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King’s decision mirrors PM’s advice for petitioners to take concerns to Ombudsman

By
Kalino Latu
-

The king’s decision to investigate and prosecute any breaches of law by some Cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister, has mirrored the same advice PM ‘Akilisi Pōhiva gave to the petitioners last month.

The petitioners accused the Prime Minister and other Ministers of his cabinet of abusing their powers, breaching the law and corruption.

They demanded the king immediately shut down Parliament and establish an interim government.

They also demanded His Majesty establish a royal commission to investigate the government.

PM Pohiva’s response

Read more: Tongasat a “shell company” and financially weak PM says as battle continues outside court

In his response on February 22 which was sent to Kaniva and other local news media, the Prime Minister said he accepted any criticisms against him, but wanted these criticisms to be factual, accurate and in good spirit.

He recommended the petitioners complain to the Ombudsman, Police, Auditor General or take legal action against any cabinet ministers they accused. 

In Tongan the statement said:

“Ko hono ‘uhinga ia ‘oku toutou kole atu ai ‘e ‘Eiki Palemia kia kinautolu na’a nau fa’u ‘a e Tohi Tangi ke nau launga’i ‘a e kau Minisitaa ‘oku nau tukuaki’i kuo nau maumau’i ‘a e Konisitutone pe ko e lao ‘o e Fonua ki he ngaahi sino Ma’u Mafai faka-lao.”

This translates into English as: “This was why the Prime minister regularly asked the petitioners to lodge their complaints with proper government authorities against the Ministers whom they claimed breached the laws of the nation.”

The complaints

The petitioners accused the Prime Minister of breaking the law and claimed he had declared in Parliament that he was above the law. They also accused the Prime Minister over the Popua national park project.

The petitioners accused the former Minister of Public Enterprises Poasi Tei of importing building materials from China for his own use through containers that belonged to a private company which built a solar farm at Matatoa. They claimed it was planned that after the building was completed it would be rented out to a former CEO of the Tonga Power Ltd for TP$10,000 a month.

The petitioners told the king this was very expensive in comparison with Tonga’s renting rates.

The petitioners also accused Deputy Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika of not paying taxes for 20 years. It also alleged that the Ministry of Revenue attempted to take legal action against Hon. Sika, but that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Revenue intervened.

They claimed the unpaid taxes of the Deputy Prime Minister were worth more than TP$ 1 million.

The petitioners also accused the Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Tu’i Uata of threatening Ports Authority staff.

They also alleged Hon. Uata temprarily suspended his Ports Authority CEO, Mosese Lavemai, after Lavemai ordered the recovery of an outstanding payment of $400,000 by the Uata Shipping Line, a company belonging to Hon Uata’s parents.

The petitioners said the allegations indicated that there were bad governance, nepotism and, dishonesty and illegal actions by the top leaders of the country.      

PM denies allegations

The February responses from the Prime Minister’s office denied all the accusations raised in the petitions.

The Prime Minister said the statement in Parliament to which the petition referred,  came from what he said in a letter in 1994 to then Attorney General Tevita Tupou. Tupou demanded he apologise after he made a statement about the late King Taufa’ahau, saying he was “a dictator” and accusing him of “financial legerdemain” over the proceeds of sales of Tongan passports to foreigners and revenues of Tongasat.

Pōhiva refused to apologise and a court decision later freed him.

Hon. Pohiva also said in his response to the petitoners there were people in history who lived in societies which had laws, but who breached those laws because they had mission for the people which was more important than those laws. He said the Biblical figure Daniel, who was sent to the lions, was an example as were Martin Luther King Jr in the United State and Mahatma Ghandi of India.

In response to the accusation against the Prime Minister over the Popua Park projects, the Prime Minister said the Auditor General had already dealt with the matter and found the Prime Minister had not breached any laws.

In response to the accusation against Hon. Tei, the Prime Minister said the Chinese company did not give any building materials to Hon. Tei and he did not have any rental house whatsoever.

“The house where Hon. Tei is currently living with his family was built before Hon. Tei was elected to Parliament,” the Prime Minister replied in Tongan.

In his response to accusations made against Hon. Uata, the Prime Minister said the decision to suspend the Authority’s CEO was made by its Board of Directors not the Minister.

Hon. Pōhiva also said the Ports Authority took Uata Shipping to court after it failed to pay its outstanding debts.

The Supreme Court ordered the Authority to sell two vessels belonging to the Uata Shipping Line to help pay off their debts. However, the Authority and the shipping company later met and agreed that Uata would repair its two vessels and operate them so they could make money that would help them pay back their debts.

With regards to the allegation that Hon. Uata had threatened Port Authority staff, the Prime Minister said he had yet to receive any complaint against the Minister.

In response to accusations about the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Pohiva said the Ministry of Revenue had issued a statement last year denying the accusation against Hon. Sika which was falsely reported on local media.

There were other accussations against the government raised in the petitions but Hon. Pōhiva said they had been dealt with by the Auditor General in its investigation following a petition submitted to Parliament last year.

King’s  petitions

In response to the petitoners, instead of desolving Parliament, the king ordered the Ombudsman, the Attorney General and the Police Commissioner to conduct an investigation and prosecute “where a prima facie case is established.”

The main points

  • The king’s decision to investigate and prosecute any breaches of law by some Cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister, has mirrored the same advice PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva gave to the petitioners last month.
  • The petitioners accused the Prime Minister and other Ministers of his cabinet of abusing their powers, breaching the law and corruption.
  • They demanded the king immediately shut down Parliament and establish an interim government.

For more information

Gov’t denies Talaki newspaper article claiming Deputy PM owes TP$1million taxes
PM slams Privilege Committee  for  blocking cabinet responses to ‘Amanaki petition 
Tukutonga: from hazardous landfill to new recreational park

PM supports king’s decision, but says petition has been directed to non-existent office

By
Philip Cass
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva said today the king had ordered that the petitions against his government should be investigated by an office that did not exist.

Hon. Pōhiva said  the king had ordered the petition should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, but that the office did not exit.

“The Bill to amend the Constitution so that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions can be established is one of those six Bills that I had submitted to the Legislative Assembly to be treated as urgent,” the Prime Minister said.

“It is unfortunate that its passage has been held up due to differences in interpretation of the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Assembly.”

The Prime Minister said the king’ decision because it implied the petitioner’s call for Parliament to be dissolved had not been approved.

It also implied that approval had not  been given to calls for the establishment of a commission of inquiry and an interim government to organise new elections.

“I totally support His Majesty in Council’s decision to instead to refer the petitions to the Ombudsman, the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police for investigation.

“In my public response to the petitions that was issued on February 22 I acknowledged the Petitioner’s constitutional right to petition His Majesty,” the Prime Minister said.

 “However, I called on them to first submit their allegations to the offices of the Ombudsman, the Attorney General and the Police to first investigate.

“I also suggested that they should also submit their allegations of misuse of public finances and resources to the office of the Auditor General.”

Hon. Pōhiva said he would make a submission to Cabinet as soon as possible regarding the king’s directive that the government pay for the Anti- Corruption Commission.

As Kaniva Tonga news reported earlier,  three petitions with more than 10,000 signatures were presented to the palace in Nuku’alofa.

Former government minister Clive Edwards, who presented a petition signed by former politicians, said he believed that once a Royal Commission for Investigation was appointed, a caretaker government should be put in place.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva said today the king had ordered that the petitions against his government should be investigated by an office that did not exist.
  • Hon. Pohiva said  the king had ordered the petition should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, but that the office did not exit.

For more information

King orders petitions from government’s enemies to be referred to Ombudsman

King orders petitions from government’s enemies to be referred to Ombudsman

Tonga’s King Tupou VI in NZ for short visit

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Tonga’s King Tupou VI and his wife Queen Nanasipau’u were welcomed to Government House in Wellington today by New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.

This is his first visit to New Zealand as Tonga’s King, following his coronation in 2015.

During the meeting Dame Patsy thanked the King for the support shown by the Tongan community in New Zealand following the terrorist attacks in Christchurch.

King Tupou VI is expected to meet with a number of New Zealand government officials, and tonight a dinner will be held for him at Government House.

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

Linda Folaumoetu’i appointed Tonga’s new Attorney General

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Attorney General’s Office is pleased to announce, that on Thursday 21 March 2019, His Majesty King Tupou VI, upon receiving advice from the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel and His Majesty’s Privy Council, has appointed Mrs Linda Simiki

Folaumoetu’i SC, to be the new Attorney General of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Mrs Folaumoetu’i holds a Bachelor of Arts and Laws degree (BA LLB) from the University of Auckland (1994), a Post Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the University of the South Pacific (1997), and a Master of Laws degree (LLM) from the University of Melbourne (2000). She was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand in 1994 and to the Supreme Court of Tonga in the same year, and was also admitted to the High Court of the Solomon Islands in 2008.

Mrs Folaumoetu’i was first employed in 1993 as a Legal Officer in the then Crown Law Department, now the Attorney General’s Office before she graduated and was admitted to the legal bar. She was appointed the Solicitor General and Head of Department of the Crown Law Department from December 2006 to June 2008.

She then worked as a Litigation and Advice Advisor for the Law and Justice Project in the Solomon Islands under the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from July 2008 to December 2014. She then returned to Tonga and was appointed to her current role of Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Ombudsman on 5 March 2015.

Mrs Folaumoetu’i is also a member of the Electoral Commission since 2016, and was appointed by His Majesty the King as a Law Lord and Member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 2018.

Mrs Folaumoetu’i will replace Mr ‘Asipeli ‘Aminiasi Kefu SC, the current Acting Attorney General, once she is released from her current role of Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Ombudsman, and terms of employment are finalised.

The Acting Attorney General will then complete and end his appointment in the Attorney General’s Office after 22 years of service.

Commentary: King’s disregard of call for dissolution gives hopes for more democratic reforms in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

The king’s decision not to dissolve Parliament after receiving petitions led by anti government leaders was a significant move in Tonga’s struggle to see a more democratic government after the 2010 political reforms.

It has also been seen as a remarkable move forward after the king’s dissolution of Parliament in 2017 failed to oust the ‘Akilisi Pohiva government.

The rejection of the request to dissolve Parliament could be seen as a precautionary measure for those who have animosity against the democratically elected government or anybody else who wanted the king to use his constitutional powers to support their political agenda.

The king could now be seen by democrats as a reasonable ruler rather than a monarch who was quick to exercise his absolute constitutional power without listening to those who had been accused, as some saw happening in 2017.    

After that dissolution analysts believed the king’s reputation and that of the country as a whole were damaged. This was because not only voters returned the government to office after the snap elections, but more MPs who supported Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva were elected and some noble MPs lost their seats.

King’s decisions

The king’s decision to refer the petitions to the Ombudsman, the Attorney General and to the Police Commissioner has strengthened the Democrats’ trust in him and their hopes for a more democratic government during his tenure.  

The king’s decision was a milestone on Tonga’s democratic reforms because the Ombudsman, Attorney General and Police commissioner’s roles which His Majesty has used to investigate the petitions were created on principles of transparency, accountability and good governance- the core ideologies of democracy.

Because he has used these tools, we have good reasons to believe that he could continue to use them in the future.  

And because he could continue to use them in the future, we have good reasons to think he will continue to accept more democratic mechanisms to help him run the country according to the constitution.

This means the king’s decision not to dissolve Parliament after receiving the petitions mean  people should hope for more democratic reforms in the near future led by this king.

His decision for the government to fund the Anti-Corruption Commission and for the Commissioner to be paid a judge’s level salary to be approved by the king was another sign of hope for the Democrats.

The constitution gave power to the king to dissolve Parliament but it did not give him power to dissolve the government.

The petitions

The petitions were organised by former government Ministers and MPs, including lawyer William Clive Edwards, Sione Teisina Fuko, ‘Isileli Pulu and Dr Viliami Uasike Latu. All are fierce political foes of ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

They demanded the king immediately dissolve Parliament after what  they described as signs of corruption, dishonesty and abuse of power. 

In a democracy, elected officials are accountable to the public they govern and they must be held accountable for any wrong doing.

Taxpayers have the right to complain, protest and petition if they were concerned at how their leaders run the government of the day.

But only the petitions that have merit, validity and which have been created in good spirit should be submitted for the king’s consideration.

There are good reasons to believe the petitions the King has ordered to be given to government bodies to investigate had a hidden political agenda of opposition to the government behind them.

One of the engineers of the petitions, William Clive Edwards was the lawyer for Princess Pilolevu and Tongasat in their fight against the government in which the court ruled Tongasat receiving of TP$90 million Chinese money was unlawful.

He was also the lawyer for former Speaker and Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano who was charged with 10 counts, including one of making a false declaration to obtain a passport, two perjury counts, five for accepting bribes and two counts of money laundering.

The Pohiva government was instrumental in pushing for an inquiry and investigation which led to the arrest of Lord Tu’ivakano.

Edwards also represented the Pacific Games Council and Lord Sevele ‘O Vailahi in court cases in which they were fighting against government.

The investigation

Everyone should be happy that the complaints have been handed over to the right authorities to investigate and if there has been any wrong doing they must hold those responsible accountable.

Read more

King orders petitions from government’s enemies to be referred to Ombudsman

King orders petitions from government’s enemies to be referred to Ombudsman

By
Philip Cass
-

King Tupou VI has ordered three petitions attacking the government to be referred to the Ombudsman.

The petitions have been organised by long standing opponents of the government and have demanded  the government be dissolved.

In August November  2017 the Speaker persuaded the king to dissolve Parliament and put the government of ‘Akilisi Pohiva out of office.

Hon. Pohiva’s government was returned at the subsequent election.

In June last year a 3000-strong signature petition to impeach the Prime Minister and seven of his cabinet ministers was submitted to parliament.

A Radio New Zealand report carried by Kaniva Tonga news last week said three petitions with more than 10,000 signatures had been presented to the palace in Nuku’alofa.

Former government minister Clive Edwards presented a petition signed by former politicians.

Edwards said he believed that once a Royal Commission for Investigation was appointed, a caretaker government would need to be put in place.

Noble MP Lord Nuku presented a petition from the country’s nobles.

The third petition was presented by former MP Teisina Fuko from members of the general public.

In a statement issued today, the Lord Privy Seal said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints in the petition, take such action as he considered appropriate and make a determination on any instance of mal-administration which he found to have been established to his satisfaction.

The Ombudsman would report to the king.

The Lord Privy Seal would order the government to fund an Anti-Corruption Commission and pay for the Commissioner to be paid a judge’ level salary to be approved by the king.

The petitions would be referred to the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police for Investigation and prosecution where a case had been established.

The main points

  • King Tupou VI has ordered three petitions attacking the government to be referred to the Ombudsman.
  • The petition have been organised by long standing opponents of the government and have demanded  the government be dissolved.

For more information

Multiple petitions call for dissolution of Tonga Parliament

Multiple petitions call for dissolution of Tonga Parliament

Acting Speaker says he did not mean to belittle standard of English at Tupou College

By
Kalino Latu
-

Acting Speaker Lord Tu’ilakepa has apologised in Parliament after a comment he made sparked outrage on social media.

As Kaniva Tonga news reported earlier this week, the Acting Speaker made the remarks during a fierce debate in Parliament over six Bills which the government said needed to be discussed urgently.

Lord Tu’ilakepa said he went to Liahona High school and praised the level of English there. However, he then said that in Toloa –  another name for Tupou College – the standard was  “faka’ofa” (poor).

In Tongan he said: “‘Oku ke mea’i e ako ko eni ‘a Liahona, na’a ku ako aí, ko e fu’u ako lea fakapālangi ia.   Ko e Minisitā Laó pē na’e ako ‘i Toloa, ko e faka’ofa atu e lea fakapālangí ia ai.”

The king’s Noble has now said he was making a joke with the Minister of Law, who had studied at Tupou College.

He said the Prime Minister was also an ex-student at Tupou College, as was the Minister of Finance, and MP for ‘Eua 11.

The Acting Speaker said these were “great men” and said he apologised to the Prime Minister.

 “I would like to publicly declare my apology to the ex-students of Tupou College after I was accused of putting the college down,” Lord Tu’ilakepa said.

The Prime Minister accepted Lord Tu’ilakepa’s apology and said there were times when people made mistakes.

The main points

  • Acting Speaker Lord Tu’ilakepa has apologised in Parliament after a comment he made sparked outrage on social media.
  • As Kaniva Tonga news reported earlier this week, the Acting Speaker made the remarks during a fierce debate in Parliament over six Bills which the government said needed to be discussed urgently.

For more information

Acting Speaker Tu‘ilakepa’s comments about the quality of English at Tupou College sparks online outrage

NZ marks Christchurch massacre with week of vigils and prayers, more events planned today.

By
Philip Cass
-

Nine days after the Christchurch massacre, major events are scheduled today to allow people to show their grief and support for the victims of the racist attack.

Thousands of people are expected to attend a memorial service, ‘Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives’, in Christchurch this evening.

The memorial service will be held in Hagley Park from 5-7pm.

It will be started by Linwood mosque Imam Alabi Lateef Zirullah.

Other speakers will include Catholic Bishop of Christchurch Paul Martin. Cashmere High School, which several of the victims attended, will be represented.

In Auckland, an anti-Islamophobia rally, ‘Kia Kaha Aotearoa: Stand Against Racism,’ will be held at Aotea Square from 2pm.

Vigils and memorial services have been held all over New Zealand in the past week.

A vigil was held in New Plymouth and a hikoi was held in Hastings. An estimated 15,000 people attended a memorial in Dunedin.

On Friday hundreds of staff and students at Unitec in Auckland attended a memorial service that included the planting of an olive tree in the institute’s memorial garden.

Many New Zealand women covered their heads as a mark of respect on Friday, including  policewoman  Michelle Evans.

Constable Evans was standing guard outside the Christchurch Memorial Park Cemetery.

On Friday, people were asked to stay off Facebook for 50 hours from 1.40pm, the time the alleged gunman started broadcasting live video of the shooting last Friday.

There has been anger at Facebook for allowing the gunman to broadcast his attack online. Internet providers in New Zealand have been working to have the footage blocked or removed.

Pacific response

The effects of the Christchurch shooting has been felt throughout the Pacific.

As Kaniva Tonga news reported earlier this week, on Monday Members of Parliament took part in a one minute silence on Monday morning to pay respects for the victims of Christchurch’s terror attack.

Acting Speaker Lord Tu’ilakepa said the minute was in respect for the memory of those killed and hurt in the attack on Friday, which left 50 dead and at least 50 injured

Lord Tu’ilakepa said in Tongan: “Oku ou fie ‘oatu ‘a e fie kaungā mamahi ‘a e Fale Alea ‘o Tongá mo e kakai ‘o Nu’usilá, ‘oku ‘oatu heni ha faka’apa’apa, mo e fiekaungā mamahi mo’oni ‘a e Fale Alea ‘o Tonga, mo e kakai ‘o Nu’usila koe’uhi ko e pulonga kuo tō he fonuá, tupu mei he fakapō ta’e’amanekina, ne hoko ‘i Christchurch, ‘i he ‘aho Falaite 15 ‘o Mā’asi, 2019.”

In Port Moresby, an editorial in the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier  described New Zealand as “one of the most peaceful and culturally open countries in the world, which makes this vicious attack even more disgusting.”

In Fiji, people were asked to stand in solidarity with New Zealand at a candlelit service.

The Fiji Times reported that Musa Vali Suleman Patel, 60, a leader of the Fiji Muslim League, was killed in the racist attack.

According to Radio New Zealand, two other Fijians, Ashraf Ali Razat and Hafiz Musa Patel, were also killed.

Messages of condolence have come from political leaders and regional bodies across the Pacific.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Herny Puna said his country’s prayers first and foremost were with the victims of the shooting, “their families, friends and loved ones who are now faced with the irreconcilable loss of their loved ones.”

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said Fijian hearts were breaking.

“An atrocity of this nature is shocking almost beyond comprehension,” he said.

“Across all religions, our houses of worship are a source of refuge, of prayer, and of love; to see such a heinous and hate-filled act occur in what should be places of peace is the darkest of evils.”

President of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch described Friday’s attack as a “despicable act.”

However, not all Pacific leaders have been so altruistic.

In Samoa, a request by MP Tafua Maluelue Tafua for a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the shooting was knocked back by Speaker of Parliament on procedural grounds.

Samoan PM Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi criticised Tafua for making the request, saying he should have known that a minutes’ silence was only offered for MPs.

Dr. Malielegaoi said his official statement on the shooting, which was extended on behalf of Parliament and the whole country meant more than just a moment of silence.

“Message of sympathy and condolences were sent to New Zealand on that Friday from one leader to another, period,” he said.

He then went on to attack his political opponents and appeared to claim they and people campaigning for human rights in Samoa were like the Christchurch gunman.

The main points

  • Nine days after the Christchurch massacre, major events are scheduled today to allow people to show their grief and support for the victims of the racist attack.
  • Thousands of people are expected to attend a memorial service in Hagley Park in Christchurch from 5-7pm.
  • In Auckland, an anti-Islamophobia rally, Kia Kaha Aotearoa: Stand Against Racism, will be held at Aotea Square from 2pm.

For more information

Christchurch shooting: Details of vigil revealed, thousands expected

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12215641

Tonga Parliament holds minute’s silence for Christchurch racist murder victims

Tonga Parliament holds minute’s silence for Christchurch racist murder victims

Christchurch mosque shooting: Fiji national among victims

Christchurch mosque shooting: Fiji national among victims

‘Heartfelt grief and sorrow’ – Pacific pledges solidarity after Christchurch mosque attacks

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/384850/heartfelt-grief-and-sorrow-pacific-pledges-solidarity-after-christchurch-mosque-attacks

P.M. explains why a minute of silence motion was rejected

https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/39146

PNG shares the pain of the horror shooting of innocent lives in New Zealand

PNG shares the pain of the horror shooting of innocent lives in New Zealand

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

By
Philip Cass
-

Siaosi  Koloamatangi, of Kolomu’a has been elected  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors of the Tonga National Rugby League.

Koloamatangi was elected during a special general meeting of the TRNL ordered by the Supreme Court.

The meeting, on March 9, was chaired by Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu.

The newly elected Vice-Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Director is Petuliki  Mafile’o of Kolonga.

The secretary is William C. Edwards Jr of Kolomu’a. Silivenusi Taumoepeau was elected as director of the Kolofo’ou District.

The new director of Kolomotu’a District is Heimuli Pangai from Toa-ko-Ma’afu.

The new director of the Vahe Loto district is Lokingi Mavae from Vaini.

Siamelie Latu of  Mu’a Saints was elected director of Vahe Hahake District.

The new director of the Vahe Hihifo District is Tonga Fonua, Ha’akame.

The supreme Court rules 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 is completed, the new Board of Directors will convene an Annual General Meeting to elect a new Board of Directors.

Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika, Deputy Prime Minister, remains as the President of the Tonga National Rugby League.

Hon. Tevita ‘Unga Ma’afu remains as the Vice-President of the Tonga National Rugby League, until replaced in an election in an Annual General Meeting.

As Kaniva Tonga news reported in February, the Supreme Court banned former members of the TRNL board from attending the election.

It also banned the former president and vice-president of the TRNL from attending the election meeting.

And it has warned that it may take further action depending on the outcome of the audit of the TRNL finances.

The orders came as the Supreme Court reaffirmed that it had the power to dismiss the TRNL board and to order new elections under the Incorporated Societies Act.

As Kaniva Tonga news reported earlier, the Supreme Court dissolved the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) board and ordered an election of new board members.

The sacked board members included Chairman Stan Moheloa, General Secretary Tavake Fangupō, Board Director Siu Fangupō,  Board Director Pita Vakautakakala, and Board Director Mātani Nifofā.

The Court appointed Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu as Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) to organise and oversee new elections.

The main points

  • Siaosi  Koloamatangi, of Kolomu’a has been elected  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors of the Tonga National Rugby League.
  • Koloamatangi was elected during a special general meeting of the TRNL ordered by the Supreme Court.
  • The meeting, on March 9, was chaired by Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu.

For more information

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

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

Tribunal says Tongan family must go home, says economic differences no basis for appeal

By
Philip Cass
-

The New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal has turned down an appeal by a Tongan couple against deportation.

The Tribunal said they did not meet the exceptional requirements for being allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.

The couple and two of their children arrived  in New Zealand with the two older children on visitor visas on October 18, 2017.

After a first extension of their visa was granted a second was refused and they became liable for deportation in July last year.

A third child as born to the couple while they were in New Zealand.

The couple relied on the difference in economic conditions and opportunities for them and their children as a reason for they and their children to be allowed to stay in New Zealand, the Tribunal said in its report on the case.

The Tribunal said economic disparity was a motive for many people looking for better opportunities in New Zealand.

However, the fact that they would be able provide a better standard of   living for themselves and their children in New Zealand is not, in itself, exceptional

“The Tribunal accepts that the standard of living available to the appellants will be lower in Tonga than in New Zealand,” the report said.

“However, the appellants will have the opportunity to work and to support their children. There is no evidence that they do not have adequate accommodation to return to and their children will have available to them the same level of primary and secondary schooling that they had.

“While the appellants submit that the level of healthcare available to them in Tonga is inferior to that in New Zealand, that is not, in isolation, exceptional and, in any event, there is no evidence that either appellant or any of the three children have particular healthcare needs.”

The Tribunal said it had considered the circumstances of both appellants and of  each of their children. 

The main points

  • The New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal has turned down an appeal by a Tongan couple against deportation.
  • The Tribunal said they did not meet the exceptional requirements for being allowed to stay on humanitarian grounds.
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