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Man dies after jumping out of moving Police vehicle

By
Kalino Latu
-

A 22-year-old man has died in hospital after police alleged he jumped out of a moving Police van last night.

A sister of the deceased has confirmed his name was Li’ekina He Vahafolau Fīnau of Tatakamotonga.

Acting Police Chief Superintendent Tēvita Vailea said Police arrested Fīnau after a complaint was launched against him.

Vailea alleged Fīnau was drunk and he was at the back of the pick-up van with a Police officer while they were heading to the Police station.

A Police investigation was underway, he said.

MMT recalls Tongan tradition of courage and respect in times of defeat, says academic

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan academic said the Mate Ma’a Tonga players’ performance during the Rugby League World Cup has rekindled the kind of courage, respect and peace Tongans have whenever they were defeated in sports.

Sione Tu’itahi, a former Tongan journalist, writer and lecturer at Massey University and now
director of the Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand said these players were true patriots who gave everything for their purposes.

Tu’itahi said the players showed in their performance against England at the Mt Smart on
Saturday 25 they loved and remembered their homeland.

Tonga lost to England 18-20 in what many have described as history in the making.

Tu’itahi said Tonga was defeated according to the referee and the scoreboard, but they have won in the hearts of the rugby league community because of their great performance in the field.

He said the players showed the meaning of the Tongan proverb: “Do not count on your injuries, only count on what you have achieved” (‘Oua ‘e lau kafo kae lau lava).

The players showed what most immigrants have when they arrived in their new home.

They used the opportunity to use their talents to earn a living and contribute to their homeland and the international community, Tu’itahi said.

Tu’itahi said the Tongan “young youth” who lived overseas countries and played for Tonga
during the World Cup tournament on Saturday were ‘ofa kāinga (love their relatives).

They had offered to play for their “small and poor country,” which lacked natural resources but was rich in religious spirit and education.

These players’ parents sacrificed their lives by leaving their own lands in Tonga.

They worked hard as labourers in Australia, the United States and New Zealand to give their children better lives, Tu’itahi said.

This had created in their children attitudes of striving to be successful while remembering how difficult the way had been for their parents.

This had also created in them a deep love for their parents and willingness to give back and help their families, churches and the nation.

Defection

The Tongan team had been made up of mostly players who unexpectedly defected from their New Zealand and Australian’s teams and offered to play for Tonga.

It was Jason Taumālolo, who last year signed a 10-year $10 million deal with North Queensland, who first made the move to represent Tonga instead of New Zealand.

Tui Lolohea (Wests Tigers), Solomone Kata (Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (Titans), Manu Vatuvei (Salford), Manu Ma’u (Eels) and David Fusitu’a (Warriors) also joined him and made themselves available for Tonga.

“New Zealand players receive $30,000 just for pulling on the Kiwis jersey and can earn up to $50,000 by winning the World Cup final. Tonga can only afford to pay their stars $3000 for the entire tournament and a $30-a-day per diem.”

The Tongan government said after a fundraising it organised for the team during the tournament the “players understand our financial limitations as a country and do not expect any more money.”

Arrival in Tonga

Most of the team and the staff arrived in Tonga today and were met with hundreds of jubilant Tongans at the Fu’amotu International airport.They were later welcomed at the Tanoa hotel in Nuku’alofa by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.

Mate Ma’a Tonga exited the World Cup tournament after they were controversially defeated
on Saturday on their semi-final match against England.

The decision by the referee to not refer the controversial try by Andrew Fifita to video referees has caused controversy in the rugby league community.

The controversy had divided Tongans, with many supporting a move to launch an action against the referee, while others, including MMT player Konrad Hurrel, have called on supporters to move on and withdraw from any further protests.

The Tongan centre addressed fans after protests in Auckland following the devastating loss to England.

“As much as we would love to be at the final next week, let’s stop the protest and move on,” Hurrel told New Zealand’s One News.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, November 29) has been declared a public holiday in the kingdom to
celebrate the national team’s achievement.

The team will be welcomed to the Palace tomorrow evening where the players will be awarded with Royal Orders by the king.

Rugby League World Cup organisers won’t reverse Tonga’s semifinal loss to England

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Rugby League World Cup organisers have denied a Tongan barrister’s  request for them to reverse a decision by its referee who was in control of Tonga – England semi final match on Saturday.

RLWC2017 organisers have officially confirmed to New Zealand’s Newshub they received the lawyer’s letter, but won’t be changing their stance on the result.

“The knock-on ruling has been reviewed by our officiating unit as part of the performance review of referees in all matches of the RLWC and the decision made by the referee was correct,” said the statement.

“No further action or investigation is required.”

Lawyer Nalesoni Tupou petitioned RLWC organisers and Rugby League International Federation in a bid to get Tonga’s agonising 20-18 semifinal loss to England overturned, Fairfax Media reported.

As Kaniva News reported, Referee Matt Cecchin disallowed the last minute try, which would have given Tonga victory and secured their place in the Rugby League World Cup final against Australia in Brisbane this Sunday.

World Rugby League Cup referees’ boss Tony Archer earlier defended the decision.

Archer said referees were encouraged to make their decisions on the field and claimed that even he had looked at video the decision would have been the same.

The controversy had triggered an outrage from Tongan supporters who described it as a “disgraceful decision.”

Meanwhile, Cecchin has been overlooked as referee for the Rugby League World Cup final with Gerard Sutton getting the nod.

Traditional knowledge of the sea could help improve seasonal forecasts

By
Philip Cass
-

Traditional Tongan knowledge about the climate and knowledge could contribute to improving seasonal forecasts.

Tonga Meteorological Director ‘Ofa Fa’anunu ran a session on traditional knowledge during a recent ocean science training workshop.

The session discussed traditional weather indicators such as fish and marine animal behaviour, astronomical and weather events, traditional proverbs, and other ocean-related phenomena.

“Tonga Meteorological Service recently kicked off an initiative to collect traditional climate and ocean-based knowledge from the older generations, before this knowledge is lost,” Fa’anunu said.

“Where we can, Tonga Met can use some of these indicators to better engage with communities around seasonal forecasts and also to teach young people some of the valuable traditional knowledge of our elders.”

The ocean science workshop was held in Tonga by the Australian-funded Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Meteorology, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change, Environment, and Communications Lēveni ‘Aho, said ocean conditions played a key role in the economy and in the lives of Tongans.

He said being able to give early warnings for ocean-based hazards was critical.

‘Aho said there was a growing demand from people who depended on the sea for the livelihood for more information on a range of factors, including sea surface temperature forecasts, sea level forecasts, chlorophyll and nutrient data, tide predictions for secondary ports, and seasonal wave forecasts in Tonga.

Much of this information is available on the Pacific Ocean Portal, an online tool developed by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and hosted and maintained by the south Pacific Commission.

 

 

Elections “free and credible” say observers

By
Philip Cass
-

The Pacific Island Forum’s Observer Team had described this month’s snap election as free and credible.

Wilson Waguk from the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia to Fiji, who led the team, said there were some minor procedural issues which did not affect the results.

The Forum team observed the opening polling and counting on the islands of ‘Eua and Tongatapu.

Meanwhile, the chair of the Commonwealth observer group, Margaret Wilson, said the election results reflected the wishes of the people.

She said the elections were conducted peacefully and professionally.

Wilson also praised the election of two women candidates, Losaline Ma’asi joined ‘Akosita Lavulavu.

Both stood for Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s Democratic Party.

She said the election of the two women was significant.

“I think at the next election you will certainly see further campaigns from women candidates and hopefully they will produce more women being elected,” the former New Zealand cabinet minister said.

Since 1951 there have only been eight women in Tonga’s parliament, only five of whom were elected.

About 15 overseas observers, including staff from the US embassy in Fiji, oversaw the elections.

Mate Ma‘a Tonga’s World Cup campaign honoured by public holiday on Wednesday

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga will honour the Mate Ma’a Tonga with a public holiday on Wednesday.

All team players will return to Tonga tomorrow (Tuesday, November 28) except for six who required medical attendance.

As Kaniva News reported this morning,  the Ma’a Tonga players will be invested with an award of the Royal Orders to recognise their contribution to sports.

The investiture ceremony will be held on Wednesday (November 29) at the Royal Palace at 4.30 pm.

The awards will reflect the tremendous effort Tonga made to take on top tier teams like England and New Zealand and to come within a whisker of gaining a place in the finals.

But the last minute try that Tongan fans believe should have brought them victory was disallowed.

Last night Tongan fans marched through central Auckland to protest and most commentators believe the referee should have checked the video recording to work out exactly what happened in the dying moments of the game when Andrew Fifita went over the line.

Today the New Zaeland Herald wrote:

“Tonga were robbed. That is the only possible conclusion from the end of tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

“Not necessarily robbed of victory, but robbed of the peace of mind of knowing what really unfolded in the desperate last 10 seconds of the match, as they launched a final, furious assault on the English line as they trailed 20-18.

“Referee Matt Cecchin had to at least check what happened as Andrew Fifita stormed towards the line, before losing the ball in a tackle, then regathering it to force it over the line.”

And Radio New Zealand’s Jamie Wall asked the question this afternoon that every Tongan fan has  been asking: “Why didn’t Cecchin go to the video ref?”

List of Mate Ma’a Tonga players & staff travelling to Tonga :

1. David Fusitu’a

2. William Hopoate

3. Joe Ofahengaue

4. Mahe Fonua

5. Siliva Havili

6. Tuimoala Lolohea

7. Ukuma Ta’ai

8. Daniel Tupou

9. Jason Taumalolo

10. Konileti Hurrell

11. Ata Hingano

12. Manu Ma’u

13. Manu Vatuvei

14. Peni Terepo

15. Sam Moa

16. Sika Manu – Captain

17. Siua Taukeiaho

18. Ben Murdoch Masila

19. Kristian Woolf – Head Coach

The main points

  • Tonga will honour the Mate Ma’a with a public holiday on Wednesday.
  • The Mate Ma’a players will be invested with an award of the Royal Orders to recognise their contribution to sports.
  • The awards will reflect the effort Tonga made to come within a whisker of gaining a place in the finals.

For more information 

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

Tonga were robbed by decision not to go to video referee

Tonga’s league loss: Try or no try?

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!

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