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New Zealand stands with a resilient Tonga following Cyclone Gita

By
Kaniva Staff
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Press Release

The New Zealand Government is supporting Tonga following Cyclone Gita, and sends its
thoughts to all people affected.

“The Kingdom of Tonga is a friend and neighbour to New Zealand, and we are working
closely with Tongan authorities to support their efforts,” says New Zealand High
Commissioner-designate Tiffany Babington.

“Since the cyclone, the resilience of the Tongan people has shone through.”

“New Zealand has so far committed $NZ2.25 million to Cyclone Gita relief. We have also
provided surveillance capability to Tonga to help assess the damage.”

Two New Zealand Defence Force planes have arrived since Tuesday bringing with them
emergency supplies including family hygiene kits, shelter kits, jerry cans, tarpaulins,
generators and agricultural tools from New Zealand.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Defence
Force, New Zealand Fire Service, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Civil Defence
and Emergency Management are also in-country to help the New Zealand High
Commission coordinate its initial response in support of the Government of Tonga.

“While there is still a lot of work ahead to recover from the cyclone, we commend Tonga
for its relief efforts and stand ready to help.”

The New Zealand High Commission Emergency Fund has assisted by committing $14,000
pa’anga to the Tonga Red Cross to enable them to prepare logistics to distribute the
emergency supplies. Pre-positioned supplies with Caritas and the Tonga Youth Congress
have also been distributed.

Parliament meetings move to new venue

By
Kalino Latu
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The Parliament meetings will be held at the Fā’onelua Convention centre after the historic legislative assembly building was destructed during Tropical Cyclone Gita.

Government said around half the houses on Tonga’s main island of Tongatapu have been destroyed or damaged by the cyclone.

The Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, made the announcement yesterday saying in the spirit of resilience, the parliament would temporarily sit at the Nuku’alofa based convention centre.

The now destroyed parliament had been used since 1892 and part of it was in the past used as a judicial court house.

The next session of parliament is set to begin on March 5.

As Kaniva News reported last week, Parliament needed a place to meet so MPs can process bills and laws that were required for the government’s 2018-2019 budget.

Cyclone Gita is expected to plough its way through New Zealand in the coming days.

Sione Lau’i: Tribute to man killed outside nightclub

By
Kalino Latu
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Tributes have been paid to a man who died after being assaulted outside a nightclub in Ma’ufanga.

Sione Lau’i, known as Feo, was found outside Nauti Ruby by police on Friday night February 9.

He was taken to hospital, but died on Friday 16.

His family, relatives and circle of friends said Mr Lau’i was a “true gentleman in every sense”.

Lau’i, who was believed to be in his 20s,  was a dentist at Vaiola dental care services after returning from the University of the South Pacific in December.

His father and his only sister were government teachers.

One commentator on social media said: “It is with great regret that we have just heard the tragic news that Sione Moala Feo Lau’i has passed away as a result of the injuries received.”

“We offer Feo’s family and friends our sincerest condolences at this most heartbreaking time.”

A male security guard in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody.

Let’s take charge before others help us, king says as he addressed nation

By
Kalino Latu
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His Majesty King Tupou VI said Tongans should have taken charge of the consequences of tropical cyclone Gita before others helped them.

As Kaniva  News reported yesterday, China has promised  TP$1.3 million in cyclone relief.

The Asian Development Bank has provided $US6 million dollars from its Pacific Disaster Resilience Programme.

RNZAAF and RAAF aircraft have flown emergency supplies into the kingdom,

The king said people had to take the initiative and help save lives and clear up roads.

The king’s comments come after he  visited Vaheloto including Popua and Pātangata , Vahe hahake and Vahe hihifo.

He said he wanted to witness for himself the impact of Gita on Tongatapu.

TVNZ reported yesterday that the king, accompanied by members of his defence force and royal household, delivered water to Tongatapu resident.

It said the king stayed in his vehicle as his motorcade moved slowly through the village of Pātangata where, it said, nearly every home was badly damaged.

His Majesty encouraged his people yesterday in his public statement to the nation after the category four storm ravaged the country.

He urged people to keep working with government related departments so aid relief could reach those who were severely affected.

His Majesty  praised the people’s colloraborative and voluntary efforts to recover after the disaster.

The king said he understood the spirit of working together as one did work among the people during and after the cyclone.

He said the people’s cooperation and following government’s notices and announcements in preparation for the cyclone helped ease the situtation.

“Let’s work together to build the nation. We can achieve huge amount of works when we work together,” the king said in Tongan.

Shelter priority

Radio New Zealand reported this evening that people without rooves or shelter were the highest priority for Tonga’s Emergency Management Office.

Emergency Management director, Lēveni ‘Aho said emergency work had been hampered by the state of roads.

Almost 200 homes were completely destroyed on Tongatapu and ‘Eua when the cyclone hit.

As Kaniva News reported ysterday, a curfew remains in force in central Nuku’alofa.

New Zealand  Met service said this afternoon Cyclone Gita was expected to reach New Zealand early next week.

It is likely there would be severe gales and heavy rain spreading across central and northern New Zealand on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The main points

  • His Majesty King Tupou VI said Tongans should have taken charge of the consequences of tropical cyclone Gita before others helped them.
  • The king said people had to take the initiative and help save lives and clear up roads.
  • The king’s comments come after he visited Vaheloto including Popua and Patanga , Vahe hahake and Vahe hihifo.

For more information

Cyclone Gita: Shelter for people in Tonga the top priority

China offers $1.3 million pa’anga relief fund to help Tonga recover from cyclone Gita

Police arrest two for looting; Nuku’alofa curfew extended

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police have arrested two men for burglary and stealing in Nuku’alofa Central Business District (CBD).

The accused were arrested with boxes of goods stolen on February 14.

The suspects appeared to have taken advantage of a curfew that left homes and businesses in the areas empty as Tropical Cyclone Gita swept through the kingdom on Tuesday night.

As Kaniva News reported, an overnight curfew was in place in Tonga in the eve of the category 4 storm after Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell ordered a restriction that required people in the CBD area to remain indoor on Tuesday 13 February 2018 from 9pm until 7am.

The night curfew has been extended for another week, between the hours of 8pm to 8am.

The boundary of the curfew area includes Tupoulahi Road to the east, Mateialona Road to the south, Vaha’akolo Road to the west and Vuna Road to the North.

China offers $1.3 million pa’anga relief fund to help Tonga recover from cyclone Gita

By
Kalino Latu
-

China is offering an initial relief fund of more than $1.3 million pa’anga to support Tonga following the ferocious winds of Tropical Cyclone Gita.

The offer was confirmed this morning after Prime Minster ‘Akilisi Pōhiva met with His Excellency Wang Baodong, Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, a statement released to Kaniva News by the Chinese Embassy said.

The Chinese Government has provided US$500,000 of emergency humanitarian assistance by remittance to the Tongan Government.

The Red Cross Society of China pledged US$100,000 of emergency humanitarian assistance by remittance to the Red Cross Society of Tonga.

The Chinese Embassy in Tonga has offered $40,000 Pa’anga by remittance for the relief work.

“Furthermore, the Chinese side will continue to actively help the Tongan government and people fight against the disaster and rebuild the country according to the need of the Tongan side,” Chinese Ambassador to Tonga said.

Prime Minister Pōhiva welcomed the Chinese assistance, the statement said.

Hon. Pōhiva was quoted as saying “Tonga looks forward to China’s participation in the post-disaster reconstruction of Tonga and is ready to keep communication with the Chinese side on the recovery effort.”

Before the meeting, the embassy sent a message expressing its “heartfelt condolences” to those affected by the category 4 storm in Tonga.

“Honorable Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China sent a message to Honorable Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tonga on February 13, extending heartfelt sympathy to the Government and people of Tonga, vowing that China is ready to provide emergency disaster relief assistance within its capacity, and believing that with the joint efforts of the Tongan government and people, Tonga will be able to overcome the disaster and rebuild the country.”

For more information

Tonga welcomes New Zealand $750,000 donation as Gita leaves path of destruction

Tonga looking for temporary home for March Parliamentary sessions

By
Kalino Latu
-

As Tonga struggles to recover from Cyclone Gita, authorities are looking for somewhere to host the next Parliamentary sessions from March 5 to March 15.

Parliament needs a place to meet so MPs can process bills and laws that are required for the government’s 2018-2019 budget.

A Parliamentary spokesperson said the Speaker’s office was working urgently to decide on a suitable venue before informing all Members of Parliament.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, Tonga’s parliament house, which is more than a century old, was flattened by tropical cyclone Gita.

Australia and New Zealand have already sent personnel and humanitarian supplies, including tarpaulins and water purification tablets to Tonga.

The New Zealand’s government had pledged $750,000 to help rescue and relief operations and an RNZAF Hercules would fly emergency relief supplies to the kingdom.

An RAAF C-17A Globemaster flew to Tonga with emergency relief supplies last night.

China

As Kaniva News reported last year, Tonga has submitted a proposal to the Chinese government to fund a new Parliament House.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga His Excellency Wang Baodong was welcomed at the Legislative Assembly in June 2017.

It was not immediately clear whether Tongan and Chinese authorities have taken another look at the proposal after the Parliament was levelled on Monday or not.

Tropical Cyclone Gita

Cyclone Gita, a category four storm, struck Tonga’s main island Tongatapu and its nearby island ‘Eua on Monday, causing widespread damage.

Electricity lines were downed, roofs were torn off houses by the high winds and crops were destroyed.

Hon Poasi Tei told reporters in Nuku’alofa yesterday  119 homes were completely destroyed and 1,131 with minor damages while 4,500 people were at the 108 evacuation centres in Tongatapu.

Tonga Power workers have restored power in some areas in Tongatapu yesterday afternoon Wednesday 14.

The Tonga Water Board announced that water supply had been restored to almost all areas of Nuku’alofa.

In earlier reports, residents were finding it more difficult to cope with the aftermath because of lack of power which has also affected water supplies, communication and petrol stations.

Some people in Houmakelikao went to the Minister of Police’s residence and charged their mobile phones using electric generated from the Minster’s electric power generator.

The town of Houma in Tongatapu lost its water supply after their two-tank water supplier was destroyed by Gita.

The town’s residents took to Facebook to ask their community members overseas to help donate for a new water supplier.

Two death reported

As we reported on Tuesday, two deaths have been confirmed. A 72-year-old man from Fua’amotu died at Vaiola hospital.

Disaster Management Minister Poasi Tei told Kaniva News yesterday the impact of the cyclone may have contributed to the old man’s death.

Radio New Zealand International quoted Lord Fusitu’a as saying an elderly woman died after her house was “completely blown away from her while she was in it.”

Police also confirmed three major injuries and 30 minor injuries on Tongatapu as a result of Gita

For more information

Falling trees and downed power poles hinder relief effort, says Minister

Cyclone Gita – what you need to know

Man ,18, arrested in 18 year-old girl machete death

By
Kalino Latu
-

A murder inquiry has been launched after a woman was fatally injured in an attack police believe involved a machete.

The 18-year-old victim died at the scene in a road in ‘Umusi, Ma’ufanga on February 13.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack, Police said.

The accused and deceased were known to each other and they had a child together, Police said.

The incident was first reported yesterday evening with one Facebook poster saying two Police vehicles were at the scene.

Police have charged the suspect with murder while he remains in Police custody.

Police are continuing their inquiry.

Airlines resume Tonga flights in wake of cyclone Gita

By
Kalino Latu
-

Planes began landing again this afternoon at the Fua’amotu International airport after it closed for about two days stranding hundreds of travelers trying to get home from overseas.

Air New Zealand Flight NZ270 and Singapore Airlines Flight SQ4328 which was operated by Air New Zealand (NZ270) departed Auckland International airport this afternoon for Tonga at 1.40pm.

It is expected to arrive in the kingdom at 4.55pm.

The flight was the first  to arrive in Tonga from New Zealand after Tropical Cyclone Gita with winds of 230km/h flattened Tonga’s Parliament House, damaged Cabinet house and causing significant destruction and injuries across the kingdom.

Malia Hāmani, her family and staff of her Toa Pacific organisation were among those in line at a check in queue at the Auckland International airport this afternoon.

They were travelling to Tonga as part of their works – The prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect for Pacific People in Auckland.

Hāmani who is based in Auckland said she was concerned after hearing from her family in Tonga after the cyclone and she was happy to go there to meet them and see if they could help with the situation.

“We planned to go there and visit the elderly as that is what we are doing here in New Zealand,” Hāmani told Kaniva News.

She said her family in Tonga were lucky beceause no one was injured or had any damage to their homes.

Hāmani said she was told her family’s neigbours lost their houses after the category 4 tropical cyclone.

Cyclone Gita, the strongest tropical storm to hit Tonga in more than six decades, destroyed approximately tens of millions of pa’anga’ worth of crops, buildings and businesses.

Tongan authorities were expected to release the results of an assessment conducted in Tongatapu since yesterday in an effort to assess the extent of the destruction.

The Minister of Disaster Management, Hon. Poasi Tei, said teams of government assessors had been dispatched to villages and towns to report on damage caused by the category four cyclone.

The NZ P3 Orion flight has completed a surveillance mission in Tonga yesterday and photos taken during the survey had been given to the Tongan Govt to help with assessment and priority needs.

It is understood the New Zealand High Commissioner in Tonga met with Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva today to assist assessing needs and developing response options to help Tonga.

The kingdom’s state of Emergency remains in place.

Ministry confirms 53 dengue cases as national clean-up campaign begins

By
Philip Cass
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There have now been 53 confirmed dengue fever cases in Tonga.

The first case of the disease was confirmed in the first week of January.

The Ministry of Health declared an outbreak on January 24.

There has been one fatality, Toafei Telefoni, who died while visiting Tonga from New Zealand.

Telefoni was buried in Auckland on February 3.

Dr Siale Akau’ola, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Health, told Kaniva News earlier this month the influx of returning students and visitors to Tonga during the Christmas Holidays had brought in a large pool of dengue viruses which caused the outbreak.

The Ministry has issued advice to the public on signs and symptoms of dengue fever.

Indications of the disease included  fever associated with vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding and inability to take in oral fluid.

If these symptoms were present patients needed to be supplied with plenty of fluid to stop them going into shock.

A national clean-up campaign for Tongatapu began on February 1, with teams working in the east, west and central districts to remove old refrigerators, tyres, washing machines and other rubbish that could be  breeding grounds for mosquitos.

Where dengue fever cases have been identified, houses have been supplied with mosquito nets and repellent.

Houses are inspected  and sprayed with insecticides.

The next steps will include cleaning up and spraying schools.

The main points

  • There have now been 53 confirmed dengue fever cases in Tonga.
  • The Ministry has issued advice to the public on signs and symptoms of dengue fever.
  • A national clean-up campaign for Tongatapu began on February 1, with teams working in the east, west and central districts to remove old refrigerators, tyres, washing machines and other rubbish that could be breeding grounds for mosquitos.

For more information

Dengue confirmed as cause of death of 12 year old girl, Ministry confirms 19 more cases 

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