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Government hopes new budget will make lives better for poorest Tongans

By
Philip Cass
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Better paid Tongans will pay more taxes as part of the government’s move to make life easier for poorer Tongans.

The government’s plans are aimed at raising the buying power of lower income earners and generating more revenue from taxes.

The tax-free threshold on PAYE will also be increased.

Higher income earners will pay more tax.

The budget statement 2017 – 2018 said growth and sustainable development were critical to the government’s plans  to alleviate poverty and hardship.

The government has approved an increase in the monthly social benefit payments for the elderly and persons with disability.

Disabled people and those aged 70 and over currently receive $TP65 a  month.

The government has already moved to ease the cost of electricity for low income earners through to consumers with the introduction of the Life Line Tariff subsidy scheme in April.

This is designed to cushion the effect of rising oil prices on the generation of electricity and subsequent costs to consumers.

In the long term it is anticipated the electricity costs will fall as the kingdom moves towards more power being generated by solar energy, wind and hydro-electric power.

The Tongan government has been working with the World Bank on a feasibility study for a Poverty Alleviation Scheme.

Preliminary work started in April 2016 and was expected to completed by last month.

The main points

  • Better paid Tongans will pay more taxes as part of the government’s move to make life easier for poorer Tongans.
  • The government’s plans are aimed at raising the buying power of lower income earners and generating more revenue from taxes.
  • The government has approved an increase in the monthly social benefit payment for the elderly and persons with disability.

TBC not up to international standard live broadcast, say rugby officials

By
Philip Cass
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The Tongan Broadcasting Commission did not have the equipment or skills to broadcast the Fiji-Tonga clash live, according to World Rugby Cup organisers.

Questions were raised in the Fijian media about why the match was not broadcast live in the country.

World Rugby Media and Communications Consultant, Greg Thomas said the TBC did not have satellite capacity, the necessary equipment or skilled staff to produce a broadcast of international quality.

The game was broadcast live in Tonga and 30 minute compilations of highlights were produced.

The TBC had broadcast rights only within the kingdom.

Fiji’s defeat of Samoa in Apia on Saturday was shown live in Fiji.

Meanwhile, Paula Moimoi Latu, who tried to livestream the Tonga-Fiji game, was ejected from the Teufaiva stadium.

He claimed in an interview with Kaniva News that an attempt by the TBC to livestream the game failed after 10 minutes.

After Saturday’s game Fiji and Tonga both qualify to compete in the Rugby World Cup.

The main points

  • The Tongan broadcasting Commission was not up to making a .live international broadcast, according to World Rugby organisers.
  • The comments came after Fijian media queried why the game was not shown live in Fiji.
  • Fiji and Tonga have both earned the right to compete in the next Rugby World Cup.

For more information 

World Rugby says TBC did not have proper broadcasting facilities for an International live coverage

Tongan man dead after head-on collision in Australia

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan man has died this morning in a road accident in New South Wales, reliable sources said this evening.

Family members and friends have shared photos of the deceased on Facebook and said his name is Tupou Latu Taulanga.

River 1467 AM radio reported that two people have died after two vehicles collided head-on west of Euston this morning.

“A utility and a sedan collided while travelling on the Sturt Highway near the intersection of Tapaulin Road (near Old Euston Road), 35km west of Euston, about 6.45am today (Sunday 16 July 2017)”, it said.

“The female utility driver, and sole occupant, died at the scene.

“A male rear seat passenger in the sedan has died.

A second man, also travelling in the rear of the sedan, along with the sedan driver both sustained critical injuries”.

Tonga’s overseas workers help boost kingdom’s growing economy

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongans working overseas are helping boost the kingdom’s economy with the  money they send home.

According to the government’s budget statement “robust” economic development in the kingdom has been supported by growth in the global and regional economies.

An economic growth rate of 3.4 percent is expected in 2017/18.

The budget said growth would be supported by construction projects, recovery in the agriculture sector.

It also said the increasing amount of money sent home  by Tongans working overseas would also boost the economy.

It said remittances continued to increase in line with the growing number of Tongan seasonal workers participating in Australia’s Seasonal Worker’s program (SWP) and the New Zealand’s Recognized Seasonal Employers’ Program (RSE), as well as growing links between Diaspora Tongans and the domestic economy.

Overall, the economy is anticipated to grow at an average of 2.8 percent in the medium-term. It said  tourism would also help.

“The full operation of Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, opening of other hotels in Tongatapu, increase in number of cruise ships and tourists arrivals will not only spur growth in the tourism industry but the economy as a whole,” the budget statement said.

Tonga’s financial situation is stable with reasons for optimism,  but there are still potential hazards and growth is expected to slow in about two years.

Inflation remains high, mainly driven by higher imported prices. Global prices of gasoline and diesel have gradually increased since early 2016 as have prices of imported food items

There has been a 13.2 percent increase in the price of imported food items such as meat, fish and poultry.

On the domestic side, the price of kava-Tonga remained the largest single contributor, with 71.4 percent increase over the past year. Prices of some food items have also risen due to seasonal factors.

Global economic factors beyond Tonga’s control and problems caused  by global warming all continue to pose potential threats to the economy.

And the kingdom’s indebtedness to China continues to cast a long shadow.

While China has a major influence on the Tongan economy as a trade partner and lender, the budget statement warns that the kingdom is massively exposed to China financially.

The budget statement said that the agreement between China’s EXIM Bank and the Tongan government to defer repayment of the principal of China’s loans for five years would mean Tonga actually had to repay more money.

It is expected the government will have to borrow more money to cover the loan repayment.

Forecast borrowing for 2019/20 is  $TP48.7 million, due to repayment of the China EXIM Loan of $25.4 million.

The main points

  • Tongans working overseas are helping boost the kingdom’s economy with the  money they send home.
  • According to the government’s budget statement “robust” economic development in the kingdom has been supported by growth in the global and regional economies.
  • The budget said growth would be supported by construction projects, recovery in the agriculture sector.
  • But global economic factors beyond Tonga’s control and problems caused  by global warming all continue to pose potential threats to the economy.

Government to review airline operations

By
Philip Cass
-

Both full government control and full privatisation are possibilities for airline operations in Tonga.

The government announced in its budget 2017 – 2018  that it will review airline operations.

Options for the airline industry include making the airline service whole a government owned operation, maintaining the current system, partial privatisation with the government as majority shareholder and full privatisation.

In the short term, the government will offer subsidies for Real Tonga’s flights to the Niuas and open up direct air services from Nadi to Vava’u.

Airline operations in Tonga have  been troubled for many years, with a number of failed attempts to start up second airlines and discontent over costs.

Legal provisions for economic regulations to guide the supervision of the domestic aviation industry were drafted under the Civil Aviation Act 2014.

It is anticipated they will be submitted to Cabinet and Parliament this year.

A formal economic policy for the aviation transport sector is yet to be established.

According to the budget statement, preliminary discussions are being held between Government and the private sector.

It is expected the policy is anticipated to be completed by the end of this financial year.

The main points

  • Both full government control and full privatisation are possibilities for airline operations in Tonga.
  • The government announced in its budget that it will review airline operations.
  • Options for the airline industry include making the airline service whole a government owned operation, maintaining the current system, partial privatisation with the government as majority shareholder and full privatisation.

Samoa’s loss is Tonga’s gain as kingdom qualifies for World Cup in Japan

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga is in with a chance for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Tonga automatically qualifies after Fiji defeated Samoa 38-16 at the stadium in Apia this afternoon.

Tongan Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni applauded the result on Facebook, saying: “We are in 209 Rugby World Cup! Tonga’s in…vinaka Fiji…hard luck Samoa.”

This was the second time Fiji had faced off against Samoa this year in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Fijian coach John McKee said before the match he expected a hard game against Manu Samoa.

“With the PNC up for grabs and Samoa desperate to qualify for RWC in this series we expect a very tough challenge on Saturday,” McKee said.

Fiji has held the Pacific Nations Cup since 2015.

A win or draw would have qualified Samoa for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

A one point lead would have made them level with Tonga.

Speaking before the game, Samoan captain David Lemi said they wanted to qualify for the cup in front of their home crowd, but had another option open to them in case they lost.

This is Manu Samoa’s fourth international defeat this year.

Before this afternoon they had already gone down Tonga, Wales and New Zealand.

Fiji has already qualified for the Rugby World Cup.

The main points

  • Fiji’s defeat of Samoa this afternoon means Tonga qualifies for a place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
  • Fiji defeated Manu Samoa 28-20 at Apia stadium
  • Tonga Prime Minister’ Akilisi Pohiva applauded the win on Facebook.

For more information

Samoa and Fiji gearing up for rugby test in Apia

Being kicked out was humiliating, says Livestreamer Latu

By
Kalino Latu
-

Paula Moimoi Latu, who was removed from the Teufaiva stadium last week for livestreaming the Tonga Fiji match, claimed he asked the organisers for permission and offered to help the TBC when their stream went down.

He said he found the incident embarrassing, but decided not to make a fuss.

Moimoi is well known to the Tongan international community for streaming events and drew a lot of online support after he was removed.

After his removal he spoke with Kaniva News  editor Kalino Latu.

Kalino: Toko fefe hake? Did World Rugby officials give you any reasons why they wanted you to stop live streaming the game?

Paula Moimoi Latu: They said it’s their tournament and they have rights to it. They only gave Tonga Broadcasting Television the rights to film and livestream to the local TV station, not online. I told them there’s more Tongans overseas than in Tonga, so they said I can only take photos but no video. I got onto the internet and decided to livestream and next minute security came and kicked me out of Teufaiva

Q: Do you think your removal was fair because they already warned you ahead of the match?

A: True, but other media was filming so I was filming and wanted to watch and family message as well so I did it for them to watch and delete after the game. I contacted World Rugby and they said that I could, but they need letter from the government for broadcasting, but it was last minute to contact the  government. I felt humiliated and embarrassed, but I didn’t want to make a big fuss at the game. Hearing stories from talk back radio by TV Tonga and Radio 87.5 saying that it was right to kick me out is interesting. People kept asking why and they said they had rights from World rugby. I got kicked out around the stadium and didn’t bother to livestream and went to a private tent and sat at a VIP seat to watch the game. While I was watching people and Tongans overseas and friends were texting and said they wanted to watch the game so I showed them where I was sitting and showing them what I was watching and then next minute I’m out of Teufaiva. It was the first time for me to hear of anyone in the world being kicked out of a game for livestreaming their point of view. Did the World Rugby officials go around the stadium and chase people out because of livestreaming.

Q: Did Tonga Broadcasting livestream the match?

A: Yes

Q: Was it available to outside Tonga?

A: They livestreamed it to the local TV station and it died after 10 minutes of the game. Why livestream locally and not overseas? Samoa vs Fiji is going to be livestreamed overseas. Why didn’t Tonga livestream the game overseas when the game was being hosted locally?

Q:I often came across them on Google alerts saying they are livestreaming and when I clicked on their link nothing came out.

A: I offered to help them and they said they are OK, we have World Rugby guys to help us out. I have livestreamed from Teufaiva how many times and then when it came to the big show they kick me out and they have a go pea mate (dead) after 10 minutes.

The main points

  • Paula Moimoi Latu, who was removed from the Teufaiva stadium last week for livestreaming the Tonga Fiji match, claimed he asked the organisers for permission and offered to help the TBC when their stream went down.
  • He said he found the incident embarrassing, but decided not to make a fuss.
  • Moimoi is well known to the Tongan international community for streaming events and drew a lot of online support after he was removed.

For more information

World Rugby sparks outrage after removing man who live-streamed Tonga-Fiji test

AIS Institute mourns loss of Tongan student in New Zealand

By
Kalino Latu
-

The AIS  Institute  community  in New Zealand is in mourning after one of the school’s top students died this week.

An AIS spokesperson said Jennifer Tu’utafaiva-Leifon  “was a smart student”.

School friends and classmates have paid tribute to Leifon and described her on social media as a person who “had a heart of gold and was always striving for the best”.

A tribute which was written in Tongan and posted by the AIS Institute on its official Facebook page for Maori and Pacific Island students said Leifon studied at the institute’s business school.

It said Leifon received top marks in all subjects she studied. She had good character, willing to help and was a useful student to have.

She was awarded a scholarship and she achieved all her subjects with “Academic Excellence Award”.

She also received a special award in the 2016 AIS Graduation ceremony sponsored by the Tongan-New Zealand based accountant Butch Riechelmann, the post said.

The post ended with a heartfelt message from the AIS and its staff to Leifonʻs family saying they wish that God’s embrace, and the love of family and friends comfort them during this time of sorrow!

One of the deceased very close friends Josephine Fineanganofo reflected on Leifon’s intelligence and studies on Facebook.

“Jennifer excelled in her studies with us at Fokololo, she worked at ATS at Fua’amotu Airport and despite the distance she will make it over to classes or to collect her notes.

Because of her success in education Fineanganofo said she had introduced the AIS Institute to her

“Jenny was quick to see the opportunity having her father Paula Tu’utafaiva to speak to me as we prepared her application to AIS.

“She again excelled at AIS and Jennifer updated me in everything she did especially she followed her dreams right through…

“I will miss her but come to think of it..she was given to us to enjoy before being taken away to join the Angels in Heaven..”

“Fly High Jennifer you did it…malo si’o ‘ofa hono tokonia si’etau fanau mei Fokololo ‘oku nau fakapaea ‘I NZ you made your mark and we will all miss you…Toka A ‘I he Nonga moe Fiemalie ‘a e ‘Eiki, Aunty (as you call me!!)”

Taʻanea and Tefisi celebrate first vehicles for health services

By
Kalino Latu
-

The residents and kāinga of the villages of Taʻanea and Tefisi in Vavaʻu were in euphoric mood last week when they welcomed the first ever vehicles for their health services.

Photos supplied to Kaniva News showed women and health staff dancing while the two new vehicles were decorated with Tongan fine mats and tupenus.

The Minister of Health Saia Piukala said the two vehicles were part of the Ministryʻs commitment to the worldwide campaign by the United Nations known as – Leaving no one behind.

The campaign by the international body was designed to make sure “all nations of the world and all segments of the society recognized that the dignity of the individual is fundamental” by 2030.

“There is need for the health officers in these two villages to visit and reach out to the elderly”, Hon. Piukala said.

There were people who had medical emergencies but they could not make it to hospitals because there were no vehicles to take them.

He said the health services for the people of these villages had been marred by the fact the two health centres had no vehicles.

Hon. Piukala said he  believed it was important to “empower” his staff so they can keep on doing their utmost to deliver the best services for the people of Taʻanea and Tefisi.

The vehicles were funded by the government of Tonga.

Minister of Health Saia Piukala (L) with Taʻanea and Tefisi residents. Photo/Supplied

He said four scooters were delivered to the Haʻapai islands including Nomuka, ʻUiha, Kauvai Haʻano and Lotofoa two months ago.

He said the Haʻapai scooters were part of the international campaign.

Blessing ceremony for Tau’akipulu palace as Ha’apai gears up for king’s arrival

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Ha’apai residents will gather in traditional and religious ceremonies to bless the Tau’akipulu royal palace in Pangai this weekend.

The palace was partly damaged while tropical cyclone Ian struck the island groups in January 2014.

It followed with a renovation which was completed recently and the palace was planned to be blessed while the king is in Ha’apai for this year’s royal show.

Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u will arrive in Pangai from Niuafoʻou today.

They were in Niuafoʻou yesterday as guests of honour during the island’s agricultural show 2017.

King Tupou VI was expected to open the Ha’apai agricultural show next week Tuesday 18 July.

He will open the ‘Eua show on 22 July before the Tongatapu show on 29 July.

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