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Tongan rugby league team aggrieved at ‘small profit’ from sold-out Auckland test against Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
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(Stuff, Fairfax Media ) Tonga Rugby League officials are disappointed at their poor return for their historic test against Australia  in Auckland last October.

A TVNZ One News report on Sunday said the Tongans received “virtually no proceeds” despite the sold-out game attracting 26,214 mainly Tongan fans.

The match was organised by Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) organisation, who reaped the majority of the profit.

Tonga Rugby League (TRL) president Semisi Sika told One News his organisation saw little of it.

Andrew Fifita leads the Tongan Sipi Tau against Australia.
ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORTAndrew Fifita leads the Tongan Sipi Tau against Australia.

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 “Once you feel you are being used and abused, that’s when things are going to start changing.”

The TRL were also aggrieved at not being given VIP tickets for their sponsors, who support the Mate Ma’a Tonga team. 

Melino Maka of the Tongan Advisory Council says the NRL needs to change its attitude.

He said it “should treat Mate Ma’a Tonga with respect.”

Tonga star Jason Taumalolo on the charge against Australia.
PHOTOSPORTTonga star Jason Taumalolo on the charge against Australia.

The NRL told One News  it only made a “small profit” from the game but, the television network claimed it had received a confidential independent analysis which had estimated the match made around $1 million, after expenses.

The NRL statement said many of its other international matches, including mid-year Pacific tests, ran at a loss, so surpluses from matches like the Tonga-Australia test underwrote poorer performing events.

One News said the leaked report also stated the Tongans were treated in an “unfair and likely underhand manner,” and an inquiry was warranted.

Its report said the Australian players were paid $5000 each, but the Tongas got $3000 per man.

“Tonga desperately wanted to have a match against Australia,” Maka said.

“Australia NRL took advantage of Mate Ma’a Tonga.”

Prisoner should never have served time in prison says judge as he discharges case

By
Philip Cass
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The Supreme Court has discharged a man after serving 32 days of a sentence for theft.

In his judgement Judge L.M. Niu said the man, Paula Misieli Moala, had pleaded guilty, together with another accused person, to theft of a generator valued at TP$4500.

They were sentenced by the Magistrate Court to 12 months imprisonment reduced to nine month on account of their guilty pleas and having had no previous conviction.

Neither of them had legal counsel.

On November 24, an appeal was filed on the grounds that the sentence should have been fully suspended because the accused had no previous conviction and was likely to take the opportunity to rehabilitate himself.

On December 7 the Lord Chief Justice granted bail and the appellant was released from prison on the same day.

Judge Niu said the whole of the nine months imprisonment sentence ought to have been suspended.

“However, because the appellant has already served 32 days of that sentence in prison before he was granted bail, both counsel, and the appellant himself, and I, agreed that because imprisonment has been served for 32 days, his sentence should simply be those 32 day,” the judge said.

He said Moala should not have served any sentence and there should be no further penalty hanging over him.

The main points

  • The Supreme Court has discharged a man after serving 32 days of a sentence for theft.
  • Paula Misieli Moala, had pleaded guilty, together with another accused person, to theft of a generator valued at TP$4500.

Supreme Court suspends final year of drug sentence after accused makes late guilty plea

By
Philip Cass
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The Supreme Court has sentenced Christopher Ta’ufo’ou to  more than two years in jail for possession of marijuana.

Ta’ufo’ou was sentenced to two years and three months for possession.

He was arrested on  March 17, 2017, after being found in possession of a substantial amount of cannabis, totalling 635.54 grams.

This comprised one bag containing cannabis found on the front lawn, one cannabis branch with leaves found in the living room and one bag with cannabis seeds found in the first bedroom.

Police also found three bundles of cannabis plant branches found in the ceiling and four cannabis branches found in the ceiling.

In addition, seven bags containing small plastic bags suitable for packaging small amounts of cannabis were found.

He was charged with possession of illicit drugs and possession of a 22. 22 calibre long rifle live ammunition without a licence.

On July 14, 2017, he pleaded not guilty to both counts, but shortly before the trial he pleaded guilty to count one and the Crown withdrew a charge of possession against his wife and offered no evidence on the second count.

Judge Cato said he would suspend the last year of Ta’ufo’ou’s sentence on condition that he not commit any offences punishable by imprisonment for the term of his suspension;

He would be placed on probation for the period of his suspension;

He would also be required to undergo a course on drug abuse with the Salvation Army.

“Although not a first offender, this is the prisoner’s first conviction of drugs,” Judge Cato said.

“His plea of guilty was not a timely plea, being on the point of trial, but I take into account that the Crown withdrew a second charge of possession of ammunition and a charge of what would have amounted to joint possession against his wife, also at this late stage.

“I will accordingly give him full credit for his guilty plea and expression of remorse. I also take into account, but only to a limited degree, that he is the breadwinner for his family and they will be deprived of his maintenance whilst he is in custody.”

The main points

  • The Supreme Court has sentenced Christopher Ta’ufo’ou to  more than two years in jail for possession of marijuana.
  • Ta’ufo’ou was sentenced to two years and three months for possession.

King reappoints Kanitesi Mahe to Niukapu title

By
Kalino Latu
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King Tupou VI has reappointed  Kanitesi Mahe to the noble title Niukapu today Wednesday 19, 2018  and effective from 30 November 2017.

The family of Lord Niukapu have celebrated the reappointment during a cultural ceremony and entertainment at Bay of Manumataongo in Nuku’alofa, a family spokesperson said. 

It is understood Mahe held the title previously and became a Member of Parliament in 1990s before it was removed from him following a review of his rights to the title. 

The Lord Chamberlain Viela Tupou attended the ceremony and read out the Letter of Appointment from HM King Tupou VI.

Niukapu is one of the ‘Ulu Tolu or the Three Heads which consisted of Lord Nuku, Lord Niukapu and Ngata, who is now His Majesty King Tupou VI.

The appointment was officially announced in the government of Tonga gazette in September.

It said: “Kanitesi Mahe is the lawful successor to the hereditary noble title and estate of: Niukapu and shall possess and enjoy the hereditary estate appurtenant to the title to which he has succeeded together with the rents and profits thereof and all other rights and privileges attached to the title as from 30 November 2017.”

Niukapu’s hereditary estate is Fangale’ounga in Ha’apai. 

Queen Nanasipau‘u leads mourners at First Lady of Tonga’s funeral services

By
Kalino Latu
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  • Neomai’s grandchildren mourn her death

The Queen and the Prime Minister’s family shared a touching moment, as foreign dignitaries turned out to commemorate the life of Tonga’s First Lady.

Neomai Tu’itupou Pōhiva was laid to rest at Telekava 1 community cemetery in Kolomotu’a, Nuku’alofa this afternoon.

Her funeral service was held at the Free Wesleyan church in Sopu, where she worshipped, this morning.

Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u attended the services.

As Kaniva news reported on Monday, the Prime Minister’s 70-year-old wife, who bore him seven children, “died peacefully” after a long battle with cancer.

Tributes

Following the news of her death, thousands took to Facebook to show their respects for the woman most regarded as the “mother of democrats” in Tonga.

She has been described as “a kind-hearted lady” who always stood by her husband until the end of her life in his long time fight to bring democracy to Tonga.

The late King George V relinquished his executive powers in 2010, allowing an MP elected by the people or nobility to be elected by Parliament and become the Prime Minister for the first time.

Neomai’s contributions

In an interview Hon. Pōhiva said more consultation with the privy councillors were needed as the king still held some key powers of the executive roles.

He regarded these powers as being vital for the daily operations of the government which were now no longer within the king’s power.

King George V’s move has been seen by many as the royals’ response to a more than two-decade push led by Hon. Pōhiva to change the feudal political system into democracy.

Some commenters used the well-known English phrase “Behind every great man there’s a great woman” as a tribute to Neomai, referring to her motherly role which contributed to Hon. Pohiva’s political stance.  

Favourite hymn

Yesterday her daughter ‘Ana Koli Fifita revealed Neomai’s favourite hymn.

It was the Free Wesleyan Church hymn 604, the lyrics of which were apparently written by the late Dr James Egan Moulton in the 1890s.

The hymn, ‘Tu ‘Oku Fa’a ‘A’ahi Mai’ has six verses.

Koli said she wanted to quote “her favourite hymn” as a farewell message to her beloved mother.  

The funeral services were attended by members of the nobility including the Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua and Lord Nuku.

Cabinet Ministers and government CEOs also attended, along with many government senior officials.

Foreign diplomats at the services included the Chinese and Japanese Ambassadors and the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners.

The prayer services were led by the president of the Free Wesleyan Church, Dr Ahio.

The main points

  • The Queen and the Prime Minister’s family shared a touching moment, as foreign dignitaries turned out to commemorate the life of Tonga’s First Lady.
  • Neomai Tu’itupou Pōhiva was laid to rest at Telekava 1 community cemetery in Kolomotu’a, Nuku’alofa this afternoon.
  • Her funeral service was held at the Free Wesleyan church in Sopu, where she worshipped, this morning.

For more information

Tonga’s Prime Minister’s wife Neomai dies

Tonga’s Prime Minister’s wife Neomai dies

Pacific Nations Cup announces 2019 schedule

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Alex Goff, FloRugby

World Rugby has today announced the schedule for the Pacific Nations Cup 2019 taking place over three rounds from July 27 to August 10 of the new year. 

The competition is part of a readiness program for Rugby World Cup 2019 with the Men’s Eagles hosting rival-Canada at in their opening match at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO on July 27.

Along with rival-Canada, the United States will also face Samoa and World Cup hosts Japan at Anz Stadium in Suva, Fiji on August 3 and August 10, respectively. In total, six teams will compete in the annual competition including Fiji and Tonga. All games will be contested in a cross-pool format with points awarded at each round and the highest number of points at the conclusion of the tournament crowning a champion.

All six teams in the Pacific Nations Cup or PNC, are qualified for Rugby World Cup Japan giving fans a much-anticipated preview of what’s to come at the World’s third-largest single-sport event later that year. Similarly, the high quality of competition — with all teams ranked in the world’s Top 20 — will bode well as the Eagles continue to build on their new high of No. 12 in the world. The Eagles are accompanied by Fiji at No. 8, Japan at No. 11, Tonga at No. 14, Samoa at No. 16 and Canada at No. 20.

USA last participated in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup in 2015 where they came in fifth-place. The tournament was last hosted in 2018 with four teams competing and Fiji claiming their fourth-consecutive title with a win over Georgia.

Ahead of the PNC 2019, the Eagle men will open their World Cup year with the Americas Rugby Championship 2019 where they’ll hope to secure their third-consecutive title.

General Manager for Men’s 15s Programs Dave Hodges said: “We’re looking forward to strengthening our schedule and preparation for Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 with three test matches in the Pacific Nations Cup,” said Dave Hodges. “Hosting our northern rivals Canada after what we know will be a fiercely contested Americas Rugby Championship at the beginning of the year will be great for our home fans. Adding to that two matches against Samoa and Japan will allow our men to test our strengths and increase our depth with a competitive lineup before the World Cup.”

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “With all roads leading to Rugby World Cup 2019, it is exciting to announce that six participating unions, Canada, Fiji, hosts Japan, Samoa, Tonga and USA will feature in the World Rugby Pacific Cup 2019 line-up.

“This announcement reflects our commitment to provide a strong preparation platform for these unions immediately prior to our showcase event, to build excitement in two host cities and deliver an important programme of testing and readiness ahead of Asia’s first Rugby World Cup.”

Tickets to see the United States face rival-Canada at Infinity Park as part of the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup will be on sale in the coming weeks. In the meantime, fans can still select their seats for one of the Men’s Eagles home matches in the Americas Rugby Championship at usarugby.org/tickets.

Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 will take place from September 20 to November 2, 2019 with the United States drawn in Pool C alongside England, France, Argentina and Tonga. Tickets will be back on sale January 19 while Official Supporter Tour and Hospitality packages can be purchased now at rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

Pacific Nations Cup 2019 Schedule

Round 1: Saturday, July 27

Fiji vs Japan | Kamaishi, Japan

USA vs Canada | Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado

Tonga vs Samoa | Apia, Samoa

Round 2: Saturday, August 3

Tonga vs Japan | Hanazono, Japan

USA vs Samoa | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Fiji vs Canada | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Round 3: Friday, August 9

Tonga vs Canada | Churchill Park, Lautoka

Round 3: Sat, August 10

USA vs Japan | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Fiji vs Samoa | Anz Stadium, Suva, Fiji

Ardern says gov’t needs to protect workers better; Peters calls modern slavery “a reality”

By
Philip Cass
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said today the government needed to weed out employers who abused workers.

The Prime Minister was speaking after Samoan national Viliamu Samu, 64, was charged with 18 counts of human trafficking and slavery.

“There are some cases here where there is exploitation occurring where people have the right to work here,” Ardern told Radio New Zealand.

“So there’sa couple of things we need to do here – firstly, weeding out employers who …might not uphold proper employment practices before they are able to access migrant labour.”

She said workers who might be vulnerable to being exploited but had a right to work in New Zealand needed to be educated about their rights.

The government also needed to provide ways people could report exploitation anonymously.

The Prime Minister said the government needed to be able to protect people better.

Modern slavery

Last month Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters described modern slavery as “a reality in New Zealand.”

At the time of his statement, the government had prosecuted two cases of human trafficking since 2015, he said.

“We also believe that many cases go undetected and that some of the products we import do not come from clean supply chains,” Peters said. 

In April this year Transparency International said the New Zealand government needed to speed up the introduction of a Modern Slavery Act to establish clearer rules,tighter regulations and more costly punishments for people and businesses involved in modern slavery.

Transparency International said dairy and horticultural workers described abuse, poor working conditions, lack of pay and being threatened if they complained to Immigration New Zealand.

A Salvation Army report on modern slavery in New Zealand in 2016 said Fijian migrant workers had been left to starve.

The report quoted police as saying modern slavery in New Zealand primarily involved worker exploitation or forced labour, often migrant workers.

Workers abused

Viliamu Samu was charged with abusing the workers during a quarter of a century in Hawke’s Bay.

He appeared in Hastings District Court yesterday following a two-year investigation by Immigration New Zealand and the police.

Samu is better known in the community as Joseph Matamata.

Immigration New Zealand uncovered the exploitation in Hastings while looking into a visa and immigration issue.

The Prime Minister said there had been 1800 complaints in the past year, leading to 13 prosecutions, and 300 investigation.

The main points

  • New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern said today the government needed to weed out employers who might abuse workers.
  • The Prime Minister was speaking after Samoan national Viliamu Samu, 64, was charged with 18 counts of human trafficking and slavery.
  • She said the government needed to be able to protect people better.

For more information

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discusses protecting migrant workers

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/378504/prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-discusses-protecting-migrant-workers

Modern slavery

Modern Slavery – Part 2

Modern slavery

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/modern-slavery

Man arrested after drugs seized at ‘Eua wharf

By
Kalino Latu
-

‘Eua Police have arrested and charged a man following the seizure of 3.2 kilograms of cannabis at Nāfanua wharf.

The 44-year-old-man was arrested with a bag of cannabis on Thursday 13 December at around 3:50 pm, a statement said.

Police speculated the bag of illicit drug was intended to be transported to Tongatapu in the domestic ferry that was scheduled to depart ‘Eua at 4.30 pm that same afternoon.

 “We continue to focus on capturing and prosecuting those responsible for the supply of these destructive drugs that cause harm to our youths, families and our community,” Eua Police Commander Inspector Loluhama Fine said.   

“We encourage anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact their nearest Police station, or ring 23417 or 922.”

The suspect is in police custody while investigation continues.

NZ sends new diplomat to Tonga amid Chinese growing influence 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

WELLINGTON, 19 DECEMBER 2018 (REUTERS) —New Zealand will send 14 new diplomats to the Pacific region next year, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, the latest move by Western governments to counter China’s growing influence in the strategic region.

The additional staff will be based in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and the U.S. state of Hawaii, Peters said in a statement.

The move comes amid growing Western concerns about China’s influence in the South Pacific through its Belt and Road initiative, which dominated a recent Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit hosted by Papua New Guinea.

“These new positions are a first step in demonstrating New Zealand is committed to the Pacific to help it be … safer and more prosperous and enhancing New Zealand’s voice in a region,” Peters said.

The jobs will be advertised by the end of this year and the new posts expected to be filled by the middle of 2019,Peters’ office said.

New Zealand is also sending four additional diplomats to Japan, the United States, the European Union and China to coordinate policy on the Pacific region, Peters said.

The United States, Australia, France and Britain are opening new embassies, adding more staff and engaging with leaders of island nations more often in a bid to counter China’s rising influence.

Competition between the United States and China over the Pacific was thrown into focus at APEC in November with the United States and its Western allies launching a coordinated response to China’s Belt and Road programme.

Two injured after huffing explosion at apartment in south Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

(New Zealand Herald) Two teenagers have been injured, one critically, after a chemical huffing explosion at an South Auckland apartment block this morning.

A police spokesperson said they were called to a house fire on Clayton Ave, in Otara about 2.50am, to assist the Fire Service.

A male was in a critical condition and a female was in a serious condition, a St John spokesperson said.

The patients, both 16, have been transported to Middlemore Hospital.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the explosion caused a small house fire which was put out quickly. There was damage to the floor above the location and a window blew out.

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