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Drink drive gov’t officer in fatal crash fined $1000; escapes causing death charge

By
Kalino Latu
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A drink drive government officer who was accused of killing a 46-year-old man was fined $1,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

If he could not pay the fine he would be sent to jail for two months, a judicial decision says.

But the 49-year-old was acquitted of reckless and drunk driving causing the death of Uini Kava who was allegedly sitting in the middle of By-Pass Road at Longolongo before he died in May 2016.

Poasi Ngaluafe was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to charges of driving with a breath level limit of 660 micrograms per litre of breath which was well in excess of twice the legal limit of 250 micrograms.

He was declared innocent of causing death charge after the Crown prosecutor failed to prove Ngaluafe was at fault in failing to be able to avoid the deceased sitting in the  road and that he had been unable to see him and do so because he had been driving too fast and was well over the legal limit.

” I am therefore unable to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that anything errant in Mr Ngaluafe’s driving caused the collision”, the judge said.

“In these circumstances, I acquit the accused of count 1 causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol in  excess of 250 micrograms per litre of breath, contrary to  section 26A(l)  of the Traffic”.

“I, however, convict him of the alternate charge of driving a motor vehicle while under influence of alcohol in excess of 250 micrograms per litre of breath contrary to section 26(1) (2)(b)  of the Traffic Act to which he pleaded guilty”.

The judge said this was the first driving offence Ngaluafe had committed whilst over the  prescribed  limit.

Ngaluafe is employed by the government as ‎Head of Aquaculture Research at Tonga ‎Fisheries Department.

He was represented in his legal fight by lawyer William Clive Edwards Jr. while ‘Elisapeti Langi acted as Crown Law prosecutor.

Prisoner found with serious head injury on ‘Eua road believed to be drunk

By
Kalino Latu
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A prisoner who is being treated for a serious head injury after he was found lying on a road in Eua on Saturday, April 29, was believed to be drunk.

TBC report said Police suspected he was drinking alcohol while he disappeared from the prison.

Police said he was found in a bush area in Loupata not far from the prison compound.

His injury put his life in a critical condition and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital, Police said.

They said the prisoner was reported missing after a head count of all inmates at Sianai prison at around 5pm.

He was found about an hour since his disappearance was noticed.

Police were investigating the incident.

Cultural values can build strong leaders, says Tongan academic researcher

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan women are using their cultural values and upbringing as a framework to build strong leadership in their workplaces, according to a new study from Massey University.

Master of Business Studies graduate Seluvaia Malua-Paea interviewed women working in a variety of organisations and in varied leadership roles. “It was mind-blowing to see how these strong women succeed in New Zealand organisations but, at the same time, still carry with them their values acquired during their upbringing, their cultural identities.”

Mrs Malua-Paea found that Tongan women offered strong leadership even in male-dominated organisations using their cultural values to counter some of the challenges they faced. For example, women who were leading teams with older men used traditional attitudes of respect for elders, often treating the men as they would uncles or father figures.

“So rather than trying to dominate or push them around, they used respectful ways to communicate with them and that encouraged the men to give them respect in return and complete the tasks given to them.”

The study found the importance of humility in the Pasifika context also came into play with Tongan women remaining humble despite their job titles or positions. While these traditional virtues may seem out of step with modern thinking, Mrs Malua-Paea found the women in her study were still able to provide strong leadership.

“At times research has proposed that for women to be successful as leaders they need to act as men to show their strength, but this study has found they don’t have to be like men to be great leaders. They can be themselves and use the values of their upbringing or culture as frames to communicate well, to build relationships with their teams and achieve their team’s targets.”

Mrs Malua-Paea says leadership is about igniting the light in others and strength isn’t necessarily about being dominant.

“To be strong for me is to have perseverance, to be humble and to respect others and be respected. To be strong is to know your place in the organisation and to know how to work within that space to influence others. You can be a leader wherever you are and make a difference.”

Mrs Malua-Paea hopes to publish parts of the study to help organisations better understand their staff members and to encourage the best from them.

Mrs Malua-Paea, originally from Nukunuku in Tonga, is a Pasifika Learning Consultant at Massey University working with Pasifika students.

-Massey University

Man who drowned in Ha’apai named

By
Kalino Latu
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The man who drowned at sea in Tungua, Ha’apai on Saturday, April 29 has been named.

He was 22-year-old Viliami Halakeituai Vaea.

Police said  Makineti tried to swim back to shore but got into difficulty after helping other fishermen to fix an anchored boat.

His body was later found washed up on the shores of the island and was immediately identified.

He has become Tonga’s first drowning death of 2017.

Royal guards investigated after intruder breaks into palace grounds

By
Kalino Latu
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The royal guards’ security protocols are in question after an intruder entered and wandered around the royal palace grounds before he was captured.

The length of time the male trespasser spent at the king’s residence was unknown.

TBC television service report said an investigation was underway to find out how the intruder entered the Nuku’alofa property undetected.

It was not clear whether or not Their Majesties were at the Palace when the interloper showed up but apparently whoever was there at the time was not in any danger from the security breach.

The report claimed the intruder was known to have mental-health problems.

The Tongan government has allocated millions of pa’anga in its annual budget for the maintenance and security of all the royal palaces in Tongatapu.

In 2000 a three-metre iron fence was installed to protect the property against intruders after a huge brawl at Pangai Lahi ended with people fleeing to find protection at the palace.

Tonga aims for 50 percent renewable energy target in three years

By
Philip Cass
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Tonga has three years to meet its renewable energy goals.

Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told Radio Tonga the government wanted to generate half the kingdom’s power from renewable sources by 2020.

It now produces 11 percent from renewable sources.

Hon. Sovaleni told the national broadcaster Tonga was hampered by its isolation, funding and the  number of islands.

The government hoped to obtain climate change funding to overcome some of the problems. It is likely to invest in solar and wind projects.

According to a World Bank report,  the Pacific faces unique challenges in providing affordable and accessible electricity.

There was a heavy reliance on diesel-fueled generators in many areas to power homes and businesses.

The report said electricity prices in the region were among the highest in the world, with some countries spending as much as 25% of gross domestic product on fuel imports.

This left household incomes, inflation levels and national finances extremely vulnerable to volatile Asia-Pacific oil markets.

The World Bank said Pacific governments were increasingly turning to alternative energy sources, including biofuels, wind, solar and hydro systems.

The shift to renewables may help to address the need for energy which was cleaner and easier to generate in remote areas.

The main points

  • Tonga has three years to meet its renewable energy goals.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told Radio Tonga the government wanted to achieve its goals.
  • It wants to generate half the kingdom’s power from renewable sources by 2020.
  • It now produces 11 percent from renewable sources.

For more information 

Tonga slow to reach renewable energy goals

Renewable energy in the Pacific

Despite rising inflation, Reserve Bank remain confident and urges banks to lend

By
Philip Cass
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The Reserve Bank wants to encourage banks to lend money to support the kingdom’s economic growth, Acting Governor of the Reserve Bank Jessie Cocker said today.

The announcement came as the Reserve Bank released figures showing that despite rising inflation, the Bank remained confident of strong economic activity.

In order to promote lending, the Bank would maintain the monetary policy rate at zero percent interest, keep the minimum loans/deposit ratio at 80% and keep the Statutory Reserve Deposit ratio at 10 percent.

Cocker said the domestic economy picked up in February after slow growth in January.

He said the recovery in February had been helped by an improved agricultural sector, construction and growth in the distribution sector.

However, the news was not all good, with foreign reserves falling over the month to $377.7 million due to the deficit in Overseas Exchange Transactions.

The annual inflation rate increased significantly by 8.9% in the year ending February 2017.

This was due mainly to the new customs duty and excise tax introduced in July 2016 which largely drove the 10.5% rise in import prices.

Annual domestic inflation also rose by 6.8%, mainly because of the continued short supply of kava-Tonga and unstable local food prices.

Despite these problems, the Reserve Bank expects strong economic activity to continue for the time being.

Cocker said the level of foreign reserves was expected to remain adequate, supported by estimated higher receipts of remittances and foreign aid.

Inflation was expected to fall in 2017/18.

The main points

  • The Reserve Bank wants to encourage banks to lend money to support the kingdom’s economic growth, Acting Governor of the Reserve Bank Jessie Cocker said today.
  • The announcement came as the Reserve Bank released figures showing that despite rising inflation, the Bank remained confident of strong economic activity.
  • However, the news was not all good.
  • Tonga’s foreign reserves fell over the month to $377.7 million and the annual inflation rate increased by 8.9%.

 

TBC boss’s contract termination big mistakes, lawyer says as legal action launched

By
Kalino Latu
-

The lawyer for Tonga Broadcasting Commission general manager Nanisē Fifita told Nepituno webpage the termination of his client’s contract was a big mistake and should be corrected.

Lawyer William Clive Edwards said he had launched legal action against the government after the Minister of Public Enterprise terminated Fifita’s renewed contract yesterday.

It has been reported that Fifita’s renewed contract was revoked and that she was told to continue working as Acting General Manager.

It was unclear this evening whether she was still working for TBC  without any contract as she has sought legal action shortly after her contract was terminated. She has yet to respond to our request for comment.

Former TBC board chair Tapu Panuve confirmed to Kaniva News this morning his role with the board had ended.

He said he was thankful there had been an opportunity for him to help.

In Tongan he said: “Kuo ngata ‘eku fakahoko fatongia ‘i he TBC pea ‘oku ou fakafeta’i pe he ma’u faingamalie ke fai ha tokoni”.

As we reported last night he was replaced by ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi.

We understand a TBC board meeting this morning was chaired by  Fusimalohi.

Fifita’s contract was renewed about a week ago by the Board after it sought advice from government lawyers.

The committee found the contract contained a clause which allowed it to be renewed automatically when Fifita’s term was due to expire.

But the Minister reportedly said that under the law the renewal of her contract should have been first referred to him.

He claimed that as the Minister responsible for the TBC board he had the power to renew or terminate her contract.

Tight lipped

The government had stayed tight lipped over the episode since it leaked to media yesterday afternoon.

Taimi ‘o Tonga newspaper reported this morning Fifita was sacked, “fakanofo.”

The paper’s publisher, Kalafi Moala, said his reliable source said Fifita’s renewed contract was revoked.

“But, they asked her to keep working as Acting GM,” Moala said.

“My guess is that they want her to keep working until they find someone to take over, or they come to a conclusion of what to do with TBC”.

He said he suspected the government was trying to avoid a lawsuit.

“We ran a lead story on today’s Taimi (already distributed in Auckland) that Nanise has been fired “Fakanofo” but the twist to it is that her contract was revoked and she is still working as Acting GM without a contract”, Moala said.

“If she sues the Government, it will be because of the termination of her contract renewal.”

Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper also reported this morning that Fifita’s contract agreement was terminated but said she is being allowed to work without a contract.

The main points

  • The lawyer for Tonga Broadcasting Commission general manager Nanisē Fifita told Nepituno web page the termination of his client’s contract was a big mistakes and should be corrected.
  • William Clive Edwards said he had launched legal action against the government after the Minister of Public Enterprise terminated Fifita’s renewed contract yesterday.
  • Fifita’s contract was renewed about a week ago by the Board after it sought advice from government lawyers.
  • But the Minister reportedly said that under the law the renewal of her contract should have been first referred to him.

For more information

Tonga’s press freedom rating sinks; report cites bad blood between PM and broadcaster

Netherlands pledges to pay Tonga’s travel to European Union

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Netherlands government has pledged to pay Tongan officials’ travel to the European Union in a new deal.

This has been confirmed in an agreement signed in Nuku’alofa Thursday 27.

The Dutch will pay  for Tongan officials who would travel overseas to attend meetings organised by the European Union in its attempts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.

Tonga’s Department of Maritime and Ports has applauded the opportunity because it could not afford to pay for its travellers.

A conference on greenhouse gas emissions will be held in June this year in London and Tonga has confirmed its attendance after the signing of the deal.

Tonga is the second nation in the Pacific region to sign such an agreement with a country in the European Union, the government said in a statement.

The Director of Marine and Ports Mrs. Kelela Tonga said: “This signing is a corporation between Tonga and Netherlands which provide opportunities for Tonga to attend conferences that are held in the European Union. And let our voices be heard together with the other Pacific Islands, to address the greenhouse gas emissions over the International Maritime Organization (IMO)”.

 

Manu Vatuvei to make rugby league debut for Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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(NZ Herald) Veteren Warriors wing Manu Vatuvei is set to trade the black and white of the Kiwis for the red and white of Mate Ma’a Tonga this weekend after being called into the Tongan squad for their match against Fiji in Sydney.

The 31-year-old returned from injury to score a try for the Warriors’ reserve grade side against Wyong on Sunday, and has now been rushed into the Tonga squad as a replacement for former Warriors teammate Konrad Hurrell, who has been ruled out.

Vatuvei is one of the most decorated Kiwis players ever, having won the Tri-Nations in 2005, two Four Nations titles in 2010 and 2014, and a World Cup title in 2008.

He has scored 20 tries in 28 test appearances since his international debut against Australia in 2005.

Tonga’s fixture against Fiji is one third of a triple header at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday, with the Cook Islands taking on Papua New Guinea to kick-off the day, and Samoa’s clash against England set to conclude it.

Warriors players selected for international sides this weekend:

Kiwis: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu’a, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson, Simon Mannering and Issac Luke
Mate Ma’a Tonga: Manu Vatuvei, Tuimoala Lolohea and Ata Hingano
Toa Samoa: Ken Maumalo and Bunty Afoa
Cook Islands: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Junior Kiwis: Chanel Harris-Tavita, Erin Clark and Isaiah Papali’i

– NZ Herald

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