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New Zealand appoints two Tongans to cabinet

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan MP Jenny Lātū Salesa who was born and raised in Tonga before moving to New Zealand about 30 years ago has won a place in history when she was appointed to Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet.

MP Carmel Sepuloni who is of Tongan decent was also given a ministerial post.

Sixteen Labour MPs will make up Ardern’s ministerial cabinet and the rest of the spots would be given to four still-to-be-named NZ First MPs.

Announcing her cabinet line-up today in a press conference Ardern said gender balance in Cabinet was something she was not happy about and she had vowed to address it.

She will announce which portfolios the Labour Ministers will hold next week with the exception of MP Grant Robertson.

Robertson, the Labour’s MP for Wellington Central and Labour’s Finance Spokesperson in the government of Bill English, will be Finance Minister.

“Ms Ardern repeated her statements from the campaign trail that she was interested in the Arts and Culture portfolio, and wanted to keep involved in childrens’ issues.”

The Labour and NZ First led-government will be 52nd in power and Ardern will become the 40th prime minister.

Ardern said the Labour Cabinet Ministerial positions were decided through election by the Labour team at 2pm this afternoon in accordance with the party’s written rules.

The Ministerial positions outside of Cabinet were decided by Ardern.

Other cabinet members will be:

Jacinda Ardern, David Clark, Clare Curran, Kelvin Davis, Chris Hipkins, Iain Lees-Galloway, Andrew Little, Nanaia Mahuta, Stuart Nash, Damien O’Connor, David Parker, Grant Robertson,  Phil Twyford and Megan Woods.

Five ministers who will sit outside Cabinet:

Kris Faafoi, Peeni Henare, Willie Jackson, Aupito William Sio and Meka Whaitiri.

King commissions largest multi-million solar farm in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A TP$9 million new 2-megawatt solar farm in Tonga was commissioned by His Majesty King Tupou VI yesterday at Matatoa, Tofoa.

The largest solar farm to be installed in the kingdom consisted of 7440 solar panels and it covered 6.3 acres.

Chinese company Zhuhai Singyes Green Building Technology funded the project after an agreement signed with the Tongan government in 2016.

It is expected to generate over 2,828,84 kWh of electricity over the first year of operation which is an equivalent of 680, 000 litres of diesel which could be saved in its first year of operation.

“The solar plant alone is expected to add another 5% towards the nation’s renewable energy target”, said the Minister for Public Enterprises and MEIDECC, Hon. Poasi Tei.

Carl Sanft, the Chairman of the Combined Utility Board said, “To date 12% of the renewable energy target for Tonga has been achieved”.

“ The project, permitted by Zhuhai Singyes Green Building Technology, is selling all the electricity generated from the plant to Tonga Power Ltd to assist the Government with the 50% renewable target by 2020 at TOP 0.33 per kWh which will remain the same for the next 25 years”, said the Chairman of the Utility Board Mr. Carl Sanft.

“ In order for TPL to help the Government achieve 50% renewable energy generation by 2020, grant financed investments of between US$32-$35 million is needed to help generate an additional 43% in renewable energy penetration through investments in solar, wind farms, as well as installation of much needed battery storage. This means that we can reduce the power tariff by 20 to 30 seniti per kWh”.

“The Government of China and Tonga Power Ltd have also commenced a dialogue, for the installation of a 2 Megawatt wind power generation project in Tonga and the Government of Japan had granted funding for a 1.3 MW wind generation project”.

“By engaging an Independent Power Producer like Zhuhai Singyes, it contributes to the energy sector achieving its goals by utilizing third party investments in clean electricity generation”, said Tonga Power’s CEO, Robert Matthews.

In his address to the gathering, His Excellency Mr. Wang Baodong congratulated the effort by Tonga Power Ltd and the Government of Tonga.

“It is good to see the interest that the people of China have invested in Tonga in the energy sector and we look forward to more Renewable Energy in the future”.

The Chairman of the Utility Board, Mr Carl Sanft, acknowledged the support from the development partners such as the Government of Australia, China and Japan as well as the European Union and the Asian Development Bank, Zhuhai Singyes Green Building Technology Co. Ltd and private investors for their support towards Tonga’s Renewable Energy Target.

Honourable Poasi Tei acknowledged Sam Leung, the Deputy CEO of Zhuhai Singyes Green Building Technology, CCECC, JH Electrical, T.E.A.M Power, SPS, Kramer, Ausenco and AECOM New Zealand Ltd for their contributions towards building a more resilient and prosperous Tonga.

The ceremony was also attended by the Ministers of the Crown, Ambassadors, church leaders, overseas visitors and distinguished guests.

Princess Pilolevu out of Tongasat amid company’s ongoing battles in court

By
Kalino Latu
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As its legal battles continue, Tongasat is now being operated by only one director after the removal of Pilinisesi Pilolevu Tuita as director.

The princess owned Tongasat, which was also known as Friendly Island Satellite Communications limited, after the venture was introduced to her by American businessman Mats Nilson in 1990.

The company is currently being directed by Lucy Anna ‘Ilaiū, a director who was appointed with the Princess in December 2009.

Sēmisi Poanesesi Pānuve, who was also appointed as director in 2009, left the company in November 2015.

According to Tonga’s business registries website ‘Ilaiū was appointed as shareholder in May 2016.

The other shareholder was Nilson Research Corporation, which has owned shares since 2001.

‘Ilaiū held 8000 of the shares while Nilson held 2000.

The departure of the Princess came after the Supreme Court ordered in July that Tongasat and the Kingdom of Tonga had to release to Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and PSA documents relating to the transfer of US$25,450,000 to Tongasat.

The money was originally paid to the Tongan government as a grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China

The court decision was a result of a long running legal battle between the Prime Minister and the Princess after Hon. Pōhiva argued that the payment to or for Tongasat was unlawful within the meaning of the Public Finance Management Act.

The original case focused on the payment of the money paid to or for the benefit of Tongasat in around June of 2011.

As part of their attempts to have the money returned to government, the Prime Minister, who began the case when he was in opposition, and the Public Service Association, wanted Tongasat and the Kingdom of Tonga to hand over all documents relating to the transfer.

The judge ordered the company to make a full disclosure about what it holds.

Last month the Supreme Court allowed an appeal by the Ministry of Revenue and Customs against a decision by the Tax Tribunal over a dispute with Tongasat.

The Ministry issued Tongasat with a Consumption Tax assessment for the period July 2006 to March 2015 amounting to just under TP$18 million, not including penalties for late  payment.

Tongasat filed notices of objection to the taxation decision which was accepted by the Tax Tribunal.

However, the Supreme Court ruled the Tribunal was erred in its decision.

Tongasat indicated it would appeal the Supreme Court’s decision.

Kaniva News has been unable to reach Princess Pilolevu or Tongasat for comment.

The main points

  • As its legal battles continue, Tongasat is now being operated by only one director after the removal of Pilinisesi Pilolevu Tuita as director.
  • The princess owned Tongasat, which was also known as Friendly Island Satellite Communications limited, after the venture was introduced to her by American businessman Mats Nilson in 1990.
  • The company is currently being directed by Lucy Anna ‘Ilaiū, a director who was appointed with the Princess in December 2009.
  • The other shareholder is Nilson Research Corporation, which has owned shares since 2001.

For more information 

Tongan Business Registry   

Supreme Court allows Ministry’s appeal on Tongasat tax argument

Labour leader Jacinda Ardern next New Zealand prime minister

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Kingmaker Winston Peters has announced his New Zealand First Party will throw its support behind the Labour party leader Jacinda Arden.

Ardern will claim the top job after only two and a-half months as Labour leader – and follows her former mentor Helen Clark into the top job.

Ardern took over as party leader from Andrew Little in August in a unanimous vote.

At 37, Ardern will be New Zealand’s third woman Prime Minister, after Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark.

She will also be New Zealand’s second youngest ever Prime Minister, after Edward Stafford who was also aged 37 when he took office 161 years ago.

The decision has just been announced at Parliament by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

Speed, alcohol factors in fatal Vava’u crash

By
Kalino Latu
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Speed and alcohol were factors in a crash that killed three men and injured eight including the driver, Police said.

Ulaea To’imoana Folau, 24, of Leimātu’a, Anitelu Kātoa, 20, of Leimātu’a and Kāsete Lātū, 17 of Haunga, Makave were killed when the double cap van they were passengers in had crashed on Saturday 14.

Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell said the injured ages ranged from 19 to 26.

The group was on their way back to Neiafu from Mata’aho, a historical side where they were drinking alcohol when the driver lost control of the vehicle at an area where the road was very steep.

The death brings the road toll for 2017 to 4, compared to 18 last year.

“While the full circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined, alcohol and speed are being considered in this case. I can say that all too often Police are attending serious crashes that are avoidable,” said Commissioner Caldwell.

“So many families have been dealing with the grief of losing their loved ones on our roads, and that’s incredibly sad.

“We extend our sympathy to the families of those involved and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time.

Crashes like this are preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.”

Investigation into the crash continues.

Electricity Commission’s interim CEO moves to sack Lord Dalgety

By
Kalino Latu
-

The acting CEO of the Electricity Commission, Paula Tupou, said he has pushed for the Commission’s board to sack former CEO Lord Dalgety with immediate effect.

Tupou said an employment contract between Lord Dalgety and the commission which has a clause that put him in the position until he died with some exceptions was fake.

As Kaniva News reported last week, Lord Dalgety has  been at the centre of an investigation by Tupou after allegations emerged that money was missing from the Electricity Commission pension funds.

Lord Dalgety tendered his resignation on Monday to the chairman, Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola, citing his old age and health condition, but said his departure would be effective in March 2018.

Tupou, who was appointed as interim boss this week, said the board was expected to hold a meeting yesterday (Tuesday 17) to formally dismiss the king’s noble.

He said the first item on the agenda would be to resolve to sack Dalgety immediately for having no legal employment contract with the EC, he said.

He said he would then send Dalgety by e-mail a letter signed by majority of the Commissioners dismissing him.

The letter would also instruct him to surrender all properties of the Commission in his possession.

A police officer would be present to supervise the handover process at the Commissions office.

“If he is not there at the appointed time, the charge will then include theft of Commission property (information) and Police will be looking for him and escort him to the venue advised,” Tupou said yesterday

Tupou accused Lord Dalgety of not complying with the commission’s trust deed or surrendering information he wanted for his investigation.

“This refusal to obey a lawful order is punishable by immediate dismissal, without notice”, Tupou said.

The king’s law lord is currently Tonga’s Election Commissioner and was also chair of the Privy Council’s Judicial Standing committee.

It is not yet clear whether Lord Dalgety intends to resign from his other appointments.

The main points

  • The acting CEO of the Electricity Commission, Paula Tupou, said he has pushed for the Commission’s board to sack former CEO Lord Dalgety with immediate effect.
  • Tupou said an employment contract between Lord Dalgety and the commission which has a clause that put him in the position until he died with some exception was fake.
  • As Kaniva News reported last week, Lord Dalgety has been at the centre of an investigation by Tupou after allegations emerged that money was missing from the Electricity Commission pension funds.
  • Lord Dalgety tendered his resignation on Monday to the chairman, Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola, citing his old age and health condition, but said his departure would be effective in March 2018.

For more information

Electricity Commission meeting cancelled as Commissioner Tupou walks out

Lord Dalgety resigns amid probe into Electricity Commission pension funds

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Electricity Commission Chief Executive Officer Lord Dalgety of Sikotilani Tonga abruptly resigned yesterday Monday 16, citing health reasons, amid an investigation into claims of missing funds in the organisation.

His resignation comes after a meeting scheduled for Thursday last week October 12 to investigate the missing fund allegations has been cancelled after commissioner Paula Tupou who was conducting the investigation, walked out of the meeting venue.

In his letter of resignation to the chairman of the commission, Lord Dalgety said: “Having regard to my age (72) and for reasons of health the time is now propitious for me to announce my retiral from the important and onerous task of chief executive of the Electricity Commission, to be effective on 31st March 2018.”

“This will give amble time for the commissioners to engage a suitable replacement and for an orderly hand-over to be effective.”

Leaked emails previously obtained by Kaniva Tonga news appear to show Lord Dalgety has refused to comply with a demand for information about money allegedly missing from the Electricity Pension Fund Trust.

Read more:

A cabinet spokesperson said the government has taken allegations about the Electricity Commission retirement funds seriously.

It was not immediately clear whether or not the king’s law lord would also resign from his roles with His Majesty’s Privy Council and as Tonga’s Election Commissioner.

The Kaniva News can reveal the Minister of Finance Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa repeatedly demanded  information from the commission apparently after we reported the allegations.

An email showed EC chairman Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola wrote to Lord Dalgety and Commissioner Meleseini Folau informing them about the Minister’s demands.

“I would like to request that you kindly make available the information required by the Minister of Finance as per stated in his letter to me (attached),” the email read.

“We (commissioners) had a meeting with the Minister of Finance on Monday and he asked for the information again and I assured him that this coming meeting will facilitate the availability of the required information.

“Please note that I had given the Minister of Finance, of whom I am directly accountable, my word that he will have the required information by tomorrow evening after the meeting.”

Rev. ‘Atiola also told Lord Dalgety and Folau Hon. Tu’i’onetoa had appointed two new commissioners who had been approved by cabinet on 4 October.

The two new commissioners were Mr. Soane Patita Vahe and Ms. Seinimili Fonua.

Another email seen by Kaniva News was from Minister of Police Māteni Tapueluelu to Tupou.

Hon. Tapueluelu said the Electricity Commission saga has gone on for some time.

“My personal opinion is, I urge the Chair of the Commission to summon courage and take the bull by the horn,” Hon Tapueluelu told Tupou.

“As a former journalist, when issues get to the media, not one iota will be hidden. That’s when everyone must admit the truth.

As current Police Minister, if there are criminal elements involved, this government will not look away.”

Lord Dalgety’s letter of resignation

Electricity Commission meeting cancelled as Commissioner Tupou walks out

By
Kalino Latu
-

A meeting scheduled to investigate claims of missing funds in the Electricity Commission has been cancelled after a senior investigator walked out of the meeting venue.

Commissioner Paula Tupou, who has been investigating the allegations, said he left the meeting venue after he arrived to find out a meeting attended by Lord Dalgety of Scotland Tonga, who is at the centre of the allegations, was underway.

Commissioner Tupou said he was suspicious of the meeting.

He said he believed the meeting was being held to gather support for a move to avoid surrendering the information he was asking for as part of his investigation.

“I left because I have seen it all before. Dalgety leading the Commissioners by the nose,” he said.

The National Retirement Benefit Funds CEO, Dr. Leimoni Taufu’i, said the meeting that was supposed to investigate the allegations had been postponed and would be held later.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, the meeting was planned to also look at the employment contract of Lord Dalgety and discuss what the law said about the number of board members in the commission.

Dr. Leimoni Taufu’i did not go into details about why the meeting was cancelled.

Commissioner Tupou said the meeting he discovered involved two members of the Electricity Commission (EC), Lord Dalgety and Meleseini Folau, EC Chair Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola, Dr. Taufu’i and two newly appointed commissioners.

Tupou said he asked them what meeting they were holding and Lord Dalgety told him it was a meeting of the Trustees.

Asked when the Electricity Commission board meeting would be held, Lord Dalgety told him it would be held after the Trustee’s Meeting.

“When I got there for the Commissioners’ meeting at 4pm, Rev. Atiola was in the middle of a meeting with Dalgety, Mele Folau, Leimoni Taufu’i and our two new Commissioners.

“What was Chairman Atiola doing there? He is not a Trustee,” Tupou said in an e-mail to Kaniva News.

“What were our two new Commissioners doing there? They would not know the first thing about the Electricity Pension Fund. It was their first meeting.

“What was Leimoni Taufu’i doing there?

Kaniva News has contacted Lord Dalgety to confirm Mr. Tupou’s claim.

Commissioner Tupou has questioned why Lord Dalgety’s contract was signed by Commissioner Folau as employer.

He also questioned a clause in the contract allowing Lord Dalgety to stay on his post until he dies with some exceptions.

He told Kaniva News other people in similar positions with the Commission did not have employment contracts.

The main points 

  • A meeting scheduled to investigate claims of missing funds in the Electricity Commission has been cancelled after a senior investigator walked out of the meeting venue.
  • Commissioner Paula Tupou, said he left after he arrived to find out a meeting headed by Lord Dalgety, who is at the centre of the allegations, was underway.
  • He said he believed the meeting was being held to gather support for a move to avoid surrendering the information he was asking for as part of his investigation.
  • The National Retirement Benefit Funds CEO, Dr. Leimoni Taufu’I, said the scheduled meeting would be held later.

For more information

Electricity Commission meets to address allegations; funds were audited, NRFB boss says

Man convicted of raping neighbour after breaking into her house

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A 29-year-old man was found guilty on October 10 of raping a female neighbour and breaking into her house in Ma’ufanga last year, a court document said.

Liua Fakatava  went into a house where the victim was sleeping after a night out and carried out the sex attack on her.

Fakatava had earlier denied raping the woman on 22 September 2016,

However Justice Charles Cato found him guilty of rape and serious housebreaking.

“I find, in the early morning of the 22nd September 2016, beyond reasonable doubt that the accused entered the complainant’s home uninvited as a trespasser and had non-consensual sexual intercourse with her,” Justice Cato said.

The court heard the woman had been to a funeral and after the burial she had gone for dinner with family to a bar where she had two bourbons and coke.

She also went to another bar and continued drinking there but she was not too drunk when she returned home and went to sleep at about 4am.

She said she woke up with a person on top of her. She said that it was still dark. There was some light from the kitchen, however.

She knew the person on top of her was the accused and she swore at him.

Fakatava, who worked as a bouncer, was working on the night and he was drinking with some friends after he finished work, the court was told.

Towns mourn three killed in Vava’u ‘shocking’ crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

Two Leimātu’a men and one man from Makave in Vava’u had been killed in a horror crash in Neiafu yesterday.

The reasons behind the crash have not yet become clear.

Vava’u 16 MP ‘Akosita Lavulavu has described the inicident as ‘shocking’ and compared its impact to a ‘darkness fell’ unexpectedly on the victims’ family and their houses.

It is understood Ulaea Havea and Semisi Kātoa of Leimātu’a were among the dead.

MP Lavulavu who visited the victims in hospital yesterday said other people who were injured in the crash were still in hospital.

Tongan authorities could not be reached for comment.

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