A Tongan academic based in New Zealand has been named a winner in the Pacific Futurists Writing Competition 2025, an initiative organised by the Pacific Community (SPC) to encourage bold and imaginative thinking about the region’s future.
Dr Laiseni Fanon Charisma Liava‘a, a Tongan academic based in Dunedin, New Zealand, who has won the Essay (Non-fiction) category at the Pacific Futurists Writing Competition 2025 organised by the Pacific Community (SPC). Photo/Supplied.
Dr Laiseni Fanon Charisma Liava‘a, originally from Tonga and currently based in Dunedin, won the Essay (Non-fiction) category with a piece that draws on Tongan philosophy and wider Pacific values to envision long-term regional transformation.
The competition brought together writers, artists and futurists from across the Pacific to explore ideas for shaping the future of what SPC describes as the “sea of islands,” with an emphasis on culture, innovation and regional unity.
Dr Liava‘a’s winning essay, titled “From Roots to Stars: A Felupe Vision for Pacific Unity and Transformation,” has now been officially published by SPC.
The work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and presents a vision of Pacific futures anchored in culture, spirituality and ancestral wisdom, while engaging with contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr Liava‘a described the essay as a humble contribution to Tonga and the wider Pasifika community, offered in the hope of encouraging Pacific peoples—particularly young people—to imagine strong, united and hopeful futures rooted in their cultural identity.
The Pacific Futurists Writing Competition is an annual initiative organised by the Pacific Community (SPC) that invites writers, thinkers and artists from across the region to imagine thriving and resilient futures for the “Blue Pacific Continent.”
The competition explores themes including climate resilience, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cultural grounding and traditional knowledge through short stories, essays, poetry and visual narratives.
Winners receive regional recognition and may be offered opportunities to participate in future Pacific Futurists network conferences and related initiatives.
Palau has agreed to host up to 75 third-country nationals from the United States under a new agreement, a decision that comes as Tongans express growing frustration over US visa restrictions that Washington says will take effect in the first week of the New Year.
Illustration showing Palau agreeing to host 75 US deportees (left) while Tongans express frustration over US visa restrictions (right). The image highlights the contrasting responses of the two Pacific nations to US immigration policies.
Palau and Tonga, two small Pacific island nations, were previously approached by the Trump administration with proposals that included hosting people removed from the United States, part of a broader effort to relocate third-country nationals outside US territory.
Palau Signs Deal
Under a new memorandum of understanding, Palau will allow up to 75 third-country nationals from the United States to live and work on the sparsely populated archipelago. Palauan officials said on Wednesday that the individuals have not been charged with crimes and are expected to help fill labour shortages in the country.
The agreement comes after Palau’s national congress stated in July that it would not accept the U.S. initiative.
Palau said this week it would assess arrivals on a case-by-case basis under the arrangement. In return, the United States will provide US$7.5 million to support Palau’s public services and infrastructure.
The agreement was announced following a call between Palau President Surangel Whipps and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Washington will also provide an additional US$6 million for reforms aimed at preventing the collapse of Palau’s civil service pension plan, as well as a further US$2 million for law enforcement initiatives.
In a statement, the US State Department said the partnership would strengthen security and contribute to a “more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
Travel Restrictions Bite
In Tonga, concerns have intensified following the US announcement that visa restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2026. However, speculation has emerged that elements of the ban may already be in force.
As previously reported by Kaniva News, Professor Tevita Ka‘ili of Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i said parents of graduating Tongan students were unable to travel to the United States to attend the university’s graduation ceremony on December 12. Tongans make up the second-largest international student population at the university, Ka’ili said.
He suggested the parents’ inability to travel may be linked to the visa restrictions, despite the official start date still being more than several weeks away.
Public frustration has also been reflected in calls to local radio stations. Recorded calls aired on Letiō ‘a e Kakai FM 88.1, obtained by Kaniva News, featured callers lamenting visa refusals and travel disruptions.
According to callers, travellers who previously held 10-year multiple-entry US visas were denied renewals, while others who regularly visited the United States were also unable to extend their visas.
The US government has not confirmed whether any elements of the new visa restrictions are being enforced ahead of the announced start date.
Closed-Door Talks
Tonga was warned in June, along with 36 other countries, about the potential US immigration measures.
Tonga’s then prime minister, Dr ‘Aisake Eke, described the proposal as “alarming” and said the matter had been referred to the Crown Prince and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which he said were working closely with the US Embassy in Nuku‘alofa.
No official decision or agreement had been publicly announced before the US announcement last week, which took the public by surprise.
While Palau has moved from initial rejection to a formal agreement with Washington, Tonga remains without a publicly defined outcome, highlighting differing responses among Pacific nations to US immigration and visa policies amid growing public scrutiny.
The US visa restrictions for Tonga include B-1 and B-2 visas, which are non-immigrant permits for temporary visits such as business or tourism. F, M, and J visas are non-immigrant categories for students and exchange visitors.
According to the 2020 US Census, more than 48,000 people identified solely as Tongan in the United States. When including those who reported Tongan heritage in combination with other races or ancestries, the total exceeds 78,000.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has addressed growing speculation over the delay in announcing his Cabinet lineup, confirming that the process is still underway and urging the public not to give credence to rumours.
Lord Fakafanua and King Tupou VI
Local and regional media reported last week that the lineup was expected before Christmas, but as of Thursday, 25 December, no official announcement had been made.
Later reports from last week claimed that Lord Fakafanua’s proposed ministerial list had been submitted to His Majesty for appointment, as required by the constitution, but was returned for revision, reportedly due to concerns over certain nominees.
Tonga’s closed-door parliamentary premiership election, rather than a Westminster-style transparent electoral democracy like New Zealand’s, Samoa or Fiji’s, often sparks public curiosity every Christmas week following the general election, as citizens await to learn who their leaders will be.
The fact that 16 votes were cast for Lord Fakafanua—despite the nobility holding only nine seats—has fueled speculation and even conspiracy theories that some People’s Representatives may have supported him.
Among these theories is the suggestion that former Prime Minister Huʻakavameiliku could have been one of those who backed, and possibly voted for, the noble.
Some have also speculated that Huʻakavameiliku himself may have been among Lord Fakafanua’s Cabinet nominees.
Huʻakavameiliku resigned in 2024 ahead of a looming vote of no confidence and amid a dispute with the King over control of the Ministry of Defence and Foreign Affairs.
Responding to the reports, Lord Fakafanua did not deny the allegations but said the delays were not unusual, noting that “historically, cabinet nominations are often not confirmed until January,” particularly while government offices remain closed until 5 January.
He said: “I ask that you not entertain rumours and speculation at this time.”
“Let us enjoy the spirit of Christmas and be thankful for our blessings as we close 2025,” he told Kaniva News.
He added that a public statement from the Prime Minister’s Office will be issued tomorrow, Boxing Day.
A 36-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing Tongan man Sosefo Leger on an East Auckland bus faces life imprisonment if convicted of murder, and up to 14 years for an additional wounding charge.
Sōsefo Leger
Police said Leger, 59, died from a knife wound to his torso during the incident in Glen Innes on Monday, 8.
A second victim, aged 41, suffered serious injuries to his hand and required surgery.
The accused appeared in court recently, charged with murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been remanded in custody with interim name suppression and is due to reappear in January.
Police described the attacks as unprovoked and said the victims did not know their alleged attacker.
The homicide investigation revealed the attack occurred on a public bus, sparking renewed concerns about passenger safety.
Commenters on social media said everyone should feel safe using public transport.
One community leader wrote:
“I am sorry to see this happen. I have raised safety within council with the CEO and written to the Minister of Corrections for action in making positive change towards a safer community.”
Tributes for Leger have poured in online, describing him as a “nice, humble guy.”
A mourner posted:
“Attended the funeral today on behalf of our communities to pay our respects for the tragic loss of Sosefo Leger who was killed in Glen Innes. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Tonga Power caused confusion today after issuing an outage notice in an English version that incorrectly listed Christmas Day instead of Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, as the date for a six-hour power cut affecting several eastern villages.
The notice, posted on the company’s official Facebook page, informed electricity consumers in Lapaha, Talasiu, Hoi, Makaunga, Nukuleka, Talafoʻou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afā, and Niutoua that power would be interrupted “Wednesday, 25 December 2025” from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
In reality, the outage occurred today, Wednesday, December 24, while Christmas Day, Thursday 25, is tomorrow.
The Tongan-language version of the notice correctly stated the date as “Pulelulu 24” (Wednesday 24), unlike the English version, which listed Christmas Day as Wednesday.
According to Tonga Power, the interruption was necessary to allow linemen to replace a high-voltage pole in Talasiu that was damaged after being struck by a vehicle.
The company said power would be restored immediately upon completion of the work, without further notice.
The misdated notice sparked confusion among residents, as the incorrect date suggested the outage would occur on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve.
Tonga Power has not issued any clarification or apology regarding the error.
Consumers seeking more information were advised to contact Tonga Power on 944.
Nuku’alofa — Tonga’s Electoral Commission is investigating allegations of campaign overspending and concerns about whether all expenses were properly declared, following a formal complaint against Semisi Sika, the Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 2.
Defeated candidate and former MP ‘UHilamoelangi Fasi and MP Semisi Sika
The dispute centres on a $10,000 sponsorship for Suliana Dance Academy, announced during a recital on November 8, 2025, just weeks before the general election.
Former MP and defeated candidate ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, also known by the name Pingi Fasi, raised the concern in a letter to the Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki, claiming the donation should be classified as campaign expenditure under Section 24 of the Electoral Act.
According to the document, written on December 16, seen by Kaniva News, Fasi argued that the payment, made within six months of the election, amounted to 50 percent of the allowable spending limit of $20,000 and, if unreported, could constitute an electoral offence.
He also questioned whether fireworks celebrating Sika’s victory on election night were itemised in his expense report. Affidavits and video evidence from the recital were submitted to support the claim, including statements from the event’s MC endorsing Sika’s candidacy.
The Electoral Commission has forwarded the complaint to Sika, requesting his response.
Corporate Sponsorship, Not Campaign
In response, Sika categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating the sponsorship was not a personal campaign expense but a corporate contribution from Five Star Finance, a company in which he is a shareholder.
He emphasised that the support was part of the firm’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility program and had been provided annually, regardless of his political status.
“This expenditure does not constitute spending on an election campaign by a candidate under Section 24 of the Electoral Act,” Sika wrote in his reply to the Commission.
Bribery and Residency Alleged
Sika further countered with allegations against Fasi, accusing him of breaching residency requirements for candidacy and engaging in illegal campaigning on the day of the poll.
He alleged that Fasi had been residing in Fangaloto, not in any location within Tongatapu Constituency 2, which includes Havelu, Tofoa, Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Kolofoou and Mailetaha, during the three months preceding the election as required by law.
Documents addressed to the Election Supervisor seen by Kaniva News show that Sika also alleged Fasi’s secretary sent SMS messages urging voters to “remember Pingi” and accused his rival of bribery through the selective distribution of kumala (sweet potatoes) to households during the campaign period.
Sika urged the Commission to investigate these alleged violations, describing them as “substantial and warranting immediate action.”
Fasi and the Election Commission could not be reached for comment.
This was not the first time Sika and Fasi clashed after a general election.
In 2022, following Fasi’s victory over Sika, Sika filed a petition alleging electoral bribery. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the claim and ruled in Fasi’s favour.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has removed the American ambassador responsible for Tonga as part of a sweeping diplomatic overhaul that will see nearly 30 career diplomats reassigned from ambassadorial and senior foreign service positions worldwide.
Marie Damour. Photo/US Embassy
Marie Damour, who was appointed in 2022 as US Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Nauru, and Tuvalu, is currently based in Suva, Fiji. Although Tonga commissioned its own embassy under the Biden administration in 2023, the ambassador continued to operate from Fiji.
The move is part of a broader effort to align US diplomatic representation with Trump’s “America First” priorities.
According to two State Department officials, chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were informed last week that their tenures would end in January. The officials reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss internal personnel changes.
All affected diplomats were appointed during the Biden administration and had survived an earlier purge in Trump’s second term that primarily targeted political appointees.
That changed on Wednesday when notices were issued from Washington, advising ambassadors of their imminent departure.
Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and typically remain in their posts for three to four years.
Those impacted by the shake-up will not lose their foreign service status but will return to Washington for reassignment if they choose, the officials reportedly said.
The announcement follows last week’s partial travel ban affecting citizens from 15 nations, including Tonga.
The moves signal President Trump’s continued push to dismantle or reverse key policies and personnel decisions from the Biden administration.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has relied on executive orders and other mechanisms to roll back his predecessor’s initiatives and replace diplomatic and federal appointees.
Among the changes, he has ended Biden-era policies such as “catch-and-release” and specific parole programs, reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, deployed the National Guard to bolster border security, and outlined plans for a large-scale deportation operation.
Mr Trump has argued that the broad restrictions are designed to safeguard national security and address concerns about the ability to vet people from the affected nations. But critics of his administration have denounced the policy as discriminatory, since it mainly applies to nations in Africa and Asia.
A Hamilton man, high on methamphetamine, ignored flashing warning lights and lowered barrier arms to drive onto a railway crossing, causing a deadly collision with an oncoming train.
Sione Nusipepa. Photo/Supplied via Sfuff
Norton Sowerby, 37, had overtaken another vehicle and ploughed through the controlled crossing on Peachgrove Road in the early hours of November 13 last year, despite pleas from his passengers.
The impact killed three of his friends instantly: Sione Leapulu Nusipepa, 23, Shylin Osborne, 28, and Sowerby’s stepfather-in-law, William Brown, 46. A fourth passenger also survived – albeit with serious injuries to his scalp, chest, spine and cheekbone.
As Kaniva News previously reported, posts on Facebook identified Sione as being Tongan.
“RIP Sione Leapulu Nusipepa kou ofa lahi atu kia koe Tani kou ofa atu kia koe moe toenga fanau”, read a tribute in Tongan, expressing deep love for Sione and his family.
Sione’s sister, Ahi, told Stuff that the tragedy has been compounded by the driver’s conduct after the crash.
She said Norton Sowerby’s initial lie about being behind the wheel and his prolonged refusal to admit guilt — a delay criticised by Justice Downs at sentencing — deepened her family’s pain.
Ahi also alleges that between the accident and the court hearing, Sowerby shouted abuse at her in central Hamilton, declaring he would be a “free man.
According to his sister, Sione was turning his life around after a tough upbringing. He had cut ties with the Mongrel Mob and was focused on being a devoted father to his four children.
The week after the crash, he was scheduled to attend a parenting course — a step his family says showed his commitment to change.
Sowerby’s counsel Nadine Baier reportedly said her client accepted that this was a case involving an “extremely sad and tragic outcome for what was appallingly bad, dangerous, and reckless split-second decision made by Mr Sowerby”.
“That decision was made by his impairment of methamphetamine to a high level, that’s accepted.”
Justice Downs allowed a 25% discount for his guilty plea before sending him to prison for eight years.
He imposed a minimum non-parole period of four years.
Auckland – Counties Manukau Police have arrested a man following a bizarre incident during routine patrols in an unmarked vehicle last week.
Inspector Kerry Watson said officers noticed a station wagon following them, equipped with a flashing bar of red and blue lights – a signal typically used by Police to instruct a vehicle to pull over.
“Our officers were perplexed and quickly realised the car was not Police-official,” Inspector Watson said.
“It took a few moments for the impersonator to realise the vehicle they were signalling to pull over was Police, and they quickly tried to evade the area to avoid being caught.”
Officers intercepted the vehicle a short distance away and arrested the driver without incident.
Police confirmed a 38-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court on 24 December, charged with impersonating a Police officer and excess breath alcohol.
“The offender was impersonating Police, and to boot, was over twice the limit for breath alcohol,” Inspector Watson said. “It’s bad enough that this person thought it was okay to impersonate a Police car. It’s even worse to see impaired and dangerous driving.”
Impersonating Police or representing a vehicle as a Police vehicle is an offence under the Policing Act 2008.
Police remind the public:
Call 111 for emergencies.
Call 105 for non-emergency reports or incidents after the fact.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala has been renominated as Tonga’s Foreign Minister, a decision announced just one day after the United States imposed a travel ban on Tongan nationals last week.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala
In a June advisory to 36 countries including Tonga, the State Department said its concerns included the inability of some governments to produce reliable identity documents due to a lack of competence or cooperation.
It also cited “questionable security” of certain passports and failures to repatriate nationals or accept deportees from the United States, regardless of nationality.
The Trump Administration gave Tonga and these countries 60 days to respond to its demands.
Then Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke confirmed in July that the government had received warnings and demands from the Trump Administration. He described it as “alarming.”
He said the matter had been referred to the Crown Prince and his Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that they were working closely with the US Embassy in Nuku’alofa on the issue.
Last week’s US announcement indicated that Tonga did not meet the required standards, and the government’s earlier efforts did not achieve the intended outcome.
The development has prompted questions among observers about what actions the Crown Prince and his ministry took that failed to satisfy the Trump administration, leading the United States to proceed with the travel ban.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua confirmed the Prince’s renomination to the media last week, although his full Cabinet lineup was not announced until before Christmas.
Under Tonga’s constitution, the Prime Minister nominates Cabinet Ministers, who are then formally appointed by the King.
The US Partial Restrictions
The restricted visas include B-1 and B-2, which are US non-immigrant visas for temporary visits such as business or tourism. F, M, and J visas are non-immigrant categories for students and exchange visitors.
More than 48,000 people identified as Tongan alone in the United States, according to the 2020 US Census.
When including those who reported Tongan heritage in combination with other races or ancestries, the total exceeds 78,000.
Tonga’s ties to the United States are closely linked to the Mormon Church, the kingdom’s second-largest denomination, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church’s Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i enrols about 100 Tongan students each year. In 2011, 78 Tongans were reported to be attending the university.
The administration announced that the visa restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2026, though speculation has emerged that elements of the ban may already be in place.
As Kaniva News reported, Tongan professor Tevita Ka‘ili of Brigham Young University claimed some parents in Tonga were unable to attend the December 12 graduation ceremony because of the travel ban.
Lineup Expected Soon
King Tupou VI of Tonga officially appointed Lord Fakafanua last week as the country’s new head of government.
The appointment of the kingdom’s 20th Prime Minister was confirmed through the presentation of the Royal Warrant at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa on the afternoon of December 18, 2025.
Lord Fakafanua secured the premiership with 16 votes, while former Prime Minister Dr ’Aisake Eke received 10.
The Constitution mandates a secret premiership ballot, leaving the public guessing about both the outcome and the allegiances of individual MPs.
The secrecy of the ballot and the absence of public campaigning to identify premiership candidates and what policies they have for the people have long been points of contention.
Lord Fakafanua’s election as premier drew celebration among his supporters, while reports circulated on social media accusing certain People’s Representatives of backing him.
Among those present at the appointment ceremony were People’s MPs, including suspended former Minister of Police MP Piveni Piukala, former Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi (‘Eua 11), former Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika (Tt2), MP Mo’ale ‘Otunuku (Vv 14), MP Lata Tangimana (Nu 17)and newly elected MP Fane Fotu Fituafe (Tt 6), the only woman in the current Parliament.
While attendance does not confirm voting patterns and the Prime Minister is expected to announce his Cabinet soon, speculation has intensified that these People’s Representatives were among Lord Fakafanua’s backers in the secret ballot—particularly Fusimālohi and Piukala, who served as ministers in former Prime Minister Eke’s Cabinet.
Unconfirmed reports on social media suggest that the noble bloc was also divided, with three members—allegedly Lord Tu‘ivakano, Lord Ve‘ehala, and Lord Tu‘ilakepa—appearing to have voted for Dr Eke.
Lord Fakafanua has pledged to unite the 26 MPs, saying he intends to reflect this in his Cabinet lineup by nominating the best candidates regardless of whether those MPs supported him in the premiership election.
