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Warriors game on Saturday to raise funds for Cyclone Gita recovery

By
Philip Cass
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The Vodafone Warriors will raise money for the Pacific Disaster Fund at Saturday night’s game at Mt Smart Stadium.

A $15 ticket is on sale for the first home game of the 2018 NRL season against Gold Coast. Kick off is at 5pm.

The Warriors will donate $5 from every ticket sold to the Pacific Disaster Fund in support of the Cyclone Gita recovery.

They will also work with the Red Cross by holding a bucket collection at the club’s first NRL trial against Melbourne at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.

“We are a club with strong Pacific links and we want to do what we can to help the island nations,” Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

The tickets for the Gold Coast game are available on pre-sale only. The offer expires at 11.59pm on March 16.

The pre-sale for Vodafone Warriors members ends at midday on February 16.

The $15 ticket offer for the Vodafone Warriors v Gold Coast match on March 17 will be available through www.ticketek.co.nz.

The tickets will be available in all areas except the platinum covered and platinum uncovered bays.

You can also make a $3 donation by texting  Red Cross 4644.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, international donors have given TP$52.6 million to Tonga to help the recovery process after Cyclone Gita.

The National Emergency Management Office said Cabinet had allocated $TP21.4 for the Cyclone sub-committee to help the recovery process.

The money would be spent on specific areas including shelter, education, food and security, and communication.

For more information

Donor money allocated to cyclone recovery, but rebuilding yet to be budgeted

Health minister appointed to global NCD commission

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Health Minister Dr. Saia Piukala has been appointed to an independent global commission on non-communicable diseases which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has established to combat the epidemic.

Hon. Piukala along with other commissioners will help raise awareness of the issues and experiences of NCDs in the Pacific.

The regional communities are struggling to cope with the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers.

The Commission, launched by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 16 February 2018, comprises heads of state, ministers, leaders in health and development and entrepreneurs.

It will propose bold and innovative solutions to accelerate prevention and control of NCDs. Of the 37 countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region, Tonga and Singapore have had commissioners appointed.

By global standards, the Western Pacific region has some of the highest rates of NCDs. The major NCDs of cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancers alone account for more than 8 out of 10 deaths in the region 1.

Many of these deaths are premature (under 60 years of age), and preventable. Tonga is no exception, with recent statistics highlighting that approximately 1 in 5 Tongans have diabetes 2 .

Whilst the burden is significant, these deaths can be avoided by taking action to eliminate tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol, reducing physical inactivity, improving diets and strengthening the screening and management of individuals at risk of NCDs.

“We’ve taken some positive steps to reduce the burden of NCDs in Tonga, but much more needs to be done,” said Honourable Minister Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala. “These are avoidable diseases. This is why we have developed and are implementing a National Strategy for combatting NCDs 3, which localises global guidelines and sets forth realistic, achievable actions for our entire community.

In Tonga, some of the biggest drivers of this crisis are unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity. We need innovative ways to protect people from tobacco, change behaviours and provide our communities with safer, healthier options. As a Commissioner, I look forward to being part of the global discussion to come up with practical solutions that can be applied in the Pacific”.

1 Western Pacific Regional Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (2014 – 2020). 2 World Health Organization – Diabetes Country Profiles 2016. 3 Tonga National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2015-2022.

Combatting NCDs, and promoting mental health and wellbeing, are major priorities for WHO in the Pacific. “Right now, the Pacific is facing an epidemic of NCDs,” said Dr Corinne Capuano, Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific.

“That’s why we’re working with Pacific island leaders to take action. We have been supporting Pacific Islands to use local data and knowledge to come up with practical, cost-effective ways to tackle NCDs,” Dr Capuano added. “Success will depend upon bold, proactive leadership by our Pacific leaders, such as Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala.”

The new Commission will provide actionable recommendations to the WHO Director – General Dr Tedros. They may also provide an input to the Third United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on NCDs that will take place in New York in the second half of 2018.

Murdered couple: Emotion high as bodies returned home to China

By
Kalino Latu
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Emotion ran high at Taufa’āhau roadsides as the funeral cortege of the Chinese couple’s bodies was led by a Police vehicle to the Fua’amotu International airport.

Mr and Mrs Wen’s bodies, which were found with stab wounds in a bush allotment in Matafonua on February 25, left Tonga to China this afternoon.

Victorina Kioa told Kaniva News she met the couple’s funeral procession on the road.

“I was on my way back from USP after dropping my kids off. I just parked by the roadside while I was in tears.  So sad,” she said.

There were reports on social media of motorists parking their vehicles at the roadsides to show their respect to the couple when their cortege was heading to the airport at noon.

As Kaniva News reported, Police have arrested two male teenagers 17 and 15 on March 1 and charged them with murder after the couple’s bodies were found.

The Hon. Prime Minister paid a tribute to the couple.

Hon. Pōhiva said words cannot express how deeply sad and disappointment  he was  to know that Mr. and Mrs. Wen were killed in a most violent way.

“I am also very sad to know that the alleged assailants are a 15 year old and a 17 year old”.

The couple used to sell vegetables at the Talamahu vegetable market as well as at road-side stalls in Fanga’o Pilolevu.

They were well-known to people who bought vegetables from them.

King expresses concern over increasing alcohol and drug related deaths

By
Kalino Latu
-

His Majesty King Tupou VI has spoken about his concern about the recent  increasing rate of deaths caused by the abuse of alcohol and prohibited drugs.

He said it was unfortunate that after Tonga survived tropical cyclone Gita without many fatalities, people had been killed on road accidents and alleged murder cases.

As Kaniva News reported, there had been 13 deaths in Tongatapu and Vava’u since February 4.

Of the 13 fatalities, six were suspected murder cases while seven had been deaths in road accidents.

One woman reportedly died in cyclone Gita.

Several other road accidents were reported on social media within this period.

The king said these incidents had affected all sectors of the Tongan community.

His Majesty’s statement was delivered live on air from Tongan Parliament in Tofoa by Lord Vaea.

He said if the community worked together to fight against these problems it would bring hope to the nation while it recovered from Cyclone Gita.

He said Tonga should appreciate the assistance from overseas countries and donors to help its people after the cyclone.

The main points

  • His Majesty King Tupou VI has spoken about his concern about the recent increasing rate of deaths caused by the abuse of alcohol and prohibited drugs.
  • He said it was unfortunate that after Tonga survived tropical cyclone Gita without many fatalities, people had been killed on road accidents and alleged murder cases.
  • As Kaniva News reported, there had been 11 deaths in Tongatapu and Vava’u since February 4.

For more information

Alcohol use in the Pacific region

Suspected drunk driver charged after Vainī Sunday crash

By
Kalino Latu
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An allegedly intoxicated man has been charged after a crash on Taufa’āhau main road in Vainī on Sunday 11.

The Ma’ufanga man was allegedly speeding while driving east on Taufa’ahau road before his van veered off and crashed into a power pole.

The driver and a female passenger were injured.

As Kaniva News reported on Sunday, photos taken at the scene by an eyewitness showed the man and the woman lying motionless outside the van by the roadside.

The photos also showed bystanders, mostly in church attires, gathered to watch and help.

The crash came after a fatal road accident the previous Sunday in Fo’ui which claimed a 36-year-old man’s life.

Drivers urged to avoid part of Great South road after serious crash

By
Kalino Latu
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NEW ZEALAND: Drivers are asked to avoid a stretch of Great South Road, Papatoetoe following a collision involving a truck and a car.

One person is trapped.

Emergency services were called to the crash at 5.29am, between Carlie St and Allenby Rd.

The road is closed in both directions in that area and local diversions are in place.

Parliament closes after 10 days

By
Kaniva Staff
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His Majesty King Tupou VI will close the doors on Parliament this morning after a 10-day sitting since March 5.

The closing was scheduled after the Speaker Lord Fakafanua announced the parliamentary sittings last month.

“The Legislative Assembly of Tonga’s current sitting will conclude on Thursday 15 March 2018 with a Soft Closing ceremony 10:30am,” a statement from the Office of the Legislative Assembly said.

“His Majesty, the King, has commissioned three Nobles of the Realm, Lord Vaea, Lord Tu‘iha‘ateiho and Lord Luani, to deliver the Speech from the Throne.

“The Legislative Assembly of Tonga opened on the 11 January 2018.

The Soft Closing ceremony on Thursday will be the first held at the Legislative Assembly’s temporary location in Tofoa.”

Talks to allow Tongan overstayers on dialysis to receive same benefits as New Zealanders

By
Kalino Latu
-

Talks are underway to allow Tongan overstayers who are on dialysis treatment in New Zealand to receive the same benefits as New Zealand citizens receiving the treatment.

An inquiry is being conducted in Auckland to collect information on the number of Tongan overstayers who need treatment for kidney failure.

The move has been organised by Tongan community leader in Mangere, Makalita Kolo.

Kolo told Kaniva News a proposal was being written up to be presented to the Minister for the Pacific Peoples Hon. Aupito William Sio before he could talk to the New Zealand and the Tongan governments to see if the idea could be taken further.

Kolo said she was investigating whether part of New Zealand’s annual grant to Tonga could be allowed to help the Tongan patients.

“It would depend on what the minister would come up with after he talks to the two governments,” Kolo said.

Kolo said at the moment there were six patients in Auckland alone who were Tongan overstayers.

She said if they returned to Tonga it would be like giving them a death sentence because there was nothing there to treat them.

Kolo said she organized a fundraising in Auckland in 2012 to help the dialysis treatment of a Tongan church minister, Rev. Sione Malamala Vaea who arrived in New Zealand on a visitor’s visa. She said the fundraising was successful.

Unlike its neighbours, Samoa and Fiji, Tonga has no dialysis unit.

As Kaniva News reported, a young Tongan man, Tamahanga Tukunga who has kidney failure, has been pleading to stay in New Zealand, knowing he will face a painful death if deported to Tonga.

As we reported last month, Tonga’s Ministry of Health has refused to support a move by the Tonga Dialysis Foundation (TDF)  to establish a national dialysis unit in the kingdom.

Health authorities said the Ministry could not support the project because TDF had failed to show it had links with kidney specialists, had not submitted a financial plan, proved the project would be sustainable, or addressed issues of financial transparency.

TDF president Saia Moehau told Kaniva News they had met with Minister of Health and two doctors a number of times to discuss the proposal for a joint venture.

Moehau claimed the medical authorities were supportive during the meetings, but said different things in public.

Last year Ministry of Health CEO Siale ‘Akauola told Radio New Zealand said most cases of kidney disease cases developed from diabetes.

Health authority believed there were 200 patients in Tonga with chronic kidney disease.

‘Akauola said the government was focussed on prevention and management of diabetes rather than dialysis.

“That’s the focus, to promote good healthy living so that people do not develop diabetes in the first place and then the second one of course, if you have diabetes, then aggressively manage diabetes to a very good level you will never develop renal disease. We’ve had diabetics who are well managed, they live healthy lives even into their 70s and 80s.”

For more information

Health authorities demand Tonga Dialysis Foundation prove project viable

Judge in underage sex case says ‘age could be deceptive’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Justice Charles Cato said age could be deceptive when he discharged an 18-year-old man who admitted having sex with an underage teen who was just over 14.

The accused, Sione Siliva Pohiva Tatakamotonga, was charged with one count of carnal knowledge of a young person under the age of 15 contrary to sections 121(2) and 123 of the Criminal Offences Act.

The court was told the complainant first met the accused when she went to a fair at Lapaha in 2016 which belonged to her uncle.

Later that week the pair met outside the complainant’s home where they had sex before the accused left.

The complainant told the court the accused did not ask for her age or what level she was in at school.

As a consequence of the intercourse she became pregnant . She did not tell the accused.

Her family found out about her pregnancy and they filed a complaint with Police.

The victim gave birth on April, 23,  2017 to a child who died. The accused, she said, did not contact her until after the birth.

“I have considered all the evidence on the issue of age. Age can be deceptive,” Justice Cato said.

“I am left in a reasonable doubt on this issue and accordingly, the Crown has not discharged its onus of proof.

“I also note that my reasoning would be the same should a higher standard than honest belief be required, that is one that is based on reasonable grounds. I consider his belief was in the circumstances based on a reasonable foundation, for the reasons I have given and he should be acquitted.”

Tonga tells PM Ardern it no longer wants Caldwell; PC’s committee and cabinet clash after advice to extend contract

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government’s attempts to terminate Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell’s employment contract appeared to be deadlocked.

It has been revealed that the Privy Council’s Judicial Appointment and Discipline Panel has processed a recommendation to the king to extend the Police Commissioner’s contract.

The Minister of Police, Hon. Māteni Tapueluelu, said the recommendation for extension was made days after he tendered his resignation to Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva last month.

But the king’s Panel’s decision appeared to be in trouble because it is the government’s duty to pay Mr. Caldwell according to clause 51 of Tonga’s constitution, the Minister said.

Hon. Tapueluelu, who returned to office days after Hon. Pōhiva refused to accept his resignation, said the panel had not finalised its decision, but had asked the government to ask New Zealand for more money to pay Mr. Caldwell. He said the panel will meet with Privy Council soon to make a final decision.

Hon. Tapueluelu said the government told New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her delegation during a bilateral meeting last week in Tonga that it did not want the  Police Commissioner’s contract extended.

He said Ms. Ardern was told the problem in the Tongan Police force grew bigger under Mr. Caldwell’s leadership.

Hon. Tapueluelu also said he was greatly concerned at how the Ministry’s disciplinary process was being carried out.

He said he has sent a letter to New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Tonga and informed her on the Tonga government’s move.

The Police Commissioner, who has been caught in the middle of fighting between Cabinet Ministers, government officials and different factions of the police force, has been unable to defend himself against any of the allegations made against him.

Mr. Caldwell, whose contract ends next month, told Kaniva News he was restricted by his employment contract on what he could say publicly.

Change of heart

The government’s change of attitude towards Mr. Caldwell came after the Minister of Police agreed to extend Mr. Caldwell’s appointment in September 2017.

Hon. Tapueluelu claimed he agreed to extend Mr. Caldwell’s contract last year after he was told by Mr. Caldwell that the passport scandal investigation had been completed and that arrests would take place starting in December 2017.

This did not happen. The Minister said he received complaints from some Police officials against the Police commissioner. His office also found out Deputy Police Commissioner ‘Unga Fa’aoa unlawfully approved the importation of 400,000 ammunitions and weapons by His Armed Forces from New Zealand and Australia.

On November 22 Hon. Tapueluelu submitted a proposal to Cabinet to cancel his submission to extend Mr. Caldwell’s contract.

The Minister said Cabinet, which funded the passport inquiry, frequently asked him to report on the passport investigation, but nothing appeared to take shape.

Hon. Tapueluelu claimed he repeatedly told Cabinet the investigation was continuing and that he was reliably informed by Mr. Caldwell about it stage by stage, although the conversations between him and Mr. Caldwell were made in general because of the nature of the investigation.

When the Police move to make arrest did not go ahead as planned it disappointed Hon. Tapueluelu.

As Kaniva News reported, Police arrested former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakanō on March 1 and charged him with numerous crimes including making a false statement for the purpose of obtaining a passport. The arrest was made after Hon. Tapueluelu tendered his resignation in February.

A Cabinet decision on March 2 seen by Kaniva News recommended the Privy Council’s Judicial Appointment and Disciplinary Panel to terminate Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell’s contract.

Response

Hon. Tapueluelu made his comments after the Office of the Attorney General accused him last week of making allegation against the arrests of Tonga politicians.

As Kaniva News reported, the Minister of Internal Affairs Akosita Lavulavu and her husband, former Minister of Infrastructure ‘Etuate Lavulavu, were arrested and charged with fraud on March 3.

Hon. Tapueluelu alleged in an interview with local station FM87.5 that Mr. Caldwell ordered the arrests in an attempt to win favour with the government so his contract could be extended.

Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu said Hon. Tapueluelu’s allegation implied that these arrests and laying of criminal charges were conducted with improper motives and methods.

“The Attorney General’s Office wishes to state that this allegation is absolutely incorrect and untruthful,” Hon. Kefu said.

“The allegation has been made without the full knowledge and appreciation of the process or the contents of the Tonga Police investigation, and the support provided to the Police investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.”

Hon. Tapueluelu said his claims were based on what he knew about the Police commissioner, the meetings they had from time to time regarding the investigations including some he could not release to public because of their private nature.

He said he thought it was important for him to give the public his opinion during the interview.

For more information

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva submits his cabinet lineup to the king

Police charge Lord Tu’ivakanō with passport offences, money laundering and bribery

Hon Lavulavu denies he told mechanical supervisor to fake TP$1 million valuation, threatens legal action

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