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Judge appalled as disgraced Tongan rugby star repeats offences in Canterbury

By
Kalino Latu
-

A rising Tongan rugby player in South Canterbury, New Zealand, has been handed a stern warning by the courts after a string of legal troubles.

Semise Pakalani, 26, who once showed great promise on the field, has been sentenced to four months of community detention and 12 months of supervision following guilty pleas to burglary, disqualified driving, drink-driving, and failing to stop for police, reported The Press.

Judge Jane McMeeken expressed disappointment in Pakalani’s repeated offending, stating, ““You came here as a young man who was an athlete, and had a future to be playing rugby, and living in a small community, having a job, having somewhere to play, and this is what you’ve decided to do.

“It seems that alcohol is an issue for you ‒ when you’re drinking, you’re not making good decisions.”

Judge McMeeken said that on February 1, Pakalani had entered an enclosed yard in Temuka and stolen a van. He was stopped by police in Timaru, and gave a breath alcohol reading of 546 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The legal limit is 250mcg.

Pakalani was bailed with a condition not to drive, but police saw him driving again on May 31.

The offences followed a drink-driving conviction, including an order for an alcohol interlock device, and an eight-month loss of licence on June 25, 2024.

The court heard that Pakalani, who had been driving on a Tongan licence, is now banned from driving for a total of 21 months—nine months for disqualified driving and an additional 12 months for other traffic violations.

Court documents show Judge McMeeken told Pakalani, who had been playing for the Timaru Old Boys Club, that she was baffled by his behaviour.

He was also fined $200 for failing to stop.

In a bid to address his alcohol issues, the judge ordered Pakalani to abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs and to undergo an alcohol abuse assessment.

Currently unable to play rugby due to health issues, Pakalani is reportedly considering a return to Auckland to be with his family.

The sentencing serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of repeat offending, particularly for young athletes with promising futures.

Tongan community in Aotearoa grieves loss of beloved mother and children in Waiuku crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED 1.20pm – The Tongan community across New Zealand is in deep mourning after the tragic deaths of a mother and two children in a single-vehicle crash in Auckland’s Waiuku this afternoon.

In Loving Memory: Frances Latu-Vailea, known as Sesi, her daughter, Oneahi Vailea, and her niece Marly Tulua whose lives were tragically cut short in the Waiuku car crash. The Tongan community mourns their loss. Photos/Supplied

Frances Latu-Vailea, known as Sesi, her daughter Oneahi Vailea, and her niece Marly Tulua were killed when the car they were in crashed on Masters Rd near Waiuku on Tuesday afternoon.

New Zealand Police were called to Masters Road around 3.30pm on Tuesday, 15, after reports that a car had left the road and entered a nearby body of water.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

“We acknowledge that this is tragic news for the tight-knit community in Waiuku,” the Police said.

Police have confirmed that next of kin have been notified and support services are being arranged.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the accident, it said.

Masters Road, between Waiuku and Kidd Roads, will remain closed for an extended period.

The news has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Tongan diaspora, with an outpouring of grief on social media.

While the relatives and friends have shared photos and names of the victims on social media, the police stated they would officially provide their identities “in due course.”

Heartbreaking tributes and photos of the victims have been shared widely on Facebook, as friends and relatives struggle to come to terms with the loss.

A commenter wrote: “This is the most heartbreaking post on fb I have made since the day of my Fathers passing in 2021.”

“Condolences to all. May you all rest in peace,” another wrote.

“Sesi Vailea why go so soon?”

15-year-old girl among suspects arrested in Tongatapu drug busts

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga Police have arrested multiple suspects, including a 15-year-old girl from Kolofo’ou, for alleged involvement in the distribution of illicit drugs.

Alleged undercover police scuffle with a man resisting arrest in a car in Nuku’alofa. The incident appears to be connected to the recent drug busts reported by Tonga Police this week

The raids, conducted on July 14, 2025, resulted in significant seizures of cannabis, methamphetamine, and drug-related items.

The first arrest involved a 38-year-old man from Fua’amotu, where a Police search of the premises resulted in the seizure of the followings:

TOP $390 cash, 63 cultivated cannabis plants, cannabis leaves weighing 686.11 grams, 1 pack of methamphetamine weighing 0.12 grams, Drug utensils, 1 mobile phone, 5 empty containers.

Later, a 24-year-old woman and the 15-year-old girl from Fasi, along with a 55-year-old man from Kolofo’ou, were detained after police seize the followings:

  • 2 packs of cannabis weighing 18.81 grams, 1 pack of methamphetamine weighing 0.81 grams, Drug utensil, 1 Tongan passport
  • TOP $127 cash

In a separate operation in Fasi, a 42-year-old man from Matalka was apprehended after resisting arrest, with police confiscating the following items:

24 packs of methamphetamine weighing 22.17 grams, Cannabis leaves weighing 12.23 grams, Drug utensils, TOP $680.00 cash.

U.S. may now deport migrants with just six hours’ warning as Tonga’s potential travel ban talks remain under wraps

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Trump administration may deport migrants to countries other than their homelands with as little as six hours’ notice, according to a newly disclosed memo—a move that could significantly impact Tonga if it fails to satisfy U.S. authorities and avoid a potential travel ban.

Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke (R) stated that the response to the U.S. travel ban warning now rests solely with Crown Prince Tupouto‘a (L), who also serves as Tonga’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The July 9 memo from ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, obtained by Reuters, states that while deportations to “third countries” typically follow a 24-hour notice period, expedited removals are now permissible in certain cases.

ICE could remove them, however, to a so-called “third country” with as little as six hours’ notice “in exigent circumstances,” said the memo, as long as the person has been provided the chance to speak with an attorney, Reuters reported.

The memo states that migrants could be sent to nations that have pledged not to persecute or torture them “without the need for further procedures.”

The move signals a hardening of U.S. immigration enforcement as the administration pressures nations to comply with its migration demands.

Government Response Remains Unclear

About a month after U.S. authorities warned Tonga of a potential travel ban, last week’s memo’s contents have come to light, while Tongan officials have yet to disclose the details of the warning or update the public on the status of their response.

Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke previously called the U.S. travel ban warning “alarming.”

The response to the U.S. warning has taken an unusual turn, with Prime Minister Eke and Deputy PM Taniela Fusimalohi appearing to distance themselves from the matter.

Both leaders have stated that the issue was handed over to Crown Prince Tupouto’a, the Foreign Affairs Minister, implying the government’s official position now rests solely with him.

It remains unclear why such a significant warning directed at the Tongan government has been entrusted solely to His Royal Highness and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While the specifics of the U.S. warning to Tonga were not made public, a reported memo signed by Secretary of State Rubio last month—listing Tonga among 36 countries facing potential travel bans—stated that the nations could mitigate concerns by agreeing to accept third-country deportees or entering a ‘safe third country’ agreement.

For Tonga, this poses a significant diplomatic and logistical challenge. If the country agrees to the mitigation measures suggested by the U.S., it could be forced to accept deportees with minimal notice, potentially straining its resources and sovereignty. 

The June memo reportedly set a 60-day response timeframe, but Prime Minister Eke stated during a press conference that Tonga was not given any official deadline.

Observers warn that the aggressive deportation policy risks diplomatic friction, particularly if third countries are unwilling to accept removed migrants.

Meanwhile, Tonga faces mounting pressure to address U.S. concerns or risk restrictions on its citizens.

Fake civil servant sentenced for scamming three in housing aid fraud

By
Kalino Latu
-

A woman has been sentenced to one year and three months in prison by Tonga’s Supreme Court after pleading guilty to three counts of obtaining money under false pretenses.

Heilala Finau. Photo/Kakalu o Tonga online

Heilala Finau, 23, defrauded three victims of nearly $18,300 by falsely claiming to secure government housing assistance for them.

The jail term resulted from the partial suspension of a total sentence of two years and nine months’ imprisonment.

According to court documents, Finau deceived her victims by falsely claiming she was a clerk for the chief executive officer (CEO) of MEIDECC (Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications) and could facilitate housing aid.

In Count One, Finau obtained $12,500 from Malanata Kava i Popua Havea, promising to secure and build a house in Folaha. She fabricated various fees, including $400 for land clearance, $1,600 for construction preparation, and even $500 for a fake trip to New Zealand.

In Count Two, she swindled ‘Elisepa Vaohoi Takitaki out of $3,100, claiming the funds were needed for land subdivision and construction in Lomaiviti. She even convinced Elisepa to pay $200 for a supposed “Valentine’s Day gift” for her CEO.

For Count Three, Finau took $800 from Mafi Taukafa, who was selling goods at Talamahu Market, by pretending to process a housing application. Over several visits, Finau fabricated reasons to request money, including a false $200 “registration fee.”

The Deception Unravels

Mafi and Malanata grew suspicious after Finau’s repeated demands for money. Upon checking with MEIDECC, they discovered no one named “Makitalena Finau” worked there, prompting them to report the scam to police.

Finau was arrested on September 10, 2024, and later pleaded guilty.

In sentencing, Justice Tupou KC said: “The total figure involved is $18,300, evidently, a substantive amount for the complainants earned through selling goods at Talamahu market, committing to a loan and money earned at the cost of leaving a family behind to work abroad.”

The judge handed down a two-year, nine-month prison sentence, with the final 18 months suspended for a period of two years, contingent on strict conditions.

The suspended portion of the sentence was based on a number of criteria, including her early guilty plea and a clean record.

The suspension will only stand if Finau complies with all court-mandated requirements that include not committing any further offences punishable by imprisonment, reporting to the probation office within 48 hours of her release, and completing a life skills course or counselling program as directed by the Salvation Army

Should Finau violate any of these conditions, the suspension may be revoked, requiring her to serve the remaining 18 months in prison. This structured approach aims to ensure both accountability and rehabilitation while protecting the public from further fraudulent schemes.

If Finau violates these terms, she will be required to serve the remaining sentence. With remissions, she is expected to serve 1 year and 3 months in prison.

Strong wind, heavy rain, and flash flood warnings issued for Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued a Strong Wind Warning for land areas, effective as of 1pm today.

Additionally, a Heavy Rain Warning and Flash Flood Advisory are now in force for Vava’u land areas, while similar warnings remain active for Ha’apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua.

Residents in affected regions are urged to take precautions against potential hazards, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and possible flash flooding.

MetService earlier today stated that a trough is approaching the island group from the southwest this afternoon, bringing associated cloud cover, occasional heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and gusty winds, which are expected to affect Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha‘apai, and Vava‘u later tonight.

These conditions will develop in the afternoon for Tongatapu and ‘Eua, followed by Ha‘apai in the evening and Vava‘u later tonight. Low-lying areas of Ha‘apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua may experience flooding.

MetService also issued a forecast for Tonga until midnight tonight, stating that for Niuafo’ou and Niuatoputapu, light to moderate east to northeasterly winds—fresh at times—are expected, gradually decreasing later in the afternoon. Conditions will remain cloudy with occasional showers possible.

For Vava‘u, Ha‘apai, Tongatapu, and ‘Eua, moderate to fresh north to northeasterly winds are expected, becoming strong at times. Skies will be cloudy, turning overcast with occasional rain—heavy at times—and possible thunderstorms.

Authorities advise staying updated with official weather bulletins and following safety guidelines.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Tongan Catholic community mourns after devastating fire destroys St Mary’s Church in Avondale

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan Catholic community in Auckland is in mourning after a fierce early morning fire tore through St Mary’s Church in Avondale, causing significant damage to the beloved place of worship.

A solemn scene at St Mary’s Church in Avondale, where the fire-ravaged building after this morning’s devastating blaze. The Tongan Catholic community is left heartbroken as they mourn the loss of their cherished spiritual home. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Photo/Supplied

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) responded to the blaze around 4:15 am after reports of flames engulfing the church building at St Mary’s Catholic School on Great North Road.

Seven fire crews battled the flames, successfully extinguishing the fire, but not before the structure suffered extensive damage.

Members of the Tongan Catholic congregation have shared emotional messages and images of the destroyed church, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a spiritual home that held decades of memories, prayers, and community gatherings.

“We are deeply saddened to wake up to this tragic news,” said a spokesperson for the parish. 

“Our priority is the safety of our community. St Mary’s Primary School is closed for the day and we will keep the community updated.”

The church serves a large Tongan congregation in the area, and its hall has also been a gathering place for members of other Tongan denominations for events and functions.

Kaniva News came across pictures and posts about the incident on Facebook, shared by Tongans in Auckland.

School Closed, Investigation Underway

As a precaution, St Mary’s Primary School has been closed for the day while authorities assess the damage.

FENZ is investigating the cause of the fire, with no further details released at this stage.

The Tongan Catholic community is calling for prayers and unity during this difficult time. Local parish leaders have assured worshippers that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

“We are grateful to emergency services for their efforts and are working with the authorities to manage the situation safely,” the parish statement continued. 

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand is assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the cause. We thank the community for their support and ask for patience and understanding during this time.”

Family launches fight to return Paea to NZ following deportation to Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Vehikite family has launched a social media campaign urging the New Zealand government to reverse the deportation of Paea Vehikite, who was sent back to Tonga on Friday after overstaying his visa. 

Paea Vehikite (center) arrives at Fuaʻamotu International Airport with family members after his deportation from New Zealand. His wife, Kilisitina, followed shortly after—now the couple fights to reunite in Rotorua. photo/Supplied

As reported by Kaniva News, Paea arrived in New Zealand in May 2009 but was unable to secure a valid visa, allegedly falling victim to an immigration scam.

Last month, the Rotorua District Court granted Immigration New Zealand (INZ) a warrant of commitment, leading to his detention and subsequent deportation. 

During the court hearing, Paea’s wife, Kilisitina, broke down in tears, pleading with Judge John Bergseng to show mercy and allow her husband to stay. She also pleaded with the judge, saying she was in poor health and her life depended on her husband, Paea.

However, Judge Bergseng stated he had no jurisdiction to intervene, explaining that only the Minister of Immigration holds the power to grant such exceptions under the law. 

Paea arrived in Tonga on Friday, where he was met by emotional family members at Fua’amotu International Airport. Kilisitina, a New Zealand resident, reportedly flew to Tonga yesterday to reunite with him. 

Family Fights for Reunion

Now, the Vehikite family has taken their fight online, calling on Tongans and supporters worldwide to rally behind their cause.

A Facebook post by user Paea Napa’a, written in Tongan, detailed the campaign. The following is a translation of his post by Kaniva News.

He was encouraging people to share banners and messages on social media with the hashtag #BringPaeaBack, demanding that New Zealand authorities allow him to return and reunite with his wife.  

Congratulations to family, friends, acquaintances, and all Tongans who feel love for Paea Vehikite. 

Paea Vehikite arrived in Tonga on Friday morning. His wife, Kilisitina (Christina) Latu Vehikite, arrived on Saturday evening at 9:35 PM (Sat, 13 July 2024) on Air New Zealand flight NZ976, which departed Auckland at 5:40 PM and arrived in Tonga at 9:35 PM. 

We ask for your support. If you have the opportunity, please come to Fua’amotu International Airport tonight to join Paea in welcoming his beloved wife, Kilisitina. 

Take photos and videos with them—capture every moment. 

If possible, bring signs or banners expressing your support and dissatisfaction with Paea’s deportation. Paea had already settled in New Zealand, and his wife remains there. Additionally, his wife is dealing with health issues, and we believe your support will help in the fight to bring him back home to Rotorua, New Zealand. 

If anyone can contact journalists, that would be greatly appreciated. 

We trust that you are aware of the legal proceedings against Paea and the circumstances of his deportation. 

Your support will make a huge difference—not only for Paea and Kilisitina but also for other Tongans in New Zealand who face similar struggles. 

Please share this message widely within our Tongan community. 

This is the support we urgently need right now. 

Thank you for your love, prayers, and solidarity. 

Tributes pour in for ‘fun-loving’ teacher who drowned at Ha’ateiho beach

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The community is mourning the loss of Mele Jr Lynch Taumalolo, a beloved high school teacher described as a “fun-loving” and vibrant person, after she died following an incident at Ha’ateiho beach on Saturday.

Mele Jy Lynch Taumalolo

Police have yet to release details about the incident, but tributes have flooded social media, with friends and locals expressing shock and grief over the tragedy.

It is understood that the deceased was a teacher at Tonga College.

“The family are obviously devastated,” one commentator wrote. “It’s just tragic, absolutely tragic.

It shouldn’t have happened… she had her whole life to live. It’s sad.”

One of the written tributes, which appeared to have come from the deceased’s parent, said in Tongan: “My beautiful daughter, I can’t stand this. You are going to be missed.” 

Meanwhile, another from a relative said she burst into tears upon hearing the news, adding, “You really were my best sister.”

Many remembered Mele as a devoted and joyful presence in the lives of those who knew her.

As investigations continue, loved ones are left grappling with the sudden loss of a woman who brought light to those around her.

Authorities have not confirmed further details, but the community has rallied in support of her family during this difficult time.

A handwritten message in Tongan read: “There are no words to express how much we will miss you. The world is so cruel.

Father jailed for three years after reckless driving killed his two children in Hōfoa crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

Manase Kaho ‘I Vailahi Funaki has been sentenced to five years in prison, with the final two years suspended, after pleading guilty to reckless driving causing the deaths of his two children in a tragic crash earlier this year.

The mangled wreckage of the Funaki family vehicle sits near Hofoa village where it rolled and struck a fence. The accident claimed the lives of two children

The 37-year-old father admitted to driving at excessive speeds with defective tires, which led to the fatal accident on Hihifo Road on January 22, 2025.

The court heard that Funaki was travelling with his wife and their two children – 12-year-old Salesi and 9-year-old Dorothy – when the crash occurred.

Despite his wife’s repeated warnings to slow down, Funaki continued attempting to overtake multiple vehicles at high speed. Near the village of Hofoa, he lost control of the vehicle due to a faulty tire, causing the car to veer off the road, roll over, and crash into a fence.

Both children were pronounced dead upon arrival at Vaiola Hospital.

During police questioning five days after the crash, Funaki admitted he had been driving approximately 80 km/h and was aware of the vehicle’s defective tires prior to the accident.

In sentencing, Justice Tupou KC said Funaki has a clean record, cooperated with the police, has demonstrated genuine remorse and has received his wife’s forgiveness, factors that demonstrate that some suspension in his sentence will likely be used positively for his rehabilitation.

Under the terms of the sentence, Funaki will serve three years in prison, with the final two years suspended for two years on strict conditions.

These include mandatory counselling, probation supervision upon release, and a two-year driver’s license ban.

Justice Tupou warned that any violation of these conditions would result in Funaki serving the remainder of his full sentence.

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