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Surveyors' new book about Tonga brings back memories

By
Kalino Latu
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by Dr Malakai Koloamatangi

“So much had changed” was how authors and former surveyors Bruce Alexander and Larry Wordsworth described Tonga after some 50 years absence from the Island Kingdom. Bruce and Larry were surveyors in Tonga in 1957. Having been jointly hired by the Tongan and New Zealand governments, they were responsible for dividing the bush allotments into their current and constitutionally guaranteed 8.25 acre plot. Every Tongan male 16 years and over, upon reaching tax-paying age, is entitled to receive a town and bush allotment. Bruce and Larry’s experiences of their time in Tonga were turned into a book titled 100 Fathoms Square.

The book was launched by HRH Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu of Tonga on 12 September at Massey University’s Albany campus. Despite the rain (though some saw it as a blessing) around 40 people from the community, Tongan and non-Tongan, and Massey University staff turned out for the launch. Reverend Tevita Finau of the Northcote Tongan Methodist church officiated with an opening prayer then Bruce gave an informative and at times emotional account of his and Larry’s sojourn in Tonga. Of particular interest were the relationships they were able to forge with local co-workers and their perspectives on Tongan life – even those aspects they did not understand.

Princess Siu’ilikutapu formally launched the book then she gave a personal account of her role in bringing the book to fruition. She also reminded everyone that her father HRH Prince Tu’ipelehake was Prime Minister of Tonga at the time. She showed particular interest in one of photo which showed Prince Tu’ipelehake and the surveyors in one of the villages on Tongatapu. Mention was made that in addition to the historical and social significance of the book, there are many coloured photographs depicting town and village life as they were in the mid-1950s. Some people were able to recognise family and friends in the photographs, which made the book all the more valuable. So much so that Bruce was able to sell many signed copies of the book on the night.

For the record: the Tongan expression teau ‘e taha referring to a bush allotment of 8.25 acres comes from its equivalent ‘100 fathoms’ hence the title of the book. Of interest too is the fact, which is shown pictorially in the book, that a specific monetary creation the silini ‘e fa or four shillings was made because a box of bananas for export used to cost this amount exactly.

Copies of the book can be bought from Margot Moller macmoller@xtra.co.nz

Fiji eye surgeons refuse to travel on MA-60 aircraft

By
Kalino Latu
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A team of eye surgeons from Fiji said they will not use the Real Tongan MA-60 airplane when they will be in the kingdom next month.

The surgeons from the Pacific Eye Institute (PEI) are expected to travel from Nuku’alofa to Vava’u on October 14 to perform eye surgeries and treatments.

The Real Tonga new turboprop MA60, built by Chinese-government-owned Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corp became a subject of serious concerns after revelations it has experienced significant number of accidents in the past.

It  is not certified to travel in New Zealand, Australia, US and European countries.

The Tongan authotirites insisted the aircraft is safe. The Real Tonga  airline said there was no ground in which they need to ground the aircraft.

PEI is an initiative of the New Zealand’s Fred Hollows Foundation.

Director of the PEI, Dr John Szetu told Kaniva News their policy does not allow the team to “travel in an aircraft that is not recommended by the New Zealand government”.

The policy requires travellers to be insured but that is something an insurance company could not offer if travellers travel on unsafe aircraft, Dr Szetu said.

The institute is negotiating with Dr Paula Vivili from Tonga to sort things out but Dr. Szetu confirmed  the team, which will also perform eye surgeries on the mainland Tongatapu will travel by ferry to Vava’u.

About 200 Tongan eye patients are expected to be seen by the 12 surgeons in two weeks before they return to Fiji on October 26.

The PEI refusal was the second within one month after the Mormon Church in Tonga told its officials and employees the church would no longer pay airfares for them to travel on the Real Tonga MA-60 for safety reasons.

In 2011, a MA-60 crashed in Indonesia killing all 27 on board.

First Tongan Women to become police officers hold reunion in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
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A group of Tongan women enjoyed welcoming feasts and entertaining activities in Kelston, Auckland on September 8 – 11 to formally mark the 43 anniversary of the first ever women to join the Tonga police force in September 8, 1970.

Eight female pioneers who first recruited to the force were Fapiola Matāpule, Loukinikini ‘Ahio,  Heleine Tu’ihalamaka, Paea Kalavi, Ane Kinahoi, Saane Inukiha’ananga, Simaima Halapua Finau and Mele Ma’afu Halapua.

All eight still alive and well but only some of them were able to attend the reunion.

Fapiola Matāpule remembered the time when they first joined Recruitment Four at the Tonga Police academy.

“It was challenging but rewarding you know we were equally trained with the boys in everything like physical activities that were needed for us to fulfill. And I remember there was always rival between us women and the men especially when it came to exam times because you know  the men always think they can do better than us in police,” Matāpule told Kaniva News.

The three days reunion which began with a prayer service at the Domion Methodist Church was the first ever formal occasion for the former police women to meet and reminisced about their past.

Matāpule said she resigned from the force after 16 years of employment and relocated with her family to New Zealand in 1986.

She said  others worked until they were pensioned off including Mele Maʻafu Halapua and Simaima Halapua Finau who had the chance of holding the post of police inspector.

The group decided to meet in Tonga next year  to celebrate the 44 anniversary.

Matāpule said the reunion is expected to be returned to Auckland in 2015 when they will celebrate their  45  anniversary.

Other ex-women officers who joined the reunion from Tonga were  Heleine Tu’ihalamaka, ‘Ileiana Taulua, Teti Leha’uli Kava, Mafi Taulahi, Toa Fifita, Milise Fakakovi, Veuki Lavemai Teisina and Hakalo

The police-women who are currently in the force were represented in the reunion by Folola Halahingano Vaikona and Sokopeti Faletau.

The Group Officials – President: Simaima Halapua Finau, Treasurer: Fapiola Matāpule, Secretary: Saunaleva Halaifonua Hēhēpoto and the campaigner  (angi) is Tupou Lyden.

Cigarette lighter thief to reappear in court

By
Kalino Latu
-

TAURANGA, NZ: A Tongan man accused of smashing a supermarket window because he wanted to steal a cigarette lighter is expected to reappear in the Tauranga Registrar’s Court tomorrow, September 23.

Samuela Haitonga Kavenga, 57, was arrested for allegedly stealing a Bic lighter from Countdown Fraser Cove on the night of Friday, August 2.

Kavenga appeared in court last month but his lawyer Genevieve Denize asked for an adjournment so that an interpreter could be scheduled for Kavenga.

At the time of the arrest, Tauranga Police acting Senior Sergeant Craig Madden said the man needed a light to have a cigarette, so took a trolley and smashed it through the supermarket window.

“He walked into the shop and grabbed a Bic lighter.”

The damage, which cost the super market several thousands, has been fixed overnight and Countdown was open for business on Saturday morning.

Tongan soldiers in question after Taliban attack

By
Kalino Latu
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UPDATED 10:00pm,  22 Sept: The Tongan contingents deployed to Camp Bastion, one of the largest NATO bases in Afghanistan, are in hot water following a deadly attack by the Taliban that saw two US marines died and a destruction of  eight Harrier jump jets worth US$200 million.

“Several watchtowers at Bastion were manned at the time, but the Tongan soldiers in those posts could not observe the area around the empty tower”, officials told Washington Post

“There was dead space,” one official said.

The Washington Post’s national editor Rajiv Chandrasekaran “confirmed that watchtowers were indeed left to Tongans”. He added that Tongan soldiers are “notorious at the base for sleeping on the job”.

Fifteen Taliban attackers managed to break through Camp Bastion’s perimeter in September 14, 2012 and quickly made their way to the US Marine Harrier flight line.

They disguised themselves as US soldiers and in quick succession, they fired rocket-propelled grenades at eight Harrier jump jets under canvas hangers, destroying six and damaging two.

After a six-hour firefight, the incursion was put down,  ABC7 I-Team investigation  report says.

Chandrasekaran says “Security patrols of the perimeter, which were conducted by the Marines … had been scaled back substantially in the months leading up to the attack”.

“Simply blaming the Tongans, however, is not accountability. U.S. staff decisions made it easier for the Taliban to reconnoitre the compound and then enter without resistance,” according to Chadrasekaran’s sources with direct knowledge of the incident.

ABC7 I-Team asked the military “Why were Tongan soldiers being used for perimeter security?”

The military responded,   “it would be premature to comment on any findings, recommendations, or possible actions related” to the  investigation of the attack.

Tonga Defense Service Brigadier ‘Uta’atu told Taimi Online the Tongan soldiers  “not only participate in force protection and security around the Camp, but part of them provide quick reaction force if something happens inside the camp.”

He described what the Tongan troops are doing at the camp as “highly sensitive and very dangerous.”

A Taliban statement said the attack was made in retaliation for an American–made film insulting the Prophet Mohammed.

Bastion camp was where Prince Harry served and Taliban said that was one of the reasons for their attack.

Tongan government has committed 275 of its soldiers over two years with an initial 55 soldiers in 2010 to Afghanistan.

A further three rotations of 55 marines sent to  form part of the guard at the main British base, Camp Bastion, in Helmand Province where the attack by Taliban took place.

NOTE: An earlier version of this article said the Taliban entered the Bastion Camp on September 24, 2012. That was not correct. It was on September 14, 2012.

Featured image:  Sgt Corrine Buxton/ UK MOD

China gives Tonga million dollar grants despite legal action

By
Kalino Latu
-

A court case to be reviewed by the Supreme Court in Tonga next week could not deter the Chinese government from giving the Pacific kingdom  million of grant money.

Tonga’s Opposition Party Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva has taken Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu,  Prime Minister Lord Tuʻivakano,  Minister of Justice Hon Clive Edward and Tongasat Company to the Supreme Court in an appeal regarding a US$49.9 million grant previously donated to Tonga by the Chinese government.

The Tongan government transferred the US$49.9 million grant to Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu and her Tongasat company in 2008 and 2010.

Pohiva claimed the transference was illegal. The Chinese Ambassador in Tonga was made aware of the issue.

However in September 12 a TOP$30 million grant agreement was signed  between the government of Tonga and the government of China.

Prime Minister’s Office says “The aid shall be used for the project (s) to be agreed upon between the two governments.

“This grant was the outcome of bilateral talks during the visit of the Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano to China in July.

“Furthermore, the agreement will continue to develop friendly relations and economic cooperation between the two countries.

“The disbursement of the fund from the grant aid will be concluded subsequently between the Ministry of Finance and National Planning of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga and the China development Bank.

This agreement was signed in Nuku’alofa  between the Tongan Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lord Tu’ivakano and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Wang Donghua”

Tongan Magistrate's decision over China’s million grant to be reviewed by Supreme Court

By
Kalino Latu
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A magistrate ruling that handed down in favour of Princess Pilolevu and her co-accused after a court of inquiry made its decision in May would be reviewed next week Friday 27 in the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

At the request of the appellant, MP ‘Akilisi Pohiva, the Supreme Judge will revisit a decision made by Magistrate Salesi Mafi acquitting Princess Pilolevu, Tongasat Company, Minister of Justice Hon Clive Edward and the PM Lord Tu’ivakano after they were charged with crimes of larceny and receiving stolen property.

Pohiva claimed the accused involved in an illegal transference to Tongasat of US$18 million which was part of a grant from the Chinese Government to Tonga.

The magistrate discovered that ‘Akilisi could not substantiate his claims, and therefore declared that there was no prima facie case against the defendants.

A Tongan government statement revealed the grant was US$49.9 million and the bulk of it was paid in two lots to Princess Pilolevu and her Tongasat Company.

The Former Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Sevele claimed  there were negotiations made for the part of the money to be given to Tongasat.

Chinese Ambassador to Tonga,  Xiao Fei Sun told ABC news the grant was for “the development of the local society and economy, for the benefit the people.”

Pohiva said he is confident the Supreme Court would consider his appeal. He said one of the evidences he resubmitted to the Supreme Court was the copy of the grant’s agreement between the two governments.

There is nothing in the agreement  to say the money was meant to be shared between the Tonga government and the Princess’s Tongasat, Pohiva said.

Hon Clive Edwards who was acting for Princess Pilolevu and his company in the magistrate court wrote to Pohiva and told him he should not appeal the magistrate’s decision, Pohiva said.

Kaniva News understands a Australian lawyer will represent the princess and his company in the Court of Appeal.

China builds St George Palace in Nuku'alofa

By
Kalino Latu
-

The construction of a Tonga Government Office Building complex named St George Palace that was predicted since 2010 had its signing ceremony on September 12 in the Prime Minister’s office in Nuku’alofa.

The construction is set to start in July 2014 and this new building Complex will be situated at Pangai Si’i.

The contract for the construction was signed by representatives from the China Northeast Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd and the authority from the Government of Tonga.

Statement from Prime Minister’s office in Nuku’alofa says, “This project was first initiated in 2010, a vision of His Late Majesty King George Tupou V. In April 2012, the two Governments have confirmed available funding to undertake this project and launched a mission to work on the designs for the new Government Office Building Complex.

“Last week, the team from the China Northeast Architectural Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd, made a second visit to Tonga to consult on the conceptual designs with relevant Ministries prior to the Design Agreement Contract being signed at the end of their mission”.

“The new Government Office Building Complex will accommodate the proposed tenants – the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade including the Immigration Division and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Following the signing of this contract, the Chines contractor will proceed with the preliminary design for the project”.

 

Aus$140,000 worth of fundraising cheques written out to Tokaikolo Church bounced

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan pastor at the centre of a Aus$21 million financial scandal that brought his church in Sydney  to its knees has been accused of passing bad cheques.

The Reverend Sione Pinomi of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga has been accused of issuing three cheques worth Aus$140,000 as donations to fundraising dinners for the Tokaikolo Church in Sydney.

The Rev Pinomi is alleged to have written a Aus$60,000 cheque after a group of dancers performed at a church fundraising dinner last month.

He is also alleged to have written a cheque for Aus$30,000 to bolster a donation made by another pastor on the same night

The cheques raised the amount of money raised on the night to Aus$170,000, news that was spread on Facebook

A source from the Tokaikolo Church told the Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper that the cheques had bounced.

The newspaper also reported claims that a cheque for Aus$50,000 written by Rev Pinomi at a similar function last year had also bounced

Kaniva Pacific was unable to get comments from the Tokaikolo Church or Rev Pinomi.

Rev Pinomi told Kakalu ‘o Tonga he was not authorised to release any information regarding the Tokaikolo or Pulela’a.

The leader of the Tokaikolo church in Sydney, Rev ‘Otuhiva Mapapalangi had this week  in a Tongan news website  warned  the public about Rev Pinomi’s action.

Rev Mapapalangi said he was really disappointed with Rev Pinomi.

The Tongan Free Wesleyan Church in Australia, or  Pulela’a, built a Aus$10 million church in Sydney, but the venture collapsed, leaving the church owing Westpac and a local loan company Aus$21 million.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Tongan community in Australia raised Aus$3 million to help build the church, but the money ran out before it was opened.

The church had a loan from Westpac, but when the money ran out it borrowed money from a private finance company that charged 72 percent annual interest.

Members of the church’s executive committee signed on as a personal guarantors for the loan.

Many church members have lost their homes and suffered financially because of the crisis.

At one stage Rev Pinomi said he hoped a trust fund registered in the Cayman Islands, would donate Aus$10 million.

On one occasion the members celebrated after Rev Pinomi told members their debts had been paid off by the Trust.

However, in January 2012, the church went into voluntary administration and later into receivership.

The financial crisis led to the loss of church property in Melbourne known as ‘Evangelio and one in Brisbane known as Tukulolo, which were sold by liquidators.

The Sydney church has now been sold to an Indian religious organisation, the Sant Nirankari Mission.

The loss of the church has forced members of the Tongan Wesleyan community to look for new church communities.

Talo Fifita: Mineva Reef hero dies

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan shipwreck survivor, Talo Fifita died after 51 years when a ship he was one of the crew members hit Minerva Reef on July 7, 1962.

Fifita was 25 years old at the time and his father Tevita Fifita was the captain of the ship,  known as the Tuaikaepau or Slow-But-Sure.

All ten passengers and seven crew members on board survived the shipwreck but only twelve returned to Tonga following their rescue 102 days later.

In an interview with the Kaniva Tonga Online in 2011 Fifita emotionally recalled how four of them died in the reef as a result of homesick and deep anxiety.

A pack of match they unexpectedly found in a Japanese ship dumped in the reef enabled them to start a fire that gave them warmth and distilling water before they were rescued on October 18, 1962.

They survived on a diet of octopuses, fishes, seabirds and shellfish.

The rescue attributed to the bravery of Talo’s father, Captain Fifita after he managed to sail with two others to Fiji  in search of help on a home-made raft they built in the reef.

Two others who went with Captain Fifita were his son Sateki Fifita and a crew member Tevita Uaisele.

Sateki died just before the raft reached Nacomoto Village on the shores of the Kadavu Island, in a trip the trio had no food and water for 8 days

Captain Fifita and Uaisele went ashore on a Sunday and were reported to the Fijian authorities the following day.

The government of Tonga marked the rescue with a celebration that saw thousands gathered in the Capital Nuku’alofa on October 22, 1962 to welcome the survivors.

Primary school children  lined up when the survivors arrived by aircraft from Fiji. The survivors went straight to the palace and met Queen Salote Tupou III before they were taken to hospital.

Fifita is survived by his wife Latu Lesieli Fifita and their 12 children. He died on August 27 and was buried on August 31 in the Kalevalio’s Cemetery in the village of Ma’ofanga, Tongatapu.

He was born on April 8, 1937.

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