Counties Manukau Police are seeking the public’s assistance to help locate missing 66-year-old Elisapeta Soli.
Elisapeta was last seen leaving an address in Marvon Downs Avenue, Pakuranga around 10am yesterday.
Elisapeta speaks limited English and may be confused.
Police and her family have concerns for her welfare and we want to hear from anyone who has seen Elisapeta today or yesterday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Counties Manukau Police on 09 263 2709
Niua MP Vātau Hui was last week convicted and fined in the Fasi Lower Court after pleading guilty to failing to submit a report of his financial campaign expenses.
Magistrate ‘Elisapeta Langi fined him a total of $300.00.
The court was told an Electoral Commission investigation found MP Hui failed to report his campaign spending and it alerted Police to the offence.
General election candidates can spend up to a maximum of TOP$10,000 on election advertising and this was why they required by law to file a financial report after every election.
MP Hui unseated former MP and Minister of Internal Affairs Fe’ao Vakatā after the 2017 November snap election.
A 17-year-old Auckland man has been arrested in relation to a violent assault that occurred at the Onehunga train station on Saturday 19 May, 2018.
The offender allegedly assaulted the victim who was sitting down waiting for his train and robbed him of his wallet, phone and belt bag.
The victim received serious head injuries as a result of the assault.
Thanks to some good information from the public, Police were able to locate the offender and he was arrested without incident yesterday evening.
Police have also identified two other people who are helping us with our enquiries.
“This arrest is a good example of what can be achieved with assistance from the public. This was a traumatic event for our victim and we would like to thank the community, as the information provided to us in this situation helped hold to account the person responsible for a serious assault.” said Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong.
Police are continuing to support the victim throughout his recovery. We have also received numerous offers of support for the victim from the local South American community too.
A 17-year-old man has been charged with robbery by assault and aggravated wounding and will appear in the Auckland District Court today.
Former New Zealand and Mate Ma’a Tonga representatives Epalahame Lauaki and Tevita Latu headline the Tonga New Zealand Residents squad named to play Auckland on June 2 at Mount Smart Stadium.
In a decorated 11-year career which saw him play in both the NRL and UK Super League competitions, Lauaki was capped twice by the Kiwis and three times by his birth nation Tonga, while Latu amassed four Test caps between the two nations, with both players appearing at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Joining the pair in the wider squad for the inaugural Upright Access Mann Cup are a host of players who have come through the Vodafone Warriors’ system, with prop Daniel Palavi, winger Saula Solomona and halfback Eko Malu all bringing vast experience.
Head coach Duane Mann said he had focussed on achieving the right balance with his squad.
“I wanted to make sure we had the right mix of youth and experience,” Mann said.
“Players like Soape Kavaliku, Epalahame Lauaki and Tevita Latu have been around the top scene for a long time and have given a lot back to club league in Auckland, and they join some really talented guys in their early 20s.
“Having those experienced guys around to promote the cultural aspect will also be important. It’s a huge part of this game, and whether it’s a Tongan, Maori or Kiwi team, culture is so important.”
Henderson Cars Tonga New Zealand Residents squad: Ma’afu Briggs (Marist Saints), Nicholas Halalilo (Mangere East Hawks), Richard Holani (Otahuhu Leopards), Soape Kavaliku (Glenora Bears), Tom Kavaliku (Marist Saints), Tevita Latu (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Epalahame Lauaki (Glenora Bears), Francis Leger (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Seiloni Liava’a (Howick Hornets), Sioeli Makaui (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Eko Malu (Northcote Tigers), Paea Manukia (Glenora Bears), Tevita Mikaele (Otahuhu Leopards), Ethan Nukanuka (Otahuhu Leopards), Peter Oliveti (Mt Albert Lions), Koli Oneone (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Daniel Palavi (Pt Chevalier Pirates), Paea Palu (Mt Albert Lions), Cyrus Payne (Marist Saints), Joseph Price (Mt Albert Lions), Troy Pulupaki (Howick Hornets), Trent Schaumkel (Northcote Tigers), Jonah Sofele (Otahuhu Leopards), Saula Solomona (Pt Chevalier Pirates), William Stowers (Papakura Sea Eagles), Dakohta Taimani (Mangere East Hawks), Akuila Tuha (Papakura Sea Eagles), Kruz Tupou (Howick Hornets), Toni Tupouniua (Marist Saints), Sione Tongia (Otahuhu Leopards), Dylan Uate (Otahuhu Leopards), Netane Vi (Mangere East Hawks).
A Tongan woman convicted of fraud in New Zealand has engaged in a war of words after being ridiculed on social media by supporters of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.
Neomai Muasika, 55, had previously claimed on social media that the Prime Minister was corrupt and dishonest.
Hon Pōhiva’s supporters began taunting Muasika this week after it was revealed she had been convicted in March at the Dunedin District Court on six charges of dishonestly using a document and one charge of obtaining by deception.
She was sentenced to six months’ home detention (with six months’ post detention conditions) and 200 hours’ community work after she defrauded Inland Revenue and Social Housing of a total amount of $98,964.61.
She was also ordered to pay $10,000 reparation at $20 a week, the level of payments to be reassessed in one year’s time.
Judge Michael Turner described her offending as premeditated and protracted.
“Essentially, what you did was steal from every taxpayer in the country,” Judge Turner said.
In defending herself on Facebook, Muasika said in Tongan: “Tax pe a Neomai kai pe e Neomai ta fkfoki pe e Neomai ikai kau ai tukuhau kakai masiva i Tonga mahino atu.”
This translates into English as: “It was Neomai’s tax Neomai defrauded it Neomai paid it back and it did not involve the poor Tongan taxpayers’ tax is that understood.”
In response a critic wrote: “Hahah hoo mata malohi keke kai e paanga tax e kakai peake tala koho paanga tax..lol”
This translates into English as: “Hahaha how dare you embezzle people’s tax and say it was your tax money..lol”
Another commentator told Muasika he thought when he read the news her husband had died.
In response Muasika said she only did that so she could get money for living, referring to her fraud activities.
Some commenters stood by Muasika and said she should not be criticised as she had been convicted and she would pay for her fine.
Muasika’s offending resulted in her receiving $61,510.32 benefit overpayment. Muasika received a pecuniary advantage in the form of subsidised Income Related Rent for social housing amounting to $37,454.29 resulting in a total overpayment of $98,964.61.
The judge noted Muasika’s explanation to probation services that her husband would return to Tonga without her and the children and that she needed funds to keep the house running.
She said she became accustomed to financial independence.
For more information
$98,900 benefit fraud brings home detention (Otago Daily Times)
A well-known Tongan love song, Ta Kuo Te Si’i ‘Au’auhia, was composed by the late Sione ‘Āleki for Tu’imala Kaho.
Tu’imala, a well-known Tongan poetess, singer and choreographer, revealed this in an interview with Kaniva News in Auckland recently.
Tu’imala said the song had seven verses, each of which began with one of the seven letters of her name – Tu’imala.
When pressed about the meaning of the song, she smiled and said it was just typical of Tongan poets and musicians to compose songs about some one they loved, respected, looked up to or they thought were worth singing about.
The song was very popular with Tongan singers and many have recorded it.
Tu’imala said the Late Queen Salote Tupou III, who was regarded as the best poetess of Tongan modern times, had composed many songs about her half-sister, Princess ‘Elisiva Fusipala Tauki’onetuku, who lived from 26 July 1912 to 21 April 1933.
Tu’imala said a number of high chiefs courted Princess Tauki’onetuku. When the Queen was interested in a particular chief and willing him to marry her half-sister, she composed a song for him.
These songs included ‘Eva e Loto ni Hange Ha misi which was composed by the Queen for Toutaiolepo when he courted the princess. Uisa si’i fa, was composed for the Late ‘Ulukalala when he courted the princess. Another was Loto He Kelekele, which Tu’imala said it was composed by the Queen as a song for late Veikune Lala about his courtship with the princess.
The princess never married any of these chiefs. She left for New Zealand and died while studying there.
The Queen also composed songs about her husband, children and the royals.
‘Āleki, who composed and recorded his own songs, was described by the ukulele playing community in the South Pacific as the King of Ukulele.
He could play every style from every Pacific island and what really made him exceptional was that he could make his audience extremely excited by the way he played the uke.
He’d roll over and over on the floor while playing his ukulele behind his head, or with his foot, or his teeth, or almost any part of his body.
‘Āleki became widely known to the Pacific islands after he moved to New Zealand in the early 1980s and played with the late Bill Sevesi of Tonga.
Ta Kuo Te Si’i ‘Au’auhia:
Ta kuo te si’i ‘au’auhia
‘I he ‘ōseni ‘o e li’ekina
Kumi si’i lupe mana’ia
Lose tu’u ‘i he lilifa
‘Uluaki koe ‘i he kolope
Huhulu ‘i he ongo pole
Palanite ‘oku na ulo ma’u pe
‘Āvea ai si’i loto ni ē
‘Ise’isa e he me’a mamahi
Feohi moe ‘Ikale Tahi
Luki tenifa hono tahi
Melemo ai si’i vaivai.
Māhina hopo ‘o fakanonoa
Tēkina ai si’ete ‘ofa
‘amusia pe tavake mo e lofa
Ko au ni kuo mounuvaoa
‘Amusia pe si’i manupuna
‘Oku ne kapa he taua
Ka te si’i nofo ‘o loto mo’ua
Tekina he fisi’inaua
Loka e matapā si’o fale
Ka teu vivili atu pe
Tali fekau kiate koe
Uisa pe teu si’i fēfē
‘Amanaki e ke ta māvae
Ka teu si’i uiui pe
Ho’o to’onga ne malave ma’u pe
Hoto kōfini ki he mate
Two people have received critical injuries after a serious crash on Ormiston Rd, Otara which took place around 2.10pm.
Cordons are currently in place on Ormiston Road at the intersections of Preston Rd and Jarvis Way.
Another cordon is also in place at the intersection of Murchison Road and Geraldine Road.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area as the diversions are expected to be in place for some time.
The Serious Crash Unit is attending the incident.
Pita Taufatofua has been invited to speak at the United Nations’ Youth Dialogue next week in New York.
The Tongan-Australian based taekwondo practitioner and skier has welcomed the invitation on social media.
“Ive just been personally invited by the President of the United Nations to speak at the UN high level opening event. I pray to represent the Pacific and all those whose voices haven’t been heard with pride and strength!” he wrote on Facebook.
The one-day event on May 30 seeks to listen to the ideas, needs and concerns of young people on bridging education and skills training with employment in the 21st century, as well as on the prevention of radicalization.
The event further aims to galvanize the efforts of many global alliances and initiatives that are empowering young people.
In his letter on May 3 the President of the UN seventy-second session General Assembly H. E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák congratulated Taufatofua for the work he has been doing for young people and promoting the Pacific through culture, sport and philanthropy.
“Given our shared interest in youth empowerment, it is my pleasure to invite you to speak in the high level opening segment at 10am at the United Nations.”
Taufatofua has been in the spotlight since walking in the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics all oiled up and muscles bulging. He repeated that for the Pyeongchang opening ceremony on February 9.
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.
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.
