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Hopoate fails to appear in court as former Minister accused of assisting his flight loses Cabinet post

By
Kalino Latu
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Pita Foliaki Hopoate, the Mormon leader at the centre of a widening political scandal, failed to appear in court recently after being summoned in connection with legal action filed against him by Epalahame Taukei‘aho.

Former Police Minister Piveni Piukala with Pita Foliaki Hopoate

The case forms part of a broader controversy in which former Police Minister Piveni Piukala is under investigation for allegedly helping Hopoate leave Tonga despite an active court order prohibiting his travel.

The episode has sparked a national debate over political interference, the absence of clear Cabinet governance and structural accountability, the independence of leadership from ministerial influence, judicial autonomy, and the integrity of court order enforcement.

A report last week stated that the case involving Taukei‘aho and Hopoate was mentioned in court, but neither Hopoate nor his lawyer appeared.

As Kaniva News has previously reported, Taukeiʻaho and Hopoate became embroiled in legal proceedings linked to the Mormon Church’s alumni association before Hopoate was served with a restraining order in October barring him from leaving Tonga. Hopoate is residing in the United States.

The restraining order prohibited Hopoate from departing the kingdom “until further order of the court.”

The immigration and Customs officers accused of facilitating Hopoate’s release at the airport were subsequently dealt with by their respective ministries.

Former Minister of Customs Māteni Tapueluelu toldKaniva News last year that the officer involved had been reassigned to another division as part of the inquiry into the matter.

Tapueluelu also strongly criticised Piukala over his alleged involvement.

The Immigration officer implicated in the decision reportedly attempted to contact Piukala in an effort to explain to his boss why he had authorised Hopoate’s release.

Both officers have alleged that Piukala contacted them, offering assurances that led to Hopoate’s release.

Price of Influence

The incident ultimately led to Piukala’s suspension by then Prime Minister Eke, following pressure from the Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure it could conduct its investigation independently and without political influence.

It marked the second major pressure point on Eke, after Lord Vaea, from the Nobility bench, spoke out publicly to criticise the delay, saying that clear rules already exist for situations of this nature and should have been enforced.

The suspension occurred just weeks before the general election and the formation of the new Cabinet under Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua in December.

Although Tonga’s prime ministerial and Cabinet nominations are legally conducted in secret, Piukala’s speech on the day of the prime ministerial vote — one of the few public moments in the process — implied he had backed Lord Fakafanua over rival candidate and former Prime Minister Eke, who had previously appointed him as Police Minister.

Lord Fakafanua has finalised his Cabinet appointments, but Piukala did not make the list.

The absence has prompted widespread speculation that it was linked to the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in the Hopoate matter.

Two killed, one unaccounted for in separate water incidents across NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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Two people have died in separate water incidents across the country.

Emergency services in the Bay of Plenty were called to an area off Poripori Road in Lower Kaimai, where a person had been taken out of the water.

CPR was carried out, but they couldn’t be revived.

In the South Island, the Akaroa harbourmaster pulled a person from the water, but they also died.

Drummond Wharf was cordoned off, while emergency services worked at the scene and the death will be referred to the coroner.

Meanwhile, a swimmer is missing in the Waikato River.

Police say they were called to the area near Graham Island at Hamilton at about 3,30pm Saturday, after reports of a struggling swimmer being swept downstream.

Emergency services were searching the area.

Tongan Diaspora: North Queensland braces as Cyclone Koji nears landfall

By
Kaniva Staff
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Members of the Tongan diaspora in North Queensland, Australia, are preparing for a dangerous night as Cyclone Koji bears down on the region, with landfall expected about 4am on Sunday near Townsville.

North Queensland is on high alert after the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed late Saturday that a tropical low in the Coral Sea had intensified into a category-2 system and been named Koji.

The cyclone is forecast to cross the coast between Townsville and Bowen in the early hours of Sunday.

“Tropical Cyclone Koji is located in the Coral Sea offshore of the North Tropical Coast and is moving south towards the Queensland coast,” BOM said in its evening warning.

“Koji, a category 2 system, is forecast to continue on a similar south track until crossing the coast. The coastal crossing is forecast for early Sunday morning between Townsville and Bowen. After crossing, Koji will weaken and then track generally westwards.”

Residents across the region have been warned to expect damaging winds, heavy rainfall and possible flooding.

The threat is being closely watched by Tongans across Australia and the Pacific, as North Queensland is home to a significant number of Tongan families, many working in agriculture, construction, and regional industries.

According to the 2021 Census, 9,491 people in Queensland identified as Tongan, a sharp increase from 2011, with much of the Tongan diaspora in Australia concentrated in New South Wales and Queensland.

Community leaders in Townsville and surrounding areas have been urging families to secure homes, check emergency supplies, and stay in contact through church and social networks.

As Cyclone Koji approaches, relatives in Tonga, New Zealand and the wider diaspora are monitoring developments anxiously, hoping those in its path remain safe through the night.

Strong wind warning for Tonga’s coastal waters

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Meteorological Services has issued a strong wind warning and small craft advisory for several parts of the kingdom’s coastal waters.

In an advisory released at 7pm on Saturday, January 10, the Met Service said the warning remains in force for Haʻapai, Tongatapu, ʻEua, Tele-ki-Tonga, and Tele-ki-Tokelau coastal waters.

Mariners are being urged to exercise extreme caution, as strong winds are expected to create hazardous sea conditions, particularly for small vessels.

The Met Service said a trough lies over most parts of the kingdom, bringing cloudy periods with occasional showers to Tongatapu, ʻEua and Haʻapai tonight and tomorrow.

For the Niuas, light to moderate east to northeasterly winds are expected, becoming variable at times. Conditions will be mainly fine, with cloudy periods and a few showers.

For Vavaʻu and Haʻapai, light to moderate east to southeast winds are forecast. Weather will be cloudy at times with occasional showers and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms.

For Tongatapu and ʻEua, light to moderate southeast winds are expected. Conditions will be cloudy with occasional showers, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms, becoming fine about tomorrow.

Fishermen, inter-island transport operators, and recreational boat users are advised to delay voyages where possible and closely monitor further updates from Tonga Meteorological Services.

Authorities remind the public that small craft are especially vulnerable in these conditions and that safety should be prioritised as unsettled weather continues to affect the region.

Tongans in Victoria on edge as wildfires rage across central region

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan communities in Australia are anxiously monitoring unfolding bushfire emergencies in the state of Victoria, where firefighters are battling multiple out-of-control blazes as night falls—most notably the massive Longwood fire in central Victoria.

The Longwood blaze has threatened several townships as it continues to spread, prompting urgent warnings from authorities and forcing families, including many Pacific Islanders, to prepare for possible evacuation. Victoria is home to a significant Tongan population, particularly in regional centres and outer suburban areas, heightening concern among relatives in Tonga, New Zealand, and the wider diaspora.

Emergency services fear that a forecast change in wind direction on Friday evening could severely hamper containment efforts, pushing the fires into new and unpredictable paths.

In a distressing development, three people—including a child—remain unaccounted for after a house was destroyed by fire in Longwood. Authorities have not released further details, but the incident has intensified fears within affected communities.

The Country Fire Authority said cooler and calmer conditions expected in the coming days may allow crews to better assess the full impact of the fires, which are burning across multiple fronts.

Victoria is home to an established Tongan community, including families in the regional city of Mildura, and to many Tongans who travel from the kingdom under seasonal and labour-hire work schemes.

Mildura is approximately 498 kilometres (about a 5 hour and 40 minute drive) northwest of Longwood, the area in central Victoria where the significant bushfire is burning. 

While the Longwood fire is a serious concern, Mildura is geographically distant and as of recent updates, the immediate danger and evacuation warnings are focused on communities in central and north-east Victoria, closer to the fire front (such as Ruffy, Avenel, and areas near the Hume Freeway). 

The Rural City of Mildura has been included in a state of disaster declaration area, which covers a broad range of municipalities across Victoria to allow for enhanced emergency management powers.

However, this is a general declaration for the region and does not mean Mildura is under direct threat from the current Longwood blaze

Homicide inquiry begins after man fatally shot in south Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police have launched a homicide investigation following the fatal shooting of a man in Manurewa overnight.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB said emergency services were called to a property on Balfour Road about 11.10pm after reports that a man had been shot.

“Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” Bright said.

Cordons remain in place this morning as police carry out a detailed scene examination at the address.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Bright said residents in the area could expect to see an increased police presence as enquiries continue.

“While this is a tragic incident, police believe there is no ongoing risk to the public,” she said.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police on 105.

Tonga reportedly commits to 2026 Pacific pageant after boycott consideration; Solomon Is withdraws

By
Kalino Latu
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A question that has lingered since last year’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) controversy—whether Tonga would continue to participate again may finally be answered this week, after the Solomon Islands confirmed its dramatic boycott.

Miss Pacific Islands head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, a Samoan lawyer who chaired the judging panel for the 2025 pageant. Photo/Samoa Observer (Junior S. Ami)

The dispute surrounding the MPIP centres on allegations that Samoan head judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt tampered with votes during the February 2025 event in Honiara.

Critics argue that this resulted in Miss Samoa being crowned, when the title should instead have gone to Miss Tonga, Racheal Guttenbeil.

According to the Solomon Star, the apparent lack of response from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the operation of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant following the dispute contributed to the decision to withdraw.

Joyce Konofilia, Pageant Director of the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant and Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Host Event, confirmed to the paper that the withdrawal was linked to last year’s dispute.

“We have waited the whole year (2025), but the ministry has not responded to us,” she said.

“We cannot override the government on this matter, so we waited for them to clear their part in the situation. 

“However, we have not heard anything from them until today.”

Brunt was accused of manipulating score sheets to secure Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan’s victory. Both Brunt and the pageant’s international board have denied the accusations.

Then Tonga Tourism chief executive Viliami Takau told Kaniva News at the time that the kingdom was considering withdrawing from the pageant over concerns about its integrity.

To date, however, no official decision has been announced regarding Tonga’s participation in the 2026 pageant, scheduled to be held in Fiji next month.

The Tongan Tourism Authority was approached for comment.

The Solomon Star, however, also reported that Tonga is among the six confirmed participants and identified Miss Tonga Siosi’ana Patricia Taumoepeau as the kingdom’s representative.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, established by the Government of Samoa in 1987 as the Miss South Pacific Pageant, was created to celebrate the intelligence, talent, and culture of Pacific women.

Over time, it has expanded its focus to represent the wider Pacific region and promote regional unity. Samoa maintains a strong historical connection to the event, with its winners frequently serving as cultural ambassadors on the regional stage.

Confirmed participants for the MPIP 2026, according to the Star, are:

  1. Miss Fiji – Peggy Ravuisiro
  2. Miss Papua New Guinea – Iampela Popena
  3. Miss Samoa – Feagaimaali’I Soti Mapu
  4. Miss American Samoa – Tofoipupu Unutoa
  5. Miss Tonga – Siosi’ana Patricia Taumoepeau
  6. Miss Micronesia (Kiribati) – Atiterentaai Rinimarawa

Tongan-US fatal shooting: Nearly US$50,000 raised in 24 hours for slain father of 12

By
Kalino Latu
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An online fundraising campaign launched for Vaea Tulikihihifo Jr, one of two people killed in a shooting in Salt Lake City, has drawn an overwhelming response, raising more than US$46,000 within its first 24 hours toward a US$50,000 goal.

Vaea Tulikihihifo Jr., pictured with his wife and children, is remembered as a devoted husband and father of 12. He was killed in a shooting in Salt Lake City on January 7, 2026.

Tulikihihifo, 46, and another man, Sione Vatuvei, 38, were fatally shot on January 7, while six others were injured and remain in hospital.

According to the family, Tulikihihifo had briefly stepped outside that night from a funeral service to retrieve baby formula from a vehicle when he was fatally shot in the car park.

Police have reportedly stated that he was not involved in the alleged dispute from which the shooting arose.

Police have not yet made any arrests in the ongoing search for the suspects.

The rapid pace of donations reflects a wave of support from family, friends, church members, and the wider Pacific community, many of whom have shared messages of grief, solidarity, and remembrance.

Tulikihihifo is remembered as a deeply faithful man, a devoted husband, and a loving father to 12 children.

One of his children is currently serving a full-time LDS mission, compounding the family’s grief as they mourn while separated by distance.

His wife now faces the challenge of raising their children without the man the family describes as its anchor and provider.

The family said Tulikihihifo was known for his generosity, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to helping others, even when he himself had little.

Beyond his faith and family life, he was also remembered for his joyful spirit—quick to dance, laugh, and bring warmth into any gathering.

The GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, immediate living costs, and longer-term support for the family as they adjust to life after his death.

Tonga’s Katoa back at storm training, two months on from severe head injury

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan rugby league fans have been given a cautious boost after Eli Katoa returned to light training with the Melbourne Storm, just two months after suffering a serious head injury while representing Tonga during last year’s Pacific Championships.

Katoa was badly injured during Tonga’s clash with New Zealand at the Pacific Championships, after taking three heavy knocks to the head across the warm-up and match.

He was eventually removed from the field and later required emergency surgery.

In the immediate aftermath, the Storm ruled the powerful forward out of the entire 2026 NRL season on medical grounds, stressing that his long-term health was the club’s overriding concern.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said in a statement issued in November.

“It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists. He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season. He has a long road ahead in his recovery and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.”

Despite that prognosis, Storm supporters and the wider Tongan rugby league community were encouraged this week after the club shared videos on social media showing Katoa participating in light handling drills at training.

The club has emphasised that the activity forms part of his rehabilitation programme only and does not signal a return to full training or match play. Katoa is still expected to sit out the 2026 campaign as he continues his recovery under specialist supervision.

For Tonga, Katoa’s progress is being closely watched. The back-rower has become a key figure in the national side’s resurgence in recent years, and his safe return to full health remains the priority for both club and country.

While a comeback timeline remains uncertain, Katoa’s presence back on the training paddock—however limited—marks a significant milestone in his recovery journey and offers hope to Tongan fans following months of concern.

Auckland newborn death treated as homicide, Police say

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 10-week-old baby boy in Auckland, authorities have confirmed.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB said police were notified after the infant was taken to Pukekohe Maternity Hospital in a critical condition on 2 January.

Hospital staff alerted police, and the baby was subsequently transferred to Starship Hospital, where it was determined he had suffered non-survivable injuries.

“Tragically, the baby passed away at the hospital on Wednesday, 8 January,” Bright said.

A 27-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man have since been jointly charged with ill-treatment or neglect of a child.

Both are due to reappear in Manukau District Court on 8 May.

Suppression orders are in place protecting the identity of the child and the two people charged.

Detective Inspector Bright said the investigation remains ongoing and that further charges are being considered.

“As the matter is before the court, police are unable to comment further,” she said.

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