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Justice Paul Garlick KC sworn in as Tonga’s new supreme court judge

By
Kaniva Staff
-

In a historic ceremony this morning, The Hon. Justice Paul Garlick KC officially took his oath as the newest Judge of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Tonga, marking a new chapter in the nation’s judiciary.

The Hon. Justice Paul Garlick KC was officially sworn in as the newly appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Tonga.

The swearing-in took place in Cabinet, presided over by His Majesty’s Government and witnessed by Acting Prime Minister Dr Taniela Likuohihifo Fusimalohi, alongside senior members of Cabinet.

Justice Garlick’s appointment follows the recent conclusion of former Justice Nicholas Cato’s term, ensuring continuity in Tonga’s highest court.


Justice Garlick, a King’s Counsel (KC), brings decades of legal expertise to Tonga’s judiciary.

With a distinguished background in common law jurisdictions, including senior judicial and advisory roles, his appointment is expected to further strengthen the rule of law in the Kingdom.


The Acting Prime Minister extended “heartfelt congratulations” to Justice Garlick, stating:
“We are confident that his vast experience and unwavering commitment to justice will greatly benefit Tonga’s legal system and uphold the rights of our people.”

Justice Garlick’s appointment comes at a critical time for Tonga’s legal system, which faces mounting challenges, including a worsening drug epidemic marked by surging methamphetamine (“ice”) and cannabis-related arrests that are straining law enforcement capabilities.

As Kaniva News reported previously, the courts, already understaffed and overburdened, are grappling with severe case backlogs.

This leads to prolonged pretrial detention for many detainees, as hearings face significant delays. Some cases reportedly take years to resolve.

These systemic issues have sparked growing calls for judicial reform, with demands for expedited trials and increased resources for legal aid. Legal experts previously warned that without urgent action, these delays could further erode public trust in Tonga’s justice system.


With Justice Garlick now formally instated, the Supreme Court is expected to resume its full caseload, including pending constitutional matters and high-profile cases.

The authority to select and appoint judges lies with the King and his Judicial Appointment Panel.

New free apps Tau Laukonga bring Tongan stories to life, tackling childhood literacy crisis 

By
Kalino Latu
-

In a world where screens often distract rather than educate, a new free app—Tau Laukonga—is turning smartphones into gateways for Tongan children to discover the joy of reading.  

Over a dozen supporters representing Tonga, the United States, and New Zealand, including current and former Peace
Corps Volunteers, contributed narration, translation work, and more to make the project possible.

Developed through a unique international partnership, the app brings over 100 vibrant, culturally rich stories to life in both Tongan and English, complete with native-speaker narration.  

Tau Laukonga, a pair of new Tongan and English reading apps for kids, is now available to download for free on Android and iPhone. 

Developed by United States Peace Corps Volunteer Andrew Pavey in partnership with the American NGO Friends of Tonga, the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training’s Curriculum Development Unit, and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Education Department, each app offers 100+ fun, culturally-relevant books across various difficulty levels, topics, and genres.  

The majority of books also feature read-along audio narration recorded by native speakers. 

Around 70% of Tongan households lack reading materials for kids, according to a 2017 World Bank report. Tau Laukonga gives all families instant access to a free digital library that can be enjoyed even without internet access.  

The apps will help preserve and uplift the Tongan language around the world, as well as boost English literacy achievement. 

“This initiative is one key milestone to children’s development in the era of information technology,” says Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala, a vocal proponent of Tau Laukonga. 

“Supporting literacy, Tongan heritage, and youth development are all cornerstones of Peace Corps’ work in the Kingdom of Tonga, and Andrew has created a project which serves as a beautiful testament to the potential of this type of service,” says Peace Corps Tonga Country Director Elizabeth Neason.  

“Through hard work, international cooperation, and local partnerships, he has put together something truly unique and powerful.” 

“It is exciting to see how Peace Corps Volunteers can collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to design and implement such a useful learning tool,” says Michael P. Hassett, President of Friends of Tonga. “Tau Laukonga could change the trajectory of literacy attainment for an entire nation.” 

“For a love of reading to take root in the Kingdom, Tongan kids need engaging and educational alternatives to TikTok and smartphone games,” says Pavey, the app’s developer and a teacher in Houma, Tongatapu. “Tau Laukonga is the first step towards making this vision a reality.” 

Over a dozen supporters representing Tonga, the United States, and New Zealand, including current and former Peace Corps Volunteers, contributed narration, translation work, and more to make the project possible.  

More books and features will be added in future updates later this year. Authors interested in donating the rights to their work, especially children’s books in the Tongan language, should contact taulaukonga@gmail.com. 

Download the Tau Laukonga apps for Android here: https://tinyurl.com/4j5ca57k 

Download the Tau Laukonga apps for iPhone here: https://tinyurl.com/mre4zc4z 

Deputy PM warns against rubber-stamping reports as $60m Covid missing records nearly go unchecked   

By
Kalino Latu
-

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi has raised concerns about Parliament’s dangerous (“fakatu’utāmaki”) practice of approving critical reports without proper scrutiny. 

He was pointing to the near-automatic approval of the Auditor General’s explosive findings, which revealed $60 million in unaccounted Covid-19 funds, without discussion.   

The Auditor General’s revelation, previously reported by Kaniva News, revealed no records detailing how the pandemic relief money was spent—a direct violation of the Constitution Clause 53, which mandates the Finance Minister to report all government expenditures to Parliament with full documentation.   

Fusimālohi was visibly frustrated while condemning the legislative shortcut.

“Ko e fa’ahinga founga ia ‘oku fakatu’utāmaki,” he said in Tongan.

This translates to English as “That procedure is dangerous.”   

The Speaker of Parliament Lord Fakafanua was contacted for comment.  

Near-Miss for Accountability  

During an interview on RTTI’s livestream show, Fusimālohi claimed that the damning audit was on the agenda for bulk approval alongside routine documents but since he had read all reports that had been handed over to MPs he was well aware of the Auditor’s Covid report. He said he then asked that the report be tabled for discussion.  

Fusimālohi reiterated that the Auditor had repeatedly attempted without success to obtain records of the funds’ expenditure from the relevant ministries. He noted that the Minister of MEIDECC overseeing these funds at the time was former Prime Minister Huʻakavameiliku.   

He warned that the Auditor’s work can’t be ignored just to expedite agendas, Fusimālohi said, warning that sidelining audits erodes trust.  

“Transparency and accountability are two vital mechanisms for the government’s operation,” he said in Tongan, adding that Tonga must account for every dollar of foreign aid.

A pattern of unchecked reports  

The Covid fund scandal mirrors past failures.    

A Parliamentary Select Committee investigation in 2012 found that the TOP $119 million Nukuʻalofa CBD reconstruction loan was illegal, citing breaches of the Public Finance Management Act. No parliamentary resolution followed.   

In the same year, a Land Royal Commission Report was submitted to Parliament after a government team consulted residents in Tonga and the diaspora, but it was never debated.  

New Police Commissioner appointed for Tonga Police

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tonga Police will welcome a new leader next week as Commissioner Shane McLennan prepares to conclude his three-year term.

Commissioner-Designate Geoff Turner

His successor, Geoff Turner, currently a Commander with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), has been approved by His Majesty King Tupou VI and will be sworn in on 12 May 2025.

Commander Turner brings a wealth of international experience to the role.

Born in New Zealand, he began his career in the Royal New Zealand Navy before migrating to Australia in 1900 and joining the AFP.

Over his distinguished career, he has served in various high-profile roles, including drug and organised crime operations in Sydney, close personal protection for the Israeli Consul General, and multiple United Nations deployments to Cyprus, East Timor, and Afghanistan.

His expertise extends to leadership positions such as Detective Superintendent in the AFP’s money laundering taskforce and Contingent Commander in Timor-Leste.

Most recently, he served as Commander of Specialist Operations, overseeing search and rescue, canine operations, and tactical teams.

Commissioner-Designate Turner holds degrees in Business and Policing, along with two master’s degrees in business management and anti-money laundering.

His appointment marks a new chapter for Tonga Police as they transition under his leadership.

Commissioner McLennan’s Marching Out Parade is scheduled for Friday, 9 May, ahead of Turner’s official swearing-in ceremony.

Bus catches fire in Tonga; flames extinguished with bucket of water

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A minibus fire was captured on video and uploaded to Facebook this morning after flames erupted from the vehicle’s door before being quickly extinguished.

The footage shows smoke and flames rapidly spreading along the side of the bus as onlookers react.

Reports said the incident occurred in Masilamea village, Vava’u.

In a bold attempt to control the blaze, a man rushed toward the burning bus with a bucket of water and successfully doused the fire.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the incident, and no injuries have been reported.

Police and fire officials have not yet issued an official statement.

Residents expressed shock at the sudden incident, with many praising the bystander’s quick thinking.

“You can see here—a bus on fire,” the person recording the video remarked.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

Ninety kilos of meth lands at Auckland Airport in under 12 hours

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

  • Customs have seized a combined total of more than 90 kilograms of methamphetamine found in abandoned bags on two inbound flights in under 12 hours at Auckland International Airport over the weekend.
50.2kg of methamphetamine discovered in two bags abandoned on a flight from Malaysia.
50.2kg of methamphetamine discovered in two bags abandoned on a flight from Malaysia. (Source: NZ Customs)

The first intercept occurred after a flight from Malaysia which landed around midnight on April 26.

Customs officers identified two bags containing 50.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

“The bags contained four smaller duffle bags, each with individually wrapped packages of methamphetamine,” a statement from Customs said.

40.5 kilograms was uncovered in two backpacks abandoned on a flight from Los Angeles.
40.5 kilograms was uncovered in two backpacks abandoned on a flight from Los Angeles. (Source: NZ Customs)

The second intercept was off a flight from Los Angeles early in the morning of April 27.

Border agencies identified two backpacks and referred them to Customs who found 40.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The seized methamphetamine was estimated to have a combined street value of up to $34 million and could have caused up to $95 million in potential harm and cost to New Zealand.

An investigation to identify those responsible for the abandoned luggage items was ongoing, Customs said.

Customs Auckland Airport manager Paul Williams said it was “rapid, skilled work” undertaken by staff “who know exactly what to look for”.

“They acted immediately, intercepted the suspicious bags, and shut down what would have been a significant shipment of methamphetamine reaching into our communities.”

Williams said preventing organised crime from profiting by harming New Zealanders was an “absolute priority” for Customs.

The Customs team has seized an estimated 405.69 kilograms of drugs across couriers and baggage at Auckland International Airport this year.

‘Kulikuli’ impeachment vs $60M COVID scandal: Tonga’s Parliament punishes insults, excuses corruption

By
Kalino Latu
-

Editorial – The impeachment of Police Minister Piveni Piukala for allegedly violating Constitution Clause 70, ‘Offences against the Assembly’, has laid bare a staggering hypocrisy in Tonga’s governance.

While Parliament acts with lightning speed to punish a minister for offensive remarks, it remains deafeningly silent on an infinitely graver breach: the former government’s failure to account for $60 million in COVID-19 funds, a direct violation of the Constitution Clause 53.

The constitution clause 53 says: “When the Legislative Assembly shall meet the Treasurer shall present to the Legislative Assembly on behalf of the Cabinet an account of all moneys which have been received and expended during the current year or since the last meeting of the Assembly and the nature of the receipts and expenditure.”

This is not just inconsistency—it is institutionalised double standards. When a noble’s dignity is slighted, the machinery of justice grinds swiftly into motion. But when the Auditor General said he found no records or receipts of millions allocated for the COVID-19 disaster, the response was a shrug. If this is how Tonga defines accountability, then the system is not merely flawed; it is failing its people.

The $60 Million Question: Where’s the Outrage?

The Auditor General’s report exposed a shocking dereliction of duty: the former Hu’akavameiliku government was unable to produce proper records or receipts for $60 million in pandemic relief funds.

These were not discretionary expenses—they were lifelines for Tongans in crisis. Yet the Lord Speaker Fakafanua and Prime Minister Eke’s defence—that no rules required documentation—is as absurd as it is alarming.

Emergency spending does not mean abandoning accountability—clause 53 mandates transparency. Yet, despite the Auditor General’s damning findings, there have been no serious investigations, no prosecutions, no consequences.

The Speaker and Prime Minister’s dismissive stance sends a clear message: some breaches of the Constitution matter more than others.

Contrast with Piukala’s Case: Priorities laid bare

Compare this to the uproar over Police Minister Piveni Piukala’s remarks. His language—calling nobles “kulikuli” (smelly) and Parliament a “house of fools”—was undiplomatic, even crude. But his underlying frustration with corruption and incompetence resonates with many Tongans who see the same rot in their institutions.

Instead of addressing his critique, Lord Fohe moved swiftly to impeach him, and Parliament’s Privileges Committee acted with unusual efficiency. The message? Insult the nobility, and face immediate punishment. Misplace millions? Carry on.

The hypocrisy surrounding Tonga’s leadership is glaring: there is no record of how the $60 million was spent, yet silence prevails, while a minister’s insult to the powerful leads to instant consequences.

This stark contrast reveals that if the Constitution is weaponised to shield the elite but disregarded when it calls for fiscal responsibility, then Tonga’s democracy is merely performative, lacking substance.

The citizens deserve leaders who confront corruption with the same fervour they exhibit towards insults. The choice before Tonga’s leaders is clear: will they uphold the Constitution for everyone or only when it serves their interests?

True accountability cannot be selective, and if Parliament prioritises its image over integrity, public trust will continue to erode.

The people are watching closely, and the pressing question is no longer whether the system is broken, but whether those in power possess the courage to repair it.

Auckland tribunal orders ‘Ofa Siasau to repay $26,250 in Tongitupe pyramid scheme case 

By
Kalino Latu
-

An Auckland tribunal has ordered Ofa Siasau to repay Pita Hingano $26,250 by May 21, 2025, after ruling that she operated an illegal pyramid scheme, Tongitupe New Zealand PTOA. 

‘Ofa Siasau. Photo/Facebook

The decision last week follows widespread controversy over multiple pyramid schemes within New Zealand’s Tongan community three years ago, which left many participants out of pocket by thousands of dollars. 

Several scheme operators now face legal action in both New Zealand and the U.S. 

Tongitupe New Zealand PTOA was founded by Tilila Siola’a Walker Sumchai, who is currently facing charges in ongoing legal proceedings. 

The tribunal found that Pita Hingano invested $54,000 into Siasau’s scheme between April and July 2021. 

He was promised a return of $2,500 per week for every $4,500 invested. 

Hingano received $27,750 in returns before Siasau halted payments, citing “some issues.” 

The tribunal ruled that the scheme violated Section 24 of the Fair Trading Act (FTA), which prohibits pyramid selling. 

Siasau did not appear at the final hearing on 7 November 2024, despite being warned that adjournments would not be granted for missed emails. 

She has been ordered to repay $26,250, the difference between Hingano’s investment and his returns. 

Other court cases

As recently reported, several Tongans, including a man and two women, were fined for promoting a “cash-gifting” pyramid scheme targeting the Tongan community in South Auckland. The trio were Feleti Halafihi, Frances Saimone, and Patricia Pousini. 

They were involved in the multiple schemes operating between 2021 and 2022. 

An estimated 240 people participated, investing between $225,000 and $336,750 in that scheme. 

In 2023, a federal grand jury returned a 30-count indictment (14 September 2023) against Walker, charging her with wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and the sale of unregistered securities, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert. 

At the time, reports indicated that more than 1,000 investors had contributed over $13 million to Walker’s scheme. 

Tonga observes toumoloto as nation mourns Pope Francis

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga will observe toumoloto ‘o e fuka’, a traditional practice of lowering flags to half-mast as a sign of respect, on Saturday, April 26, in honour of the late Pope Francis.

Sr Maletina Sili is placing the kahoa kakala around Pope Francis’ neck. Photo/Supplied

The Cabinet confirmed the national tribute during a media briefing yesterday, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep reverence for the departed pontiff.

Meanwhile, all Catholic churches in Tonga have been draped in violet, the Church’s liturgical colour (sometimes referred to as purple), traditionally associated with Lent, Advent, and periods of mourning.

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 in Vatican City. His death followed a period of declining health, including complications from pneumonia and a recent stroke.

His funeral will take place at 10am Vatican Time (8pm Tonga Time) in St. Peter’s Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista presiding over the ceremony.

As a predominantly Christian nation, Tonga joins the global Catholic community in mourning the loss of a figure widely admired for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalised. Government offices, schools, and institutions across the Kingdom will fly their flags at half-mast on Saturday in solemn remembrance.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a profound loss not only for Catholics but for all who valued his message of peace and unity,” said a government representative. “Tonga stands in solidarity with the world in paying our respects.”

The late Pope’s legacy of interfaith dialogue and social justice resonated deeply in Tonga. Since the announcement of his death, Tongans have widely shared photos on Facebook of their visits to the Vatican, many wearing traditional taʻovala and kahoa kakala while posing with the Pope.

Among the most poignant images is one of a Tongan nun placing a kahoa kakala—a highly significant and precious native gift, around the pontiff’s neck.

Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, visibly emotional, repeatedly praised Pope Francis for appointing him as Tonga’s first Cardinal. He is now in Rome as part of a delegation to bid farewell to the late pontiff.

Minister frustrated by elusive report on Tonga million investment in prefab houses for Pacific Forum

By
Kalino Latu
-

Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala, has expressed growing frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the construction of approximately 60 prefabricated houses built for last year’s Pacific Islands Forum.

Minister for Publis Enterprises Piveni Piukala

Officials have yet to provide a detailed report on the project’s costs, contractors, and future use, he claimed during a press conference this afternoon in Nuku’alofa.

It follows the Auditor General’s report last week, which stated he found no receipts or records of how the $60 million Covid fund was spent. Former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku claimed that no funds were missing.

The prefab houses, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, were installed across multiple sites in Tongatapu, including 16 on Vaha’akolo Road, 30 on Kausela Road, and over 30 in Sopu.

An additional 60 units in Popua, intended to later operate as a hotel to boost tourism, were also built.

Mr Piukala alleged that the project was poorly planned and provided little tangible benefit for the Pacific Leaders’ meeting.

He claimed that most delegates and travellers stayed elsewhere during the event.

“Pea kou fiu hono ‘eke lipooti ko ia a’u mai ki he ‘aho ni ke nau ‘omai ha fakaikiiki,” he said in Tongan.

In English, he said: “And I have been requesting that report until today for details.”

He noted that the 60 houses constructed in Niu Lodge village at Popua were under the Crown Prince’s authority.

Comparing the project to Lulutai Airlines, he emphasised the need for detailed financial reports on the expenses.

Launching the Forum in Nuku’alofa last year, Hu’akavameiliku said he “committed to ensuring that the 2024 Forum Leaders Meeting is focused on results”.

He also said: “It is my ambition that Leader’s carefully examine the implementation of all key initiatives that have been put in place over the past few years, with a view to monitoring and measuring the tangible outcomes that have been produced- after all, Pacific regionalism is first and foremost about the countries and the territories of the Pacific working together for the purpose of achieving more effective results and impacts at the national and community levels.”

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