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Videos: brutal fight inside Pak’n Save, witnesses yell in Tongan to stop fighting

By
Kalino Latu
-

New Zealand: Footages of a violent fight among several men inside the Mangere Pak’n Save supermarket has surfaced on social media this morning.

One of the videos showed the men attacked one another while stunned shoppers moved towards them with some yelling at the fighters in Tongan to stop fighting.

The men however engaged in a brutal fight lasting several minutes.

Another 36-second video showed the shoppers crowd around the fight, with many screaming as the brawl escalates.

A woman was heard begging earnestly in Tongan to one of the attackers saying “Tuku ia. Ko e Tonga pe?” (Stop it. They are also Tongans).

Another woman was heard yelling in Tongan: “Tuku ia” (Stop it).

A Pak N Save staff, who did not want to be identified, has confirmed the incident to Kaniva News and said it took place yesterday evening, Tuesday 24.

It is still unclear what started the brawl and whether the men involved suffered injuries or not.

Tongan nationals troubled over passport shortage as NZ security tightened

By
Kalino Latu
-

Hundreds of Tongans who need new passports to enter New Zealand have faced difficulties, with many visa applications being declined after the country rejected Tonga’s Certificate of Identity on its own.

Immigration New Zealand will not accept the Certificates of Identity (COIs) without the holders being able to provide other forms of identification.

New Zealand requires either a New Zealand driver’s license or an expired Tongan passport as supporting identity documents.

Groups such as Recognised Seasonal Employee visa applicants who had planned to travel to New Zealand will need to get supporting letters from the RSE office in Tonga.

Some of those who had complained to Kaniva News said they did not hold New Zealand drivers’ licenses or expired Tongan passports since this was the first time they had applied for Tongan passports.

One complainant said she was surprised after she was issued with a COI in Tonga but then allegedly told at the immigration office she could not use it to apply for a visa to New Zealand.

The trouble came after the kingdom announced in August it had run out of passports.

The sudden shortage was attributed to high local demand and from Tongans living overseas, the government said.

While waiting for the new stock, which was expected to arrive next month, the Tongan government issued the COI to those who had applied for a new passport or whose passports had expired.

“Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is very aware of the current low stock of Tongan passports”, an Immigration New Zealand spokesperson said.

“INZ has some concerns about the security features of the current Certificate of Identity (COI) being issued by the Tongan government until the new stock of passports arrives.

“Although Tongan nationals can lodge a visa application with a COI, a further form of identification is required before a visa can be issued.

“The most preferred form of identity alongside the COI is an expired Tongan passport. However, INZ may also accept other forms of verifiable evidence of identity such as a New Zealand driver’s licence, or in the case of an RSE application, certification/facilitation documents from RSE officials in Tonga.

“Signs about the issue are prominently displayed at INZ’s Nuku’alofa office and there has been extensive advertising in local media.”

The main points

  • Hundreds of Tongans who need new passports to enter New Zealand have faced difficulties, with many visa applications being declined after the country rejected Tonga’s Certificate of Identity on its own.
  • The trouble came after the kingdom announced in August it had run out of passports.
  • The sudden shortage was attributed to high local demand and from Tongans living overseas, the government said.
  • While waiting for more passports, the Tongan government issued the Certificate of Identity to those who had applied for a new passport or whose passports had expired.

For more information

Tonga out of passports until October

NZ, Australia, working on passport problem

National dialogue aims to create shared vision of democracy among Tongans

By
Philip Cass
-

The three-day National Dialogue on Democracy is intended to create a shared vision of what a genuine Tongan democracy might look like.

Organisers hope it will lead to a greater public understanding of the political reform and democratisation process.

They also hope it will lead to the creation of register of policies to inform decisions by incoming governments.

They would also like such an event to be held every three years.

The event will explore the political and constitutional issues surrounding the dissolution of parliament.

It will look at the relationship between the different branches of government and how they can be enhanced to ensure the growth and advancement of effective and democratic government.

The three-day meeting will ask how Tongans can ensure the election of highly capable representatives in the 2018-2022 parliament.

It will also ask whether there should be any changes to the way Parliament works and whether the existing system allows voter’s wishes to the House.

It will also look at what lessons have been learned from development of democracy in Tonga so far.

Timetable

The National Dialogue on Democracy will be held at the Fā’onelua Convention Centre, Nuku’alofa from tomorrow (October 25) to October 27.

It will be opened at 10am by HRH Princess Pilolevu.

  • Sessions tomorrow include:

11.30am Democracy

1.30pm Constitution

2.30pm Government institutions and relationships

3.345pm Current political issues

  • Sessions on Thursday include:

9am Keynote address by the Prime Minister, Hon. Akilisi Pohiva.

9.10am Economy and business

10.25am Trade and development

11.25am Media

1.25pm Civil society

2.25pm Church

3.40pm Education

  • Sessions on Friday include:

9am Keynote address by the Speaker of Parliament, Lord Tu’ivakano.

9.10am Culture

10.25am Security and defence

11.25am election 1

1.25pm election 2

3.25pm Finish

The event is being organised by the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Māori and Pasifika) at Massey University, New Zealand, in conjunction with the annual Queen Sālote Tupou III Lecture Series.

The main points

  • The three day National Dialogue on Democracy is intended to create a shared vision of what a genuine Tongan democracy might look like.
  • Organisers hope it will lead to a greater public understanding of the political reform and democratisation process.
  • They also hope it will lead to the creation of register of policies to inform decisions by incoming governments.
  • They would also like such an event to be held every three years.

As polls loom, questions remain over what Tongan democracy should look like

By
Philip Cass
-

With Tonga’s national election just over three weeks away, there is still debate about what democracy in the kingdom should look like.

Massey University academic Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, of the Pasifika Research and Policy Centre, said Tongans still needed to work out what sort of democracy they wanted.

“There is a general perception in Tonga about some sort of idea, a vague idea in many ways, of what a democracy would look like for Tonga,” Dr Koloamatangi told Radio New Zealand this morning.

While concepts like an elected parliament, more power to the people, transparency and accountability were held, there was no consensus on what a Tonga democracy should look like.

Next month’s elections were called after King Tupou VI dissolved Parliament.

In August, Dr Koloamatangi told Radio Australia that while King Tupou VI had the right to dissolve Parliament, his action had undermined Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

He said at the time that the motives behind the King’s decision remained a mystery.

Dr Koloamatangi is one of the organisers of what has been billed as a National Dialogue on Democracy in Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, tomorrow.

The debate is open to members of the public.

Another forum on the elections was held earlier this month, with speakers including Acting prime Minuister ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Lord Vaea and Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has New Zealand has donated $US93,000 towards the cost of the elections.

Radio Tonga said the Tongan government asked for financial help.

New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Tonga, Sarah Walsh, said the money would go towards printing of the electoral roll and ballot papers, public awareness, travel and training for election officials and the venue hire for polling stations.

The elections will be held on November 16.

As Kaniva News reported recently, as of September 22, a total of 50,450 voters were registered with the Tongan Electoral Commission, of whom  25,722 (51%) were women and 24,683 (49%) were men.

A total of 15 women will contest the elections on November 16. There are 86 candidates in total, of whom 15 are women.

The main points

  • With Tonga’s national election just over three weeks away, there is still debate about what democracy in the kingdom should look like.
  • Massey University academic Dr Malakai Koloamatangi said Tongans still needed to work out what sort of democracy they wanted.
  • He is one of the organisers of what has been billed as a National Dialogue on Democracy in Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, tomorrow.
  • The debate is open to members of the public.

For more information  

Tongans searching for consensus on democracy – academic

Tongan electoral Commission

NZ gives aid for Tongan election

Despite ‘serious concern’ after Supreme Court decision, World Rugby vows to support Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

World Rugby said it will continue to help Tonga rugby despite its “serious concern” over the impact of a Supreme Court decision quashing changes members had made to the Union’s constitution last year.

The international body had written to Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, Interim Executive Chairman Fe’ao Vunipola and others with a proposal it said should help keep TRU moving forward.

World Rugby had confirmed Fe’ao Vunipola will remain as Interim Executive Chairman of Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) since his appointment was made before the amendments to the constitution took place.

It is understood Vunipola was expecting to call an Annual General Meeting next month  (November).

As Kaniva news reported, a Supreme Court judge revoked the amendments because no notice was given to the members of the intention to vote on the changes prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Also, the amendments were not passed by 75% of the representatives attending the meeting as required by the Constitution.

Kaniva Tonga News understands TRU has filed an appeal against the decision.

“This decision and its impact on the Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) is of serious concern to World Rugby, particularly since the national Representative team is scheduled to play important matches as part of the upcoming November tour,” a letter obtained by Kaniva News which showed David Carrigy, World Rugby’s Head of Development & International Relations, as writer, said.

“It is paramount to the reputation of Tonga and the Tonga Rugby Union that these matches are played without being impeded by governance issues,” the letter said.

“All parties to the Joint Management Committee have Tongan rugby Union’s best interests at heart and while the issues relating to the governance are outstanding World Rugby will continue to implement the High Performance programme agreed by the Joint Management Committee since that course of action will be most effective in continuing to promote, protect and develop Tonga rugby.

“Mr Vunipola will refrain from taking any major or important decisions (since there is effectively no Board to provide him with a mandate to act) and any actions taken by him as interim Executive Chairman will be solely to retain the status quo until a new Board is elected following a properly convened AGM”, the letter said.

“The Tonga Rugby team will continue under the jurisdiction of the Tripartite Committee will play in its scheduled Matches in November as planned and, The Tripartite committee will continue its work.

The Tongan government to pay the players their scheduled payments to ensure continuity and security for the players while the governance issues are being resolved,” it said.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Toutai Kefu has announced the ‘Ikale Tahi Team which is captained by Siale Piutau to tour Europe next month.

Strong Tongan, Pasifika representation in Labour’s new cabinet

By
Philip Cass
-

Two MPS with strong Tongan ties have joined a contingent of four Pasifika politicians to win places in the new Labour cabinet.

MP for Mangere, Aupito William Sio, who has been Labour’s spokesperson for Pacific Island Affairs and Inter-Faith Dialogue, said Carmel Sepuloni and Jenny Salesa had been selected as Ministers, along with Kris Fa’afoi, whose family came from Tokelau.

MP for Christchurch East Poto Williams, who is of Cook Islands descent will become chair of a parliamentary select committee.

Sio, who holds a chiefly title in Samoa, will also be a cabinet member in the new government.

For the first time Labour has six MPs of Pacific descent, with the election of list candidate Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki, whose family came from Tonga.

“This is a fantastic achievement that we got because of the overwhelming support from our Pacific community,” Hon. Sio said.

“Out of the six Pacific MPs we have, five have been given leadership roles in the new Labour Government with Anahila placed in a position to learn, grow and develop into her new MP Role.”

“I want to convey to our Tongan community my deepest gratitude for their wonderful support of me and of the Labour Party.

“I am especially grateful to the people of Mangere for their faith and belief in me as their representative.

“The result for me in Mangere was I got 18,810 votes with a majority of 14,597 with the highest Labour Party vote in the country of 19,931.”

Sio said he was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotion of gratitude, excitement and humility.

He said that during nine years of National government inequality had grown and the gap  between rich and poor had become worse, especially for Pasifika communities.

“I know that our Pacific communities have huge expectations of us in the Labour-led Government.

“We are committed to bringing about change to better the lives of our community and with everyone’s help we will set out to do so.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce the distribution of portfolios on Wednesday.

The new ministers would be sworn in next Thursday.

Parliament will be sworn in at the beginning of November.

The main points

  • Two MPS with strong Tongan ties have joined a contingent of four Pasifika politicians to win places in the new Labour cabinet.
  • Carmel Sepuloni and Jenny Salesa have been selected as Ministers.
  • They will be joined by Labour’s current spokesman for Pacific Island affairs, Aupito William sio, who holds a chiefly title in Samoa.
  • Also joining the cabinet are Kris Fa’afoi, whose family came from Tokelau and MP for Christchurch East Poto Williams, who is of Cook Islands descent.

For more information 

Labour MP blames Māori Party for NZ ‘inequality’ as National’s partners

Government orders “all actions” to be taken against Lord Dalgety; moves to freeze all payments to him

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government has ordered the Electricity Commission to take all possible action against Lord Dalgety to clear up all allegations about the Commission’s missing funds.

The Minister of Finance Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa told the Commission’s board on Wednesday, October 18, that action against Dalgety should be carried out immediately with “no further delay” according to an email seen by Kaniva News.

“In the minutes there was no reference to further investigation with a view of prosecution because there was allegations (sic) of criminal activities. Paula as Acting CEO should do that for the Board”, another e-mail which listed Hon. Tu’i’onetoa as sender, said.

The Commission’s board members had responded to the minister with an action list which included moving to freeze all future payments to Lord Dalgety

The Electricity Commission’s board resolved to change the organisation’s audit company to the government Department of Audit after an instruction from the Minister of Finance.

The board members also passed a resolution for Auditor General Sefita Tangi to audit the Commission’s financial accounts.

As Kaniva News reported, Lord Dalgety, the Commission’s former CEO,  tendered his resignation last week to the Chairman of the Commission Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola citing his old age and health conditions.

However, he said he would stay with the Commission until March 31, 2018.

The Commission’s board members appointed Commissioner Paula Tupou as acting CEO of the organisation until December 2017.

Tupou said one of the reasons why the commission took this step was because of “the realisation of the urgency required to recover from the Dalgety disaster.”

Tupou will issue instructions to staff  regarding the new management arrangement.

Actions to be taken under the new regime will include freezing all payments to Lord Dalgety; advising Clive Edwards to cancel the previous engagement, training providers and informing the relevant institutions and individuals of Lord Dalgety’s segregation from the EC.

A salary review of staff and Commissioners by either Christine ‘Uta’atu or Pacific Management Consultants is to be completed before end of year.

Tupou will be included as a bank signatory of Electricity Commission accounts.

The continued employment of the commission’s two life time contractors may also depend on the findings of the Auditor.

Action will be taken on the auditor’s report and the salary review.

A replacement PA and other staff will be recruited as required.

A locally held directorship short course will be organised.

The main points

  • The government has ordered the Election Commission to take all possible action against Lord Dalgety to clear up all allegations about the Commission’s missing funds.
  • Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa told the Commission’s board that action against Dalgety should be carried out immediately.
  • The board passed a resolution for Auditor General Sefita Tangi to audit the Commission’s financial accounts.
  • Tupou will issue instructions to staff f regarding the new management arrangement.

For more information

Electricity Commission’s interim CEO moves to sack Lord Dalgety

Father drugged and raped own daughter, court told

By
Kalino Latu
-

A father from Hahake district, Tongatapu has faced court accused of drugging his own daughter with crystal meth, also known as ice before raping her while his wife from a second marriage was watching.

The father, who cannot be named to protect his daughter’s identity, has pleaded not guilty to 15 charges including incest with daughter, procuring sexual acts by administering a drug and rapes, Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper has reported.

He pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence after he attacked and threatened her daughter with a pair of scissors.

The Supreme Court heard the girl, whose parents were separated, and her mother was living in New Zealand at the time, had been staying with her father in Hahake from September 2016 to January 2017.

The man committed the offences over two months between December 2016 and January 2017.

The abuse apparently began when the girl was with her father in their house while his wife and their young children went to a funeral.

The girl was about to go to a friend’s house when her father allegedly forced her to take the drug.

She took it after her father threatened her. She said she felt weak and tired after taking the drug before her father allegedly raped her, the paper reported.

Since then whenever his father returned home drunk he entered her room and raped her, the girl claimed.

She alleged she was sometimes raped by her father while her step-mother was watching.

The case was reported to Police after the girl opened up to a maternal aunt and told her about her ordeal, and the aunt contacted the police.

It is understood the trial before Justice Charles Cato was set to continue next week.

US tourists fall victim to Vava‘u booking scams

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nine tourists from the United States had been allegedly robbed of about $10,000 in a scam Police said was organised by a Tongan woman from New Zealand who was staying in Vava’u.

Tonga Police said a 65-year-old man from the United States who was staying on Mala Island in Vava’u lodged a complaint with police and have revealed how they were duped in the online thread last month.

The tourists allegedly paid $9,720 to the 37-year-old woman as payment for their meals, accommodation and transportation while touring Vava’u for whale watching.

They arrived in Vava’u to find the woman only paid for their accommodation and nothing else.

No charges had been laid after the woman paid back the money, Police said.

Police are warning tourists to be vigilant after the incident.

Valerie Adams shares first photo of new born baby Kimoana

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Dame Valerie Adams-Price has shared the first picture of her baby daughter Kimoana on Instagram.

The Olympic Gold Medalist, 33, welcomed her first child on October 11.

“The shot put ace posted four photos on Instagram on Monday, showing baby Kimoana being showered with love by her adoring family.”

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