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MP Jenny Salesa to meet with potential candidates in Nukuʻalofa

By
Alpha Latu
-

New Zealand Tongan MP Jenny Lātū Salesa is meeting with local potential female candidates who will be running for Tonga’s election of town and district officers in Nukuʻalofa tomorrow Thursday 14.

Salesa will be sharing her experiences on politics with these women.

Salesa was in Nukuʻalofa on her way to Vava’u to receive three container loads of goods, collected by the Vavaʻu Relief Committee in New Zealand for the victims of Cyclone Winston which hit Vava’u in February.

The MP for Manukau East was expected to “empower” the local women especially those who are running for local government this year.

MP Jenny Lātū Salesa has become the first Tongan-speaker to enter New Zealand Parliament following the national election on 2014.

This was not the first time for Salesa to help local Tongan women while visiting Tonga.

In June last year during her two-week visit to the Kingdom, she met with women and girls with various career goals and she encouraged them to “aim high and to achieve to the best of their abilities”.

The meeting on Saturday is open to the public.

The meeting will begin at 12:00pm at the UN Joint Office upstairs Royco Building (where the New Zealand immigration is located on ground level).

Tongan cop suspended over social media misconduct

By
Alpha Latu
-

A 35-year-old Tongan Police officer was suspended in what Police described as “alleged misconduct on Social Media”.

Tonga Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell has confirmed this in a statement this afternoon.

“As the matter is now a criminal investigation it is not appropriate to offer any further comment at this time”, the statement said.

Last month CNN reported a white police officer in Ohio has been fired after he posted a comment on Facebook calling the suicide of a Black Lives Matter activist “a happy ending.”

A Police officer in Michigan was also fired in March over a Facebook post but his lawyer argued that  “this is a matter of free speech – plain and simple”.

He said “his client and his Facebook post are protected by the” law.

Kava for victory, first Tongan promoted into higher position in Waitematā police

By
Kalino Latu
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An important Tongan cultural practice  was performed during the new appointment of a Tongan Sergeant Police officer in New Zealand to the position of Pacific Liason District Coordinator.

The special kava ceremony was normally performed to mark a victory and the first cup of kava was called by the matāpule (herald),  during the event last weekend to be delivered to Sanalio Kaihau to honour his new role in New Zealand Police.

The kava circle was joined by the Waitemata police, family and guests.

As the eldest son of ‘Amelia Tu’ungafasi Kaihau  and Haieti Kaihau it means the celebration had a significant turned out from Sanalio’s Kanokupolu, Tatakamotonga, ‘Eua and Niua relatives and friends.

The growth and increase in the population of the Māori and Pasifika people in West Auckland recently means Police have to open more opportunities in the Force’s offices for the ethnic Police officers.

Haieti
Sanalio Kaihau and his parents, Haieti and ‘Amelia Kaihau. Photo/Supplied

Kaihau was one of those who were selected to take those opportunities.

“But in terms of Lio personally, and the Tongan community, he’s the first Tongan to be promoted in any rank within our Waitematā district,” said Inspector Fata Willie Fanene.

His appointment also received tributes and gratitude on social media from family and friends overseas.

Kaihau’s aunt Kalausia ‘Otukolo who is living in the United States expressed on Facebook how she was marvelled by the new appointment.

“So proud of you nephew G-pa smiling from the other side.‪#‎dadnamesake#weloveyou#”, ‘Otukolo wrote.

“Good job Sanalio keep up the good work i still remember him when he was little ofa atu kia amelia mo haieti eee”, wrote another.

Kaihau made headlines in 2013 after she helped and prevented a woman from committing suicide. Instead of handling the case with what a Police officer was trained to do in such situation Kaihau invited the woman to pray with her and eventually she was saved.

Challenges faced by Pacific Women discussed in Nukuʻalofa maritime conference

By
Alpha Latu
-

The challenges faced by women in maritime was one of the topics discussed in Nukuʻalofa in a week-long regional conference for Pacific Women in maritime

Those who attended also discussed issues such as energy and climate change, sustainable development, women’s rights and the Maritime Labour Convention.

The CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ‘Ana Bing Fonua in her welcoming speech said the Government of Tonga is in good support of women’s value.

“My government endorses the strongest support and efforts to raise awareness of women’s value in the society and their role in development especially in leading roles and there is no discrimination in any forms in these sectors,” she stated.

Fonua said the conference helped raise the awareness about the role of women in sustainable development around the Pacific.

“This conference and its means in advocating women’s rights, indicate to us that all of us have a better future for women in maritime.”

“And we must cease this opportunity and make sure that we shall not fail for failure is not an option in women in maritime.”

Director of Marine and Ports Tonga, Ms Kelelela Tonga said the conference recognizes the economic contribution and leadership of women in the Pacific maritime sector.

“There are a lot of women who have higher position in both public and private sectors, so we are here today to recognize them and the roles they play in maritime.”

It is the first time for Tonga to host the conference.

She said that at the end of the week-long conference, participants will look at adopting a work plan for the Pacific Women Maritime Association (PacWiMA).

The conference is funded by the International Maritime Organization, Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Tonga hosts archery Olympic qualifier, Prince opens competition

By
Alpha Latu
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Tonga has hosted a sporting event in which the successful competitors would be qualified for the Rio Olympic Games and the event was opened by Prince Ata in Tonga today.

Archers from around Oceania and as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and New Caledonia were competing in Tonga in the Oceania Archery Championships, the Commonwealth Championships and the Continental Qualifying Tournament.

The Continental Qualifying Tournament allows the successful athletes to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August.

“There are two spots opened for women and two for men to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Game in Rio and we’re hoping Tonga will have a spot in it,” the Secretary of Tonga Archery Foundation, Tukia Tatafu said.

Tonga normally sent its potential athletic candidates for the international or regional sports to compete in overseas qualifiers.

“.. this is the only event and for the first time for Tonga to qualify athletes to join the Olympic,” Tatafu said.

She said: “Assistance from the TAF and the government of Tonga has managed us to further our resources and improve our facilities before inviting the participating countries to Tonga for the championships.”

Hans Jensen, the President of the World Archery Oceania,  “who is based in Tonga said yesterday was the official practice day for competitors to adjust to the environment and the battle of participating countries for someone to represent Oceania to the Olympic Games in Rio”.

The Archery Sport was first introduced to Tonga in 1998.

Man hospitalized and charged with drink driving after Hofoa crash

By
Alpha Latu
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A car driver from Kanokupolu was taken to hospital for medical assistance after a car he was driving in crashed at Hofoa last week.

Police said the man was later charged with reckless and drink driving.

His medical condition was not clear at the time of this report.

At the same time Police said the death of a 53-year-old man who died in Kolofoʻou last week was not suspicious.

On a separate note, Police said an autopsy has found and concluded the cause of death of the Telekava victim Kasimea ʻOneʻone and it will be released to public sometime this week.

Three teens had been arrested, charged and are currently in Police custody in relation to his death.

Afuhaʻamango to guest pose at Samoa body building competition

By
Alpha Latu
-

Tonga’s golden boy Manase Afuhaʻamango is set to ignite the Gov H. Rex Lee Auditorium stage this weekend when he makes a guest appearance at the Sau Ia Bodybuilding Club  in Pagopago.

The Samoan competition was set up last year by Peter Reid III and Sala McMoore to promote the Samoan youth body builders.

Nase
Manase Afuha’amango

Afuhaʻamango won a gold medal in the -100 kg weight category at the Pacific Games 2015.

He will be in Samoa together with Masa Onodera, the president of the New Zealand based Tonga Bodybuilding Association (TBBA) of which he is a member.

Onodera will be one of the judges during the competition.

He told Kaniva News the TBBA has about 25 members in which three won gold medals during the South Pacific Games 2015.

The Association organised fund raising earlier this month as part of their preparation to travel to Tonga to participate in the upcoming Mr Tonga competition.

This week’s event will be the first body building competition to be organised by the Sau Ia Bodybuilding Club .

Court orders Tribunal to reconvene and consider Cabinet Secretary’s appeal again

By
Philip Cass
-

The long running legal campaign mounted by former Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Cabinet Busby Kautoke over his dismissal in 2012 has taken another turn.

Following a three sided legal dispute between the Public Service Tribunal, Mr Kautoke and the Public Service Commission, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen has ruled that a decision overturning his dismissal should be subject to judicial review.

The review was sought by the Public Service Commission acting as plaintiffs with the other two parties acting as defendants.

Mr Kautoke was suspended by the Commission on April 5, 2012, pending an investigation into allegations made against him under the Public Finance Administration (Public Fund) regulations relating to a failure to provide vouchers.

The charges related to alleged failure to provide the required documentation during a period from May 2009 to July 2010.

He was suspended without pay and on August 8, 2012, was sent a letter telling him he had been terminated, dating from April 6, 2012.

Mr Kautoke appealed his decision to the Public service Tribunal  in 2013 and on March 21 of that year the Tribunal declared that the decision to terminate him was invalid.

The Tribunal argued that his termination was invalid largely on the basis that Cabinet had not approved the termination.

The decision to remove Mr Kautoke was noted by Cabinet, but consideration of the report was deferred and ultimately the report of the decision was withdrawn.

In a closely argued 32 page statement released on Friday, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen noted that the rules surrounding the employment of public servants like Mr Kautoke had changed during the course of his employment.

The judge’s report noted that a number of arguments and claims had been made about how these changes had been interpreted, whether sections of the Public Service Act were pertinent in respect of the case and whether the fact that the dismissal was not approved by Cabinet was relevant.

In his decision, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen ordered that the Tribunal’s decision to allow Mr Kautoke’s appeal against the decision to terminate his job should be set aside.

He ordered the Tribunal to meet again to re-hear Mr Kautoke’s appeal at the earliest opportunity.

“I consider  that  referring  this  matter  back  to  the  Tribunal  is  likely  to  be the  most  time  and  cost  effective  method  by  which  Mr  Kautoke  can have   his  case   finally   determined   on   its  merits,  which   is  what   he desires,” the judge said.

“This case  has  been  beset  by  procedural  manoeuvring  which has  caused  the  delay  of  which   Mr  Kautoke  now  complains  and  no doubt  has added  considerably  to  the  costs  of  both  parties.

“The court can  only  hope  that  Mr  Kautoke’s  grievance  shall  now  be  aired  in the specialist  forum which was  established  for that  purpose.”

The main points

  • The long running legal campaign mounted by former Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Cabinet Busby Kautoke over his dismissal in 2012 has taken another turn.
  • Following a three sided legal dispute between the Public Service Tribunal, Mr Kautoke and the Public Service Commission, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen ruled that the best way to resolve the issue was to send it back to the Tribunal.
  • Mr Kautoke was first suspended without pay and then sacked over allegations made against him under the Public Finance Administration (Public Fund) regulations.
  • He appealed his decision to the Public service Tribunal in 2013 and on March 21 of that year the Tribunal declared that the decision to terminate him was invalid.

Competition opens opportunity for Japanese language

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Students who would register and participate in a speech contest on Friday, April 22 at St. Andrew’s High School will get a chance to study Japanese language.

The contest is part of an assessment organised to select candidates for a Japanese language training program which will be held in Osaka prefecture, Japan.

The competitors will be assessed through interviews, written examinations, review documents and make speeches in Japanese.

These assessment trainings are optional and competitors may choose to only participate in the speech category.

  1. Program Period and Location From 7th September (Wed.), 2016, to 21st September (Wed.), 2016, Osaka prefecture,
  2. Basic Eligibility for the program (More Conditions may apply. Please inquire Japanese Embassy or the website
    Japan
    H.E. Yukio Numata with Arden O Halekulani Fatai winner of the open category of the Japanese Speech Contest 2015. Photo/Supplied

    for more info.)

Candidates must meet the conditions as follows:

(1) Are studying or have finished studying the Japanese-language at overseas educational organizations such as universities.

(2) Are currently not Japanese-language teachers.

(3) Do not have a job offer to be employed as a Japanese-language teacher at the time of application.

(4) Are between the ages of 18 and 54 at the starting day of the program. If the nominee is under 20 years of age, the consent of a parent or guardian is required.

(5) Have not received compulsory education in Japan more than three years.

Submission of Documents

Deadline: 20th April, 2016

Place of submission: Embassy of Japan

(1) Documents to be submitted: Application form, self-introduction form, script of your speech.*The forms are available at Embassy of Japan and the website.: http://www.ton.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm

(2) Written examination and Interview

Date and Time: 8:15am, 22nd April, (Fri) 2016

Place: Conference room of Embassy of Japan, 3rd floor, National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building

(3) Speech

Applicants are to prepare a speech in Japanese and present it in front of the audience within the designated time limit.

– Date and Time: 12:30pm~, 22nd April, (Fri) 2016

Place: St. Andrew’s High School

– Theme: Free (Choose your own theme)

-Time limit: 5 minutes

For more info:

Call the Embassy of Japan on Telephone: 22-221 or visit their Website at http://www.ton.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm

Police appeal for help to find missing Kiwi in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tongan police were appealing for help to find a missing New Zealand visitor from Auckland, Mr. Gregory Paul Reynolds, 47.

Reynolds was last seen on Friday April 8, 2016 between 11:00am- 1:00pm on the road between Liku’alofa Resort and Ha’atafu Village.

He was wearing black shorts and carrying a white t-shirt.

Reynolds was due to return to New Zealand on Friday April 8 however Police were notified by the  Liku’alofa Resort staff when he failed to meet his pick up ride to the airport.

Reynolds luggage was left in his room.

Missing
Mr. Gregory Paul Reynolds. Photo/Supplied

Reynolds arrived in Tonga on  April 1, 2016 and was believed to be travelling alone when he went missing.

Tonga Police commenced looking for Reynolds on Friday 8 and carried out land and sea searches over the weekend. The search will continue today.

“Tonga Police, working with the help of the Community are doing our best to find Mr. Reynolds and reunite him with his family,” says Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell.

Reynolds next of kin in New Zealand has been advised.

New Zealand Police have also been notified and are assisting Tonga Police with their inquiries.

Tonga Police is appealing for any help or any sighting of Reynolds to please contact 922 or the nearest Police Station to you.

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