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Two Aucklanders arrested with half a kilogram meth after traffic stop in Tasman

By
Kaniva Staff
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Two men from Auckland were charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine after 500 grams of the drug was found in their car during a traffic stop in Murchison.

The two men, aged 26 and 27, were stopped in Murchison after they were reported for an earlier driving offence in St Anaud.

Nelson Police have arrested the duo after a substantial quantity of methamphetamine was located in their vehicle in Murchison on Friday morning.

Police subsequently searched their vehicle and located a quantity of methamphetamine weighing approximately 500 grams.

They appeared in the Nelson District Court later the same day.

Legality of PM Pōhiva’s media advisor’s job in question; no contract, works unpaid

By
Kalino Latu
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The Prime Minister’s media advisor Lōpeti Senituli works without pay and has not signed an employment contract with the government.

Senituli told Kaniva News he had not been given any work equipment, despite being in the job for about two months.

He worked in a similar capacity for Lord Sevele’s government.  Lord Sevele was Prime Minister from March 30, 2006 to December 22, 2010.

However, the lack of an employment contract did not stop the government from paying Senituli to accompany the Prime Minister to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London last month.

The government has also given him a vehicle to use.

According to unconfirmed reports the Public Service Commission and the Prime Minister’s office have asked why the post was given to Senituli without being publicly advertised.

There was also a question regarding his academic qualification for the job and whether he was qualified to be given the same salary scale and entitlements to which government Chief Executive Officers are entitled.

Senituli said Hon Pōhiva wanted him to start immediately.

“Whether it is legal or illegal is not for me to say,” Senituli said.

“I started as soon as possible. But I made clear before starting that I would work on the same terms and conditions that I was employed under when working for Dr. Sevele’s government.

“When I worked under Dr. Sevele I had access to a vehicle and a laptop and mobile phone the same week that I started work even before my contract was signed.”

Senituli said he thanked the Prime Minister for his decision to give him a government vehicle to be used.

As Kaniva News reported in March, Hon Pōhiva has appointed Senituli as his media advisor.

Senituli, a law degree student at USP’s Tonga campus was a former political ally of Hon. Pōhiva who once turned against the Prime Minister. They repeatedly clashed in public when Senituli was press secretary to Lord Sevele.

Senituli said he saw no problem in working with Hon. Pōhiva again.

The Prime Minister’s office had been contacted for comment.

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Pohiva: I won because people helped make it happen

Rumours that China wants Vanuatu naval base recall Pohiva’s 2013 claim over debt threat

By
Philip Cass
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Claims that China wants to establish a naval base in Vanuatu have revived memories of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s warning that the Asian super-power might demand similar facilities in Tonga.

In 2013, when he was leader of the Opposition, Hon. Pōhiva warned that China might demand Tonga let it open a naval base if the government tried to have its massive debt written off.

Vanuatu owes China a large amount of money and there have been allegations that government may hope to strike a deal with China on the naval base in return for forgiveness of debt; the same threat Hon. Pōhiva warned of five years ago.

Last month the Reserve Bank said Tonga would start repaying the principal of its loan from China this year, but did not release any other details.

Tonga and China have had diplomatic relations since 1998. Military relations between the two countries have been relatively low key.

In 2001 the Chinese People’s Daily reported that the two countries had decided to strengthen their “military relations”. In 2008, China provided Tonga with military supplies worth more than TP$900,000. In August 2013, General Wu Changde, Deputy Chief of the PLA General Political Department, led a military delegation to Tonga.

Meanwhile, Cook Islands Finance Minister Mark Brown has told the Cook Islands News his country was unlikely to ever see the Chinese military coming in to take over the country if it was unable to repay its debts to China.

The Cook Islands owes the Exim Bank of China US$34 million.

Naval vessels from New Zealand, Australia and France have regularly visited the Cook Islands.

In 2008 the Cook Islands signed a co-operation agreement on joint maritime surveillance operations with the United States.

China has been increasingly active in the Pacific in the past 20 years.

It has been competing with Taiwan for recognition by Pacific island states and both countries have tried to woo island nations with offers of aid and easy loans. It has been especially active in Fiji.

Western countries have been extremely concerned by China’s expansion. Last year a Chinese naval vessel appeared off the coast of Queensland during joint Australian-US military exercises.

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‘Akilisi Pohiva: Tonga is lost to China

Tuilaepa accuses Pōhiva of being ‘jello’ over Samoan press freedom

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu (Samoa Observer/Asia Pacific Report)

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielelgaoi has accused his Tongan counterpart ‘Akilisi Pōhiva of being “jello” – jealous – of Samoa’s media freedom ranking.

Tuilaepa made the comment in response to Pōhiva questioning Samoa’s ranking on the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index.

Samoa is ranked 22nd while Tonga is ranked 51st.

Speaking at the opening of the 5th Pacific Media Summit being held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Pohiva suggested that something was “odd” with the rankings.

“You have all heard by now how that Tonga dropped two places from 49 to 51 on the 2018 World Press Freedom index,” he said.

“You have also learned that the reason for the drop is because of my government’s unfair treatment of senior journalists in the Tonga Broadcasting Commission.

“I have no problems with that but let me assure you all that it is a work in progress.

‘Continuing to talk’

“We are continuing to talk with the management and staff members of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission about improving our relationship, and of course our position in the 2019 Press Freedom Index.”

This is when he turned his attention to Samoa.

“I must say that I am surprised by Samoa’s position on the Press Freedom Index where Samoa is 22nd,” he said.

“Oh congratulations! However, what I went on about is the ongoing battle between my Samoan counterpart and the Samoa Observer. I can’t believe that Samoa is 22nd and Tonga is 51st. This is unbelievable.”

Asked for a comment, Prime Minister Tuilaepa laughed.

“Our ranking is far superior than the United States of America, which is ranked 45th and this is good news for the media and everyone who is here in my office,” Tuilaepa said.

Freedom of journalists

“I am thankful that the government puts up with you people,” he said, laughing.

“I am talking about freedom of journalists in our country and that is why the Tongan Prime Minister is somewhat “jello” (jealous) given that their ranking is very low, yet Samoa’s ranking is quite significant.”

According to Prime Minister Tuilaepa, there is a difference in the governance of Samoa and Tonga, but he did not elaborate on this.

Kaniva Tonga New has a republication arrangement with Asia Pacific Report.

MP Kanongata‘a vows to fight on after bid to take oaths in mother tongue fails

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan MP in New Zealand Parliament has vowed to keep fighting after her bill to recognise minority languages in Parliament was rejected.

Labour’s ‘Anahila Kanongata’a Suisuiki recently introduced a private member’s bill in New Zealand’s Parliament seeking to amend the law which only recognises members swearing their allegiance in English and Te Reo Maori.

The bill sought to allow members to choose the language which best suited them when being sworn in, reported Radio New Zealand.

She said this reflected the increased diversity of modern New Zealand, and would allow Pacific people to better understand the gravity of the act.

The bill was defeated 65 votes to 54 in its first reading last week but Ms Kanongata’a-Suisuiki vowed to fight on and quoted a Maori proverb.

“Kaua e mate wheke, mate ururoa!”

“Which means, don’t die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead,” she said.

“Octopus are renowned for their lack of resistance when being captured, however a hammerhead shark will fight bitterly to the end.”

Currently, members of parliament can seek permission from the speaker to use their mother tongue but agreement has to be sought from every member of the house.

Third man arrested over Mangere gun murder

By
Kalino Latu
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A third man has been arrested over the murder of a Tongan man shot once in the head in Mangere, South Auckland.

Epalahame Tu’uheava, 28, was found lying dead beside his seriously injured wife Mele Yolanda Tu’uheava, 25, on Greenwood Rd at about 6am May 1.

Mele suffered a number of gunshot wounds and was taken to Auckland City Hospital. She remains in hospital where she continues to recover from her injuries.

Also known as Hame or Abraham, his body had been laid to rest on Wednesday.

Counties Manukau Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Mangere this evening and charged him with the murder of Epalahame and the attempted murder of Mele.

The arrest came after a 24-year-old male and a 30-year-old male from South Auckland, have both been charged this morning with murder and attempted murder.

The pair were scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court later today.

The man in the third arrest is charged jointly with the two men arrested earlier.

He is scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court on Saturday 12 May 2018.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faa Vaaelua said the ongoing enquiries by the investigation team has resulted in the latest arrest.

“Even after this third arrest for the murder and attempted murder, our investigation team will continue to identify and prosecute anyone else who played a part in this.”

Two arrested after ‘Epalahame Tu’uheava shot dead in Mangere

Arrests after car shot at in Tongatapu; illegal firearm, ammo and drugs seized

By
Kalino Latu
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A 42-year-old man has been arrested after shots were fired into a parked car carrying occupants in Kolonga.

One of the occupants, a 25-year-old man, was also arrested after Police seized an illegal firearm, ammunition and 36 grams of cannabis from his residence.

“Police believes that this incident is drug related,” Acting Police Superintendent Semi Ve’ehala said.

No one was injured in the shooting incident, he said.

“Both suspects are now in police custody while police investigation continues.”

Two arrested after ‘Epalahame Tu’uheava shot dead in Mangere

By
Kalino Latu
-

Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Tongan man in Mangere, New Zealand.

Epalahame Tu’uheava, 28, was found lying dead beside his seriously injured wife Mele Yolanda Tu’uheava, 25, on Greenwood Rd at about 6am May 1.

Also known as Hame or Abraham, the young father from Manurewa died of a gunshot to the head, while Mele suffered a number of gunshot wounds and was taken to Auckland City Hospital. She remains in hospital where she continues to recover from her injuries.

‘Epalahame’s body had been laid to rest on Wednesday.

A 24-year-old male and a 30-year-old male from South Auckland, have both been charged this morning with murder and attempted murder.

The pair are scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court later today.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faa Vaaelua says a dedicated team of Police staff have been working hard on this case.

“This was a violent incident that shocked the community and we hope the arrests today will provide some reassurance to the surviving victim, the families affected, as well as the wider public.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and further enquiries will continue to be made in relation to this incident.”

New Rugby Africa Gold Cup perpetual trophy unveiled ahead of Rugby World Cup qualifiers

By
Kaniva Staff
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The 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup, which doubles as a Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification tournament, has launched a new trophy and brand at the AIPS congress in Brussels on Tuesday 8 May.

The Rugby Africa Gold Cup will be played across seven match days between 16 June and 18 August 2018 and features Africa’s top teams that have not already qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2019 – Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Morocco and Tunisia.

The action will get under way on 16 June at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia and the tournament will reach its exciting conclusion when the final is played on 18 August.

The winner of the competition will qualify for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan as Africa 1, joining reigning champions New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and the repechage winner in Pool B. The Rugby Africa Gold Cup runner-up will go straight to the four-team repechage tournament in November 2018.

The striking perpetual trophy reflects the ambitions of a sport that is the fastest-growing in Africa and a region that has seen record participation growth and fan engagement over the last five years.

Since 2002 the number of African nations playing rugby has risen from six to 38, reflecting the excellent development work that has been undertaken across the region and the appetite for a sport that continues to reach, engage and inspire young people.

As part of the global Get Into Rugby programme, over 377,800 participants, supported by 4,400 coaches, were introduced to rugby across Africa in 2017 as the sport continues to go from strength to strength.

World Rugby (www.WorldRugby.org) Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby has experienced tremendous growth across Africa in recent years, helped by proactive programmes such as Get Into Rugby, and we are looking forward to witnessing a high quality Rugby Africa Gold Cup as the nations compete for the chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and to lift this fantastic new trophy for the first time.”

Speaking at the unveiling of the trophy, Rugby Africa Chairman Abdelaziz Bougja said: “The Rugby Africa Gold Cup trophy is the highest reward for any African rugby player and presenting this most symbolic perpetual trophy for the first time at the International Sports Press Association’ Congress and the European capital is an amazing experience in the lifetime. This perpetual trophy will honour African rugby players for generations to come.”

The new Rugby Africa Gold Cup perpetual trophy has been created to embody rugby’s values of Integrity, Respect, Solidarity, Passion and Discipline which inspire 9.1 million people to play the game worldwide. Gold plated and standing at a height of 47 centimetres (18.5 inches) and weighing 3.3 kilograms, the perpetual trophy features a smooth Georgian bodied design, complete with delicately patterned handles, an impressive stepped lid that is supplied complete with a circular solid African Mahogany base.

The Trophy has been expertly engraved with the text ‘Rugby Africa Gold Cup’ and has the shape of Africa in pride of place on the main body. It holds the names of the 17 previous winners and has space for at least seventy more winning teams’ names to be engraved on the base.

The perpetual trophy will not be the only piece of silverware on show as the Webb Ellis Cup, which is awarded to the Rugby World Cup winners, will make an appearance during the Rugby Africa Gold Cup tournament as part of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Trophy Tour.

Three people arrested after Ōtāhuhu and King colleges lockdown

By
Kalino Latu
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New Zealand – Three people are in custody following an incident that began earlier this morning where a suspicious vehicle was spotted and failed to stop for Police in Mangere.

The vehicle was observed by police eagle helicopter to approach Otahuhu College at around 9.30am where three offenders were seen to enter the premise.

Two offenders were quickly apprehended however a third offender remained outstanding for a period.

“Otahuhu College and King’s College are no longer in lockdown following an incident at Otahuhu College this morning,” Inspector Matt Srhoj, Counties Manukau Police.

Armed Police, who happened to be nearby, came to assist as a precaution, while Otahuhu College and nearby King’s College were placed in lockdown also as a precaution while efforts were made to locate the third offender.

He was found a short time ago hiding in a hallway at the school.

No weapons were located on the individual.

Police would like to thank the schools and the public for their patience while police dealt with this unfolding incident.

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