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8-year-old died by suicide in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
-

An 8-year-old Fasi girl took her own life, an inquest has confirmed.

She was the youngest known person to commit suicide in Tonga, according to Police

The victim was found dead in her home on November 7, local media have reported.

She was rushed to Vaiola hospital where she died.

Her body has been released to the family.

Police have not released any details relating to the incident.

The incident comes after Kaniva reported last month that a 30-year-old man was found dead in his home in Vainī.

The man’s body was found in his room.

Gov’t saves millions on Popua Park golf course building project, independent report says

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government has saved more than TP$2 million on the current work it did at the Popua Park and Golf Course project.

The project to redevelop the 10-acre swampy site was initiated by the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva in 2015.

Hon. Pohiva said the plan for the golf course was initiated by late King Tupou IV but was not implemented before he died.

It was intended to provide a sustainable, clean environment in the area after closing down the Popua landfill, provide a new national recreational park  and save and upgrade the traditional pigeon mounts which had significant historical values.

An 18-hole golf course development on the swamplands was also planned.

Independent report

An independent report by the Pacific Engineering Consultant Group (PECG) showed the government has spent only TP$648,000  on the project.

“It is evident there is savings,” the report said.

The PECG report was conducted on June 25-30 this year by three experts including Civil Engineer Sevenitini Toumoua,  Suliasi Havea and Semisi Fifita.

The report covered the cost for three years since 2015 which was average at $200,000 a year.

Money saved

Minister of Finance Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa said the saving had been made by hiring daily workers who were paid at low rates and agreeing with the Ministry of Infrastructure to hire its machinery for the project and only pay for their petrol.

He said prisoners at Hu’atolitoli who had experience in some of the work under the project had been employed.

A report by the Auditor General last month showed nine daily workers had been employed to carry out the project.

Three of them including former MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu, ‘Automalo Tupou and Sione Kava were not paid for the work they did for various reasons, the report said.

The Auditor General’s special report showed Cabinet allocated TP$6 million last August from the National Planning  $26 million budget sub-vote to pay for the Popua project.

Comparison

The PECG report said if the project had been outsourced to a private company it would have cost TP$2.9 million. If it had been carried out by the Ministry of Infrastructure it would have cost government $1.7 million, the report said.

It said quantities used for the audit were measured and detailed and the rates used for comparison were obtained from Ministry of Infrastructure and Malapo Quarry representing the private sector.

PECG was engaged by the Prime Minister’s Office to carry out construction auditing to verify the current physical and financial situation of the project.

Controversial topic

The project has been a controversial topic since it was revealed about three years ago, with critics claimed it had caused more bad effect than good.

This included claims by Dr ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki, a former Minister of Education and Member of Parliament who believed that “the massive habitat and environmental destruction taking place at the mouth of the lagoon should not have happened because Tonga has clear environmental laws that were intended to protect such areas.”

“This project will kill the reef and the fisheries the reef supports,” she reportedly said.

Last December Kaniva news interviewed former Member of Parliament and CEO for the Ministry of Education Dr. Viliami Fukofuka, who spoke about the Popua project.

Fukofuka, who lived about half a kilometre away from the Park, said it was a brilliant idea and that the Park has beautified the village.

The area was used as dumping site known before the project as Popua landfill.

Hon. Pohiva said this was the face of Nuku’alofa CBD to the eastern site and he had long wanted to change it into something that would suit the Nuku’aofa location.

The main points

  • The government has saved more than TP$2 million on the current work it did at the Popua Park and Golf Course project.
  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said the plan for the golf course was initiated by late King Tupou IV but was not implemented before he died.
  • An independent report by the Pacific Engineering Consultant Group (PECG showed the government has spent only TP$648,000 on the project.

For more information

Tukutonga: from hazardous landfill to new recreational park

Remittances to Pacific islands may fall away, community leaders tell economic researchers

By
Philip Cass
-

Remittances to Pacific islands, including Tonga, may be declining, a new report says.

The report, The New Zealand Pacific Economy, which was issued by the New Zealand Treasury, out to examine the value of the Pacifica economy in New Zealand.

Part of the report examined the role of Islanders sending money to their countries of origin.

Several church leaders talked about a possible decline in remittances because of fewer family members living in the Pacific Islands.

For example, the second, third and fourth generation of Pacific consider New Zealand to be ‘home’.

The World Bank estimated that in 2017, New Zealand sent $2.4 billion to foreign countries in remittances.

Of this, $55 million was sent to Tonga, $65 million was sent to Samoa, and $22 million was sent to Fiji.

Many Pacific people send remittances to the Pacific Islands to provide financial support to their extended families and villages.

“This is very personal to each individual and family,” one community leader said.

“I would not like to speculate on how much they send home.

“I can tell you that I would probably send between $2000 and $5000 per year back to Tonga. It would depend on the need back home.”

Over a third of the money sent to Tonga and Samoa reportedly comes from remittance.

The money plays a large part in sustaining the economy in countries such as Samoa or Tonga.

The report said remittances were often perceived to be acts of love and responsibility.

“Fa’alavelave and gifts are up to the individuals and families. The ‘giving’ is the cultural side, not the amount,” one community leader said.

“With the third and fourth generation Pasifika Islanders I would say there are fewer occasions where they send money back to the islands.

“It is because there are fewer fanau back in the islands to send money back to, or NZ is considered home.”

The main points

  • Remittances to Pacific islands, including Tonga, may be declining, a new report says.
  • The report, The New Zealand Pacific Economy, which was issued by the New Zealand Treasury, out to examine the value of the Pacifica economy in New Zealand.
  • Part of the report examined the role of Islanders sending money to their countries of origin.

For more information

The New Zealand Pacific Economy

Police seize meth, cannabis and cash in Hahake following complaint

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police have arrested a man on Monday in Nukuleka with cash and drugs packed and ready for sale.

The 34-year-old man was taken into custody with 5.1 grams of methamphetamine and 4.41 grams of cannabis.

Police were responding to a domestic complaint where they arrested the suspect from a residence in Nukuleka with the illicit drugs as well as cash.

“Tonga Police are committed to disrupt and detect the supply of drugs thereby preventing the harm it causes to our communities,” says Acting Superintendent Sisi Toutai Tonga.

“It only takes one call to Police to stop crime and the availability of drugs in your community.”

The suspect has been charged with possession of illicit drugs and is in police custody while investigation continues.

Hihifo man arrested, Police seize nearly $500,000 worth of meth

By
Kalino Latu
-

A search warrant executed yesterday November 14 at Kanokupolu, Hihifo resulted in Police arresting a man for possession of methamphetamine.

The 41-year-old man was taken into Police custody with 464 grams of the illicit drugs.

The estimated street value of the meth recovered is approximately TOP$460,000, Police said.

Drug sniffer dogs were being used to assist Police during the search.

“As demonstrated by this arrest, 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,” said the Commander of the Central Police Station A/CSP Tevita Vailea.

Police will continue to work with the community to prevent the harm illicit drugs cause and the ongoing criminal activity associated with their use.

“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.

Murder charge after injured man dies in Auckland’s Ōtara

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been arrested and charged following a homicide investigation into the death of a male in Otara last night

A 35-year-old man, who is believed to be known to the victim, has now been
charged with murder.

He is due to appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow.

At about 10pm on Tuesday 13 November Counties Manukau Police attended a report of a firearm being discharged in the residential area of Zelda Ave, Otara.

An injured male was located on the footpath, medical attention was provided by members of the public and Police, unfortunately the male died at the scene.

The deceased male is yet to be identified.

A number of witnesses are assisting Police with the investigation.

Police have cordoned off the area of Zelda Ave between Maytime Street and the walkway onto Othello Drive  This area is closed to all through traffic and is restricted to residents only, Police ask to avoid the area if possible.

Police are appealing for people who know the deceased or have information about what happened to contact the Manukau Police Station on 0508 422 443, or if they wish to remain anonymous to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Petition: Auditor’s report shows no breach of constitution or misappropriation of public funds

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED: Auditor General Sefita Tangi has found most of the allegations raised by PSA Head Mele ‘Amanaki’s petition against seven Ministers, including the Prime Minister, to be untrue.

The Auditor General did not report breach of the law, constitution or any misappropriation of public funds as alleged in ‘Amanaki’s petition.

However, Tangi said some employment contracts raised in the petition “did not comply” with the Public Service Act 2002.

Tangi recommended that the government should refer some of the complaints, including appointments of some government staff and workers raised in the petition, to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

He said some of the allegation fell outside his remit. He said he was unable to express his opinions on the government’s financial statements as the matters needed expert legal advice.

The Auditor General said the audit was hindered in some cases because some records were unavailable or were not provided.

This occurred when the auditors were trying to assess the outcomes of some of the government projects and the performances of some employees hired by the government.

The Auditor General’s report is available only in Tongan and he often uses the Tongan phrase ‘makatu’unga ‘i he ngaahi tu’unga fakalao,’ which means ‘these are based on legal matters’ when drawing conclusions.

Former Auditor General Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa said this meant, the Auditor General believed the allegations were based on legal matters and so should not comment because he was not a legal expert.

The 12-page special report seen by Kaniva News was submitted to the House after the Speaker ordered the Auditor General to conduct an audit in response to ‘Amanaki’s petition.

The petition was submitted to the House by MP Tēvita Lavemaau and was strongly backed by former Deputy Prime Minister MP Siaosi Sovaleni and others.

Employment allegations

‘Amanaki’s petition alleged that International Computer consultant Piveni Piukala’s contract, which was issued by the government in 2015, was illegal. However, the Auditor General said he was satisfied that the contract was legal.

A second contract for Piukala was processed which the petition alleged was also illegal, but the Auditor General said the process had not been completed.

The petition alleged that cabinet decisions to recruit some senior staff and daily workers were not made according to the law.

This included the employment of the Prime Minister’s media advisor, Lōpeti Senituli, nine daily workers at the Popua Park and Golf course building project – including the Prime Minister’s son-in-law  Tevita Musika Koli – and the employment of ‘Ikani Taliai as Director of the National Sports Institute.

The Auditor General said the employment process for Senituli was still being processed and that the government should make sure it followed the Public Service Act 2002 and referred the process to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Tangi said the employment of the workers at the Popua Park and Golf course  should be completed by referring it to the PSC. He said PSC had no record of these workers.

He said three of these workers including former MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu, ‘Automalo Tupou and Sione Kava were not paid for the works they did for various reasons.

The petition accused the Prime Minister over the employment of Koli as Park Works Superviser/Designer and heavy machinery operator.

The Auditor General said the employment of Koli along with the rest of the workers at the Popua Park and Golf course was made under the Public Service Act 2002 after it was approved by Cabinet on August 30, 2017. He said it should have been referred to PSC to complete the employment process.

The employment of Taliai as Director of the National Sports Institute did not exactly follow (“na’e ‘ikai faipau”) the Public Service Act 2002, Tangi said. He said this was the fault of the executives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who processed the contract at the time.

He said the executives at the Ministry signed the contract with Taliai without referring it to the PSC.

Tourism allegation

The petition claimed that the public funds at the Tonga Tourism Authority had been abused, but the Auditor General said the Authority had the power to choose its own independent auditor.

He said the Minister of Tourism was free to ask for the Auditor General to audit the Tourism Authority.

Tribunal cases

The petitioners alleged the Prime Minister had attempted to block the process for the appointment of  the  Ministry of Education CEO Claude Tupou. They also raised in the petition a case in which the Prime Minister allegedly ordered the relocation of two staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a former staff Hon. Fanetupou Vava’u Kaho and Lady Marcella Kalaniuvalu Fotofili to another Ministry. The petitioners also alleged that the dismissal of former Tourism Authority chairman Tomifā Paea was illegal.

In his response, Tangi said these cases were based on legal matters and had been dealt with by the Public Service Tribunal.

Constitution allegations 

The petition alleged that some of the Ministers had breached the constitution after they did not submit their annual ministerial reports to the House.

However, the Auditor General said Parliament’s registry had records of these ministerial reports and there was no need for him to investigate it.

The Auditor General said the rest of the complaints raised in the petition were based on legal matters (“makatu’unga ‘i he ngaahi tu’unga fakalao.”)

The main points

  • Auditor General Sefita Tangi has found most of the allegations raised by unsuccessful candidate Mele ‘Amanaki’s petition against seven Ministers, including the Prime Minister, to be untrue.
  • He said the issues raised were caused by procedural shortfalls.
  • The Auditor did not report any breach of the constitution or any misappropriation of public funds as alleged in ‘Amanaki’s the petition.

For more information

Leaked e-mails appear to show fear lawyer’s unpaid debt could affect Tongasat case

PM slams Privilege Committee  for  blocking cabinet responses to ‘Amanaki petition 

Miss Tonga, six other women, will compete for Miss Pacific Islands crown in Nuku’alofa

By
Philip Cass
-

Seven women from all over the Pacific will compete in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant later this month.

Among them is Miss Tonga, Kalolaine Funganitao.

As Kaniva news reported earlier this year, the 23 year-old was crowned Miss Heilala 2018 in July.

She is also Miss Appraxus Tonga New Zealand.

In the Miss Heilala competition she won four of the five judging categories including island creation, pre-interview, talent, and sarong wear.

Funganitao will be joined by Miss PNG, Leoshina Mercy Kariha; Miss Samoa Sonia Piva; Miss American Samoa, Magalita Johnson and Miss Tuvalu, Emelipelesa Panapa.

Contestants from the Cook Islands and Rapa Nui (Easter Island) are also expected to compete.

The competition begins on November 29.

The theme for this year’s pageant is Pasifiki Masani, or ‘Magnificent Pacific.’

Contestants are working with family and sponsors to prepare for the event. For some it will be the first time they have been to Tonga.

Piva said she was looking forward to being in the kingdom.

“It is quite exciting and a great first time experience,” she told the Samoa Observer.

“The sponsors, the committee, my family and everyone have been always behind me.

“The only challenges I face are just trying to get over the nerves. And then a matter of getting mentally ready as well as physically ready which is the biggest challenge I have at the moment but it’s coming along well.”

There will be a float parade in central Nuku’alofa.

The winner will be crowned on November 30.

The main points

  • Seven women from all over the Pacific will compete in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant this month.
  • Among them is Miss Tonga, Kalolaine Funganitao.
  • She was crowned was crowned Miss Heilala 2018 in July.

For more information

Miss Samoa ready for Tonga pageant

Miss Heilala 2018 has been crowned

Clarification

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Kaniva news recently published a story on problems faced by migrant workers in Austraia,

The story was headed ‘Migrant fruit and vegetable workers suffer from wage theft says new Australian report.’

You can find the story by clicking here.

The story was accompanied by a photograph supplied by Hon. Akosita Lavulavu showing her meeting with Tongan seasonal workers at Hillwood Berries Pty Ltd in Tasmania.

The photograph was used purely to illustrate the presence of Tongan workers in Australia.

It was not intended to suggest that Hillwood Berries is in any way connected with the issues raised in our report.

Kaniva news is happy to clarify this matter and has removed the photograph from the story.

Tribunal orders Immigration Dept to re-assess Tongan man’s religious worker application

By
Philip Cass
-

The New Zealand Immigration Tribunal has ordered the Immigration Department to re-assess an application for residence by a Tongan man who had previously held a religious workers visa.

The appellant first arrived in New Zealand in 1995 as a visitor and continued to visit on many occasions in the following years. From June 2014 to June 2018, the appellant held a series Religious Worker visas and worked as a minister and church administrator.

The Tongan man had held several religious worker visas but his application, which included his 48-year-old wife, and his two children, aged 17 and 19, who are also Tongan citizens.

Immigration New Zealand declined the application because the church was judged not to be compliant with New Zealand employment law. As a result, the church was not in a position to meet its sponsorship obligations.

The Tribunal found Immigration New Zealand was incorrect to conclude that the appellant was an employee and consequently that the church was not compliant with New Zealand employment law.

It referred the man’s application back to Immigration New Zealand for a correct assessment in terms of the applicable residence instructions and the Tribunal’s directions.

The Tribunal ordered that the application be reassessed by an Immigration New Zealand officer not previously associated with the application.

Immigration New Zealand has been ordered to invite the appellant to apply for a further work visa (Religious Worker) should he choose to do so.

It is to inform the appellant that there is no guarantee that such a visa will be granted.

“If the appellant makes such an application, Immigration New Zealand shall determine the work visa (Religious Worker) application before proceeding to determine his Residence from Work application,” the Tribunal ruled.

“In determining whether to grant the appellant a visa, Immigration New Zealand shall take into account fairness requirements, namely, that due to the passage of time and through no fault of the appellant’s he became ineligible for another work visa.

“If the appellant is granted a further work visa (Religious Worker), Immigration New Zealand shall then proceed to determine the appellant’s Residence from Work application.

“Immigration New Zealand shall determine whether the church is an acceptable sponsor.

“The appellant is reminded that the onus is on him to provide Immigration New Zealand with such information and evidence as he wishes it to consider in support of his application.

“The appellant is to understand that the success of this appeal does not guarantee that his application will be successful, only that it will be subject to reassessment by Immigration New Zealand.”

The main points

  • The New Zealand Immigration Tribunal has ordered the Immigration Department to re-assess an application for residence by a Tongan man who had previously held a religious workers visa.
  • The appellant first arrived in New Zealand in 1995 as a visitor and continued to visit on many occasions in the following years.
  • His application, which included his 48-year-old wife, and his two children, aged 17 and 19, who are also Tongan citizens.
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