In picture: A Delica van collided with a Lapaha bus with more than 20 passengers at Pea. Photo/Supplied
Eight people were injured after a van travelling southbound along Taufaʻāhau Rd in Pea left its lane and collided with an oncoming bus early this morning local media reported.
Police did not respond to our repeated requests for comments but according to reports both drivers were also injured.
Most of the victims were reported to be passengers of the bus.
It was alleged the driver of the van was drunk.
Hahake commuters quickly took to Facebook this morning and made comments after the incident.
They said they experienced delays and drivers were forced to take alternate roads as part of the main road to Nukuʻalofa in Pea where the incident occured was closed.
It is understood Police investigation was ongoing.
Samu Manoa will captain a largely reserve Eagles side to face South Africa at the Olympic Stadium in London on Wednesday. With the all-important Japan match on the horizon on Sunday, head coach Mike Tolkin has opted to rest the majority of his front line players, but has retained Manoa at the back of the scrum and appointed him leader for the first time.
Olive Kilifi and Chris Baumann start at prop, while a makeshift second row of Louis Stanfill and Matt Trouville pack down behind them. Danny Barrett and John Quill line up on the side of the scrum, an area of clear strength for the Eagles.
Niku Kruger wins his first test start at scrumhalf, with Shalom Suniula filling in for AJ MacGinty at flyhalf. Andrew Suniula and Folau Niua form an experienced midfield, while Zack Test and Brett Thompson are nominated on the wings.
Joseph Taufete’e could win his first test cap from the bench, where he is selected alongside three more front rowers, with Zach Fenoglio, Mate Moeakiola, and Titi Lamositele also present. Taufete’e also has experience in the back row, however, and could also see game time there. Mike Petri and Chris Wyles are the only backs reserves.
The Springboks are also expected to name a below full strength side, having just played against Scotland on Saturday. All three previous meetings of the teams have been won by South Africa, the last a 64-15 defeat in Montpellier at the 2007 World Cup.
USA
1 Olive Kilifi 2 Phil Thiel 3 Chris Baumann 4 Louis Stanfill 5 Matt Trouville 6 Danny Barrett 7 John Quill 8 Samu Manoa (capt.) 9 Niku Kruger 10 Shalom Suniula 11 Zack Test 12 Andrew Suniula 13 Folau Niua 14 Brett Thompson 15 Blaine Scully
16 Joseph Taufete’e 17 Zach Fenoglio 18 Mate Moeakiola 19 Titi Lamositele 20 Cameron Dolan 21 Al McFarland 22 Mike Petri 23 Chris Wyles
The 32-year-old man killed after a house fire in Folaha Sunday 4 was allegedly drunk, Police said.
The deceased was identified as Samiuela Fakahau.
Police said Fire Service was called to the scene at about 2am and after firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze they found the body of Fakahau in the 7 x 5.3 metre wooden house.
The house was fully involved with fire when fire fighters arrived, Police said.
Police believed the victim has been drinking alcohol with a friend before the fatal incident occurred.
No further details released and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The Tokaikolo Church in South Auckland has appealed the order by the New Zealand Ministry of Education to close down its Pacific Christian School.
The Ministry ordered the school to close its doors on September 25.
Kaniva News has seen a circular letter passed around kava clubs in South Auckland last week asking kava drinkers to sign it. The letter is addressed to the Minister of Education and purports to be signed by parents of children at the Pacific Christian School.
The first line of the letter which was dated the 16 of September is quoted verbatim below:
“We (parents) of Pacific Christian School are hereby address our petition toward your ministry (MOE) decision regarding suspension of Pacific Christian School to be effective on the 25th of Sebtember 2015”.
We have received complaints that many of those who signed the letter did not send their children to the Pacific Christian School and did not understand the truths behind matters raised in the letter.
One person wrote on the Kaniva News Facebook page and asked us if we could explain to him why the Tokaikolo school had been closed. He said he and his family had been approached by two Tokaikolo ministers and asked to sign the letter.
The letter, which is again quoted verbatim below, listed what it said were the Tokaikolo school’s concerns about the government’s order:
The approach of suspension is very immediate.
The time of suspension is very critical.
We don’t want our children to go to state schools.
We want our children to be in a Christian school but Pacific Christian School is the best school for our children.
The financial requirements to enrol in another Christian school will not be affordable at this time.
This is the last term and the very short term of the year where our children is [sic] looking forward to receive [sic] their final results and reports, Surely they will never assess [sic] rightly in another school at this time.
Melino Maka, the Chair of the Tonga Advisory Council in Auckland said he believed the appeal was a waste of time.
He said the Education Review Office and Police had already given the Tokaikolo school enough opportunities since June 2014 to avoid any decision that would affect the school, but the school’s management had failed to take the situation seriously.
Maka worked closely with the school last year after a student was stabbed with a pair of scissors by another student.
Maka said one of the main problems he could see while working with the school was that the Board of Trustees did not understand its core role was to make the final decisions and make sure the school abided by the Ministry’s rules and requirements.
He said he advised the school board to work together with Tongans at the Ministry of Education so they could help them follow the demands outlined by the Education Review Office in its letter of compliance.
Maka said he felt the board did not welcome the idea. Instead they hired a palangi who was operating a Christian school in Auckland as their consultant.
“That was fine, but they should have shown the ERO and the Ministry of Education they had a good sense of relationship and wanted to co-operate and work diligently with the Ministry,” Maka said.
“That’s the only way they had to be fakatokilalo (humble) and show the Ministry they took what they demanded seriously in order for them to get back their license to operate the school.”
He said it would take until December 18 before the Ministry decided whether or not the license to operate the school was restored or terminated for good.
The Tokaikolo church could not be reached for comments.
The main points
The Tokaikolo Church in South Auckland has appealed the order by the New Zealand Ministry of Education to close down its Pacific Christian School.
Kaniva News has seen a circular letter passed around kava clubs in South Auckland last week. The letter is addressed to the Minister of Education and purports to be signed by parents of children at the Pacific Christian School.
We have received complaints that many of those who signed the letter did not send their children to the Pacific Christian School and did not understood the truths behind matters raised in the letter.
The Tokaikolo church could not be reach for comments.
A song by Tongan poet Nataniele Tuʻisila Sēlui to remember the tsunami that killed nine people in 2009 is now available online.
The tsunami struck on September 30 that year and caused major damage to the island of Niuatoputapu.
The song, ‘Hiva ʻo e Peaukula,’ was recorded in 2013 by the ʻUtufekituʻa String Band.
It was posted to Facebook yesterday (September 30) at 6.50am with the person who posted it saying this was the time the tsunami struck the island.
It begins with a fakatapu – an expression used at the beginning of Tongan songs usually made by the punake (poet) asking permission from those who may have families who died in the disaster to talk about what happened that day.
The poet referred to how the day was clear and obviously no one expected that Mother Nature would turn violently against the island.
The song lamented the dead and how the tragic marks left by the tsunami on the beaches and inland.
The poet also mentioned how the islanders reacted helplessly when the tsunami hit. The song says the most emotional event was when people had to run up the mountain, with many carrying children and old people, while screaming and shouting to others.
Some were able to make the climb before the big waves caught them, but it was unfortunate that those who died could not make it, the song said.
The poet also recounted some important places on the island where the waves swept inland. He said these places had been engraved in the memory of the island to the end of time.
The Niuatoputapu Facebook page, which has more than 1700 members, has remembered the day and shared a tribute.
It said this was the day in 2009 the huge waves destroyed some of the significant properties of the island which was a great loss to all Niuans.
The message called on all Niuans to pray for the souls of those who died during the tragedy.
Before the tsunami hit local radio stations in Tonga broadcast warnings that a tsunami was possible and that people should move away from coastal villages.
However, police said many locals claimed there would be no big waves and did not move inland.
The tsunami also caused substantial damage and major loss of life in Samoa, where more than 180 people died in Pagopago and Apia.
The main points
A song by Tongan poet Nataniela Tuinisi Selui to remember the tsunami that killed nine people in 2009 is now available online.
The tsunami struck on September 30 that year and caused major damage to the island of Niuatoputapu.
The song, ‘Hiva ʻo e Peaukula,’ was recorded in 2013 by the ʻUtufekituʻa String Band.
It laments the dead and the tragic marks left by the tsunami on the beaches and inland.
Tuʻungafasi family. L-R: Rev Sione Tuʻungafasi (father), Paula ʻIlohefaiva Tuʻungafasi and Setaita ʻOfa Tuʻungafasi (mother). Standing: ʻAmelia Tuʻungafasi
In the second year of his first degree at the University of Auckland, Paula ‘Ilohefaiva Tu’ungafasi pleaded with his father to let him quit because he found the courses too difficult.
His father, Rev Sione Tu’ungafasi, agreed that Paula (Tongan for Paul) could leave University and look for a job. But his mother, ‘Ofa Siua Tu’ungafasi, overheard the conversation and told Paula she wanted him to continue on and finish off what he has started.
She told him he could do it and Paula finally agreed.
When he decided to continue his studies, he promised his maternal and paternal grandmothers, who were quite ill and appeared to be dying, that he would honour them with the qualification if they did not die.
Last night at Glen Eden United Church of Tonga’s Hall at West Coast Rd, family and friends gathered to celebrate Paula’s Bachelor of Arts qualification that was awarded last week.
He will spend another year at the Auckland College of Education to qualify as a teacher.
Speeches and performances made during last night’s feast were filled with joy, tears and emotion as the paternal and maternal sides of his family celebrated his achievement. They attributed his success to his great grandparents’ prayers.
Paula said that during his years of studying he faced many obstacles, but his family’s daily words of encouragement helped him succeed.
The Tu’ungafasi family have two children, Paula and his sister ‘Amelia.
His mother ‘Ofa Tu’ungafasi was the only child in her family.
In his speech Paula mentioned how he understood that being an only child was unusual in his mother’s line.
“You are my only one and only mother and sister and I will never forget that in my life,” he said emotionally during the evening dinner.
He urged his sister ‘Amelia to follow his footsteps and try to become successful in her study.
Paula said when he struggled at the university he could see how his parents struggled to make a living and he thought he would stay and help them.
He said after his mother told him he had to return to the university he made a bigger effort and studied harder.
He even moved to another place where he could study quietly.
In his thank you speech the 22-year-old said his achievement has been a combination of his parents’ push and the help of his relatives and cousins.
His cousin regularly picked him up and dropped him off without asking him to pay even for petrol for their cars.
His grandmothers provided his lunch.
Paula revealed his both maternal and paternal grandmothers were seriously sick two years ago and were both admitted to hospital.
Their conditions was discouraging and he pleaded with them not to leave him.
Paula said he told his maternal grandmother Malia Siua, who was hospitalised in early 2014, that he wanted to honour her with his graduation. She told him not to worry and said she was fine.
He told his paternal grandmother Kaufo’ou the same thing. Both grandmothers were at last night’s function to celebrate their grandson’s achievement.
Paula’s achievement has inspired many of his cousins to think about education and to be successful.
Kathryn Kaihau, one of his cousins, posted on Facebook saying: “Paul you have made our little family proud, but most importantly you’ve made our Lord proud. Thank you for being a good role model, yes even to us older ones. We love you and wish you nothing but happiness on this very day”.
Paula’s mother comes from Pea in Tongatapu and his father comes from Kanokupolu.
The main points
In the second year of his first degree at the University of Auckland, Paula Faiva’ilo Tu’ungafasi pleaded with his father to let him quit because he found the courses too difficult.
His father agreed that his son could leave University and look for a job, but his mother convinced him to carry on.
Last night at Glen Eden United Church of Tonga’s Hall at West Coast Rd, family and friends gathered to celebrate Paula’s Bachelor of Arts qualification that was awarded last week.
He will spend another year at the New Zealand Teachers’ Training College to qualify as a teacher.
A 19-year-old man from Ma’ufanga died in a motor vehicle accident on Vuna Road in front of the residence of Prince Kalaniuvalu last weekend Saturday 27.
Police said the vehicle travelled westbound along Vuna Road when it veered off the road and hit the cement fence of the Prince’s resident in Fasi.
Police also said four passengers were in the vehicle when the accident occurred. Three men were in critical condition at Vaiola Hospital.
The driver of the vehicle has been charged with negligent driving and other criminal offences.
No further details were given and Police said investigation is ongoing.
The ‘Ikale Tahi’s upset loss to Georgia in their opening game during the Rugby World Cup 2015 in Gloucester last week hurt many Tongan die hard supporters, including the Deputy Prime Minister.
But deputy leader Siaosi Sovaleni said his support for the team would only grow.
“Although the ‘Ikale Tahis were defeated, causing disappointment, that would not deter any further supports for them [translated]. All the best boys for the next couple of games…we are still very much with you. More so now!” Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni wrote on Facebook.
Georgia beat Tonga by 17-10 points, a result that put it in one of the five “Biggest Climbers” teams after the first week of the tournament. On the other hand Tonga dropped and became part of the five “Biggest Fallers” of the Rugby World Cup along with Russia, Scotland, USA and Italy.
The defeat has divided Tongan supporters, with many accusing head coach Mana ‘Otai of failing to adjust the game plan in the second half after it was clear Georgia had gained control of the game by making good use of its heavier forward players.
The loss has dented Tonga’s chances of gaining at least a third place in pool C and a guarantee of qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
‘Otai has admitted his team made “technical errors” leading to their unexpected loss.
The “fight isn’t over yet”, he told British media.
The Ikale Tahi’s failure to compete at scrums and lineouts was central to their defeat by Georgia, Reuters news agency quoted ʻOtai as saying.
Tonga is scheduled to play Namibia next Tuesday, September 29, with two more games scheduled against Argentina on October 4 and the mighty All Blacks on October 9.
Yesterday the Tongan Legislative Assembly released an emotional statement calling on the nation to continue their supports for the ‘Ikale Tahi.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Fe’ao Vakata, who is also in charge of Sports and Athletics, was quoted in the statement as saying that although Tonga had been defeated, the team still had a chance of competing in the World Cup match series.
“Our constituencies and Government ministries need to support our rugby players,” Hon. Vakatā said.
“Continue wearing red and attend the float parade in support of our team.”
The parliamentary statement was made to revive the level of support seen in the kingdom before the Rugby World Cup 2015 kicked off.
According to the statement the Noble MPs offered their encouragement, with Lord Tuʻilakepa saying Tonga should continue to give support to the ʻIkale Tahis for the sacrifices they had made to represent Tonga.
“The players left their family and loved ones to commit their time to go and represent Tonga in the World Cup,” Lord Tu’ilakepa said.
Tuʻilakepa said he believed that it would make a big difference if the team’s Tongan fans revived and increased their support before Tuesday’s battle with Namibia.
“That’s not the end of the game series … we all pray for Tonga to win, but in sports there is always a winner and a loser. So I ask MPs to support our ‘Ikale Tahi team,” Lord Tu’ilakepa said.
The Speaker of Parliament, Lord Tu’ivakano, told the House the Ikale Tahis were representing the country and that was a heavy burden to carry with them during the Rugby World Cup.
“We hope and pray the ‘Ikale Tahi will continue to be brave and strong in their endeavour,” Lord Tu’ivakano said.
The main points
Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said this week the ‘Ikale Tahi’s upset loss to Georgia would only make his support for the team grow.
Georgia beat Tonga by 17-10 points. Tonga joined Russia, Scotland, USA and Italy as one of the biggest losers in the Rugby World Cup so far.
Yesterday the Tongan Legislative Assembly released an emotional statement calling on the nation to continue their supports for the ‘Ikale Tahi.
Lord Tu’ilakepa said it would make a big difference if the team’s Tongan fans increased their support before Tuesday’s battle with Argentina.
Young people from the Lotofale’ia Methodist church in Mangere were out in force in Queen Street last Friday evening, making a real demonstration of loving their neighbour.
They were responding to a call from church leader Teisina Falala to share their love with the homeless in a simple way.
Falala said he had been searching for a long time for a way for the youth to share their love.
About 20 of the church youth had prepared sandwiches and gifts to give to homeless people living in the centre of Auckland.
According to the young people the response from those they fed was: “Thank you so much and God bless.”
Apart from fulfilling the command to love one another, the purpose of the evening was to help the young people value what they had, like clothes, foods, shelter and parents.
Tonga has core cultural values known as the four golden pillars (Faaʻi Kavei Koula) of the Tongan culture. They are: Faka’apa’apa (respect), Tauhi-vaha’a (maintaining good relationship), Mamahi’i-me’a (devotion), and Lototō (willing to accept something especially when someone is asked to do or take).
These values connect the six pillars that hold the well-being of individuals; the life of the Mind, Body, Soul, Economy, History/Traditional and Environment.
Tevita ‘Ahoafi said his personal experiences of living a humble life had led him appreciate everything he possessed. He said people should not forget that the house they were living in was a palace to the homeless and any food they had was a beautiful fast to the hungry.
“We are all part of a whole and we are all branches of one tree and waves of one ocean,” he said.
Giving food and gifts to the homeless was a way of reminding the young people of the commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” Teisina said.
They also learned that loving their neighbour meant not just the people living next door, but every member of the greater family of the human race.
Youth leaders
The church recently elected Loketi and Paea Hausia as Guardians of its youth, and Tupou Pine and Maliumoeao Tufui as their assistants.
Teisina Falala has been appointed leader of the boys and his assistant is Siupeli ‘Ahoafi. Siueli Lafo’ou ‘is the leader for girls and her assistant is Temaleti Hausia.
According to Tevita ‘Ahoafi, the church has divided this year into sections and committees have been elected to implement their activities on Friday nights.
The main points
Young people from the Loto Fale’ia Methodist Church in Mangere were out in force in Queen Street last Friday evening, making a real demonstration of loving their neighbour.
About 20 of the church youth had prepared sandwiches and gifts to give to homeless people living in the centre of Auckland.
Apart from fulfilling the command to love one another, the purpose of the evening was to help the young people value what they had, like clothes, foods, shelter and parents.
They also learned that loving their neighbour meant not just the people living next door, but every member of the greater family of the human race.
Before attending the premiere of Born to Dance at the Manukau Event Cinemas this evening Tongan film star Sione Tui struggled to accept his mother’s plea to put away the new suit he had just bought for the occasion and wear his Tongan vala.
His father Viliami Tui told Kaniva News outside the Event Centre that it took time before Sione decided to wear Tongan formal attire, which consist of a tupenu, ta’ovala, kote and hekesi.
Viliami was emotional and tried to compose himself while looking at the other men at the function wearing suits and palangi clothes.
Sione, a 40-year old Tongan-Auckland born actor, is starring in Born to Dance with Stan Walker, Tia Maipi, Paris Goebel and American actress Kherington Payne.
Sione Tui (right) in Born to Dance. Photo/Youtube
The movie is directed by Tammy Davis and is the New Zealand’s first hip hop dance movie. The film is packed with dancing from three-time world hip-hop dance champion Paris Goebels and her dance crew, the Royal Family.
It will be released publicly tomorrow, September 24.
Sione said the movie had a great story about family, poverty, loyalty and the importance of chasing your dreams.
“This movie reflects on all of our youth who are raised in other countries, especially New Zealand, Australia and even the States,” he said.
“It’s our story of struggle to pursue what we love going against all odds.
“Our youth have a lot of negative influences out there pulling them towards gangs, drugs, suicide and teen pregnancy.”
Australian Idol winner Stan Walker and American dancer Kherington Payne also star in the film. Photo/Youtube
The inspiring film shows the power of youth when trying to be positive and the power of passion. The heart of it is youth and relationships through.
The film industry
Sione has been in the film industry for about 15 years and he said there were not many Tongans in the field.
He said he had a passion for filming when he was growing up.
“I always wanted to be an actor and performer,” he said.
“A lot of Tongan parents push their children to do jobs that have security such as a doctor, lawyer, and business and so forth, which is good, but there’s a lot of pressure that comes with it if it’s not their passion.
“Being a father of four I try to nurture any talent in my children and support them to succeed.”
Sione said working in the film industry was not easy.
Tui said he encouraged his kids to be passionate about something. Photo/Youtube
He said Polynesians and Tongans were cast in stereotypical roles that reflected how mainstream society saw them.
“We are more beautiful and exotic than how we get portrayed,” he said.
However, he said things were getting better and more Polynesians were being given lead roles and influential roles in film and TV.
“A lot of roles I’ve played are away from my culture. I’ve played Hawai’ian, African American, Latino and Maori roles to name a few.
“I see acting as a craft and an art form I went to drama school to better my understanding of it and to be taking seriously as an actor. I didn’t want to be seen as a person who looked like he walked off a rugby field and into an audition room.”
Tongan background
Sione was born in 1975 in Auckland and grew up in Manurewa in South Auckland. His father Viliami is from Ha’asini and Talafo’ou. His mother is Nenase Tui from Ma’ufanga and Hofoa.
SIone Tui in Born to Dance. This is his fourth film role having already starred in Sione’s Wedding, The Hobbit, and the international blockbuster Battleship. Photo/Youtube
He is the oldest son of nine children. One of his sisters died in Tonga when Sione was five years.
“I never forget her and acknowledge she lived,” he said.
“I call myself a Kiwi of Tongan descent and heritage, but I identify 100 percent with Tonga as my tofi’a (heritage). I‘m proud and love my Tongan roots and pay homage to my beloved parents for trying to do better for us and working hard to raise us. Everything I do is to make my parents and all of my family proud.”
Sione said his Tongan background played a huge influence on his love for the craft.
He said he truly believed the performing arts were in the blood of Tongans because of their culture.
“It’s in our way of worship, our songs, and our tau’olunga (dance),” he said.
“We’re naturals the same way we are athletes. I just wish we supported our artists the same way we support our athletes because Tonga has a lot to contribute to the world. We have stories, beliefs and beauty that I would love the world to see.”
The story explores the tension created when a father from a military background pushes his son into joining the army, when the son would rather dance for a living. Photo/Youtube
He is determined that one day he will direct some stories from Tongan perspectives and not people from other cultures.
“We need more Tongan writers, producers, directors and more Tongan journalists and see them supported,” Sione said.
“It is so easy for people to sit at home and criticise. We are our own worst enemy. We put ourselves down and that doesn’t help us as a people. Some people born outside Tonga lose their connection to the mainland.
“I myself am the opposite. I feel the need to connect with it, to honour it and to honour my family because we are Tongan and we are proud no matter where we are in the world. I’ll do my best to not embarrass that, but honour it.”
Encouraging
Sione had a message for our youth: “If you want to get into it, the first attitude to have is to speak up and have a voice. This business and craft is not for the faint of heart, trust me. Your ego and insecurities will be tested and our humble nature taken advantage of. Every time I get approached by our youth about wanting to pursue acting I ask them: ‘Why?’ A lot of them responded saying they wanted to be famous’.”
He said he advised these people that this was not a good idea because if that was their goal, they would get hurt.
Fame was the result of a lot of hard work. It was not guaranteed, nor was it a form of wealth.
He said a lot of success came from a combination of talent, patience, consistency, self-development, sacrifice and timing.
“For every TV and movie role I got I had about 20 to 40 auditions where I came close and then was told no, or I was too big or the wrong culture or whatever,” he said.
“I had to pick myself up and go try again with my own self-belief.
“In saying all of that my self-belief and pride in who I am and what I represent drives me to go forward.
“My family, friends and being that Tongan actor out there when there aren’t many drives me and I’m proud to give it a shot.
“A lot of Hollywood personalities from the likes of Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Taylor Kitch, Peter Burg, Peter Jackson just to name a few can say they’ve worked with a Tongan actor on their movies and not mean security or catering,” he laughed.
The main points
Tongan film star Sione Tui lined up for the premiere of Born to Dance at the Manukau Event Centre this evening, but first he had to agree to his mother’s request for him to wear his Tongan vala rather than a palangi suit.
Tui, who honours his Tongan culture, is starring in Born to Dance with Stan Walker, Tia Maipi, Paris Goebel and American actress Kherington Payne.
The movie is directed by Tammy Davis and is the New Zealand’s first hip hop dance movie.
