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Mate Ma‘a Tonga players to receive royal award from King Tupou VI

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Mate Ma’a Tonga rugby league players will be honoured and awarded the Royal Orders in recognition of their great achievements during Rugby League World Cup tournament 2017.

In a letter to President Sēmisi Sika of the Tonga Rugby League Association, the royal Chamberlain said: “I wish to inform that His Majesty The King has been pleased to invest the MMT players with an award of the Royal Orders in recognition of their contribution to sports.

The Investiture Ceremony is now planned to be held on Wednesday 29th November 2017 at the Royal Palace at 4.30 pm and to be followed by Refreshments until 6.30 p.m.”

Tonga’s chance to a place in the Rugby League World Cup final 2017 and to become the first Pacific nation to do so has been marred by the controversial decision by the referee who refereed its semi final game against England last Saturday.

As Kaniva News reported on Saturday, “Tongan fans will always believe that the Mate Ma’a won tonight’s game.

No matter that the referee had blown the whistle for full time, fans will know in their hearts that Andrew Fifita’s last minute try should have given them the victory they deserved.”

Tonga’s victory against New Zealand 28-22 during the rugby world cup marked the first time in history a tier-two nation had knocked off one of the big three in international rugby league.

The Mate Ma’a Tonga players achievement  was the kingdom’s greatest ever sporting achievement in international level.

NZ Police pleased with fans’ behaviour after Tonga’s controversial loss to England

By
Kalino Latu
-

While Tongan fans were trying to contain the frustration they had after last night’s semi final result, which appeared to have been stifled by atrocious refereeing, Counties Manukau Police have applauded their behaviour.

Police said the atmosphere fans created during the historic game at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium made it a match to remember for all involved.

Match operation commander Inspector Peter Gibson said it had been great to see the passion of the Tongan fans, who made up the vast majority of the crowd and never lost hope in their team.

“This match was really enjoyable to police,” he said.

The crowd were very vocal and their singing and cheering created real excitement for both teams to enjoy.

It was a pulsating match and an intense atmosphere.

“After the game, the Tongan fans were still smiling and shaking hands with the English fans, which was really pleasing to see.”

Mr Gibson said Police made no arrests at the match.

Eighteen people were evicted for intoxication or disorder.

After match

Police said they carried out a significant operation in Ōtāhuhu Town Centre and the surrounding areas yesterday evening.

This was to ensure the safety of the community following last night’s league match at Mt Smart Stadium.

A number of roads were closed around Ōtāhuhu Town Centre to manage congestion and to keep pedestrians safe.

Inspector Wendy Spiller said overall Police are happy with the behaviour by members of the public following the game.

Inspector Spiller said a significant amount of additional staff were deployed around South Auckland and this greatly assisted in ensuring the celebrations ran smoothly.

Arrests

Police made 21 arrests throughout the evening following disorder-related offences.

“We were disappointed that a person smashed the window of a Police patrol vehicle on Rockfield Road in Penrose at approximately 10.15pm.

Police were unable to immediately identify who smashed the window but enquiries are ongoing,” says Inspector Spiller.

Inspector Spiller said it was a busy evening with thousands of supporters out on the streets.

“It’s been great to see the passion from Tongan supporters during the tournament and we are pleased that the majority of supporters behaved appropriately.

“It’s unfortunate that a small number of people threatened to spoil the occasion, however police took a zero-tolerance approach and ensured they were arrested quickly and removed from the area.”

Tongan bodyguard shot in the back in Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A Tongan man who worked as a bodyguard in Sydney received a single gunshot wound to his back.

Australian media reported emergency services were called to the incident in a home in Price Street, Merrylands, at about 10.45pm last Saturday, November 18.

The 59-year-old was taken to Westmead Hospital, where he remained on Saturday morning in a serious but stable condition, reported Sydney Morning Herald. 

“The long-time bodyguard of the Ibrahims, Semi “Tongan Sam” Ngata has been shot outside John Ibrahim’s mother’s home as the family made last minute preparations for a wedding involving the family of former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer.”

Chief Inspector Bradfield Peters of Holroyd Local Area Command believed the gunman may have come through a side fence into the backyard of the home, where Ngata was socialising with several people.

Tonga push England to edge of defeat but ref refuses try that would have secured finals berth

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan fans will always believe that the Mate Ma’a won tonight’s game.

No matter that the referee had blown the whistle for full time, fans will know in their hearts
that Andrew Fifita’s last minute try should have given them the victory they deserved.

But Mate Ma’a should not feel disappointed at their 18-20 loss. As good sportsmen they
have accepted the referee’s decision knowing that they went further than any Tongan
league team has gone before.

They won four games in a row and but for the referee’s whistle would have won tonight’s
game and been the first Pacific team to make the finals.

Tongan winger Konrad Hurrell said earlier this week: “It was our first quarter-final last week and this is our first semi-final as well – imagine if we make the final, it would be crazy.”

That wasn’t to be, but the Mate Ma’a have reason to be proud they pushed England to the
brink of defeat.

The Guardian quoted Sika Manu as saying, in what the newspaper described as a “classy”
response: “It was a tough loss to take.

The boys have played really well this tournament.

“I hope England go well [in the final against Australia]. They’ve been good the whole
tournament and they showed their class tonight.”

Jermaine McGillvary scored the first try in the ninth minute with a conversion by Gareth
Widdop.

Widdop scored in the 15 th minute and converted successfully.

John Bateman scored in the 66 th minute with Widdop converting again.

Tevita Pangai Junior hit back for Tonga in the 72 nd minute with Sio Siua Taukeiaho
converting.

Siliva Havili struck again for Tonga four minutes later Taukeiaho converting.

A minute later it was Tuimoala Lolohea to put the ball over the line with Taukeiaho
converting.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the president of the Mate Ma’a Tonga Rugby League
Association invited King Tupou VI and Prime Minister ’Akilisi Pohiva to attend the match.

Tongan singer Dinah Jane sang the Tongan national anthem before the match.

Tonight’s game was sold out, with Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium, drawing the biggest Rugby League crowd at that venue in 22 years.

Organisers expected 30,000 people to attend.

It was the highest attendance at Mt Smart Stadium since 1995 when the Warriors attracted huge crowds in their inaugural season in the NRL.

England fielded an unchanged side from last week’s 36-6 win over Papua New Guinea.
The Mate Ma’a fielded a largely unchanged side. Sio Siua Taukeiaho returned from injury to
the front row.

The main points

  • Tongan fans will always believe that the Mate Ma’a won tonight’s game.
  • No matter that the referee had blown the whistle for full time, fans will know in their
    hearts that Fifita’s last minute try should have given them the victory they deserved.
  • Now England will go up against Australia in the Rugby League World Cup final in
    Brisbane.
  • As good sportsmen the Mate Ma’a will accept the referee’s decision knowing that
    they went further than any Tongan league team has gone before.

For more information  
Rugby League World Cup
Sika honours Tongan heritage as Police issue warning ahead of semi-final
Match Preview: Tonga vs England
Tonga v England: Rugby League World Cup 2017 semi-final – live!

Sika honours Tongan heritage as Police issue warning ahead of semi-final

By
Kalino Latu
-

The president of the Mate Ma’a Tonga Rugby League Association has turned to Tongan tradition in announcing the attendance of King Tupou VI and international Tongan singer Dinah Jane at the Mate Ma’a Tonga semi- final against England at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland tomorrow.

Hon. Sēmisi Sika said his committee made the invitation to make sure the national team and Tongan supporters enjoyed the historic event to the full.

In Tongan he said: “We have plucked down the stars, moon and the sun for you so that you can calm down and become satisfied.

“Let’s focus on supporting our MMT in their battle and may we all put together our efforts so we can bring about a great game for the Conqueror of the Nation.”

[“Kuo tau paki’i mai e fetu’u , mahina mo e la’aa ke mou nonga aa mo fiemalie . Tau hanga taha ki hono poupou’i e tau fanau MMT i he feinga tau mo fakatauange ke tau ma’u ha fakame’ite fakaholo mamata ki he Hau o e fonua.”]

The references to the firmament was poetically meant for the king, the queen and all invitees the committee has invited.

Fifth Harmony singer Dinah Jane will sing the Tongan National Anthem before the kick-off of the Rugby League World Cup semi-final match.

Among these other invitees were Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and other local VIPs, Hon. Sika said.

John Pulu of TVNZ’s flagship Pacific news programme Tagata Pasifika has been invited to be Master of Ceremonies.

The invitation from the Tongan Rugby League committee was also extended by the Chairman of the Rugby League World Cup 2017, Dr George Peponis Oam and the Rugby League World Cup CEO Andrew Hill.

Pacific final

No Pacific nation has ever made it to the World Cup final, but Tonga is hoping to become the first.

Tongan winger Konrad Hurrell said: “It was our first quarter-final last week and this is our first semi-final as well – imagine if we make the final, it would be crazy.”

“That would be good but we’ve got to knock out England as well to make the final.”

If Fiji beat Australia on Friday there could be an all-Pacific face-off in Brisbane on December 2.

Police warning

Meanwhile, Auckland Police have warned they will not tolerate disorderly behaviour following this weekend’s rugby league game.

Police will be out in force on the streets on Saturday night in an effort to keep the public safe and prevent any disorder incidents, Counties Manukau East Area Commander Inspector Wendy Spiller said.

Over the past few weeks, Police have dealt with a number of disorderly incidcentss following Tongan league games on the streets of South Auckland, particularly around the Otahuhu Town Centre.

On two occasions police officers have been attacked while trying to manage and contain the disorder, Inspector Spiller said.

In one incident last weekend in Otahuhu, a female police officer from Counties Manukau was king-hit and knocked unconscious by a male who then disappeared into the crowd.

“Police will not tolerate this violent and cowardly behaviour,” Inspector Spiller said.

“Our hard-working staff come to work every day to keep our communities safe and the last thing they deserve is to be attacked or harmed.”

Inspector Spiller said the injured officer was yet to return to work, but was making a good recovery.

“Someone out there knows who is responsible,” she said.

“We will do everything we can to identify the offender and hold them to account.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A second police officer who was struck in the face with a flagpole in a separate disorder incident several weeks ago, has only been able to perform light duties since returning to work.

Police have arrested a male in relation to this incident.

With a large number of people expected to take part in festivities over the weekend, Inspector Spiller said Police would have additional staff on duty to monitor crowd behaviour and ensure the safety of the public.

Alcohol would be banned in and around the Otahuhu Town Centre and Police would not tolerate  violent or reckless behaviour.

“We want people to keep themselves safe,” Inspector Spiller said.

“People acting recklessly and putting themselves and others at harm by riding on vehicles or setting off fireworks in crowded areas will not be tolerated.

“It is important that excited fans do not block streets stopping traffic.”

The main points

  • King Tupou VI has been invited to attend Saturday’s Tonga-England match in Auckland.
  • The president of the Mate Ma’a Tonga Rugby League Association, Hon. Semisi Sika said his committee made the invitation to make sure the national team and Tongan supporters enjoyed the historic event to the full.
  • In Tongan he said: “We have plucked down the stars, moon and the sun for you so that you can calm down and become satisfied.
  • Tonga is hoping to become the first Pacific nation to make it to the World Cup final.

PM in fix over portfolio, but euphoric over voters’ ‘huge support’ after dissolution

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva said last night he was trying to cope with the pressure of making sure his MPs were fairly rewarded with government posts when they took power after the upcoming election of Prime Minister’s post.

In an exclusive interview, he told Kaniva News his sitting Ministers could retain their current portfolios.

The Prime Minister, who was meeting with his party at the Fā‘onelua convention centre yesterday, was confident nothing could hinder his party’s pathway to power.

However, Hon. Pōhiva was lost for words when he was asked what was his first reaction to last week’s snap election results.

“It was a very, very…..,” he responded, before pausing briefly. Then his face filled with a jubilant expression.

His Democratic Party won 97 percent or 14 out of 17 parliamentary seats for people’s representatives, allowing them to form the new government without needing the help of the independents or the nobility.

He said this ministerial line up would be totally different from the 2014 because the party had won enough seats to form the government, whereas in 2014 they brought in independent MPs.

The Minister of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of MEIDECC had been recently assigned to sitting Cabinet ministers after former Finance Minister Tēvita Lavemaau and former Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni were dismissed in September.

These Ministries needed ministers of their own, a move that could require new appointments to these ministers’ other portfolios or new appointments for these Ministries, Hon. Pōhiva said.

The other posts which the Prime Minister has the power to give his MPs are the two governorships for Vava’u and Ha’apai.

Tonga’s Parliament will elect the next Prime Minister after November 30 when the Writ of Election will be returned to the king.

The new Prime Minster will then elect his new cabinet ministers, including the two governors.

Huge supports after dissolution

Hon. Pōhiva said the election results undeniably showed there was increasing support for his democratic party.

In 2014 40, 736 voters went to the polls and about 35 percent (14, 681) voted for the Democrats, while 65 percent (26, 118 votes) voted for independent candidates.

A total of 39, 523 voters went to the poll in last week’s snap election. About 44 percent (17,565) voted for the Democrats, while others voted for non-Democratic Party candidates

Hon. Pōhiva said this was obviously the best outcome he had experienced in the 30 years he had been involved with Tongan politics, especially since it came after the king dissolved Parliament in August.

He said he was expecting his Party to win 15 seats but his Vava’u 15 candidate Tomifā Paea was unable to defeat sitting MP Sāmiu Vaipulu.

“If we had time for all the Party members to go there and support Tomifā I can tell he will win,” Hon Pohiva said.

He said only three Party members were available at the time to go to Vava’u and support Tomifā on the week following the election.

Hon. Pōhiva said he understood his Party wanted more times to work together with their ‘Eua and Tongatapu 3 MPs.

Concerns over independents

It is understood that during the campaign for the snap election there was concern among some voters that the independent sitting MPs could lose their seats because of their decision to change direction and stand for the Party.

The independent MPs were Minister of Health Dr. Saia Piukala, Minister of Justice Sione Vuna Fā’otusia,  Minister of Public Enterprises Poasi Mataele Tei and MP ‘Akosita Lavulavu, who had  supported PM Pōhiva in the Vote of No Confidence.

They were all voted in on Thursday last week, with Dr. Piukala holding the largest votes in the snap election with 1366 votes, an increase of 134 votes.

Hon. Fā’otusia, who was voted in as independent MP in 2014, but immediately signed the Party’s memorandum after the election results were announced, had 822 votes, but in last week’s election he was re-elected with 1274 votes, an increase of 452 votes.

Hon. Tei was voted in with 1036 votes in 2014. He was re-elected as Party MP with 1426 votes, an increase of 390 votes.

‘Akosita Lavulavu’s husband, the outgoing Vava’u 16 MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu, had 767 votes in 2014 after he campaigned as an independent candidate.

His wife ‘Akosita stood for the Party in the snap election and was elected with 921 votes, an increase of 246 votes over husband’s tally.

Applause for Vava‘u results

When Hon. Pōhiva was asked to comment on the results gained by the independent MPs who stood for his Party he smiled.

“The voters were enlightened and understanding,” he replied.

Hon. Pōhiva applauded the Vava’u election results, saying they showed there was an increasing support for the Party in Tonga’s second largest island groups.

Vava’u has been known for its electoral swing.

In the past its vote had been mixed in political affiliations with candidates who declared their political affiliation to Hon. Pohiva such as Havea Kātoa (1990), Ipeni Siale (1997) and Koliniasi Afuha’amango in 2000.

When they voted out some of these MPs they replaced them with candidates who declared their affiliation to those who supported the status quo.

The Party has three newly elected MPs: Vātau Hui of Niua 17, Mo’ale Fīnau of Ha‘apai 12 and Losaline Ma’asi of Tongatapu 5.

MP ‘Akosita did not have any portfolio or government post since she supported Hon. Pōhiva after the 2015 by-election.

In 2014 The governorship of Ha’apai was awarded to unsuccessful party candidate for Ha’apai 12, Mo’ale Fīnau, while the governorship of Vava’u was given to a member of the nobility, Lord Fulivai.

The Ministry of Land and Survey was awarded to another member of the nobility, Lord Ma’afu.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said last night he was trying to cope with the pressure of making sure his MPs were fairly rewarded with government posts when they took power after the upcoming election of Prime Minister’s post.
  • In an exclusive interview, he told Kaniva News his sitting Ministers could retain their current portfolios.
  • The Prime Minister, who was meeting with his party at the Fa‘onelua convention centre yesterday, was confident nothing could hinder his party’s pathway to power.
  • Pohiva said the election results undeniably showed there was increasing support for his democratic party.

For more information 

Democrats have numbers to form government on their own after final count

Supreme Court discharges senior policeman without conviction

By
Philip Cass
-

A senior police officer has been discharged without conviction by the Supreme Court after a hearing into charges arising from a vehicle incident during a major drugs operation.

Tevita Fifita, who was then Chief Superintendent of Police in charge of the Central police station at Nuku’alofa, appeared before Lord Chief Justice Cato.

Fifita was charged with attempting to pervert the court of justice by asking a police mechanic to replace a number plate on a vehicle.

He was also charged with reckless driving and using an unauthorised number plate.

The incidents occurred on November 18-19 last year.

In his report on the case, Mr Justice Cato said the count of reckless driving was dismissed because police had not issued a summon relating to the charge within the 14 day period.

Of the other charges, he said that Fifita had changed the police number plate of the vehicle to a civilian registration to help him maintain surveillance during a major drugs operation.

Read more: Nuku’alofa chief superintendent named as police officer suspended after caraccident

Mr Justice Cato believed he had the authority to order the number plate to be changed in his role as Acting Deputy Commissioner.

Fifita was keeping an eye out for two suspects thought to be still in Nuku’alofa and watch ferry arrivals and departures.

The operation eventually led to the seizure of a container of marijuana plants.

Later that evening he attended a police function and after checking the container was properly under guard he went home.

Shortly after he got home an informant rang and told him of a problem in Fangaloto. He was travelling to Fangaloto when he fell asleep around the Vuna road. He hit the cross bar on the gate at the Salote wharf and woke him up.

During discussions with the police mechanic about repairs to the car he asked that the civilian plate he had used during surveillance be replaced with the original police plate.

“I heard and considered closely the evidence of the accused and his cross-examination,” Lord Chief Justice Cato said.

“I found the accused a credible witness.

“He is plainly a person of good character having served the Tonga police for 35 years and being of a very distinguished rank and in charge of the largest police station in Tonga.”

In relation to the accident, the judge said there was no evidence that Fifita had had anything other than a long and hard day on police business.

He said he accepted that there was no attempt to pervert the course of justice in asking for the vehicle’s number plate to be changed.

However, the judge found Fifita guilty of using a vehicle with an unauthorised licence plate contrary to sections 9 and 41 of the Traffic Act.

Lord Chief Justice Cato discharged Fifita without conviction on this charge on condition that he pay TP$200 to the court as compensation.

King attends Mate Ma’a Tonga semi final match against England on Saturday

By
Kalino Latu
-

King Tupou VI will attend Tonga’s semi final match against England at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland this Saturday.

This has been confirmed to Kaniva News this morning by Tongan consul in Auckland, Stafford ‘Aho.

His Majesty will arrive in Auckland on Friday, he said.

This is the first time Tonga have advanced past the group stages since competing in their first World Cup in 1995.

“Head Coach Kristian Woolf’s side have beaten strong opposition, including New Zealand, to make the semi-final and will be looking to key players Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea and Michael Jennings to get them over the line at Mount Smart at the weekend.”

Asked whether the king will meet the Mate Ma’a Tonga players during the game ‘Aho said the programme was tight and there was no time for that.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva was expected to also attend the historic match.

Tonga will vanish if no action on climate change, Ma’u warns COP23 talks

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga will disappear unless action is taken on climate change.

That was the dramatic message to the COP23 talks in Bonn by the head of Tonga’s delegation, Paula Pouvalu Ma’u.

Ma’u, who is Chief Executive Officer for Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications, said any global temperature change had to be kept to 1.5C.

He said if countries did not work together, the kingdom would continue to suffer from unprecedented rates of coastal erosion, flash flooding and tropical cyclones.

The effects of climate change would undermine Tonga’s national sovereignty, autonomy and security.

“In the long term this will see our demises a small island nation-state and ultimately result in our disappearance as a people and culture,” Ma’u told delegates.

He said climate change was a core security issue for Tonga.

The future of Tonga and other small island developing states hinged on their ability to be able to withstand the effects of climate change and adapt to changing circumstances.

He said Tonga was committed to increasing the amount of renewable energy available to 70% of the country’s needs by 2030 and to double the number of Marine Protected Areas by the same date.

He called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint a Special Representative on Climate Change and Security and to have Climate Change and Security as a permanent agenda item for the UN Security Council.

Guterres has described climate change as “the defining threat of our time.”

He said floods, fires, extreme storms and drought were growing in intensity and frequency and atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide were higher than they had been for 800,000 years.

“The voice of small island states that are on the front lines of climate change must be voice of us all,” the Secretary-General said.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who headed the COP23 talks, called on governments to work quickly to deal with climate change.

The main points

  • Tonga will disappear unless action is taken on climate change.
  • That was the dramatic message to the COP23 talks in Bonn by the head of Tonga’s delegation, Paula Pouvalu Ma’u.
  • Ma’u said if countries did not work together the kingdom would continue to suffer from unprecedented rates of coastal erosion, flash flooding and tropical cyclones.
  • “In the long term this will see our demises a small island nation-state and ultimately result in our disappearance as a people and culture,” Ma’u told delegates.

Give our boys time to prepare for weekend match asks Mate Ma’a Tonga president

By
Philip Cass
-

Mate Ma’a Tonga President Semisi Sika has asked that the team be given peace and quiet
while they prepare for Saturday’s battle with England.

Tonga, which has now won four games in a row, goes up against the Englishmen at Mt
Smart Stadium in Auckland at 6pm New Zealand time.

England defeated Papua New Guinea 36-6 last Sunday, the day after the Mate Ma’a Tonga
defeated Lebanon 24-22.

“We need our players to focus on training for their games and getting adequate rest
needed for their best performance,” Hon. Sika, who is also Tonga’s Minister for Tourism,
said.

“Please show your support by giving them space and time needed for their preparation. We
look forward to a unified celebration…after the games are finished.”

He asked that family and friends refrain from contacting players in the lead-up to the game.

Hon. Sika also asked people to be wary of unauthorised people soliciting for donations for
Mate Ma’a Tonga.

“We also discourage holding anymore fundraisers on behalf of Mate Ma’a Tonga, until there is an official announcement from the Tonga National Rugby League Committee,” he said.

Contributions from businesses in Tonga and the government had been sufficient to provide
the players,” weekly income.

“Our players understand our financial limitations as a country and do not expect any more
money,” Hon. Sika said.

“To date, all necessary expenses for the team’s travel, accommodation, training and games are sufficiently funded.”

If individuals wanted to make donations they should contact himself via Facebook or on
misisika@gmail.com or the League’s CEO, Stan Moheloa, on SMoheloa@asco.com.to.

Hon. Sika said the Mate Ma’a extended their deepest appreciation for all the support they
had received.

“We have been blessed with great success so far in the World Cup,” he said.

“We remind all supporters to take safety precautions to ensure all of our people are safe
during these exciting times.”

In other games this weekend, Australia and Fiji kick off in Brisbane at 7pm Queensland timeon Friday.

The final will be played in Brisbane on December 2 at 7pm Queensland time.

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