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Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho’s funeral cortege leaves ‘Atalanga

By
Kalino Latu
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The cortege bearing the coffin of Queen Mother Halaevalu Mataʻaho began its journey back to  Tonga this morning at 7.30am.

Members of the royalty including Princess Pilolevu and Princess Lātūfuipeka Mataʻaho got into cars at ʻAtalanga royal residence and followed the hearse carrying the Queen Mother’s body which was led by a police car.

The funeral cortege was expected to leave Whenuapai airfield for Tonga at 9.30am.

At the ʻAtalanga gate at St Andrews Street a man wearing tauangaʻa was standing there before the cortege entered the road and turned left heading to the Balmoral Road on its way to Whenuapai.

The Queen Mother died in Auckland on Sunday 19 and will be flown back to Tonga in an RNZAF Hercules.

She will then lie in state at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa.

On Wednesday her body will be taken to the Royal Tombs Mala’ekula.

The royal family will observe ten nights of mourning following the burial.

Marcellin College students mark Queen Mother’s death in school ceremony

By
Philip Cass
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Students at Marcellin College remembered Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho today with a prayer service at school.

The students came to school wearing their formal clothes and tauangaʻa.

“I was approached on Friday lunchtime by a year 13 student asking if they could wear their formal clothes and tauangaʻa on Monday,” college principal Jan Waelen told Kaniva News.

“We readily agreed, sent a note around the classes and today I think every Tongan student dressed for the occasion.”

“We celebrated a beautiful prayer liturgy to remember the queen mother.”

Photographs supplied to Kaniva News show the college’s staff and students during the service.

The body of the Queen Mother, who died in Auckland, will be flown back to Tonga tomorrow (Tuesday) in an RNZAF Hercules.

She will then lie in state at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa.

On Wednesday her body will be taken to the Royal Tombs Mala’ekkula.

The royal family will observe ten nights of mourning following the burial.

Marcellin College is a Catholic, integrated, co-educational college in Hillsborough, Auckland, New Zealand for students in Year 7 to Year 13.

The  main points

  • Students at Marcellin College remembered Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho today with a prayer service at school.
  • The students came to school wearing their formal clothes and valas.
  • “We celebrated a beautiful prayer liturgy with our students to remember the Queen Mother,” college principal Jan Waelen said.
  • The body of the Queen Mother, who died in Auckland, will be flown back to Tonga tomorrow (Tuesday).

Nobles have put vote behind them, Lord Tu’ilakepa tells Kaniva    

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
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 The vote of no confidence is over and Parliament’s nobles have put it behind them, Lord Tu’ilakepa told Kaniva News this evening.

But if they had won, they would have offered the ministerial and Prime Minister’s posts to the people’s representatives.

He said they had agreed not to accept any posts if they managed to oust Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva

As we reported this afternoon the voting went 14-10 in Hon. Pohiva’s favour.

The nobles who lodged the motion of no confidence were supported by some independents.

Finance Minister Aisake Eke abstained.

Clarifying an earlier report in Kaniva News, Lord Tu’ilakepa said that while Lord Ma’afu had not been at the meeting, the other nobles did not hold a grudge against him.

A Cabinet source told Kaniva News details of the noble’s  agreement had not been distributed to Parliament and Members of the House could not tell what was in it when Lord Tu’ilakepa raised it in Parliament.

Hon. Pohiva, a lifelong campaigner for democratic change in the kingdom, is Tonga’s first commoner Prime Minister

The motion for a vote of no confidence cited a range of issues, including appointing family members, upsetting Indonesia by supporting West Papua and  financial mismanagement.

Hon. Pohiva denied the claims, saying they had already been aired twice in Parliament.

The main points

  • The vote of no confidence is over and Parliament’s nobles have put it behind them, Lord Tu’ilakepa told Kaniva News this evening.
  • But if they had won, they would have offered the ministerial and Prime Minister’s posts to the people’s representatives.
  • He said they had agreed not to accept any posts if they managed to oust Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva
  • Clarifying an earlier report in Kaniva News, Lord Tu’ilakepa said that while Lord Ma’afu had not been at the meeting, the other nobles did not hold a grudge against him.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva survives no-confidence vote

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has resoundingly survived a vote of no-confidence in the national parliament.

Hon. Pōhiva won the vote of no confidence moved against him 14 to 10.

Members who vote against the motion were Hon. ‘Akilsi Pōhiva, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Hon. Sēmisi Fakahau, Hon. Saia Piukala, Hon. Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, Hon. Poasi Tei, Hon. Penisimani Fifita, Hon. Vuna Fāʻotusia, Lord Ma’afu, Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau, Hon. Sēmisi Sika, Māteni Tapueluelu, Light of Day Veivosa Taka and ‘Akosita Lavulavu.

For the Motion were, Lord Vaea, Lord Tu’ilakepa, Lord Nuku, Lord Tu’i’āfitu, Lord Tu’iha’ateiho, Lord Tu’iha’angana, Lord Fusitu’a, Fe’ao Vakatā, Sāmiu Vaipulu and Vili Hingano.

Finance Minister ʻAisake Eke abstained from the vote.

The opposition had brought the motion against Hon. Pōhiva, saying he had to be removed over a list of 17 abuses of office as well as mismanagement of the economy.

Pōhiva rejected the claims saying he has nothing to hide and all allegations against him and his government had been dealt with appropriately.

NZ Parliament relays message of love to Queen Mother during tonight’s memorial service

By
Kalino Latu
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The New Zealand Parliament was represented tonight during the fourth memorial service held in remembrance of the Tongan Queen Mother’s passing.

Labour Party MP Jenny Lātū Salesa was one of the speakers during the service.

She told mourners she wished to represent a symbol of love and sympathy as a Member of New Zealand Parliament.

“I am here this evening to send lots of love from the only Tongan-born and Tongan speaking representative in the New Zealand Parliament, and especially from the Labour Party”, she said.

The Government was represented by the Minister of Pacific Peoples, Hon Alfred Ngaro.

MP Sua William Sio was also in attendance.

Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Princess Lātūfuipeka Mataʻaho Jr and some members of the royalty attended the service.

Salesa was at the memorial service as a member of Lord Veikune’s clan.

She told the thousands who gathered inside the church of the time when the Queen Mother’s sisters took on the role of the fahu during her own grandfather’s funeral.

After the three-hour memorial program in the church, mourners proceeded to the Lesieli Tonga Auditorium for refreshments.

The food was prepared by the families of Lord Veikune, Lord ‘Akau’ola and Faletau as well as by members of the Tuingapapai Free Wesleyan church.

Junior Fā wins debut American fight with third round knockout

By
Philip Cass
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New Zealand boxer Junior Fa has won his debut fight in the United States.

Fa defeated Keith Barr with a knockout in the third round of a scheduled six round fight.

Fa and Barr fought on the undercard to the Wilder-Washington bout in Birmingham, Alabama.

This makes 10 wins out of 10 fights for Fa.

Seven of those wins were knockout.

Fa fought under his new three year contract with WBC promoter Lou Dibella.

He knocked Barr down three times before the referee declared in his favour.

Fa told Newshub the work with his trainer Mike Schofield had helped his game.

He said he felt in superior physical shape.

“These days I’m switched on as soon as I get into the ring,” he said.

ESPN reported earlier this year that if he won in Alabama, Fa would return for fights in New Zealand in March and May.

The 27 year old boxer turned professional a year ago with a win against Richard Tutaki.

Although New Zealand born and raised, Fa has represented Tonga internationally, winning a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.

The main points

  • New Zealand boxer Junior Fa has won his debut fight in the United States.
  • Fa defeated Keith Barr with a knockout in the third round of a scheduled six round fight.
  • Fa and Barr fought on the undercard to the Wilder- Washington bout in Alabama.
  • This makes 10 wins out of 10 fights for Fa.

For more information’ 

Junior Fa prepared for biggest fight of young career on Deontay Wilder Undercard

Heavyweight Fa looks forward to fight with undefeated American boxer

 

Flags lowered for 10 days, public holiday in honour of Queen Mother

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan flags outside government complexes and offices will be flown at half-mast for 10 days in honour of the Queen Mother, Halaevalu Mata’aho, who died Sunday 19.

The government has announced  that Wednesday, March 1 will be a public holiday as part of a show of national respect to a queen who had been a wife of one king, and mother of two monarchs.

This has been confirmed in a cabinet meeting yesterday (February 24) in Nuku’alofa.

Flags will fly at half-mast from Tuesday, February 28, until the 10 takipō taboo is over.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Pasifika Futures has sent a message of condolence over the loss of the Queen Mother.

“On behalf of our Chairman, Board of Directors and Staff, Pasifika Futures would like to express our deepest condolences to His Royal Highness, King Tupou VI, Princess Sālote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, their families and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga,” Pasifika Futures Chief Executive Debbie Sorensen said.

“I have had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty on numerous occasions and was inspired by her leadership and the example she set.

“She has served the Kingdom and the people of Tonga as a mother-head figure distinguished by her genuine compassion, personal humility, warmth and concern for the welfare of all Tongans in Tonga and wherever they are in the world.”

“Her Majesty will always be remembered for her spirited and cultural leadership, humbleness, elegance, generosity and a role model for us Tongan women. She has been an amazing woman.

“During this time of bereavement, our prayers are with the people of Tonga and the Royal family.

“May her legacy live on, and may her soul rest in eternal peace.”

The Queen Mother’s death has been reported around the world.

In the United States, Fox News reported that the Tongan community in Utah was mourning her.

The Queen Mother visited Utah several times. In 2011, she attended the dedication of the Tongan United Methodist Church in West Valley City.

Fox news reported that the Lavulo family, who were descendants of the Queen Mother, were collecting money and gifts to end to the Queen Mother’s family.

The main points

  • Tongan flags outside government complexes and offices will be flown at half-mast for 10 days in honour of the Queen Mother, Halaevalu Mta’aho, who died Sunday 19.
  • The government has that announced Wednesday, March 1 will be a public holiday as part of a show of national respect to a queen who had been a wife of one king, and mother of two monarchs.
  • This was been confirmed in a cabinet meeting yesterday (February 24) in Nuku’alofa.
  • Flags will fly at half-mast from Tuesday, February 28, until the 10 takipo taboo is over.

For more information

Passing of Tonga’s Queen Mother felt among Utah’s Tongan community

Tonga launches first Climate Change Trust Fund

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Tonga today launched Tonga’s first ever Climate Change Trust Fund.

The purpose of the Climate Change Trust Fund is to finance small, community-based climate adaptation and mitigation projects and fund the climate component of non-community- based projects.

The fund will also provide supplementary financial support to small scale community based, climate-related projects proposed by other organizations such as church groups, charities and non-government organizations.

The trust fund is part of the Tonga Climate Resilience Project financed by a $US19.25 million grant from the ADB Strategic Climate Fund. The Government of Tonga is contributing US$2.45 million to the initiative. The Climate Change Trust Fund accounts for $US5 million of the total project cost.

Siaosi Sovaleni, Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu Malolo, Tonga’s Director of Climate Change, Feleti Fa’otusia, Climate Change Trust Fund Coordinator and Tatafu Moeaki, ADB Senior Country Coordination Officer participated in the event.

“The Climate Change Trust Fund will enhance capacity for nationwide climate actions in Tonga by providing a sustainable funding mechanism,” said Deputy Prime Minister Sovaleni at the launch. “Through the trust fund youth, women’s groups, church groups and others may contribute to strengthening Tonga’s climate resilience.”

“ADB is pleased to be able to support Government roll out its first climate trust fund to mainstream climate investments to include key vulnerable sectors to build a more resilient Tonga,” said Mr Moeaki at the launch.

The project aims to: Mainstream climate resilience into government planning and addresses country priorities focusing on the most vulnerable sectors and communities as well as strengthens the government’s and the community’s capacity to finance, develop, monitor and implement investments to improve ecosystem resilience and climate proof critical infrastructure.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, ADB is celebrating 50 years of development partnership in the region. It is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.

Vavaʻu way shines as Prince ‘Ulukālala’s kāinga prepares to feed mourners tonight

By
Kalino Latu
-

The kāinga of Crown Prince ʻUlukālala Tupoutoʻa from Vava’u were preparing 4000 clamshell plastic bowls of food for refreshment tonight as part of the memorial service for the Queen Mother.

The death of the Queen had brought together the Tongan kāinga in Auckland according to their ha’a or  how they are linked to the royals in blood and duties.

Some of the ha’as were given the roles of preparing food to feed people who were tasked with keeping vigil around the Queen’s casket in ‘Atalanga.

This included feeding people who gathered in mourning at the memorial services organised for the Queen, which began last night at the Tuingapapai church.

Prince ‘Ulukalala’s ha’a, from his estates of Tu’anuku and his estates of ‘Utulau and Nomuka because of his Tupouto’a title, will be feeding the mourners tonight.

The Tu’anuku kāinga met on Tuesday with Princess Mataʻaho Jr as Prince ʻUlukalala was in Tonga.

Only six people turned up to the meeting and there were fears that the number would not be able to donate enough to feed the hundreds of mourners who could turn up to the memorial services.

But one of the attendees, Siosiua ʻUmulovo Toki, reminded the meeting “there was nothing big” for Vavaʻu.

“That’s the Vavaʻu way,” he said.

“We are a people with big heart and we always do our best in everything we do to make sure we do not lose or go down in the world”.

The meeting was attended by Prince ʻUlukālalaʻs immediate family, including the Toki, Tapueluelu and the Heletā lineages.

Sālote Heletā Lilo, who represented a newly committee established to look after the Prince’s Tu’anuku kainga in ‘Aotearoa, said people from other estates of the Crown Prince had donated money and food.

“The Prince’s kāinga from Nomuka donated 400 bowls”, Lilo said.

Kaniva News was at Lotofaleʻia Methodist Church this afternoon where the preparation of food took place.

About 30 people there were warm and happy while they were preparing and packing thousands of bowls ready for the reception tonight.

This evening will be the second night of the Queen’s public memorial service in Māngere.

The Queen Mother’s body will be returned to Tonga on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules.

A spokesman for RNZAF Whenuapai in Auckland said about 20 mourners, including several members of the Tongan royalty are expected to accompany the casket from Whenuapai airfield.

The Hercules was expected to leave in the morning and arrive in Tonga in the early afternoon.

The Queen Mother will be taken to the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa for a public takipō in which the people will be allowed to pay their respects.

The main points

  • The kāinga of Crown Prince ʻUlukālala Tupoutoʻa from Vava’u were preparing 4000 bowls of food for refreshment tonight as part of the memorial service for the Queen Mother.
  • The death of the Queen had brought together the Tongan kainga in Auckland according to their links to the royals in blood and duties.
  • Some of the Ha’a were given the roles of preparing food to feed people who were tasked with keeping vigil around the Queen’s casket in ‘Atalanga.
  • This included feeding people who gathered in mourning at the memorial services organised for the Queen, which began last night at the Tuingapapai church.

PM tells Parliament to go ahead with VONC, but Speaker postpones it till Monday

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva told members of Parliament this morning he wanted them to go ahead and vote on the long delayed motion of no confidence, but his request was rejected.

The Speaker, Lord Tu’ivakano, said he would postpone it until next Monday.

However, Hon. Pohiva said he wanted to leave Monday free as the government had a duty to welcome the Queen Mother’s body on Tuesday.

The Speaker said he had the constitutional power to postpone the vote of no confidence.

Hon. Pohiva’s response to the accusations contained in the motion of no confidence was read out this morning.

The Prime Minister’s statement referred to events the government believed were successfully implemented and to the national advantage.

These included the spending on King Tupou VI’s coronation in which the government only spent TP$3.6 million compared to about TP$9 million the former government spent on late King George V’s coronation.

Local media reports described the response as clear and straight forward.

The Parliamentary Privilege Committee censored Hon. Pohiva’s response and removed some statements they thought unrelated to the claims contained in the motion of no confidence.

These included parts of paragraphs six and nine.

The introduction was also removed, but the Deputy Prime Minister asked to read it to the House because it introduced the rest of Hon. Pohiva’s response.

The Speaker allowed it to be read.

The main points

  • Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva told members of Parliament this morning he wanted them to go ahead and vote on the long delayed motion of no confidence, but his request was rejected.
  • The Speaker, Lord Tu’ivakano, said he would postpone it until next Monday.
  • However, Hon. Pohiva said he wanted to leave Monday free as the government had a duty to welcome the Queen Mother’s body on Tuesday.
  • The Speaker said he had the constitutional power to postpone the vote of no confidence.

For more information

Date error could make No Confidence motion unlawful as the House allow PM to respond

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