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Developing fisheries with WTO help could be a key to developing Tonga’s economy

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga will ask larger countries at next week’s World Trade Organisation meeting in Buenos Aires to help build the fishing industry in the kingdom.

They will also ask countries which fish in Tongan waters to pay increased fees.

Ministry of Labour and Commerce CEO Edgar Cocker said higher fees would help Tonga’s economy.

“There are rich countries which have refused to do this, but I will lobby them to try to change their minds,” Cocker said.

Tonga’s balance of trade needed change for the good of the economy and the country needed to boost exports in 2018.

Minister of Labour and Commerce Dr Pohiva Tu’ionetoa and Cocker will attend the WTO Trade Ministerial meeting in Argentina.

Cocker said he would also try persuade the WTO to ease international quarantine policies to make it commercially viable for Tonga to export fish to Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

He said Tonga would also ask for help in developing an industry to extract vanilla essence which could be sold to international suppliers for more than $1000 per kilo.

At the moment growers in Vava’u were getting $1000 per kilo for dried vanilla.

Tonga was also seeking help from Thailand to develop shrimp farming in Popua.

According to the Tonga Fisheries Sector Plan 2016-24,  Tonga  is  heavily  dependent  on  its fisheries and ocean resources for  food, transport, economic development and culture.

The report said Tonga’s economy as characterised by a lack of economies of scale due to  its small size, costly market access due to its distance from markets, a weak manufacturing base and limited labour pool.

The main points

  • Tonga will ask larger countries at next week’s World Trade Organisation meeting in Buenos Aires to help build the fishing industry in the kingdom.
  • They will also ask countries which fish in Tongan waters to may increased fees.
  • Ministry of Labour and Commerce CEO Edgar Cocker said higher fees would help Tonga’s economy.
  • Cocker said he would also try persuade the WTO to ease international quarantine policies to make it commercially viable for Tonga to export fish to Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

For more information

WTO conference

Tonga Fisheries Sector Plan 2016-24

Pōhiva elected TRU president as team prepares for run up to 2019 World Cup

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has been re-elected as president of the Tonga Rugby Union.

Interim CEO Fe’ao Vunipola was re-elected as vice president.

Other members of the TRU committee who were elected yesterday are Tu’i Uata, ‘Aisea ‘Aholelei, Moimoi Fakahua, Tuipulotu Lauaki, Sione Vuki and Hon. Poasi Tei.

Vunipola told Kaniva News this morning he was happy with the results.

“I thank God for he has urged rugby representatives to re-elect me and the Prime Minister
so that we can complete two years for us to work for the Union before the Rugby World Cup 2019.

“We need your support and I apologised for any shortfall in the past”, Vunipola said in
Tongan.

Meanwhile, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji have seen a 19 per cent increase in funding from World
Rugby in the build up to the 2019 cup challenge.

World Rugby General Manager, High Performance Peter Horne said the international body
was investing about £20 million (NZ$39 million/TP$60 million) in the 2016-2019 Pacific programme.

“Tonga’s win against Italy last November was a big push towards their Rugby World Cup
2019 qualification,” Horne said.

“As we work towards RWC 2019, we need to ensure the three Pacific Island teams are as
competitive as possible.”

Court case

Earlier this year the TRU was involved in a major case in the Supreme Court after changes to its constitution were challenged by plaintiffs who argued not enough notice had been given to members before the annual general meeting.

The changes included an amendment to allow changes to the Constitution to be made on a
simple majority vote, the appointment of the Prime Minister as the President of the TRU,
the removal of the members’ right to elect the President, the reduction in the number of
representatives of sub-unions who were members of the TRU and a quota of local players to be selected in the national team.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said the TRU had failed to comply with provisions in its
Constitution, as a result of which unlawful decisions had been made.

He said not enough notice had been given and the amendments had been approved by a
bare majority and not the 75% required.

Special meeting

The elections came after the Supreme Court appointed Acting Attorney General Aminiasi Kefu early last month as a Counsel to assist the Court (Amicus Curiae) and to convene a Special General Meeting for TRU.

Kefu was tasked with conducting a meeting that would allow members of TRU to fill vacancies under the organization’s constitution.

Members would also be allowed in that meeting to consider any proposed alterations or amendments to the TRUʻs constitution.

For more information
Supreme Court declares 2016 changes to TRU constitution unlawful
World Rugby increases investment in Pacific Islands teams

Tonga insured for damage as cyclone season gets underway

By
Philip Cass
-

With the cyclone season underway, Tonga is being covered against damage as part of a
US$45 million insurance scheme.

The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company, which was established a year ago, is
providing $US45 cover for Tonga, the Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, Samoa and
Vanuatu.

The company, which is owned by the Pacific Island countries, was established with the
assistance of the World Bank.

During the pilot period of the scheme, in January 2014, Tonga was hit by severe (category
five) Cyclone Ian.

A state of emergency was declared for Vava’u and Ha’apai.

More than 1000 buildings in Ha’apai were destroyed and 2000 people were left homeless.

As a result, a payout of $1.27 million was made to Tonga under the policy on January
27th; an amount equivalent to more than the country’s 2013 contingency budget, and more than half of the reserves of the Tonga National Reserve Fund.

This was the first payout made under the pilot scheme.

The official 2017/18 cyclone season began on November 1 and will end on April 30 next
year.

The Meteorology Department said the kingdom could expect up to two cyclones this season
with a 40-50% chance that at least one could be Severe (Category 3 or above).

The department said all communities should remain alert and prepared during the cyclone
season take cyclone alerts, warnings and advisories seriously when they were issued.

All communities are urged to be vigilant and follow forecast information provided by the
Department.

  • The main points
    With the cyclone season underway, Tonga is being covered against damage as part
    of a US$45 million insurance scheme
  • The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company, which was established a year ago,
    is providing $US45 cover for Tonga, the Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, Samoa
    and Vanuatu.
  • The official 2017/18 TC Season began on November 1 and will end on 30th April,
    2018.

For more information

$US45 million for Pacific catastrophe insurance
2017–2018 Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook for Tonga
Pacific catastrophe risk insurance pilot programme

Vava’u fans breach airport regulations as they rush to carry MMT stars from aircraft

By
Kalino Latu
-

Mate Ma’a Tonga supporters and their families in Vava’u pushed open a gate at the Lupepau’u International Airport before swarming onto the runway to carry rugby league stars from an aircraft on Friday.

They ignored warnings from Police who were there to make sure everyone was safe.

Police appeared happy before moving aside to watch.

Some Mate Ma’a Tonga players including Konrad Hurrell and Peni Terepo flew from Tongatapu to Vava’u after they were welcomed to the kingdom on Tuesday with a national celebration which featured public floats, royal ceremony and a block party.

Women in Vava’u surrounded the aircraft’s stairway and carried the MMT stars.

Photos seen by Kaniva News shortly after the incident showed that Terepo and Hurrell  appeared elated while they were carried by the fans.

The celebration came after Terepo was given a piggyback in ‘Eua last week before he was led on a road in Nafanua while his jubilant supporters shouted and yelled in exultation.

Vava’u ways

The breach of the airport rules was regarded by Tongans as the normal  Vava’u ways and Police used to it.

Some people said only Police who were new to the islands would not tolerate the people’s behaviour.

They described the behaviour as entertaining and said it showed how extreme their happiness was when they celebrated.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this year, a happy crowd at Halaevalu wharf in Vava’u pushed a locked gate open before some of them swarmed in when a security guard tried unsuccessfully to stop them and lock the gate again.

These incidents had been met with positive comments from the Tongan public with many people praising the Vava’u way of doing things.

Vava’u celebrations last week included public floats and feasts in Neiafu.

Cup final

Australia defeated England 6-0 in last night’s Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane.

While England were unable to score, Australia only managed a third of the points Tonga scored in their 18-20 clash with England.

The main points

  • Mate Ma’a Tonga supporters and their families in Vava’u pushed open a gate at the Lupepau’u airport before swarming onto the runway to carry rugby league stars from an aircraft on Friday.
  • They ignored warnings from Police.
  • Konrad Hurrell and Peni Terepo flew from Tongatapu to Vava’u after they were welcomed to the kingdom on Tuesday.
  • Women in Vava’u surrounded the aircraft’s stairway and carried the MMT stars.

Police investigating report of serious assault in Ōtāhuhu

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Counties Manukau Police said they were investigating a serious assault outside a bar on Queen Street in Ōtāhuhu late last night.

Around 11:30pm a 52-year-old man was attacked by a small group of people unknown to him during an argument.

During the attack he was struck over the head with a wine glass, Acting Detective Sergeant Warwick Worth said.

The man remained in Middlemore Hospital in a critical but stable condition after emergency surgery, he said.

“We are following strong lines of inquiry, but if there is anyone who knows who is involved or saw what happened, we’d like to hear from you.”

Information can be passed to Counties Manukau Crime Squad on (09) 261 1321, or to Crimestoppers, anonymously if necessary, on 0800 555 111.

Pōle‘o family hit by double tragedy in less than a week

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Pōle’o family of Vainī have been left devastated after a father and nephew both died within days of each other.

Vakaolafehi Pōle’o, who was also known as Vaka Pōle’o, died yesterday.

The family have yet to officially reveal the cause of his death.

His works of computer and print design as well as music were popular with Tongan community and businesses.

Vaka was one of few Tongans who had been graduated with a BA qualification in visual designs and art from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

His nephew Li’ekina He Vahafolau Fīnau died three days earlier.

As Kaniva News reported, Fīnau died in hospital after police alleged he jumped out of a moving Police van on Tuesday night.

Fīnau was the  son of Foni Pōle’o, the late elder brother of Vaka.

His mother was Meliame from Tatakamotonga.

Vaka’s son Tu’ipulotu has confirmed his father’s death to Kaniva News.

Tu’ipulotu who is also known by DJ name Darren said his father’s death really hurt him.

He said he was proud of his music and works of art.

World Cup final goes ahead despite threats and attacks on referee by Tongan lawyers

By
Philip Cass
-

The Rugby League World Cup Final that many people thought should have featured Tonga challenging Australia kicks off in Brisbane tonight at 10pm New Zealand time.

The Mate Ma’a have been feted in the kingdom and awarded royal honours for their astonishing string of victories that came to an end last Saturday.

Tonight’s match has gone ahead despite earlier threats of legal action by lawyers Kahungunu Barron-Afeaki S.C. and Nalesoni Tupou, who considered filing an injunction against the staging of the World Cup final.

Barron-Afeaki and Tupou have been described as acting as legal advisers to the Tongan Rugby League.

The New Zealand Herald reported this evening that they had abandoned their plans after realising there wasn’t enough time.

They said the Tongan Rugby League wanted a re-match with England next year.

There has been a furious reaction to Tupou’s comments questioning referee Matt Cecchin’s mental health.

Cecchin failed to check the video records before refusing to allow Andrew Fifita’s last minute try, denying Tonga their  berth in tonight’s final.

Tupou claimed the referee’s previous issues with anxiety and mental health should have been taken into account by the tournament organisers and the Rugby League International Federation.

He asked if Cecchin was “fit and proper” to participate in the tournament.

Cecchin has been described as the most experienced referee in the NRL. He has talked about issues in the past, including a panic attack before an NRL match in 2016.

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has slammed Tupou’s comments, calling them “a cheap shot.”

Foundation spokesperson Sophia Graham said the comments were unfair and disappointing.

“There are so many people working really hard to break down the stigma and discrimination that can so often attend an experience of mental illness,” Graham said.

“There is also amazing work happening in the Pasifika community and this really undermines it.”

The main points

  • The Rugby League World Cup Final that many people thought should have featured Tonga challenging Australia kicks off in Brisbane tonight at 10pm New Zealand time.
  • Tonight’s match has gone ahead untroubled by earlier threats of legal action by lawyers Kahungunu Barron-Afeaki S.C. and Nalesoni Tupou, who considered filing an injunction against the staging of the World Cup final.
  • The New Zealand Herald reported this evening that they had abandoned their plans after realising there wasn’t enough time.
  • There has been a furious reaction to his Tupou’s comments questioning referee Matt Cecchin’s mental health.

For more information 

League: Tonga drop legal bid to halt World Cup final, seek redemption clash against England

League: Tongan lawyer questions World Cup referee’s mental health history

Foundation slams Tongan lawyer’s comments on league referee’s mental health

Lord Kalaniuvalu rewards Taumālolo and Lolohea’s achievements with pieces of land

By
Kalino Latu
-

Lord Kalaniuvalu has awarded pieces of land to Jason Taumālolo and Tu’imoala Lolohea as rewards after they represented Tonga during Rugby League World Cup 2017.

The reward was confirmed by the noble yesterday in a cultural ceremony which was attended by the two Mate Ma’a Tonga players.

The reward was one of the highest honours a king’s noble could award.

The formal ceremony began with presentation of the cultural practice of  hāʻunga (baked food normally and formally presented as a welcome) for the rugby league stars.

It was presented with puaka tohos (big hogs) and followed with a formal speech by the matāpule who represented Lord Kalaniuvalu.

Lord Kalaniuvalu was emotional when he made the announcement yesterday saying he remembered his late father Lord Kalaniuvalu Fotofili who was instrumental in supporting sports in Tonga.

The event was recorded on video and shared on social media.

Taumālolo, who dropped a bombshell on New Zealand, announcing his decision to play for its rival Tonga at the World Cup 2017, comes from Lapaha through his mother, Tominika.

Lolohea, a former Warriors five-eighth, is from Talasiu through his father Paula Lolohea.  

Achievement

Tonga won four games in a row  before it exited the world cup distressingly after a controversial loss to England at semi final.

But its Mate Ma’a Tonga team’s performance was described by international media as the story of this tournament.

The Guardian said: “They played with heart, with power, with skill and they were the pride of their small nation. The crowd’s singing during today’s semi, even when Tonga were down 20-0, will stay with me for some time.”

‘Eua High School fire kills teacher

By
Kalino Latu
-

A 33-year-old teacher has died following a fire at a government school in ‘Eua

The fire at ‘Eua High School broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A close family member of the deceased alleged the victim is thought to have been trapped in his house before he could be able to escape the fire.

He was rushed to hospital where he died, she said.

It is understood the victim went by the name of Kalisolaite ‘Eti on Facebook.

Viliami Tu’ihalamaka from Tonga Fire and Emergency Service in Tongatapu said he had received report from ‘Eua a man was injured in a house fire at the school and was taken to hospital.

Rugby League Pres responds after MMT missed church leaders’ prayer services

By
Kalino Latu
-

The President of the Mate Ma’a Tonga national Rugby League committee said the Church
Leaders who arranged a prayer service for the Mate Ma’a Tonga players yesterday did not
contact him.

It is understood only Tu’imoala Lolohea of the Mate Ma’a Tonga team attended the prayer service.

President Sēmisi Sika said the team came to Tonga after an invitation from the King to a
ceremony at the royal palace.

Hon. Sika said the programme was set to make sure the boys would also have enough time to meet their family and their rugby league supporters who could not go to New Zealand to
support the national team.

He said it was important for all sectors in the Tongan community to communicate with his
national committee which was working to ensure there were no clashes between functions
people wanted the team to attend.

He said Ma’a Tonga was a national team and it must be looked after in a way that ensured the nation as a whole would not be affected.

Hon. Sika said he has been involved in organising a number of national events in the past 30 years and the highlight was the coronation of the King Tupou VI in 2015.

He said yesterday’s programme went well and achieved its purposes.

“You can see kids and elderly walking and standing by the roads waving to show their
appreciation to the Mate Ma’a Tonga team players,” Hon. Sika said.

“I believe the venue was rightly picked to use central Nuku’alofa roads, allowing the public to parade and mixed and mingled on its main road with the players,” Hon Sika said.

He said the route meant there was plenty of parking on side roads in central Nuku’alofa and roads leading out of town for thousands of Tongan fans who attended the celebrations

He said the prayer service was held at the Centenary Church in Kolomotu’a which only held up to 500 people and not everyone could join the programme.

Yesterday’s programme

The president told Kaniva News this morning he was only made aware of the Church Leaders’ prayer service programme on Tuesday night when they were at the Tanoa Hotel.

He said the prayer service had not been included in the official programme for the Mate Ma’a Tonga.

He said he told those who made him aware of the prayer service they could not change the
programme with only a few hours’ warning because it had been already announced to the
public.

“I have no problem at all with religion and churches,” Hon. Sika said.

“But in New Zealand we prayed from time to time together with the team.

“The nation had prayed for the team and for us officials

“The team’s families around the world were praying for their sons who represented us in the Rugby League World Cup

“The churches’ and church leaders around the world were also praying for us,” Hon Sika said.

“I thought those were enough.”

Time with supporters

Hon. Sika said he thought while the Ma’a Tonga players were in Tonga this week they should use their limited time for their supporters.

He said the prayer service could run for up to two hours and the team members had to prepare to go to the Palace at 4pm.

He said he was extremely happy to see so many young people following the floats yesterday vying to attract the attentions of the Mate Ma’a Tonga players.

“They are the future of the sport and I have no doubt these kids had been really inspired by the Mate Ma’a Tonga players,” Hon. Sika said.

Denial

Hon. Sika has rejected information circulated on Facebook saying Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva stopped the MMT players from going to the prayer services.

Hon Sika said he was the one who made the decision and it was the best for everyone.

He said the celebrations went really well and there were no fights.

“People were happy up to last night’s block party which was meant for the MMT players and
their families,” Hon. Sika said.

Church Leaders’ office in Nuku’alofa could not be reached for comment.

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