Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 900

Canadian couple rescued with yacht after distress call

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Canadian couple have been rescued from their yacht near Vava’u  main island in Tonga last week.

The yacht hit and got stuck in a reef at Hunga Islands, one of the surrounding  islands of  Vava’u.

A distress call had been sent from the yacht at about 4:00am August 6.

Another yacht  Dorothea 3 responded and after two days of prolonged struggle they managed to free the yacht from the reef. It was then towed by the Hakau, a tug boat,  into Neiafu Harbour.

Fellow yachtsmen who were in the area came to the rescue of the couple including Canadian Paul  Bella Via and Alan Bowes as well as some locals.

The 42-feet aluminium Canadian yacht named Page is registered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Canadian owners are Tod, a Vancouver’s  paediatrician, and his wife Louise were in the yacht.

Chinese aircraft: Tongan authorities "playing politics with people's lives"

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Chinese controversial MA-60 aircraft given to Tonga as a gift took its maiden flight on Saturday 10 despite condemnation from Tongan and the Pacific communities.

The airline said they fulfilled process required by “Rules and Regulation of the International Civil Aviation Organization” and Saturday’s flights “went smoothly”.

The claims were not strong enough to convince New Zealand’s government to lift its hold of $10.5 million dollars in aid to  Tonga’s tourism that had been suspended  in response to the Tonga government’s  acceptance of the Chinese MA-60 aircraft.

The government celebrated the arrival of the new 60-seat Xian MA60 turbo-prop aircraft last month attended by King Tupou VI.

The welcoming ceremony drew reactions from the Pacific communities after it announced the plane was not certified to fly in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the US.

Last Saturday New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued an updated travel advisory after Tongan authorities allowed the aircraft to fly saying “Travellers utilising the MA-60 do so at their own risk”.

“The MA-60 is not certified by comparable jurisdictions such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EU), the Federal Aviation Administration (US) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (AUS),”  statement from New Zealand MFAT says.

The aircraft’s first flight on Saturday outraged Tongan  community with many accused the government for playing politics with people’s lives.

Many pointed up the 2009 incident after the former government purchased the doomed MV Princess Ashika that killed 74 innocent passengers at sea.

A Royal Commission found in 2010 the key causes of the 2009 tragedy “were both a failure to conduct due diligence and a failure of leaders to perform their duties properly.

It also said the, “purchasing of the MV Princess Ashika was totally unsuited for service in the open seas of Tonga.

Tongan authorities who were responsible for the purchase of the MV Ashika were all failed to conduct due diligence in the purchase of the vessel, ultimately resulting in the disaster, the report said.

They rushed “to find a replacement for Tonga’s other inter-island ferry, the MV Olovaha, the Commissioners found that due diligence was by-passed by various officials”.

Critics on social media where many Tongans met nowadays asked questions like: “When will Tongan leaders learn?” “Do they travel by the aircraft or not?”

Some highlighted what had happened when Tonga operated Royal Tongan Airline (RTA)  in early 2000 that declared bankrupt in 2004. Leaders wanted the people to fly on the RTA jet while at the same time  they traveled to and from  overseas using Air New Zealand aircraft.

Many critics compared Tongan leaders attitudes to how President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe refused in 2007 to fly in MA-60 aircrafts he was active in purchasing for his country but expected his countrymen to fly in it.

Tongan community reacts to kidnapping case

By
Kalino Latu
-

Five kidnappers who abducted two Chinese men in Tonga July 24 demanded $400,000 of ransom in order to release them from captivity, police statement says.

The victims, who are father and son were invited into a meeting at a residence in the village of ‘Umusi at Ma’ofanga, Tongatapu.

They were kidnapped during the meeting and remanded at a place out of Nuku’alofa, it says.

The accused had been arrested and charged with armed robbery on July 26. They are three naturalized Chinese men and two Tongans.

Investigation revealed T$400,000 had been paid by the relative of the victims to the accused.

Police recovered two cheques which amount to T$325,000 but could not be able to find the balance which was in cash.

Armed robbery is one of serious offences in Tonga which is punishable for 20 years’ imprisonment.

Police says the case is new. All the accused have been remanding in custody for a month.

Tongans on social media say this is a wakeup call for Tongan policy and law makers to  review “Policies and Legislation to protect our children and our island kingdom”.

One commenter on Facebook says: “It may be vey alarming to us but it’s a normal routine for these professional criminals! How can our small countries protect our Pacific people and children from this negative exposures”

Mechanical failure prompted king to travel by vessel – NZ warns air travellers

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED 10:30am, 11/08: A quick change was made on the King of Tonga’s flight schedules for his royal visits to open outer islands Agricultural Show on a Real Tongan Aircraft after the airline revealed the plane had mechanical failure.

King Tupou VI was due to take royal tour around the main outer islands of Tonga by aircraft to open the Royal Agricultural Show 2013 beginning on August 7  but eventually travelled on the MV 'Otuanga'ofa.

Tevita Palu, Real Tonga Chief Executive Officer said the company experienced a number of problems so far.

“‘Uhinga ki he laiseni ‘o e vaka, mo e kau ngaue pea ‘i ai mo e me’akehe ne maumau e vaka ‘e taha ‘o uesia ai e fefolau’aki,” ko ‘ene lau ia ki he pepa Kele’a. Translated as: “I mean there's an issue with the aircraft’s license, and the employees and some other issues, one aircraft had mechanical failure and they affected the flight schedules,” he told the  local Kele'a newspaper.

The Real Tonga leased aircraft from Air Chatham and it was the air plane that serviced the Niuas but the lease ended on August 6.

An anonymous source told the paper there is a substitution aircraft but it could not be able to land on the Niuas. The source said a small aircraft that could land on the Niuas was available but it assumed the king would not like to travel on it.

The MA-60 aircraft gifted from China was apparently not allowed to operate when the king's flights to the two Niuas were scheduled and it could not service the two islands for landing reasons.

The royal trips were arranged to be at Niuatoputapu on August 7,  Niuafo’ou on August 8, Vava’u on August 10, Ha’apai on August 14, and ‘Eua on August 17, before ending up with the  Tongatapu two days event on August 23-24.

Losaline Ma’asi from the Ministry of Agriculture told the paper they made regular checks with the airline office while the king was in the outer islands but confirmed the aircraft still could not be able to operate.

Too early

The problems revived a heated debate emerged when Air Chatham was about to leave Tonga in March this year saying it was not fair for the government to set up and subsidize a local airline, Real Tonga company,  to compete with its airline.

Critics warned at the time that government had pressed the wrong button when it was revealed it re-engaged in airline services considering its long history of failed aircraft ventures, including11 failed and bankrupted airlines in the past.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon Vaipulu, who was instrumental in setting up of the Real Tonga Airline was insistent at the time assuring Tonga’s domestic air travellers “they won’t be affected when the current domestic airline Chathams Pacific pulls out in March.”

The situation escalated into a stage that cost Tonga's millions of grant from New Zealand after PM John Key's government learnt last month the kingdom accepted a controversial aircraft as a gift from China.

Despite New Zealand's attempt to intervene for safety reason by holding its grants for Tonga's Tourism Hon Vaipulu announced the "aircraft is safe" and few things to be completed before it  "start the service to our people."

New Zealand releases warning

New Zealand today Saturday 10 has  warned its citizens after it confirmed Tonga has allowed the MA-60 aircraft to fly its zone.

"The MA-60 has been the subject of serious concerns amongst aviation experts. It is not certified to fly in New Zealand and would not be allowed to do so without a thorough certification process under Civil Aviation rules. The MA-60 is not certified by comparable jurisdictions such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EU), the Federal Aviation Administration (US) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (AUS),” Mr McCully says.

“In the absence of an internationally respected certification process for Tongan conditions, it is the government’s obligation to draw the attention of the travelling public to these issues and our Tongan travel advisory has been updated accordingly.

“The New Zealand Government has put support for the Tongan tourism industry on hold, and we will not be spending taxpayer money promoting tourism in Tonga until we are satisfied with the safety and reliability of this new air service.

“We are in discussions with the Tongan Government on this issue. I reiterate my offer of support to Tonga to assist them in ensuring aviation safety, a critical component of tourism in the Pacific islands,” Mr McCully says.

MFAT’s updated travel advice on the MA-60:

Tonga’s domestic airline fleet currently includes an MA-60 aircraft. This aircraft has been involved in a significant number of accidents in the last few years. The MA-60 is not certified to fly in New Zealand or other comparable jurisdictions and would not be allowed to do so without a thorough certification process under Civil Aviation rules. Travellers utilising the MA-60 do so at their own risk.

Tongan Ex-All Blacks mother dies

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED 12/08: Former All Blacks number 8 ‘Isitolo Maka’s mother, died. Mother of 14 children, one adopted child and 53 grandchildren ‘Ana Ma’ulupe Hone Maka died in her Walmsley residence in Mangere on Monday 4 after a long time battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at the St Theresa’s Catholic Church tomorrow where hundreds mourners are expected.

The families have arranged for the 76 year old grandmother’s coffin to be carried by her makapuna according to the family.

She will be buried at  Waikaraka Cemetery in Onehunga Suburb on Saturday 10.

In a comment by one of her nieces on Facebook she said:

“…my beautiful Aunty Ana Manulupe Hone Maka   (tears tears) thankyou for all you have done for me , and my family ill always remember how you use to babysit me , and my siblings sometimes in our diaper days. After your husband hone died you took on the role of keeping our maka side together , and we are so greatful for that. My heart goes out to all the people Ana has , influenced and come across ….You will be dearly missed# god has gained an angel R.I.P aunty ana.”

‘Ana Ma’ulupe hailed from the island of Pukotala in the Ha’apai groups and married to Hone Maka of Longoteme, Tongatapu, Tonga Islands.

Note: We had an earlier incorrect version of this article that said ‘Ana Ma’ulupe Maka would be buried at Mangere Cemetery & Crematorium. She was buried at Waikaraka Cemetery in Onehunga suburb.

Tongan community in Auckland celebrates opening of new early childhood centre

By
Kalino Latu
-

by Dr Linita Manu’atu

UPDATED 5:30PM: At this time in Auckland, New Zealand there is every effort put in to Early Childhood Education by both Government and Pasifika communities to ensure that the majority of Pasifika children gain quality early learning before they enter primary schooling.  Tongan people are on board with the Ministry of Education to try and address the requirements by Pasifika peoples in Early Childhood Education.

A new Tongan Early Childhood Playgroup and Educational Centre has opened at the suburb of Mt Roskill in Auckland on August 1 and named Muniao ‘o e ‘Ofa (in English, Net of Love) by Hon. Lupepau’u Tuita, the eldest daughter of Princess Pilolevu Tuita of the Kingdom of Tonga.

The opening and blessing of the Educational Centre and Playgroup was marked by a ceremony led by Father Line Folaumoeloa with Hon. Lupepau’u as the Guest of Honour.

The educational centre of Kau Fakana’ana’a ‘o Falelalava & Loto’Ofa WhatuManawa Educational Services will offer playgroups for two-days a week, starting on August 12.  The  line-up of services provided by the centre include ‘Api Fakakoloa, Early Childhood Home Base of the Loto’Ofa WhatuManawa Education Services; Tongan cultural resources and handicraft work of the Tongan Women Development Group of Aotearoa; and a Writing Retreat programme for Tongan educators of the Fakakoloa ‘a e Tonga ‘I Aotearoa Tongan Early Childhood Association to write Tongan reading materials for Tongan children in early childhood education.  The centre will truly become a site of learning, a space of reflection and thinking, a home for mothers, children, parents, the elderly, teachers, educators and friends who enjoy the company of each other in working towards changing our thinking and actions for a better world that benefits our children and people.

The ideas and work for the Muniao ‘o e ‘Ofa Centre were originated by, and implemented under the join leadership of Mr. Johnny Grattan Vaea and Mele ‘Ileini Mahe Taione as co-directors of the Loto’Ofa WhatuManawa Education Services.

The centre is situated on the New Zealand Department of Conservation property while the New Zealand Ministry of Education contributed to funding the renovation of the building and fencing.

The guests include a team from the New Zealand Ministry of Education led by Yvette Guttenbeil-Po’uhila; Meleseini Tu’itupou, the President of the Fakakoloa ‘a e Tonga ‘I Aotearoa Tongan Early Childhood Association; educators from various Tongan Early Childhood Education centres in Auckland; Seini Rea, Heleine Kaho, Helena Kafoa with members of the Tongan Women Development Group of Aotearoa;  members from other Government organisations and supporters of Early Childhood Education.

The Muniao ‘o e ‘Ofa Playgroup welcomes children and their parents from the neighbourhood and the suburb.

Our best wishes to all people, their work and education at the Muniao ‘o e ‘Ofa Education Centre.

Two Tongan royal ‘Fuifuilupe’ wed non-chief fiancés

By
Kalino Latu
-

King of Tonga’s nieces marry two commoners this month it has been revealed.  Hon Sālote Lupepauʻu Salamasina Pureau Vahine Arii ‘o e Hau Tuita will marry his fiancé ‘Epeli Taione next week.

Hon Frederica Lupe ‘Uluiva Fatafehi ‘o Lapaha Tuita will wed Johnny Filipe this week.

The fuifuilupe – a metaphoric language used when addressing royal children meaning, ‘flock of dove’ are both Princess Pilolevu’s daughters. Hon Lupepau’u is the eldest and Hon Frederica is second to the youngest.

Princess Pilolevu is King Tupou VI’s only sister.

Both wedding have caused surprise within Tongan circles considering the protocol and how they bypassed strict rules that control royal families and who they can marry.

Traditionally, it was not normal for a  high ranking royal woman to marry a commoner or a much lower ranking chief.

Hon. Lupepau’u is sixth and Hon Frederica is tenth in line to the Tongan throne.

Last year Prince Tupouto’a’s wedding with his cousin Princess Sinaitakala Fakafanua triggered huge debates on overseas news and social media over the close genetic ties between the couple.

Princess Pilolevu and the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho reportedly stated it was time to do away with Tongan royal’s  ‘arranged high level marriages’ that allows cousin to marry cousin.

The princess and her mother eventually did not attend the wedding ceremony citing ‘disapprove of the paring’.

Hon Frederica’s wedding has been publicly announced. The fakalēlea – visit by the bridegroom’s families to the bride’s house normally on the night before the wedding was held last week at Tuita’s residence Mahina Fekite.

The news about Hon Lupepau’u’s wedding has been floating around the social media but Kaniva news was only able to get the confirmation recently from a reliable source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The source said Taione and Hon Lupepau’u will be “getting married next week in Fiji on Saturday the 17th. It’s a private affair for (their) inner circle which close friends and families only. It’s in an island resort in Fiji”

Hon Lupepau’u previously married Hon Mataʻiʻulua Fusituʻa and they had a daughter, Hon Phaedra ʻIkaleti ʻo Fangatapu Fusituʻa.

‘Epeli Taione is an ex-‘Ikale Tahi rugby star and is currently Tonga Rugby Union’s president.

Johnny Filipe’s father is a well-known  business man in Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.

Six plead not guilty to Kali Fungavaka's manslaughter

By
Kalino Latu
-

Five policemen and one civilian pleaded not guilty to charge they killed the New Zealand Policeman Kali Fungavaka when they appeared at supreme court in Nuku’alofa yesterday.

Police Inspector Kelepi Hala’ufia and Police Constables Tevita Vakalahi, Manu Tu’ivai, Salesi Maile,  Fatai Faletau and civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and grevious bodily harm.

All five policemen accused have chosen to be tried by a supreme court judge while  the civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu chose to have his trial before a jury.

Justice Cato granted adjournment for the case till August 23 giving the counsels an opportunity to submit recommendation as to how the case would be heard as the accused variously chosen to be tried by a judge and a jury. He will then make decision before the hearing on September 5.

‘Aminiasi Kefu and Sione Sisifa acted on behalf of the Crown.

Kali Fungavaka died in hospital after he was arrested by police in August 2012.

 

Vava'u teen commits suicide after fall-out with girlfriend

By
Kalino Latu
-

UPDATED 4/08: The teenager who fatally shot himself in Vava’u in an incident police described as a suicide was ‘Eliesa Taumoefolau of the village of Tu’anekivale.

Police released the name of the victim to a local newspaper saying they found out that Taumoefolau allegedly fell out with his girlfriend in a social night held at one of the Mormon Church’s ward.

Police spoke with the girl who is a student at Vava’u High School.

It said Taumoefolau, a student at Saineha High School arrived at his home drunk. He invited his neighbour, Suli Taufa for a drink but Taufa refused.

Taumoefolau then went into his house and came outside with his father’s gun.

He told Taufa that he was going to shoot himself.

Despite attempts to interfere by Taufa, Taumoefolau placed the barrel in his chest and fired.

Police investigation continues.

Families farewell two Tongans killed in New Mexico car crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

Condolences are pouring in as two of the three Tongan teenagers died in a car crash while travelling back from Utah, Salt Lake City to  Euless, Texas were buried today August 2.

The memorial service for Lolo ‘Uhatafe 13 and Guis Va’enuku held today at 5pm.  Polo Manukainiu’s farewell service will be held next week according to News 8.

The teenagers died when the car they were in rolled over along U.S. 550, according to New Mexico State Police.

It said the driver drifted off U.S. Highway 550 about 85 miles north of Albuquerque, over-corrected and lost control, causing the 2002 Toyota Sequoia to roll several times.

Two of the teens who died were ejected from the vehicle. Only the driver was wearing a seat belt. The accident occurred about 6:50 p.m.

All three attended school in Euless, the two oldest at Trinity High School and the youngest at Euless Junior High.

The victims are 19-year-old Polo Manukainiu, a redshirt freshman at Texas A&M University; 18-year-old Gaius Vaenuku, who is a freshman at the University of Utah; and 13-year-old Andrew Uhatafe.

Tongan communities around the globe showed great sympathy with the families and condolences hugely poured into the internet from families, relatives, friends as well as mourners.

These are some of the Facebook comments:

Watching this is soooooo sad ..just imagine if its happened to your own Kids …so devastating ..my heart goes out to the mother ‘n the father ..of the pain they go through ..tears ..tears…tears…RIP to their two sons ..I’m at work but I’m very emotional about this Pray to God for his comfort over this family …’ofa Atu from another Mother that feel your Pain Tulima …

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!! REALLY SAD SEE DAD ESPECIALLY MOTHER’S HEART!! TEARS…. FEELING SAD, EVEN DO WE DON’T THEM! OUR HEART GOES OUT ALL FAMILIES…<3<3. PROUD TO BE TONGAN PRAYERS GOES OUT TO ALL FAMILY!!!
LUV U TULIMA!!!

VERY SAD TO SEE SAM ESCORT HIS SON FROM THE PLANE AMERICAN AIRLINE!!,,,,’OFA ATU!!

Seeing this brings tears to my eyes…You and your family hold on…God has he’s arms wrapped around each and everyone of you..

 

1...899900901...912Page 900 of 912
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment