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Vainī residents celebrate new water supply upgrade

By
Kaniva Staff
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Residents of Vainī town have welcomed a new water supply upgrade funded by the Canadian government.

The project has provided the community with clean and 24-hour reliable supply of water.

It has also reduced the more than $600 monthly power bills the residents have to pay to only around $150 Pa’anga a month.

The project has been funded through the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The spokesperson for the Ongokie Vainī Community, Sione Foliaki,  thanked the Canadian authorities during a warm welcoming celebration attended by Hon Tevita ‘Unga, community leaders and members as well as some ministers of the crown.

“I, on behalf of every woman and children in this Ongokie Community would like to propose a vote of thanks to the People of Canada, Canada government and especially to you, Sir Nicolas Sabourin and those who are not here with us  today from office of the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives  (CFLI), who have a great role in making of this project possible.          Your Excellency,  your CFLI small investment really makes  huge differences in the lives of the Vainī Ongokie Community, and the Vainī Public Health Centre Foliaki said in a speech during the celebration.

Man jailed for 16 yrs in NZ after raping girl, boy, will be deported to Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan man who was jailed for raping two children spanning a five-year period in New Zealand will be deported to the kingdom as soon as he leaves prison.

Vailea Pola was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on May 10 after earlier being convicted on 15 charges relating to the sexual abuse, NZ Herald reported.

Pola must serve at least half of his sentence before he can apply for parole.

He denied all of the offending – but a jury found him guilty of raping and sexually violating a girl and sexually violating and indecently assaulting a boy.

The court heard that the abuse started soon after Pola moved to South Auckland from Tonga.

He would go into the bedrooms of the children and rape, violate or assault them – or seek them out when they were away from other people, including in the bathroom.

When he raped the girl he covered her mouth with his hand to stop her from screaming out, and told her that she would “never see her parents again” if she told anyone what had happened.

He told the boy he would “smash him” if he disclosed the abuse.

Judge McGuire said a pre-sentence report prepared by Probation Services showed the true extent of Pola’s dark side.

“Your response was the victims’ had lied and you called them troublemakers – you show no remorse,” he said.

During the interview for the report, Pola was “relaxed, casual and even laughed at times” when questioned about his sex crimes.

Judge McGuire said those crimes were “abhorrent”.

The report also identified Pola as a sexual deviant with a propensity for violence, intimidation and exploitation of others.

Crown prosecutor Ben Smith sought a sentence of 16 years in prison with no discount for Pola’s otherwise clean record.

He said while in some cases a discount for a lack of previous offending was appropriate – it was not for Pola.

“The defendant shows no remorse … he continues to deny the offending,” Smith told the court.

He also asked Judge McGuire to impose a minimum term of imprisonment.

Defence lawyer Nalesoni Tupou said there was no need for an MPI (minimum term of imprisonment) as Pola would be deported “as soon as the sun sets on his term of imprisonment”.

He said the rapist had no criminal record in Tonga.

Police seek information on violent Onehunga train station assault

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are seeking the public’s help to identify three people who we believe can help with enquiries into a violent assault that occurred at the Onehunga Train Station on Saturday.

On 19 May at approximately 1.40pm a 25-year-old Columbian man was sitting down waiting for his train when he was approached by a male offender who demanded the victim’s wallet.

The victim declined, and the offender began to savagely beat him, kicking him to the ground and continually punching and kicking him as he lay defenceless on the ground.

The victim has received serious head injuries including a fractured eye socket and a deep gash to his head.

Police are appalled by this completely unprovoked and violent attack and need the public’s help to identify the offender.

“This was a particularly violent assault and we are determined to identify the offender involved and hold him to account for this.  What was also very concerning was the extreme level of violence used, well over and above that needed to overcome the resistance of the victim.  Someone will recognise the offender, his friends or family will know who he is and we urge anyone with information which may help us identify him to contact police immediately,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong.

We are also looking to identify and speak to the other two people in these images.  The male was wearing camouflage pants and a blue top and the female was wearing a blue and black jacket.

If you have any information that could help our investigation, please contact Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong on (09) 524 1962 or Sergeant Harris (after 1pm) on (09)  524 1961.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Strong Auckland squad named for Tonga match

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Auckland Rugby League has today named a 25-strong premier squad in preparation for the June 2 Upright Access Mann Cup clash with the Tonga New Zealand Residents.

Among the players named by coach Grant Pocklington is 2016 National Youth Competition winner Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck, younger brother of Vodafone Warriors captain Roger, who this year has balanced playing time between the Warriors’ reserves and SAS Fox Memorial Premiership side the Richmond Bulldogs.

Five members of Glenora’s Grand Final-winning team from last year have made the cut, while 2017 runners-up Pt Chevalier – who are undefeated to date this season – have five players in line to take the field at Mount Smart Stadium.

Pocklington said it was a major benefit that the majority of his squad boasted time spent in NRL systems.

“About 80 per cent of the boys in this squad have come through the Intrust Super Premiership (NRL reserve grade) level, so they come with those fitness levels, the understanding around training,” Pocklington said.

“We’ve picked a mix of experienced guys and some younger ones who get a chance to show what they have got at this level.

“Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck was really pleased to come in as a leader. He comes from an environment at the Sydney Roosters where he’s had to know when it’s time to laugh and when it’s time to step it up, while the likes of Jamel Hunt and Zac Tippins know exactly what to do at this level.

“That local Auckland experience will be important.”

Mt Albert Lions duo Reece Joyce and Roydon Gillett – who both made the final 28 of The NRL Rookie TV show in 2016 – join reigning Auckland Rugby League Player of the Year Taylor Daniels and one-time Sydney Roosters product Abraham Papalii in the group.

In total, nine Auckland clubs are represented in the squad, with powerhouse forward Moses Oge the sole representative from the second division competition.

Auckland squad: Tevin Arona (Pt Chevalier), Kurt Bernard (Glenora), Reece Charlie (Howick), Taylor Daniels (Northcote), Geronimo Doyle (Otahuhu), Jethro Friend (Howick), Roydon Gillett (Mt Albert), Jamel Hunt (Papakura), Phoenix Hunt (Papakura), Aziah Ikitule-Filipo (Howick), Reece Joyce (Mt Albert), Michael Ki (Pt Chevalier), Moses Oge (Bay Roskill), Abraham Papalii (Pt Chevalier), Daniel Reuelu-Buchanan (Glenora), Polima Siaki (Glenora), Chris Sio (Pt Chevalier), Matiu Stone-Dunn (Richmond), Zac Tippins (Glenora), Jordan Tuarae (Glenora), Matti Tuitama (Pt Chevalier), Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck (Richmond), Siave Tupou (Richmond), Johnny Vuetibau (Howick), Cole Waaka (Northcote).

Tongan workers safe following explosion at Manildra flour mill in Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
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Manildra flour mill explosion as I drove next to it

Posted by Glen Johnston on Friday, May 18, 2018

Six Tongan employees at Manildra flour mill in Australia were not on-site when an explosion injured a worker and caused extensive damage to the facility on Saturday.

Emergency services responded to a building fire at the Manildra Group-operated site at about 2.30pm on Saturday, Central Western Daily reported.

Fine Lātū of Parkes, Sydney which is 38 minute-drive to Manildra told Kaniva News he and five other Tongans who were employees of the company were off duty when the incident occurred.

The injured individual was treated for minor injuries by ambulance crews at the scene.

Operations resumed at the Manildra Flour Mills on Monday but the cause of Saturday’s explosion likely won’t be known until the end of the week, it said.

About 40 people were on-site at about 1.30pm on Saturday when the explosion occurred triggering an evacuation of the facility.

Site manager John Brunner reportedly said it was not known what had caused the incident and subsequent blaze, and an independent assessor would work with the facility’s owner the Manildra Group to determine how it happened.

He said the explosion occurred in a storage area, activating the mills’ sprinklers and alarm systems.

Tongan employees at the mill according to Lātū were Fahina Talanoa, Tonga Folau, Sāmiu Vaha’akolo, Tuitu’u Māsila and ‘Alo Fīnau.

Man caught with cash taped to his body in $100,000 Fua‘amotu smuggling attempt

By
Kalino Latu
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A 54-year-old Asian man was arrested with stacks of cash strapped to his body on Tuesday as he was suspected of attempting to smuggle over $100,000 in different currencies out of Tonga.

The man was on his way to cross Fua’amotu International Airport customs to board an aircraft but was reported to have been detained by border police after acting suspiciously.

The suspect has been charged with failing to declare the amount of money.

Tongan law stipulates travellers only allowed to carry up to TOP$10,000 when departing and flying out of the country without filling out a declaration form.

He has been released on bail on Wednesday, May 16 to appear at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court, Police said.

Pacific Games Council and TASANOC suing Tonga government

By
Kalino Latu
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The Pacific Games Council (PGC) and Tonga Amateur National Sports Association (TASANOC) are suing the government of Tonga following the kingdom’s decision to pull the plug on hosting the 2019 Games.

The Council and TASANOC’s lawyer William Clive Edwards has served a writ of summons against the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and his government allowing them 28 days to file their defence to the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.

The writ was issued at the Tonga Supreme court on May 15, 2018.

Tonga’s Acting Attorney General Aminiasi Kefu has confirmed to Kaniva News he has received the writ from the Prime Minister’s office today Tuesday 22.

The Council and TASANOC have sought damages of at least TOP$8,497,581.17 over the breach of contract which the Council has described as “legally binding.”

The legal action came after Hon Pōhiva said the government wanted to focus its resources on other more important areas of economic development.

As Kaniva News reported last year, the government has engaged New Zealand barrister Dr Rodney Harrison in its ongoing dispute with the Pacific Games council (PGC) which is now being in court.

Editor’s note: In a previous version of this story we said PGC and TASANOC have sought damages of TOP$12.5 million. That was not correct. In fact it was TOP$8,497,581.17 

Man charged after Tonga college ground shooting

By
Kalino Latu
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Police have charged a 43-year-old man from Matangiake on Friday 18 after threatening students, and firing a gun in the air at Tonga college ground.

No one was injured after the incident on Wednesday 16.

An airgun was seized from the man’s residence after a search.

He has been charged with possession of illegal firearm and discharging a firearm within the boundaries of a town.

He was released on bail yesterday Monday 21 May to appear at the Magistrate Court on a later date.

Police leadership training continues in outer Islands

By
Kaniva Staff
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A leadership training programme was underway for Police officers in Ha’apai and ‘Eua.

This was part of a “decision making” training programme set to upskill all Police officers in the kingdom.

This programme was introduced as part of the Police Commissioner’s priorities, with developing leadership at all levels, being his key priority. He wanted all officers of Tonga Police to be trained to develop their Leadership skills with a focus on Accountability, Authority and Responsibility (AAR).

Since the start of the Leadership Training in February 2017 there has been a shift in Police staff’s mind-set and attitude towards how they exercise powers and authority according to law in solving problems and making decisions in their everyday duty, a statement from Police says.

Commissioner Steve Caldwell emphasised to all Police Officers that as leaders they must demonstrate moral courage and be professional at all times.

The Commissioner reminded staff of the role of Tonga Police, to protect and serve, uphold the rule of law, keep the Peace and have the ability to investigate crime when it occurs and that the Tonga Police Mission Statement is ‘To earn the trust and confidence of the people of Tonga through our service to the community.’ He said we are all judged by our deeds not our words.

Commissioner challenges staff, “to reflect on what we stand for, and ask yourself this question, what does the Tonga Police look like now but more importantly, what is it going to look like in the future and what are YOU going to do to make it the best police Service WE can be, to provide the best Service WE can to our people.”

The training is a three-stage development process with the first stage comprising of a pre-course questionnaire and a short multiple choice examination on the material that was delivered. Stage two comprises of a face to face training session. The drive to embed the behavioural change aspect of the program was emphasized in stage three.

The training is conducted by 9 officers who were also trained as trainers to train the remaining police staff over the following two years, and facilitated by consultants, Mr Steve Longford and Mr Greg Phillips from New Intelligence, Australia. The funding support is met by the Tonga Police Development Program sponsored by New Zealand and Australian Government.

Over 90% of sworn officers and non-sworn members have completed phase one of the training and 60% have completed the three-stages of Leadership Training.

Facebook fury as video of child being threatened with dog bite goes viral

By
Kalino Latu
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A video of a terrified young girl crying after being told she might be bitten by a dog and warned she might miss her bus has stirred up an outrage online.

Kaniva News has not been able to confirm the authenticity of the video or who filmed it.

Facebook users appeared to believe the woman who filmed the video was the child’s mother.

The video appears to have been uploaded so it could be shared with friends and family members.

The video showed the terrified child, whose name on the video was given as Mele, listening to a woman who instructed her to walk to the bus stop.

The woman was overheard telling the child to walk away and be careful otherwise a huge dog in a neighbouring home might bite her.

She then told the girl to leave as she had texted the bus to come and pick her up.

The girl in the video looked scared, but was told to leave. She was crying while saying goodbye to the woman.

“Do not cry otherwise the dog will hear you,” the woman said.

The little girl sobbed and tried to compose herself, but the woman did not appear to do anything to calm her.

Instead she told Mele if she continued crying the bus would not stop for her.

The woman was overheard trying not to laugh at the girl and made fun of her by asking whether she was walking to Nomuka, an island in Ha’apai – a joke mostly made to refer to the place wherever someone who is being make fun of came from in Tonga.

In the video the girl walked about 20 metres before  stopping. The woman talked to her, asking if she still wants to walk to the bus stop. The girl started crying again.

The girl continued walking again, but the woman could be overheard laughing. She called again to stop Mele and asked her to return to her, before asking if she wanted to go by bus or not.

Mele stopped but she was again told to walk to the bus stop by herself, which according to the video, it would take some time before she could arrive there.

The woman in the video has been severely criticised for her action, with some people labelling her as foolish and saying her action was uncalled for.

Some commentators were emotional and expressed support for the little girl.

“This is so sad! Got teary eyes watching this video! This is so my Sennan! Kids are so stubborn and scared sometimes, but seriously I’ll never let my little girl walk alone like this these days! when my mom and aunty are busy, i have to go drop my Sennan to school i always get out of the car, hold her hand and walk her down to her classroom! To see tears on my kids face always melt my heart! Our kids want to feel that we care. Mamas wake up, don’t let your kids walk alone cos these days are geting worst!! I heart this cute little girl!” a commentator wrote.

“Oh my gosh is this a joke? Not funny at all when I watch this I cried together with the little girl stupid mother,” another wrote.

“I think this is not funny at all….not funny….you really hurt the feeling of the child…..please….do not ever do that again to your own child…

“Whats funny about making a child cry?”

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