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Supreme Court convicts man with two names of falsely trying to obtain passport

By
Philip Cass
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The Supreme Court has convicted a man of trying to falsely obtain a passport.

Mr Justice Cato found Taufa Fevaleaki guilty of making a false statement when he applied for a passport in June 2014.

He applied for the passport under the name Sosaia Taufa  Finau and did not disclose, as was required, any other names  by which he was known.

In interview he said the  name he had most used and been known as was Taufa Fevaleaki.

He said he had always had two names.

Evidence was given by an officer from the Ministry of Justice that there were in existence two authentic birth records  for  Sosaia Taufa Finau and for Taufa Fevaleaki.

The accused obtained an earlier passport R01574 in the name of Taufa Fevaleaki in 2002 and  had travelled quite extensively  on this between  2005  and 2011.

On March  18, 2012, however,  a no fly  order had been placed against him because of a court hearing relating to maintenance  payments.    This  passport  was  not  been   cancelled and expired in February 2015.

However, the stop order meant that he could not use this to depart from Tonga. This led him to apply for a second passport in the name of Sosaia Taufa Finau which he made application for on June 12, 2014, signing it as S T Finau.

Although all the details were filled out as personal details in the first part of the form that related to  personal identity, a box that related “to other names you  are known  by” was not completed.

“He admitted to the police officer who interviewed him that he would not have obtained the  passport had he told Immigration Tonga that he had a passport  in  the name of Taufa Fevaleaki,” the judge said.

“I infer from this that he deliberately did not insert the name Taufa Fevaleaki in the passport application because he well knew the likelihood they  would search to  see whether  there  was  a  passport  issued  under  this  name.

“His motivation  was  plainly  to  obtain  a  passport  under   his   second name and it  is  also  plain  beyond  any  reasonable  doubt that he signed this application knowing full well that it was incomplete and accordingly false.

“I find all essential elements established on this charge beyond reasonable doubt and he  is convicted  to  await sentence.”

Tongatapu man arrested after drug bust, 10 grams of meth seized

By
Kalino Latu
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A 34-year-old man has been arrested after 10.34 grams of methamphetamine were seized from a Hōfoa property following a drug bust this morning Wednesday 1 August 2018, Police said

Police also seized cash, electronic devices and Tongan fine mats.

The methamphetamine seized has an estimated street value of about  TOP$10,000.

“As demonstrated by this arrest, we continue to focus on capturing and prosecuting those responsible for the harm these destructive drugs cause to youths, families and our community,” said Siosifa Lātū, Acting Police Commander at the Central Police Station.

“We encourage anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact their nearest Police station or contact 23417 or 922.”

The suspect is in police custody while investigation continues.

Pouhila, Fale will be deported after serving their sentences in New Zealand

By
Kalino Latu
-

Two Tongan rugby players have been sent to jail in New Zealand after they got involved in a violent incident.

They will be deported after serving their sentences because their working visas had been expired

A violent incident during a night of partying at Twizel in November resulted in two Kurow and former North Otago rugby representatives Petelo Pouhila, 22, and Juris Harvard Fale, 24, being jailed on Friday.

They appeared before Judge Joanna Maze for sentencing in the Timaru District Court on charges related to the incident that left three men injured, two of them seriously, NZ Herald has reported.

Pouhila, who was last week named North Otago club rugby player of the year, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and careless driving causing injury.

Fale had previously pleaded guilty to charges of injuring with intent to injure and assault with intent to injure.

Pouhila was sentenced to three years and six months in jail on the charge of wounding with intent and was convicted and disqualified indefinitely on the charge of careless driving. Fale was sentenced to a total of 13 months in prison on both charges.

A supporter of the two men in the public gallery shouted at them to “be strong” as they were led from the courtroom.

A police summary of facts said both men were at a party with more than 20 others at a Twizel house on November 12 when a fight broke out between several people, and quickly escalated into a large brawl.

Fale became involved in the fracas, which spilled out on to Mackenzie Dr.

During the fight, Pouhila got into a white Honda Civic and drove to help Fale, despite several people trying to stop him.

While driving at speed Pouhila swerved towards a group of pedestrians walking on the road and intentionally struck one of them.

The victim suffered serious injuries, including a broken eye socket, when he bounced off the car and landed on the road.

He also suffered swelling and bruises to both knees.

The second victim smashed the driver’s window of the car after his friend was struck, before he was knocked unconscious by a punch to the head from Fale.

He also suffered a fractured foot and spine and shoulder injuries, which hospitalised him for several days.

Pouhila then turned his vehicle around and accelerated towards the first victim and struck him a second time, before fleeing the scene in the vehicle and parking at an associate’s address.

The third victim was injured while he was assisting the first victim.

While cradling the first victim’s head, Fale approached him.

When Fale was asked if he injured the first victim, he responded by punching the third victim in the head twice before he fell and hit his head on the road.He suffered a broken tooth and sustained a cut to his face and alump to his head.

The first and second victims were flown to Dunedin Hospital.

When spoken to by police Pouhila said the first victim jumped in front of his car and that he was not aware the second victim had been struck.

Fale offered no explanation for his actions.

As the working visas of both Pouhila and Fale had expired they faced deportation when released, Judge Maze said.

Kurow Rugby Club president Ross Paton declined to comment.

North Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Colin Jackson was unable to be reached last night.

Both Pouhila and Fale were instrumental in Kurow’s run to the Citizens Shield final against Valley, won by the latter 28-22 last Saturday.

Pouhila has played seven games for North Otago and Fale three. Both were members of the 2017 Heartland Championship squad.

Education, seeking advice, led to family business winning first prize again

By
Kalino Latu
-

Education, accessing to a Pacific database and seeking help from friends led a family business to win first prize during Tonga’s national fishing show.

The North Star Fishing company was awarded first prize for the highest catch of bottom line deep-sea fish for the domestic market over the weekend during the Tongatapu Royal Agriculture, Fisheries and Tourism Trade Show at Funga Manamo’ui.

His Majesty King Tupou VI opened the show on Saturday, July 28.

Last year the fishing company was awarded first prize for the highest exporter of bottom line deep-sea fishing.

The owner of the fishing company, Kulufeinga ‘Anisi Bloomfield, said the success was the result of a collaborative effort by Government ministries, organisations, trading partners, and donors.

“On behalf of North Star Fishing (NSF), I would like to thank you all for the assistance provided to our small family business to develop to where it is now,” Kulufeinga said.

Kulufeinga said he was glad to see his business was successful and that his plan went smoothly as planned since the beginning.

He said the biggest problem his business had faced was the lack of markets for their catch.

The former Tongan government CEO said while he was employed as Head of the Oceania Customs Organisation Secretariat in Fiji in 2006 he had the chance to lead some major projects for the development of the Pacific Islands countries.

He said he found out fishing was a large industry with plenty of opportunities.

Kulufeinga said he began researching and talking to some friends including Eddie Palu from Pacific Sunrise to see if this was a business he could start with his family.

“Based on the information I gathered from these consultations and my own research  I decided my family will start a fishing business,” he said.

He said he also decided to push his wife and children’s education in areas which they could be able to help the business in the long run.

His wife ‘Ēlina was graduated in 2017 from the University of the South Pacific with a PhD in Environmental Policy.

They were both formerly high school teachers.

Their eldest daughter held a Master of Commerce in Professional Accounting and was the business’s Financial Manager.

Their second daughter held a Master in Fisheries Policy and was the business’s Operation Manager.

Their third and fourth children are still at the university studying Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

New Zealand Police issues email scam warning

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police are warning about a current email scam asking recipients to pay up or have personal details exposed to friends and family.

Police have received reports of the scam from several victims.

The email states that malware has been installed on the recipient’s device and has captured information about them including a password, along with potentially embarrassing footage.

Anyone who receives an email of this nature is advised to report it to their local Police as soon as possible.

If you have any doubt about a call, email or approach, it is more than likely it is a scam.

Information on current scams that are operating can be found on the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website: http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scams

Anyone who believes they are a victim of a crime, in person or online, should report the matter to their local Police.

Netsafe and Consumer Protection NZ provide helpful advice and information about keeping safe online on their websites.

Tongan exporter aims to meet Chinese order for hundreds of tonnes of squash

By
Philip Cass
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Despite damage caused by Cyclone Gita, Tongan exporter Nishi Trading believes it will meet a 600-700 tonne order from China.

According to local press reports, projections for squash exports to China showed a steady increase over a three year period.

A trial shipment of 24 tonnes was sent in 2016, with 248 metric tonnes shipped last year.

As Kaniva Tonga reported at the time, China imposed tough standards on exports after an inspection uncovered problems with quality control, hygiene and pest control.

The Chinese also said quarantine officers needed more training.

Tonga also exports squash to Japan and Korea and vanilla to New Zealand and Australia where it is used in specialty food products.

Tonga shipped more than 22,000 tonnes at the beginning of the century before competition drastically reduced its share if the Japanese market.

At its peak, more than 800 Tongan farmers produced squash for export to Japan.

Nishi Trading said it had more farmers growing for them this year than last.

For more information 

Export demand increases for Tongan squash

Squash shipment to China may prompt more local growers to join market

‘Ālisi Taumoepeau patron for police recruits

By
Kalino Latu
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A former Minister of Justice, Attorney and Solicitor General of Tonga has become a patron for the latest wing of police recruits.

‘Ālisi Taumoepeau said Police have to work according to the rule of law.

Police must act professionally to retain public confidence, she said.

“Police officers are at the frontline and forefront of fighting crime. Your mission in keeping our communities safe and that protection is built on the ‘rule of law’,” Taumoepeau said.

As patron she’s both mentor and coach for the 28-strong 45th wing.

Taumoepeau started at the Longolongo Police College on Thursday 19.

“During the course of the Recruitment the Patron will spend time with the young recruits providing encouragement and motivation for the task ahead of them,” a Police statement said.

Recruits spend six months in residence at the college

The wing is made up of 10 women and 18 men.

They will be graduated on the second week of October 2018.

UK funding to help boost human rights in Tonga as part of Pacific-wide project

By
Philip Cass
-

Seven months after Solicitor General Sione Sisifā said Tonga did not have the resources to establish a human rights body, a United Kingdom grant may help the kingdom improve its record.

Speaking in January, Sisifā said Tongans could petition the King over human rights abuses.

“For small island states including Tonga the establishment of a national human rights institution is still not feasible financially and technically,” Sisifā said.

As Kaniva Tonga reported in January, the UK urged Tonga to sign core human rights conventions.

It also encouraged Tonga to establish a National Human Rights Institution.

Now the UK is providing a £1.8 million grant through the Pacific Community to help improve the capacity of nine Pacific Commonwealth countries deliver on their human rights.

The money has been set aside for projects in Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The Pacific Commonwealth Equality Project will support emerging national human rights institutions, provide technical support to develop National Human Rights Action plans and create platforms for Members of Parliament and civil society leaders to champion human rights.

SPC’s Deputy Director-General, Dr Audrey Aumua, said Pacific countries were making steady progress in developing a legal and social environment to promote human rights.

“With the support of partners like the UK Government, we are nearing a turning point in achieving our common goal of a Pacific future based on equality for all,” Dr Aumua said.

The project funding will run from July 2018 to March 2020.

For more information 

SPC signs agreement with UK Government to strengthen human rights in 9 Pacific Commonwealth countries

National human rights body ‘not feasible for Tonga’

UK urges Tonga to sign human rights treaties as it undergoes Geneva review

Tongan man killed in stabbing, brother, killer in custody in Sydney

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan man has been stabbed to death in a unit in Sydney’s west over the weekend.

The Sydney Morning Herald  reported William Hunuki, 27, died after his life support was switched off in Liverpool Hospital about 9pm on Saturday.

He had been stabbed in the abdomen at a unit in Bankstown about 3am, police reportedly said.

The victim’s brother is also in custody for his alleged role in the fatal attack.

Alexander John Dunleavy, 26, faced Parramatta bail court on Sunday, accused of delivering the fatal wounds after an altercation.

He was also charged with assaulting an officer in the execution of his duty.

Dozens of Tongan friends and family posted tributes to Mr Hunuki.

Some were shocked and asked other Facebook friends to confirm whether this was the son of Billy and Muimui Tanginoa Hunuki in which the respondents agreed and confirmed.

“Four years of memories with you in the army and you were one of my closest friends throughout them all,” one friend wrote on Facebook with a picture of Mr Hunuki in ADF uniform.

“Know you’re still laughing and smiling like you used to on the other side Nukki, R.I.P brother.”

Mr Hunuki’s partner posted a picture of the couple in happier times alongside a Bible verse; “before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations”.

Mr Dunleavy, who police said was known to his victim, did not apply for bail and it was formally denied by the magistrate.

The victim’s younger brother, Filisione Hunuki, 23, was also refused bail over two domestic violence charges and one charge of being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.

It’s unclear what role the younger Hunuki had in the incident that claimed his brother’s life.

He is expected to appear before the same court on Tuesday, while Mr Dunleavy is expected before the court again on September 26.

Town officer injured during tangaki; giant skeletons believed to be of king’s mother

By
Kalino Latu
-

A leading matāpule of Lord Ma’afu claimed the mother of Late King Siaosi Tupou I, Lady Hoamofaleono, was about between three and four metres (10 – 11 feet) tall.

‘Atamai-He-Me’alahi claimed her royal grave was four feet wide.

He did not provide the details of how they measured the skeletons found and the size of the grave.

The claims were made after the Huelo ‘O Hāngai royal cemetery in Tokomololo was tangaki (exhumed) in May.

As Kaniva News reported last week, the exhumations were made on the order of King Tupou VI.

‘Atamai also claimed the town officer of Tokomololo became sick and partly incapable of movement days after he got down into Hoamofaleono’s tomb during the exhumation rituals.

‘Atamai claimed this had happened because the town officer didn’t have the traditional and cultural rights to get into the royal tomb.

He claimed the town officer was asked by Tākapu, the leader of Ha’a Tufunga, to dig up one of the remains of the escorts who were buried along with Hoamofaleono.

King Tupou I, who was also known as Taufa’āhau, was revered by Tongans after he announced the Emancipation Edict freeing all commoners from bondage to the chiefs in 1862 and the promulgation of the Constitution in 1875.

 ‘Atamai also claimed two matāpules from Vainī, one from Lord Ma’afu’s estates,  died after they were given the heraldic names Tō E La’ā ‘o Tonga (Sun of Tonga is set)  and Takavale ‘i Mo’unga (Wander about foolishly in the royal tomb.)

After they died another person was appointed, but he refused to accept the position after he claimed he had a dream in which he saw people trample and crushed him. He was then reappointed to the name Fatongia ‘I Lo’āmanu.

The ownership of the name Takavale ‘I Mo’unga was Late Princess Tāone, the wife of Lord Ma’afu.

‘Atamai claimed that if anything sinister happened to the royal family, a lake in Tokomololo known as Tu’ilokomana which literally means Tu’i for king, loko or loka for rough seas and mana for thunder, would react by rumbling and causing big waves.

The fragrant flower plants Heilala grown by the lake gave the name Heilala ‘O Tu’ilokomana.

The name Tokomololo came from Toka-Moe-Lolo  after Hoamofaleono swam and bathed in a lake in the town.  The oil from her candle-nut soap appeared while the candle-nut she used floated on top of the water, hence the name Toka-Moe-Lolo.

For more information

Land lease leaves King Tupou 1’s mother’s tomb dilapidated; King orders its restoration

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