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Government raises concerns over Parliament delaying their response to petition

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu told Parliament the government was concerned that the  Speaker had not given the government an opportunity to respond to allegations against seven government Ministers, including the Prime Minister.

The government was concerned that allegations in a petition organised by PSA head Mele ‘Amanaki, which had been presented to Parliament in June, were aired in public before they had been given to the Auditor General to examine.

Hon. Tapueluelu said the government believed it had a “right to reply”.

He said the government thought the petition would not be aired publicly until the auditing was finished.

The ministers who were accused in the petition have submitted their responses to the Speaker Lord Fakafanua. But the Speaker has passed them on to the Privilege Committee to examine.

Hon Tapueluelu said the government’s response had been tied (“nono’o”) together with the Auditors’ report.

He said the public had been waiting for the government’s response.

The allegations in the petition had been used by anti-government factions as weapons to attack government on social media.

The petition was strongly backed by unsuccessful parliamentary candidates and some de facto Democrat MPs.

After about three months when the petition was read in the House some of the cabinet ministers who had been accused came forward and responded through Kaniva news.

They vehemently denied the allegations and criticized the petitioners saying they had held a grudge against them after the PTOA Party dumped ‘Amanaki in last year’s snap election.

The Ministers had great concerns at how the Speaker had allowed the petition, which had not been scrutinised by a Parliamentary authority, to be aired in the public.

Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika echoed the concern.

The Police Minister said the response from government should have been read out without waiting for the Auditor.

“Auditing and responding to allegation were two different things,” Hon Tapueluelu told the Speaker in Tongan.

The Speaker told the Minister of Police on Monday their responses had been passed on to the Privilege Committee and would be read out in the House soon.

The main points

  • Police Minister Mateni Tapueluelu told Parliament the government was concerned that the Speaker had not given the government an opportunity to respond to allegations against seven government Ministers, including the Prime Minister.
  • The government was concerned that allegations in a petition, which had been presented to Parliament, were aired in public before they had been given to the Auditor General to examine.

For more information

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

VIDEO: 5000 fans greet Tongan team, but five times as many will see them at Mt Smart stadium

By
Philip Cass
-

An estimated 5000 fans out to greet Mate Ma’a Tonga in Manukau, but five times that number are expected to watch them face off against the Kangaroos on Saturday week.

The Mt Smart stadium, where the Mate Ma’a Tonga will take on Australia on October 20 holds more than 25,000 spectators and there are few tickets left.

In contrast, tickets for this Saturday’s rugby league clash between New Zealand and Australia are selling slowly and NZRL boss Greg Peters admitted he would be happy if 15,000 turned up.

Last year Mate Ma’a Tonga downed New Zealand 28-22 at Waikato Stadium during the Rugby League World Cup.

Last night the Vodafone Events Centre was filled to capacity by Tongan supporters wearing the red and white of the kingdom’s flag.

The team’s flight from Sydney was delayed for several hours, but their fans were prepared to wait and greeted the Tongan players with a rendition of Tutira Mai Nga Iwi.

The Manukau event was held to prevent the chaos that occurred last year when thousands of Mate Ma’a Tonga fans filled the airport to greet the players on arrival and caused widespread congestion on nearby roads.

Fans have put out a call on social media for Andrew Fifita to lead the team’s traditional war cry, the Sipi Tau, on the field when they face the Kangaroos.

As Kaniva news reported on the weekend, Sika Manu will lead Mate Ma’a Tonga against Australia on October 20 after being cleared of a serious knee injury.

It was thought he would not be able to play against Australia before coach Kristian Woolf named him in the 19 man squad for the test.

“We are extending every resource we can to give this challenge our absolute best effort,” Woolf said.

Manu told Radio New Zealand the team was looking forward to their first clash with Australia.

“We’re very confident we can get the job done and like I said we just have to prepare as well as we can and then take it out onto the field,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, who campaigned to make the long-delayed game a reality, said the first ever Test match against Tonga would be “a historic occasion, not only for the Kangaroos, but for the game as well.”

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said Tonga had earned the right to take on the world champions.

The Tonga-Australia game will kick off at 7.35pm on October 20.

The main points

  • An estimated 5000 fans out to greet Mate Ma’a Tonga in Manukau, but five times that number are expected to watch them face off against the Kangaroos on Saturday week.
  • The Mt Smart stadium, where the Mate Ma’a Tonga will take on Australia on October 20 holds more than 25,000 spectators and there are few tickets left.
  • Mate Ma’a Tonga captain Sika Manu said the team was looking forward to their first clash with the world champions.

For more information 

Fans turn out in force to greet Mate Ma’a Tonga rugby league team

Tongan league fans emotional, excited to welcome team to NZ

Homicide investigation after Tongan teen died falling from car in Wellington

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan man who fell out of a moving car in Porirua has died and police said they were treating his death as a homicide.

Sosiua Helotu Ula, 19, was found with critical injuries after the incident on Warspite Ave just after 4pm on Sunday.

The Auckland resident was taken to Wellington Hospital, but died of his injuries on Tuesday night

“Just after 4pm on Sunday 7 October, Police and other emergency services attended a scene on Warspite Avenue, where a man was located on the road with critical injuries,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Christiaan Barnard.

Banard said Ula’s inquiries have established that he has fallen from a vehicle.

Wellington Police are still seeking the public’s help identifying anyone who may have witnessed this incident in Porirua on Sunday.

Ula was described as solidly built, around 185cm (6 foot) tall, with a short black hair cut.

He had a small amount of facial hair on his chin.

Police are seeking to reconstruct Ula’s movements before he sustained his fatal injuries, and are appealing to the public for help.

Police still wanting any sightings of a black Mercedes, registration GPW495.

Police would like to urgently speak to anyone who saw the Mercedes or any other car driving erratically near Waitangirua Mall that day.

Police are appealing for the driver of a red car driving east on Warspite Avenue that nearly had a head on crash with the Mercedes to come forward.

One person was taken into custody in relation to the incident and has been charged with driving while disqualified and supplying methamphetamine.

Anyone with information, no matter how small, can call Wellington Police Crime Squad on (04) 381 2000, or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Finance, Education Ministers deny PSA head’s accusation against them, saying it was evil-minded

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Minister of Finance Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa and Minister of Education Penisimani Fifita have denied serious accusation against them which appeared in a recent petition to Parliament.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa described the organiser of the petition’s intention as evil minded, while Hon. Fifita described it as incorrect and an attempt to mislead Parliament and the public.

The petition, which was organized by the PSA head Mele ‘Amanaki, alleged that Hon, Tu’i’onetoa breached the constitution by failing to submit to Parliament annual reports for all the ministries that came under his control from 2015 – 2017.

The Ministers came forward after the Speaker of the House allowed the petition to be aired in public without the seven cabinet members named being given the chance to tell their sides of the story.

Hon. Fifita has denied allegations in the petition that his move to give another two-year contract to international computer consultant Piveni Piukala was unlawful.

Hon. Fifita said the move was lawful and the cost of Piukala’s work was TP$93,000. He said a claim in the petition that the work cost TP$100,000 was incorrect.

He said the work was in accordance with the 2013 Education Act.

He said his Education Management Information System (EMIS) department had requested that their work systems be computerised to the same level Piukala achieved with the Education Department of Curriculums.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa denied allegation in the petition that Hon. Fifita had compelled the Ministry of Finance’s Government Procurement Committee (GPC) to approve the job using the single source  selection process.

Annual ministerial reports

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa claimed not only he has filed and submitted all the annual reports for his Ministries since 2015 – 2017 he also has filed and submitted reports for these Ministries which had not been submitted by the Ministers before him since 2013.

He said he was now the Finance Minister for just seven month but he has filed and submitted to Parliament the Ministry’s annual reports for four years starting from 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

He said the petitioners should have petitioned against those Ministers before him who did not file these annual reports.

No Contract with Piukala

The petition alleged there was a contract between Piukala and the Ministry of Education.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa told Kaniva news there was no contractual agreement between the Ministry of Education and Piukala.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said Hon. Fifita and his CEO Claude Tupou asked that the job be approved using the single source selection process in March 2017. It had taken seven months before the Cabinet asked him to look at the issue when he was Acting Minister of Finance last year.

Tupou later withdrew his support for the single source selection process for Piukala after he alleged he had been warned by the Ministry of Finance’s Central Procurement Unit (CPU).

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said the cabinet decision came after Hon. Fifita complained that the process of Piukala’s employment had taken too long.

Wrong advice

The Finance Minister said it took too long for the job to be approved because the Ministry of Education was wrongly advised by the CPU that it was illegal to approve the job using the single source selection process.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said section 34 of the regulations for government procurements allowed the process for Piukala because he fitted the requirement of the section.

He said the CPU did not seek advice from the Government’s Procurement Committee (GPC).

He said the Solicitor General was a member of the GPC and if the CPU had done the right thing by submitting the issue on Piukala’s application to the GPC they would have received the right advice.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said he called meetings to look at the issue and discovered the decision to give the work to Piukala had not been submitted to the GPC.

Petition was wrong

The Minister said the allegation in ‘Amanaki’s petition that the single source selection process could only be used if government expenditure was under TP$3,000 was wrong.

“There was no regulation like that for the government’s procurement policy 2015,” he said.

The correct advice should be that the single source selection process could be used if one of the conditions of Section 34 is fulfilled.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said the CPU spent three months providing incorrect advice about the single source selection process.

Competitive bidding cancelled

He said when the GPC became aware of the issue and advised that single sourcing of Piukala was lawful the government then cancelled the competitive bidding process it had started.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said the government has wasted time on the matter.

The Minister said he thought the process took a long time because the Educatiom CEO Claude Tupou and the Head of the CPU were unwilling to give the job to Piukala.

According to Kele’a newspaper, Tupou told Hon. Fifita he did not want to sign Piukala’s contract because he did not want to lose his job.

Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said there was nothing illegal in giving the job to Piukala, but according to minutes of meetings, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance were warned to avoid involving political interests in the process.

Kaniva news had been told one of the minutes read: “We need to protect any political issues raised by this work. It has happened before.”

“My question is what are the political issues. Was there breach of any laws or it was just the hearts that were occupied by malice?” Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said.

‘Amanaki, who openly expressed her disappointment against Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and his government on Facebook after she was dumped by the PTOA party in the November snap election, has continued to campaign against the Prime Minister and the Party.

Her petition also asks that an audit be carried out on some government department’s budgets from 2015 until now.

For more information

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

https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2018/06/psa-boss-accuses-critics-of-signing-petition-using-swear-words-signatures-in-question/

Supreme Court finds breach of accused’s rights during questioning would prejudice trial

By
Philip Cass
-

The Supreme Court has ordered that a written record of interview, written  statement  of  charge  form  and voluntary  statement be excluded from evidence in a rape case.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said the documents had been obtained in breach of Section 149 of the Tonga Police Act because the accused had not been properly advised that he could telephone or speak to a lawyer, friend of relative.

The judge described the accused, Filipo ‘Amanaki Lele Tu’ifa, as “unsophisticated” and said he might have responded differently during the questioning if he had had the benefit of advice from a friend or relative.

During questioning on November 17 last year, Constable Siale asked Tu’ifa if he wanted a lawyer present, but did not inform him of his full rights.

Tu’ifa had been charged with rape following a complaint made against him on November 13, 2017.

“There was a substantial, if  not a total, failure to observe the requirements of Section 149,” the judge said.

“The accused was not told that he had a right to telephone or speak to a friend or a relative. He was not told he could telephone a lawyer.

“Although he was asked if he wanted a lawyer he was not told he had a right to speak to a lawyer or how he might communicate with one if he did.”

Lord Chief Justie Paulsen said many people in Tonga charged with even the most serious criminal offences could not afford a lawyer.

“Even if told that they have the right to a lawyer they cannot possibly engage one,” he said.

“This is one reason why the requirement that an accused be told that he/ she may speak to a relative or friend, is so important.

“In many cases it will represent the only means by which an accused person may have any support and/or advice before being subjected to interrogation by the Police.”

A friend or relative might well be a person with some knowledge of an accused’s rights or might offer moral support to the accused.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said the breach of Section 149 had prejudiced the accused and must be excluded.

The main points

  • The Supreme Court has ordered that a confession in a rape case be excluded from evidence.
  • Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said the confession had been obtained in breach of Section 149 of the Tonga Police Act because the accused had not been properly advised that he could telephone ior speak to a lawyer, friend of relative.

Video: East Nuku‘alofa fire billows out dark smoke

By
Kalino Latu
-

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at an east Nuku’alofa residence.

The house has burnt to ground, with no injuries.

The fire service was alerted to the Ma’ufanga blaze this afternoon.

Video of the fire shot by bystander Soana Angianga showed flames leaping from the house’s interior, billowing dark smoke across the sky.

Bystanders were overhead saying they have just been alerted to the blaze.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious and an investigator is now trying to determine the cause.

Fake rice scam uncovered in Solomon Islands

By
Kaniva Staff
-

SOLOMON STAR / PACNEWS – A counterfeit operation involving the repacking of poor quality rice into Solrais packs has been uncovered in the Western Province resulting in the arrest of shop owners.

The operation came to light after the SolRice management engaged undercover agents and the Seghe police to close down to the alleged counterfeit packing operation which has been operating from a store in Seghe, Marovo Lagoon.

The shop was alleged to have 19 cartons of counterfeit packaging and packing equipment ready to fool more consumers in the region into thinking they were eating Solrais, it was revealed.

“In fact, they were buying a poor quality substitute rice from Asia believing it to be Solrais which is an Australian rice of a much higher quality,” the report claimed.

The bags are clearly copies of the Solrais 1kg pack.

General Manager of SolRice Nick Ellis told the Solomon Star,”This is an unforgivable, fraudulent act which intentionally deceives our consumers and we will not allow this to happen.”

He said they will track down all counterfeit operations and will, with the assistance of the police prosecute the offenders to the limit of the law.

Ellis said SolRice is aware of other counterfeit operations and is building a case against each prior to working with the police to raid the stores and arrest those involved.

“Let the Seghe example be a warning to these unscrupulous retailers and importers, that we are aware of what you are doing and we will protect our brand and loyal consumers at all costs.

“We advise strongly that the counterfeiters, no matter where you are in the country, to cease this highly illegal trade immediately as we will close you down and ensure you face court and the full force of the law,” he said.

Kaniva Tonga news has a republication arrangement with PACNEWS

Scholarships available for research course at Auckland University next year

By
Philip Cass
-

Six scholarships are available for Pacific students to attend a five day course in social research course next year.

The course, run by the New Zealand Institute for Pacific Research and the New Zealand Social Statistics Network, will cover how to use qualitative and quantitative research method.

It will be held at the University of Auckland from February 25 to March 1.

To be eligible, applicants must be of Pacific heritage, and be undertaking either a stage three course or postgraduate study at the University of Auckland, AUT or the University of Otago.

Recipients must attend the course for the full five days and write a short blog outlining how they will use these skills to further their research expertise and careers.

There are four places for Auckland-based students and two places for Otago-based students.

The award for Otago students will also include return flights to Auckland and accommodation in Auckland as well as morning and evening meals.

Lunch is provided for all students who attend the course.

Interested students should download the application form the link below.

The main points

  • Six scholarships are available for Pacific students to attend a five day course in social research course next year.
  • The course, for postgraduate students, will be held at the University of Auckland from February 25 to March 1.

For more information

Application form

Tonga supports Oceania, major exhibition of Pacific art, at London and Paris galleries 

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan passport holders will be able to enter a major exhibition of Pacific art in London for free.

Tongans, other Pacific Islands and New Zealand passport holders are being granted free access to the Oceania display at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Once inside they will be able to see about 200 works of Pacific art.

The Oceania exhibition  marks 250 years since James Cook’s voyage to the Pacific and includes pieces collected by the explorer during his voyages.

Tonga is a supporting partner of the Oceania exhibition and several Tongan items are on display.

The exhibition, which has been widely praised by the British press, will be open until December 10.

It will then move to Paris and re-open at the Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac museum on March 12, 2019.

Dancers from the kingdom performed the Lakalaka at the opening ceremony.

During the opening, Tonga’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hon. Fane Tupouvava’u Tu’ivakanō met the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

As Kaniva news reported recently, the Duchess and Prince Harry will visit Tonga later this month.

The royal couple will fly into Tonga from Fiji on October 25 and will be met by Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka.

They will then attend a private audience with King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu followed by an official reception and dinner at Consular House.

The main points

  • Dancers from Tonga performed the Lakalaka at the opening of a major exhibition of Pacific art at the Royal Academy of Arts in London recently.
  • Tonga is a supporting partner of the exhibition.

For more information 

Royal Academy

Oceania, Royal Academy, review: an astonishing blast of a show  

One way section for Vaha’akolo Rd

By
Philip Cass
-

Vaha’akolo Road will become a one way road from the Tofoa Intersection from 7-9am on weekdays.

As part of the two lane, one way pilot programme, the speed limit in this section will be cut to 40kph.

The Ministry of Infrastructure is  implementing the project to avoid congestion on the way to town from Monday to Friday.

Land Transport staff have been talking to villages along Vaha’akolo Road.

The Koheleti community of Tofoa was the first to be visited.

The Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure, Ringo Fa’oliu, said  the teams were seeking feedback from the public.

He said the Ministry was collaborating with police to ensure the safety of road users.

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