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New Zealand SFO investigates Kiwi-Tonga investor Roger Pikia 

By
Kalino Latu
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The man who had injected millions of iwi money into Tonga’s state-owned forestry business so he can manage it under his control is at the centre of a Serious Fraud Office investigation.

The office has confirmed to New Zealand media an investigation was under way concerning Roger Pikia who heads Tahu Whaoa Trust Thursday last week, but would not comment further.

The Trust had been granted land leases and at least 50 years control over the former public enterprise Tonga Forest Products Limited.

The former Tongan company was then renamed as Aotearoa-Tonga Forest Products Limited and it was granted leases over the ‘Eua Forest Reserve, Vaitaki Sawmilling Site and Matāliku Forest Plant.

The investigation follows the raid on the headquarters of a trust tasked with cleaning up the Waikato River, as part of its investigation into the organisation’s chairman.

The Trust has received $10 million of taxpayers’ money, with the promise of $20m more over 20 years, to care for its section of the Waikato River, Fairfax Media reported.

Chief executive Eugene Berryman-Kamp confirmed the SFO arrived on Thursday.

“They were looking for information pertaining to one of their investigations, they provided us with a list, and we supplied it to them.

“My board instruction is full co-operation.”

Berryman-Kamp said Pikia remained chairman of Tarit, and chaired a meeting of the board on Monday.

Several Te Arawa elders have called for Pikia to stand down while the SFO inquiry is underway.

In November last year, the advisor to Maori King Tuheitia was investigated after he used another trust’s credit card while in Tonga, running up bills at a top restaurant and a “ladies and gentlemen club”.

Pacific Games Council seeks new host as Tonga officially withdraws

By
Kaniva Staff
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Pacific Games chiefs said they were looking for a new venue for the 2019 Games after announcing Tonga had officially cancelled its obligation to host it.

“With the passing of the 30 June deadline, PGC will take formal steps to terminate their host agreement,” the PGC told insidethegames.

“PGC will put out its expression of interest imminently, asking for submissions from our member Pacific Games Associations by the end of July.

“We expect to conduct assessments, visits and negotiations in August, with an aim to make a recommendation on a new host by the end of August.”

On Thursday 29 Tonga Parliament repealed its Pacific Games Organising Act 2013 with 13 -11 votes ending hopes for Tonga to stage the event.

The former Minister of Sports MP Fe’ao Vakata reminded the House during the debate over the repeal that Tonga could still pay millions to PGC even if the Games was hosted by another country.

But the Minister of Police said the cabinet had sought legal advices and it was told Tonga will only have to pay the subscription fee which is a requirement all host countries had to pay.

He did not say how much the subscription fee was.

Samoa has already indicated its interest to host the Games.

Fiji said it will not bid to host the Games following a series of consultations, earlier this month.

“Fijian capital city Suva has hosted the Games on three previous occasions in 1963, 1979 and 2003.

Papua New Guinea, who hosted the Games in 2015 in Port Moresby, have already stated they will not be considering a bid to host the 2019 edition”.

For more information

Future of 2019 Games is in the hands of the people, says Council CEO

https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2017/05/tonga-withdraws-from-hosting-pacific-games-2019-citing-world-bank-advice/

‘Ikale Tahi team named for Samoa test Saturday

By
Kaniva Staff
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The ‘Ikale Tahi head coach has released his team’s names for tomorrow which is  captained by Siale Piutau.

The match will be kicked off at Teufaiva Stadium at 3:00pm.

The team:

  1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi – Waikato
  2. Paula Ngauamo – Mont De Marsan Hooker
  3. Siua Halanukonuka – Otago Highlanders
  4. Leva Fifita – Waikato
  5. Steve Mafi – Castres
  6. Dan Faleafa – SC ALBI
  7. Nili Latu – Newcastle Falcons
  8. Valentino Mapapalangi – Manawatu
  9. Sonatane Takulua – Newcastle Falcons
  10. Latiume Fosita – Auckland
  11. Cooper Vuna – Worcester Warriors
  12. Siale Piutau – Bristol (Captain)
  13. Nafi Tu’itavake – Northampton Saints
  14. David Halaifonua – Gloucester
  15. ‘Atieli Pakalani – Southern Districts
  16. Suliasi Taufalele – Counties Manukau
  17. Latu Talakai – Waikato
  18. Ben Tameifuna – Racing 92
  19. Jack Ram – Doncaster Knights
  20. Michael Faleafa – Northland
  21. Leon Fukofuka – Crusaders
  22. Kali Hala – Counties Manukau
  23. Tevita Taufui – Waikato

Reserves:

  1. Suliasi Taufalele
  2. Latu Talakai
  3. Ben Tameifuna
  4. Jack Ram
  5. Mike Faleafa
  6. Leon Fukofuka
  7. Kali Hala
  8. Tevita Taufui

Three new Law Lords appointed by His Majesty

By
Kaniva Staff
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His Majesty King Tupou VI has appointed three new Law Lords on Thursday 22 June.

They were Mrs Linda Simiki Folaumoetuʻi, Mr Tu’inukutavake Barron Afeaki and Mr Michael Dishington Scott K.C.

They will join Lord Tangi of Vaonukonuka, Rev. Dr Tevita Koloa’ia Havea, Lord Tupou of Kolofoʻou and Lord Dalgety of Sikotilani Tonga.

They are now members of the two Standing Committees of the Privy Council, the Judicial Committee and the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel.

Their roles included advising His Majesty on the exercise of his judicial powers, and on matters relating to appointments, clemency, Royal Commissions and terms and conditions of the Judiciary and to also investigate complaints against judges.

The Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel also includes Lord Chancellor Waalkens Q.C. (Chairman), Lord Chief Justice Paulsen and the Acting Attorney General Mr ‘Aminiasi Kefu S.C.

The appointments did not mean these new appointees to Privy Council will automatically hold the title of “Lord” or “Lady”.

Haʻapai and Tt vying to host FWC next conference; ʻAhio and Havea re-elected

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Haʻapai and Tongatapu Free Wesleyan church members were vying for an opportunity to host the church’s 2018 conference.

This year’s conference is being held in Vava’u. The conference has this week re-elected Dr ‘Ahio as president of the church and Dr Tevita Koloa’ia Havea as Secretary General.

President ‘Ahio was re-elected with 309 votes while Rev Dr Tevita Koloa’ia Havea was re-elected with 292 votes

Dr Havea said yesterday the church in Ha’apai wanted to host next year’s 95th conference.

He said he understood the Ha’apai church authority had approached Princess Pilolevu during the conference and asked her to support their bid to host the church’s annual meeting.

He then made a joke and told the Ha’apaians the Tongatapu church was also vying to host the conference.

“Hold on Ha’apai. It is not an easy task. The people in Tongatapu also wanted an opportunity to host the conference. If you think that Princess Pilolevu belongs to Ha’apai remember that she is also staying in Tongatapu at Mahinafekite”, Dr Havaea said which brought laughter to the delegates’ luncheon yesterday.

He said the conference will decide this week which vāhenga (district) would host next year’s event.

First Tongan carpenter to study in New Zealand under CRP project graduated

By
Kaniva Staff
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The first Tongan carpenter recruited under the Christchurch Reconstruction Project in New Zealand has just graduated with a Level 4 in Carpentry from the ARA Institute in Christchurch.

Oini Schaaf, aged 34 was the only Tongan among 24 carpenters recruited from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji under the NZ Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme which has recently been expanded to include a pilot for skilled workers in the construction sector.

Oini was recruited by New Zealand labour-hire company, Adecco Personnel and he has been working on building sites in Christchurch since his arrival 6 months ago.  In his spare time and evenings, he attended ARA Institute to study for his Level 4 qualification.

The pay-off for Oini, who grew up in Kolomotu’a in Nuku’alofa is that with this qualification, he is able to apply for work as a carpenter anywhere in the world because the New Zealand qualification is internationally recognized.

It will also mean that he can expect a better rate of pay.

Which is not bad for this former Tonga College student who started work as a sweeper and general labour hand for Cabella Construction in Tonga five years ago and who came to New Zealand without any formal carpentry qualifications.

He was hired by Addecco on the strength of his work experience only and Oini was not too sure how he would fare but he knuckled down and learned a lot on site where his work was being assessed towards his qualifications.

He said he was earning around $ToP3.50 an hour when he left for New Zealand at the beginning of the year.

He is now on $ToP35.00 an hour and with his new qualification he can expect a lift in his rates soon but more importantly he’s become more marketable and is likely to be picked up by a construction company as a full-time carpenter in New Zealand when his contract with Addecco ends in September.

Oini told Kaniva that he intends to find permanent work in New Zealand and that he will then move here with his wife, ‘Ofa and their two kids.

The liaison officer for the Tongan government who looks after the RSE workers in New Zealand, Mr Sefita Hao’uli was at ARA Institute at the graduation ceremony and he confirmed that there are already job offers on the way for Oini to consider once this pilot ends in September.

“He will be required to go home at thend of the pilot but if he accepts the jobs he’s being offered, he can return to New Zealand on a permanent job contract and then it’s up to him if he wants to make New Zealand his new home”, he said.

Mr Hao’uli explained that Tonga had an allocation of up to 8 places under the pilot and although some were good enough on the job, their English wasn’t up to the required standard.

“Communications is very important particularly for safety reasons. Building sites are hazards and workers are expected to be able to speak and read reasonable English or they will pose a threat to themselves and others on site, he said.

Tonga’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for the pre-selection of suitable recruits under the RSE scheme including this new opportunity for those with skills in the building trade.

House approves TP$595,804,400 budget; Pacific Games Act repealed

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Parliament has this morning June 29 passed the government’s biggest-ever budget estimate of T$595 million for the 2017-18 financial-year.

The TP$595,804,400 governmentʻs budget was passed by 15-9 votes.

The 2017-2018 budget is about 10 percent more than the 2016-2017 budget of $545.1 million pa’anga.

At about 1am this morning the Whole House committee reverted to Legislative Assembly to repeal the Pacific Games Organizing Act 2013 and it was passed by 13 – 10 votes.

The Parliament has adjourned ahead of Parliamentary visits on 10-21 July before it will resume on July 31.

There was no official Parliamentary Constituency Visit last year even though some MPs visited their constituencies on their own.

“The parliamentary visit is an opportunity for local residents to voice their concerns on issues that affected their lives”, a statement said.

This year’s visit was set as a follow up of what the constituents had raised and agreed to with their MPs during the 2015 visits.

“Most of these pressing needs include improving water system, power electricity and road maintenance among others”.

Controversial doco ‘Jonah from Tonga TV series’ to screen on Māori Television

By
Kalino Latu
-

Maori TV is to show on Thursday a controversial documentary Jonah from Tonga which has been labelled as insult to the Tongan culture.

It is an Australian television series written by and starring comedian Chris Lilley.

In the mockumentary Jonah Takalua, a rebellious 14-year-old Australian boy of Tongan descent is portrayed in brownface.

It was strongly criticised after it was first screened in the US in 2014.

It followed with a petition which received more than 10,000 signatures to pull the show from HBO.

The Tongan American petition organisers said the show had “astounding inherent generalised racism”.

“In the series, Jonah, a violent and abusive 14 year old ‘Tongan’ boy, is played by the show’s writer, Chris Lilley, a 39-year-old Australian Caucasian, in brown face make-up and a curly haired wig. In addition to the astounding inherent generalised racism, the show specifically targets and attempts to denigrate Tongan culture — an ancient, deep, and complex culture based on faith, family, respect, and humility,” said organisers Sione Latu and Jarom Vaha’i.

Critics said Lilley was a racist for donning brownface to play a teenager from Tonga

A statement from the Human Rights Commission called on Maori Television to consult the Tongan community before broadcasting the show because “while beloved by some, others find this character offensive”, Maori Television head of content Mike Rehu said they had done so.

He said they have contacted Will Ilolahia from the Tongan community and they were told there was agreement among the Tongan community in Auckland that the mockumentry was “concerning”, Fairfax Media report.

Mr Rehu said Tongans can see the show’s sensitive but also realised it was satire.

“That’s the thing with satire, it does challenge people sometimes. It’s always tough when you’re dealing with satire and it’s a thin line, but we believe that it’s social commentary about new immigrants to a society not necessarily just Tongans, so there’s social commentary and insight there as well”, Radio New Zealand quoted him as saying.

Angry security guard slams gate shut after crowd broke the lock at Halaevalu wharf

By
Kalino Latu
-

A happy crowd at Halaevalu wharf in Vava’u pushed a locked gate open and some of them swarmed in before a security guard tried unsuccessfully to stop them and lock the gate again.

The guard was seen, in a video uploaded to Facebook, slamming the gate forcefully and reacted angrily to the crowd.

The crowd were vying to get to where the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa was docked and unloaded on Monday.

They wanted to show a special welcome for the delegates and passengers from Tongatapu who had arrived for the Free Wesleyan Church conference by dancing and singing at the wharf.

Hundreds turned up at the wharf to welcome the “Puha ʻo e Fuakava” (Ark of the Covenant) which was brought from Tongatapu to Vavaʻu.

The Vava’u way of māfana (warmth) was seen throughout this week as the islanders were preparing to host the church’s 94th annual conference, His Majesty King Tupou VI’s 58 birthday and the celebration of the Mailefihi Siu’ilikutapu’s 60th anniversary.

The MV ʻOtuangaʻofa was forced to stop in the open sea on its way to Halaevalu so that the Taunga, ‘Otu Mala, Kapa and ‘Utulei islanders could present their hā’unga (baked food given as a welcome) to the conference delegates.

These are some of the surrounding islands of the main island Neiafu where Halaevalu wharf is situated.

The rare sea event means seafood, crops and cooked pigs were presented by passing them over from the small boats into the ferry.

Vavaʻu and Haʻapai receive five waste management trucks worth USD$107,491 from Japan

By
Kalino Latu
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The Japanese government has donated three waste compactor trucks, one septic truck and a dump truck worth of US$107,491 to Ha’apai and Vava’u.

Ha’apai will be given one of the compactor trucks while Vava’u will receive the remaining four.

The donation was a huge boost to the services the Waste Authority has planned for the two islands, a spokesperson said.

The Authority has planned to start waste collection services in Vava’u in January 2018.

The vehicles were expected to arrive in Tonga in October at the latest.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga Mr. Yukio Numana said his government understands that establishing reliable waste management services for all the Kingdom’s islands has been a challenge for Tonga and other Pacific Island countries as well.

“Even though Waste Authority has successfully introduced an effective waste management service in Tongatapu, the outer islands have yet to experience the same advantage,” he said.

A signing ceremony was conducted in Nuku’alofa yesterday between the Japanese government and the Tonga government to confirm the donation.

It was attended by the Ha’apai governor, Finance Minister, Health Minister, Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, a representative from JICA and the Waste Management Authority’s CEO Malakai Lomu Sika.

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