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Loan scheme benefits overseas Tongan tertiary students

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Hundreds of tertiary education students in Tonga who wanted to continue studying overseas are now eligible for lower-cost-credit loans under a new Government-backed scheme launched last week.

The TP$10 million funding scheme, administered by Tonga Development Bank, allows TP$25,0000 funding for tertiary students to pay for their school fees and course related-costs.

The government agreed with the bank to offer loans to borrowers at 1 – 4 percent interest per year.

The 2014/15 government budget initiative will also benefit new businesses, support investments in rural areas and outer islands and promote small scale and family owned businesses.

Other beneficiaries included agricultural, fisheries, forestry, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Tonga’s Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke said: “This is part of a series of government led initiatives including the Investment Incentives launched recently which aims to expand private investment and to make Tonga an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investment by enacting investor friendly policies, introducing new incentives to key growth areas and facilitating ease of doing in business.”

The CEO for the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Tatafu Moeaki together with Mrs. Lita Kami, Managing Director and CEO for Tonga Development Bank signed the agreement on behalf of their respective agencies.

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The new loan scheme is allocated as follows:

Funds General Objectives Repayment Period Max Loan
Agriculture Marketing and Production Fund
  1. To boost exporter’s confidence by providing a facility to allow the early payment to primary producers for their exports
  2. Investment in expanded agricultural production and value added activities.
 9  monthsRepaid end of period T$100k
Fisheries Development  and Export Fund
  1. Assist fishermen, vessel owner and exporters to generate increased exports, income and employment in the fisheries sector
 9 monthsRepaid end of period T$30k
Tourism Loan Fund
  1. To promote the development of new tourism products and event.
  2. To improve the quality of small-medium accommodations
  3. To develop a clean and beautiful tourist environment
  4. To support and encourage community participation in development of heritage sites and cultural events
  5. To support coordination within the tourism sector
 1 yearRepaid end of period T$25k
Manufacturing Loan Fund
  1. To promote the development of competitive and  value added products
  2. To stimulate innovation and product diversification
  3. To support production and marketing capacity of export ready manufacturers
  4. To promote and encourage cooperation and coordination in manufacturing sector
 1 yearRepaid end of period T$25k
Livestock Loan Fund
  1. To support livestock projects with economic benefits which might also benefit the community and aims at improving living conditions in rural areas.
 9 monthsRepaid end of period

 

 

 T$50
Forestry Loan Fund

1. To support forestry investment with economic benefits which might also benefit the community and aims at improving living conditions in rural areas.

2. To support nurseries specifically for sandalwood seedlings production and other seedlings such as fruit trees, vegetable seedlings etc.

 9 monthsRepaid end of period T$50k
Construction Loan Fund

1.   To support and cater for investments that require capital equipment , tools and safety gear.

2.   To provide capacity building and training in specialized fields.

 9 monthsRepaid end of period 1.T$50k2.T$10k
Retail and Wholesale Loan Fund

1.   To support small medium enterprises in the retail and wholesale business with expansion and service development.

 9 monthsRepaid end of period T$25k
Other priority sectors 

1.  To support other financially viable investments currently not provided for in the current fund allocation.

 9 monthsRepaid end of period T$25k
Student Overseas Tertiary Education Loan Fund
  1. To promote and enhance the academic and professional skills of Tongans that need to further their study abroad but cannot afford the costs, diploma level and upwards.
  2. To support qualifications from an accredited institution.
 4 yearsRepaid end of period  T$25k

 

Samoa honours Ban-Ki-Moon with chief title

By
Kaniva Staff
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was on Sunday given the title of 'Tupua' or 'chief' in south-eastern Samoa by villagers whose homes had been struck by a tsunami nearly five years ago.

Wearing traditional 'siapo lavalava' around his waist and a beaded 'palefuiono' with feathers on his head, the Secretary-General sat across from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi in a roofed social centre in Siupapa, a sub-village of Saleapaga.

“It has been agreed by consensus that you be confirmed with the title of Tupua,” the Prime Minister said following a traditional 'ava drinking ceremony.

Surrounded by more than a dozen chiefs from local families, as well as the Speaker of the Parliament, Afioga Hon Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, and other senior officials, the Prime Minister said the Secretary-General will be addressed as “Your Excellency Prince Tupua Ban Ki-moon of Siupapa Saleapaga.” An elderly woman in the village confirmed that the holding of such an already rare ceremony has never before occurred in the village on a Sunday.

Taking a polished coconut with the 'ava drink, Mr. Ban toasted the village and pledged the UN's support to working with the local communities: “I know your country is facing a lot of difficulties. First of all by climate change, rising sea tides. That's why I am here to show my strong solidarity and unity with the people of Samoa and many other small island States.”

Seated nearby were Mr. Ban's own chiefs, of sort, including his Special Envoy for Climate Change, Mary Robinson, and Valerie Amos, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Also joining him was Wu Hongbo, who serves as Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Small Island Developing States, which is due to begin tomorrow in the capital, Apia.

Among the topics that will be discussed at the summit over the next four days are adapting to and mitigating climate change, building resilience, and sustainable management of oceans.

These are important topics for the communities in Saleapaga, which on 29 September 2009 braced an 8.1 magnitude earthquake that caused sea levels to rise up to 46 feet, according to official measures.

Lafi Lesa was working in Apia when she heard the news and drove back that morning. There were at least 189 people killed that day, including five from her family.

“It was devastating,” she told the UN News Centre. “Sometimes we go back during the day, but not at night, because it might happen again.”

After the tsunami, the community moved to its farmland, a 50-minute walk uphill. Instead of fishing, they grow bananas and taro, and raise cattle.

The Government has since installed sirens to warn of a potential disaster, and people are educated in how to evacuate quickly. People still go to the beach to enjoy the sun, but the cement foundations of many houses remain desolate under coconut trees, some which are still broken years later.

“People want to go back because there was easy access to roads and to operate their small businesses. Up here, because it's more or less farmland, it is hard for them, and they can hardly adapt to changes,” said Ms. Lesa.

Despite having a 25-year-old daughter who works in a bank in the capital, Ms. Lesa decided to remain on the coast after the tsunami. She has a small shop and also represents her family in the village council.

With only one road to the village, however, and few opportunities for education and alternative livelihoods, she worries about the future of her community. Ms. Lesa said that she was overwhelmed by the number of delegates participating in the conference, and she hopes that their decisions this week will lead to real action.

– United Nation

Ashburton shooter arrested

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Police apprehended Russell John TULLY just after 5pm this evening following the armed incident in Ashburton this morning.

Canterbury dog section and AOS apprehended TULLY not far from Lake Hood. No shots were fired although TULLY will be treated for minor dog-bite injuries.

TULLY is now in custody at Ashburton Police Station

Police are still searching for the weapon used in this morning’s shootings.

A decision on charges will be made in due course. This may not happen until tomorrow.

Superintendent Gary Knowles says “the apprehension was a result of excellent teamwork by Police staff. I would like to commend the staff involved in today’s search. I would also like to extend my thanks to the people of Ashburton for their patience and understanding during today’s operation. We know this has been a very difficult day for the people of Ashburton and our thoughts remain with the families of the victims.”

We ask that you respect the privacy of the victim’s families.

Police continue to appeal for anyone with information relating to this incident to contact Christchurch police on (03) 363 7400.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Language: Enriching Aotearoa with Tongan Wisdom

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today launched Tongan Language Week at the Tongan Methodist Church in Otahuhu, Auckland.

Tongan Language Week runs from 1-7 September and the theme this year is‘Ko e kai ia ‘a e Tonga: Enriching Aotearoa with Tongan Wisdom.

“This week is about showcasing Tongan culture, pride and most importantly the Tongan language in New Zealand” Mr Lotu-Iiga said

“It is especially significant to launch this Tongan Language Week at an Early Childhood Education (ECE) fun day run by the Church. With over 300 children, parents and community members present, this truly is the future of the Tongan Language in New Zealand.”

Census data from 2013 shows us that there are 60,336 Tongans in New Zealand, making them the third largest Pacific group after Samoans and Cook Islanders. Tongans were also the fastest growing group since the last Census in 2006.

Tongans born in New Zealand also account for 56 percent of the total Tongan population and around 80 percent of Tongans live in Auckland.

“Preserving our culture, heritage and languages is important. This is why our Government continues to support Language weeks, Pacific resources in ECE and events such as the ASB Polyfest and Pasifika Festival.”

This launch also follows a successful Tongan youth rally held at the Lotofale’ia Church in Mangere last night. Over 800 young people and their families attended this event where the Prime Minister was the guest speaker.

“Speaking to the youth group, the Prime Minister and others spoke about attitude, believing in yourself and you get out of life what you put into it.”

“It is great to see initiatives like these celebrating and encouraging our young people to embrace their Tongan culture, heritage and language.” Mr Lotu-Iiga said

“Celebrating and sharing our cultural identity is essential for the wellbeing of our children, families and the wider community. There is an exciting program of events throughout the week and I would encourage all New Zealanders to take part.” Mr Lotu-Iiga added.

Tongan Language Week is promoted by the Aotearoa Tongan Teachers Association alongside the Human Rights Commission. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, community members and other organisations also support this initiative.

Rift over Chinese aircraft splits Tu’ivakano and Deputy

By
Kalino Latu
-

Lord Tu’ivakano has removed Deputy Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu from the Infrastructure portfolio amid speculation they rowed over the controversial Chinese MA60 aircraft.

The Tongan government has yet to officially release any information and as of today its website still lists Hon Vaipulu’s ministerial portfolio as Minister of Infrastructure, the ministry that responsible for Tonga’s civil aviation. He has been moved to another ministry.

When Vaipulu was Minister of Infrastructure he was instrumental in bringing the controversial Xian MA60 turpo prop to the kingdom.

New Zealand issued a travel advisory and withheld a NZ$18 million grant for Tonga’s Tourism industry because it believed the Chinese aircraft was unsafe.

The Prime Minister’s Acting Secretary did not respond to our email.

Read more:

Kaniva News can reveal that following complaints from Ha’apai islanders about the way Hon Vaipulu handled relief efforts for the islands, the Prime Minister removed him as minister responsible for NEMO, the department that co-ordinates cyclone relief efforts.

We have been reliably informed that tension between the Prime Minister and his deputy flared again after Tonga received a second aircraft from China early last month.

The Harbin Y-12 aircraft, which is operated by Real Tonga Airlines, was commissioned in Vava’u by His Majesty King Tupou VI.

The origins of the aircraft drama can be traced back to March this year when the Prime Minister visited New Zealand and met with New Zealand’s Pacific Island Affairs Minister, Hon. Murray McCully.

Lord Tu’ivakano wanted New Zealand to release the tourism funding and remove its travel advisory.

He had to agree to ground the MA60 before New Zealand would back down.

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When the Prime Minister told his cabinet in Nuku’alofa to ground the aircraft,  Hon Vaipulu strongly rejected the move and insisted he would resign.

Hon. Vaipulu was one of the key figures who masterminded the formation of the current government and led to Lord Tu’ivakano to become the first Prime Minister of Tonga’s current system of government.

Chinese aviation reps in kingdom

Last week Hon. Vaipulu introduced a civil aviation bill in Parliament, saying it was intended to fix the 1990 Civil Aviation Act.

While introducing his bill, Vaipulu revealed that a team of 14 personnel from China’s Civil Aviation Administration was in Tonga to help with the kingdom’s aviation law.

He then moved for the Speaker to take a ballot on the bill.

Unusually, the Prime Minister stood up and told his Minister for Law to postpone the balloting as he needed time to look at it. The Prime Minister then reportedly left the House.

The Speaker agreed and the bill was not put to the vote.

The main points

  • Lord Tu’ivakano has removed Deputy Prime Minister Hon Vaipulu from the Transport portfolio amid speculation they rowed over the controversial  Chinese MA60 aircraft.
  • The Tongan  government has yet to officially release any information, but its website lists Hon Vaipulu’s ministerial portfolio as Minister of Infrastructure.
  • Last week Hon Vaipulu introduced a civil aviation bill in Parliament, saying it was intended to fix the 1990 Civil Aviation Act.
  • While introducing his bill, Vaipulu revealed that a team of 14 personnel from China’s Civil Aviation Administration was in Tonga to help with the kingdom’s aviation law.

More information

Harbin Y11/12

‘One killed in Kenyan Y-12 crash’

Two confirmed dead after WINZ shooting

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Police confirm that a male in black balaclava entered the Ashburton WINZ office this morning and has discharged a firearm.

As a result two people are deceased and a third person is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Police have named homeless man John Henry Tully as person of interest.

This is an ongoing situation and a full police response has been deployed.

Residents in the Ashburton area are asked to stay inside at this time.

The male left the scene on a push bike and should not be approached.

Police have no further comment at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 363 7400.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Loughborough to host Tonga and Namibia

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The University of Loughborough will host Namibia and Tonga’s national rugby union teams in next year’s Rugby World Cup.

It’s one of 41 team bases that will host the 20 teams participating in the tournament in England and Wales which will run between September 18 and October 31, 2015.

Both Namibia and Tonga will be based at the university ahead of their games against Argentina at the King Power Stadium, which will be renamed the Leicester City Stadium for the tournament.

And one of the play off winners to be decided in a competition this October will also have a base at the university.

The Loughborough University Team Base will consist of outdoor pitches and indoor training facilities comprising the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, the 50 metre swimming pool and Powerbase gym.

Ben Aherne, sports business development manager at Loughborough University, said: “I am delighted that Loughborough University has been selected as an official Team Base for Rugby World Cup 2015, and that we will host some of the teams who will be playing matches in the Midlands region.

“We have built our reputation on sporting excellence and have vast experience of hosting elite teams that have competed at global sporting events.

“Therefore we look forward to welcoming teams onto our campus and supporting their preparations for the tournament.”

England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans said: “Rugby, rightly, is at the heart of all our planning and we have worked closely with the teams to ensure that they have access to facilities and a Team Base that meet their individual needs.

“I would like to thank all those who have been part of the Team Base selection process and we are lucky to have some fantastic facilities right across the country.

“With a wide range of excellent facilities and locations secured the teams can be assured of having all their training needs met.”

– Loughborough University.

Man charged over record snapper catch

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

An Auckland man was sentenced to 320 hours community work in Papakura District Court on August 15 for taking 325 snappers. 

This is the largest recorded breach of the daily recreational snapper limit.

Loseli Utumoengalu, 43, of Three Kings, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of taking more than his daily recreational allowance of snapper and the intention sell his catch.

It is illegal for recreational fishers to sell their catch. The maximum penalty is five years in prison or a fine of $250,000.

At the time of the offence the daily recreational allowance for snapper for the northeast North Island was nine per person per day. It is now seven per person per day.

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Compliance officers inspected Mr Utumoengalu’s boat at Kawakawa Bay on the 10th of October last year and the catch of the three fishers on board. They were shown a bin containing 27 snapper, which was the joint recreational limit for three fishers.

A further 40 snapper were located under the floor, at which point compliance officers impounded the boat awaiting a court hearing.

On the 14th of October compliance officers noticed an increasingly strong smell of fish coming from the vessel. After unscrewing part of the floor, a further inspection found 258 snapper in the bow of the boat (see picture attached), bringing the total to 325 fish.

During interviews Mr Utumoengalu claimed all the fish were his and he intended to sell them.

One of his fellow fishers, Nancy Utumoengalu, 42, of Three Kings, is also facing charges.

He told compliance officers he wanted to start fishing commercially and he intending to sell the fish to help pay for his start up costs.

Ministry for Primary Industries Compliance Officer Justen Maxwell-McGinn says the huge catch, the effort to conceal it and the intention to sell it makes it a very serious offence.

“This sort of offending is a real risk to the sustainability of any fishery. There wouldn’t be many fish left if everyone behaved like that.

Huge brawl erupts in central Nuku’alofa

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

A mass brawl broke out in central Nuku’alofa yesterday Saturday 30, Police have confirmed this morning but could not give further "details".

Police allegedly met with difficulties in trying to break up the fight. An unconfirmed report says it followed with call for Tonga’s military force for back-up.

Comments on social media claim the brawl has led to some of the shop owners in Nuku’alofa to close their doors to avoid the risk of looting and violence.

The brawl involved people who indentified themselves as students of some of the high schools in Tongatapu but people at the scene said majority of them were no longer students.  

The cause of the fight is still unclear but many claimed it was part of recent violence that involved ex-students and supporters of high school rugby teams.

Tonga's Acting Police Commissioner, Pelenatita Fe'ao, says there was a fight but they "don't have details at this point in time". .

Vodafone and TCC sign deal

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) has signed a strategic partnership deal with Vodafone Fiji today at Vodafone’s headquarters in Suva.

The partnership deal is one of the attempts by TCC to resolve challenges it face against its network system.

Fiji Vodafone will assist the Tongan communications company so that it can provide high standard and affordable services to its customers.

The TCC Chair, Larna Aloma Johansson was in Fiji to sign the deal.

She said: “There have been many challenges for us. Perhaps may be the most has been in the area of the network system and providing for the people of Tonga an opportunity to be able to communicate with each other nationally as well as internationally”.

In 2013 Vodafone Fiji recorded about $190million in revenue compared to about $170m in 2012.

Tonga Communications Corporation is a 100% Tongan owned company. In 2013 it made an overall profit of TP$2 million representing an increase of 31% over the previous year.

“TCC operates 2.75G and 3G Mobile as well as 4G Communications networks supporting the very latest in multimedia and mobile Internet services.

“Its local coverage spans all island groups of Tonga including the Niuas, while International Roaming Services are also provided across global countries.

 “The company also invested in securing bandwidth to Tonga via a submarine cable, triggering the single largest infusion of International Bandwidth to Tonga”.

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