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Tonga and China sign TP$32 million projects agreement after signing Belt and Road initiative

By
Kalino Latu
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China and Tonga have signed a contract for projects worth TP$32 million (RMB 100,000,000).

The Prime Minister’s Office said yesterday the projects are “yet to be finalised by both parties.”

This comes after the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and Chinese Ambassador in Tonga have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Belt and Road Initiative with the approval of Cabinet.

“The signing of the MOU was done in Nuku’alofa before the Hon Prime Minister and delegation departed for Port Moresby on 13 November,” the Prime Minister’s spokesperson Lōpeti Senituli told Kaniva news.

Senituli has confirmed reports that the signing was made after a reprieve from Beijing on the timing of Tonga’s debt repayments shortly before an onerous schedule to repay loans was due to start.

The concessional loan had been deferred for five years.

Senituli also recounted how Tonga would benefit under the Belt and Road initiative.

“We are already exporting squash to China,” he said.

“We are working on adding seaweed and sea cucumber as well as other agricultural and marine products to that list of exports.

“There has been an increase in the number of Chinese investors in Tonga especially in the tourism sector and an increase in the actual numbers of Chinese tourists.

“On top of that a further agreement was signed between Tonga and China prior to the APEC meetings for a further grant aid of RMB 100,000,000 for projects yet to be finalised by both parties.

He said the aim of the initiative is: “To promote the exchange of goods, technology, capital and people through mutual connectivity and mutual learning between the participating countries through promoting coordinated development and common progress in economy, society, environment and culture and the building of a community of a shared future for mankind”.

Father’s death prompted son to succeed and places him with NZ Warriors

By
Tevita Katoa
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‘Eliesa Kātoa has attributed his success in rugby to a sense of courage he developed after his father died while he was 12 years old.

He said he vowed to do something to help his mother and his siblings.

Kātoa has an ambition of making a fortune in rugby and he always wanted to have an opportunity to play rugby in New Zealand.

After three national rugby trips from Tonga to New Zealand, Kātoa finally signed a contract with New Zealand Warriors on November 1.

He was also awarded the Sport Person of the Year 2018 and graduated with honour from Tamaki College.

Kātoa was first chosen to play in Tonga’s Under 14 team in 2014 and the Under 15s in 2015 for their New Zealand tours.

However, he returned to the kingdom without any opportunity to stay and play in New Zealand.

He was selected in 2016 to represent Tonga’s Under 16 team for another New Zealand rugby tournament.

It was on this tour that Kātoa was awarded a scholarship to study and play rugby for the Tamaki College First XV on January 1, 2017.

Kātoa went back to Tonga briefly after the tournament before returning for his scholarship.

The New Zealand Warriors

In his last games of the 2018 rugby season, Katoa did not know that he was under the New Zealand Warrior’s radar.

A report on Warriors website earlier this month said “Eliesa Katoa, a much sought-after, athletic rugby union No 8 from the Tamaki College First XV” had been confirmed on a development contract.

“I came to New Zealand alone, but in my heart and mind, I always carry around my family wherever I go and every game I play,” he told Kaniva news.

“This was because I know my father has died.”

He grew up in Ha’apai before he relocated to Tongatapu and studied at Tupou College in 2016.

Kātoa was born in March 11, 2000 and grew up in the village of Koulo. He is the son of ‘Asaeli and ‘Akanesi Talanoa Kātoa.

The main points

  • ‘Eliesa Kātoa has attributed his success in rugby to a sense of courage he developed after his father died while he was young.
  • He has now been signed for a development contract with the New Zealand Warriors.

Two men and 18-year-old girl arrested with illicit drugs in Nuku‘alofa

By
Kalino Latu
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Police have arrested three people with illicit drugs in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday.

A 31-year-old and a 22-year-old man both from Ngele’ia, and an 18-year-old woman from Fahefa were arrested with 75.44 grams already packed in 100 packets of cannabis.

Police said the drugs had been prepared for sale.

The Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce executed a search warrant at a residence in the early morning Wednesday before they arrested the trio.

Police sniffer dogs were used during the search.

“Police will continue to work with the community to prevent the harm illicit drugs cause and the ongoing criminal activity associated with their use,” said Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea.

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

All three suspects are in police custody to appear at the Fasi magistrate Court on Tuesday 27 November 2018.

Four prisoners caught with illicit drugs and homebrew at Vava‘u prison

By
Kalino Latu
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Vava‘u Police have arrested four inmates of Ha’alefo Prison after a crop of cannabis plants was found growing in flower pots within the prison compound, Police said.

Two were charged in relation to possession of illicit drugs and two faced charges of manufacturing prohibited alcohol.

The arrest on Tuesday November 20 came as a result of a Police investigation.

Two prisoners, a 26-year-old man from Ha’alaufuli was arrested and charged with the possession of six cannabis pot plants.

A 29-year-old man from Tatakamotonga, Tongatapu was arrested and charged with possession of five cannabis pot plants.

The two other inmates, a 27-year-old man from Vaini, Tongatapu and a 20-year-old- man from Mataika, Tongatapu were arrested and charged with manufacturing of four litres of homebrew.

Police acknowledge the assistance by prison officers of Ha’alefo Prison which led to the arrest of the 4 suspects.

Police Investigation continues.

Fiji exports $176k worth of livestock to Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Fiji Times – Fiji sent a livestock shipment worth $176,000 to Tonga recently enhancing existing cooperation between the two Pacific island countries and developing an export market.

Director Animal Health and Production Avinesh Dayal said local livestock farmers benefited from the export.

“The exportation of livestock to Tonga will benefit farmers and exports since a new pathway has been developed with our Pacific island neighbours. A total of 10 pigs, 50 sheep and 100 goats from eight farms were sold and farmers benefitted by receiving attractive prices for their animals, which they can reinvest back into their respective farms,” Mr Dayal was quoted saying in a Government statement.

“For Government, we have gained invaluable experience in facilitating the exports through the negotiation of protocols and in the future, more farmers can benefit from this exercise seeing as a pathway or protocol for Tongan export of livestock has been developed.”

Mr Dayal said Fiji had previously exported livestock to Tonga once before, and this recent request by the Tongan government paved an opportunity for local livestock farmers to benefit directly from this venture.

Mate Ma’a Tonga star Tevita Pangai given sobering reality check by Broncos teammate

By
Kaniva Staff
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AAP -Andrew McCullough has issued a reality check to Brisbane teammate Tevita Pangai as the search to replace departed lock Josh McGuire heats up.

The Queensland and Australian No.13’s sudden shift to North Queensland has left a gaping hole of quality and experience in a Broncos side also without the retired Sam Thaiday next year.

Hooker McCullough isn’t sure who will fill the void in the middle but knows that Pangai, despite his game-breaking ability, had some work to do if it is to be him.

“He might have to work on his fitness a bit,” McCullough said of the Tongan star after returning to fitness training on Thursday.

“He’s a naturally powerful guy, but playing in the middle requires big minutes, back-to-back efforts and he’s got a lot work to do on that.”

Pangai has committed to the Broncos for 2019 but would be free to follow current coach Wayne Bennett to South Sydney next year.

Unfazed by reports Brisbane are targeting NSW hooking rival Damien Cook, McCullough will remain at Red Hill until 2021.

But he can’t speak for his teammates.

“You’ll have to ask those guys; I don’t know the deals or protocols of any of those sort of guys,” he said.

Jack Bird, returning for a second season in Brisbane, is another option after an injury-marred introduction to Red Hill ended with him on the sidelines this year.

He has returned in good shape and has the backing of teammates to deliver on his promise in 2019, but there is no underselling what they’ll miss from McGuire’s exit.

“He competed very hard; he’s a very aggressive sort of guy and that’s partially the reason why they got him up there in Townsville,” the No.9 said.

This story appears on PACNEWS. Kaniva news has a sharing content arrangement with PACNEWS.

Show of appreciation; Henderson offers flight ticket as Xmas season starts

By
Kalino Latu
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Henderson Cars in South Auckland has received a signed Mate Ma’a Tonga jersey from one of its major sponsored parties  – the Hakulā ‘O Aotearoa rugby league team.

Mate Ma’a Tonga player David Fusitu’a presented the gift to Henderson Cars owner Muliagatele Shiu Singh.

Fusitu’a’s father, Edwin Fusitu’a, who made a short speech before the jersey was presented, said the Hakulā wanted to give Henderson Cars a token of appreciation because of their financial support for their players.

Tongan Sales Manager Vaima’ala’ala Tu’akalau said they had more than 1000 cars in their yard for their customers to choose from.

She said a campaign on social media which promised any person who could bring a customer to buy a vehicle at Henderson Cars would be offered a $1000 cash went really well.

Henderson Cars also gave customers who bought vehicles from them tickets to Tonga, shopping and cash for Christmas.

This also included offering their customers a grace period to start paying back their loan in 2019.

“Come and talk to me,” Tu’akalau said.

You can follow this link to see Henderson Cars’ Facebook page

The company has been closely involved in financially supporting the Tongan community around New Zealand.

In August it sponsored Miss Tongan Tau’olunga 2018, the first competition of its kind to be held in New Zealand.

As Kaniva news reported in August, Henderson Cars has continued to boost its cultural connection with the Tongan community by providing a free meal and a sponsorship of a major Tongan dancing competition.

The car dealership at 24 Great South Road, Takanini has offered a Nissan Veneta van for Kaniva Tonga news as part of a new collaboration to boost the company’s public relation.

The main points

  • Henderson Cars in South Auckland has received a signed Mate Ma’a Tonga jersey from one of its major sponsored parties – the Hakula ‘O Aotearoa rugby league team.
  • Mate Ma’a Tonga player David Fusitu’a presented the gift to Henderson Cars owner Muliagatele Shiu Singh.

New programme aims to help keep students at school and improve vocational training

By
Philip Cass
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High school dropout rates in Tonga have reached 20 percent and many young people have no other way of learning new skills that could make them employable.

However, Tonga’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Losaline Ma’asi said a new World Bank programme would help overcome some of the most serious barriers to students completing high school.

Hon. Ma’asi said the Skills and Employment for Tongans (SET) project would provide financial help for poorer families.

It would also help  improve the quality of courses in areas that were most likely to lead to successful labour migration to Australia and New Zealand.

It is intended to provide alternative vocational and learning pathways to help make students more employable in Tonga and give them a better chance of qualifying Australian or New Zealand employment programme.

The SET programme is based on similar successful projects in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

World Bank spokesperson Natalie Latu said it would benefit Tonga economically.

Remittances from Tongans working overseas make up 34.2 percent of Tonga’s Gross Domestic Product.

The SET programme is being funded by a US$18.5 million (TP$42 million) grant from the International Development Association and a US$2.4 million (TP$5.4 million) grant from the Australia-Pacific Islands Partnership Trust Fund.

Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Andrew said Australia was committed to helping Tongan workers develop their skills.

The main points

  • High school dropout rates in Tonga have reached 20 percent and many young people have no other way of learning new skills that could make them employable.
  • However, Tonga’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Losaline Ma’asi said a new World Bank programme would help overcome some of the most serious barriers to students completing high school.

For more information

Skills and Employment for Tongans

‘Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau to miss Georgia test

By
Kalino Latu
-

‘Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau will miss the test against Georgia in Tibilisi this weekend.

The 33-year-old has been allowed to return to his club.

Sonatane Takulua has been selected to lead the national rugby union team.

The replacement came after Wales beat Tonga by 74 – 24 last Saturday.

Wales had 10 tries, including a penalty try.

Tonga has yet to beat Wales in 10 matches since an uncapped encounter in Cardiff in October 1974.

‘Ikale Tahi Squad:

Forwards:

Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Sefo Sakalia, Ma’afu Fia, Leva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Dan Faleafa, Fotu Lokotui, Zane Kapeli, Sonatane Takulua

Backs:

Kurt Morath, Daniel Kilioni, Alaska Taufa, Latu Vaeno, Viliami Lolohea, Vungakoto Lilo Sione Anga’aelangi, ‘Otutolu Fahamokioa, Ben Tameifuna,

Reserves:

Sam Ulufonua, Mike Faleafa, Sione Vailanu, Leon Fukofuka and ‘Atieli Pakalani

Nuku‘alofa Film Festival launches with documentary dedicated to leiti struggle

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Blessen Tom in Nuku’alofa

(Pacific Media Centre) Leitis in Waiting, a feature documentary, launched the fourth Nuku’alofa International Film Festival 2018 at the Digicel Square in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, last night.

The film is about the struggles of transgender people living in Tonga – known locally as ‘leitis’.

Tonga Leitis is an intrepid group of indigenous transgender women and Joey “Joleen” Mataele an activist campaiging for transgender women and the co-founder of the Tonga Leitis Association.

READ MORE: Talent on show at Nuku’alofa

The film tells a story of the transgender struggle against a rising tide of religious fundamentalism and intolerance against the transgender community in the South Pacific kingdom.

Encouraging the people“It is an honour to be able to bring this film to its rightful home,” says Hinaleimona Wong-Kalu,  creator, producer and one of three directors along with Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson.

“We would like to encourage people to tell their stories… we like to bring movies from around the world so that Tongans can connect to other parts of the world,” says Sisi’uno Helu, director of the Nuku’alofa International Film Festival, who is also one of the producers of the film.

Leitis in Waiting closely follows Mataele, a devout Catholic of a noble descent who organises an exuberant beauty pageant presided over by Princess Salote Mafileʻo Pilolevu Tuita.

Mataele also provides shelter and training for a young leiti contestant who has been rejected by the family.

She spars with American-financed evangelicals who are threatening to resurrect colonial-era laws that would criminalise the leitis’ lives.

Eva Tanya Mafi, one of the lead characters of the documentary, was also present for the screening.

  • The two-day film festival will host 11 international films, including Banabans of Rabi by Blessen Tom and Hele Ikimotu, postgraduate students of New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology.

Kaniva news has a content sharing arrangement with the Pacific Media Centre. 

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