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Swimmers in high seas amid Tonga’s Cyclone warning leave as Police arrive, flood waters recede

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan police this morning had to tell swimmers at a Nukuʻalofa pier to get out of the water and return home, including some sightseers in the area who already aware there was cyclone warning in place.

Photos uploaded to Facebook this afternoon showed people apparently gathered at Uafu ‘Amelika  to swim in high seas brought by Cyclone Winston.

Police central communications officer Telesia Adams said a Police unit arrived at the pier this morning and told swimmers to leave in which they cooperated.

She said special forces were standby on Tongatapu and their tasks included petroling the coastal areas since the weekend.

She said Police patroled all areas in Nuku’alofa, Hahake and Hihifo because of the cyclone alerts.

Flooding and Cyclone Winston

After about 48 hours of major flooding and minor evacuation in Tongatapu, waters level were slowly receding throughout the areas this afternoon.

Met Sevices said at 7.15pm today “the flash flood warning previously in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua is now cancelled but remains in force for Ha’apai and Vava’u”.

Uafu amelika
Police this morning told these people to leave and return home. Photo/Patrick Mila (Facebook)

It said the Category 2 tropical cyclone was located closer to Neiafu, Vava’u than Lifuka in Ha’apai  and Tongatapu at 4pm this afternoon.

At its current location the cyclone was about 260km North of Nuku’alofa  or 110km North of Tofua or 130km North-Northwest of Lifuka or 40km West of Late or 105km West of Neiafu at 04:00pm this afternoon.

It said the cyclone is still moving Northeast at about 26km/hr(14knots).

On its current track, the cyclone is expected to lie 195km North-Northeast of Tofua or 180km North of Lifuka or 80km North-Northeast of late or 60km Northwest of Neiafu at about 01:00am tomorrow morning (17/02/2016).

Near its centre,the cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 95km/hr(50knots) with momentary gust of 130km/hr(70kts).

For Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua:

Damaging gale force East to Southeast winds with average speed of 65-85km/hr(35-45knots) and momentary gust to 120km/hr(65kts). Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.

Very rough to high seas. a heavy damaging east to Southeast swell and possible flash flooding over Ha’apai, including seas flooding in low lying areas.

For Vavau:

Expect destructive North to northeast becoming Northwest winds tonight with average speed of 95km/hr(50 knots) and momentary gust to 130km/hr(70kts). Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunder storms. Very rough to high seas.  A heavy damaging East to Southeast swell developing, and possible flash flooding including seas flooding in low lying areas.

For Niuas:

Damaging west to northwest winds 65-70km/hr(35-40kts) from mid-night tonight.occassional showers, heavy at times. Rough to very rough seas.  A heavy damaging west to Southwest swell developing mid-night tonight.

A storm warning remains inforce for Vava’u.

A gale warning remains in force for Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu.

A heavy damaging swell warning remains in force for all Tonga coastal waters.

The heavy rain warning previously in force for Tongatapu and ‘Eua is now cancelled but remains in force for Ha’apai and Vava’u.

Cyclone Winston brushes Haʻapai groups

By
Kaniva Staff
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Haʻapai Islands in north of Tongatapu have been feeling the effects of Cyclone Winston with strong winds, while the rest of the islands was reported to have experienced heavy rains and flooding.

Social media users reported the strength of the winds at the moment in Lifuka and Foa are likely to cause damage to trees and powerlines.

Tonga Met Services said at 1.15pm this afternoon Cyclone Winston was expected to move close to Haʻapai islands’ of Late, Tofua and Lifuka at 4pm today.

By that time Winston’s centre would lie at 120km Northwest of Tofua or 190km Northwest of Lifuka or 160km  West-Southwest of Late, it said.

The cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 95km/hr(50kts) with momentary gust of 130km/hr(70kts).

It also warned that a gale warning remains in force for Tongatapu,’Eua, Ha’apai, Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu.

A heavy damaging swell warning remains inforce for all Tonga coastal waters.

A heavy rain warning remains inforce for Tongatapu,’Eua and Ha’apai and Vava’u.

A flash flood warning remains inforce for Tongatapu,’Eua,Ha’apai and Vava’u.

Meanwhile the New Zealand government has issued a warning for its citizens in Tonga about Cyclone Winston.

It said New Zealanders in Tonga should be aware that Tropical Cyclone Winston is expected to make landfall soon.

It is expected to hit Ha’apai on 16 February as a Category 2 cyclone, and strengthen to a Category 3 cyclone as it moves over Vava’u on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Models predicting the path of Cyclone Winston differ, but suggest the weather system will remain over Tonga for a number of days.

The Tonga Meteorological Service (external link) has issued warnings and precautions for residents of Tonga.  Tonga Police and other authorities have been placed on alert.

The Tonga National Emergency Management Office transmits updates on Radio 1 at frequency 1017 AM, and will be transmitted to all islands.  The Fiji Meteorological Service also provides regular regional updates.

New Zealanders in Tonga are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter.  Visitors and tourists staying in travel accommodation should follow the guidance of the accommodation management and/or tour operators.

It is generally considered sensible practice not to venture outdoors and remain well away from the sea.

New Zealanders in Tonga are advised to update their registration information (external link) or take this opportunity to register(external link) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  It is also important to keep family and friends in New Zealand updated on your welfare.

New Zealanders in Tonga requiring urgent consular assistance may contact the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga on the following numbers: +676 23122 or after hours on +676 881 7022.

Young father killed in Vaha’akolo hit-and-run

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man they believed he was the driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident which caused the death of a young father last weekend at Vahaʻakolo Rd.

Police alleged the victim,  Liufau Tāufa, 26, was hit at 12am  midnight, Saturday 13 infront of the Maamaloa Side School and Tupou High School at Vaololoa.

The ambulance arrived and confirmed the victim was dead at the scene.

Police have charged the Tofoa driver with reckless driving causing death, Telesia Adams, Police Communication Officer at Longolongo Police Headquarter said.

The accused remains in police custody.

The victim from Talau, Neiafu, Vavaʻu but was staying at Halaʻovave with his family is survived by his wife Vika Tāufa and children.

Police investigation continues.

Concerns: Image of Tongan youth swimming at high seas brought by Cyclone Winston

By
Kaniva Staff
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Members of the public were concerned after an image posted on Facebook shows Tongan youths swimming at high seas brought by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

The photo was posted by a local who said the activity was spotted at a pier in Nuku’alofa waterfront.

Tonga’s MetServices report at 7.10am this morning said Tropical Cyclone Winston Category 2 was located 290km west of Nuku’alofa at 4:00am.

The cyclone is moving Northeast on its current track,

The cyclone is expected to lie 260km Northwest of Nuku’alofa or 150km West-Northwest of Kao at about 1:00pm

This afternoon near its centre, the cyclone is estimated to have an average winds speed of 95km/hr(50kts)  with momentary gust of 130km/hr(70kts).

Seini Kauvaka who posted the photo to Facebook was concerned for the safety of swimmers.

“What’s wrong with our people? Cyclone warning category 2 cyclone Winston and people are at the wharf hoooooooooooooooi”, Kauvaka asked of those swimmers.

Only in tonga Cyclone warning catergory 2 cyclone Winston And the wharf is packed Tulihopo kiai

Posted by Selu Kauvaka on Monday, February 15, 2016

The photo prompted a raft of comments from concerned Tongans who said there was also a possibility for a tsunami after the 5.7 magnitude quake rattled the kingdom this morning. There was no officla tsunami alert after the earthquake.

“What happened if a tsunami hit right now, hooooi,” a woman wrote.

“Manie pe koe oo atu o tulihopo he hako naa mole ha moui masii koe atamai ia ene kovi” , another woman wrote saying these people swimming in high seas are dump as they are at risk of losing their lives.

Met Service said a storm warning is now inforce for Vavau.

A gale warning remains in force for Haapai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua and  is now in force for the two Niuas.

A heavy damaging swells remain inforce for all Tonga coastal waters.

Tonga struck by 5.7 magnitude quake

By
Kaniva Staff
-

 Tonga has been shaken emotionally and physically by a magnitude 5.7 earthquake this morning at 4.02 am.

It says the earthquake hit at  35km West-North-West  of Havelu, Tonga.

The  quake has been widely felt across the mainland Tongatapu, with reports of shaking from as far afield as Hahake  and Hihifo

“And… there is an earthquake!!! cannot run outside, its windy and raining there… so under the bed? ohh noo, cannot fit, … into the closet then!”, Nuku’alofa resident, Yvette Guttenbeil-Paea  wrote on Facebook.

And… there is an earthquake!!! cannot run outside, its windy and raining there… so under the bed? ohh noo, cannot fit, … into the closet then!

Posted by Yvette Guttenbeil-Paea on Monday, February 15, 2016

Et
Siosiua ‘Umulovo Toki compared the shaking to a quake which rattled the kingdom in 1977 an incident people who lived during that time still talked about and regarded it today as the most severe earthquake since the previous three decades. The earthquake was 7.7 magnitude.

Neu ofo hake anepo he to e fu’u mofuike lahi fkulia i Tonga ni peau manatu ai kihe ‘eku ofo hake 1977 i he holo i Atele…

Posted by Siosiua Toki on Monday, February 15, 2016

Bus hits power pole in Hihifo

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A bus from ‘Ahau struck a power pole this morning.

Our correspondent in Tonga said  the accident happened at ‘Umutangata in Fo’ui.

No injuries reported and the cause of the incident was still unknown.

Tongan Police were contacted for comment.

Tonga’s first Helicopter ships out to Samoa as kingdom’s authority declines certification  

By
Kaniva Staff
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The first helicopter for Tonga arrived in the kingdom about two  weeks ago but its owner, Rodger McCutcheon said they decided to transfer and sent it to Samoa because Tongan civil aviation authority could not allow them to fly it on their Australian licenses.

He said another helicopter was on its way to Tonga but still they do not have a license to operate it in the kingdom.

McCutcheon told Kaniva News civil aviation authority needs “up to 3 months to bring in experts to assist them with approving us to fly in Tonga”.

In January we published a story saying the first of two helicopters for Tonga would arrive on February 6.

McCutcheon, who described himself as Founder – Chief Crewman of Tonga Helicopters told us at the time it would be a Eurocopter AS350 fitted with a stretcher kit and is capable of carrying a large life raft, long lines and nets and a fire fighting bucket.

Helicopter_T2
The first helicopter advertised to commence services in 2015 but this did not happen. It was featured with this caption: “Commencing operations in Aug 2015 Tonga Helicopters offers a range of awesome & exhilarating scenic tours, outer island transfers and tourist charter flights. With one helicopter located at Vuna Wharf in Nuku’alofa and one helicopter in Vava’u, the New Zealand & Australian pilots are highly skilled and operate at the highest safety standards. Tonga Helicopters has a strong focus on quality, and experiencing the Pacific Islands from the air in a helicopter is a guaranteed highlight for visitors to Tonga”. Photo/Tonga Pacific

“We could not allow the helicopter to sit at the Port and deteriorate, so regrettably, yesterday we shipped the life saving helicopter to Samoa where it will fly immediately”, McCutcheon said.

He said a second helicopter was on its way to Tonga and it was expected to arrive there next month.

Helicopter 5
This helicopter arrived in Tonga 10 days ago but it was shipped out and taken to Samoa. Photo/Rodger McCutcheon

This helicopter “is needed immediately for lifting work”, he said.

He said it was a more powerful helicopter,  red in colour and “fully kitted out as a rescue and tourism helicopter like the one that has just been shipped out”.

The transfer of the helicopter from Tonga to Samoa and the announcement of another one to replace it came after it was advertised  on www.tongapacific.com the helicopter services  would commence “operations in August 2015”.

Photo1
McCutcheon said the helicopter is sitting at the port of Tonga while they could not touch it. Photo/Rodger McCutcheon

At the time it said the services would offer “a range of awesome & exhilarating scenic tours, outer island transfers and tourist charter flights”.

McCutcheon said it was the same helicopter he shipped to Tonga on February 2016 but the thing was that  “there have been a few set backs, this has not been an easy road”.

Helicopter 3
McCutcheon said: “The writing is photo shopped on the red helicopter, if the sponsor comes on board we will let them make those announcements”. Photo/Rodger McCutcheon

McCutcheon said today: “We sincerely hope by the time this second helicopter arrives in Tonga, we will have the approvals to fly it as a Tongan Registered helicopter.  Most countries in the world would accept us to fly on our Australian licences for a period of time, Tonga did not allow this, as they said they have higher standards than Australia”.

The sponsor of this multi-million dollar worth business is still unknown and McCutcheon said he “may” annouce it next month during the unveiling of the second helicopter.

Kaniva News reached out to Tongan authority for comment, but hadn’t heard back at press time.

Photo 2 shipped to Samoa
McCutcheon said this is the helicopter while it is being loaded out on the ship to Samoa. Photo/Rodger McCutcheon

READ MORE:

Mothers and children dying in childbirth prompted plan for helicopter rescue service 

Sopu rapist and robber sentenced to 14 years imprisonment, but will serve six and-a-half

By
Kalino Latu
-

First time offender Sisi Pale has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for rape and robbery, but will only serve six and-a-half years.

Pale, 34, of Lapaha, was part of a gang of five who broke into a house in Sopu on June 10, 2014.

Four of the other men were sentenced in May 2015 to between two and four and-a-half years imprisonment respectively.

Pale pleaded guilty just before his trial for rape was to begin.

He was sentenced to six years for robbery, with the last 18 months suspended, two years for rape, two years for conspiracy to house breaking, two years for conspiracy to steal and three and a half years for serious house breaking.

Justice Charles Cato said Pale’s victim had undergone a “terrifying ordeal.”

In his ruling Justice Charles Cato combined Pale’s robbery and rape sentences with the other sentences so he will only spend six and-a-half year in jail. Mr Justice Cato said he thought the appropriate terms for the rape should be five years.

The judge said he would “refrain from imposing any longer period because (Pale) has pleaded guilty, is a first offender and to assist further with his rehabilitation.”

The suspension of his robbery sentence was made on the condition that Pale would not commit any offences punishable by imprisonment for two years, that he would be placed on probation for two years and undergo a course under the supervision of probation officer.

He also has to undergo a course on drug and alcohol abuse.

The judge also took into account that Pale was married with eight children and the fact that the victim withdrew from giving evidence in court.

Mr Justice Cato also ruled that the sentences be backdated to the date of his remand in custody.

The court was told that on June, 10, 2014, Pale, together with five other young men, were driving around the Sopu area at about 11pm in Pale’s truck.

While driving one of the men told them about “a house where he was sure goods could be located and said the residents were elderly.”

The man who had provided this information, was dropped off at his residence while the others returned at about 3am and entered the house.

A court document said: “Pale climbed up a pipe and entered the house on the first floor. He then opened the entrance door to allow the others in. Four others entered and went upstairs.”

The men including Pale entered the house with their faces covered while the victim was asleep and alone.

They tied her to her bed and continued to remove a large amount of goods from the house and placed them in Mr Pale’s truck.

Pale then returned to the house with a screw driver, but the Crown said he did not use it to threaten the woman.

According to the court records, he “told the victim that he wanted to have sex with her. He proceeded then to digitally abuse her”.

The court was told the victim found what Pale did to her painful and asked him to stop it and have sex with her if he wanted.

“He then untied her bonds on her feet, removed her pants and had sexual intercourse.”

When Pale finished raping the victim he left her in the house with her hands still bound together. She managed to free herself and sought help.

Pale admitted his offence to the police.

In his ruling Mr Jutice Cato said he considered a probation report that Pale had a big family, was the leader of daily labour work group and also hired out a truck and tractor to earn income.

“The rape appears to have been an opportunistic attempt by him to take advantage of the victim, in the absence of the others,” the court document said.

Pale’s legal counsel told the judge his client’s offending that night had been “the product of a large amount of alcohol   being consumed by the group”.

“That might explain his aberrant conduct which was out of character for Pale, but the fact that his behaviour may have been induced by excessive alcohol consumption is not a factor that can mitigate his offending,” the judge said.

“In my view, the most significant factor in mitigation is his guilty plea, late though it was, for reasons which Mr Niu has explained.

“By pleading guilty he has at least saved the victim from having to relive the ordeal, although the lateness of his plea diminishes the discount because she has had to live with the prospect of having to give evidence for a very long time, an ordeal in itself,” Mr Cato said.

The Crown prosecutor, Lutui, told the court “the victim had resigned herself to what had occurred and was pleased not to have had to give evidence and they have left the premises where the incident happened.”

The judge said he took to account the fact that Pale’s family “are also, in a sense, victims of his criminality, they being deprived of his income and support for what will be a considerable time.”

He said the family now lived on charity, but still visited the prisoner in jail.

The main points

  • First time offender Sisi Pale has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for rape and robbery, but will only serve six and-a-half years.
  • Pale, 34, of Lapaha, was part of a gang of five who broke into a house in Sopu in 2014.
  • He was sentenced to six years for robbery, with the last 18 months suspended, two years for rape, two years for conspiracy to house breaking, two years for conspiracy to steal and three and a half years for serious house breaking.
  • He will serve time for the rape and robbery charges, with the other sentences to be served concurrently.

King opens modern multi-million retirement fund building

By
Kaniva Staff
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A new multi-million-dollar  retirement fund building was officially opened by His Majesty King Tupou VI on Friday 12.

The $8.1 million pa’anga three storey complex was the most modern building to be located on the corner of Mateialona Rd and Railway Rd in Nuku’alofa.

The Retirement Fund Board has locally invested $132.89 million pa’anga.

Last month the government’s board, which said it has 4864  member of public servants, urged its members to increase pay deduction for their retirement funds with an additional 15 percent voluntary contribution.

It said it has found its members were struggling to make ends meet.

The scheme allows the public servants to claim up to 50 percent of their retirement entitlement until the end of May to help them with their bank loans and school fees.

Last week’s opening ceremony was also  attended by Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u, the Prime Minister of Tonga Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva and some of his cabinet ministers.

Tonga’s retirement fund scheme was initiated in 1999.

Tongan woman receives Greg Urwin award 2016

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tongan woman Adi Talanaivini Mafi, 25,  has been announced as one of the recipients of an Australian government and Pacific Islands Forum Secreatariat funded Pacific Leadership Program in honour of the former Secretary General of PIFS, the late Mr. Greg Urwin.

Ms. Mafi hopes the award “will contribute to her plans to advocate for the rights of children within the Tongan criminal justice system”.

This was a chance for her to pursue her endeavour to put an end to “legally mandated violence against children”.

She will take up her placement with the  SPC Regional Rights Resources Team (RRRT) in Suva, Fiji.

She is currently a legal officer with Tonga’s Ministry of Justice and Sub Registrar with the Registrar General’s Office.

Adi
Adi Talanaivini Mafi. Photo/Facebook

She holds a Masters of Law from Queen Mary University of London, a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Law both from the University of the South Pacific.

About the Awards
The Greg Urwin Awards are a joint initiative of the Australian Government-funded Pacific Leadership Program (PLP) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). The Awards were established in 2008 to honour the memory and legacy of the former Secretary General of PIFS, the late Mr. Greg Urwin.

Up to five grants of AUD$25,000 are awarded to outstanding Pacific Island professionals, researchers and emerging leaders to undertake a 3-6 month placement with a regional organisation or institution that has the potential to contribute to the positive development in the Pacific.

The call for applications for the Awards are held in September to October each year. Applications for the 2016 Greg Urwin Awards have closed and successful candidates have been informed.

General Eligibility Criteria
Successful applicants will:

  • Be citizens of Pacific Island countries.
  • Have completed, or will complete in 2015, a postgraduate qualification (Masters level or Phd. level)
  • Have confirmed a placement with a host organisation or institution (including Australia and New Zealand).

Applicants must arrange their own placements and show exemplary academic achievement and leadership experience in their academic and/or professional field and in local community. Applicants must be able to explain how their chosen placement will provide valuable professional experience, exposure to new ideas and create networks that will develop their leadership capacity in the Pacific Islands region.

Priority Areas
Applications are sought from scholars and professionals in a diverse range of fields including the private sector, public sector, civil society, health sector and academia. At the request of the late Mr Urwin’s family, special consideration will be given to applicants in the health sector who wish to pursue a project related to cancer awareness, treatment and/ or research.

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