The previous interim government pushed ahead with a decision to hand over control of Lupepau’u International Airport in Vava’u to New Zealand’s Intelligent Green Energy (IGE) company.
This move went ahead despite strong objections from the Tonga Airport Authority (TAL), Kaniva News can now reveal.
Former Interim Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu (right) and former TAL Chair Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa (left) refused to sign the contract, fearing that the due diligence process had not been completed.
Documents suggested the Cabinet had greenlit the transfer of control to IGE under a public-private partnership.
However, Kaniva News can now reveal that TAL refused to sign the contract, raising serious concerns over the lack of due process and potential risks of privatising a critical national asset.
Violent Threats, Legal Reversals, and Government U-Turn
This led to a dispute that escalated into alleged violent threats, including an incident where the former TAL Board chief Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa was allegedly threatened with death and gun violence over the contentious deal, Kaniva News has learnt.
Reliable sources claimed the matter was serious enough to warrant police intervention, though no formal complaint was filed.
Kaniva News has chosen not to disclose the identities of those involved at this stage.
Months later, the incoming government of Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke revoked the deal, citing legal challenges.
Public Enterprises Minister Piveni Piukala confirmed last week that TAL’s refusal to sign was a key factor in the collapse of the agreement.
Questions Over Due Diligence and Transparency
When Vaipulu responded to reporters’ questions during a December 20 press conference about the deal with the NZ company, he said negotiations were still ongoing to ensure compliance with civil aviation, Tonga Airport safety, and security regulations.
However, IGE’s controversial background, including one of its directors’ prior legal disputes in New Zealand, has further fueled scepticism over the deal.
With the contract now scrapped, the focus shifts to whether an investigation will be launched into the Cabinet’s defiance of due process and the alleged threats that marred the dispute.
In a monumental clash at Wembley Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine solidified his legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats by knocking out WBO champion Daniel Dubois to claim the undisputed heavyweight crown for the second time in his career.
The showdown, held in front of a roaring crowd of 90,000, pitted the WBA (Super), WBC, IBO, and The Ring titlist Usyk against the hard-hitting Brit Dubois, who entered the ring as the WBO champion.
From the opening bell, Usyk’s masterful footwork, precision, and ring IQ proved too much for Dubois, culminating in a decisive knockout that sent shockwaves through the boxing world.
Dubois’s promoter, Frank Warren, was full of praise for the victor, calling Usyk a “modern-day legend” in his post-fight interview with DAZN.
“Oleksandr Usyk is an unbelievable fighter—in any generation, he would be a great. I take my hat off to him tonight,” Warren said.
“Daniel was ready, he trained hard. No complaints, no excuses. The better man won, and Usyk is a fabulous, fabulous champion.”
With this victory, Usyk etches his name in history as the first boxer ever to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s finest.
The boxing world now awaits his next move—whether it be a potential unification rematch, a move up in weight, or another dominant title defense.
For now, the undisputed king of the heavyweights remains Oleksandr Usyk. And at this rate, his reign shows no signs of ending soon.
Dubois deserves recognition for battling through and later giving his post-fight reaction to DAZN.
“I have to commend him on his performance. I gave everything I had—maybe there were a few things I could’ve sharpened up, but you can’t take any credit away from him,” he said.
Penisimani Foukimoana Koli Moa, 33, has been sentenced to one year and eight months in prison after entering the Emerald Hotel in Tonga and pointing a .22 pistol at an employee’s forehead.
Moa had pleaded guilty on 23 May to all counts, bringing a swift end to the case.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 4 January 2025, when Moa, visibly intoxicated, stormed into the hotel demanding a room key.
After being told there were no vacancies, he threatened staff before aiming the firearm at front-desk employee Sonatane Havea, who feared he would be shot.
He then put the gun back in his pocket and left the hotel. The victim immediately reported the incident to the police.
Later, at around 2.45am. that same morning, police stopped a black Voxy vehicle in Hala’ovave. Moa and three others were inside, with Moa seated in the back right seat.
During a search, officers found the silver pistol in his trouser pocket. Police Officer ‘Aho also discovered a small packet suspected to contain cannabis, prompting a call to the Drugs Squad.
When Officer Fifita from the Drugs Squad arrived, he informed Moa and his companions about the suspected cannabis and told them they would be searched at the Central Police Station. Upon questioning, Moa voluntarily admitted that the packet was his and also confessed ownership of the pistol.
Justice Tupou handed down the sentence on 18 July at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa, convicting Moa on multiple charges, including trespassing with arms, common assault, and drug and firearm possession offences.
The court heard that Moa was carrying 0.92 grams of cannabis and an unlicensed .22 semi-automatic pistol at the time of the offence. Justice Tupou emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting the terror inflicted on the victim during the confrontation.
Personal History Revealed in Pre-Sentencing Report
The Supreme Court was presented with a pre-sentencing report detailing the troubled background of Koli Moa. Born and raised in Kolofo’ou, Tongatapu, Moa’s family migrated to Sacramento, USA, when he was 11 years old. However, his parents later separated after his father returned to Tonga to care for his aging parents.
Moa completed high school in the U.S. and briefly attended junior college before dropping out after just one year. His life took a darker turn when he was convicted of burglary and assault, leading to his deportation back to Tonga on 19 March 2015.
The report noted that Moa had developed addictions to alcohol and drugs while living in the U.S., and these struggles continued after his return to Tonga.
Family Struggles and Domestic Violence
Moa is married with five children—three from his wife’s previous relationships and two from their own marriage, the youngest being just nine months old.
His wife disclosed to authorities that his heavy drinking and frequent weekend outings with friends had strained their marriage. She also admitted to suffering domestic abuse at his hands.
Despite his family responsibilities, Moa has remained largely disconnected from his community and church. He earns a modest income by exporting taro and cassava to relatives overseas and selling them locally, making roughly $5,000 every three months.
However, his unstable behaviour and criminal history have overshadowed any efforts toward rehabilitation.
In 2015, Moa was given a three-month suspended sentence for theft, allowing him to avoid prison time altogether. The following year in 2016, he again escaped meaningful punishment when he received a discharge without conviction for trespassing offences.
This pattern continued in 2020 when he was convicted for drug possession – while sentenced to six months imprisonment, the term was fully suspended, permitting him to remain free under court-imposed conditions.
However, the court’s patience with Moa appears to have run out following his most recent offences. His failure to comply with bail conditions in the current case resulted in his remand in custody beginning April 21, 2025.
Concurrent Sentencing Reduces Total Jail Time
Justice Tupou ruled that the sentences for Counts 1, 2, and 4 will run concurrently (at the same time) with the 20-month sentence for Count 3, the most serious charge.
This means Moa will serve a total of 1 year and 8 months behind bars, rather than facing a longer cumulative sentence.
The court also ordered that his time in custody since his arrest be deducted from the sentence, ensuring he is not penalised for the period he has already spent in jail awaiting trial.
Regional travellers in New Zealand are facing disruptions after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) grounded regional airline Sunair for 10 days, effective late Wednesday.
Public Enterprises Minister Piveni Piukala
The suspension comes just days after reports revealed that the airline had allegedly bid to operate Tonga’s domestic air services.
However, the company has now been temporarily barred from flying, raising questions about its operational status in New Zealand.
The suspension would run for 10 working days to Wednesday, July 23.
“These concerns relate to maintenance and safety of their aircraft,” a CAA spokesperson said.
“The director of Civil Aviation has suspended the airworthiness certificates for aircraft operated by Sunair Aviation Ltd for safety reasons while we address these concerns,” the NZ Herald quoted the spokesperson as saying.
They said Sunair normally operated under Civil Aviation Rules Part 119 and under Part 135, which related to commercial helicopters or small aeroplane operations.
“We are working with Sunair Aviation Ltd to address the safety concerns, which will help inform our next steps.”
Despite the ban, Sunair’s chief executive assured passengers that those with existing bookings would still be able to travel, as alternative flights with other operators have been arranged.
The suspension comes as the Tongan government extends the bidding process for the operation of its domestic carrier, Lulutai Airlines, by another two weeks.
Lulutai Airlines Bid Extended
The Tongan government had initially set a deadline for bids this past Monday, inviting outside operators to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to take over the controversial domestic airline’s operations.
However, Public Enterprises Minister Piveni Piukala confirmed last week that the bidding period was extended by two weeks following advice to refine the selection criteria.
Minister Piukala stated that the extension was necessary to ensure a clear distinction between bidders who intend to operate the airline and those who simply wish to purchase shares in the business.
The move aims to bring more transparency and structure to the process.
The grounding of Sunair adds another layer of complexity to Tonga’s domestic aviation sector, which has faced ongoing challenges since the collapse of former operator Real Tonga and the subsequent launch of Lulutai Airlines.
Lulutai Airlines Stabilises
As Kaniva News recently reported, Lulutai Airlines is now breaking even after years of losses, according to Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Taniela Fusimalohi.
The airline had faced significant financial struggles since its launch in 2020, relying on state loans and investments from a local pension fund to remain operational.
Its financial difficulties worsened when its insurer refused to cover damage to a Saab 340B in late 2023. Earlier this year, the Tongan government announced a review of the airline’s finances to prepare it for sale.
Currently Lulutai Airlines operates three aircraft, a DHC-6-300, a Harbin Y12, and a Saab 340B damp-leased from Air Chathams. It flies from Tongatapu to Eua, Ha’apai, and Vava’u.
Auckland, NZ – Police have released images of a man they wish to speak with following a suspicious fire that severely damaged St Mary’s Church on Great North Road in Avondale.
Fire destroyed St Mary’s Church in Avondale early Monday morning
The fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, 14 July, with emergency services responding shortly after 4am.
The man, seen in CCTV footage, was wearing a black beanie, a dark long-sleeve jumper with orange patterns, and carrying a green shopping bag
Police believe he may have information that could assist with their investigation.
The fire gutted the historic church, which has served the Avondale community since the 1950s, and is home to a large Tongan Catholic congregation
The Tongan community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their spiritual home, which has hosted generations of baptisms, weddings, and funerals
Do you recognise him? If this is you, or if you know who he is, please contact Police immediately
Police are especially encouraging members of the Tongan community to come forward if they recognise him.
“If this is you, or you know who this man is, please update us online now or call 105,” Police said.
New South Wales Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of Faitangane Va’enuku, a 24-year-old Tongan man wanted on charges related to assaulting police and resisting arrest.
Have you seen Faitangane Va’enuku?
Authorities have confirmed that a warrant has been issued for Va’enuku’s arrest, and he is believed to frequent the Fairfield area.
Police are urging members of the public, particularly those in the Tongan community, not to approach him if they see him, but to immediately contact Triple Zero (000).
This comes just months after another high-profile incident involving a Tongan national in Sydney’s west.
In May 2024, a 28-year-old Tongan man was at the centre of a major police manhunt after allegedly stabbing two Australian Border Force officers during a failed deportation attempt.
Community Urged to Assist
NSW Police are working closely with community leaders to locate Va’enuku and ensure public safety. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.
“If you know where he is, do not take matters into your own hands—call the police immediately,” a spokesperson said.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of dollars have poured in to support the grieving families of a Tongan mother, daughter, and niece who lost their lives in a devastating car crash in New Zealand earlier this week.
Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, daughter Oneahi Vailea, and niece Marly Tulua were killed when the car they were in crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon. Photo / Supplied
Frances (Sesi) Latu-Vailea, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and niece Marly Tulua were tragically killed when their vehicle crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving family and the wider Tongan community in deep mourning.
Within just eight hours of the fatal accident, a Give A Little fundraising page set up by the family had already raised NZ$10,800—a testament to the outpouring of love and support for those left behind.
The heartbreaking tragedy has left Frances’s husband, Amanaki Vailea, suddenly widowed and now the sole caregiver to their three young sons: Willis (just 8 weeks old), Samasoni (almost 2), and Tuini (12 years old).
The fundraising page explains: “We are raising funds to support both grieving families during this unthinkable time. Your generous donations will help:
Give Amanaki time to grieve without the burden of immediate financial pressures such as the mortgage and household bills.”
The Tongan community in New Zealand and abroad has been urged to continue supporting the Vailea and Tulua families during this painful time.
Donations can be made via the Give A Little page, with every contribution helping to ease the financial strain as they navigate this devastating loss.
The information published along with the Give A Little efforts says:
“Provide essential support as he navigates caring for their young boys and processing such an unimaginable loss.
“Support Marly’s family, who are also mourning deeply while caring for their own young baby and facing the pain of losing Marly, Frances, and Oneahi.
“No words can ease the pain, but your kindness and support can help lighten the heavy load these families are carrying right now.
Any contribution, big or small, will make a difference.”
Former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku announced last year that Lulutai Airlines had been approved by his Cabinet on November 7 to transition into a government public enterprise.
MP Hu’akavameiliku (L) and Public Enterprise Minister Piveni Piukala
However, it has come to light that the national carrier is still registered solely as a limited liability company, raising concerns about the former Prime Minister’s transparency and accountability.
Lulutai was registered as a private company, but Prime Minister Aisake Eke, during his time in Opposition, repeatedly challenged Hu’akavameiliku. He argued that the law requires the airline to be re-registered as a public enterprise within one year of its inception.
Dr Eke maintained that, while the airline remains a private entity, Parliament and the public—who financially supported its operations—are unable to access key information due to limitations imposed by company law.
He emphasised that this is precisely why the law mandates its transition to a public enterprise: to ensure transparency and allow both Parliament and taxpayers access to essential details about the airline.
Other accusations against Hu’akavameiliku included not being truthful about budget support from the Australian government, which he allegedly used to fund the airline; a lack of transparency in the controversial purchase of the secondhand Twin Otter; and the questionable employment of his political ally Poasi Tei as CEO of the airline shortly after Tei was dismissed from Parliament following his conviction for electoral bribery.
Former PM Defence
Hu’akavameiliku defended the decision to register Lulutai as a company since 2020 and maintained it during his tenure, stating that it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the airline’s safety and security.
The former Prime Minister denied any wrongdoing and stated that his government never secretly operated or managed the national airline.
The former PM’s accusations of controversial dealings with Lulutai had been a major concern during his first no-confidence vote, though he survived it at the time.
However, his sudden announcement in early November 2024—just weeks before his second vote of no confidence forced his resignation—that the government had approved Lulutai Airlines’ transition to a public enterprise came as a surprise.
PE Minister Revelation
In a press conference last week, Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala clarified that Lulutai Airlines has not yet been registered as a public enterprise, contrary to widespread belief.
Minister Piukala revealed that the Eke Cabinet was advised by the Attorney General that there was an error in the legal documents submitted for His Majesty’s approval, according to the law.
Piukala did not clarify when the legal documents were submitted for the King’s signature or if they were processed while Hu’akavameiliku was Prime Minister or by Prime Minister Eke.
“‘Aia taimi ni kei nofo pē ‘i he poate te’eki ‘omai ki he public enterprises” (At this time, it is still with the board and has not yet been moved to public enterprises), Piukala stated in Tongan.
This means the process must be restarted, further delaying the transition.
The burial of a newborn, whose family remains unknown since she was found four years ago, has been announced.
Members of the community named the baby Anahera, meaning angel, along with providing teddy bears and a traditional Kahua Huruhuru in 2022 for the baby to be buried in. (Source: 1News)
While no formal invitation has been extended, members of Auckland’s Tongan community may be among those who attend to pay their respects.
The infant, affectionately named Baby Anahera (Māori for “Angel”) or ‘Āngelo in Tongan, was tragically discovered at a recycling plant in Onehunga on 16 August 2021.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard told INews extensive enquires over the years were unable to identify the mother, father, or wider family.
“We have worked with the coroner so that she can be laid to rest.
“Now she can be released, we will work through the arrangements for a community service for her.”
He said there were community plans for a service on August 16, which would mark four years since she was found.
Beard reiterated, no matter how much time has passed, police want to help resolve this for the baby and her family.
“It’s not too late for the baby’s mother or someone within her immediate circle of family or friends to come forward,” he said.
“We urge them and anyone else who might know what happened to do the right thing and talk to somebody, whether it’s Police or someone who can notify us on their behalf.”
Anyone with information was urged to contact police via 105 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers.
The case, which remains unsolved, continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of many, especially among Auckland’s Tongan community in Onehunga, who share deep cultural and spiritual connections to the values of their multicultural surroundings.
Though no family has come forward, the burial will proceed with dignity, and members of the Pacific community, including Tongans, are expected to pay their respects.
