271 people arrested in Christmas crackdown

By

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09/01/2019

Figures released by Tonga Police showed almost 202 people were arrested after they obviously involved in criminal activities over the Christmas period.

They showed 49 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of intoxicated driving, involving alcohol.

20 arrests were in relation to manufacture, supply or possession of illicit drugs.

Police said the statistics for 2018 show the kingdom has improved its road safety performance by recording no fatalities during the Christmas holiday season.

However, two persons have died in December in separate incidents. A 5-year-old boy was allegedly electrocuted at his home in Pili on December 22. A man was also dead while he was trying to rescue his drowning wife at Laulea beach at Fatumu on Christmas day.

The violent crime rate of 94 which involved offences of common assault, theft and housebreaking dropped from 116 last year.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai “acknowledged the commitment of police staff who worked throughout the holidays to ensure peace and public safety was maintained.

“She also acknowledged and thanked members of the public for timely sharing of information and their valued support to the Tonga Police.”

Authority said a total of 255 police staff were deployed during the Christmas and New Year Operation.

Police said reinforcement measures had been put in place during the holiday operation to ensure everyone including visitors were safe and felt safe while celebrating the festive season in the Kingdom of Tonga.

“The Operation saw police visibility throughout the Kingdom strengthened with a round the clock police on the beat, regular vehicle patrols to key target areas, removal of drunks from public places and holding liquor licensees to account when licence conditions were breached. Road safety measures were also implemented through planned spot checks and alcohol breath-testing in strategic locations to prevent further crashes on our roads due to drunk driving and speed.”

Deadly new drug hitting Australian streets

By

Kalino Latu

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08/01/2019

By Bryant Hevesi for Daily Mail Australia

A deadly drug known as ‘monkey dust’ is sweeping the Australian party scene, leading to warnings from authorities.

The drug, also referred to as bath salts or MDPV, is being sold across the nation’s music festivals and dancefloors in increasing numbers.

The potent drug is a powerful derivative of methamphetamine, or ice, and is also cheap, with a street value of as little as $10 per dose.

But expert toxicologists warn ‘monkey dust’ is dangerous and causes wild hallucinations and impressions of invincibility.

Users overseas have been filmed jumping in front of cars and standing perilously on tall buildings because the drug makes them think they cannot be harmed.

One Australian woman’s tongue bled after she aggressively licked the dancefloor when she took the drug, which can be smoked, snorted or taken in pill form.

Andrew Leibie, a leading forensic toxicologist, told the Herald Sun ‘monkey dust’ is ‘certainly a contender for the fatal drug overdoses we are seeing’, having emerged as the ‘it’ drug on the Australian party scene.

He said the drug is ‘cheaper than ecstasy and it’s a lot more dangerous’ and only a small dose can be fatal.

‘The minute your friends start acting strangely, go get medical help. You have a window of about 30 minutes to one hour to get treatment – after that, it’s too late,’ Mr Leibie said.

Mr Leibie previously told Seven News users will ‘have frightening hallucinations’.

A lot of people also report that when they take this drug they feel like Superman, so they feel like they can literally fly,’ he said.

The drug has previously caused problems for Australian authorities – in 2012, the deaths of two people from South Australia was linked to the use of ‘monkey dust’.

What is ‘Monkey Dust’?

– ‘Monkey Dust’ is the colloquial street term for the drug MDPV, a potent strain of methamphetamine

– The drug a powerful hallucinogenic which causes paranoia and a false sense of invincibility

– Due to its potency, a small dose of about two milligrams is issued, making it incredibly cheap and easy to overdose on

– The drug been given a street value of about $10-$15 per hit, making it extremely deadly

– Side effects of the drug include: euphoria, mood lift, elevation in heart rate, paranoia and confusion

The Australian Federal Police last year seized 4.5kg of the drug, or half a million doses, and warned consuming the drug was a gamble with your life that is not worth taking.

‘Anyone who is considering experimenting with illicit drugs or new psychoactive substances, no matter how they are branded or presented, do not do it,’ an AFP spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.

‘Monkey dust’ is difficult for authorities to detect as sniffer dogs and existing roadside tests are unable to pick it up.

The drug – which causes violent and psychotic episodes – has been linked to dozens of deaths in the UK.

Four people have died in as many months from suspected drug overdoses at music festivals in New South Wales.

Body found believed to be that of missing Tongan teen

By

Kalino Latu

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08/01/2019

The body of a young man discovered this morning in New Zealand is believed to be that of a missing Tongan teenager.

Police said a body has been recovered north of Piha Beach after it was spotted by the Police Eagle helicopter on Monday evening.

At this stage, Police believe it to be the 16-year-old Leka Pasiaka reported missing from Whatipu Beach on December 29, 2018.

A post mortem and a formal identification will now be carried out.

Police said they are unable to comment further at this time.

The teen had been at the beach with family members when someone raised the alarm that he had been caught in a rip.

The Avondale College student has been praised for his bravery after pushing his sister back towards safety when she swam out to try to save him, NZ Herald has reported.

Leka’s sister was taken to hospital. When she was discharged, she returned to the beach immediately; vowing she would not leave until her brother was found.

Family members including those who had travelled from Australia after hearing about the tragedy – have been keeping vigil at the beach since the young man went missing.

Friends and family have been staying at a nearby campsite, returning each day to see whether the sea might return the teenager.

Leka’s family have written messages on the beach – using sea shells and rocks – paying tribute to him. Other messages have been written in the sand with the simple message: “Come back, Leka.”

Meanwhile, friends of the teen have been posting messages of support and in remembrance to their mate – urging him to find his way home soon.

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TC Mona: warning cancelled but remains in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua waters

By

Kalino Latu

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08/01/2019

A cyclone warning for Tonga islands has been cancelled.

Tonga’s Meteorology Service had forecast that Category 1 tropical cyclone Mona was moving west towards Tonga but the chance for it to affect the kingdom was low.

It said this morning at 7am the tropical cyclone warning is now cancelled, but remains in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua western open waters.

The gale warning previously in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua land areas and coastal waters is now being cancelled, but still remains in force for the open western waters of Tongatapu and ‘Eua.

The strong wind warning previously in force for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai land areas and coastal waters is now being cancelled but is now in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua land areas and coastal waters.

The heavy damaging swell advisory previoulsy in force for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai coastal waters is now cancelled but remains in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua waters.

The heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory previoulsy in force for all of Tonga land areas is now cancelled.

Four soldiers charged after attack on Vainī civilian

By

Kalino Latu

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07/01/2019

Four soldiers from His Majesty’s Armed Forces are now facing charges after being caught on camera apparently assaulting a man in a road at Vainī.

The accused were charged with bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, Police reportedly said.

They were expected to appear in a magistrate court this month in a date to be confirmed.

As Kaniva news reported in November, an investigation was launched after photos have emerged on social media which purported to show members of HMAF allegedly attacking a shirtless man as he lay injured on the ground.

One photo shows a soldier appears to have stomped on the man’s head with his boot-clad foot.

Many commenters on Facebook have condemned the attack and said soldiers were trained to have better judgement and patience in such situation.

At the time HMAF said it “regretted all allegations due to a photographic evidence against HMAF of abusive conduct and physical attack of a public member during an incident on 4th November 2018.”

“While HMAF is investigating the allege incident, the HMAF will not tolerate any form of physical abuse by HMAF members against any public members.

“HMAF hereby expresses our full support to the rule of law and if any allegation against HMAF member from the public to be dealt with accordingly in the civil court.”

Palu accused of leaving baby to suffer dehydration while playing pokies

By

Kaniva Staff

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07/01/2019

By: Belinda FeekNZ Herald reporter based in Hamiltonbelinda.feek@nzherald.co.nz @ought2bee

A baby left in a car while her caregiver allegedly played pokie machines suffered dehydration, court documents show.

Ōtorohanga woman Kalota Palu, 23, appeared in the Hamilton District Court in November facing a charge of ill-treatment of a child by omitting to perform a legal duty, namely protecting a child from suffering dehydration, on November 15.

Palu, a process worker, is accused of leaving a baby in her car while she played pokie machines at the Yardhouse bar in the Hamilton suburb of Nawton.

She made a brief appearance in court where she was remanded without plea on the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ prison.

Part of Palu’s bail conditions include her being banned from entering licensed premises other than supermarkets until the prosecution is completed.

She will reappear in court in two weeks.

Twenty people arrested in drugs, guns and ammo bust during Christmas

By

Kalino Latu

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07/01/2019

An investigation into the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs during Christmas and New Year holidays has led to the arrest of 20 people.

Police officers from the Drugs Taskforce with assistance of sniffer dogs executed search warrants at various properties and locations in Vava’u and Tongatapu.

As a result of the investigation, called Christmas and New Year Operation, and the search warrants, people aged between 16 and 51, have been arrested.

Police seized 189.99 grams of cannabis and 2.7 grams of methamphetamine.

The Drugs Taskforce also seized two firearms, a .22 rifle and a revolver, ammunition, cash and stolen goods.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai said: “Drugs have no place in our community, they destroy the lives of the users, harming our children, and our communities. We hope these arrests will bring some reassurance to the community.

“The harm that methamphetamine causes in our community cannot be overstated and Police will not stand by and let these individuals sell illicit drugs and accumulate wealth at the expense of the vulnerable members of our community.

“We would urge anyone who has concerns about drugs related activity in their neighborhood to call Police, we cannot do this alone and we need your help to combat the problems caused by drugs in our community.”

PM’s former teacher retires after 40 years’ service at Mt Maunganui College

By

Philip Cass

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06/01/2019

A Tongan-born teacher who once taught Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has retired.

Lita Taumoepeau taught at the Tonga Teachers Training College in Nukualofa. One of her many trainee teachers was Hon. Pōhiva.

Her father, Malu Taumoepeau, taught at the college when it opened in the 1950s.

After school in Tonga, Lita Taumoepeau studied at the University of Auckland, graduating with an MA in 1973.

She began teaching at Mt Maunganui College in 1978 and retired last month.

Her husband, Paul Furneaux, retired at the same time after teaching for 40 years at Ōtumoetai College.

“When people ask me why I have stayed at the college for so long, the answer is the students,” she told the Bay of Plenty Times.

She said she was proud the school had just appointed its third Pasifika head girl.

“To me, it was like a retirement present,” she said.

She said career highlights included entering her senior history students in the first national research history competition for The New Zealand Historical Association special studies award in 1988.

She was also proud of the success her students had achieved in the Bay of Plenty Times newspapers in education competition.

Her children William and Seini go through their education at both Mt Maunganui and Ōtumoetai colleges.

When their children left school she and her husband hosted international students from Japan, Thailand, Brazil and Germany from 1996 to 2003.

The main points

A Tongan-born teacher who once taught Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has retired.
Lita Taumoepeau taught at the Tonga Teachers Training College in Nukualofa. One of her many trainee teachers was Hon. Pohiva.
She began teaching at Mt Maunganui College in 1978 and retired last month.

For more information

Furneauxs retire after combined 80 years in education

Heavy rain saturates land and triggers mudflows in Vava‘u

By

Kalino Latu

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06/01/2019

Heavy rain has saturated land areas in Neiafu, Vava’u and caused mudflows

The sea waves were turned brown from the water running off the affected spots including Toula.

Growers said their plantations were saturated “sepo e ngoue’anga’,” and they feared a strong wind that might immediately follow the heavy rain may easily destroy their crops because of the situation, according to our correspondent in Neiafu.

Tongan Met Service said this morning at 6am, a heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remains in force for all of Tonga land areas.

It said a strong wind warning remains in force for all of Tonga land areas.

At 5am today Mona, a category one tropical cyclone, was located 730 kilometres west of Niuafo’ou and 1020 kilometres northwest of Vava’u, 1060 northwest of Pangai, Hihifo and 1090 Kilometres of Nuku’alofa.

Tropical Cyclone Mona is moving at a speed of about 16km/hr (8 knots) in a south- south-west direction.

The weather service said that on its current track the potential for Mona to affect Tonga in the next 24hrs was low

A low pressure system is moving slowly over the Niuas and Vava’u, causing periods of heavy rain.

There are warnings for strong winds and heavy, damaging, swells for the Niuas and Vava’u coastal waters.

The forecast to midnight tomorrow for the rest of Tongan coastal waters is for east to southeast winds at 15-20 knots, rising up to 25 knots at times and moderate seas with a moderate southerly swell.

The outlook for Sunday for the Niuas and Vava’u coastal waters is for north to northeast winds of 15-20 knots, rising up to 25-30 knots at times.

Seas are expected to be moderate to rough, with a heavy, damaging, northerly swell.

The overall forecast to midnight tomorrow for the Niuas is for light to moderate north to northeast winds, becoming fresh and strong winds at times. It is expected to be mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times.

For Vava’u, the forecast is for light to moderate east to southeast winds, variable at times and developed a fresh and strong winds by tomorrow evening.

It will be mostly cloudy and overcast with occasional rain, heavy at times.

For Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua, the prediction is for light to moderate east to southeast winds, fresh at times.

There may be occasional showers, possibly heavy at times.

Chance of heavy rain, flash floods, remains, but Mona unlikely to affect Tonga in next 24 hrs

By

Philip Cass

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04/01/2019

Tropical Cyclone Mona is unlikely to affect Tonga, but weather warnings remain in force.

A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remains for the Niuas and Vava’u land areas.

A strong wind warning remains in force for the Niuas and Vava’u land areas.

At 4pm today Mona, a category one tropical cyclone, was located 810 kilometres west of Niuafo’ou and 1064km northwest Nuku’alofa.

Tropical Cyclone Mona is moving at a speed of about 18km/hr (10 knots) in a south- south-west direction.

The Tongan weather service said that on its current track the potential for Mona to affect Tonga in the next 24hrs was low