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US$4.65m Digital Upgrade benefits Tongan Public Services

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongans will soon benefit from improved digital access to key public services, including significant upgrades to Tonga’s civil registration and national ID systems, following the approval of a US$4.65 million grant by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today.

The Tonga Digital Government Support Project will strengthen digital access, efficiency and security in Tonga’s public service, by supporting a number of whole-of-government digital initiatives, including a new National Government Portal that will improve Tongans’ access to services and information across all Government ministries and agencies, as well as improvements to Tonga’s regulations for digital economy and digital government, data protection and privacy, and cyber security.

In addition, the project will improve Tonga’s civil registration and national ID systems, ensuring that each Tongan citizen and resident is assigned a unique ID number at birth, that their legal identity can be authenticated for accessing services in-person and online, and that birth, death and marriage records are linked. 

For Tongan families, this will mean that newborns can be registered more quickly, and that all Tongans will have better access to education, health, employment, elections, immigration, property ownership and banking. These efforts will accelerate achievement of Sustainable Development Goal target (SDG) 16.9: to “provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.”

Tonga’s remote location, small size and dispersed islands pose many challenges to its economic development, including inefficient public service delivery and high transaction costs.

Despite recent investments in improved connectivity in Tonga — notably, World Bank-supported broadband internet access – further investment is required to build a whole of government approach to digital government, and to more effectively connect Tongan households and businesses. 

At present, the civil registration and national ID systems are not effectively linked, and Tonga has limited data protection standards.

“Delivering effective online public services to our people is essential to the development of Tonga,” said Hon Dr. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, Tonga’s Minister for Finance. “We are delighted to be working with the World Bank to improve our digital technology across all government agencies and advance digital access and efficiency for Tongan communities.”

“Our work in the Pacific has shown us that integrated, shared and inclusive information flow within and across government agencies can improve the quality of life for citizens, and reduce the complexity for businesses trying to grow,” said Michel Kerf, the World Bank’s Country Director for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. “We are proud to be working with the Tongan Government on this project; the first of its kind supporting digital government in the Pacific.”

The US$4.65 million grant comes from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the most in-need countries and will be implemented by Tonga’s Ministry of Finance.

The project has been supported by the Australian Government through collaboration with the Commonwealth Digital ID Initiative of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Korean Government through the Korea-World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF).

Tongans community in Brisbane welcomes possible increase in kava imports

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan community in Brisbane has welcomed suggestion that Australia will ease restrictions on the importation of kava for personal use.

Proposals being studied include increasing the quantity of kava for personal use to 4kg under a pilot programme and suggestions that the programme be evaluated after two years.

There are more than 10 kava clubs in Brisbane which meet regularly.

The clubs have been described as the financial backbone to fund raising ventures for community development and visitors from the Kingdom of Tonga.

These clubs also played a prominent role in funding activities in the Kingdom through special lunches for the disabled and disadvantaged people from the Ālonga, OTA and Vaiola Psyche Ward .

President of the Brisbane Tongan Community steering committee, Rev. Maile Molitika, said kava had a strong musical element.

“Not only do the kava clubs provide music for traditional dancing during weddings, birthdays and fund raisers, but we also keep alive the compositions of Tongan composers and musicians both past and present,” Rev. Molitika said.

In its submission to Parliament, the Tongan community in Brisbane said kava was consumed or shared among family, church members or in a social kava club. 

It said it was rare that one 2kg imported by an individual is consumed by that individual only.

“We support the easing of the restrictions as it not only provides for the needs of our people in Brisbane for example, but also assists in the economic growth in Tonga,” Rev Molitika said.

“The cost of kava has increased tremendously over the years.

“By opening these opportunities up, it also allows our people to expand their investment opportunities and assist in capacity building in the Kingdom of Tonga and the diaspora.”

The main points

  • The Tongan community in Brisbane has welcomed suggestion that Australia will ease restrictions on the importation of kava for personal use.
  • Proposals being studied include increasing the quantity of kava for personal use to 4kg under a pilot programme and suggestions that the programme be evaluated after two years.

For more information

Submissions in support of the Pilot Program to ease restrictions on the importation of kava for personal use

Folau controversy: Churches’ teachings on homosexuality often differ from followers’ beliefs and public statements

By
Philip Cass
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Israel Folau, arguably one of the greatest footballers ever to play in Australia, has been embroiled in a storm of controversy ever since he posted statements online saying that homosexuals were going to hell unless they repented.

Folau’s stance has led to his disciplining by the Australian rugby authorities and the apparent end of his career in that country. He has also been attacked by secular commentators for his views.

However, there has been little attempt to put Folau’s words into context, or to examine the doctrinal issues behind his statements or what church leaders and their followers are actually saying about the issue.

Folau posted a message on Instagram in which he said that “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars and fornicators” would go to hell unless they repented.

“Those that are living in sin will end up in hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him,” he said.

Supporters

A number of Folau’s fellow Islander football player have supported his stance.

Radio New Zealand reported that England number eight Billy Vunipola and Queensland Reds captain Samu Kerevi were among several Pasifika athletes to “like” Folau’s original post on Instagram.

It said many other players may share similar views.

Family and friends defended Folau,  saying the only thing that mattered to him was how he would be viewed by God and saying his religious views came from “a place of love, not hate.”

A petition named ‘#istandwithIzzyFolau’ has gathered almost 10,000 signatures since it was posted on the change.org site, claiming Folau is the victim of discrimination.

“This is discrimination by the Rugby Union Australia against freedom of beliefs… against Christianity and someone’s religious beliefs,” the petition reads.

The ‘My Tongan – Online community’ has shared the petition with its 17,000-plus members.

Former rugby league player, retired boxer and devout Muslim Anthony Mundine defended Folau’s right to express his beliefs and said he was being persecuted because of his colour.

“People are missing the point here, it’s not about the Bible or the Biblical quote that Izzy put up, it’s a black man expressing it,” Mundine said.

“I commend Izzy for sticking up and facing such racism and being persecuted and not having the right to make a living … there’ve been guys out there been done for drugs, assaults … yet he (Folau) can’t express his mind?”

Assemblies of God

Folau, who is of Tongan descent, was born a Mormon, but converted to the Assemblies of God, a pentecostal church which takes a literalist approach to scripture.

Folau’s comments reflect AOG doctrine.

In August 2014 the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in the United States issued a statement saying that homosexual behaviour was sinful because it disobeyed scriptural teachings.

The Presbytery based its ruling on Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 which prohibit homosexual behaviour.

“Scripture consistently identifies homosexual behaviour as sin,” the Presbytery said.

“Not only do the Scriptures condemn more flagrant examples of homosexual violence and promiscuity, they also provide no support for the popular modern idea that loving and committed homosexual relationships between two long-term partners, even if legally married, are morally acceptable. Homosexual activities of every kind are contrary to the moral commandments God has given us.”

However, despite this official stance, such beliefs are not universal within the church. Research by the US-based Pew Research Centre, found that about a third of AOG members surveyed in that country believed homosexuality should be accepted. The figure was highest for church members between 30-49 and women.

Catholic church

In New Zealand, the Catholic Church’s spokeswoman, Dame Lyndsay Freer, said Folau’s words were damaging to the Christian faith.

“I feel very sorry for what Israel Folau has done,” the Otago Daily Times quoted her as saying.

“(He is) . . . presenting God as a God of punishment and a God of vengeance, not a God of love, and mercy and compassion.

“It’s dangerous territory when you lump everyone together as sinners and damned because at the end of the day it’s God that makes that judgement, not us, and not Israel Folau.”

The official position of the church is that homosexuality is “objectively disordered” and says that gay people “are called to chastity.” However, it also says that gay people “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.”

Public perceptions of Catholic approaches to homosexuality have changed greatly under Pope Francis.

Last month Pope Francis said homosexual tendencies were “not a sin,” but added: “Tendencies are not sin. If you have a tendency to anger, it’s not a sin. Now, if you are angry and hurt people, the sin is there.”

The Pope is famous for answering a question about homosexuality with the reply: “Who am I to judge?”

However, some would argue that he has been careful to tread a fine line between expressing love and tolerance for the sinner, but rejecting what he sees as a sin.

It has been reported that he recently said that in a confidential meeting with Italian bishops, the Pope said that men with “deeply rooted” homosexual tendencies, or who “practice homosexual acts,” should not be allowed into the seminary.

At the meantime, however, the Catholic news service Crux reported that Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean survivor of clerical sexual abuse, said that during a private meeting with the Pope in April, Francis had said it did not matter that he was gay.

“Juan Carlos, that you are gay doesn’t matter,” Francis reportedly said.

“God made you like this and loves you like this and it doesn’t matter to me. The pope loves you like this, you have to be happy with who you are.”

Methodist church

Homosexuality has been a divisive issue in some section of the Methodist church. In New Zealand the Methodist Church approved the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers in 2004. The church allows each local congregation to determine its own policy on the issue. In 2013, when same-sex marriage was legalized in New Zealand, congregations that opted to do so were able to perform same-sex marriages.

However, dispute over the issue led to the creation of a Wesleyan Methodist church and a Tongan Methodist church, the Vahefonua Tonga o Aoteoroa. In 2012 the Vahefonua Tonga opposed the same sex marriage bill on the ground that it went against Tongan traditions,  cultural  and religious beliefs.

Sexuality in the Pacific

Churches in the Pacific have been generally conservative on sexual issue. Tonga, for instance, remains the only Pacific island nation not to have signed the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women because certain church leaders believed it would mean that it will mean Tonga would be forced to legalise homosexuality and allow same sex marriage.

Homosexual, third gender and trans gender people have occurred historically and in contemporary Pacific culture.

In certain countries there are men such as the fa’afafine in Samoa who fulfil traditionally female roles. Fakaleiti in Tonga play a similar multi-gendered role and are famous for organising the Miss Galaxy Pageant in Tonga.

However, such people may not necessarily align with western concept of transgender or gay and lesbian identities.

Tonga customs officer in court over drug smuggling

By
Kalino Latu
-

By Radio New Zealand

A Tonga customs officer has appeared in court following the seizure of a large quantity of drugs last month.

59-year-old Paula Naitoko is facing nine charges for engaging with others to import illicit drugs, and for aiding and abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Tonga Police reported its Drug Enforcement Taskforce seized drugs with a street value of more than $US2.5 million dollars.

The haul included methamphetamine, cannabis and cannabis oil, allegedly smuggled into Tonga from the United States.

This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership agreement with Radio New Zealand.

Tonga keen on recruiting Israel Folau

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Scorned by Rugby Australia, controversial rugby star Israel Folau could be offered a place in the Tongan national side.

Former Wallaby Toutai Kefu is the head coach of Tonga and says Folau would be welcome in his team.

“I’d love that. I think he would get a lot of satisification out of playing for Tonga,” Kefu told the ABC.

Folau is waiting to find out just what penalty will be imposed by Rugby Australia after an independent panel found him guilty of a “high level” breach of his contract – for his controversial social media posts.

Folau’s parents are Tongan, but Kefu acknoweldges World Rugby rules mean he would be unable to play on International stage for three years.

“He could definitely be available for the next World Cup (France 2023),” he said.

“If he does get dismissed by Rugby Australia, he could play in the UK or France, there is plenty of top level competition for him.”

Kefu admits Folau would need to take a massive pay cut.

“Tongan Rugby Union has no money, we are 100 per cent funded by world rugby.

“We cant afford to pay our players. So our players they play for pride of jersey, they play to representative their families, they play to go to a World Cup,” Kefu said.

Another option for Folau could be Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest’s Global Rapid Rugby competition.

Forrest started the competition after Western Force were axed from Super Rugby and it’s, is set to expand next year and the tournament is seeking star signings.

The Australian has reported there’s interest in making Folau the marquee signing of one of the overseas clubs – Hong Kong-based South China Tigers, Singapore-based Asia Pacific Dragons, Fiji and Samoa are involved in a showcase 2019 tournament.

This article is republished under Kaniva’s content partnership agreement with Radio New Zealand.

Drug Taskforce arrests four over cannabis and meths for sale in kingdom’ latest drugs bust

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have arrested four men in the kingdom’s latest drugs bust.

Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said the Drug Enforcement Taskforce made the arrest in Longolongo.

He said the accused had illicit drugs  packed ready for sale.

Police seized 55 packs of cannabis (49.86 grams) and15 packs of methamphetamine (97.47 grams) along with drug paraphernalia and cash.

The four men included a 35-year-old man from Longolongo, a 29-year-old man from Hala’ovave, a 30-year-old man from Hoi and a 26-year-old man from Haveluloto.

“These arrests should reassure the community that preventing illicit drugs supply is a high priority for Police,” Deputy Commissioner Vaisuai said.

“We will continue to target those who supply drugs within our community.”

In recent weeks Tongan police have made several arrests.

During the Easter Public holidays, they arrested 17 people at three different locations in ongoing drugs operations.

On April 19,  the Drug Taskforce arrested 10 men at a residence in Hofoa and seized 30 packs of methamphetamine (24.07 grams), nine packs of cannabis (2.88 grams), drugs paraphernalia, four live .22 bullets and cash.

Nine men were charged with unlawful possession of illicit drugs while the 10th man was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.

On April 20, the Drug Taskforce arrested five men at a residence in Havelu where they seized 15 packs of methamphetamine (5.65 grams) and two bottles of homebrew, drugs paraphernalia and cash.

On the same day police arrested a 26-year-old woman from Touliki and 20-year-old man from Houmakelikao on Salote Road at Ma’ufanga, who had in their possession four packs of methamphetamine (1.18 grams), cash and drug paraphernalia.

A man arrested and charged a 34-year-old Tongan man after Quarantine Officers at the Fua’amotu International Airport intercepted 242.22 grams of cannabis seeds being illegally brought into the country on March 30.

Police recently seized about $US1.2 million worth of methamphetamine during a drug operation in Fahefa.

Anybody with information about drug related offending is asked to contact the police on 922.

The main points

  • Police have arrested four men in the kingdom’s latest drugs bust.
  • Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao Vaisuai said the Drug Enforcement Taskforce made the arrest in Longolongo.
  • He said the accused had  illicit drugs  packed ready for sale.

For more information

Princess Pilolevu’s son-in-law arrested for alleged importation of illicit drugs as Police arrest 17 others in separate incidents

Princess Pilolevu’s son-in-law arrested for alleged importation of illicit drugs as Police arrest 17 others in separate incidents

Supreme Court hands down six year sentence for machete attack on policeman

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Pouono ‘Aisake has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm.

The imprisonment has been backdated to March 15.

On August 23, 2018, at about 7pm ‘Aisake’s wife was at her parents’  house in Hofoa when her partner visited.  ‘Aisake arrived and was asked   to leave, but he did not.

He went into the house and was again asked  to leave,  this time by his mother-in-law. This time he left, but returned with a machete. The Police were called and Snr Police Constable Tafokitau ‘Ahokava and another officer arrived.

‘Aisake said he did not know the Police had arrived, but hid inside the back room while holding the machete.

When Snr Constable Tafokitau  opened the door to the back room  ‘Aisake struck him on the head with the machete causing a grievous injury.

When ‘Aisake  was arrested and interviewed he pleaded guilty.

His childhood was marked by his father’s alcoholism and violence and he dropped out of primary school. ‘Aisake has a criminal record, including a  previous  conviction  for armed  robbery  involving  the  use  of a firearm, and a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

Mr ‘Aisake said he was angry at  his  wife and mother-in-law for asking him to leave and that he had brought the machete from  his home  for his personal protection  from  his  wife’s  brother  with whom he had fought before.

Snr Constable Tafokitau  underwent surgery after the attack.

“While it appears that the victim has recovered physically, the same cannot be said for his mental and his emotional states,” Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said.

“He has suffered memory loss and is forgetful at work. He has become  cautious, angry at home, is easily startled and has interrupted sleep. He can no longer participate in activities that may risk further injury such as touch rugby.

“Mr ‘Aisake did not visit the victim in  hospital and apologised  to him only the   day before he was arraigned and not in the traditional Tongan manner.”

The judge said the Supreme Court had signalled that it would deal harshly with perpetrators of machete attacks.

He quoted Mr Justice Cato who said: “The  use of  a  machete which  is  a  potentially  lethal  weapon  as  an instrument  of violence must be denounced.”

“The offending was serious involving  a surprise attack,” Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said.

“It was an act of extreme, pre-meditated violence using  a  machete to the head of the victim who was not only entirely vulnerable, but  had done nothing  to provoke  Mr ‘Aisake.”

The judge said he would not suspend any part of ‘Aiseke’s sentence because he had previously had a suspended sentence and still re-offended.

He therefore imposed a sentence of six years.

The main points

  • Pouono ‘Aisake has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm.
  • The judge said he would not suspend any part of ‘Aiseke’s sentence because he had previously had a suspended sentence and still re-offended.

Tonga’s economic performance positive despite lower February indicators

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga’s banking system will continue to remain strong, according to the National Reserve Bank.

The Governor of the Reserve Bank, Sione Ngongo Kioa, said foreign reserves were projected to remain at a comfortable level and inflation was likely to remain below five percent.

Kioa said the banking system remained sound as banks continued to maintain a strong capital position supported by adequate profits.

Tonga’s economic performance remained positive in the medium term, but uncertainty about weather posed a risk.

Despite the largely positive outlook, there were some negative indicators in February.

While the volume of agricultural exports rose by 31.3 tonnes on the back of higher shipment of cassava and yam, the level of export proceeds for the month fell.

A slow down in construction activity slowed in February was reflected in fewer loans being extended to the construction sector while housing loans rose slightly.

Remittances dropped again in February due to lower private transfers for family support from abroad.

Container registrations declined, mainly due to a fall in the number of private containers.

Travel receipts fell in line with and decline in international air arrivals.

Meanwhile, electricity consumption increased in February, coinciding with a rise in the number of electricity consumers.

Foreign reserves declined in February 2019 by TP$5.5 million to TP$473.5 million, equivalent to 7.9 months of imports cover.

This was a result of higher import payments made over the month.

At its April meeting Reserve Bank of Tonga’s Board of Directors agreed to  maintain the monetary policy rate at 0%; to keep the minimum loans/deposit ratio of 80%;  maintain the Statutory Reserve Deposit ratio at 10%,  and  maintain the inflation reference rate at 5%.

The main points

  • Tonga’s banking system will continue to remain strong, according to the National Reserve Bank.
  • The Governor of the Reserve Bank, Sione Ngongo Kioa, said foreign reserves were projected to remain at a comfortable level and inflation was likely to remain below five percent.

Accused could not have driven in a more dangerous manner, Supreme Court told

By
Philip Cass
-

Vilisoni Finau has been found guilty in the Supreme Court of reckless driving causing death.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said the charge against Finau had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

“It is difficult to see how Mr. Finau could have driven in a more reckless or dangerous manner,” the judge said.

Finau pleaded guilty on arraignment on November 13, 2018, to a charge of causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol.

On April 16 this year the prosecution was permitted to change the indictment to one count of reckless driving causing death. Finau pleaded not guilty to the amended charge.

The court was told that on June 1, 2018, a utility driven by Finau was involved in a collision with a car driven by Tou’anga Ma’a Tonga Kamea at the corner of Vaha’akolo Rd and Mateialona Rd in Nuku’alofa.

Kamea suffered serious injuries and died soon afterwards.

In his defence, Finau said it had not been proved that he drove recklessly and caused the death of Kamea.

Finau did not give evidence or call any witnesses in his defence.

The only witness to the collision was Mrs Fekita Toumo’ua, who the judge described honest, credible and convincing.

“Her evidence was hardly challenged in cross­ examination and nothing that was put to her led me to doubt her recollection of events,” Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said.

About 11.30pm on  June 1, 2018, Toumo’ua was driving north on  Vaha’akolo Road. She was travelling at around 30 kilometres per hour and on her way to work at a local radio station.

As she was coming up to Queen Salote College (approaching the Vaha’akolo Road and Mateialona Road intersection) she could hear a roaring noise that sounded like a big truck. She saw the utility coming up behind her very quickly. She said it was travelling ‘as fast as an aeroplane’ and at 100 kilometres per hour or more. She moved to the left side of the road in case the vehicle hit her.

She said a car had entered the intersection ahead travelling in an easterly direction on Mateialona Road. She thought it had slowed but not stopped before entering the intersection. The utility then entered the intersection. She did not see it slow, nor did  she see any brake  lights go on.   The  utility did  not  use  the roundabout   but drove straight over the top of it and collided with the car.

She did not stop but called the Police to report the collision.

When interviewed by police, Finau said that he had been a Police Officer for 30 years. On the evening of the collision he had attended a party and a ball. He said he had been drinking beer and wine and had lost count of the number of drinks that he had. He could not recall where he had gone after the ball or remember the accident.

The court was told that In his voluntary statement Finau said: “The truth is it was my alcohol consumption that caused the death and that’s what happens when consuming alcohol and driving.”

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said Finau would be sentenced at a later date.

The main points

  • Vilisoni Finau has been found guilty in the Supreme Court of reckless driving causing death,
  • Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said the charge against Finau had been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
  • “It is difficult to see how Mr. Finau could have driven in a more reckless or dangerous manner,” the judge said.

TP$6 million“golden opportunity” deal with Hawaiki telecom baffles Tongan authorities

By
Kalino Latu
-

A TP$6 million contract payment agreement between Tonga and a New Zealand company to give the kingdom a “golden opportunity” to connect to a back up fibre internet cable has baffled government authorities.

The government believed the deal would not return any benefit to the country.

Tonga Cable Ltd paid US$2.4 million (TP$3 million) in July 2017 for the deal. The second TP$3 million was due in July 2018 but the government, which guaranteed the deal, has yet to pay it, a government spokesperson said.

He said the current Pohiva government was made aware of the details of the deal when Hawaiki wanted the settlement paid last year.

The TP$6 million deal, which was signed by former Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, was made as part of another TP$40 million (US$17 million) deal planned between the government and Hawaiki.

In that planned deal Hawaiki would allow Tonga to have a back up optic fibre internet through its international optic fibre cable which connected New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea to Hawai’i and US.

The spokesperson said the government was concerned at the fact that TP$6 million  had been agreed to be paid to the Hawaiki just to secure an opportunity to connect to its submarine branching unit.

“The deal is baffling,” he said. 

Against World Bank advice

The World Bank has funded $50 million for Tonga’s high-speed internet cable which was launched in 2013.

Tonga asked the Bank to also fund a back up, or redundancy, cable but the Bank advised against it, saying it was not “financially viable.”

The government was advised that the main fibre cable and its back up should not be of the same type.

“It was a good advice because if there was plans to destroy the cable as happened recently, the vandals might could easily have destroyed the redundancy cable because they were in the same place,” the spokesperson said.

The best option was to have Tonga’s back up service through a sattelite connection. 

Clarification

The spokesperson wanted to clarify a report by Kaniva news last week about the deals.

As we reported, TCL Director Paula Piveni Piukala and Trade and Economic Development Minister Hon Tu’i Uata said they were in New Zealand to inquire about a TP$50 million contract agreement signed by the former government with the Hawaiki telecommunications company.

We reported according to an interview by Pacific Media Network on Radio 531 PI Tongan programme.

The spokesperson said he wanted to clarify that the TP$50 million contract Piukala and Hon. Uata were talking about included the total of the TP$6 million deal and the TP$40 million deal with Hawaiki, plus other fees.

Tonga had not paid TP$50 million to Hawaiki, he said.

“The agreement was for Tonga to pay TP$6 million to the company and that’s it. The Hawaiki won’t do anything for us,” the government spokeman said.

He said the only time Tonga would benefit from paying TP$6 million to Hawiki was if it used the back up cable. But Tonga must also pay the $40 million before it can connect to the Hawiki cable.

“But I can tell you Tonga does not have that much money and no developing partner is interested in funding that deal. They advised us against it,” he said

The main points

  • A TP$6 million contract payment agreement between Tonga and a New Zealand company to give the kingdom a “golden opportunity” to connect to a back up fibre internet cable has baffled government authorities.
  • The government believed the deal would not return any benefit to the country.

For more information

Tongan team in NZ to inquire after alleged “unrealistic” $50 million cable deal signed by former government

Tongan team in NZ to inquire after alleged “unrealistic” $50 million cable deal signed by former government
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