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Town officer condemns vandalism and superstition after Vava‘u cemetery attack

By
Kalino Latu
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Neiafu town officer Vava Lapota has condemned the vandalism of a grave in Neiafu this afternoon.

This is the third time the grave has been attacked in the past six months.

Lapota said the vandalism was thought to be the result of someone believing the spirits of the dead were harming members of their family.

Lapota said this type of false belief was still held by uneducated and ignorant people.

They must be stopped, he said.

He urged those who believed that members of their family were harmed by dead spirits to take their patients to Dr Mapa Puloka, Tonga’s Head Psychiatrist.

The town officer said a couple who owned a grave at Liku’one cemetery in Neiafu found it damaged today.

Lapota said he went to the cemetery and saw the damage.

Five concrete bricks had been removed from the side of the grave and the concrete which covered the top was broken, he  said.

Lapota said since the couple last visited the grave in December last year, it had been damaged three times.

The couple suspected a person in Neiafu who asked the wife if he could talk to the dead as they were harming one of his children.

Asked whether a complaint had been laid with Police, Lapota said the couple did when the grave was first attacked. They also reported it to the district officer.

He said this time the couple deemed it fruitless to pursue further complaints.

Call for Tongan residents in Oakland, US to check their vehicles after crash

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan woman in Oakland, California said she wanted Tongan residents in the area to check their vehicles after she found a black Yukon XL GMC van crashing outside her house.

The van has a California registration number plate 5FIS254 but Kaniva News could not be able to obtain the information about the vehicle’s year.

‘Iva Fā’otusia said she suspected the vehicle had been stolen before it crashed into three vehicles in front of her neighbour.

The driver fled the scene after the crash, she said.

“Please share this with our Tongan family in Oakland so that everyone could see if the vehicle belonged to them,” she said.

Fā’otusia said if some one stole a vehicle the owner could be going crazy all day and that was why she wanted to help.

Sting drink labels illegal, says Consumer Affairs Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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Consumer Affairs Tonga said some labels of cans of Sting drink did not conform with government regulations because they were written in Vietnamese.

Non-English labelled goods were not allowed to sell in Tonga, it said.

“…those goods [have] to be removed from the shelves. This includes goods that [have] been re-labelled ( strawberry flavoured sting can in picture).”

“Please note that all goods imported to Tonga should be labelled in English. Non-English labelled goods are not complying with the Food Authority Legislation on Food labelling.”

A can of Sting Energy Drink Malamala claimed he purchased on June 19, 2018. Photo/Hafoka Malamala

The warning came after a customer alleged he bought an expired Sting Energy drink can from a shop in Vainī last month.

Hafoka Malamala told Kaniva news he was concerned about the health of children at a primary school close to the retailed shop from which they used to buy the soft drink.

Malamala also sent us photos of the Sting can on June 19 which showed the expiry date on the bottom of the can was written as 27 May 2018.

Malamala claimed he contacted the authority and reported the Sting can.

As Kaniva News reported in March, the Ministry of Labour and Commerce had warned some Chinese business owners in Tongatapu about the labelling of some products in Chinese that were not translated into English.

The Ministry said there were also claims that these products appeared not to have been approved for sale by Health authorities.

Cato quashes conviction; cites faulty procedures and poor record keeping

By
Kaniva Staff
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Faults in procedure and the handling of Magistrate’s court proceedings led the Supreme Court to quash a conviction for indecency last month.

‘Unaloto Tu’amoheloa was convicted of serious indecency on or about the 19th April 2017 when he was aged 15. He was  sentenced to probation and 40 hours of community work.

He appealed his conviction in October last year. After several adjournments the case came before Mr Justice Cato on June 1.

He said there were no proper records of what had happened in the Magistrate’s Court hearing and that vital documents such as court transcripts and police files were missing.

There was not even a record of whether Tu’amoheloa had pleaded guilty.

“This case illustrates the importance of Magistrates carefully recording procedural steps and the Court preserving those records,” the judge said.

He said there was no evidence that the Magistrate has followed proper procedure and informed Tu’amoheloa that he could be dealt with summarily instead of being tried by a Judge of the Supreme Court or by a jury.

The judge said he should have been released on bail because it was unsafe to incarcerate young prisoners with adult offenders.

He said it appeared that the case was meant to proceed in the Youth Court, but for some reason this had not happened.

On these grounds Mr Justice Cato allowed the appeal, quashed Tu’amoheloa’s conviction and did not order any retrial.

New direct Samoan air service could lift tourist numbers, says Real Tonga’s CEO

By
Philip Cass
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Real Tonga’s new service to Samoa could draw tourists from there and Fiji to Tonga if the government supports the airline.

That’s the message from Real Tonga General Manager Tele Faletau who told Kaniva News today the Samoan was working to make the most of the new airline arrangement.

“The service is there now and it will really depend on whether our government will get behind us and provide support through their own marketing efforts and bilateral arrangements with Samoa, who have already demonstrated their support and desire to make this happen, not just for our locals, but for our combined tourism growth,” Palu said.

As Kaniva News reported recently the number of tourists visiting Tonga last year was far lower than those visiting the Pacific market leaders, Samoa and Fiji.

Real Tonga’s service to Samoa was launched on June 29 after several month’s delay caused by Cyclone Gita.

In his speech welcoming Real Tonga’s first flight into Apia Samoa’s Minister of Tourism, Sala Fata Pinati said the new regional alliance meant the two countries were free from what he called the “daylight robbery” of Islanders  by international airlines.

“It is certainly costly and very stupid for Samoans to fly to New Zealand over Tonga to catch Air New Zealand’s flight back to Tonga and vice versa for Tongans to fly to New Zealand in order to fly back over Tonga to attend a meeting in neighbouring Samoa.”

The airline’s Saab 340 will fly to Apia twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

Outward and return flights will go from Tongatapu via Vava’u.

Airfares are TP$920 plus taxes one way. Airfares for children between two and 11 are TP$645.

Real Tonga is presently running a launch special of TP$790 plus tax, TP$530 for children. Infants travel for free.

Real Tonga is code sharing the flights with Samoa airways.

Fiji Airways launched a direct service to Apia from Suva on June 16. It also offers a regular service from Nadi.

For more information 

Real Tonga launches Tonga-Samoa direct flights after four month delay

Realtonga entry strengthens regional alliance

Sona Taumālolo forced to retire due to ‘spinal injury’

By
Kaniva Staff
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Former ‘Ikale Tahi prop Sona Taumālolo has been forced to retire from rugby due to a spinal injury.

The 36-year-old Tonga international was set to sign on for another year with newly promoted French Top 14 club FC Grenoble but medical tests revealed problems in his cervical spine.

Confirming Taumālolo would be retiring FC Grenoble Rugby said they “wished to extend its journey with Sona Taumālolo for one more season.

Unfortunately, during his medical tests, cervical spine anomalies were detected.”

The club have described it as a delicate situation for the loosehead prop, who could potentially suffer a life-changing injury if he continued playing rugby.

They say further medical exams have ruled out the legendary prop – who was once considered the fastest loosehead on the planet – from taking any further part in rugby.

The club stated: “It is with a lot of regret and sadness that the Club makes this announcement. Sona is an example for our Club and is a “dad of the locker room”. An awesome fighter who must give up for the first time of his huge career.”

Taumālolo is said to be deeply upset at the news.

“We want to give him and his family our full support. The FCG will stay close to him and will help him in the coming weeks to help surpass this moment,” concluded the club.

The loosehead made 20 appearances for Tonga, and also represented Racing 92, Perpignan and Super Rugby franchise the Chiefs.

Young patient’s father thanks NZ Miss Heilala beauty contestants for visit

By
Kalino Latu
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The father of a young patient at Vaiola hospital has thanked two Miss Heilala beauty contestants from New Zealand for visiting his son.

Miss Tuitui Fashion 2018, Cecilia Viliamu and Miss Brilliant star, Nāomi Fotofili visited  Peletisasa Mo’ungaloa while he was recovering from an illness in hosital.

His father Agustine Mo’ungaloa told Kaniva News he was thankful the two contestants have visited the patients.

Tuitui Fashion owner Tuitui Folauhola Tonobor said the visit was part of a mission for her two contestants while they were in Tonga to join the Miss Heilala beauty pageant 2018.

Last year two beauty contestants from New Zealand took the top prizes after reigning Miss Heilala Ophelia Kitiliti Kava was crowned Miss Heilala 2017.

The first runner up was Miss Tuitui Fashion, Titania Tiara Matekuolava while the third runner up was awarded to Miss SAS US Store, Linga Tamo’ua.

Sixteen contestants have been registered to compete for the Miss Heilala 2018 crown.

They made their first public appearance on June 27, at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’alofa.

Contestants

  1. Miss Langakali ‘o e Vai ko Puna, Primrose Malekamu
  2. Miss Villa Ishadora, Mele Lupe Vete
  3. Miss Tuitui Fashion, Cecilia Viliamu
  4. Miss Brilliant Star, Naomi Fotofili
  5. Miss Apraxus NZ2018, Lilieta Fisi’ihoi
  6. Miss Apraxus Tonga NZ, Kalo Funganitao
  7. Miss Bou’s Fashion, Luana Fifita
  8. Miss S&SUSAStore, ‘Ailini Vakalahi
  9. Miss Ha’apai, Ivon Tohi
  10. Miss Fangailupe Tonga Australia, Luseane ‘Akau’ola
  11. Miss ‘Eua 2018, Mo’ui Fo’ou Tahifote
  12. Miss Lady Maria Australia, ‘Olita Tu’ipulotu
  13. Miss Ha’ano, Manu Ma’ake
  14. Miss Tonga Tourism, Ane ‘Ofa Pulu
  15. Miss Havelu Rugby, Tenisia Fau’ese
  16. Miss Whale Watching, Sia Tu’ipulotu

Fatal crash causes delays on Auckland’s northwestern motorway

By
Kaniva Staff
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A motorcyclist has died following a crash on the Northwestern Motorway in Auckland this morning.

The crash occurred at 6.40am between the St Lukes off-ramp and on-ramp.

The motorway is going to be closed for some time this morning at the crash scene.

There is already significant traffic congestion on the motorway and motorists are advised to expect lengthy delays.

Motorists are asked to take alternative routes or delay travel wherever possible

Photos show rainbows appeared during Princess Tāone’s burial service

By
Kalino Latu
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Mourners at Princess Tāone’s burial service said they felt she smiled down on them when rainbows were spotted above Hāngaitokelau’s royal cemetery in Tokomolo on Saturday.

Princess Lavinia Mata ‘o Tāone Ma’afu, 66, died on Friday 24 of undisclosed causes in Auckland, New Zealand. She was laid to rest at Hāngaitokelau on June 30.

The phenomenon appeared on a day which was mostly sunny and partly cloudy.

Photos of the rainbows were shared on Facebook by radio FM 87.5.

Some commenters said the rainbows must have sent a message about the Princess’s good character.



Rainbows appear above Hāngaitokelau cemetery during Princess Tāone’s burial service. In picture: Radio Broadcaster Director and Producer Katalina Tohi (L) and broadcaster Luseane Vaea (R). Photo/Broadcom Broadcast FM 87.5

Alleged Tongatapu burglar steals funeral mats while family mourn loss of father

By
Kalino Latu
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A preparation for a funeral wake was burgled while a family mourned the loss of their father in Mataika, Tongatapu on Friday night.

The family were alerted about the burglary while they were preparing a property for the funeral’s wake.

Mats, rolls of kie and ngatus were left outside while the family were inside a house, a spokesperson for the family told Kaniva News.

An eyewitness opened a window and caught the heartless burglar in the act.

The burglar allegedly took with him some of the mats and the rolls of kie before he fled the scene.

He also attempted to take with him a ngatu.

The alleged burglary had been reported to Police.

The deceased was Sēkope Siale and he was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon.

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