Monday, August 4, 2025
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 898

Pacific Partnership 2013 says mission for Tonga succeeded

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Royal New Zealand Air Force Group Capt. Darryn Webb, Pacific Partnership 2013 deputy mission commander, announced that the missions for Tonga were exceptionally successful.

"It went tremendously well. I think there was an enormous level of enthusiasm and desire from everybody involved to make sure we got the job done," said Webb. "I've visited many primary schools and the children don't have much," said Webb. "But that shows you that you don't need much in life and they have a strong sense of community, spirit and family."

While there, the mission treated 5,455 patients, evaluated 3,000 animals, conducted 25 donation events and completed eight engineering construction projects, including renovating schools, restrooms and water catchment systems all in the name of improving the collective ability to provide disaster relief assistance.

Additionally, medical, nursing and dental subject matter experts held conferences to exchange information with Tongan healthcare providers about various aspects of patient care.

"We reached out to a variety of Tongan organizations to share our expertise." Jennifer Villalta, team leader for the University of California, San Diego Pre-Dentistry Society. "We had almost 20 dentists, dental therapists and technicians lecturing about things from basic extractions to forensic dentistry."

One of unique aspects of the Tongan mission was the installation of two water catchment systems designed to mitigate any interruptions in the country's supply of fresh water.

"Purpose of the water systems is to ensure the ability of Tongans to retain water in case the city water goes out, gets interrupted by a natural disaster or is contaminated," said Kaela Mattson, an engineer with the University of California, San Diego. "If you have separate catchment systems that are able to contain a certain amount of water, it increases the likelihood that the community will be able to recover after a natural disaster."

Now in its eighth year, Pacific Partnership originated from the international response to the 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of Southeast Asia.

Working at the invitation of each host nation, Pacific Partnership is joined by partner nations that include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand to strengthen disaster response preparedness around the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Fiji takes home Pacific Nations Cup

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Fiji enjoyed one of the most significant moments in its sporting history after it defeated Tonga  34-21 to win  the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 2006.

Tonga took an early 11-0 lead at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo last Sunday June 24  with a try by Fraser Anderson and two penalties by Thomas Palu.

Sireli Bobo and Nalaga tries for Fiji levelled the scores at 14-14 at halftime.

After the break Nadolo and Nalaga crossed raising Fiji’s hope for a win higher and a late penalty by Seremaia Baikeinuku in the 34th minute hit the last nail in ‘Ikale Tahi’s coffin.

A penalty by Palu and a late try by Tonga captain Nili Latu were the only scoring Tonga had after the break.

Tongan boss to head Fiji TV channel

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Fiji’s Mai Television has appointed Marc Santos, Tonga’s current head of Digicel-owned DIGITV, as general manager of the free-to-air and privately- owned broadcasting service.

The company says "Santos has considerable experience in content acquisition, planning and senior management with Digicel Tonga with some of his larger acquisitions being SANZAR Rugby rights for Tonga."

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this challenge. I understand the pressures Mai TV is under and I’m confident I can assist the group with its growth in Fiji and other parts of the region," Santos said.

Santos is reportedly Tongan and he would take over the position shortly this month from the founder of Mai Television, Mr Broadbridge. Mr Broadbridge  under the trading name of Click Pacific Limited, will lead the establishment of a new business in Papua New Guinea focussing on television production and its digital signage arm Click.

Three New Zealand contestants to join Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tonga Aotearoa Promoters Association (TAPA) sent two contenders from New Zealand to participate in the Miss Heilala Beauty Pageant 2013, it has been confirmed.

Miss Neomai Tangikina Tuitupou 22 of Kolomot'ua , 3rd contestant will represent Miss Nuku'alofa club and  F.I.B.B.A  New zealand  along with Miss Lilio Lavenda Soodwill Sikei 9  from Kolonga, Kolovai as Miss Tau'olunga Junior. Tu’itupou is currently a student of Auckland University  studying Business and Tourism

Miss Lita Mary Bloomfield  21 from Lakepa, Nukunuku , 2nd contestant will represent Miss Digicel Tonga High School 65/66 Anniversary  New Zealand  along with Miss  Ilaisaane Fineanganofo Tuipulotu 9 of Kolomotu'a, Tofoa as Miss Tau’olunga Junior.  Bloomfield is a student at Auckland University

Fuifuilupe Manuha’apai  from TAPA told Kaniva News they send the girls together with Tongan body builders representatives FIBBA as a joint effort of the Association with some of the Tonga High School Alumni  in preparation for the Tonga High School’s 65/66th Double Anniversary Celebration that begins on July 3.

The 65/66 anniversary coincide with the Heilala Week festival and they planned the initiative to help boost the morale and entertainment in both festivities, Fuifuilupe said.

The New Zealand Immigration Appraxus  also  registered the 1st contestant Miss Rosemarie Fili 22 of Leimatu'a Vava'u, Hala'ovave Tongatapu now residing in Hamilton and a post graduate student at the University of Waikato as Miss Immigration Apraxus .

The 4th contestant is Miss Horizon Sun represented by Miss Susitina Malia Fakahafua 22 from Tatakamotonga, Fua'amotu, Ha'apai and Vava'u. Tina is a graduate of the University of Friends with a Bachelor of Science in Phycology and Counselling. Tina is currently in Tonga as part of  her final internship with local NGO serving children and families.  

The 5th contestant  is Miss Victoria Australia represented by Miss Angelique Amour Iviiti  from Fu'amotu  and Mangaia Rarotonga.

Kaniva News understands Tonga Miss Heilala committee is expecting up to more than 10 contestants to compete for the Miss Heilala 2013 title.

Tonga’s biggest annual festival which features parade, procession, beauty pageant and music competition began today June 24.

12 year old raped by father, uncle and godfather

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The rape of 12year old girl by his father, his uncle and godfather at San Pedro Prison in La Baz sparked outrage in the country of Bolivia.

The girl is two months' pregnant and she has told authorities she was repeatedly raped by the trio since she was eight years old,  local media reported.

Digital Reason says the victim is currently under psychological treatment.

“This case was discovered thanks to a multidisciplinary work carried out in prisons as part of reforms in the system,” a Bolivian newspaper reported.

Bolivian television ATB said, “at least 250 children live in the prison of San Pedro with their parents”.

The prison is well-known for  its prison officers getting involved in corruption including alcohol and drugs activities.

The minors share living space with violent criminals — murderers, rapists, gang members and drug dealers, it was reported.

Damaging waves expected in the Pacific this weekend

By
Press Release
-

Information provided by regional and international weather forecast models indicate that a major storm system near New Zealand is pushing heavy swell waves up towards the tropical Pacific Islands today. This could cause coastal damage in Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Niue. Significant swell waves are also expected in Samoa, American Samoa, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna and Tuvalu. Waves of over 4 metres are possible around Fiji and Tonga.

The arrival of these swells will coincide with large Spring tides and a full moon this weekend. Those who are in vulnerable areas at risk of coastal inundation during heavy swell events should contact their local meteorological service for more information.

'Ikale Tahi: The light at the end of the tunnel

By
Kaniva Staff
-

by Emeline Tuita, Chief Executive Officer, Tonga Rugby Union

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: I am going to personally apologize to the global Tongan rugby community that on my watch as the CEO of the TRU, this governance crisis at the Board level has occurred. For the most part it has been about my appointment as the CEO since the 16th of January, 2013. What started off as my acceptance of a terms of reference for a CEO appropriate for this season of evolution of the Tonga Rugby Brand, has ended in a rather ugly stalemate which commenced with an apparent dissatisfaction with the President for supporting a CEO who had not played rugby or played on the national team, of good education, had managed a business and belonged to a rugby club. Unfortunate requirements for a woman in a country where the rugby development program for women is just evolving.

The Governance Crisis, created by five Tongatapu Sub-Union members, the 'Eua Sub-Unon representative to the Board, led by the Vice-President, has as the weekend draws to a close, appears to have been a senseless exercise in unadulterated abuse of power and authority and conflicts of interest. This has translated during the past ten weeks, to on-going attempts to oust the President, and there have been four or five termination letters to the CEO supported by attempts to humiliate publicly in the local media. There has been no regard to the risks to the sport of rugby in terms of integrity, credibility or financing, nor the potential liabilities to the Tonga Rugby Union for unlawful conduct, but outrageously, no regard whatsoever for the players who voluntarily participate to bring the Kingdom of Tonga to the global stage. During this period, the 'Ikale Tahi Sevens Team has gone to London and are now on their way to the 2013 Sevens Rugby World Cup. The Under 20s participated in the JWRT in Chile. And the 'Ikaletahi journey we have all followed and we are all disappointed in the current outcome at the governance level and acknowledge the high performance level of our team.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Definitely and it is not about putting more money in or contributing points of view or venting, it is about a simple action of standing up and saying to the Tonga Rugby Union, this is not good enough, we must put a stop to this now. A simple requirement to the Tonga Rugby Union is to: PUT THE PLAYERS FIRST and CONSISTENTLY PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE NATION IN THE SPORT OF RUGBY ACROSS ALL LEVELS.

For the more cynical of us, let me assure you that this is not about maintaining my role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Tonga Rugby Union. I have legal avenues that can resolve any issues that have arisen from the last 6 months and I am pursuing that separately and off-line.

This is about standing up on matters of principle, to right grievous wrongs of the past with the governance of one of the nations most valuable asset – our present and future rugby players. The strategy is carefully crafted so that it does not impact ongoing operations of the Tonga Rugby Union, and maintain dialogue with our key stakeholders including the Government and potential sponsors. I should like to take position as the lead plaintiff and need names and addresses, contact numbers of any supporters of Tonga Rugby and the 'Ikale Tahi to be named in a class action suit that will compel the Tonga Rugby Union governance powers, whether it be the Union in Meeting or the Board of Directors to follow the Constitution of the Tonga Rugby Union to the letter and uphold the rule of law in the Kingdom. We cannot hope to succeed in the national sport of Tonga as long as we allow the will of a few to arbitrarily impact the chances and opportunities that God has given to Tonga in the form of rugby talent for a title or for a season. The socio-economic value of our players far exceeds this and as long as we take national pride in the sport of rugby and the performance of our boys, then let's put in one supporter at a time.

An email has been opened for you to take a few minutes and register your interest in the longevity of Tongan Rugby but more importantly ensure that our national players are provided every ounce of support possible. As part of the Global Tongan Rugby Community, If you want to support that "The Tonga Rugby Union to follow the Constitution and uphold the Rule of Law and for the Courts to assist" then please email your support to:

put.players.first@gmail.com

Please provide Name, address, mobile or contact telephone and a short line in Tongan or English stating that you wish to support a submission of the Chief Executive Officer to the Courts for The Tonga Rugby Union to follow the Constitution and uphold the Rule of Law and for the Courts to assist.

Please cut and paste this on your pages so that come the game tomorrow, we have as many supporters as we can for the submission on Monday. Please do not submit your details if you do not want to have your name on public record.

Does this help the 'Ikale Tahi get funding quicker? Absolutely. And it sets the stage for a properly governed TRU which is subjected to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability and operates to international standards. The national pride should rest not only in the players but also the manner in which we govern rugby because both are on the global stage.

Emeline Tuita, Chief Executive Officer, Tonga Rugby Union

Tongan Rugby Union has no money to pay its players an allowance, it was claimed this week.

By
Kalino Latu
-

With Tongan team ‘Ikale Tahi playing its final game in the PNC tomorrow June 23, coach Mana ‘Otai and team members have appealed to the public for help.

‘Emeline Tuita, who is CEO of one of two rival bodies that claim to represent Tongan Rugby Union, said players who were invited to represent ‘Ikale Tahi were told  in writing there was no guarantee they would be given allowances.

Tuita said players would still be paid by their clubs and the allowance was to show appreciation for their willingness to play for ‘Ikale Tahi.

Coach ‘Otai said earlier this week there was no sign the players would be financially rewarded.

He said the TRU normally pays a weekly allowance of TOP$1000 for Ikale Tahi team members.

‘Ikale Tahi captain Nili Latu told Kaniva News it was not morally fair for the TRU to not pay the team’s allowance. Tongan-based players and some in New Zealand who did not play for clubs would suffer financially.

Latu said his captainship is heavily affected by upheavals within Tongan rugby.

He said the team did its best for Tonga, but the infighting at the TRU was a headache.

The TRU split in April after five years of turmoil during which five chief executive officers and four presidents were sacked.

Tuita and president ‘Epeli Taione were dismissed by the current board in April.

Since then there have been two separate TRU committees, each of which claims rights to  ‘Ikale Tahi.

The sponsors including the government wanted TRU to sort out its dispute first before they step in and give assistance, Tuita said. 

It is my job, but I have to stay here in the office and to make sure things are in place from our end as it is really difficult to handle things here, Tuita said.

TRU had no part in the fundraising appeal by the coach and team members. They do what they did in USA. They had fundraisings with the help of Tongans there and the money raised went straight to the team, Tuita said.

Coach ‘Otai said all donations and donors names and the amount donated would be publicly announced.

Otai and two so far un-named team members will act as trustee and signatories for the moneys raised.

Public reaction to the situation has been one of outrage.

Tongan Paula Latu posted on the Kaniva site asking: Why is Tongan rugby in a mess and chaotic. Do we have the capacity to organise rugby in this country.

Tupou High School celebrates golden jubilee

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Free Weslyan Churchʻs Tupou High School, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Jubilee this week with activities Thursday to Sunday 23 at Fasi and Vaolōloa campuses.

Known as Siasi UÄ“siliana Tau’atāina, the largest denomination in Tonga, founded the high school in 1963 with fifteen students as a continuation of the Free Wesleyan Church’s commitment to educating the populace and to provide a place for further training and preparation of those willing to serve the church.

The High School now serves more than a 1000 students.

The programme featured a launching of John Thomas’s (1826 missionary to Tonga ) book, “The History of Tonga” on June 21.  The book was compiled by former principal, Rev. Dr. Geoff Cummins and edited by Dr. Nigel Statham.

It followed by a luncheon and entertainment, hosted by staff and students of Tupou Tertiary Institute, at Maamaloa Grounds. 

The founding  principals, Dr. John Norman and Dr. Geoff Cummins talked on their experiences during their days at Tupou High School.

The celebration continues today with the memorial service led by the President of the FWCT, with His Majesty, King Tupou VI, as the Royal Guest of Honour. 

During the service, there will be an unveiling of the plaque at the vestry where the first classes in 1963 were held. 

The celebration will close on the evening of the June 23 with a “Polotu” or farewell service. 

The first 15 pioneers were Kolianita Manu, Pisila Taufe’ulungaki, Lute Sisifa, and Lavili Finau from QSC. Takai Luatangi from Tonga College, Tevita K. Heimuli and Sione T. Naufahu from St. Andrew’s School, Tevita H. Maliu, Kalapoli Paongo, Tevita Talakai, Pita T. Kupu, Tevita T. Afeaki, Paula Tamo’ua, Mosese ‘Aholelei, and Viliami Ha’unga from Tupou College.

Dux of School: 1963 – 2012

1963 :  Kalapoli Havea Paongo

1964 :  Havea Molisi Tamanika

1965 :  Havea Molisi Tamanika

1966 :  Mesui Saafi

1967 :  Liufau Vailea

1968 :  Fusi Uatekini

1969 :  Lopiseni Faleafa

1970 :  Viela Kinahoi

1971 :  Manu Puloka

1972 :  Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa

1973 :  Penisimani Loseli

1974 :  ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola

1975 :  ‘Elikena Halaliku

1976 :  ‘Asinate Samate

1977 :  ‘Aisake Takau

1978 :  Keith Moala

1979 :  ‘Ilaisaane Laulaehau Mavae

1980 :  Lokanesi Helu

1981 :  ‘Aisake Valu Eke

1982 :  ‘Alisi Talia’uli

1983 :  Palu Tu’ipulotu

1984 :  Lopiseni Leha

1985 :  Taniela Vakasiuola

1986 :  Kolopeaua Tonga

1987 :  Fisi’italia Lasike

1988 : Netane Vaka

1989 : Laiseni Kata

1990 : Lei Paasi

1991 : Po’ese Vatikani

1992 :  Luvoluva Napa’a

1993 :  Lisiate ‘Uhila

1994 :  Salome ‘Akau’ola

1995 :  Nomani Soakai

1996 :  Erling Veetutu

1997 : Sione Fineanganofo

1998 : Viliami Tuipulotu

1999 : Siosaia Fifita

2000 :Tupou Pulupuna

2001 : Motekiai Masima

2002 : Sione Tongia Halaapiapi

2003 :  Vatau Taunga

2004 : Christine Marie Tracy Tuipulotu

2005 : Sovaleni Masima

2006 :

2007 : Semisi Aholelei

2008 :

2009 : Cynthia Otumuli 

2010 : Maylin Chan

2011 : Setaleki Siu

2012 : Suliana Kanongataa

Head Prefect of School 1963 – 2013

1963 :  Tevita Heimuli Maliu      &    Kolianita. Manu

1964 :  Tevita Heimuli Maliu      &    Pisila Taufe’ulungaki

1965 :  Tevita Heimuli Maliu      &    Pisila Taufe’ulungaki/’Amelia Sivi Faletau

1966 :  Liufau .V. Saulala         &    Meliame O. Simiki

1967 :  Liufau V. Saulala          &    Meliame O. Simiki

1968 :  Semisi. E. Latu             &   Sela Na’a Latu

1969 :  ‘Ofa Kavapalu              &   Lesieli Ikatonga Kupu

1970 :  Mosese Vaha’i              &   Mele’ana Puloka

1971 :  Sione Lutui                  &   Simoa ‘Alipate

1972 :  Sione Lutui                  &   Ane Fifita

1973 :  Viliami Puloka              &   Salote Maile

1974 :  Manase Latu                &   Ma’ata Havea

1975 :  Lata’imuli ‘Atiola           &   Tangikina Moimoi

1976 :  Penisimani Mone           &  ‘Asinate Samate

1977 :  Foukimoana Mafi           &   Mele Taulanga

1978 :  Viliami K. Tu’ipulotu        &   Siosi’ana Mafi

1979 :  Viliami K. Tu’ipulotu        &   Siosi’ana Mafi

1980 :  Tupou Tu’ilautala           &   Siosi’ana Mausia

1981 :  Latulala Toetu’u             &   Monika Vailolo

1982 :  Latulala Toetu’u             & Lotokalafi Finau

1983 :  Lamataimi ‘Alofi             &  Lilio Fakava

1984 :  Sione Mafi                     &   ‘Akanesi Masila

1985 :  Kamaloni Tuiono???     &  ‘Ana Maloni.

1986 :   Simione Finau             & Lute Latukefu.

1987 :  ‘Atunaisa Mafile’o         & Luseane Tolu.

1988 : Paula Vaea                    &  Nunia Faletau

1989 :  Sione Mafile’o               &   Melefusi Ma’afu

1990 :  S. Folau Tolu                &   Ma’ata ‘Ulu’ave

1991 : Sione T. Fakakovikaetau &  Taufa Tu’ipulotu

1992 :  Teuli Ma’u                       &   Luvoluva Napa’a

1993 :  Ti. Liku Hingano             &   Peki Tu’i’onetoa

1994 :  Sione ‘Akau’ola              &   Tiliame Halauafu

1995 :  Vatuvango Mavae          &   Mafi Tu’amoheloa

1996 :   Taniela Sila                   &   Mafi Tu’amoheloa

1997 :   Sione Tu’ungafasi         &   Senolina Tu’ungafasi

1998 :   Sione Uasi                    &  Lolohea Taueli

1999 :   Fononga Lea’aliki         &  Sela Soane

2000 :   Fononga Lea’aliki         &  Lepolo Fosita

2001 :   Paula Vea                    &   Sela Soakai

2002 :   ‘Unaloto Falevai           &   Nancy Vave

2003 :  Tekiela ‘Aukafolau         &  Sela ‘Uluheua

2004 :  Feleti Tu’iniua                &   ‘Avalu Tupou Mavaetangi

2005 :  Sovaleni Masima           &   Lupe Tiueti

2006 :  Christopher Tukutau     &  ‘Ana Kalaleti

2007 :  Malakai Faletau            & ‘Ana Luani Vai

2008 :  Sioeli Tautua’a              &  Susitina Maile

2009 :  Kulisitofa H. Lomu         &  Loata Finau

2010 :  Kulisitofa H. Lomu         &  Faiva ‘Eteaki

2011 :  Mateaki Lakai                &  ‘Olivia ‘Eteaki

2012 :  Sioeli Filihia                   &  ‘Olivia ‘Eteaki

2013 :  Tevita Liu                       &  Sesika Finau

Retrieved from:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/TupouHS.Golden.Jubilee/files/

‘Ikale Tahi coach appeals to communities for help in paying players allowances

By
Kaniva Staff
-

It has been revealed that the ‘Ikale Tahi team players have not been given any allowance since the beginning of their PNC tournament 2013.

Tonga coach Mana ‘Otai made an emotional appeal this morning June 20 on Facebook saying, “I am writing to ask for your help in trying to compensate the players for their love, commitment and sacrifices both on and off the field to serve our God and Tonga on this platform”.

‘Otai says the players  “have not been paid anything except for donations received from USA Tongans”.

There were 32 players called for the ‘Ikale Tahi team during the PNC tournament and the increased number has been due to injuries and suspensions made against the team, he says.

“They normally have a player allowance of $1,000 pa'anga a week and this is nothing compared to what our Pacific neighbours give their players,” ‘Otai says.

“We are doing a '' A $1.00 per person" donation to help the players with their allowance and we ask for your generosity.

"The players have an account with ANZ Tonga named : 'Ikale Tahi Players' Association: The account number is: 1793372 and please use your name as reference. Western Union and Melie mei Langi do transfers from throughout the world.

The Trustees/Signatories are myself and two players for check and balances. Your donations is for the players only and a full report will be released on how much, received and distributed to players”.

1...897898899...903Page 898 of 903
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment