to a reported incident, though the exact nature and severity of the situation remain unconfirmed.

Sources citing the videos indicate the aircraft may have experienced technical difficulties prior to departing or landing.

Kaniva News is working to verify the authenticity of the footage and the accuracy of these claims.

Lulutai Airlines has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident, and repeated attempts to contact the airline for comment have been unsuccessful.

The airline recently expanded its fleet with a Twin Otter aircraft, which was intended to enhance connectivity across Tonga’s island groups.

This news follows a meeting held last month between the Civil Aviation Office (CAO) and Lulutai Airlines to discuss the carrier’s Air Operating Certificate (AOC) renewal.

A formal audit was scheduled to begin at Lulutai’s head office.

The audit will be conducted by inspectors from CASA PNG, who have been appointed by the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO).

The initiative is co-funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and CASA PNG.

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