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Rugby coach banned for life; $4000 fine after attack on referee in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
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Vainī rugby coach, Venili Vailea, who allegedly punched a referee three times during a rugby match has been banned from the sport for life by the Tonga Rugby Sub-Union committee.

Vailea will never step foot on the field again after his attack left referee Tokomea ‘Ofahulu with minor injuries.

Vaha’i Nau, one of the Vainī rugby players, has been banned for the rest of this year’s rugby union tournament games after he allegedly touched the referee’s hand in an attempt to look at his wristwatch to find out about the time during the controversial game.

The committee has also imposed on Vainī Rugby Union club a fine of TP$4,000 for contravening the rules that govern the Tonga Rugby Union clubs.

The committee made its decisions in a meeting yesterday Tuesday 26 and demanded the fine must be paid in full before this Saturday 30, according to a letter from the Committee seen by Kaniva News.

The letter was addressed to the Vainī rugby club manager Hon Tēvita ‘Unga.

The Vainī rugby team could be banned from the rest of this year’s Tongatapu seasonal rugby tournament games if it failed to pay the fine, the letter said.

The Vainī rugby union team could also be demoted next year to play at level two grade if they could not pay the fine.

A spokesperson for the Vainī team told Kaniva News they will appeal the Committee’s decisions.

He claimed they had filed a formal complaint with the Committee against referee ‘Ofahulu and how he officiated the game. He said the complaint was submitted before the Committee’s meeting yesterday.

The decisions came after ‘Ofahulu who officiated a rugby match between the Vainī team and the Toa Ko Ma’afu rugby team was allegedly attacked.

It is understood the Vainī team and their supporters were unhappy with how ‘Ofahulu controlled the game on Saturday 16.

It appeared the incident occurred after ‘Ofahulu blew the final whistle and ended the game while the Vainī team was attacking. The match ended in a draw.

An eyewitness alleged there was still time after the final whistle was blown and the timekeeper did not indicate to the referee to end the second half.

King’s first cousin dies in Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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A first cousin of King Tupou VI, Princess Lavinia Mata ‘o Tāone Ma’afu, died in Auckland on Friday.

The Royal Palace Office has confirmed her death, local news media reported.

The cause of her death has not been formally announced.

Kaniva News has learnt through a number of sources very close to the royals that the Princess’ body is planned to be returned to Tonga this Friday.

Princess Tāone married to Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi and they had two children.

A son by the name of  Hon Tēvita ‘Unga Lausi’i, and a daughter by the name of Hon Fangaake Veikune.

Princess Tāone’s father late Prince Fatafehi Tu’ipelehake was the young brother of King Tupou VI’s late father King Tupou IV.

Her eldest sisters were Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu, Princess ‘Ofeina ‘E he Langi Fakafanua and late Princess ‘Elisiva Vaha’i.

Her two brothers were late Prince Mailefihi and late Prince Tu’ipelehake.

Gov’t denies Talaki newspaper article claiming Deputy PM owes TP$1million taxes

By
Kalino Latu
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The Ministry of Revenue and Customs has denied an article by Talaki newspaper printed on 8 May 2018 claiming the Deputy Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika owed the government millions of pa’anga in taxes.

The Ministry’s Acting CEO said in a statement that the article was “false.”

Kaniva News was unable to obtain a copy of the Talaki article.

However, we have seen a similar article published in Tongan by the Nepituno webpage on April 27, 2018 about a week before the Talaki.

The Ministry was contacted about the Nepituno article.

Nepituno claimed Hon Sika owed more than TP$1 million in taxes to government.

The headline of the article alleged the Prime Minister and the Minister of Revenue and Customs attempted to conceal Hon Sika’s unpaid taxes.

The article claimed it obtained its information from a highly placed source.

Nepituno also alleged the former CEO of the Ministry of Revenue and Customs arranged Hon Sika’s debts to be recovered, but the arrangement was withheld after he learned the Prime Minister and his son in law, who is the current Minister of Revenue and Customs, were not happy about it.

This morning the Ministry’s Acting CEO said the  “rumour” was false.

“The Ministry of Revenue and Customs would like to clarify that the contents of the article published on the Talaki Newspaper, issue of the 8th May 2018, page 3, claiming that the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Semisi Sika owes tax to Government in the millions, is false,” the Acting CEO said.

“Talaki in the same article also reports rumours exchanged on social media that there was directions from high officials in Government for the Ministry not to initiate court recovery of the “millions of tax owed”.

“The Ministry would like to remind the public that there are processes followed by the Ministry in recovering outstanding tax and these processes apply to all taxpayers regardless of social and political status.

“It is disappointing that these false and misleading information are being shared on social media and published in local newspapers without confirmation or authority of the Ministry.

“The Ministry would also like to emphasize to the public that tax information of taxpayers are confidential and would only be disclosed in circumstance specified in the law.

“This protects the interest and confidence of taxpayers that their personal income information are securely kept by the Ministry.

“It is then the duty of the Ministry to ensure that the correct tax is assessed and paid according to the tax information provided by the taxpayer or collected by the Ministry.”

King appoints Lawyer Laki Niu as Supreme Court judge

By
Kalino Latu
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King Tupou VI has appointed Lawyer Laki Niu as a Supreme and Land Courts judge on June 21.

Niu will start working at the Courts on July 2.

As Kaniva News reported this morning, the New Zealand government has granted funding to pay for the first Tongan Supreme court judge.

The funding was part of three agreements worth NZ$8 million which were signed in Nuku’alofa today between New Zealand and Tonga.

The two countries agreed to strengthen Tonga’s education and justice systems, and public sector management through policy reform.

The appointment of Lawyer Niu came after the Minister of Justice Sione Vuna Fā’otusia told us in a previous report the government was working on a scheme to have an all-Tongan Supreme Court bench by 2020.

“This is a wonderful thing for our Judiciary and for us Tongans to have faith in the integrity and capability of our very own people,” Hon. Fā’otusia said.

The Minister told Kaniva News the scheme also included the government being able to pay the Supreme Court Judges.

Lawyer Niu was a former Member of Parliament and  former President of the Tonga Law Society.

For further information:

Gov’t wants all-Tongan Supreme Court bench and government control of salaries by 2020

NZ funds first Tongan Supreme Court judge and Youth Diversion Scheme

By
Kalino Latu
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The New Zealand government has granted funding to pay for the first Tongan Supreme court judge and a diversion scheme for the youth.

This has been part of the NZ$8 million dollar support signed in Nuku’alofa today by the New Zealand High Commissioner Her Excellency Tiffany Babington and the Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa.

The authorities signed three agreements for the grant to support Tonga’s education and justice systems, and public sector management through policy reform.

“These are key priorities identified for New Zealand’s development support to Tonga,” a statement said.

Under the NZ$3 million 2-year Tonga Education Support activity, New Zealand will partner with the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training to raise the professional capability of teachers and principals.

The NZ$3 million 3-year Tonga Justice Sector Support Programme will improve Tonga access to a fair and effective justice system and strengthen rule of law.

The Programme will support short-term funding for a Tongan Supreme Court Judge, workforce planning, capability building and information management for the Supreme and Magistrates’ Courts, and the establishment of the Youth Diversion Scheme.

HE Tiffany Babington also handed over a Grant Contribution to Minister Tu’i’onetoa, of NZ$2 million in general budget support to assist the Government of Tonga progress policy reform measures through strengthened public finance management, public service delivery, and fiscal resilience.

Measures include a new performance management system linking pay to performance, and new salary bands to improve consistency between jobs and across government.

Additionally, World Bank technical assistance is provided to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to track significant procurements and performance.

New Zealand’s total contribution since 2015 is NZ$4 million.

The High Commissioner said as a close friend to Tonga, New Zealand will continue to contribute to Tonga’s economic and social well-being and support its stability, resilience and good governance.

“New Zealand recognises that quality education remains a top priority for Tonga, and that Tonga is committed to championing good governance and access to justice including for youth.”

Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa thanked New Zealand for continuing to partner with Tonga to achieve its priorities.

For further information:

Gov’t wants all-Tongan Supreme Court bench and government control of salaries by 2020

Police seize $30 million cocaine in Ha‘apai

By
Kaniva Staff
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Fifty-eight kilograms of cocaine, with a street value of up to TOP$30 million, has been uncovered by police in Ha’apai.

Two local men, aged 26 and 28, have been arrested and are in police custody in relation to the seizure of the illicit drugs

The bust came as an ongoing Police operation which began in June 8 and was assisted by His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

“We will protect our borders and people with everything that it takes,” said Commissioner Caldwell.

“This is a highly significant seizure, which sends a clear message that Police, along with partner agencies will continue to work together to disrupt the supply of illicit drugs.

Commissioner Caldwell emphasizes that the fight against drugs is a challenge for the country and not just the Police. “We need to protect our youth from these criminals who are destroying their future by addicting them to drugs.”

Police wish to thank the public for their support as well as the assistance from His Majesty’s Navy during this Operation. Commissioner Caldwell also commended the outstanding work of his police officers during this Operation.

Those with any information on drug-related offending or suspicious activities are encouraged to speak in confidence to an officer at their local Police station, or contact 23417 or 25147.

As the case is before the Courts no further information will be released.

King officially appoints MP Ma’asi as Minister, Dr Puloka as Ha’apai governor

By
Kaniva Staff
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His Majesty King Tupou VI has officially appointed MP Losaline Ma’asi as Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.

He also appointed Reverend Dr Mohenoa Puloka as the Governor of Ha’apai.

The appointments were effective from June 21, according to the Prime Minister’s spokesperson Lōpeti Senituli.

“Yes. The Prime Minister’s Office has received advice from the Lord Privy Seal, Viliami Malolo, that His Majesty has appointed Rev Dr Tēvita Mohenoa Puloka as Governor of Ha’apai.

“In addition the Lord Privy Seal had also advised that His Majesty has appointed Hon Losaline Ma’asi as Minister for Internal Affairs effective from 21 June 2018,” Senituli told Kaniva News this morning.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva nominated Rev Dr Mohenoa Puloka to become the Ha’apai governor in April.

About a month later Hon Pōhiva also nominated MP Mā’asi as a Cabinet minister.

MP Ma’asi replaced MP ‘Akosita Lavulavu who was forced to resign after she and her husband ‘Etuate Lavulavu were charged with three counts each of knowingly dealing with forged documents and three counts of obtaining credit by false pretences.

They appeared in court last month.

Bou Fashion say contestants knew they would collect cash prizes after the show

By
Kalino Latu
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The organiser of the Bou Fashion beauty pageant competition claimed contestants were told they would receive empty envelopes at Friday night’s award and would collect their cash prizes later.

Two contestants had already picked up their cash prizes by today, June 25.

They were the Miss Kahoa Kakala ‘O Tonga, Samantha Ma’asi, who won the NZ$2600 prize and Miss Pouono Krafts who won the $900 cash prize.

Organiser Tupou Tanginoa Fonua made the clarification after some audience members at Friday night’s awards were surprised to hear the contestants opened their envelopes and found nothing inside them.

One supporter claimed the contestants were not told they would receive empty envelopes.

One contestant’s promoter said she only found out from the Bou Fashion staff during the awards ceremony that her contestant would have to collect her cash prizes later.

When asked for comments, Fonua sent Kaniva News a screenshot of the following Facebook post:

“As discussed with our Miss BOU’S contestants they will return clothes which I provided during the pageant and they will pick up their cash prizes today. Two contestants have been already this morning to pick up theirs (sic) cash prizes so far…

“Miss Kahoa Kakala O Tonga – Samantha Maasi $2600. Miss Pouono Krafts – Fetu’u ‘Uluaki $900.”

She also posted a photo of Miss Pouono Krafts holding dollar notes.

Fonua also posted two hand-written letters containing the names of ‘Uluaki and Ma’asi with their signatures.

In the letters the undersigned said they “confirmed” they had received their cash prizes today.

In response, a person by the name of Stephanie Maryannie Ma’asi Fukofuka wrote:  “It was not discussed or we wouldn’t have opened the envelopes expecting cash in there LOL but finally…a little exposure does the trick…”

She earlier wrote: “My sister received (four empty) envelopes you claim we have to collect which we have yet heard from!”

A promoter of the winner of the beauty contest, Miss Luana Fifita, said she collected four envelopes for her niece’s prizes and they were all empty.

“I saw the envelopes with the amount won, opened it and there’s no money and I click that they don’t put money inside. There were so many people and the girls just put the envelopes on the table and everyone was everywhere.  So to confirm I ask one of Bou’s staff just to make sure and she confirmed, money will be collected after. So we were happy to collect it later,” Sisifa Manoa Tangi told Kaniva News.

The winners of the Miss Bou’s Pageant competition were:

Winner – Miss 312 Barbars -Luana Fifita

1st Runner Up – Miss Kahoa Kakala O Tonga – Samantha Ma’asi.

2nd Runner Up – Miss Ciora Karaoke Bar – Dominique Sevele

3rd Runner Up – Miss Pouono Krafts – Fetu’u Uluaki

1st – Pre Pageant Interview- Miss Ciora Karaoke Bar – Dominique Sevele.

1st Tau’olunga – Miss Kahoa Kakala O Tonga – Samantha Ma’asi

1st Puletaha – Miss 312 Barbers – Luana Fifita

1st Sarong – Miss Hala Vaiola – ‘Evalata Vehikite

1st Talent – Miss Vava’u Lahi Night Club – Epenisa Hafoka

1st Stage Interview – Miss Pouono Krafts – Fetu’u Uluaki.

Tongatapu fire destroys house, bus and a van

By
Kalino Latu
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A house, a bus and an eight-seater new van were destroyed by a blaze on Sunday morning in Kahoua.

One report says a tractor was also destroyed.

There were no reports of injuries.

Kaniva News understands the house and the vehicles belonged to Tevita Pale and Sela Pale Na’a of Kahoua.

The Pales owned four buses and other vehicles.

It is understood the family did not have enough time to move all the vehicles out of the scene when the fire started.

Relatives and friends of the Pales took to Facebook to express their sympathy to the family.



The Tonga Fire and Emergency Services was contacted for comment.

Video shows Police officers threw men to floor in Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
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Scroll down to watch the video clip

A viral video shows police officers at the back of a parked Police van throwing two persons on the floor of a Police van.

A Police officer threw a man on the floor while a second man was apparently thrown into the back of the pick van by another Police officer.

The van was parked in the middle of a road intersection with its blue and red lights flashing.

It appeared the video was recorded after Police were trying to resolve an incident involving the two men.

The shocking footage was recorded last night in Nuku’alofa.

Kaniva News could not be able to independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

The video clip was uploaded to Facebook by a person known as Tai Tu’itavuki.

Ok Tonga Police what’s going on here 👿🤦🏽‍♂️

Posted by Tai Tu'itavuki on Saturday, June 23, 2018

Tu’itavuki told Kaniva News through Facebook the incident was recorded last night.

It has since been viewed more than 22,000 times and shared 494 times. It has 153 comments and received 142 reactions.

The footage has divided the online community with some people insisted this kind of Police brutality has to be stopped while others stood by the Police officers.

Some said they wanted to know the “full story” before they formed an opinion.

“[There] must be two sides of this video,” one commenter wrote.

Some people stood by the Police officers.

“When you are told to leave you have to go. Be obedient and the Police would not beat you,” another wrote in Tongan.

“Police officers are fed up with youths causing crimes and disorder.”

But many people were outraged by the clip.

“These Police officers should be sent to court,” another wrote in Tongan.

“The Police officers never learnt from the past incidents,” one wrote referring to a number of violent incidents in which Police officers got involved and some ended up being imprisoned or dismissed as a result.

Some commenters wrote swear Tongan words about the Police officers action.

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