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Social media abusers in PNG liable for prosecution

By
Kaniva Staff
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POST COURIER / PACNEWS

People who abuse the freedom of speech on social media are liable for prosecution, Papua New Guinea Justice Minister and Attorney-General Davis Steven told Parliament Thursday.

He said Parliament has passed Cybercrimes Act and amending the certain legislation including that which empowers the Censorship Board.

“It is our role and responsibility as leaders to be able to protect, to be able to enquire into our own laws and see that our people are protected, the question of our rights as leaders and those of our citizens who must seek redress,’’ Steven said.

“The simple answer is yes, those who offend, those who abuse this freedom in social media space are liable for prosecution that means that the offender or aggrieved citizens have the right under our current legislation to initiate prosecution.”

Steven said some recent laws enacted by Parliament should be tested with more prosecutions to see how these laws were working and whether they were adequate or not.

“The laws of defamation have been part of our laws since independence for damages, the philosophy of damages is to restore that standing, is to repair an apparent damage as a result of an incorrect statement that has been made deliberately, that option exists today.”

He was responding to Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu on issues surrounding the debate on social media

“I take the opportunity to remind the critics and those in this debate, the same constitution that gives the right to freedom of speech also gives the rights to other citizens to the full protection of the law. In other words, the right of freedom of speech does not license anyone to commit a crime or to invade and unfairly assassinate anyone or other citizens their character and standing in society, in other words that right or freedom or expression of opinion also comes with it duty of responsibility, the duty to observe the rights of others to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Kaniva Tonga News has republication arrangement with PACNEWS

Tonga signs MOU with The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting eye care services in the Kingdom of Tonga, and the provision of training for eye health professionals, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, which was recently signed by the Board of The Foundation and Tonga’s Minister of Health, The Honourable Dr Saia Piukala, outlines The Foundation’s commitment to continue to deliver quality eye care services in Tonga, helping to put an end to avoidable blindness in the Pacific, where four out of five people who are blind, don’t need to be.

The signing of the MoU was followed by an event held at Government House to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.

The event was hosted by Their Excellencies, The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand and Patron of The Foundation, and Sir David Gascoigne.

As well as the signing of the MoU, the event celebrated what The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ has achieved over the last 25 years, including restoring sight to over two million people globally.

In the Pacific alone, The Foundation has performed over 60,000 eye surgeries, trained 277 Pacific eye doctors and nurses and funded seven eye clinics.

One of the current eye doctors that The Foundation is training is Dr Duke Mataka from Tonga. Dr Duke is in his final year of training in Fiji before he returns to Tonga this year as a fully qualified eye doctor.

This will be a pivotal moment for eye care in Tonga as this will be the first time in a number of years that Tonga will have access to an eye doctor all year round.

Humble, ethical lifestyle shaped career of Tongan philanthropist and Minister

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan philanthropist who gave away more than TP$1 million and was honoured by the World Health Organisation, has been praised for his humility and prudence.

As Kaniva News reported, Former Minister of Health Dr. Sione Tapa of Kolonga, who served the government of Tonga for about 41 years, died on May 9.

Tongan correspondent and former newspaper editor Faka’osi Maama, who often reported on Dr Tapa, described Dr Tapa as a person who lived a humble, prudent and financially restrained life style.

He said the former Minister had donated TP$160,000 to the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in memory of his first wife, Tangikina Tapa.

Dr Tapa donated more than TP$1 million pa’anga to the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation in 2012 to set up a scholarship award for students who wanted to study health.

Maama, who is also a resident of Kolonga and was close to Dr Tapa, believed it was very hard for a Tongan to equal the way Dr Tapa managed to collect millions of pa’anga while his only source of income was the salaries he had earned as a civil servant and a government minister.

Dr Tapa’s generosity caused many people to wonder how he could have saved so much money from his government salary.

As a civil servant and Minister of the Crown, the people of Kolonga never saw him riding in the government ministerial vehicle when he attended church and community activities. They only saw the ministerial vehicle at his home in the morning when it arrived to take him to work and in the evening to drop him off from work, Maama wrote.

Dr Tapa acquired a small Japanese car in 1970 and was still using it before he died. The old house he was living in 1970 was the same one  he was living in when he died.

Members of Parliament who worked with him regularly made a joke about Dr Tapa’s prudent life.

On one occasion Dr Tapa was signing a payroll to get his pay  – a few hundred pa’anga – from a clerk. A two cent coin fell onto the floor and went missing. Dr Tapa knelt down and crawled on the floor trying to locate the coin before he got it.

The joke reflected Dr Tapa’s economic policy and how he set his economic goals in a country where about 22.1% of the population lives below the national poverty line.

Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola told Kaniva News Dr Tapa’s work ethics were way ahead of his time.

“My own personal view about Dr Tapa is that he was fully dedicated to his duties to King and Country,” Dr ‘Akau’ola said.

“He was full of confidence yet humble enough to know that giving was far greater than gaining material things.”

It was not clear whether Dr Tapa left any financial investment for his second wife Sala Puloka Tapa, who survived him. They had no children.

WHO Health-for-All Gold Medal

Dr Tapa was described by Dr Hiroshi Nakajima, Director-General of the World Health Organization, in 1991 as “a gentle man” who was committed to social justice and equity.

He said Dr Tapa constantly supported the Organisation in its health for all and primary health care initiatives.

The WHO awarded him the Health-for-All Gold Medal.

The golden medal was a sign of appreciation of Tonga’s participation in WHO activities since 1956 and becoming a Member on 14 August 1975.

Dr Nakajima said the level of Tonga’s contribution was largely to Dr Tapa’s endeavours.

He had taken part in numerous WHO meetings, always with wise and timely comment, Dr Nakajima said.

“Those present in the governing bodies and privileged to take part in the same meeting remember how often his intercession has resolved a difficult moment and allowed the discussion to continue,” he said.

Works and education

Dr Tapa was born in Nuku’alofa on 30 October 1923. He studied at Tonga College before he graduated from the Fiji School of Medicine in 1944.

He obtained the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1953 and a Diploma in Public Health from the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, London, England, in 1960.

Dr Tapa worked as a medical officer in the Medical Department of Tonga from 1955 to 1956 and as Chief Medical Officer from 1957 to 1970.

He was appointed Minister of Health in June 1970, serving concurrently as Minister of Finance from September 1970 to May 1971 and from November 1972 to January 1981.

Dr Tapa was elected President of the Thirtieth World Health Assembly on May 3, 1977.

He served as Chairman of the WHO Executive Board from 1989 to 1990 and as Chairman of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific from 1982 and 1983.

Mann Cup: Rep weekend previews

By
Kaniva Staff
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Match previews for the 2018 Upright Access Mann Cup.

Preview: Auckland v Tonga NZ Residents

The Auckland representative team will make just their third appearance in this decade on Saturday, coming together to take on the Tonga New Zealand Residents at Mount Smart Stadium.

The teams will play for the inaugural Upright Access Mann Cup, named in honour of the Mann family who have been significant contributors to both the Auckland and Tongan game for a number of years.

Coincidentally the Tongan side will also be coached by a member of that family, Duane Mann, who previously captained both Auckland and Mate Ma’a Tonga, in a career which saw him win the Auckland first division three times as a player.

Auckland v Tonga NZ Residents

Saturday, June 2 – 2.30pm kick-off

Mount Smart Stadium

The teams

Auckland: 1: Polima Siaki (Glenora), 2: Corey Seator (Mt Albert), 3: Cole Waaka (Northcote), 4: Lafu Feagaiga (Mangere East), 5: Simon Luafalealo (Glenora), 6: Jordan Tuarae (Glenora) – co-captain, 7: Reece Joyce (Mt Albert), 8: Jamel Hunt (Papakura), 9: Jethro Friend (Howick) – co-captain. 10: Michael Ki (Pt Chevalier), 11: Taylor Daniels (Northcote), 12: Daniel Reuelu-Buchanan (Glenora), 13: Reece Charlie (Howick). Interchange (from): 14: Abraham Papali’i (Pt Chevalier), 15: Chris Sio (Pt Chevalier), 16: Matti Tuitama (Pt Chevalier), 17: Moses Oge (Bay Roskill), 18: Howard Brown (Mangere East). Coach: Grant Pocklington

Tonga NZ Residents: 1: Tevita Mikaele (Otahuhu), 2: Ethan Nukanuka (Otahuhu), 3: Sione Tongia (Otahuhu), 4: Peter Oliveti (Mt Albert), 5: Akuila Tuha (Papakura), 6: Willie Stowers (Papakura), 7: Eko Malu (Northcote), 8: Saimone Makahili (Mt Albert), 9: Netane Vi (Mangere East), 10: Daniel Palavi (Pt Chevalier) – captain, 11: Ma’afu Briggs (Marist), 12: Trent Schaumkel (Northcote), 13: Joseph Price (Mt Albert) Interchange: 14: Jonah Sofele (Otahuhu), 15: Kruz Tupou (Howick), 16: Hosea Taukatelata (Glenora), 17: Koli Oneone (Pt Chevalier). Coach: Duane Mann

How to get tickets

Buy online through Ticketek or from Gate B on the day.

How to watch

The match will be streamed live and free on aucklandleague.co.nz. Click here to watch.

Preview: Auckland Maori U20 v Toa Samoa Invitational U20

Some of New Zealand’s best up-and-coming rugby league talent will meet at Mount Smart Stadium this Saturday when the Auckland Maori U20 play host to the Toa Samoa Invitational U20.

Serving as the curtain-raiser to the Upright Access Mann Cup clash between Auckland and the Tonga New Zealand Residents, the U20 match will feature a number of current Vodafone Warriors development players.

Auckland Maori U20 v Toa Samoa Invitational U20

Saturday, June 2 – 12.30pm kick-off

Mount Smart Stadium

The teams

Auckland Maori U20: 1: Wyatt Rangi (Glenora) – captain, 2: Cori Vogel (Bay Roskill), 3: Rahiri Witehira (Otahuhu), 4: Iloa Ma’afu-Roberts (Mt Albert), 5: Uenuku Malesala (Otahuhu), 6: Casey Smith (Northcote), 7: Taane Paki (Otahuhu), 8: Seth Tauamiti (Pt Chevalier), 9: Hitaua Butler (Richmond), 10: Mathew Palu (Otahuhu), 11: Hoani Rogers-Brown (Mt Albert), 12: Tayhler Paora (Howick), 13: Caleb Pese (Richmond). Interchange: 14: Josiah Ru (Howick), 15: Isaiah Vagana (Mt Albert), 16: Xavier Tutaki (Bay Roskill), 17: Ngatokorua Kamana-Pou (Richmond)

Coach: Neville Rogers

Toa Samoa Invitational U20: 1: Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard (Mt Albert), 2: Milan Brown (Mt Albert), 3: Nofoasa Malutoa (Otahuhu), 4:  Siave Tupou (Richmond), 5: Setu Tu (Otahuhu), 6: Jachim Tumu-Makara (Richmond), 7: Dylan Tavita (Pt Chevalier) – captain, 8: Lene Neemia (Pt Chevalier), 9: Johnny Falelua-Malio (Mt Albert), 10: Soane Hufanga (Pt Chevalier), 11: Michael Lemafa (Richmond), 12: Jacob Tamua (Mangere East), 13: Justus Leaoseve (Bay Roskill)

Interchange (from): 14 Edwin Amituanai (New Lynn), 15 Kakoi Togoiu (Richmond), 16 Glen Afereti (Mt Albert), 17 Caleb Uele (Glenora), 18 Samuela Vaegi (New Lynn), 19 Phil Makatoa (Mangere East), 20 Nofoaiga Limoni (Mangere East). Coach: Ming Mafoe

How to get tickets

Buy online through Ticketek or from Gate B on the day.

How to watch

The match will be streamed live and free on aucklandleague.co.nz. Click here to watch.

One dead, road closed near Wellsford, Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
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(New Zealand) Police would like to advise motorists to expect significant delays on State Highway 1 near Wellsford following a fatal crash this morning.

Two vehicles have collided north of Wellsford at around 11.15am and the driver of one of the vehicles has died at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle has been airlifted to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition.

Our Serious Crash Unit and other emergency services are still dealing with a large scene which is expected to take some time to clear.

There are diversions in place but with heavy traffic expected due to it being a long weekend, we ask motorists to either avoid the area or please be patient.

This is an absolutely tragic way to begin the long weekend and we please ask that everyone takes extreme care when out on our roads this weekend.

Tonga name final team for Mann Cup

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Tonga New Zealand Residents have confirmed their final line-up for the inaugural Upright Access Mann Cup match against Auckland this Saturday, June 2.

Pt Chevalier enforcer Daniel Palavi will captain the side, which features former National Youth Competition players Eko Malu and Joseph Price, and current Vodafone Warriors reserve-grade squad members Willie Stowers and Trent Schaumkel.

The match at Mount Smart Stadium will see a Tongan side return to Auckland for the first time since Mate Ma’a Tonga’s semi-final clash against England last year, which drew 30,000 fans to the same venue.

Auckland v Tonga NZ Residents kicks off at 2.30pm, with the Auckland Maori U20 and Toa Samoa Invitational U20 playing the curtain-raiser at 12.30pm.

Tonga New Zealand Residents

1 Tevita Mikaele (Otahuhu)

2 Ethan Nukanuka (Otahuhu)

3 Sione Tongia (Otahuhu)

4 Peter Oliveti (Mt Albert)

5 Akuila Tuha (Papakura)

6 Willie Stowers (Papakura)

7 Eko Malu (Northcote)

8 Saimone Makahili (Mt Albert)

9 Netane Vi (Mangere East)

10 Daniel Palavi (Pt Chevalier) – captain

11 Ma’afu Briggs (Marist)

12 Trent Schaumkel (Northcote)

13 Joseph Price (Mt Albert)

Interchange:

14 Jonah Sofele (Otahuhu)

15 Kruz Tupou (Howick)

16 Hosea Taukatelata (Glenora)

17 Koli Oneone (Pt Chevalier)

Coach: Duane Mann

PSA head rebuts Kele’a newspaper’s attacks as petition to investigate Cabinet submitted

By
Kalino Latu
-

Public Service Association (PSA) General Secretary Mele ‘Amanaki claimed last night that actions by Prime Minister ’Akilisi Pōhiva were behind attacks on her in Kele’a newspaper.

The attacks, by Kele’a’s editor and the Prime Minister’s oldest son,  Siaosi Pōhiva,  came in the wake of a petition ‘Amanaki launched against the Prime Minister, alleging breaches of the Constitution, legislation and Parliamentary regulations.

Siaosi claimed that when ‘Amanaki was manager of the Dairy Processing Co. Ltd in the 1990s the company became involved in alleged fraud.

Speaking to Kaniva News, ‘Amanaki said Hon. Pōhiva was behind her being sacked from the dairy company.

Dairy Processing distributed locally manufactured milk products to primary school students in Tongatapu.

It was a project initiated by the then government to help promote healthy living among students.

The milk products were subsidized by the government through the Ministry of Labour and Commerce.

Allegation

Kele’a alleged that in 1999 it had obtained documents which showed FWC Fātumu Middle School and FWC Middle School Ha’akame received milk products.

The editorial claimed the records were falsified to show milk was delivered to some schools which did not actually receive any dairy products.

In a detailed statement to Kaniva News, ‘Amanaki said claims of financial irregularity had arisen because of the activities of one or two individuals.

She said former government General Auditor, Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, who is now the Finance Minister had later presented an audit of the milk company’s financial records that showed its finances were in order.

She said part of the problem was that the government had failed to fulfil its agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, which supplied milk pasteurisation machinery.

“The government was supposed to put in $1m but only paid $250,000.”

Sacking

After she was sacked from the dairy company, ‘Amanaki was hired  by the Department of Agriculture

“In 2005 I initiated the strike which led to Cabinet agreeing to review the Constitution to form a more democratic Government,” ‘Amanaki said.

“The Public Service Association was the main force behind the movement for democracy and ‘Akilisi knows that.

“If I hadn’t  been sacked and gone to work for the Ministry of Agriculture there may have been no strike and ‘Akilisi may be still barking his request for reform.”

The petition

‘Amanaki’s petition had garnered 3330 signatures before it was submitted to the Speaker of Parliament earlier this week. A copy was also delivered to the King for his information.

‘Amanaki was supported by some of the PTOA Democratic Party de facto members, including ‘Eua People’s Representative Tēvita Lavemaau, unsuccessful Tongatapu 4 candidate ‘Isileli Pulu and former MP Teisina Fuko, a former political rival of PM Pōhiva.

They presented a copy of the petition to the Acting Deputy Secretary, Suka ‘Otukolo, at the Palace Office.

The petition accused seven ministers of breaching the constitution.

They are Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Akilisi Pōhiva; Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism, SÄ“misi Sika; Minister of Finance, Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa; Minister for Education and Training, Penisimani Fifita; Minister for Police, Revenue and Customs, Māteni Tapueluelu; Minister for Justice, Vuna Fā’otusia and Minister for Labour and Commerce, Tu’i Uata.

‘Amanaki and the Prime Minister clashed in January this year when he accused unnamed senior officials of corruption and impeding the work of the government.

‘Amanaki dismissed the allegations as unfounded.

The main points

  • Public Service Association General Secretary Mele ‘Amanaki claimed last night that actions by Prime Minister ’Akilisi Pohiva were behind attacks on her in Kele’a
  • The attack, by Kele’a’s editor and the Prime Minister’s oldest son, Siaosi Pōhiva,  came in the wake of a petition ‘Amanaki launched against the Prime Minister, alleging breaches of the Constitution, legislation and Parliamentary regulations.
  • Siaosi Pōhiva claimed that when ‘Amanaki was manager of the Dairy Processing Co. Ltd in the 1990s the company became involved in alleged fraud. He also alleged that she abused her responsibility while she was a civil servant.

For more information

PSA says Tonga’s PM needs to provide clearer policy (RNZ)

Mann Cup: Friend and Tuarae to captain Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Experienced Auckland first division players Jethro Friend and Jordan Tuarae will join an exclusive club this Saturday, when they captain Auckland into battle against the Tonga New Zealand Residents at Mount Smart Stadium.

Friend will start at dummy-half and Tuarae at standoff, leading an Auckland team which includes reigning SAS Fox Memorial Premiership Player of the Year, Taylor Daniels, and 2018 New Zealand Defence Force Sports Person of the Year, Cole Waaka.

Last season Tuarae played a key role in guiding the Glenora Bears to their first Fox Memorial title in 18 years, while in recent times Friend has established himself as the premier No.9 in the Auckland competition, where he captains the Howick Hornets.

The late withdrawal of Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Warriors reserve grade) has opened the door for Glenora flyer Simon Luafalealo to get a start on the wing, while Mangere East skipper Howard Brown joins the squad as 18th man.

Auckland v Tonga NZ Residents kicks off at 2.30pm, with Auckland Maori U20 v Toa Samoa Invitational U20 opening the day at 12.30pm.

Auckland

1: Polima Siaki (Glenora)

2: Corey Seator (Mt Albert)

3: Cole Waaka (Northcote)

4: Lafu Feagaiga (Mangere East)

5: Simon Luafalealo (Glenora)

6: Jordan Tuarae (Glenora) – co-captain

7: Reece Joyce (Mt Albert)

8: Jamel Hunt (Papakura)

9: Jethro Friend (Howick) – co-captain

10: Michael Ki (Pt Chevalier)

11: Taylor Daniels (Northcote)

12: Daniel Reuelu-Buchanan (Glenora)

13: Reece Charlie (Howick)

INTERCHANGE (from):

14: Abraham Papali’i (Pt Chevalier)

15: Chris Sio (Pt Chevalier)

16: Matti Tuitama (Pt Chevalier)

17: Moses Oge (Bay Roskill)

18: Howard Brown (Mangere East)

Coach: Grant Pocklington

Utah Tongan community in shock after second death  

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan residents in West Valley, Utah, United States have spoken of their shock after revelation one of their young community members has died.

Tupou Sēini Hōsea died suddenly on Tuesday.

Her uncle Gina Tuli has confirmed her death to Kaniva News.

Gina said Tupou Sēini was the only daughter of her sister Fusi Tuli Hōsea.

Authorities were unable to confirm whether the sudden death was deemed suspicious or not.

The tragedy left the Tongan West Valley community reeling as it mourned its second death within four days, after a 2-year-old toddler shot his head on Saturday.

As Kaniva News reported, Police have arrested the toddler’s father, Tasman William Alexander Maile and charged him with manslaughter.

One Tongan resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I was shocked when my son told me this morning a Tongan girl at the Laumalie Ma’oni’oni church died.”

Friends and relatives of the deceased took to Facebook and spoke of their shock after Tupou Sēini’s death.

A Facebook user Mele Kaipa Hosea wrote:

“Such a beautiful young lady inside & out ❤ The smartest, the most talented, the social one, the one that always had a smile on her face, the obedient one, all around the BETTER one out of us 4 lol.. it has always been us 4, ALWAYS.. how are we supposed to go on w|out you? Haauuee Tupouseini my heart aches, I am so confused & I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that you’re no longer physically here w| us.. I know I should not question God’s timing & God’s work, but I refuse to accept that the time we have w| you has come to an end.. why’d you leave so soon Pou?! WHY?! ? Oku ou mate he ofa atu ki ho mata! Folau a my beautiful sister, ofa ke ke toka ‘i he nonga moe fiemalie ae ‘Otua ❤ I LOVE & MISSS YOU SO MUCH!!! ??.”

“My prayers goes out to the Hosea family as well as Moka, who is the 1st person I thought of when I heard the news. Ofa atu to you all may God comfort and heal your hearts during this time. Toka he nonga moe fiemalie sweet Pouseini Hosea, ikai ngalo ho fofonga malimali mo ho’o angalelei?? #Gone2Soon?,” one wrote.

“My prayers goes out to the Hosea family as well as Moka, who is the 1st person I thought of when I heard the news. Ofa atu to you all may God comfort and heal your hearts during this time. Toka he nonga moe fiemalie sweet Pouseini Hosea, ikai ngalo ho fofonga malimali mo ho’o angalelei?? #Gone2Soon?” another wrote.

Illicit drugs biggest problem says king; calls on gov’t to speed up post-Gita recovery

By
Kalino Latu
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King Tupou VI said this morning the biggest problem facing Tonga was the use of illicit drugs.

Speaking during the opening of Parliament in Tofoa, His Majesty also said he wanted the government to speed up the recovery process from Cyclone Gita.

He said winter season was approaching but the people were still in a vulnerable position.

He said the harm illicit drugs had caused to the youth, family and the nation today was immeasurable.

King Tupou VI said some countries around the world have adopted a severe stance against drug-related crime including death penalty.

Leaders and MPs should create jobs for the youth locally and internationally, he said.

This means, the king said, Tonga has to upgrade the quality and levels of its academic qualifications at higher education to be in line with that of the international levels.

He said this could ensure the local students could achieve same quality of education students at international schools have achieved at the same time Tongan students still stay in Tonga and help build up the country.

The king believed the government has more short-term policies than long-term policies.

Leadership and vision as well as long term policies should be congruent, the king said, as he addressed the nation in a speech which was televised and streamed on Facebook.  .

The king said it was important for Members of Parliament and civil servants to carry out their responsibilities according to the laws.

He said it was obvious after the Nuku’alofa riots in 2006  businesses and lives of some people were lost as a result of law breakings and breaching of the peace.

The King thanked Tongans overseas for their sacrifices and assistances which help Tonga after tropical cyclone Gita.

He also thanked foreign donors and governments for their contribution to the development of Tonga.

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