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New foreshore project for Lifuka starts next week

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tongan government has allocated TOP$400,000 paʻanga to fund a foreshore in the western side of Lifuka to prevent further erosion.

Haʻapai Governor Moʻale Fīnau said on Facebook last week the Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva will launch the construction work for the project on August 11 at the western coast of Fanga-ʻI he-Sī.

The governor said the project was one of his dreams while he was young that one day Lifuka would have a foreshore and he invited his people to pray and give thanks to God as his dream has come true.

The project comes while the main island  of Haʻapai group is threatened by the increasing rising sea levels caused by climate change.

Foundations of some of the houses built on the beach at the coastal areas of Pangai, the capital, have been eroded by the water and owners have moved inland for their safety.

Lifuka has a population of about 700 people it is popular with tourists and has 11 hotels.

 

Pacific Games 2019: NZ funds new teufaiva stadium upgrade, talks underway with foreign donors

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tongan government has confirmed it has received funding from the New Zealand government to upgrade Teufaiva Stadium and it has made contacts with other foriegn donors to seek funding options  in a bid  to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva in a statement released to media today Monday 4 confirmed his government’s position in hosting the  Games and said  Tonga was encouraged and given supports during the 15th Pacific Games in Port Moresby early this month by other Pacific countries in its plan to host the Games.

Tonga will soon start collecting money to help fund its budget for the sport  when the airport departure tax would be increased by TP$100 and  a one seniti charge on every foriegn currency exhanges, a one seniti reduction from the original two seniti charge announced in the begining of July.

Hon. Pohiva has urged all Tongans in Tonga and overseas to support government in its endeavour to bring the Pacific Games to the kingdom for the first time in history.

He said Tonga would benefit greatly from the Games.

The Prime Minister’s statement

“Getting the financial resources to fund the preparation for the Games is the utmost challenge for the Government and the Government is fully aware of this.  As such, the Government is doing its best to seek financial assistance from donor and development partners and raise revenue for the Games,” the Hon Prime Minister has stated.

“ At the same time, the Government is convinced of the benefits of hosting the games, not only in upgrading the level of sports and sporting facilities in Tonga, but also the benefits to the economy that the sport will bring.”

The Government has received funds from the New Zealand Government towards Teufaiva Stadium and discussions are underway with other donor and development partners to fund other sporting complexes, which are anticipated to be finalized and announced in the near future.

The Government is also currently finalizing the legal process for the implementation of the $100 pa’anga increase in Departure Tax and the 1seniti levy that will be imposed as part of the spread of the Pa’anga value on every purchase and sale of foreign currency, which is a reduction by 1 seniti from the two seniti originally proposed in response to raised concerns during the consultation with key stakeholders.  These are the two revenue streams that Government has approved to raise funds for the Games.

The Government is working closely with the Tonga Pacific Games 2019 Organising Committee on the details of the plan for the Games with the constructions and preparation of venues and sporting facilities to start in 2016, as stated by the Hon Minister for Finance and National Planning.

The Government was encouraged to receive the support of other Pacific Island Countries that Tonga can host a successful Pacific Games in 2019, during the 15th Pacific Games 2015 held in Papua New Guinea in July.

The Government is therefore calling on the people of Tonga, here in Tonga and abroad for their support, as Tonga prepares to stage the 16th South Pacific Games 2019.

Revenue & Customs calls in companies with late taxes for a chat instead of going straight to court

By
Kaniva Staff
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Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau. Photo/Soane Gallagher Niukapu

The Minister of Revenue and Customs, Hon. Tevita Lavemaau, has stopped referral of any cases related to late payment of taxes and PAYE to court unless he personally approves them.

This means some companies and businesses in Tonga which have outstanding tax bills have relaxed because the Revenue Ministry will now invite them to discuss their cases first without going directly to court.

Kaniva News understands the move was made by the minister as an attempt to solve the problems caused by the cost of investigating tax arrears.

It is understood the department has lost a lot of money when prosecuting businesses and companies because of legal costs and court fees.

In an e-mail sent by Hon. Lavemaau to his heads of department and CEOs on April 2, the minister said he wanted to build a good working relationship with the department’s clientele rather than making them enemies of the government because of their unpaid arrears.

The e-mail, which has been seen by Kaniva News, said the new strategy meant all cases would be assessed on a case by case basis and would depend on the minister’s approval.

“It is my strong belief that we need to promote a good relationship with our clientele especially to support our move to Voluntary Compliance,” Hon. Lavemaau said in the e-mail.

“It takes time and tireless effort to get them on-board. However, the long term benefits for our economy is enormous. We need to build the trust and confidence of the business community in us by getting out there and discussing with them the various issues and concerns that we have, such as non-registration for CT, Late Payment of CT and PAYE.

“Discuss with them the alternatives solutions and wider implications if we take the force of law on our hands. Get them on-board.

“As from April onward I would urge you all to take a new route and strategy as briefly explained above.

“Further I would like to cease referral of any cases to Tribunal and Court without any prior approval. This mechanism is only to apply as a matter of last resort.”

The main points

  • Some Tongan companies with unpaid taxes are sleeping easier this year because the Ministry of Revenue and Customs has decided to invite them to discuss their cases without going directly to court.
  • The decision was made by Minister of Inland Revenue Hon. Tevita Lavemaau in an e-mail revenue staff in April.
  • The minister has stopped the referral of any cases related to late payment of taxes and PAYE to court unless he personally approves them.
  • Kaniva News understands the move was made by the minister as an attempt to solve the problems caused by the cost of investigating tax arrears.

For more information

Ministry of Revenue and Customs

Archibishop of York visits Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend, the Right Honourable Dr. John Sentamu, arrived  in Tonga on Saturday and will be leaving the kingdom tomorrow.

He has delivered a sermon to Anglican faithful at the St. Paul’s Eucharist in Nukuʻalofa yesterday where he  officiated at the ordination of new priests of the Anglican Church of Tonga on Sunday 2nd August at St. Paul’s Eucharist.

“The ordained priests were Fr. Laiseni Liavaʻa and Fr. Steven Vaka.

“Today, Monday 3rd August, His Grace will join with the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni who is also Minister responsible for the Environment and Climate Change, in a dedication service this morning on Pangaimotu Island, to mark the promotion of public awareness on the environment and climate change.

His Grace will later meet with Church Leaders for lunch this afternoon and with the Anglican community before his departure tomorrow”.

On the rocks: picture shows how close Niuvakai came to collision at Tuʻanuku

By
Kaniva Staff
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With its prow resting on the rocks at Tuʻanuku shore, this dramatic picture shows just how close the Niuvākai cargo ship came to a potentially disastrous end.

The picture was obviously  taken after the cargo vessel ran aground off the Tuʻanuku coast on Friday morning.

The cause of the incident is still unknown.

The Minister of Infrastructure confirmed the incident on Friday and said there were no reports of any injuries.

The 36-year-old ship has just returned from Fiji about two weeks ago after its dry dock in Walu Bay. The dry dock was made after it was taken out of service because it was found to be leaking.

 

 

Authorities plead with public to stop changing road signs

By
Kaniva Staff
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A photo taken on Tuesday this week after employees sent by Land Transport Department to reinstate road signs at the village of Masilamea believed to have been changed by members of the public. The signs confused drivers.  Photo/Kaniva News (Paul Quinn Ta’ai).

Tonga’s Department of Transport has pleaded with those who are tampering with road signs for whatever reasons to stop it immediately.

The Acting Director of Land Transport Tevita Lavemai told Kaniva News this was an increasing problems  for his department.

He said this had happened in the past and despite various efforts made to protect it from happening again it appeared the problem persisted.

As reported by Kaniva News on Sunday this week, a couple were confused when they saw two different road signs for speed limit on the same stretch of road at the village of Masilamea on Hihifo Rd. They were not sure which one they should follow.

Driving eastbound on Hihifo Road towards Nukuʻalofa the driver and her wife noticed a 50 km/h speed limit sign on the left side of the road and 70 km/h on their right side.

Lavemai said he believed someone had intentionally altered the signs.

He said the 50km/h sign supposed to face westbound drivers while the 70km/h faces eastbound drivers towards Nukuʻalofa.

Lavemai said he would send employees to fix the problem and the department would review this issue again at its next meeting.

Two different road signes for speed limit at Hihifo Rd at the village of Masilamea confused drivers. Photo/by courtesy of Yvette Gutteinbeil Paea
Two different road signs for speed limit on Hihifo Rd at the village of Masilamea confused drivers. Photo/by courtesy of Yvette Gutteinbeil Paea

MV Niuvākai hits reef in Vavaʻu

By
Kaniva Staff
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The MV Niuvākai has run aground off the Vavaʻu Islands near Tuʻanuku this morning, but there are no reports of any injuries.

The Minister of Infrastructure Hon ʻEtuate Lavulavu reportedly said the ship had been leaving Taufaʻāhau Wharf, Haʻapai on Thursday with cargoes heading to Vavaʻu before it rammed into a rocky shoal at about 9am Friday 31.

He said the ship’s team is currently assessing the situation and will provide more information as it becomes available.

The grounding comes about a forthnight after the government owned vessel returned from Fiji after her dry dock at Walu Bay because it was found to be leaking in the month of June.

 

Tonga defend pacific games hosting amid criticisms

By
Kaniva Staff
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PNG, Pacific Games Venue, Sir John Guise stadium set for magnificent Opening. Photo credit: Hon. Justin Tkatchenko

The Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva is defending the kingdom’s hosting the 2019 Pacific Games saying his Minister of Finance is optimistic about Tonga’s capability to host the games and a cabinet decision has confirmed it this week.

Tonga won the right to host the 2019 Pacific Games over Tahiti in 2012,  winning 16 votes to six.

The Finance Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke proposed in his projected budget 2015/16 TP$133 million for the infrastructural construction alone.

The money would be collected from an increase of the airport departure tax by $100 pa’anga, and the application of a 2 cents levy on foreign currency exchange.

The tax hikes were  strongly rejected by local business owners saying that “raising taxes for consumers to pay for the Pacific Games would be bad policy considering the fragile state of Tonga’s economy, and despite any short term boosts from tourism, it would not be worth the long-term cost”.

The statement

In a statement today by Hon. Pohiva, he said the 2019 Games will be hosted in Tonga despite the difficulties in raising the necessary funds to finance the Games.

“The main concern has been the lack of funding for the needed infrastructural construction of facilities and the provision of equipment for the Games.

“Doubt was cast on whether Tonga will go ahead with stated of the Games when the Prime Minister had earlier given media interviews that the financial position of the country was not adequate to host the Games.

“Sporting facilities such as a golf course and a swimming pool do not exist in Tonga. These two facilities alone will take up half of the budget claimed to be needed for the 2019 Games.

“In addition, the existing venue facilities in Tonga are extremely inadequate for the Games. That includes an outdoor stadium, and an indoor stadium that would host basketball, volleyball, netball, and other events.

“But Minister for Finance and National Planning, Dr. Hon. ‘Aisake Eke has announced that he is upbeat about Tonga’s ability to host the Games, and construction could begin in 2016.

“In the meantime, the Oceania Sports Association has spoken out that preparation for the 2019 Games in Tonga is late by almost two years.

“The projected budget for the infrastructural construction alone stands at $133 million pa’anga.

Tonga hosted a Pacific Mini-Games in 1989, but has never hosted a full Pacific Games in its 52-year history”.

Tonga wins over USA Eagles at Toronto

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s national rugby team ‘Ikale Tahi continued to thrill their fans today after securing a second victory at Pacific Cup championship against USA Eagles in Toronto with 33 – 19 scores.

Last week the ʻIkale Tahi beat Canada 28-18 at the Swangard Stadium.

TONGA
1 Soane Tonga’uiha 2 Elvis Taione 3 Halani Aulika 4 Uili Kolo’ofai 5 Joe Tu’ineau 6 Steve Mafi (capt.) 7 Jack Ram 8 Viliami Fihaki 9 Tane Takulua 10 Kurt Morath 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo 12 Alipate Fatafehi 13 Sione Piukala 14 Telusa Veainu 15 Otulea Katoa

16 Sefo Sakalia 17 Sona Taumalolo 18 Sila Puafisi 19 Lua Lokotui 20 Hale T-Pole 21 Sosefo Ma’ake 22 Latiume Fosita 23 Vungakoto Lilo

USA
1 Mate Moeakiola 2 Phil Thiel (capt.) 3 Chris Baumann 4 Louis Stanfill 5 Greg Peterson 6 Cameron Dolan 7 Scott LaValla 8 Al McFarland 9 Shalom Suniula 10 Toby L’Estrange 11 Zack Test 12 Andrew Suniula 13 Folau Niua 14 Brett Thompson 15 Troy Hall

16 Zach Fenoglio 17 Nick Wallace 18 Eric Fry 19 Hayden Smith 20 Andrew Durutalo 21 Mike Petri 22 Thretton Palamo 23 Tim Stanfill

Editor and publisher of Keleʻa Newspaper fined for contempt of court

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Editor of Keleʻa Newspaper ‘Ofa Vatikani has been fined TP$1,250.00 and Publisher Lautala Pōhiva Tapueluelu TP$750.00  for breaching contempt of court laws with their coverage of the magistrate court ruling against the  Chinese nationals Meilin Liu and Fe Kaifeng Tian.

Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen  ordered the duo to pay their fines within 2 months or face one month imprisonment.

Tonga’s Acting  Attorney General, ʻĀminiasi Kefu launched the contempt action against the newspaper’s authorities in June, after they published a story headlined – “Fehuʻia pe ‘oku totonu nai ke fōtunga pehe ni tuʻutuʻuni hopo” (“Questionable whether a court order should look like this”), which was published in the Ko e Kele’a newspaper of Monday 2 March 2015, Volume 31, Number 9.

In his ruling Justice Paulsen said it was clear the readers would “understand” from the last paragraph of the article that the release of Liu and Tian was made by Magistrate Mafi because he had received “communications from high authorities” at the Ministry of Justice. .

“That would have the effect, in my view, to lead members of the community to conclude that Magistrate Mafi was influenced to discharge the defendants, that he is not impartial and that the Magistrate Court is not an independent institution, but one that is subject to influence from people in high authority”,  a statement from the AG Office  said.

Justice Paulsen also advised that “anyone is free to criticise the decisions of the Court or the conduct of any Judge, even if the criticism is outspoken, mistaken or wrongheaded, provided that it is not likely to undermine the public confidence in the administration of justice”.

Mr Vatikani and Mrs Pohiva were remorseful, and as an expression of their regret, they have agreed to publish their apologies on Kele’a acknowledging their article was in breach of contempt of court laws and reflecting the fact that it should never have been made.

The defendants were ordered to pay the court costs and were also given 42 days from 15 July 2015 to file any appeal against their conviction.

Dr Harrison QC SC represented Mr Vatikani and Mrs Pohiva, and the Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions for the Crown Law.

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