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Young man jailed for $53,000 TCC break-in and theft

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga — A man has been sentenced to imprisonment after admitting to breaking into the Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) office and stealing electronic goods worth more than $53,000.

Kasiano Tukuhaukava, 21, appeared before the Supreme Court in Nuku‘alofa, where Justice Petunia Tupou KC handed down a total sentence of two and a half years’ imprisonment after the defendant pleaded guilty to serious housebreaking and theft.

The court heard that on 12 July 2024, Tukuhaukava smashed a window of the TCC office at Fasi around 3am using a metal rod before entering the premises and stealing multiple high-value mobile phones.

An employee arriving at work later that morning discovered broken glass and reported the incident to police.

The stolen items included a range of Apple iPhones, from iPhone 6 models to newer iPhone 14 devices, with a combined value of $53,160..pdf) Only three of the 15 stolen phones were eventually recovered.

Offender Admitted Crime

Tukuhaukava was later arrested on an unrelated matter in August 2024, during which he admitted to the TCC break-in and theft.

The court was told he sold the stolen phones to friends.

According to a pre-sentencing report, the defendant said he committed the crime after drinking with friends and wanted money to continue drinking.

Prior Offending and Escape

Justice Tupou noted that Tukuhaukava had previous convictions and had received lenient penalties in the past, including fines and discharges without conviction.

In a concerning development, the court also heard that while awaiting sentencing for this case, the defendant escaped from custody and was later sentenced by the Magistrates’ Court to seven months’ imprisonment for that offence.

He had already served two months of that sentence at the time of the Supreme Court hearing.

The court described serious housebreaking as a significant offence in Tonga, often linked to more serious criminal behaviour, and emphasised the importance of deterrence and public protection.

Justice Tupou said Tukuhaukava’s actions showed premeditation and a disregard for previous opportunities for rehabilitation.

Partly Suspended

The court initially considered a higher sentence but reduced it to avoid imposing what was described as a “crushing” first term of imprisonment for a young offender.

After allowing for his early guilty plea and cooperation with police, Tukuhaukava was sentenced to 2½ years’ imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for two years under strict conditions.

These conditions include not committing further offences, reporting to probation authorities, and completing rehabilitation programmes.

Time to Be Served

Taking into account the cumulative sentence for his escape from custody and eligibility for remission, the defendant is expected to serve approximately 23 months in prison.

Japan rugby strips full domestic status from citizen player Lomano Lemeki

By
Kalino Latu
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Tokyo — A Tongan veteran rugby player who has lived most of his adult life in Japan and played for its national rugby team, has been downgraded under new league rules limiting his status as a domestic player.

Lomano Lemeki, who moved to Japan at the age of 19, built his life in the country—marrying a Japanese partner, raising a family, and gaining Japanese citizenship. He also went on to play for Japan’s national rugby team.

Despite those ties, the country’s top-tier rugby league has ruled that Lemeki will no longer be considered a fully domestic player under its revised classification system.

Under the new regulations, players are grouped into categories that determine their eligibility and playing opportunities. To qualify as an “A1” player—the highest domestic classification—individuals must have either completed at least six of their nine years of compulsory education in Japan, been born in Japan, or have parents or grandparents born there.

Players who do not meet those criteria, including naturalised citizens like Lemeki, are classified as “A2,” a category subject to limits that could restrict their time on the field. While teams can field unlimited A1 players, A2 players must compete for limited slots.

The decision has drawn criticism, particularly from Lemeki himself, who expressed his frustration publicly.

“I am a Japanese citizen, but just not on the rugby field,” Lemeki posted. “Rugby is a sport for all people.”

The league has defended the rule change, stating that it is designed to protect opportunities for players developed within Japan’s domestic system. Officials say the model is similar to long-standing foreign player limits seen in other professional sports in the country, including baseball, basketball, and football.

However, the move has raised broader questions about how nationality is defined in sport, particularly for athletes who have built long-term lives in countries different from their birthplaces.

Lemeki’s case highlights the tension between legal citizenship and sporting eligibility, as governing bodies seek to balance inclusivity with the development of local talent.

For many observers, the situation poses a fundamental question: whether national identity in sport should be based on birthplace and heritage—or on lived experience and contribution.

Widespread mourning for Professor Jione Havea, ‘Prophet of the Pacific’

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nukuʻalofa — A towering figure in Pacific theology has died, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped global Christian thought.

Professor Jione Havea

Rev. Prof. Jione Havea, a prominent Tongan Methodist theologian and biblical scholar, passed away on 29 April.

Widely respected across the Pacific and internationally, Havea was known for his pioneering work in contextual, postcolonial, and Pasifika theologies. His scholarship challenged traditional theological frameworks and elevated Pacific voices within global theological discourse.

Havea’s work focused on reinterpreting Christian theology through the lived experiences, cultures, and histories of Pacific peoples. He was regarded as a leading figure in reshaping theology into a more inclusive and culturally grounded conversation.

The Council for World Mission (CWM) confirmed his death, describing it as a profound loss to the church and the wider theological community. In a statement, the organisation paid tribute to Havea’s lifelong commitment to justice, community, and transformative mission.

A Prophetic Voice from the Pacific

Rev. Dr Havea was widely respected for his work in contextual and postcolonial theology, drawing deeply on the lived realities of Pacific communities. His scholarship consistently challenged systems of oppression, including patriarchy and white supremacy, and called for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of faith.

CWM said his theology was shaped by “the struggles and hopes of people, especially those at the margins,” making him a prominent advocate for justice and dignity within the church.

Havea played a significant role within the Council for World Mission, serving as a Partner in Mission and a key facilitator in its Discernment and Radical Engagement (DARE) programme. Through this work, he helped develop DARE into a global platform for theological reflection and dialogue.

His leadership in contextual Bible reading and global forums contributed to the formation of a new generation of theologians, pastors, and students who engage scripture as a living and critical space for liberation and transformation.

Rev. Dr Havea’s influence extended through his extensive editorial and academic work. He contributed to numerous theological publications, particularly within the CWM DARE series, including titles such as Gospel for Workers, Religion and Power, Theologies from the Pacific, and Scripture and Resistance.

These works, which amplify voices from the margins, have become key resources in theological education across different parts of the world.

Mentor and Teacher

Beyond his formal roles, Havea was widely recognised as a dedicated mentor. His teaching was described as marked by intellectual courage, humility, and honesty, leaving a lasting impact on students, church leaders, and academic institutions globally.

Colleagues recalled his long-standing engagement with ecumenical organisations, including the World Council of Churches, where he contributed to global conversations on mission and evangelism.

Rev. Dr Havea is survived by his wife, Prof. Monica J. Melanchthon, and their daughter.

As tributes continue to pour in, church leaders and scholars across the Pacific and beyond are remembering him as a transformative thinker and “prophet of the Pacific,” whose legacy will endure through his writings, teachings, and the many lives he influenced.

His work continues to inspire ongoing efforts toward justice, dignity, and a more inclusive understanding of faith.

This article draws on an obituary written by Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum, General Secretary of the Council for World Mission.

Tatakamotonga man jailed after breaking into homes and attacking women as they slept

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga — A series of nighttime home invasions that left victims terrified in the safety of their own homes has resulted in a man being jailed in the Supreme Court.

Talikavili Loloa was jailed for three years and six months after admitting charges including serious housebreaking, theft, assault, and serious causing bodily harm.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges, revealing a pattern of offending that escalated from property crime to violent attacks.

Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC described the offending as “serious and disturbing,” noting it involved multiple victims and escalating violence over a short period.

The court heard that Loloa’s offending began in November 2024 when he stole equipment valued at about $5,000 from a residence in Tatakamotonga after entering the property unlawfully.

He later attempted to sell some of the stolen items before being reported to police.

However, the offending quickly escalated into violent intrusions into homes at night.

Women Attacked in Their Bedrooms

In one incident, Loloa entered a home in Lapaha at around 1am and covered the mouth of an 18-year-old schoolgirl while she slept, causing her to scream before he fled the scene.

The court heard the young victim continues to suffer anxiety and no longer feels safe sleeping in her own room.

In a more serious incident later the same night, Loloa entered another home and attacked a 50-year-old woman while she was asleep.

He covered her face and mouth, assaulted her, and repeatedly punched her in the head during a struggle before being restrained by her son and others.

Medical evidence confirmed she suffered multiple injuries, including bruising, cuts, and swelling.

Threat to Community Safety

Justice Bishop said the offending struck “at the very heart of community safety and security,” emphasising that people must feel safe in their own homes.

The judge noted the progression from property offending to violent and intrusive conduct, describing it as a serious aggravating factor.

Victim impact statements revealed ongoing fear and anxiety among the complainants, with all reporting lasting psychological effects despite forgiving the offender.

Mitigating Factors Considered by Court

The Court took into account Loloa’s early guilty plea, which spared the complainants from giving evidence and demonstrated acceptance of responsibility.

He also cooperated with Police and has a limited prior history, comprising a single minor conviction. In addition, the Court noted his relative youth and significant family responsibilities, including the care of young children.

Taken together, these factors warrant a substantial, though not excessive, reduction in sentence.

Starting Point and Reduction

The court adopted a starting point of six years’ imprisonment for the most serious offence but reduced the sentence to reflect Loloa’s guilty plea, cooperation with police, and personal circumstances.

He was ultimately sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on conditions.

The effective sentence to be served is three years and six months, backdated to November 2025.

Justice Bishop rejected submissions for a non-custodial sentence, stressing that imprisonment was necessary to reflect the gravity of the crimes, deter future offending, and protect the community.

The court also noted that failure to comply with the conditions of the suspended portion could result in Loloa serving the remainder of his sentence in full.

Court clears MP of electoral bribery, finds ‘innocent explanation’ — Tukunga considers appeal

By
Kalino Latu
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Nku’alofa, Tonga — The Supreme Court has dismissed an election petition challenging the Tongatapu 9 constituency result, ruling that bribery allegations against Member of Parliament Sevenitini Toumo‘ua were not proven.

Minister of Infrastructure and Civil Aviation Seventeen Toumo’ua

In a judgment delivered on 17 April 2026, Acting Justice Langi found that petitioner Tevita Tukunga failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that Toumo‘ua committed bribery during the November 2025 general election campaign.

Tukunga had sought to void the election result, alleging that Toumo‘ua unlawfully influenced voters by promising gifts, including lawn mowers, and by approving financial assistance to a community group.

Lawn mower allegation rejected

The primary allegation centred on claims that Toumo‘ua promised a voter a lawn mower during a campaign meeting in Nakolo shortly before the election.

The court accepted that Toumo‘ua told the voter to check with his secretary to see if any lawn mowers remained from those previously purchased using constituency funds. However, Justice Langi ruled this did not amount to bribery.

While the statement fell within the legal definition of “agreeing to give” a gift, the court found there was a credible and innocent explanation — that the respondent was responding to a request within the context of an existing community distribution programme.

The judge also raised concerns about the reliability of the key witness, pointing to inconsistencies in his evidence and concluding that his complaint appeared influenced by frustration at not receiving the mower.

Because a reasonable innocent interpretation remained open, the allegation did not meet the strict criminal standard required in election bribery cases.

Community funding claim fails

A second allegation involved a $2,000 payment to a local pickleball committee, which the petitioner claimed was intended to influence voters.

However, the court found that the funding had been approved in July 2025—months before the election campaign—and formed part of routine constituency assistance.

Evidence showed the payment was requested by the community and later distributed in September at the group’s request to support a sporting event.

Justice Langi ruled there was no evidence the payment was made to influence votes or targeted at a defined group of electors.

High legal threshold not met

The court emphasised that electoral bribery is treated as a “quasi-criminal” offence and must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

In both allegations, the judge found the petitioner failed to exclude reasonable alternative explanations consistent with innocence.

Possible appeal under consideration

The court dismissed the petition and upheld Toumo‘ua’s election victory.

Tukunga was also ordered to pay legal costs, to be assessed if not agreed.

Following the decision, petitioner Tukunga told Kaniva News he was working with his lawyer to determine whether to appeal the ruling. No appeal had been filed at the time of publication.

Court rules Reopoamo Darklie Tufunga a registered sex offender after 64,000 abuse files discovered

By
Kaniva Staff
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Reader discretion advised: This report includes details of child sexual abuse material

A guilty plea in Auckland, coupled with the discovery that Reopoamo Darklie Tufunga held over 64,157 child exploitation images and videos and shared nearly 18,000 with others, has sealed his fate.

A 35‑month prison sentence was handed down to the 27‑year‑old in the Auckland District Court, marking a significant outcome in the case.

The court said several electronic devices were seized as part of an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs’ digital child exploitation team, which executed a search warrant at Tufunga’s home in May 2023.

According to a report by the New Zealand Herald, the sheer volume of objectionable material found in the offender’s possession was described as deeply disturbing, highlighting the importance of his being brought to justice and prevented from causing further harm.

The report added that the distribution of child sexual abuse material and interaction with other offenders fosters dangerous behaviour and heightens the risk of physical harm to children.

Judge Belinda Sellars, KC, directed that Tufunga be listed as a child sex offender and that all electronic devices involved in the offending be destroyed.

Helplines

Advice and support for parents and caregivers on protecting their children online is available at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz. If you have concerns about potential online harm or wish to report a crime, contact the digital child exploitation team at DIA. For situations where abuse is occurring or a child is in immediate danger, contact the police at 111. Victims of child or sexual abuse crimes can access help and support services by contacting:

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s sexual behaviour, please reach out for support:

Nearly 200,000 misled by City Fitness membership prices – Comm Comm

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Finn Blackwell of RNZ and is republished with permission

Gym chain City Fitness has battled claims in court it deceived customers with misleading membership prices.

The fitness giant faced 16 charges under the Fair Trading Act.

City Fitness St Lukes, Auckland. (Source: Google Maps) (Source: Supplied)

The Commerce Commission claimed City Fitness’ advertised membership prices were misleading.

It said the gym chain did not include a compulsory transaction fee, which the commission said should have been included in the advertised price.

Labelling the 3% fee as a “transaction fee” that was not related to the costs for processing membership fee payments was also misleading, the commission said.

In the Auckland District Court on Thursday, the lawyer for the commission, Jacob Barry, said nearly 200,000 people had been affected by the costs over 16 months.

He described it as a cynical marketing ploy.

“As best as I can tell, none of the money has returned to the customers.”

He said City Fitness had been deceptive.

“City Fitness obviously saw there was a competitive benefit in pursuing it this way,” Barry said.

“It gets the benefit of the market, being able to sell its memberships with that attractive looking number, but it’s doing that in a false way and, in my submission, in a consciously false way.”

The fee generated just under $1.6 million during that period, which Barry said was illegitimately obtained.

City Fitness continued to advertise the membership price despite being alerted the Commerce Commission was investigating, which Barry said was reckless.

Representing City Fitness, James Every-Palmer KC, said the gym chain had not been deceptive and, by the time customers were paying, they would have known about the fee.

“It arose out of good intentions from City Fitness to keep prices as low as possible, however, they fell down through a flawed implementation,” he said.

“But, on the other hand, there’s no evidence that a single consumer has suffered actual harm, had ended up signing up without knowing about the fee, or would’ve signed up if the transaction fee had had a different label.”

Every-Palmer said the problem arose through carelessness, not through an intention to deceive.

He said there was no evidence of deliberate deceit.

“I’ve heard today that the commission says the most serious thing here is that general cost recovery, including the cost of processing transactions, was recovered through a transaction fee, that that dwarfs the unobtainable price problem,” Every-Palmer said.

“But there’s simply no evidence that that was a deliberate attempt to mislead people, that that was, in some way, meant to make them think that that was their actually cost of transacting, and there’s simply no evidence that it made any difference to anyone…”

Judge David Clark reserved his decision.

At the time the gym franchise was charged, the commission’s competition, fair trading, and credit general manager Vanessa Horne said a business advertising cheaper than reality prices could give them an unfair advantage over competitors.

“There’s no excuse for false or misleading advertising,” she said.

“This investigation and the charges we have filed should send a clear message – when we see prices that we think are misleading, the commission will act so that businesses are held to account.”

One NZ issue causing widespread internet outage across entire South, parts of North Island

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

One NZ and 2degrees customers are experiencing outages to internet and calls across the country.

Internet outage on 1 May 2026. Photo: screenshot / OneNZ

The telecom company said the issue was under investigation.

The South Island and the lower North Island were experiencing the outages heavily, with Christchurch and Wellington listing the most outages on One NZ’s outage map.

The company acknowledged the widespread outages under one report.

“We’re aware of an issue affecting some of our cell sites and internet across the Lower North Island and the South Island. This may result in intermittent or no service for some customers in these regions.”

The company said some customers’ internet or calls were dropping out, and it had opened One NZ Satellite access to more customers in affected areas.

“We’re sorry for the disruption, and our teams are working hard to get everything back up and running as quickly as possible.”

It said customers could still stay connected using WhatsApp calling, messaging, and data through its satellite service.

2degrees said on its website it also was aware of the outages.

“This is related to the widespread One NZ incident. One NZ is working to restore services,” it said.

Automobile Association (AA) centres across the lower North Island and the whole South Island are closed as a result of the internet outages.

“We’re working closely with local teams to manage this and will reopen services as soon as it’s practical to do so,” it said on social media.

The AA was asking people to check with their local centre before visiting.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility while this issue is being resolved.”

The website Downdetector showed a spike in outages for One NZ, Spark and 2degrees this morning.

A Spark spokesperson said there has been no impact to Spark’s network from this issue.

There were comments on the post from people around the country who said their internet had not been working – although some also reported it coming back in after 10am.

Tonga Power challenges $58m claim, stands by $20.47m as royal lease remains in limbo

By
Kalino Latu
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Nukuʻalofa, Tonga — A dispute over the financial position of Tonga Power Limited (TPL) has intensified, with sharply conflicting claims over millions of paʻanga — the utility maintaining total borrowings of $20.47 million while a counterclaim of $58 million persists — alongside allegations that incorrect figures may have been presented to the Prime Minister.

Tonga Power Limited CEO Scott Westbury

The conflict follows earlier revelations that a lease over a royal estate allocated to TPL was allegedly subleased to the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) for the construction of a World Bank-funded headquarters for the Tonga Meteorological Service and the National Emergency Management Office (TMS/NEMO).

The lease is understood to involve land granted under royal authority, making its use and any subleasing arrangements subject to strict conditions.

As previously reported by KanivaNews, the headquarters was scheduled to be launched in February but was delayed after concerns were allegedly raised by the King regarding the lease.

Allegations linking the lease arrangement to the loan of the TOP $54 million were raised by broadcaster ʻEtuate Lavulavu through his Letiō ʻa e Kakai FM 88.1 platform.

The matter was also brought up during a press conference last week attended by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and Tonga Power Chief Executive Officer Scott Westbury, both of whom rejected the claim.

Lavulavu later increased the alleged figure to TOP $58 million in a follow-up broadcast, saying he stood by his claims despite official denials, but did not reveal the source of the information.

He further accused the TPL CEO of allegedly providing incorrect information to the Prime Minister.

PM Fakafanua did not respond to questions during the press conference about the status of the dispute over the royal lease or whether the matter had been escalated to the courts.

Company Reassures Public

In a statement dated May 1, 2026, TPL said it was aware of online speculation and sought to reassure customers regarding its borrowing levels.

“Based on TPL’s FY2024/25 audited financial statements, total borrowings as at 30 June 2025 were TOP 20.47 million,” the company said, adding that its borrowing position had not materially changed since that time.

TPL also encouraged customers to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information.

New leadership appointed to Tonga electoral commission

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Electoral Commission has announced the appointment of two new commissioners, marking a significant leadership transition within the body responsible for overseeing the Kingdom’s electoral processes.

‘Amelia Fakahikuo’uiha Helu

The Commission confirmed that Police Magistrate Mr Penisimani Lupeitu’u Ma’u has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Tonga Electoral Commission, effective from April 29, 2026.

Mr Ma’u will serve a term of five years.

Mr Ma’u succeeds the former Chairman, Rt Hon. Lord Dalgety KC, who has recently retired from the Commission after his tenure.

In a concurrent appointment, Honorary Consul Mrs ‘Amelia Fakahikuo’uiha Helu has been named as a new Commissioner of the Tonga Electoral Commission.

Her appointment also took effect on April 29, 2026, and she will likewise serve a five-year term. Mrs Helu replaces Mr Ma’u, who previously held a position as a Commissioner before assuming the chairmanship.

In an official press release issued on April 30, 2026, both appointments were made with the formal consent of His Majesty, acting on the advice of His Majesty’s Privy Council, in accordance with Section 4(1)(a) of the Electoral Commission Act of the Kingdom of Tonga.

The Electoral Commission expressed confidence in the new leadership, noting that both appointees bring valuable skills and experience to their respective roles.

The announcement was released by the Acting Supervisor of Elections.

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