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Hon Sika to leave Rugby League, saying the Sport is at its best in kingdom

By
Kalino Latu
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The president of the Mate Ma’a Tonga rugby league, Deputy Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika, will not stand for re-election.

He told the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Nuku’alofa his re-election to the presidential role in April was his last term.

He said he was happy the sport had reached some milestones including the Mate Ma’a Tonga’s outstanding achievement in the Rugby League World Cup 2017 in New Zealand in which Tonga reached semi-finals.

Hon Sika believed his leadership skills had positively influenced the game and brought into the kingdom’s Rugby League more sponsors and strongly inspired Tongan rugby league internationals including Jason Taumālolo and Andrew Fifita.

Hon Sika claimed he had spent hundreds of thousands of pa’anga of his own and from his family’s Five Star business to help revive the sport in Tonga by paying for overseas airfares when any Rugby League teams travelled and other expenses.

Situation

He said the Tonga Rugby League was at a low point when he stepped in.

Hon Sika said when he was first elected in 2010 and became aware of the situation the sport was in he decided to contribute more to rebuild it.

As Kaniva News reported in 2016, a court decision said the TNRL had been dysfunctional for years and there was little to suggest the situation was getting any better.

That case was brought by three former members of the TNRL’s board of directors, Siliveinusi Taumoepeau, Tavake Fangupo and Taufa Fukofuka with chairman Stan Moheloa and Hon Sika, who was elected president in 2010, as defendants.

In his findings on the evidence presented in court, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said he was satisfied that “not all money received for and on behalf of the TNRL has been paid into its bank account with the ANZ bank, that money of the TNRL has been used for purposes that were not authorised by the board and that Mr Moheloa has incurred obligations on behalf of the TNRL without board approval.”

The organisation

Hon Sika said the TNRL which had a Chairperson, a Secretary General and Board members was responsible for the operations of the sport in Tonga.

His role as president was to chair the AGM.

When he was first elected to the presidency he took it as a special call for him to revive the international sport in Tonga and helped the youths.

He said in 2010 only about eight rugby league teams had been registered. In 2013, 10 rugby league clubs were registered. In 2017 more than 20 rugby league clubs were registered and this year about 40 rugby league clubs had been registered.

“I wish the increase in the number of teams being registered will continue to climb,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Challenges

However, his role in the game has been repeatedly challenged by former members of the  Rugby League Board who took him and Moheloa to court in 2016.

Hon Sika was responding to recent reports in the local and online media claiming a court order had been issued to seize his possessions and salaries because he failed to pay a lawyer fee after the 2016 court case against him and the rugby league.

The fees which were $30,000 in total was owed by the plaintiffs to Lawyer Clive Edwards and $10,000 to Lawyer Sifa Tu’utafaiva who represented Hon Sika and Moheloa.

Hon Sika told Kaniva News in an exclusive interview he was aware of an application by lawyer Clive Edwards to get a court order to confiscate his possession and salaries if he failed to pay his lawyer fees but the court had rejected it.

Hon Sika said Edwards applied to the court to remove Moheloa from any involvement in paying his lawyer’s fees as he had retired.

Hon Sika said that left him and the Rugby League to pay the lawyers’ fees, including Moheloa’s costs.

AGM 2018 postponed

He said Lawyer Clive Edwards, Silivenusi Taumoepeau and Pita Ha’angana had sought a court order to cancel the AGM on April 6 but it had gone ahead.

Hon Sika said the court had ruled that they had to return to the league and call an AGM.

He said after the agendas were discussed he postponed the meeting after he found out the financial statement had not been audited.

He said the TNRL Board was responsible for the financial statements and should ensure they were audited according to the TNRL rules.

He said he postponed this year’s AGM until the financial statement were properly audited.

Re-elections

Despite being involved in several court cases because of his role as president, Hon Sika said he had been re-elected by the majority of the TNRL members as president every year since 2010.

His position as a Member of Parliament helped him secure some government financial assistances which was vital for Mate Ma’a Tonga’s involvements in Rugby League World Cups.

In 2012 he asked Parliament to help with Tonga’s involvements in the Ohana Cup in Honolulu which cost TP$50,000. The government paid $25,000  and he and Five Star paid $25,000.

He said he paid personally $50,000 for other expenses while the team was in Fiji.

This did not include tens of thousands of pa’anga he paid for other local teams expenses.

During the 2013 World Cup in UK TNRL could not afford to cover all costs for the Mate Ma’a Tonga players including their hotel and accommodations in New Zealand.

Hon Sika claimed he paid for these including the team’s air cargoes and gears.

He said he has asked the Board to consider paying back his financial assistance after 2017’s World Cup.

They only paid back $3,000, Sika said.

He said he has records of all the funds and donations from sponsors and donors he had raised, but could not find the names of his critics among them.

King’s request to Greenberg to make Kangaroos Test happen

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Michael Chammas, nrl.com

A desperate plea from the King of Tonga direct to NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg is set to help revive the end-of-season Test match against Australia.

The king of Tonga, Tupou VI, phoned Greenberg last week when it seemed as though the Tonga-Australia match wouldn’t go ahead due to the financial restraints around the event.

However in a sign of just how much the match means to the people of Tonga, Tupou VI got in contact with Greenberg to reiterate the importance of the game to his people and the impact last year’s World Cup had on the nation.

Since the conversation with King Tupou VI, Greenberg has met the NZRL to discuss the possibility of Auckland hosting the much anticipated fixture on October 20, where 30,000 people are expected to pack out Mt Smart Stadium if it is given the green light in the coming days.

NRL.com understands that match is pencilled in, however it could rely on the Australian players agreeing to a one-off reduction in their $20,000 match fee they are entitled to for representing the Kangaroos.

King Tupou VI flew to Auckland for last year’s semi final against England, and later invited the players back to his palace the following week to provide them with an award of the Royal Orders, such was the impact of his nation’s breakthrough performance.

Officials having been working closely for months trying to get the Tonga-Australia match on the calendar, exploring many options including New York City.

Brisbane showed a keen interest in hosting the match, however it now looks likely to be held in Auckland a week after the Kangaroos are scheduled to play New Zealand in a one-off Test match before the Kiwis travel to the United Kingdom to take on England.

Greenberg is expected to meet with RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast in the coming days to discuss the potential of a reduced payment acceptance by the Kangaroos.

Tongan superstar Andrew Fifita has already expressed a willingness to play for free, not concerned about the money rather the opportunity to join forces with Jason Taumalolo and company to take on the best in the world.

Tongan family ‘disheartened’ by damages to mother’s grave in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan family in Auckland has been devastated after vandals damaged their mother’s grave by opening large holes at both ends of the grave.

They also found what appeared to be a mixture of garlic and salt left on the mouths of the holes spread on the grave at Manukau Memorial Garden cemetery.

The family said they were hugely shocked by the incident and branded the person or persons who did the vandalism as people who had nothing in their minds (“oku momoa mooni ee fakakaukau”).

The family posted pictures of the damage on Facebook and asked their followers and friends to share them as a way to give them relief.

The grave belonged to Uheina Tina Kioa, who died on August 1, 2015.

Her daughter, Lineni Kioa Hafoka, told Kaniva they had a suspect and had reported it to the authorities.

Kaniva News cannot release the details of their suspect at this stage for legal reasons.

She said an investigation was underway, but authorities said it could take some time because not all areas in the cemetery were covered by CCTV.

Lineni said the vandalism was a result of person who was sick and her family believed the spirit of their dead mother was harming the patient.

Lineni’s sister-in-law, who went by the name Jae Lexx Hau, on Facebook shared the family’s griefs.

Hau said the damage was probably caused two weeks ago, but was not exactly sure of the date it occurred.

“It was Saturday that my older brother visited and found out that someone had done this. We went over Sunday afternoon to make sure what it was and I tell you how disheartening this was to see,” Hau said.

Hau described the damage to the grave on Facebook and asked people who had any information that might help find the vandals to contact them.

“Dug Two really deep holes, one by her head and the other by her leg with garlic and salt in it and all over her plot.

“Hoi e! please share because I can’t stand this right now ?????? Let us know if you know who did this!!!!!!,” she posted.

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Tongatapu man and woman die in suspected suicide in separate incidents

By
Kalino Latu
-

Two suspected cases of suicide in Tongatapu have officially been reported by Police.

It said a body of a 29-year-old man was found at a home in Kolofo’ou on Thursday, August 23.

On Monday last week a body of a 49-year-old woman was found at a home in Hoi.

Police reportedly said both deaths were suspected suicide.

Young rugby league powerhouse best among uncles’, grandfathers’ rugby talents, mum says

By
Kalino Latu
-

A young Tongan talented rugby league star in New Zealand has been described as the best among his grandfathers and maternal uncles who played for Tonga’a national rugby team, ‘Ikale Tahi.

Heneli Faioso Jr Luani, 15, of Ha’ateiho and Kolofo’ou in Tonga but living in Auckland who played in numbers 12 and 13 in the Pakuranga Rugby League Jaguar is being described as a ‘God-gifted talent’.

Heneli played strongly and quickly, was excellent in sidestepping his opposition and could successfully fend them off with one arm, according to a video shared by his mother Manusiu Luani on Facebook.

He has been repeatedly awarded with Most Valuable Player of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and has captained some of his rugby union and rugby league teams.

He is currently being signed up for a three year contract with the Warriors.

Manusiu has described her son’s rugby playing history as ‘malie’ (excellent).

She said her father, Paseisei Havili, her grandfather ‘Anitelu Havili, her brothers Aisea, Salesi and  Lisiate Havili all played for the ‘Ikale Tahi.

She said her father told her her son had the best rugby talent among them all.

“It’s true,” Manusiu said with a laugh.

She said the secret behind Heneli’s great rugby talent was that it was in his blood.

Heneli first played rugby union at Tepapa Rugby Union Club in Onehunga when he was five. His parents then  moved him to Grammer Calton Rugby Union club at Cornwall Park in Greenlane.

He was captain of the Oranga Primary School rugby team when they won the Primary Schools rugby tournament’s seal in his final year. He was awarded the best player of the year.

While he was at the Remuera Intermediate he was moved to Ellerslie Eagles RLC 2015 when he was 11 years old. The young rugby powerhouse chose to shift from playing rugby union to playing rugby league.

Manusiu said the change in his rugby careers was influenced by his palagi supporters who shouted that he was a good rugby league player when Heneli ran in the field.

The first time he played rugby league at Ellerslie the coach was deeply impressed by his talent, Manusiu said.

Heneli won the Most Valuable Player of the Year for Under 12 in his first year in Rugby League.

He was selected to represent Auckland rugby league Under 13

Last year he moved to the Pakuranga Jaguars Under 14 ARL where the Warriors has signed him up for a contract.

This year he was signed for a three-year contract with Warriors.

He was the captain of the Pakuranga Kings Under 15.

He was also named the Remuera Sportsman of the Year in 2016, with the prize being presented to him by Tongan All Black ‘Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

In 2014 the Grammar Carlton awarded Heneli with the Most Valuable Player of the Year at its Annual prize Giving. His prize was presented by Simon Hickey from Auckland Blues.

Heneli played his first Rugby League game in 2015 and was named player of the day and first runner up player of the year, his mother said.

He was picked for the Pacific Cup as well as for under 16 this year from the Warriors.

Did China influence Pōhiva’s back pedalling on Pacific islands loans?

By
Philip Cass
-

After pushing vigorously for Pacific Island nations to band together and ask China to forgive their debts, Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva did a complete about face on the issue.

Like his sudden decision to not host the 2019 Games, his abandoning of his previous position, came without warning.

After telling the Samoa Observer that Island nations needed to be worried about whether China would seize their assets if they did  not repay the loans, Hon Pōhiva appeared to backpedal, issuing a statement that undermined much of what he had said.

His comments at the Pacific Leaders’ Forum in Apia were picked up by Reuters and Radio Australia.

He said all Pacific Island countries should sign a submission asking China to forgive their debts.

China has already refused a request from Hon Pōhiva’s government to convert the loan into a grant or defer the loan repayment.

Then came a press statement, which was labelled “a further statement of clarification.”

In it he refuted almost everything he had said. Here is what he said, in full:

“Tonga-China relations cover various areas of development cooperation, and concessional loans and development assistance are an important part of that partnership. After the riots in 2006, the Tongan government had sought help for reconstruction from many countries and the People’s Republic of China was the only country that was willing to provide concessional loan on a large scale, which turned out to be crucial for the Kingdom’s economic recovery and maintenance of social stability.

“Over the years, China has been aiding Tonga in different forms including grants for infrastructure, construction of roads, schools, convention center, government buildings, as well as technical cooperation, material in-kind assistance and cash grants. All such development aid has greatly facilitated Tonga’s development in various aspects and helped improve the livelihood of the Tongan people, for which the Tongan government and people are exceedingly grateful.

“Regarding my reported comments, after further reflection, I now believe that the Pacific Islands Forum is not the proper platform to discuss this debt issue. Each Pacific Island country has its particular national conditions and different needs for foreign loan, and it’s up to each government to independently seek solutions through bilateral channels.

“I also wish to clarify that China has never claimed to collect the debts or take the assets from Tonga in any way, and the governments of Tonga and China have maintained contacts regarding the repayment of the concessional loans. Our two sides will continue to engage with each other for proper solutions through friendly consultation.”

Many people will wonder why the Prime Minister changed his mind so quickly. Was this what the Prime Minister really thought, or was he reacting to protests from the Chinese embassy in Nuku’alofa?

The fact is that whatever Hon Pōhiva urged other nations to do, the Tongan government is committed to paying back its debt to China.

In July the Australian Broadcasting Commission reported that the Tongan Government would start repaying the Chinese loans this year.

It quoted Hon Pōhiva as saying his Government would start to repay the principal on two loans worth around $160 million from China’s Export Import Bank.

He said last week his government would have paid off TP$14 million by next month,

Tonga’s total external debt is, equivalent to 41 per cent of its GDP. Nearly two-thirds of that is owed to China’s Exim Bank.

Principal repayments on the two loans mean Tonga’s foreign debt repayments will double this year.

A recent court case in Tonga ruled that nearly TP$50 million of Chinese money paid after a Chinese company appropriated a Tongan orbital slot, had been misappropriated.

For more information 

Tonga to start paying back controversial Chinese loans described by some as ‘debt-trap diplomacy’

Pohiva says ‘slow down’ on Chinese loans

Tonga PM goes cold on collective push over Chinese loans

Police Board weighs years of loyal service, decides not sack Superintendent over escape

By
Philip Cass
-

Police Superintendent Tu’ungafasi Polelei Falakiseni has escaped being sacked, but has been reduced to the rank of Chief Inspector of Police.

The Police Board reduced his rank because of his involvement in the escape of American Dean Jay Fletcher, who was being held following the death of his wife.

Fletcher was arrested on 9 July 2016 and taken to the Magistrate charged with the crime of Manslaughter. The Magistrate ordered that Fletcher be remanded to Police custody to be brought to court on July 11, 2016.

Fletcher had tried to flee once before but managed to escape from custody and sail to American Samoa on his yacht.

Fletcher had been in a cell, but was moved to an interview room one night due to an influx of prisoners.

Falakiseni gave orders for the transfer and meant it to be for one night only, but did not check that it had been carried out properly. Fletcher escaped on September 29, 2016.

Fletcher sailed to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The Tongan government requested his extradition, but this was denied. He was then transferred to Hawai’i and another request to have him returned to Tonga was also refused by American authorities.

Following an investigation into the escape, several police officers were reprimanded and Falakiseni was issued with a Notice of Loss of Confidence on October 16, 2017. He was also warned that the Police Employment Committee was considering terminating his employment.

The PEC said Fletcher’s escape from Police custody was directly linked to  Falakiseni’s “negligence, lack of judgment, lack of direction  and oversight.”

It said Fletcher had been put into the interview room even though Fletcher was a high risk poriosner.

“Fletcher’s yacht Sea Oak was not properly secured and his passport, cash and credit cards  were not  properly secured.

“The escape has caused huge embarrassment to the Tonga Police, the Government of Tonga and the  Kingdom  of Tonga. Further, the  deceased’s  family is still deprived of the  justice  for  the brutal murder  of their  loved  one. “

Falakiseni admitted the allegations made against him and said he wanted to apologise.

On July 13 this year the PEC change its mind and sought to reduce Falakiseni in rank rather than sack him.

The Committee said there had been no corruption and that Falakiseni had been honest and co-operative  during the investigation. It also took into account his unblemished  record  of 34 years  of service.

The PEC said it also acknowledged his “loyalty and ongoing commitment to his job and the Tonga Police despite knowing  PEC’s intent to terminate his appointment  in the  earlier  decision.”

The Chair of the Police Board, Justice Cato, ordered that Falakiseni’s rank be reduced.

However, he said the board did not agree with the PEC’s desire to reduce Falakiseni’s salary as well, saying this would be a double punishment. He would therefore continue to receive his existing salary.

For more information

Five Vavaʻu Police officers face punishment after breach of procedure led to escape of US murder suspect

Senior police officer attacked with a machete in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
-

A police officer was attacked with a machete and injured in a frenzied attack after trying to remove a man from a house in Hofoa last night at about 8pm.

Police received a report from a resident in Hofoa concerning the suspect who was climbing over their fence trying to gain access to their house, Acting Police Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai said.

When police arrived the suspect was inside one of the houses within the premises.

When Police opened the door, the suspect hit the Senior Police Constable on the right side of the head with the machete.

Separate units had to respond and arrested the suspect while the injured officer was rushed to hospital.

Acting Police Commissioner Vaisuai says, “We have recognized that with the increased use of alcohol and drugs, the risk to the safety of our police officers has also increased. A review of our staff safety has been completed with a view for appropriate training and equipment to ensure better protection for our officers.”

The suspect is in police custody while investigation continues.

The injured Senior Police Constable is in stable condition at Vaiola Hospital.

Man jailed over passenger’s crash death in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
-

A man who crashed a car, killing a passenger, has been jailed today for three years and three months.

‘Aisake Lavelua, 36, died after a car driven by Mafoa’aeata Latu, 26, left the road and hit a lamp post in Fo’ui.

Lavelua was a passenger in the car when it flipped onto its left side and skidded into a tree where it flipped back to its normal state. He later died in Vaiola hospital.

Mr Latu pleaded guilty to one count of reckless driving causing death contrary to section 25(5) of the Traffic Act and one count of reckless driving causing grievous harm contrary to section 25(4) of the Traffic Act on 26 July 2018.

On the offence of reckless driving causing death contrary to section 25(5) of the Traffic Act Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen convicted Mr. Latu and sentenced him to 3 years and 3 months imprisonment.

The last 15 months of his sentence of imprisonment is to be suspended for two years subject to the following conditions:

  • He will commit no offences punishable by imprisonment during the period of the suspension;
  • He will be placed on Probation during the period of the suspension and is to live where directed by his Probation Officer;
  • He is to enrol and complete within 6 months of his release from Prison both Life Skills and Drug and Alcohol Abuse courses with the Salvation Army or some other suitable provider as directed by Probation.

Mr Paulsen also revoked Mr. Latu’s driving license (if any) and disqualify him from obtaining any driver’s license for a period of 3 years from today’s date.

In relation to the count of reckless driving causing grievous harm contrary to section 25(4) of the Traffic Act, Mr. Latu was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment to be served concurrently with the offence of reckless driving causing death.

The court judgement said Mr. Latu and others were drinking at Kanokupolu on 3 March 2018 and it was late in the evening when they decided to drive to get more alcohol in Mr. Latu’s car.

Mr. Latu drove the car with four passengers.

On the way back Mr. Latu was driving at high speed and lost control of his car.

The car hit a lamp post on its right side and flipped onto its left side and skidded into a tree where it flipped back to its normal state.

The deceased was thrown from the car and died a few days later in Viola Hospital from injuries that he suffered.

Another passenger, Senitilia Siale was rendered unconscious in the car and suffered a fractured cervical spine and soft tissue injuries for which she spent 6 weeks in hospital. She is still suffering effects from her injuries and is receiving treatment.

Decision needed soon on Tonga-Australia match to keep clash viable says coach

By
Philip Cass
-

With the second half of the year well under way, a decision on whether Tonga will play Australia needs to be made sooner rather than later, according to Mate Ma’a coach Kristian Woolf.

A report by Daily Telegraph last night said the test has been confirmed to be held in Auckland, New Zealand on October 20, 2018 but Kaniva could not be able to confirm this.

As Kaniva Tonga News reported recently, the NZRL calendar remains free of any sign of the game which Tonga hoped to stage in Auckland.

Several media outlets have blamed the New Zealand Rugby League of deliberately blocking the game and  making sure it does not take place on this side of the ditch.

Wolf said there was interest from the Queensland Government and the Suncorp stadium in Brisbane, but there were still financial hurdles in the way.

He told Radio New Zealand today that the later in the year the game was held, the less financially  viable it  became.

Woolf said any decision about holding the much anticipated game needed to made in the  next couple of days.

A report on the Australian National Rugby League site in May said details of the clash needed to be finalised by August 30.

RNZ quoted Woolf as saying it was more likely the game would be played in Australia to make sure it was financially viable.

He described the position of the New Zealand Rugby League as “disappointing” and said the process of trying to find a venue for a game everybody seemed to want to see had been deeply frustrating.

In contrast, Australian coach Mal Meninga had been extremely supportive.

“As soon as I mentioned it to Mal Meninga it was something that he jumped at straight away and he’s really pushed it and really helped the process along the way,” he said.

Other venues proposed for the game have included New York and Honolulu.

Australia’s Daily Telegraph reported last year that negotiations were under way to stage the game in Honolulu’s 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium.

Last month the Fiji Times quoted Jason Taumalolo as saying the Tonga-Australia match was vital to the standing of Pacific Islands rugby nations.

“The only way we’re up with those top-tier nations is if we’re playing them,” he said.

Meanwhile, there is talk of two separate Four Nations tournaments being played next year 2020, with Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa in one and England, France, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in the other.

Woolf said all teams had to be treated equally.

“What I wouldn’t support is that the Pacific nations all play each other again and the winners play one of your tier one nations,” he said.

For more information

No sign of Tonga in NZRL calendar says it all for fans still hoping for clash with Australia

Time ticking on Tonga vs Australia test

Tonga vs Australia league test at risk

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