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Cold war lingers between Pohiva’s government and Tonga’s national broadcaster

By
Kalino Latu
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The cold war between Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the government-funded Tonga Broadcasting Commission appears to be still in force.

The Prime Minister clashed with Radio and Television Tonga news manager Viola Ulakai at a press conference on Friday, accusing the national broadcaster of having a malicious attitude towards his government.

As Kaniva Pacific reported in April, Hon. Pohiva recommended suspending Ulakai after she had falsely claimed that a request for a press conference was made on behalf of the Tongan Media Council.

At the time we reported that the national broadcaster had a long history of general bias and partiality when reporting on Hon. Pohiva and the democrats.

The planned suspension of Ulakai polarised Pacific news outlets media in the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia.

Some criticised Hon. Pohiva for failing to live up to the freedom of speech he had promoted for many years in Tonga.

Ulakai escaped the planned suspension and tensions appeared to have eased, after the Prime Minister later appeared on some of Radio and Television Tonga’s programmes.

However during a press conference with the media in Nukuʻalofa on Friday,  Hon. Pohiva blasted the broadcaster for not doing its job fairly.

He said its staffers’ attitudes towards him and his government when reporting were not the same as they had to the previous governments.

Ulakai, who was in the audience, asked the Prime Minister why his government ministers and ministries did not use Radio and Television Tonga, but instead used the Commission’s rival broadcaster, a privately-owned radio.

She said she had invited government ministers to arrange interviews and reports on topics they wanted to discuss, but received no response.

Hon. Pohiva said he felt there was “malice” at the national station towards him and his government.

He said the national broadcaster had once aired a call from a man who threatened to shoot him.

Ulakai  reminded the Prime Minister he had promoted freedom of speech in the past and denied there was any anti-government agenda at the Tonga Broadcasting Commission.

Crimes and health

Hon. Pohiva told the press conference he was concerned at the increasing level of violence and criminal activities in Tonga despite the  many programmes that had been implemented to help criminals change their ways.

With regards to levels of obesity and other non-communicable diseases in Tonga, the prime Minister said his government had policies to educate the people in how to change their eating habits and leisure activities.

Hon. Pohiva said the problem was that his government had been bound by commitments left behind by the former government such as the South Pacific Games in 2019.

Such activities took up much of the government’s time, leaving less time to finding solutions to urgent issues such as health and crime.

The main points

  • The cold war between Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the government-funded Tonga Broadcasting Commission appears to be still in force.
  • The Prime Minister clashed with Radio and Television Tonga news manager Viola Ulakai at a press conference on Friday, accusing the national broadcaster of having a malicious attitude towards his government.
  • He said the national broadcaster had once aired a call from a man who threatened to shoot him.
  • Ulakai reminded the Prime Minister he had promoted freedom of speech in the past and denied there was any anti-government agenda at the Tonga Broadcasting Commission.

For more information

TMC denies Ulakai’s claim she requested press conference with PM on behalf of Media Council

Tongan New Zealanders react to deadly earthquake online

By
Kalino Latu
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UPDATED: 4.54 pm.  The damage in Kaikoura is worse than thought said John Key. “It’s just utter devastation”, he said.

Click here to read more “http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/86416304/live-north-canterbury-quake

UPDATED: Two dead after Kaikoura hit by a 2 metre high tsunami following rolling 7.5 magnitude earthquakes  7.5.

Communities including Kaikoura cut off, a 7 person search and rescue team enroute by helicopter there now to assess.

Wellington in virtual lockdown with mostly superficial damage – trains and ferries cancelled and people told to stay out of CBD.

PREVIOUS REPORT

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake shock the North and South islands of New Zealand and Tongan residents in Auckland took to Facebook to share their reactions to the scary shaking.

The quake had a depth of 16km and it struck 20km southeast of Hanmer Springs.

But the New Zealand Civil Defence has revised the first earthquake to a magnitude 7.5, 15km deep, 15 km north-east of Culverden.

It was strongly felt in Christchurch, Wellington, Taranaki, Hamilton and Auckland.

New Zealand Civil Defence is advising all people in coastal areas of the country to move inland to higher ground after a severe magnitude 7.5 earthquake which struck in the South Island.

Tidal measurements from Geonet now indicate that a tsunami two metres or more has been recorded in Kaikoura, and indications are it will hit other parts of the South Island soon.

Earlier on it said: “Take your getaway kit with you if possible. Do not travel into the areas at risk to get your kit or belongings. Take your pets with you if you can do so safely.

“Move immediately to the nearest higher ground, or as far inland as you can. If evacuation maps are present, follow the routes shown. Walk or bike if possible and drive only if essential. If driving, keep going once you are well outside the evacuation zone to allow room for others behind you.

“If you cannot escape the tsunami, go to an upper storey of a sturdy building or climb onto a roof or up a tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives. Boats are usually safer in water deeper than 20 metres than if they are on the shore. Move boats out to sea only if there is time and it is safe to do so.

“Never go to the shore to watch for a tsunami. Stay away from at-risk areas until the official all-clear is given. Listen to your local radio stations as emergency management officials will be broadcasting the most appropriate advice for your community and situation.

Social Media

Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni offered condolences to New Zealanders on Facebook.

“Hope everybody fine in Christchurch after that 7+ earthquake. Also hope no tsunami”, he posted.








Wife sends love online after Tongan fruit picker hospitalised

By
Kalino Latu
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The wife of a Tongan fruit picker who was admitted to a hospital in New Zealand last week had gone online to show her love and concerns for her husband.

Heneli Tupou of Tatakamotonga was in New Zealand as an employee under the Recognised Seasonal Employment programme.

He was admitted to a Nelson hospital, his wife ʻAsinate Tupou has confirmed.

She said Heneli was sick and they were awaiting his medical examination result.

We understand Heneli was in a serious condition.

ʻAsinate, who told Kaniva News she only used Facebook as means of communication, desperately encouraged her husband on Facebook.

“I am dying of love for you Heneli while you are in difficulty. Trust God with all your heart and do not trust your own wisdom. Listen to him in every way you go. I love you so much”, ‘Asinate posted in Tongan.

Some commentators on Facebook prayed for Heneli and wished him luck.

Tonga overwhelm Spain at Madrid

By
Kalino Latu
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The ʻIkale Tahis were too strong for Spain’s rugby union team this morning, scoring four tries to one in a comprehensive 28-13 win over the Spaniards.

The win was promising for Tonga’s coach Toutai Kefu as some of his most experienced old guards including Vuna Cooper, Nili Latu, and Sona Taumalolo, had been side-lined with injuries.

The game was held at the Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid on Saturday, 12 November.

Allegation Prime Minister has cancer upsets kingdom’s Chief Secretary

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Chief Secretary, Dr Palenitina Langaʻoi, said she was upset by news stories that Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has had cancer.

Langaʻoi expressed her concern during a press conference in Nukuʻalofa hosted by the Prime Minister on Friday.

Kaniva News has seen several posts on Facebook alleging the Prime Minister has had cancer.

The posts prompted Hon. Pōhiva’s supporters to reject the allegations.

Sione ‘Eniketi Tāufa, a diehard supporter of Pōhiva, said the Prime Minister went to the clinic for check-up and was not admitted to hospital.

“It was unfortunate that those at the radio put down the leader,” he said in Tongan on Facebook.

Tāufa alleged that one of the radio broadcasters in Tonga had announced the Prime Minister was hospitalised in Auckland.

This was denied by Pōhiva’s critics, who said the Tonga Broadcasting Commission did not say this when they announced the Prime Minister was in New Zealand for a health check-up.

“’Ave fakafalemahaki Palemia ki Nu’u Sila! Prostate cancer! Faito’o ‘aho ni!” Translated: (The Prime Minister is sent to New Zealand for medical treatment. Prostate cancer! He is admitted for treatment today”, posted Tongan correspondent Tevita Motulalo on Facebook.

The allegations were made after Hon. Pōhiva flew to New Zealand for a health check-up last week.

Dr Langaʻoi did not deny or affirm the allegation.

The Prime Minister returned to Tonga on Monday and returned to work.

Tonga’s Consul at the ‘Atalanga Royal residence in Epsom told Kaniva News the Prime Minister would return to Auckland for another health check-up in the coming week.

He said a routine health check would be conducted by Hon. Pōhiva’s specialist.

Hon. Pōhiva’s Kele’a newspaper ran a story about 10 years ago saying he had a health check up in Hawaiʻi to determine whether he had cancer, but was declared cancer free.

Drug smuggling

The Prime Minister told the media yesterday he was concerned that Tongan diplomatic passports were used by criminals to smuggle drugs from Tonga to New Zealand and Australia.

The Chief Secretary told the media yesterday they had the number of diplomatic passports used but when asked  by the media, she and the Prime Minister declined to say how many.

Prime Minister John Key told New Zealand media Hon. Pohiva did not advise him that the Tongan diplomatic passports had been issued to people who trafficked drugs to New Zealand.

Key’s comments came shortly after Hon. Pōhiva left New Zealand in August after his first official state visit to the country.

He was responding to media questions after Pōhiva told the Tongan Parliament he was concerned that the diplomatic passports had been used by traffickers.

Allegations of the misuse of Tongan passports was a focus of the New Zealand media during Hon. Pohiva’s state visit.

Pōhiva confirmed at a press conference in Auckland his government was dealing with the issue.

He said some of the cases predated his government.

The main points

  • Tonga’s Chief Secretary, Dr Palenitina Langaʻoi, said she was upset by news stories that Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has had cancer.
  • Langaʻoi expressed her concern during a press conference in Nukuʻalofa hosted by the Prime Minister on Friday.
  • Kaniva News has seen several posts on Facebook alleging the Prime Minister has had cancer.
  • The allegations were made after he flew to New Zealand for a health check-up.

Solar powered-tuk tuk arrives in kingdom

By
Kalino Latu
-

The auto rickshaws that widely operating in India, Pakistan and Indonesia had arrived in the Kingdom of Tonga.

The three-wheeler technologies powered by solar energy could help reduce the costs of diesel and petrol.

Known as tuk tuk and were popular among tourists in the Asian countries 12 vehicles began operating in Tonga last week and there was plan to import more.

The motor tricyles were brought by Solar Island Technology.

The company’s Managing Director Guido Schmitz- Krummacher told local media he hope the vehicle would be popularly used by Tongans.

The company came to Tonga seven years ago and they had been working on a number of solar projects in the country.

Super Cheap fails to pay TP$23,000 to Holonga committee despite court order

By
Kalino Latu
-

 The Holonga Vavaʻu Development Committee has yet to receive the TP$23,000 refund from Filimone Toʻaho and his Super Cheap car dealership despite a court order.

The money was supposed to be paid after Super Cheap promised it would provide a passenger bus bought by the Committee.

The dealership failed to deliver the promised vehicle.

In a court document seen by Kaniva News, Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen approved the application by the plaintiff to force a refund.

The judge ordered that Toʻaho, trading as Super Cheap Tonga, pay $23,000 together with interest thereon at the rate of 10% per  annum from April 30,  2016 until the money was paid.

“The plaintiff Is awarded costs and disbursements in the sum of TP$1117,” Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said..

The ruling was made in August, but the Committee has yet to receive the money.

Committee member Mapa Taumālolo said they paid To’aho and his company TP$33,000 in 2014 for the bus.

When he failed to deliver the bus the Committee confronted him, but he only paid back TP$10,000.

Taumālolo said they had planned to take Toʻaho and his company back to court.

Toʻaho is expected to re-appear in court on November 14 as part of a fraud case.

He appeared in Nukuʻalofa Magistrate’s Court on October 3 accused of defrauding his clients of more than TP$70,000 .

Autorec Enterprise Ltd, a Japanese vehicle provider which imports vehicles direct from Japan, took Tōʻaho and his car dealership to court.

To’aho could not be reached for comment.

The main points

  • The Holonga Vava’u Development Committee has yet to receive the TP$23,000 refund from Filimone To’aho and his Super Cheap car dealership despite a court order.
  • In August the Supreme Court ordered the money be paid after Super Cheap promised it would provide a passenger, but failed to deliver the promised vehicle.
  • Committee member Mapa Taumalolo said they paid To’ha and his company TP$33,000 in 2014 for the bus.
  • When he failed to deliver the bus the Committee confronted To’ha, who refunded only TP$10,000.

For more information 

Super Cheap Car manager appears in court accused of fraud

Bus swerves to avoid turning van hit utility pole

By
Kalino Latu
-

A bus travelling westbound had hit a utility pole on Hihifo Road after swerving off the road to avoid colliding with another vehicle this morning.

The driver of the bus reportedly received minor injury in the mishap.

Eye witnesses who reported the incident online alleged a Nissan Pajero Van did not stop when it turned into Hihifo Road and came in front of the bus.b

Emergency C-Section saves baby; Vavaʻu mother stable after accident

By
Kalino Latu
-

A 23-year-old mother was in stable condition after her eight-month-old baby was delivered by an emergency caesarean Wednesday 9 following a motor vehicle crash in Neiafu yesterday.

The baby girl weighing 2kg was safe and sound while a 15-month-old child received head injuries in the accident.

An emergency medevac team had been flown from Tongatapu to Vavaʻu to address the situation, Tonga’s Minister of Health Hon Saia Piukala told Kaniva News last night

The baby’s  mum was “more stable now but still need to bring to Vaiola for further management tomorrow (today November 10)”, the minister said.

He said the medevac team was consisted of an anaesthetist, an obstetrician and a paediatrician.

The Minister alleged the driver of the vehicle, the mother’s husband, was intoxicated.

Vavaʻu Police were contacted for details of the accident.

Diabetes crisis grows as one in seven babies born with the disease

By
Alpha Latu
-

One out of seven Tongan babies is born with diabetes.

This startling claim is one of the highlights of Tonga Mo’ui Lelei, which airs on Tongan television tonight (November 10).

President of the Tonga Diabetic Association Dr. Taniela Palu said diabetes was a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation.

He said 99.9% of Tongans were at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Next  Monday (November 14) is World Diabetes Day.

According to the Tonga Health report Path to Good Health, Tonga has one of the most at-risk populations in the world for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and obesity.

In the introduction to the report, Health Minister Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala said: “NCDs will continue to cripple our families, our communities and our nation unless we strong and decisive action.”

The Minister said the kingdom was the first Pacific Island Country to launch a national NCD campaign.

In 2007 it set up the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation (TongaHealth) to tackle the issue.

Tonga was awarded the World Health Organisation’ Healthy Islands Recognition-Best Practice for the ‘Kau Mai Tonga’ women’s physical activity programme.

Tonga’s Hala Fononga (National Strategy for Prevention and Control of NCDs 2015-2020) has four main goals. These are:

  • Tongan infants (age 2 and under) have a healthier start to life.
  • Tongans are leading healthier lifestyles, with a focus on children and adolescents.
  • Improved early detection, treatment and sustained management of people with or at high risk of NCDs.
  • Strengthened monitoring and surveillance supports evidence based action.

According to the World health Organisation one of the main causes of obesity in the Pacific is the replacement of traditional foods with imported, processed food.

In at least 10 Pacific island countries, more than 50% (and in some, up to 90%) of the population is overweight according to WHO surveys. The average age at which people develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease is getting lower.

The main points

  • One out of seven Tongan babies is born with diabetes.
  • President of the Tonga Diabetic Association Dr. Taniela Palu said diabetes was a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation.
  • He said 99.9% of Tongans were at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.
  • Next Monday (November 14) is World Diabetes Day.

For more information

National Strategy for Prevention and Control of NCDs

Pacific islanders pay heavy price for abandoning traditional diet

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