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Kahoua teenager dies after allegedly huffing “ados glue”

By
Kaniva Pacific
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An 18-year-old male teenager from Kahoua allegedly died this week from inhaling “ados glue”.

The deceased was one of four young men believed to have been in the ages of 15, 16 and 18.

“…the chemical from the glue, had damaged the young man’s kidney, lungs, and liver,” Radio & Television Tonga news quoted Dr. Seventeen Toumo’ua as saying.

Only two of the men were admitted to Vaiola hospital including the deceased.

Concerns are growing for the well-being of the rest of the men who have yet to seek medical help from hospital.

Tongan man dies in Utah after fleeing police

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Two men fleeing police died after their car crashed into a vacant home causing fire early Friday morning, October 31 at Poplar Street in Price, Utah, United States.

A Carbon County deputy sheriff reportedly said Taukatelata Solomone Faulua, a 24-year-old Tongan who lived in West Valley,  and Guy Nelson Tsosie, 34, of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, were identified as victims killed in the crash.

A sheriff deputy arrived to find two  men fighting outside a parking lot outside The Tuscan, a restaurant near 100 N. and Carbon Ave,  fox13now.com reports.

The victims fled the scene prompting a pursuit with Police that ended in the fatal crash.

Both men died inside the burning car, according to report.

Malakai Fekitoa dropped from All Blacks side to face England

By
Kaniva Pacific
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All Backs coach Steve Hansen left Fekitoa out of his 23-man squad to play England at Twickenham this Saturday 8 November. (Kick-off: 2.30PM UKT, 3.30AM Sunday 9 November NZT).

Fekitoa has been given another week off to rest after what Hansen described as a “massive” season for the Highlanders midfielder, according to New Zealand Herald.

All Blacks statement says “the matchday squad that takes the field against England has 1,029 Test caps between them and an average age of 27 years”.

The team is:

Starting XV:

  1. Wyatt Crockett (33)
  2. Dane Coles (24)
  3. Owen Franks (65)
  4. Brodie Retallick (34)
  5. Samuel Whitelock (60)
  6. Jerome Kaino (54)
  7. Richie McCaw – captain (134)
  8. Kieran Read (70)
  9. Aaron Smith (36)
  10. Aaron Cruden (36)
  11. Julian Savea (30)
  12. Sonny Bill Williams (20)
  13. Conrad Smith (83)
  14. Ben Smith (35)
  15. Israel Dagg (45)

Reserves:

  1. Keven Mealamu (121)
  2. Ben Franks (39)
  3. Charlie Faumuina (24)
  4. Patrick Tuipulotu (5)
  5. Liam Messam (37)
  6. TJ Perenara (8)
  7. Beauden Barrett (26)
  8. Ryan Crotty (10)

‘Īkale-Tahi name team for Georgia.

By
Kaniva Pacific
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ʻĪkale-Tahi head coach Mana ʻŌtai has named his team to play Georgia as Tonga’s End of Year tour will start in Tbilisi at 5:00pm this Saturday,  November 8.

The ‘Ikale Tahi team selected is as follows:

 

Number Name Village Club
1 Tevita Mailau Felemea (Hp) and ‘Ōtea (Vv) Mont De Marsan (Fr)
2 Aleki Lutui Tofoa Gloucester (UK)
3 Sila Puafisi Ha’ateiho and Longomapu (Vv) Gloucester (UK)
4 Tukulua Lokotui Ha’ateiho and Mounga’one (Hp) Montpelier (Fr)
5 Joe Tu’ineau Fasi-moe-afi Lyon (Fr)
6 Sione Kalamafoni Matahau Gloucester (UK)
7 Nili Latu Afā NEC Rockets (Jp)
8 Viliami Ma’afu Kolovai Oyonnax (Fr)
9 Sonatane Takulua Lapaha Northland (NZ)
10 Kurt Morath
11 Fetu’u Vainikolo Ha’alalo Exeter (UK)
12 Hemani Paea Neiafu (Vv) Oyonnax (Fr)
13 Siale Piutau Kolofo’ou and Folaha Yamaha (Jp)
14 David Halaifonua Fātumu and Tu’anikivale (Vv) Bergirac (Fr)
15 Vungakoto Lilo Koulo (Hp) and Foa (Hp) Tarbes Pyrenees (Fr)
Reserves
16 Elvis Taione Tu’atākilangi and Ha’akio (Vv) Exeter Chiefs (UK)
17 Siua Halanukonuka Tasman (NZ)
18 Paea Fa’anunu Castre (Fr)
19 Lisiate Fa’aoso Holonga Bayonne (Fr)
20 Hale T Pole Muitoa and Fu’amotu Otago (NZ)
21 Taniela Moa Fātumu and ‘Ohonua (Eua) Pau (Fr)
22 Latiume Fosita Haveluloto and Felemea (Hp) Northland (NZ)
23 Otulea Katoa Haveluloto Southland (NZ)

 

 

Sione Sisifā is Tonga's solicitor general

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The lawyer who was instrumental in putting murderers behind bars for the man slaughter of the New Zealand Police officer Kali Fungavaka has been appointed as Tonga’s Solicitor General.

Sione Sisifā, a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of Fiji was appointed to the post on 31 October 2014, a position he currently holds, Crown Law office says.

It says the Solicitor General is responsible for all legal matters referred by the Government and the Cabinet to the Crown Law Department and has appeared on behalf of the Government in a wide range of legal cases.

However, the main areas of practice that the Solicitor General has been involved with has been in the areas of public law, criminal law, commercial law and international law.

Sisifa, 39, joined the Crown Law Department in 2000, after having graduated with an LLB from the University of the South Pacific.

'Īkale-Tahi train under Jake White

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Tonga’s national rugby team trained at the University of Central Lancashire on Friday 31 under their new technical adviser, Jake White.

The ‘Īkale-Tahi team are in England as part of their End of Year Tour to Europe where they will perform three test matches.

Mana Ōtai, the head coach, was hopeful this tour will be different after they received a massive opportunity to work  closely with the professionals and got feed back from coaching staff at the university.

Mana said  it was a great blessing for the ʻĪkale-Tahi to have Jake White with them during the tour.

White, who guided South Africa to the 2007 World Cup, was pictured training with ʻĪkale-Tahi players in Lancashire.

The ‘Ikale-Tahi, keen for a fresh start after the New Zealand’s Chief prop Ben Tameifuna withdrew from Tonga’s tour to fight in a charity boxing bout with rugby league player Willie Mason in December, have just arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia on Monday.

The Tongan team  will play Georgia on Saturday 8 November, The USA on Saturday 15 November and Scotland on Saturday 22 November.

New government funding pays allowance for ‘Īkale-Tahi players

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Tonga’s national rugby team, ‘Īkale-Tahi , are set to benefit from TP$124,000.00 funding donated by government last week to help pay for the players’ allowance.

The rugby  funding will be paid out to Īkale-Tahi players while  playing three test matches in Europe starting this Saturday 8.

The money was reportedly given to Tonga Rugby Union’s interim CEO, Fuka Kitekei’aho through the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Sports Department .

Lomu and Dagg referred to Police over Election Day social media  

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Jonah Lomu and Israel Dagg were among 26 commentators Election Commission have yesterday referred to Police in response to complaints about social media content on Election Day.

This compares to five referrals for similar matters after the 2011 general election.

24 of the incidents involve people publishing or distributing statements likely to influence voters on Election Day in breach of section 197 of the Electoral Act 1993, including:

  • Seven incidents involving people publishing material indicating how they voted and/or publishing statements likely to influence voters: these include comments posted by high profile sports personalities, Israel Dagg, Jonah Lomu and Eric Murray.
  • Two incidents where a person posted a photograph of a completed ballot paper together with a statement that could influence voters.
  • Thirteen incidents involving people sharing on Election Day a video featuring John Key and a ‘vote National Party’ Message posted on the Young Nats Facebook page after the close of advance voting on Friday 19 September.
  • Two incidents involving people sharing on Election Day a ‘vote for Nikki Kaye National Party candidate, Auckland Central’ message posted on her Facebook page on Friday 19 September.
  • An additional two incidents have been referred to Police for further investigation involving individuals who posted online that they intended to vote more than once. Voting more than once is an offence under section 215 of the Electoral Act.

Mr Dagg’s tweet read: “Just voted for @johnkeypm and the National party all the best for tonight #blueallday #National.” Dagg later replaced his tweet with an apology saying he “doesn’t read the fine print”, which has also since been deleted.

Mr Lomu tweeted: “@johnkeypm All the best for Tonight Get in there everyone YOUR last chance to vote and grow NZ Go “National”#vote2014nz #vote2014nz.” The post has since been deleted.

As these matters are now with the Police, the Electoral Commission will not be commenting further.

Obama wishes Tonga a warm independence day  

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

US Secretary of State John Kerry has passed on President Barack “warmest wishes” to Tonga on Independence Day.

Mr Kerry said: “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my warmest wishes to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga on your national day this November 4”.

“The United States and Tonga share a history of close partnership rooted in our commitment to international security and environmental conservation”.

“We hope to strengthen our relationship in the future through continued promotion of open and transparent governance and cooperation on issues of mutual concern like climate change and natural resource management.

“As you celebrate your national day, know that the United States remains a partner and friend to your country. We wish you and the people of Tonga peace and prosperity in the years to come”.

Princess Lātūfuipeka to receive Christmas card and marriage proposal from Lord Malupoo’s son

By
Kalino Latu
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The King of Tonga’s only daughter, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Napua ‘Okalani Tuku’aho, 30, will receive a marriage proposal next March from Lord Malupoo’s son, Hon. Makahokovalu.

News of the marriage proposal was confirmed to Kaniva News by Lord Malupoo’s herald in Auckland, Angakehe.

First, however, he will present her with a Christmas card just before Christmas.

Asked to give the details of what they will present with the Christmas card Angakehe, an authority on Tongan culture, explained what a Christmas card means in Tongan.

In Tongan a Christmas card is called a Kaati Kilisimasi.

However, when a suitor presents the Kaati Kilisimasi to a woman it is called “ Kaati” (card, which refers to Christmas card) or “ʻAve Kaati” (presenting the card to the woman).

It is the same idea used by westerners to present a Christmas card on Christmas eve but in the Tongan way when it is presented by a suitor to a lover it has a completely different significance.

The family of the suitor present koloa (fine mats and tapa cloth), ngāue (kava and hogs) and a sila (envelope full of money). They will also organize for entertainment to be presented.

The amount of koloa , ngāue and the sila presented is significant as it is meant to reflect the social status of the suitor, his wealth and to show how deep is his love for the woman.

Angakehe said Makahokovalu’s kaati to the Princess would be a formal Tongan presentation which would include a huge amount of  koloa, ngāue and sila.

They would also perform a faiva (group dance).

Angakehe will lead Malupo’s kāinga to the Palace on the day,  either on December 23 or 24.

“There will be no reference at this stage to the marriage proposal when I will address the king’s family through his herald about Hon. Makahokovalu’s Kaati,” the herald said.

“We will just present it and will come back as the princess’s family, on the New Year’s eve, will perform the custom of Tali (presenting gifts as a response to what had been presented by Makahokovalu’s kāinga).”

In February Lord Nuku’s son, Hon. Faka’osifono, presented his marriage proposal to the Princess.

The king will decide who he wants to marry his daughter according to the rules laid down by the Tongan constitution.

About Princess Angelika

Princess Angelika is the kingdom’s High Commissioner to Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. She is also ambassador to Indonesia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines.

She is also a member of the Young Tongan Traditional Leaders group  (YTTL) and patron of the Tongan National Leadership Development Forum, the governing body of the YTTL.

High Commissioner is the term used to describe ambassadors accredited to other Commonwealth countries.

The main points

  • The King of Tonga’s only daughter, Princess Angelica Latufuipeka Napua ‘Okalani Tuku’aho, 30, will receive a marriage proposal next March from Lord Malupoo’s son, Hon. Makahokovalu.
  • Makahokovalu will first present her with a Christmas card just before Christmas.
  • In February Lord Nuku’s son, Hon. Faka’osifono, presented his marriage proposal to the Princess.
  • The king will decide who he wants to marry his daughter according to the rules laid down by the Tongan constitution.
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