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‘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

Man accused of ‘Utulei nightclub murder pleads not guilty

By
Kalino Latu
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A 20-year-old man is denying killing another man outside ‘Utulei nightclub.

Tevita Kātoa of Ma’ufanga was accused of killing Pita ‘Aipolo in August 23, 2018.  

He has pleaded not guilty to his charges of murder, manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm, the Kele’a newspaper has reported.

‘Aipolo was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries, one month later.  

The court was told the incident occurred after the accused was denied entry into the nightclub because he was too drunk.

A security guard at the bar told the court he saw Kātoa allegedly beating the deceased.

He alleged Kātoa told him that he wanted to beat the deceased.

Police reportedly arrested Kātoa two days after the incident.

Kātoa’s legal counsel said his client has rejected the allegations that he killed ‘Aipolo, the paper said.

Justice Charles Cato was expected to  direct a jury to commence deliberating a verdict.

Lord Fusitu‘a seriously ill in Vaiola hospital

By
Kalino Latu
-

Lord Fusitu’a is seriously ill in Vaiola hospital, a Ministry of Health source said today.

“He is very sick,” the source told Kaniva news 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.

As Kaniva news reported previously, 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.

His medical treatments have cost taxpayers about thousands of pa’anga, the source said.

His serious health condition today came after he accused the Prime Minister in Parliament last month saying Hon Pōhiva planned to conduct a ‘political meeting’ with Tongans in New Zealand while he was being paid by taxpayers to travel for his medical treatment.

The government bench told Lord Fusitu’a the Parliament’s law book prevents MPs from discussing anything regarding an MP who was not present in the House.

But Fusitu’a insisted there was a ‘precedent’ for this sort of law after the Prime Minister previously questioned his illness and sick leave in the House.

This has led into a heated debate with some of the other noble MPs joined in and called on Minister of Health to explain about the Prime Minster’s health condition.

However, the debate ended after the Minister of Police told the House the Prime Minister paid for his medical travel expenses with his own money.

Hon Māteni Tapueluelu said the cabinet was told the Prime Minister wanted to make a contribution.

Tonga’s Pacific Games medalists receive $60,000 prize money for their success

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government has paid out more than TP$60,000 to teams, individual athletes and sport federations which won medals for the kingdom at the Pacific Games 2019.

Tonga came seventh overall in the Pacific Games medal tally.

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

Top medal winners for Tonga were:

‘Aisake Tu’itupou, gold for the men’s 109kg+ , clean and jerk and 109kg+ overhead; bronze for men’s 109kg+ snatch; Mōsese Foliaki, gold for the men’s high jump and 110m hurdle; Malia Pāseka won bronze for the women’s 57-62kg taekwondo and Ato Maama Tu’utafaiva, won gold for women’s shotput and bronze for women’ discuss.

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

How  is prize money awarded?

The gold medalists received cash prize of  $2,000 each while each silver and bronze medalist received $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

The gold winning teams received $4,000 cash prize each, silver teams received $3,000 while the bronze received $2,000 each.

Each National Sports Federation which won a gold medal received $2,000, silver winners received $1,500 each while each bronze winner received $1,000.

The Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva thanked the athletes and coaches during a celebration at the Taufa’ahau Domestic wharf building last night for the biggest success in Tonga’s Pacific Games participation history. He also thanked the athletes’ parents for their supports.

The prize awards event was attended by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners as well as some Cabinet Ministers.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to show that more than TP$60,000 was paid out as prize money to Tonga’s Pacific Games medalists.

Samoa and Tonga turned down chance to play rugby test elsewhere

By
Kalino Latu
-

By Radio New Zealand

Samoa and Tonga turned down the chance to play last weekend’s Pacific Nations Cup rugby test in another country despite World Rugby expressing concern about the state of the playing field at Apia Park.

Manu Samoa beat Tonga 25-17 on Saturday afternoon in wet and muddy ground conditions, which raised questions from players about the decision-making and player safety processes prior to the match.

Pacific Rugby Players’ Association CEO Aayden Clarke said players from both teams were briefed about the weather conditions during a training camp in Auckland earlier this month, while officials from World Rugby raised the prospect of playing the game offshore, with no other grounds in Samoa meeting international standard.

“It was about a week out that World Rugby actually called and said they have got some concerns around the weather scheduled for it and obviously the wear and tear that the park may have, so we looked at contingency options then,” he said.

“But it was really important that Samoa had the opportunity to engage with the community and that week was really, really successful – it was just a pity that especially on game-day the heavy rain continued to fall.”

“There was a third option that it was played in a different country, but nobody wanted that to happen and I think I can speak for the Tongans as well because they understand the importance of engaging with the community.

“In the end the weather just really was not favourable leading into it, through the Pacific Games and from the information that I’ve received the Samoa Rugby Union, the ground staff, everybody went to every effort to try and get that park ready but in the end it just wasn’t able to sustain it.”

A pitch inspection was undertaken by the referee prior to the game, and both teams were briefed on the abandonment procedure, should the referee deem that the surface was unplayable during the game, but no concerns were raised by coaches Steve Jackson and Toutai Kefu at any point.

Aayden Clarke said some players did get in touch with Pacific Rugby Players after the match to express their frustration but after meeting World Rugby staff on Monday he was satisfied with the with the procedures and processes that led to the game going ahead.

“I received a few calls and messages from some of the guys who were playing in the game and that probably triggered straight away our processes in terms of engaging with World Rugby about it,” he said.

“Our job in that situation was to be able to report back to the players the facts of which we’ve done in the last days around the ground.”

“After comprehensive conversations around the detail on not just match-day but leading into it from a player safety perspective we’re comfortable that all options were explored and the consultation that was necessary with the two coaches and the referee was acceptable from World Rugby.

“Although it obviously affected the type of game that was played from a player safety perspective we’re comfortable now.”

World Rugby’s Pacific Nations Cup Tournament Director Michael Groom said: “Our number one priority is player welfare and our procedures are extensive in that regard.

“While the conditions were not optimal owing to extremely adverse weather and the playing of the Pacific Games competitions the week prior, the match official team deemed the surface playable prior to the match. The same inspection standards were applied as with any test match.”

Aayden Clarke said the situation at Apia Park has highlighted the fact that Pacific Island nations might need more financial resources and support to ensure they are able to keep their sporting facilities.

“I guess that’s what has been highlighted and what we’ve had in recent years in Tonga as well, with not having any test matches at home because of the standard of the ground,” he said.

“Definitely we’re comfortable that the processes that World Rugby went through are no different than what would happen in a tier one test,” he said.

“The big difference here is the difference between tier one and tier two infrastructure and facilities.

“The SRU have already made comments around trying to make improvements at Apia Park in the future and the game on the weekend really highlighted probably what was needed.”

“I think what’s positive is it will start conversations between different governments around exactly how we improve the infrastructure of the stadiums.

“The players are as aware as anybody of the huge role that rugby plays within the communities and the huge benefit for not just business but morale in the communities to have their stars and their idols playing test matches in their home countries.”

Driver arrested after hitting one-year-old girl in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
-

A one-year-old girl was in a stable condition after being hit by a car at Vaiola hospital.

A 26-year-old man from Sopu was arrested and charged with causing injuries by negligent driving after the girl sustained head injuries on Tuesday morning, Tonga Broadcasting Commission has reported.

The victim was with her grandmother, who was busy talking to other people, while the girl was trying to cross to the other side of the road, TBC quoted Police Chief Inspector Lemoto Piliu as saying.

It said the driver of the vehicle “accidently hit the victim, while he was on his way to pick up his mother from the hospital.”

Inspector Piliu has reportedly appealed to parents to keep their children under close supervision – particularly near traffic.

Jail for Tongatapu attempted rape of 80yo woman ‘who loved and educated’ the prisoner

By
Kalino Latu
-

The man who attempted to rape an 80-year-old woman in Kolomotu’a was reportedly loved and educated by the victim.

Siaosi Havea was sentenced to two years and six months jail in Hu’atolitoli after pleading guilty to break, enter and attempted rape charges.

Havea went to the home to ask for food. But while in the house he committed the crimes on April 5, 2018, Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper reported.

The judge said Havea was drunk and drugged before he grabbed the victim by her throat and attempted to rape her.

However, he fled the scene after the woman’s son-in-law was awaken by her screams.

The prosecutor asked for a starting point of five years but the judge ruled a starting point of four and six months saying there was a good reason to reduce his sentence, the paper said.

The judge accepted Havea was genuinely remorseful after he admitted he committed the crimes, his early guilty plea and was cooperative with Police.  The judge reduced his sentence to three years and six months, Kakalu said.

The judge also suspended the last 12 months to allow the prisoner an opportunity to join alcohol and drug programmes

The court was told Havea had previous criminal records.  

Tongan scholar exposes youth suicide rate, says more research needed to find ways to help

By
Philip Cass
-

Young Tongans have the highest rates of youth suicide in New Zealand, according to a newly completed doctoral thesis by a Tongan scholar.

Dr Lolohea Tongi’s thesis was awarded by Griffith University in Brisbane.

Her research looked at mental health issues in young Tongans in New Zealand and Australia.

Dr Tongi said her research called for more research to find effective way to help Tongan youth.

Young Tongans did poorly in education and were over-represented in the criminal justice system.

Young people often faced pressure in adapting to a host country with different family and cultural values.

“In order to understand the well-being of young Tongans, it is essential to take account of the impact of migration on them and their families,” she said.

“The outcomes of New Zealand Tongan and Australian Tongan youth warrant concern and intervention.”

Dr Tongi’s family gathered in Auckland on Saturday, July 27, to celebrate the award of her thesis.

Family members from Australia, including her aunts and cousins, attended

It was also attended by members of the New Lynn Pulela’a Church, to which Dr Tongi belongs.

A number of Tongan faivas were performed during a feast.

The main points

  • Young Tongans have the highest rates of youth suicide in New Zealand, according to a newly completed doctoral thesis by a Tongan scholar.
  • Dr Lolohea Tongi’s thesis was awarded by Griffith University in Brisbane.

Fundraiser for Tongan teen killed in US shooting

By
Kalino Latu
-

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — An online fundraiser has been set up for the family of Tongan teenage boy who died after a shooting early Sunday morning 17 in West Valley City.

Neko Noa Jardine was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries.

Police said he and two other young men were confronted by unknown suspects outside a home near 5600 West and 4300 South.

He was shot in the neck, chest and abdomen and was taken by a friend to the hospital.

The police tweeted his death on Sunday evening, but no further details were made available, Gephardt Daily has reported.

The call initially came in as a drive-by shooting, but police believe the shooting also involved some sort of confrontation or altercation.

In this same incident, a 17-year-old male was shot three times in the legs and an 18-year-old male had a large cut on his arm. Both of those victims were transported by ambulance to the hospital, where they were treated for their injuries and released.

On Tuesday, West Valley City police released a photo showing part of a suspect vehicle that may be connected to the homicide.

“Investigators have obtained a partial photo of the suspect vehicle in the shooting homicide of 19-year-old Neko Jardine,” says the WVCPD tweet, issued Tuesday.

“It’s a red sedan, possibly Nissan Altima or Maxima. Please RT & if you recognize this vehicle or have info about this crime, call 801-840-4000.”

The GoFundMe page set up by Jardine’s family said: “Our sweet boy, Neko Noa Jardine, returned home to our Heavenly Father — Sunday, July 14, 2019.

“Neko was raised by his Nana, Sherry Jardine, who became everyone’s Nana. Nana raised him and helped him excel in sports, academics, church events, and watched him thrive with all his friends and family. Neko was an example of loyalty, hard work, service and known for being there with you ’til the very end.

“On behalf of Neko Noa’s Family — Nana, Jason, Leslie, Sione and Tuna. We want to thank you all for the outpouring of love and support for our family and for our Neko Noa. Despite the way he was taken from us, we will forever be grateful that he was given to us in the first place.”

“Please help us is in supporting his Nana during this hardship by donating to this GoFundMe account. All proceeds will be used for his medical expenses and funeral services. Thank you for all your love and support. Malo Aupito. Ofa Lahi Atu.”

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