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Man charged after loaded gun pointed at police officers in Ōtāhuhu fails to fire

By
Kalino Latu
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Police have arrested a man following a frightening incident where Police officers were threatened with a firearm last night.

At approximately 9.35pm, two Otahuhu Police officers attempted to pull over a stolen vehicle on Atkinson Ave.

The driver exited the vehicle and ran up to the police car.

He has then allegedly presented a cut-down rifle at the Police officers and pulled the trigger twice.

Fortunately the firearm did not discharge as the safety catch was on.

Facing immediate danger, one of the police officers involved discharged their taser at the alleged offender, causing him to drop the firearm.

The male has attempted to get into the police vehicle and was tasered a second time.

The male resisted arrest and allegedly punched one of the police officers in the face twice.

The male has attempted to flee the scene and the second officer deployed their taser, which was effective in subduing the male who was eventually apprehended by the officers, while additional back-up staff also attended the scene.

Further examination found the firearm involved in the incident was loaded and cocked.

Inspector Naila Hassan, Area Commander for Counties Manukau West says this was an extremely distressing incident for the staff involved who have been provided with welfare.

One of the officers received cuts and bruising but did not require medical treatment.

“Our community will be horrified by this alarming incident, which could have easily had a tragic outcome for our police officers.

“Our brave staff come to work every day to keep the public safe and the absolute last thing they deserve is to be threatened with a firearm.

“I want to praise the courageous actions of our staff involved, who acted quickly in a highly stressful situation to disarm the alleged offender and ensure not only their own safety, but the safety of our community,” says Inspector Hassan.

Deputy Commissioner Districts, John Tims, says the welfare of our people is our number one priority.

“Policing can be unpredictable and that is why it is so important that whenever we have an incident of this nature, we always review the circumstances to ensure that we have the best policy and practice in place in order to support our staff in the field.

“Our staff should not have to deal with these types of situations, but the reality of policing means our officers are put in dangerous situations every day.

However our staff are well trained and have a number of tactical options available to them.

We back our officers to make the appropriate decisions at the time according to the circumstances facing them,” says Deputy Commissioner Tims.

Police have arrested a 36-year-old male who is appearing in the Manukau District Court today on the following charges:

– Unlawful Takes Motor Vehicle
– Unlawful Possession of a Pistol
– Use Any Firearm Against Law Enforcement Officer x2
– Injures with Intent to Injure
– Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

Police are unable to rule out the possibility of further charges.

Pacific Islands Forum intensifies anti-China push

By
Kaniva Staff
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By John Braddock

YAREN,13 SEPTEMBER 2018 (WORLD SOCIALIST WEBSITE)  The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum concluded its 49th annual meeting last Wednesday with the release of the Boe Declaration, named after the district in the island of Nauru where it was signed.

The forum was attended by Pacific island leaders as well as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and delegations from the US and China. Australia’s recently-installed Prime Minister Scott Morrison did not attend. Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, a former coup leader, boycotted the event as he regularly does, asserting its proceedings are dominated by the two regional powers, Australia and New Zealand.

According to the official communiqué, the Boe Declaration “expands the concept of security to include human security, environmental and resource security, as well as transnational crime and cybersecurity.” While China is not explicitly mentioned, the enhanced “regional security” agreement signals deepening tensions between Washington and its local imperialist allies on the one hand, and Beijing on the other.

After one closed-door meeting, Nauru President Baron Waqa complained that a Chinese official had demanded to be heard when other leaders were due to speak. “Maybe because he was from a big country he wanted to bully us,” he said. Waqa later lashed out at Beijing’s “arrogant” presence in the region. “We’re seeing a lot of big countries coming in and sometimes buying their way through the Pacific, some are extremely aggressive, even to the point that they tread all over us,” Waqa told the international media.

Significantly, Nauru is one of the few countries in the world that recognises Taiwan and therefore has no diplomatic relations with China. Most of the facilities to host the forum were built or upgraded with Taiwanese money. With a population of just 11,000, Nauru functions as an Australian semi-colony strategically situated adjacent to the US-controlled Marshall Islands, an American missile testing ground.

Australia and New Zealand have been seeking to reassert their dominant position and push back against Chinese diplomatic and financial presence. According to the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, China is set to overtake Australia as the la rgest aid donor to the Pacific. After funding a $US3.5 billion road project in Papua New Guinea, a former Australian colony, Beijing committed four times more in aid funding than Canberra in 2017.

Ardern described the Boe Declaration as recognising the Pacific’s “dynamic geopolitical environment,” which is leading to “an increasingly crowded and complex region.” She emphasised: “The prosperity of New Zealand is intrinsically linked to the security of our region, which is why this declaration is so important.”

New Zealand’s Labour-led government has embarked on a Pacific “reset,” including a major boost to aid funding, now totalling $NZ1 billion. This is combined with military upgrades to integrate the country into US war preparations. NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters has repeatedly warned that the Pacific is a “contested space” where “Great Power” rivalries are being played out. The US ambassador to Wellington, Scott Brown, recently lauded NZ’s support for Washington’s intensifying offensive against China.

Australia is to establish a new Pacific Fusion Centre in 2019 focused on “strengthening the ability of Pacific governments to enforce their laws and protect their sovereignty,” according to Payne. The centre will enable Pacific leaders to better respond to “security threats,” including illegal fishing, people smuggling and narcotics trafficking, she said. Canberra will also enhance “strategic policy development” in the region with a new Australia Pacific Security College.

The Boe Declaration highlighted climate change as “the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific.” Rising sea levels pose an existential threat for many low-lying islands, including Tuvalu, Kiribati and coastal areas of Fiji. The statement called on the US to return to the Paris climate agreement. President Trump formally announced Washington would withdraw from the agreement in August last year.

According to the Guardian, Australia was responsible for watering down the resolution. The final communiqué was endorsed by leaders “with qualification.” Asked at a press conference if those qualifications came from a country “beginning with A,” Enele Sopoaga, the prime minister of Tuvalu, confirmed that it was. Australia reportedly did not support calling on the US to return to the Paris agreement.

In fact, Pacific leaders felt betrayed by the 2015 Paris summit. They failed to persuade Canberra and Wellington to support their calls for measures to keep global temperature rises below 1.5 degrees centigrade, instead of the current agreed goal of 2 degrees. Pacific nations also want compensation for loss and damage, and recognition for climate change refugees.

Australia and New Zealand have adopted hypocritical positions on climate change. Their own measures have been criticised as “weak” and “unambitious” by academics and environmental groups, while Canberra recently abandoned proposed climate targets. Xavier Matsutaro, the climate change coordinator for Palau, told the Guardian that Australia was like an “abusive spouse,” providing aid to the region to deal with the effects of global warming but repeatedly undermining attempts to halt its progress.

Throughout the forum, Waqa sought to suppress discussion of the more than 600 refugees detained on the island by Canberra’s criminal offshore processing policy. Some of the 120 refugee children on Nauru have been evacuated because they are suffering from resignation syndrome, a medical condition in which they withdraw socially and stop eating and drinking.

Led by Amnesty International, 84 non-government organisations had signed an open letter calling on the forum to put the fate of the refugees at the top of its agenda. NZ Foreign Minister Peters retorted: “We’ve got 50,000 people who are homeless back home… we have to help fix their lives up as well before we start taking on new obligations of the level that some people would like.”

Ardern, who had initially expressed her intention to meet with refugees, failed to do so arguing she did not want to raise their “expectations.” New Zealand’s previous offer to accept 150 of the refugees has been flatly rejected by Canberra.

Waqa claimed that refugees are “not an issue” for other Pacific nations. He hit out at reports of mistreatment of refugees, posting on the government’s Twitter account that the children were being “manipulated into self-harm by some of their families (supported by activists) in a disgusting & tragic political game.” Their end goal, he declared, was “to make international headlines & get to Australia.”

Over the last five years, Waqa has established a virtual dictatorship. Backed by Canberra, his government has deported and imprisoned opposition politicians, disciplined the police and judiciary, shut down social media web sites, and criminalised political dissent.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation journalists were banned from entering the country to cover the forum. Restrictions were placed on the number of visiting journalists and their ability to report on topics outside the official proceedings. Police detained NZ journalist Barbara Dreaver for three hours and revoked her media accreditation after she was seen interviewing a refugee outside a local restaurant…..PACNEWS

Kaniva News has a republication arrangement with PACNEWS

Three Asians jailed in Tonga for smuggling main ingredients of methamphetamine

By
Kalino Latu
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Two Chinese men and a male Taiwanese have been sentenced by Justice Charles Cato for importing about 2 kilograms or 2017.3 grams of pseudoephedrine to the manufacture of methamphetamine, or ‘P’.

Kevin Liu, 31, was jailed for five years and eight months, Shigin Lin, 32, was jailed for five years and four months while Xiu Ming Liu, 41, was jailed for 10 months for their involvement in smuggling of the illicit drugs, Taimi ‘O Tonga newspaper has reported.

This amount of pseudoephedrine had the potential to yield up to 442 grams or 663 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of around NZ$126,000 or NZ$355,000.

The trio were arrested after Customs intercepted a shipping container from New Zealand and packages sent from China, the paper reported.

The drugs had been hidden in boilers before they were sent from New Zealand, it said.

During a search of Xiu’s home, Customs officers found 62 grams of the ingredient in a refrigerator.

Police appeal for help after Halavuna bar attack in South Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
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Police are appealing for the public’s help to identify two suspects after two Tongan brothers were seriously injured outside Halavuna bar in south Auckland.

The victims were outside the bar before they were both assaulted by two men on August 24 at around 1am, Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper has reported.

The victims were taken to hospital after Police and Emergency Services arrived at the scene while at the same time the attackers disappeared and were still at large.

Police have scrutinised CCTV from across the road at East Tamaki, which they hope will help identify the suspects.

It is believed the suspects and the victims were inside the bar before the incident occurred.

It was not immediately clear whether or not the suspects lived in New Zealand or they had just arrived from Tonga, the paper said.

The paper alleged the attacks in Papatoetoe involved an axe.

Police investigation continues.

Prolific sex predator Latu Lavaki may have more victims

By
Kalino Latu
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SAN MATEO COUNTY (KRON) – After three decades, an accused prolific sexual predator is off the streets.

But now, some of the victims’ cases can’t be tried because it’s too late.

Police arrested Latu Lavaki earlier this year.

Investigators say he targeted victims in two Bay Area counties, and they believe there are more victims out there. And they want them to come forward.

There could be victims far and wide. The suspect is known to have ties to San Mateo County and Santa Clara County.

He also spent time in Utah while evading law enforcement. There are at least 4 known victims.

Authorities say Lavaki is a sexual predator and victimized many girls over the past few decades.

On Monday, the 62-year-old was convicted in superior court for an assault that happened in 2005. He was convicted of two counts of lewd acts with a minor under the age of 14.

Due to the number of current victims, prosecutors believe there are even more out there.

In the search for victims, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has provided both Lavaki’s current mugshot, and the photo from his driver’s license, so people can recognize him at different stages in life.

Wilfredo Rodriguez says he’s seen the suspect in his Millbrae neighborhood. That is the same area the current victim is from.

If you’ve had any inappropriate contact with Lavaki or allowed him around your child or children, you’re urged to contact the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

55 villages benefit from NZ$30.7 million Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project

By
Kalino Latu
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New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington and Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications (MEICECC) Minister Hon Poasi Tei marked the conclusion of the Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project on Wednesday 5 September 2018, three months ahead of schedule.

The goal of the NZ$30.7 million New Zealand-funded network upgrade project was to provide a modern and resilient electricity network, which would deliver reliable and safe electricity to households in rural Tongatapu.

This goal was successfully achieved with 55 villages benefiting from the project since 2011. Network faults decreased significantly and of the 11,450 upgraded connections, over 2,500 connections were to households with no previous access to electricity.

The Government of Tonga benefited from the Tongatapu Village Network Upgrade Project through increased network efficiency, reduced diesel consumption and the associated reduction in the cost of diesel imports. The upgraded network also proved more resilient to extreme weather conditions, following Cyclone Gita earlier this year, with less damage in villages upgraded.

The closing ceremony was hosted by Tonga Power Limited and held at Tupou College, the final community to receive benefits from the upgrade in rural Tongatapu.

The NZ$30.7 million Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project represents the largest component of New Zealand’s development assistance to Tonga and its biggest investment in Tonga’s energy sector and in the Pacific.

New Zealand will continue supporting Tonga to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change through a NZ$11 million agreement with Government of Tonga for the first phase of the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project.

Car flips over in Neiafu, no injuries reported

By
Kalino Latu
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There were no immediate reports of injuries on Monday after a car became overturned at Vaipua harbour in Neiafu.

Neiafu town officer Vava Lapota alleged the driver was a female teacher from Longomapu.

Initial indication points towards speed as contributing factor.

Police could not be reached for comment.

Pictures of pedestrian hit by vehicle in Havelu shared on social media

By
Kalino Latu
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Photos of Akosita Tau’alupe, 25, who was admitted to Vaiola hospital with serious injuries on September 9 have been shared online.

Pictures uploaded to Facebook on Monday showed Tau’alupe appeared to be in a critical condition.

Yesterday, her family uploaded more photos which appeared to show she was in stable condition.

Police have arrested a 22-year-old Ma’ufanga woman and charged her with reckless driving causing grievous bodily harm and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurred while Tau’alupe was walking on a roadside in Havelu at around 6am.

Unconfirmed reports claimed the driver allegedly argued with a friend before her vehicle hit the victim.

The accused remains in custody while Police investigation continues.

Ministry to re-start public finance committee

By
Philip Cass
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Tonga’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning plans to reactivate its public financial management steering committee.

The decision follows a public financial management symposium earlier this month.

The symposium reviewed progress on the implementation of the kingdom’s PFM roadmap  2014-2020.

The event was attended by more than 60 from Government Ministries, Parliament, the National Reserve Bank, public enterprises, faith-based and civil society organisations, media entities, regional institutions, and development partners.

Discussion focussed on how PFM can help the Government provide more efficient and effective services to the public.

In his opening remarks, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Andrew Ford, said public financial management was important for delivering public services efficiently and build public trust in government.

The symposium has also highlighted the need to re-institute a regional PFM forum, with Pacific institutions holding more regular meeting.

Arrest following Nualei road death

By
Kalino Latu
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Police have arrested a 29-year-old man from Kolonga following the death of a 52-year-old man from Nualei on September 8 at around 2am.

He had been charged with reckless driving causing death and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Piukala Laumanu was hit by the accused’s vehicle at Nualei while he was crossing the main road.

The victim reportedly died at the scene.

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