Sunday, April 5, 2026
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 64

Ex-Minister denies claims in CEO’s letter about improper $140,000 purchase of two trucks

By
Kalino Latu
-

Former Minister of Infrastructure Sevenitini Toumo’ua has denied allegations that he entered into a non-compliant arrangement with a company to purchase two new trucks. 

The Ministry of MOI’s CEO Lōpeti Heimuli (L) and Former Minister of MOI Sevenitini Toumo’ua

This was Toumo’ua’s second response to Kaniva News’ report that six months had passed since the Ministry’s $140,000 truck payment, with delivery still pending. He had served as Minister when the purchase was made.

It follows an allegation that the vehicle supplier later demanded what was believed to be an additional $100,000 beyond the original $140,000 payment.  

As we reported yesterday, an official letter dated 19 March 2025, leaked to Kaniva News, MOI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Lōpeti Heimuli confirmed the ministry’s TOP$140,000 payment for a Nissan Atlas truck (TOP$50,000) and a Hino Ranger crane truck (TOP$90,000) in December 2024, based on an August 2024 invoice from the Logistics company. 

However, the vehicles remain undelivered, prompting the ministry’s formal intervention. 

According to the letter, it appeared that New Life Logistics CEO Lesieli Namoa had a “previous arrangement with former Minister” Toumoua to justify the additional payments.  

The letter said: “Your previous arrangement with former Minister, was not in order with the Government Procurement Regulation 2015”.  

The ministry’s letter specifically refutes allegations that it attempted to illegally transfer vehicle ownership, calling these claims “false accusations.” 

Toumo’ua’s Response

When previously contacted for comment, former Minister Toumo’ua said the vehicles are still with CEO Namoa, and the Ministry should talk to her. 

He said in Tongan: “Koe ongo loli ena oku ia Lesieli pe I Tonga ke nau talanoa kiai.” 

After reporting the story, Toumo’ua contacted Kaniva again.  

He wanted to clarify that the purchase and the payment had been approved by MOI and paid by the Treasury according to the government’s procurement regulations.  

Toumo’ua stated that the Ministry required the trucks for road maintenance, noting that the purchase prices were competitive.

He noted MOI had dispatched an engineer to evaluate the trucks before CEO Heimuli authorised the purchase – a procedure requiring Treasury approval before payment.

“There was nothing non-compliant and I did not know about that claim by Lopeti that there was an arrangement that was not in accordance with procurement procedures”, Toumo’ua told Kaniva News in Tongan.  

Additional Accrued Fees

When asked why the trucks appeard to have been stored at the wharf for an extended period, causing the supplier to demand approximately $100,000 in additional accrued fees, Toumo’ua stated that Heimuli should be the one to answer that question.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, and the CEO, Heimuli, have been contacted with a copy of the letter for comment.

We requested confirmation regarding their communication with Namoa, as well as to address claims that Toumo’ua’s arrangement with Namoa did not comply with the government’s procurement regulations. 

Namoa could not be reached for comment. 

Third-Party Complicates Standoff. 

According to Heimuli’s letter, third-party Samuela Mafile’o claimed the vehicles after wharf clearance. 

Despite this development, the MOI maintains it would only negotiate directly with New Life Logistics, the original supplier. 

The ministry earnestly requested Namoa to provide the vehicles. 

The letter read, “Therefore, we kindly seek your assistance to deliver the two vehicles to the Ministry as per full payments made in December 2024.” 

A reliable source told Kaniva News that there appears to have been no contractual agreement between the MOI and Namoa at the initial purchase. 

The source further alleged that Namoa subsequently demanded an additional $100,000 on top of the $140,000 paid by the MOI in December 2024, purportedly for storage fees. 

Tongan Rugby League pioneer who declared ‘This is a Sport for Tonga’ and democratic activist passes

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga mourns the passing of Dr Viliami Fukofuka, the visionary statesman who helped establish rugby league in the Kingdom in 1986 and famously proclaimed it “a sport for Tonga.”

Dr Viliami Fukofuka. Photo/Kalino Latu (Kaniva Tonga News)

The former educator and politician passed away, leaving an indelible mark on Pacific sports history.

Dr Fukofuka, who worked alongside New Zealand-Tonga footballer George Mann to introduce the sport in the 1980s, often urged Tongan authorities to treat rugby league “a piece of gold.”

He championed the game as perfectly suited to Tongan athletes’ strength and agility, noting, “Our boys need to pick the ball and run—and they do it brilliantly.”

His passion was most evident during Tonga’s historic 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign. Though heartbroken by the controversial semi-final decision against England (“They tarnished our boys’ excellence”), he wept with pride listening to radio broadcasts of Mate Ma’a Tonga’s matches, declaring: “God has put Tonga in a position we’re so proud of.”

From Pacific Cup to Global Stage

Dr. Fukofuka cherished Tonga’s 1986 Pacific Cup debut – a tournament so significant it drew royal attendance and featured skydiving displays.

Thirty years later, he witnessed his dream realised as thousands braved rain to celebrate MMT’s homecoming, with fans dancing on rooftops along Taufa’ahau Road and players receiving royal honours.

In his Kaniva News interview at his Popua home, the emotional pioneer reflected: “The world has witnessed how marvellous our boys played.”

His words echo today as Tongan athletes dominate global leagues, proving his enduring truth – rugby league truly is Tonga’s sport.

Democracy, Media, Leadership

Fukofuka was a close ally of Tonga’s global democratic defender, ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, who received the Defender of Democracy Award from Parliamentarians for Global Action for his early 1980s advocacy.

Fukofuka also served as editor of Kele’a, the newspaper Pōhiva established in 1986 to support their political campaigns.

Beyond his media role, Fukofuka was a Member of Parliament and Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Education.

Soakai family’s lawsuit against USA Police moves forward after deadly ‘ghost chase’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

San Francisco, CA – A federal appeals court has cleared the way for a Tongan family to pursue justice after an unauthorised police chase led to the death of 28-year-old Lolomanaia “Lolo” Soakai, a beloved member of Oakland’s Tongan community.

Lolomanaia Soakai’s family announced a lawsuit against the City of Oakland today alleging negligence by Oakland Police officers during a chase that led to his death. Credit: Pointer Buelna law firm

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that Oakland Police officers Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin-Coronel can be held accountable for Soakai’s 2022 killing, marking a rare challenge to qualified immunity.

This legal shield often protects police from civil lawsuits.

On June 26, 2022, Soakai was celebrating a family graduation when he stopped at a taco truck on International Boulevard.

Moments later, a 19-year-old suspect fleeing a sideshow crashed into parked cars during an illegal “ghost chase”—a pursuit conducted without lights, sirens, or supervisor approval.

The impact sent a motorcycle flying into Soakai, killing him instantly. His mother suffered a broken back, and two cousins were hospitalised.

Body camera footage revealed one officer saying of the suspect, “I hope he dies,” which the court cited as evidence that the chase may have been motivated by vengeance, not public safety.

Previous comments on social media show the Soakai’s family, backed by Tongan community leaders and civil rights attorneys, called the ruling a critical step toward accountability.

“Lolo was a proud Tongan son, a hard worker, and the glue of our family,” said a relative.

“The police took him from us in seconds because they chose to break the rules. Now, they must answer for it.”

One report said: “The case lands amid debate over pursuit policy. Governor Newsom has urged Oakland to loosen restrictions, but critics argue Soakai’s death shows why stricter oversight is essential.”

Tongan lender faces court over illegal loans targeting Auckland community

By
Kalino Latu
-

Auckland, NZ – The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges in the Auckland District Court against Ilaisaane Malupo, an unregistered lender trading as Nane Easy Loan Finance Services NZ (Nane Loans).

A Facebook ad for Nane Loans from 2023. Supplied to The Post

The Commission alleges Ms Malupo illegally provided high-interest personal loans to members of Tonga’s South Auckland community since March 2024, exploiting vulnerable borrowers already facing financial hardship.

Associate Commissioner Joseph Liava’a stated the Commission takes swift action against unregistered lenders to protect consumers.

“Often these kinds of lenders are a last resort for people who are struggling to borrow from reputable lenders.

Many people who borrowed from Ms Malupo were already under financial pressure and on low incomes, so irresponsible lending could have had a big impact on borrowers and their families,” Mr Liava’a says.

Investigations revealed Ms Malupo charged exorbitant weekly interest rates of 15%, which doubled if loans weren’t repaid within 28 days, along with daily late fees of $10.

Many borrowers reportedly took loans for essentials like food or to pay existing debts, with some forced to sell personal belongings or miss rent payments to keep up with repayments.

The Commission found Ms Malupo operated primarily through social media, where she allegedly threatened to publicly shame defaulting borrowers on Facebook and Tongan media platforms until debts were settled.

“Public shaming is unacceptable and puts vulnerable people at greater risk,” Mr Liava’a emphasised.

Ms Malupo faces serious charges under the Financial Service Providers Act for operating without registration, carrying potential penalties of 12 months’ imprisonment or fines up to $100,000.

Additional charges under the Commerce Act for allegedly misleading the Commission could result in further $100,000 fines. The Commission has prioritised stopping her from issuing new loans or enforcing existing ones while its investigation continues.

The Commerce Commission continues to investigate similar cases across Auckland’s Pacific neighborhoods as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure fair lending practices for all New Zealanders.

Tonga Police arrest ‘Ananā man in drug bust, seize illicit substances and cash

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tonga Police have arrested a 27-year-old man from ‘Ananā in a targeted operation against drug distribution in the community.

The suspect was taken into custody yesterday following reports of alleged drug sales, with officers seizing illicit substances, drug paraphernalia, and an undisclosed amount of cash during the raid.

Acting on community intelligence, police apprehended the man and found drugs in his possession.

A subsequent search of his residence uncovered additional illegal substances, equipment linked to drug use, and cash suspected to be proceeds of illicit activities.

The accused remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the type or quantity of drugs seized, but emphasised the operation as part of their broader crackdown on drug-related crimes.

In a statement, Tonga Police reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug distribution and urged residents to report suspicious behaviour.

If you have information, contact your nearest police station or call 922.

The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt drug networks in Tonga, with police vowing zero tolerance for such offences.

For media inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office at 740-1614.

Church research reveals how missionaries secretly saved rare religious texts in Tonga 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga—Groundbreaking research into the historical collation and translation of French Catholic records into English and Tongan has uncovered a remarkable story about how 19th-century missionaries secretly preserved rare religious texts for future generations.  

Dr Felise Tāvō

Dr Felise Tāvō, who is leading the research, revealed that in May 1980, two hidden stashes of books were discovered, one at the Catholic mission in Lifuka, Ha’apai, and another at the Fungamisi mission in Vava’u.

The books had been carefully buried in sand beneath the priests’ residences, ensuring their near-perfect preservation.

The discovery was made by Dutch historian Dr Theo Cook, who served as the Marist Archivist at the time.  

Treasures of Ha’apai and Vava’u 

The collections included rare theological, historical, and medical works, all in French. Among the most significant finds in Ha’apai were:  

  • Scripturae Sacrae Cursus Completus by Migne (28 volumes)  
  • Christian Perfection by Rodriguez (multi-volume sets)  
  • Sermons by 17th-century preacher Jacques Bossuet  
  • Complete works of Bourdaloue  
  • Books by St. Francis de Sales (incomplete set)  
  • Histoire de l’Église by Rohrbacher  
  • Les Vies des Saints by Ribadaneira  
  • Medical Manual from 1836 (2 volumes), etc 

Tāvō speculates that the medical texts may have belonged to Fr Philippe Calinon (Patele Kalino), a missionary who also served as a self-taught doctor in Ha’apai during the 1860s.  

Tāvō previously said that Fr Kalino arrived in Tonga’s Pea village in July 1844 as only the third French priest to settle at Pea after Frs. Chevron and Grange.

“He was what the French would call ‘tête dure’ (hardheaded), which was probably the kind of temperament needed for those rough and tough early days at Pea”, according to Tāvō.

He said Kalino was also a talented woodworker who was once congratulated by Taufa’ahau, King George Tupou I, on a wooden table and case that the priest made for him at Lifuka.

“But his talent that stood out the most was his knowledge of medicine, for he’s even described as “the most competent doctor in the archipelago” (Mangeret 2.265).”

Meanwhile, the Vava’u collection included:  

  • Life of St Teresa of Avila by the Bollandist Society (2 volumes)  
  • Works of St. Teresa of Avila by Marcel Bouix (3 volumes)  
  • Apostolic Letters of Pope Leo XIII (7 volumes)  
  • Le Missionnaire de la Campagne by Joseph Jouve (4 volumes)  
  • Exegesis of the Apocalypse by A. Chauffard (2 volumes)  
  • Thirty-nine other books published between 1900 and 1937, etc 

A Lost Tongan Translation 

One of the most intriguing discoveries is the Tongan translation of Rohrbacher’s Histoire de l’Église (History of the Church), completed by Fr Castagnier (Patele Petelo) in the 1870s while stationed in Kolovai.

According to Tāvō, excerpts of this translation were read to Chief Ata, who initially opposed Catholic presence in his estate but later attended a Catholic Katoaga de lecture.

Although the translation was published in Fribourg, Switzerland, no known copies survive today.  

Where Are the Books Now? 

Tāvō has received widespread praise for his exemplary work in translating and compiling the Church’s records into English and Tongan. He said these records, which have been stored in French for over a century, currently have uncertain whereabouts.

He was expected to make contact with the Catholic Church headquarters in Tonga for any leads.

Tāvō believes they may have been transferred to the diocesan archives.  

Tongan-French dictionary

Tāvō also highlighted the significance of a 422-page Tongan-French dictionary, compiled and published in Paris in 1890, based on the meticulous notes of early French Catholic missionaries. The dictionary draws heavily from the records of Fr Joseph-André Chevron (Patele Sōsefo-‘Atelea Sevelo), who served in Tonga from 1842 until his death in Lapaha in 1884.

The manuscript was later reviewed and prepared for publication by Fr A. Colomb, a French Marist who signed as “P.A.C.s.m.” Colomb organised the entries and contributed an 18-page introduction on Tonga and a 22-page Tongan grammar section preceding the dictionary.

Tāvō noted that the dictionary offers a fascinating snapshot of the Tongan language as spoken in the late 1800s, capturing vocabularies used by Tongan communities and documented by missionaries. At the time of publication, the French term “Tongien” (for “Tongan”) had not yet been standardized—reflecting the era before “Tonga” (instead of “Toga”) became the official spelling and before the “ng” spelling was formally regulated in the 1940s.

Digitised for Future Generations

Tāvō said the historic dictionary is now available in the public domain, allowing scholars, linguists, and cultural enthusiasts to explore this invaluable resource.

“Even if French is an issue for you, the dictionary is interesting in that these were some of the vocabularies used by our forebears in the second half of the 19th century that were picked up by Patele Sevelo and his fellow Marist missionaries,” said Tāvō.

Those interested can access the digitised copy  tinyurl.com/5n7aef6u.

WATCH VIDEO Reckless driver sparks chaos while performing doughnuts on Nuku’alofa roundabout 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – A reckless driver has caused chaos in the capital after being filmed performing dangerous doughnuts on a busy roundabout.  

Shocking footage shows a grey shuttle van skidding in tight circles as nearby drivers blast their horns in frustration and alarm. 

Kaniva News was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the video.  

It was uploaded to Facebook and appeared on Kaniva‘s news feed this afternoon. 

The incident, believed to have occurred in central Nuku’alofa, has drawn sharp criticism from road safety advocates, who warn that such stunts endanger lives. 

 Authorities have yet to confirm whether the driver has been identified or faces charges, but the viral video has sparked calls for stricter enforcement against reckless driving. 

This follows Tonga Police’s recent announcement that they arrested 42 people as part of their commitment to ensuring safe roads and communities. 

They encouraged residents to report suspicious activities by contacting their local police station or dialling 922. 

Supreme Court finds ‘Ofa ki ‘Alaki Fo’ou Tokelau guilty of $17,000 fraud in fake vehicle deal

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga—The Supreme Court of Tonga has convicted ‘Ofa ki ‘Alaki Fo’ou Tokelau of obtaining $17,000 TOP by false pretences from victim Elisi Sikulu, in a fraudulent vehicle purchase scheme.

The ruling, delivered this week, concludes a case that began in September 2022 when Tokelau deceived Sikulu with promises of importing a red Toyota Dyna Double Cab from Japan.

During the trial, Sikulu, a 31-year-old weaver, testified that she agreed with Tokelau, making weekly payments of $1,000 every Friday until she had paid $17,000, part of a discounted total price of $25,000 for the vehicle.

Tokelau assured her that the truck would be shipped to Tonga once half the amount was paid.

The agreement, initially verbal, was later documented, and Sikulu received receipts for each payment. She stated that Tokelau showed her images of vehicles to choose from and even provided a written contract referencing deposit terms.

However, as months passed, Tokelau repeatedly claimed he was “waiting for the shipment” while Sikulu continued her weekly payments.

The promised delivery date—by Christmas 2022—came and went with no vehicle arriving.

Prosecutors argued that Tokelau never intended to fulfil the order, instead pocketing Sikulu’s hard-earned savings.

Payment Discrepancies Undermine Defence

The court noted the defendant’s lack of legal representation, which disadvantaged him during proceedings. 

Tokelau stated that the original agreement required Sikulu to pay $25,000 to order the truck. However, on 5 September 2022, Sikulu informed him she could not pay the full amount upfront but offered a $6,000 deposit, with the balance to be paid weekly. 

He claimed he explained to Sikulu that he needed sufficient funds to deposit with suppliers in Japan before ordering the vehicle. According to Tokelau, he contacted Ali International, a supplier, to inquire about arranging incremental payments for the truck. 

Tokelau testified that the Japanese suppliers informed him the Toyota Dyna was unavailable unless full payment was made. They instead offered a Toyota Toyoache as a replacement. He stated he agreed to this change due to delays in receiving Sikulu’s deposit. 

On 16 November 2022, Tokelau claimed he made the first deposit payment of $5,047.27 to Ali International for the replacement vehicle.

Tokelau asserted that Elisi agreed to pay $1,000 weekly but often paid less, prolonging the process.  

Judge Rejects Defendant’s Claims

However, the judge found this claim “wholly inconsistent with documentary evidence”.  

Receipts produced by Sikulu confirmed she made regular $1,000 TOP payments, with only one exception of $500 on 29 November 2022. 

Justice Garlick KC said he was sure that in the course of dealing with Sikulu between 2 and 5 September 2022, the defendant represented to Sikulu that he would order the vehicle and that it would be delivered to her in Tonga from Japan within a period of four months.

He said that when the defendant made those representations, he had no fixed intention to order the vehicle and did not believe that it would be delivered to Elisi within four months.

“By making those representations, the defendant intended to deceive Elisi.

“By making those representations, the defendant obtained the sum of 17,000 TOP from Elisi.

“Accordingly, I find the prosecution has proved its case against the defendant on the single count that he faces.”

Tonga Ministry demands $140K vehicles as third party takes possession; Ex-Minister says MOI should ‘talk to’ supplier

By
Kalino Latu
-

Six months after paying $140,000 for two trucks it never received, Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) is caught in a bureaucratic crossfire.

Former MOI Minister Sevenitini Toumo’ua (L) and CEO Lōpeti Heimuli

The revelation follows an allegation that the vehicle supplier later demanded what was believed to be an additional $100,000 beyond the original $140,000 payment.

Ex-Minister Sevenitini Toumo’ua, who oversaw the purchase, now claims that the vehicles are still with the provider, while frustrated officials demand answers.

In an official letter dated 19 March 2025, leaked to Kaniva News, MOI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Lōpeti Heimuli confirmed the ministry’s TOP$140,000 payment for a Nissan Atlas truck (TOP$50,000) and a Hino Ranger crane truck (TOP$90,000) in December 2024, based on an August 2024 invoice from the Logistics company.

However, the vehicles remain undelivered, prompting the ministry’s formal intervention.

According to the letter, it appeared that New Life Logistics CEO Lesieli Namoa had a “previous arrangement with former Minister” Toumoua to justify the additional payments. Heimuli told Namoa that the arrangement did not comply “with the Government Procurement Regulation of 2015.”

The ministry’s letter specifically refutes allegations that it attempted to illegally transfer vehicle ownership, calling these claims “false accusations.”

When contacted for comment, former Minister Toumo’ua said the vehicles are still with CEO Namoa, and the Ministry should talk to her.

He said in Tongan: “Koe ongo loli ena oku ia Lesieli pe I Tonga ke nau talanoa kiai.”

The Minister for Infrastructure, Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, and the CEO, Heimuli, have been contacted for comment. We requested confirmation regarding their communication with Namoa, as well as to address claims that Toumo’ua’s arrangement with Namoa did not comply with the government’s procurement regulations.

Namoa could not be reached for comment.

Third-Party Complicates Standoff.

According to Heimuli’s letter, third-party Samuela Mafile’o claimed the vehicles after wharf clearance.

Despite this development, the MOI maintains it would only negotiate directly with New Life Logistics, the original supplier.

The ministry earnestly requested Namoa to provide the vehicles.

The letter read, “Therefore, we kindly seek your assistance to deliver the two vehicles to the Ministry as per full payments made in December 2024.”

A reliable source told Kaniva News that there appears to have been no contractual agreement between the MOI and Namoa at the initial purchase.

The source further alleged that Namoa subsequently demanded an additional $100,000 on top of the $140,000 paid by the MOI in December 2024, purportedly for storage fees.

Man sentenced to over two years in prison for Tongatapu machete attack

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – The Supreme Court of Tonga has convicted and sentenced 28-year-old Toni Alatini to two years and three months imprisonment for causing serious bodily harm in a violent machete attack last August.

Toni ‘Alatini. Photo/Facebook

The final 12 months of his sentence have been suspended for two years, pending good behaviour.

The court heard that on the evening of August 3, 2024, the victim, Sosefo Taufa, and two friends were at a Chinese store in Veitongo when Alatini launched an unprovoked attack. Initially targeting Taufa’s friends outside the store, Alatini fled before Taufa could intervene.

Later that night, around 9pm, Taufa and his friends returned to the shop, where Alatini confronted them again.

When Taufa questioned him, Alatini threatened to beat them up. After Taufa punched Alatini, knocking him to the ground, the defendant grabbed a machete from beside his bicycle and slashed Taufa’s left arm, leaving a 30 cm wound before fleeing on his bicycle.

Taufa was rushed to Vaiola Hospital, where doctors treated the deep laceration. A medical report by Dr Halafihi on August 5 confirmed the severity of the injury.

Alatini, 23, was arrested on August 8 and later pleaded guilty to willfully causing serious harm without lawful justification.

No Remorse Shown

An impact report presented in court revealed that the complainant suffered significant pain from his injury and was unable to sleep the night of the attack.

Although the wound has since healed, he remains traumatised by the incident and feels apprehensive at the sight of a machete.

The report noted that while the defendant’s mother apologised to the victim, the defendant himself has never personally expressed remorse.

The complainant acknowledged seeing Alatini around Veitongo occasionally, but emphasised that no direct apology had been offered for the violent assault.

Justice Tupou noted that the defendant is single and currently lives in Veitongo. He is the fifth child in a family of 12 siblings.

The defendant was raised by his father’s younger brother, Heimoana, and Heimoana’s wife, Sulia. However, when the couple separated, the defendant remained with Sulia, who later remarried.

The court heard that the defendant struggled emotionally with his adoptive parents’ separation, describing that period of his life as “unstable and falling apart.”

Justice Tupou said: “I asked the Defendant if he wished to say anything before I delivered his sentence today.
He did not.”

1...636465...950Page 64 of 950
© Copyright 2026 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment