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Foreshore protection project launched at Talafo'ou

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Vakai ki lalo ki he fakamatala faka-Tonga

Hahake residents joined Hon Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi in launching the foreshore protection measure construction works in Eastern Tongatapu on August 15 at Talafo’ou.

The construction work is expected to be carried out by the BB Construction Ltd and it is due to be completed by February 2015.

Known as "Trialling of Coastal Protection measures in eastern Tongatapu" the project aims at protecting 5 coastal communities (Nukuleka, Makaunga, Talafo'ou Navutoka and Manuka) from coastal erosion, inundation, sea level rise and most importantly building resilience to climate change.

The project was funded by European Union(EU), and Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and is implemented by the Global Climate Change Alliance: Pacific Small Island States (SPC-EU GCCA: PSIS).

The EU-GCCA Project National Coordinator, Mr. Manu Manuofetoa, said the European Union has generously provided Tonga and other 8 pacific Island countries, who are also recipients of this project, with E0.5 million each to implement their own adaptation project based on their key priority areas.

Mr. Manuofetoa also said the event was just an internal ground breaking ceremony within the MECCDMMIC and the pilot communities.

He said the community had planned a small scale ground breaking ceremony but eagerly anticipates greater celebration at the completion of the construction works where other donors and other key stakeholders will be invited.

Other guests who attended the launch included Mr. Paula Ma'u, CEO Ministry of Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Meteorology, Information and Communications (MECCDMMIC), Mr. 'Asipeli Palaki, CEO Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Lu'isa Tu'i'afitu Malolo Director Climate Change, Tongatapu People Representative No. 10 Semisi Tapueluelu, Senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Communications, Kalio Moala, Lapaha district officer, Town officers and people from the 5 coastal communities (Nukuleka,Makaunga, Talafo'ou, Navutoka and Manuka).

Soroban: Vava'u schools compete

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The Tonga Soroban Competition, co-hosted annually by the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Tonga and the Ministry of Education and Training, was held in Neiafu, Vava’u on Thursday 14th August, 2014.

19 primary schools in Vava’u participated in the competition held at the Maamamo‘onia Hall of Mailefihi Siu‘ilikutapu College.  A total number of 300 students from Class 3 to Class 5 competed with each other in the following three categories: written examination, oral examination, and flash examination.  

The Government Primary School of Neiafu ranked first in the inter-school competition across all categories and classes in Vava’u (kindly refer to the attachment for the result of the competition in Vava’u). The top three students in the written examination from Classes 3 and 4 are going to represent Vava’u Primary Schools in the National Soroban Competition to be held in Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu in March 2015.


Soroban education started in Tonga since the 1970’s and has served as one of the foundations of long-standing and strong ties between Japan and Tonga, and has been proven to contribute to strengthen mathematical skills of primary students throughout Tonga, hence incorporated as a compulsory element of the mathematics subjects from Class 3 to Class 5 in Government Primary Schools in the Kingdom.  


The Tonga Soroban Competition has been co-hosted annually by the Embassy of Japan in Nuku’alofa and the Ministry of Education and Training since 2010. The Competition starts with an annual Regional Competitions for the outer islands prior to the National Competition in Nuku’alofa. This year’s competition started in Ha’apai on July 31st, in Vava’u on August 14th, and in Tongatapu on September 2nd, 4th and 11th, and later in ‘Eua on October 16th, before concluded with the National competition in March 2015.   

The series of Soroban Competitions are supported by the Tonga Soroban Education Association, JICA Tonga office, and Japan International Soroban Diffusion Foundation.

Tonga Soroban Competition in Vava’u

Participating Schools:  GPS Neiafu, GPS Toula, GPS Liviela, GPS Tu’anuku, GPS Nga’unoho, GPS Pangaimotu, GPS Longomapu, GPS ‘Utungake, GPS Taoa, GPS Tefisi, GPS Feletoa, GPS Leimatu’a, GPS Tu’anekivale, GPS ‘Utulei, GPS Makave, GPS Holonga, GPS Ha’alaufuli, GPS Koloa, GPS Houma.

Result:

Class 3

 

Written

 

Oral

 

Flash

 

1

Sione Tukuafu

Neiafu

Sione Tukuafu

Neiafu

Sione Tukuafu

Neiafu

2

‘Eikipeavale Vainikolo

Neiafu

Savelina Tupou

Neiafu

Seini ‘Otukolo

Neiafu

3

Vakatapu Finau

Neiafu

Gabriella Mailangi

Neiafu

Savelina Tupou

Neiafu


Class 4

 

Written

 

Oral

 

Flash

 

1

Lasalle Talau

Liviela

Lasalle Talau

Liviela

Lasalle Talau

Liviela

2

Litia Ta’ufo’ou

Liviela

‘Epenisa Sikalu

Toula

Tupou Lepolo

Neiafu

3

Kalolaine Fa

Neiafu

Mele Fa’aumu

Liviela

‘Epenisa Sikalu

Toula


Class 5

 

Written

 

Oral

 

Flash

 

1

Kalisi Malimali

Neiafu

Mele Vainikolo

Liviela

Kalisi Malimali

Neiafu

2

William Heart Pulotu

Toula

Sione Fotu

Neiafu

William Heart Pulotu

Toula

3

Mele Vainikolo

Liviela

Kesiliti To’ia

Leimatu’a

Sione Fotu

Neiafu


Teacher

 

Written

 

1

Mele ‘Ahofono

Holonga

2

‘Ana Pisiola Fakava

Neiafu

3

Malia Ngalo

Tefisi


School

 

Written

1

GPS Neiafu

2

GPS Toula

3

GPS Liviela

 

Australia donates vehicle for Tonga's electoral commission

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The Tonga Electoral Commission continues to receive assistance from the Australian Government as it prepares for the nation’s General Election which is schedule for November this year.

The Deputy Australian High Commissioner Mr. Scott McLennan this afternoon handed over a 15-seater Toyota Van to the Supervisor of Elections, Pita Vuki at the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa.

Mr. McLennan said that the Australian Government is happy to donate this van to assist with the Commission’s community outreach programme and its relevant duties in preparation for this year’s general election.

In response, the Supervisor of Elections thanks the Australian Government on behalf of the Chairman of the Commission for their continuous support and assistance. He said that “TEC has been a recipient of numerous assistance provided by the Australian Government through the Australian Electoral Commission since its establishment four years ago”.

The Electoral Commission is currently conducting a voter education programme in the community, with the assistance of the Australian Government and the UNDP to provide relevant electoral information to the public.

Tonga receives new technology from Chinese embassy

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The Acting Prime Minister, Hon Samiu Kuita Vaipulu welcomed the donation of new equipment from the Chinese Embassy, early morning August 12.

The equipment will help cater for the immediate growing demands of Tonga’s Ministry of Information services.

These equipment included:

  • 2 laptops
  • 2 Computers
  • 2 Printers
  • 1 Digital video camera
  • 1 Photocopy

In presenting the equipment to Hon Samiu Vaipulu, Mr Huaguang siad that the Government of the People's Republic of China wish to continue helping Tonga as much as they can.

"We have helped Tonga in various different fields and will continue to do so as much as we can" Mr Huaguang said.

In response, Hon Samiu Vaipulu stated "we are thankful to the Ambassador and the Government of China for the support and all the donated new equipment will put to good use"

This is the largest gift ever donated to the Information Department and the Ministry (of what) looks forward to maintaining a close relationship with the Chinese Embassy and the People's Republic of China.

US fugitive to be deported from Tonga

By
Kaniva Pacific
-
Vakai ki lalo ki he fakamatala faka-Tonga

The man wanted by US authorities for counts of wire fraud and other legal actions faces deportation after he lost his appeal against his removal order at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court last week.

The 62 year-old American man, Antone Thomas Pedras who is also known as Christopher A.T. Pedras, is alleged by US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the owner of unregistered companies that fleeced over fifty US Investors.

Pedras married to a Tongan after he arrived in the kingdom in 2000.

The FBI alerted Tongan authorities in May about Pedras and he was then issued with a removal order.

A statement released by the SEC on June 18, 2014 says: “The Commission’s complaint alleged that, from at least July 2010 until the Commission filed its action on October 28, 2013, Pedras, through five different U.S. and New Zealand – based entities of which he was an owner, officer and/or director, offered and sold securities in unregistered offerings based on materially false representations and omissions without being registered as a broker, in furtherance of a Ponzi scheme by which more than $5.6 million was raised from over fifty United States investors.

“Among other false representations, Pedras told investors that the Maxum Gold Trade Program was a “low risk” investment with returns ranging between 4-8% per month and claimed investor funds would be placed in escrow to facilitate a bank trade program.

“When Pedras was unable to pay the promised returns, he began promoting the FMP Renal Program to Maxum Gold Trade Program investors, falsely claiming, among other things, that the new program would instantaneously increase the value of Maxum Gold investors’ investments by approximately 80%.

“In fact, neither investment program was real; instead, they were a Ponzi scheme. Pursuant to the Ponzi scheme, Pedras paid out more than $2.4 million in investor “returns” directly out of investor funds, misappropriated nearly $2 million in cash, cars, retail purchases and transfers to and from his related companies, and caused $1.2 million to be paid in sales commissions to a network of sales agents".

Pedras was represented in court by counsel Laki Niu.

Chinese military hospital vessel Ark Peace arrives in Tonga.

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Over 2,000 locals are expected to receive free medical service by the medical team on board the Chinese military hospital vessel Ark Peace.

Medical services started after lunch today on board the vessel, berthed at Vuna Wharf here in the capital.

Medical teams were also dispatched to the Vaiola Hospital.

The vessel will be in the Kingdom for one week and patients on ‘Eua Island will also receive the free assistance next week when a team will fly to the island on board the vessel’s medical helicopter.

Acting Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu said Tonga was grateful to the Chinese Embassy here and the Chinese government for bringing the vessel and the medical service to Tonga.

“This is a great assistance and our people will benefit from this straight away,” Hon Vaipulu said.

“It is indeed a great assistance and one that we appreciate very much.”

Chinese Ambassador Mr Huang Huaguang said the visit was part of the China-Tonga relationship.

“We are happy to have the team here and we hope that a lot of Tongans will benefit,” he said.

Health Director Dr Siale Akauola and his team from Vaiola Hospital, along with World Health Organisation representative in Tonga, Dr Li Dan, met with the vessel’s medical team this morning.

The Peace Ark is a floating hospital that has served in a number of countries and continents around the world.

She arrived in Nuku’alofa at around 10am this morning.

On its current trip the vessel will also visit Vanuatu and Fiji.

Their Majesties King Tupo VI and Queen Nanasipau’u will visit the vessel on Tuesday.

The vessel is expected to depart Nuku’alofa next Wednesday morning.

Bledisloe Cup: Malakai Fekitoa will face Wallabies

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

James Mortimer    

The All Blacks will field an intimidating midfield with Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa moving into the staring team replacing veteran Conrad Smith, who has returned home with his wife expecting.

Mrs Smith wasn’t due for a couple of weeks to give birth to the couple’s first child but an early morning phone call led to coach Steve Hansen and the 77-Test centre frantically organising travel.

The news was confirmed on the All Blacks official twitter account direct from team camp late this morning.

While the All Blacks didn’t rule out a potential return for Smith, they did note it was unlikely.

"Lee's been due to have a baby in a couple of week's time but it looks like she's going to come a little bit early," Hansen said to stuff.co.nz

"Hopefully everything goes well, and if it goes really well he could possibly be back. We're not holding our breath on that."

Fekitoa, who will play in his third Test, will be alongside the most experienced New Zealand Test midfielder of all time, with the 91-Test Ma’a Nonu the most experienced member of the squad’s backs outside Dan Carter.

It will potentially rob the World Champions of some defensive nous and the longest standing centre partnership in All Blacks history, but will certainly add some punch with the inclusion of Fekitoa resulting in a 208kg battlecruiser midfield.

Crusaders back Ryan Crotty moves onto the reserves.

The All Blacks match day squad is otherwise unchanged.

The revised team is: 

Starting XV

 

 

1. Wyatt Crockett (27)
2. Dane Coles (18)
3. Owen Franks (57)
4. Brodie Retallick (27)
5. Samuel Whitelock (54)
6. Jerome Kaino (51)
7. Richie McCaw (c) (127)
8. Kieran Read (62)
9. Aaron Smith (29)
10. Aaron Cruden (32)
11. Julian Savea (22)
12. Ma'a Nonu (91)
13. Malakai Fekitoa (2)
14. Cory Jane (48)
15. Ben Smith (29)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (113)
17. Ben Franks (31)
18. Joe Moody (0)
19. Steven Luatua (11)
20. Sam Cane (14)
21. TJ Perenara (3)
22. Beauden Barrett (19)
23. Ryan Crotty (6)

 

 

SOURCE: All Blacks website

VIDEO: Tongan officer accused of assaulting teenager left country

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The officer who was in the middle of a Police  investigation after he was captured in a video brutally punching and kicking a male teenager has left Tonga on an “approved” holiday leave, Police statement says. 

No further action at this stage until the officer returns to Tonga, according to the statemnt.

The video emerged after two Tongan police officers were last month sent to jail for the manslaughter of New Zealand police Constable Kali Fungavaka who was beaten to death in a cell at the Nuku’alofa Central police station.

Read more:

Video: Tonga investigation into Police brutality

The videoed incident occurred after the teenager allegedly king-hit a Tonga college student who was with friends watching rugby football match.  

The police officer ran to the help of the student but then he started punching and kicking the teenager finishing him off with a kick to the  head.

Tonga’s Acting Police Commissioner, Pelenatita Fe’ao said:  the “results of this investigation also revealed that no official complaint was lodged and criminal charges will be withheld until the suspect who’s a Police Constable in his 30’s return to Tonga”.

“The video was brought into the attention of the Police Commissioner on Wednesday 6 which prompted an immediate Investigation, and while trying to confirm the identity of the suspect it was revealed that he has already departed on approved leave overseas".

Tonga will not renew coach Otai’s contract

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

'Ikale Tahi's coach, Manakaetau 'Otai will not take Tonga's national team to next year's Rugby Union World Cup because Tonga Rugby Union (TRU)  board has refused to extend his contract when it expires next month, it was confirmed to Kaniva News this evening.

'Otai said he just received telephone call from TRU Chairperson, ‘Epeli Taione, informing him the board will not extend his contract.

‘Otai was appointed two years ago as Tonga's headcoach and was contracted till September 3, 2014. In his contract, Otai was entitled to a further two-year extension with TRU to make the decision based on his performance.

He said he is seeking opportunity from the board to discuss its decision.

The 45 year-old said he respects TRU’s decision but it was his wish that he will coach the national team in the  Rugby Union World Cup 2015.

Missing Nomuka fishermen found alive in Fiji

By
Kalino Latu
-

Updated 11/08/2014: Tongan Police have confirmed through Fiji's Rescue Coordination Centre in Suva the three fishermen from Nomuka that went missing while on a fishing trip on July 30 have been found well and alive.

The fishermen are 'Elone Taulafo, his son Sione Filipe Taulafo and his son-in-law Sofele Folau.

The trio set out to sea on a 20-foot  fishing boat but failed to return to Nomuka sparking a massive air and sea search operation, which was called off after five days.

The fishermen were found by divers at Oneata island in the Lau group. They will be taken to Suva sometime this week.

The  New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion search plane sent out to look for signs of the fishermen has made no sightings of their boat or debris

During the searches locals assisted a navy vessel of the Tongan HMAF with members of the police tactical response team as well as assistance from the Rescue Coordination Centre in Suva.

The  search operation has been called off on Thursday 4.

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