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Tongan cousins jailed for life for roles in murder linked to Comancheros gang

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Anneke Smith, Radio New Zealand

Two cousins have been jailed for their roles in an execution-style murder linked to the Comancheros in Māngere.

Abraham Tu’uheava was shot dead and his wife Yolanda severely injured on Greenwood Road on 1 May last year.

Cousins Fisilau Tapaevalu and Mesui Tufui were found guilty of murder and attempted murder in the High Court at Auckland in June.

Another cousin Villiami Taani – a patched Comancheros member – admitted the charges before trial and was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17-and-a-half years last month.

The three men met Abraham Tu’uheava on the rural stretch of road to carry out a methamphetamine deal in the late hours of 30 April.

Mr Tu’uheava, a patched Nomads member, had recently moved back from Australia and was dealing methamphetamine in the South Island.

The young father took $63,000 cash with him to the meeting after Taani, who brought firearms with him, contacted him on 27 April.

The Crown’s case was that all three men – Taani as the principal offender – worked together to execute the killing.

At trial Tapaevalu maintained he and Tufui were at the Greenwood Road meeting but said he didn’t know about a plan to hurt the Tu’uheavas and fell asleep in the car before waking up to gunshots, fired by his two cousins.

Tufui had told police in an interview he was never at the Greenwood Road meeting and it was a case of mistaken identity; Tu’uheava’s wife, Yolanda, having identified him as one of two shooters from a photo board.

Yolanda Tu’uheava miraculously survived the ordeal despite being shot twice in the head and still has a bullet lodged in her brain that surgeons could not safely remove.

She described being forced out of the car at the late night meeting and being held at gunpoint with her husband by Taani and Tufui.

She told the jury she begged for her life, telling the men she was pregnant, and tried to run away with Mr Tu’uheava before being followed and shot anyway.

Mr Tu’uheava died quickly while Yolanda pretended to be dead on the grass roadside and was spotted by a passing motorist the following morning.

No one from the Tu’uheava family were in court for sentencing this morning; Mrs Tu’uheava having declined Taani’s offer to participate in restorative justice.

Justice Lang said while shooting was carried out in the commission of another serious offence he did not accept the killing was premeditated.

Tufui had previously pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing methamphetamine while Tapaevalu admitted two charges each of possessing methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Justice Lang jailed both men for life. Tapaevalu will serve 17 years before he is eligible for parole while Tufui was sentenced to a minimum period of 19 years.

Government’s six bills remain in limbo and may raise serious legal issues even if passed

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
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After months of wrangling, the government’s six urgent bills still appear to be in limbo.

The government has remained silent on the issue and not responded to our request for comment. There is no record in Hansard of the bills progressing successfully through Parliament.

The result of the bills would be to give the government, rather than the king, control over key judicial and police appointments.

Even if the bills are passed by the House, they may raise serious legal challenges.

As Kaniva News reported last year, New Zealand legal expert Dr Rodney Harrison said the king had withheld or deferred his signature from a number of pieces of legislation because they had been deemed to be inappropriate or unconstitutional.

If it was thought the new bill infringed on his powers, they might be rejected.

However, Dr Harrison said the king had no right to judge the merits of legislation passed by Parliament.

He said that under the 2010 Constitution, review and evaluation of the merits of legislation passed by the General Assembly did not fall within the scope of the king’s powers of sanction and signature.

He said the extent of the king’s power might have to be resolved in court.

The government proposed the bills in May, but Noble MPs walked out of Parliament and refused to co-operate with the government.

Lord Tu’ivakanō

The bills are based on legislation proposed by the last government but which were never passed.

Those bills were made in response to a report on the Constitution by Peter Pursglove in 2014. It recommended that the Attorney General must be a member of cabinet and that the judicial panel which chose judges was dangerous as it was accountable to no one.

A number of people who have loudly opposed the bills in 2019 are the same ones who tried to push the bill through in 2014 before ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and the Democrats gained power.

The six new bills were initiated by Lord Tu’ivakanoo’s government in 2014. The noble MPs supported the bills including some independent people’s representative such as MP Sāmiu Vaipulu and former MP Dr Viliami Lātū.

However, when the Pōhiva government submitted the Bills to the House the same noble MPs, including MP Vaipulu attacked it and said the Pōhiva government was trying to remove some of the king’s powers.

Consultation

There has been fierce argument over the right of the public to comment on the bills. The government said there had already been public consultation on the bill by the previous government and that it had sought a public response using talkback radio.

In his latest speech to Parliament the king appeared to support a public consultation conducted by a Parliament committee led by Lord Fusitu’a and Hon. Vaipulu and the Attorney General’s office on the Bills.

Lord Fusitu’a claimed the public consultations showed people did not want the law changed.

“It’s an overarching statement by an overwhelmingly large majority,” he told Radio New Zealand.

“The people have spoken and have rejected six bills, including the constitutional amendment.”

However, the Democrats have criticised the consultation process, saying it was not conducted in a clear, transparent and accountable way.

They said Hon. Vaipulu and Lord Fusitu’a repeatedly went on radio and television Tonga telling the public the bills were an attempt to remove the king’s powers.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva said there was no law in Tonga to stop people from submitting a bill to remove any power of the king. He said the last time the people submitted a bill to remove the executive power of the king was before 2010. His Late Majesty King George V accepted it and relinquished his executive power in 2010.

Hon. Pōhiva said the majority of voters still backed his government and the new Bills.

The main points

  • After months of wrangling, the government’ six urgent bills till appear to be in limbo.
  • The result of the bills would be to give the government, rather than the king, control over key judicial and police appointments.
  • Even if the bill are passed by the House, there may still be serious legal challenges.

For more information

Review and judgement of laws passed by Parliament not in king’s power, says lawyer

Review and judgement of laws passed by Parliament not in king’s power, says lawyer

Raft of controversial bills set to return to Tongan parliament

Government hired air ambulance transports Lord Fusitu‘a to NZ hospital; PM in Vaiola ‘but he is fine’

By
Kalino Latu
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An aircraft has transported Lord Fusitu’a to a hospital in New Zealand today Sunday 4, a Ministry of Health source has confirmed to Kaniva news this evening.

It is understood the aircraft has been hired from New Zealand by the Tongan government.

As we reported yesterday, Lord Fusitu’a’s health condition was deteriorating and he was “very slim,” the source said.

The king’s noble was “on the ventilator“ at Vaiola’s intensive care unit.

As Kaniva news reported previously, the source said “He is very sick,” but gave no further details.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva was admitted to hospital after suffering what our source said a light illness after he appeared to have been using a fan to cool himself off.

Reverend Sēmisi Kava visited Hon Pōhiva this afternoon.

He told Kaniva news the Prime Minister was fine and he was planning to travel to India this week for a meeting.

Japan and USA set up virtual PNC final

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Radio New Zealand

Japan and the USA will decide the Pacific Nations Cup title next week when they meet in Suva after victories over Tonga and Samoa respectively.

Both sides are unbeaten, with Japan thumping a visiting Tonga 41-7 and the USA sneaking past Samoa 13-10 in Suva.

Japan’s Brave Blossoms impressed with their second consecutive win over a Pacific Island side; their speed, handling and tenacity in the tackle shining through at Hanazono Stadium.

The home side contained a number of players with Tongan heritage and two of them, prop Asaeli Valu and number eight Amanaki Mafi, crossed for tries within the opening quarter of the match.

That early momentum was never lost with a 21-0 lead at the break followed by three second half tries creating a PNC decider when Japan meet USA next week in the final round.

Japan captain Michael Leitch said his team achieved what they wanted and he rated it an eight out of ten performance.

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said he was disappointed but had to give credit to Japan who played and finished well.

Tonga’s only points came through a try by lock Leva Fifita, which was converted by halfback Sonatane Takulua.

USA Eagles fly high in Suva

The Americans also remain unbeaten after two rounds thanks to an injury time penalty to first-five A.J MacGinty which delivered them the victory over Manu Samoa.

Samoa’s Alapati Leiua scored a fifth minute try after an earlier MacGinty penalty had drawn first blood for the Eagles.

However it was MacGinty himself he crossed the line and regained the lead for the USA 14 minutes later.

The score remained the same until a 72nd minute penalty by second five Henry Taefu and the match looked headed for a draw.

However MacGinty was given one last chance to score with a penalty awarded near the Samoan 22m line which he slotted to the glee of the American side.

Historically Samoa had won the first five meetings between the two side but now the USA have notched up the last two consecutive victories.

Fiji bounce back to beat Canada

Fiji recovered from their first round loss to Japan, with a convincing 38-13 victory over Canada in Suva.

Flying Fijians coach John McKee made wholesale changes to the side that lost last week to Japan and the result was a much improved effort at ANZ Stadium.

Despite the return of attacking backline threats like Semi Radradra, Eroni Sau and Josua Tuisova, it was the forwards who made their mark in particular with five of the Fijians six tries scored by members of the pack.

Tuisova did mark his return well, crossing over for a 48th minute try.

Meanwhile star lock Leone Nakarawa also celebrated his first test as captain with a try.

Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato, Peni Ravai and replacement hooker Mesulame Dolokoto were the other tryscorers.

Nakarawa told reuters his team played really well but there were still improvements to be made heading into next week’s final round of the PNG but also looking beyond to the World Cup.

“If we look after the little things, the big things will follow,” he said.

In the final round of the PNC Tonga will meet Canada in Lautoka on Friday afternoon.

Japan and the USA will play in Suva before the test between Fiji and Samoa.

Sister says heroic brother died saving the life of someone else’s child who had been swept out to sea

By
Kalino Latu
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A man who drowned at Fua’amotu sea is being hailed a hero for saving the life of another person after a rogue wave swept them out to sea.

The body of 19-year-old Toupili Finau has still not been found since July 29.

It was not clear what had happened to the other victim the family said Finau was trying to rescue.

Tonga Police said an extensive search including multiple shoreline searches were carried out by Search and Rescue team.

Finau’s sister who goes by the Facebook name Andria Tangataevaha was heartbroken and she took to Facebook to share her grief.

“You swam to rescue another life who was in difficulty, and that because you were a person who put other people’s lives before you. That’s how you were being described. You were a hero. You were a champion after you died for other people.”    

In Tongan, she wrote on Facebook: “’A si’o kakau ke kaufaki’i e mo’ui ne ‘i mu’a iate koee he nake fkmuomua maupe koe other people before you..!! Kohono fakamatala’i ia koee Koe “Helo” koeee koe “To’a” keke mateaki si’o mo’ui ma’aha ni’ihi kehe… 

The family members and friends, who have been camping at the beach since Finau went missing, held prayer services and assisting the Rescue team.

Tongan river tragedy victim in US to be laid to rest tomorrow

By
Kalino Latu
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Twenty-one-year-old Albert John Mapa who drowned at the Provo river in Utah has been remembered as ” “funny, friendly, and faithful” by his family and friends.

Mapa, also known as AJ, reportedly jumped off a pedestrian bridge into the water behind the dam.  Family and friends who were with him in the area told officials they could see Mapa “appeared to be in trouble,” a press release said.

Search and Rescue crews found his body more than three hours later.

The West Valley City resident recently returned from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tonga.

Soakai Faleao was one of Mapa’s missionary companions who was with him that day. He said it was supposed to be a fun day at the Provo River, according to a ABC4 exclusive report.

“We didn’t think anything like what happened was going to happen. We were laughing, we were joking, we were listening to songs, it was just a regular day,” said Faleao. “Everything went wrong so fast. Every time I close my eyes. I see that river and it scares me.”

“His friends told me that when he jumped, he said, ‘I love you, everyone!’ and I think that’s the message he wanted to leave them,” said Siteli Lotulelei, Mapa’s aunt.

“I broke down immediately when I heard the news. I cried. I probably cried the hardest I did ever in my life,” said Toso Fehoko, Mapa’s best friend.

His brother Peni Mapa reportedly said: “If people were singing, he would just jump in. But he would mess up on purpose to get everybody’s attention. He would start dancing, even when no one else is dancing so he could get a laugh out of people or get people to smile,” said his brother, Ben Mapa.

“He was always the life of the party. He brought the light to everybody and I feel like, that’s pretty much what he was known for,” said Fehoko. “He had a positive outlook on everything. He was always the life of the party. He brought the light to everybody and I feel like, that’s pretty much what he was known for around the community.”

An invitation for the public who wanted to  attend the memorial services for AJ Mapa, was shared on Facebook.  

It said the nofo’aki putu was held on Thursday, August 1 before his final prayer services on Saturday, August 3 at 8am-1pm at Volta Chapel, 4586 Woodbury Cir, West Valley City, UT 84120.

Bishop services- 1:30pm-2:30pm before the burial services at 3pm at Valley View Memorial. 

Audit due next week will trigger AGM and election of new Rugby League board

By
Philip Cass
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A report on the Tonga National Rugby League’s finances due next week is the key to the election of new board members.

As Kaniva Tonga news reported earlier, the Supreme Court dissolved the TNRL board and ordered an election of new board members at a special general meeting.

The Supreme Court warned it might take  further action against the League depending on the outcome of financial audit.

Judge L.M.Niu said the previous board had not managed the League’s funds in accordance with its constitution.

He said substantial funds were not accounted for.

Counsel for the league’s interim board, William Clive Edwards Jr, said as soon as the report was released the TNRL would be able to call an annual general meeting and elect new board members.

However, there is a dispute over exactly what day it will be released.

Legal counsel for the former members of the board, Siosifa Tu’utafaiva, said he understood the report would be finished by next Wednesday or Thursday.

However, Edwards argued that there was no court order fixing a time when the report was due.

Tu’utafaiva said the former board members of the TNRL would be eligible to be voted and to be nominated for the new board.

As Kaniva News reported in March, Siaosi  Koloamatangi was elected  Chairman of  the  League’s Board of  Directors during a special general meeting of the TRNL ordered by the Supreme Court.

The meeting was chaired by Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu.

The Supreme Court ruled in November last year that the new Board was to “carry on the affairs of the League, one of which shall be to have the finances of the League properly audited by a properly qualified chartered accountant.”

Once a proper audit was completed, the new Board of Directors would convene an Annual General Meeting to elect a new Board of Directors.

Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika, remains President of the League.

The main points

  • A report on the state of Tonga National Rugby League is due next week.
  • As soon as the report is released the TRNL will be able to call an annual general meeting and elect new board members.

For more information

Audit report on the financial statement from the Tonga National Rugby League is expected to due next week

Audit report on the financial statement from the Tonga National Rugby League is expected to due next week

New chair of TRNL board of directors elected at Supreme Court-ordered meeting

Oceania – New chair of TRNL board of directors elected at Supreme Court-ordered meeting. | Kaniva Tonga

Supreme Court bans former rugby board members, president, from election meeting

Supreme Court bans former rugby board members, president, from election meeting

Lord Fusitu‘a’s health deteriorating, ‘still on the ventilator’ – source

By
Kalino Latu
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Lord Fusitu’a’s health condition is deteriorating and he is “very slim,” a Ministry of Health source said this afternoon at 2pm.

He is “still on the ventilator. “

The source denied earlier reports on social media that the king’s noble has died from his illness.

It is understood his condition is now being monitored at Vaiola’s intensive care unit.

As Kaniva news reported yesterday, the source said “He is very sick,”  but gave no further details.

Recent photos of Lord Fusitu’a shared on social media appeared to show the noble looked quite ill, according to observers.

The king’s noble and Member of Parliament was sent from Tonga to a New Zealand hospital last year after he reportedly fell over and broke his leg.

‘Resilient’ Tonga ring changes for Japan clash

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Radio New Zealand

Tongan rugby coach Toutai Kefu says his team is resilient enough to bounce back from their opening loss in the Pacific Nations Cup when they meet Japan this weekend.

The ‘Ikale Tahi have travelled to Higashiosaka fresh off a 25-17 loss to Samoa in atrocious conditions.

The 'Ikale Tahi players huddle together during training in Japan.

The ‘Ikale Tahi players huddle together during training in Japan. Photo: Supplied/Tonga Rugby Union

They have had to deal with the loss of their inspirational captain Nasi Manu, who’s been ruled out of the PNC with a pectoral injury and have also had their preparations delayed by the late arrival of their luggage from Apia.

However, Kefu said the Tongans are used to dealing with obstacles with aplomb.

“They’re a pretty resilient bunch this lot, nothing really affects them,” he said. “They have been through so much in the past and they just kind of get used to it and move on really, but we’ve landed alright.”

Tonga rugby coach Toutai Kefu.

Tonga rugby coach Toutai Kefu. Photo: Supplied/Tonga Rugby Union

Tonga have made nine changes to their starting 15 for Saturday’s game, with Kefu opting for what looks closer to a full-strength side to take on the Brave Blossoms at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, where they will also face Argentina and the USA during the Rugby World Cup.

Utility forward Dan Faleafa will start on the blindside flank after being called into the squad as a replacement for Nasi Manu.

Kefu described Manu as a “leader amongst men” and a massive loss but said Faleafa’s transition has been smooth.

“Dan’s always been a part of the squad in past campaigns so he is very familiar with our programme,” he said. “He slots back in seamlessly. He’s remained fit over the last couple of months.”

Fotu Lokotui will start on the other flank, with Leva Fifita in at lock and hooker Sefo Sakalia and tighthead prop Maʻafu Fia joining front row.

In the backs, Sonatane Takulua and Latiume Fosita pair up in the halves, Atieli Pakalani gets a run on the left wing while regular captain Siale Piutau returns at centre.

Captain Siale Piutau returns at centre.

Captain Siale Piutau returns at centre. Photo: Supplied/Tonga Rugby Union

Tonga squad:

1. Paea Fa’anunu, 2. Sefo Sakalia, 3. Maʻafu Fia, 4. Steve Mafi, 5. Leva Fifita, 6. Dan Faleafa, 7. Fotu Lokotui, 8. Maama Vaipulu, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. Latiume Fosita,

11. Atieli Pakalani, 12. Cooper Vuna, 13. Siale Piutau (c), 14. Nafi Tuitavake, 15. David Halaifonua. Reserves: 16. Paul Ngauamo, 17. Toma Taufa, 18. Ben Tameifuna,

19. Onehunga Havili, 20. Zane Kapeli, 21. Sione Vailanu, 22. Leon Fukofuka, 23. James Faiva

Modern upgrades to airport terminal resolves years of passengers’ complaints, says Deputy PM

By
Kalino Latu
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Modern upgrades to the Fua’amotu international airport terminal have been made to resolve five-year old complaints from international passengers, Deputy Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika said today.

The areas for luggage claims and immigration services were too small, Hon. Sika said.

More complaints were made after Air New Zealand began using its Boeing 777. When the airliner’s 300 passengers line up to be processed, the end of the queue stretches outside the terminal.

The issue was worse when the Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia flights arrived at the same time.

Hon Sika. told Kaniva news Tonga Airport Ltd had planned an upgrade, but he had changed it to ensure that larger expansion could be made.

He said the Prime Minister had ordered that the expansion be speeded up.

Dramatic photos of the upgrade to the arrival lounge shared by Ministry of Infrastructure on social media have attracted compliments from the public.

Some people compared what they saw to international airport terminals in New Zealand and Australia.

Hon. Sika said the photos were taken while the upgrades were still under construction.

He said the passengers were allowed to use the new arrival lounge while the work was being completed.

The upgrades include the hall way, check in and duty free lounges, customs areas and the departure lounge.

It had originally been expected the upgrades would be completed during the Heilala Festival.

Hon Sika said the improvement to the airport meant the terminal could  cater for the dramatic rise in tourists arriving from overseas during the whale watching season, which runs from July to November.

As Kaniva news reported in June, work on the bridges which connect the terminal directly with passenger aircraft is already underway.

This means airline passengers will no longer have to walk across the tarmac in the rain when the new jet bridges come into service.

For more information

Passengers will soon exit and board aircraft through jet bridges at Fua‘amotu International Airport

Passengers will soon exit and board aircraft through jet bridges at Fua‘amotu International Airport
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