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Tonga police break up 100-teen hilltop party as drug, morality worries grow 

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITORIAL – The recent police intervention at Mataki‘eua hilltop, where nearly 100 youngsters were gathered in an illegal party, has ignited a heated debate about youth behaviour, parental responsibility, and Tonga’s moral fabric.

This incident is more than just a breach of public order. It reflects deeper societal concerns about the influences shaping young minds today.

With social media and peer pressure playing significant roles in teen culture, the gathering raises urgent questions: Are parents and guardians doing enough to guide their children?

Are community and religious institutions failing to provide meaningful alternatives to reckless behaviour?

The sheer size of the party suggests a troubling normalisation of underage drinking and disregard for the law, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and parental accountability.

This incident comes at a time when families across the kingdom are already grappling with the devastating effects of drug abuse, which has infiltrated schools, homes, and communities.  

The fact that such a large group of teens congregated illegally, potentially with access to alcohol or even illicit substances, highlights a dangerous trend: young people increasingly seeking reckless escapism amid a breakdown of social discipline.

Authorities and community leaders are now questioning whether this party was merely a case of youthful rebellion or a symptom of a deeper crisis, where drugs and delinquency are becoming normalised among Tonga’s youth.  

Parents, educators, and policymakers must confront an uncomfortable truth: without stronger guidance, enforcement, and community support, Tonga risks losing an entire generation to the twin threats of substance abuse and moral decay.

The Mataki‘eua incident should serve as an urgent call to action, strengthening drug prevention programs, reinforcing parental responsibility, and providing safe, supervised alternatives for youth.  

If Tonga fails to act decisively, such gatherings may become more than just parties. They could turn into breeding grounds for addiction and crime.

The time for passive concern is over, the future of the nation’s youth is at stake. 

Tongan Catholics explore historic Vatican sites, witness Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration

By
Kalino Latu
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A group of Tongan Catholics who travelled to Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s election visited significant religious sites in the Vatican, where early apostles and martyrs made history.

Among the sacred locations was the prison where Saint Paul was held before his execution, offering the pilgrims a profound connection to the roots of their faith.

Livestreamed videos shared on the Facebook pages of Ekitino Vaiangina and Malia Lanumata show Fr Dr Tupouniua Tūtoe guiding the Tongan pilgrims.

The Tongans were part of a larger pilgrimage group that arrived before the papal inauguration.

Through Facebook posts, they described how these sacred sites deepened their spiritual connection.

Inauguration

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration on Sunday is expected to draw a massive crowd, with over 250,000 people filling St. Peter’s Square.

The ceremony, during which the new pontiff receives the pallium and the fisherman’s ring, will also provide hints about his leadership style.

Vatican observers note that small changes in tradition, like Pope Francis’ decision to ride in an open-top jeep, can signal the direction of the papacy.

Father Francesco Giordano, a professor of theology at the Catholic University of America in Rome said: “Francis was more out there, Leo is more shy and reserved.”

Father Giordano describes the new pontiff as “warm, attentive, and a good listener.”

He sees him as a combination of the previous popes, combining the charisma and emotional expressiveness of John Paul II, the intellectual depth of Benedict XVI, and Francis’s focus on social justice.

World leaders, including royalty, presidents, and prime ministers, will attend the event, underscoring the Vatican’s enduring influence.

As Tongan pilgrims reflect on their spiritual experience, the Catholic world eagerly awaits Pope Leo XIV’s first steps in guiding the Church’s future.

Here is the list of World Leaders who will attend the inauguration:

ALBANIA – President Bajram Bega

ARMENIA – President Vahagn Khachaturyan

AUSTRALIA – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

AUSTRIA – Chancellor Christian Stocker

BELGIUM – King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Prime Minister Bart De Wever

BRITAIN – Prince Edward

BULGARIA – Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov

CANADA – Prime Minister Mark Carney

COLOMBIA – President Gustavo Petro

CROATIA – Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic

ECUADOR – President Daniel Noboa

EUROPEAN UNION – Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

FRANCE – Prime Minister Francois Bayrou

GABON – President Brice Oligui Nguema

GERMANY – Chancellor Friedrich Merz

GEORGIA – President Mikheil Kavelashvili

HUNGARY – President Tamas Sulyok

ITALY – President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

IRELAND – President Michael D. Higgins

ISRAEL – President Isaac Herzog

LATVIA – Prime Minister Evika Silina

LEBANON – President Joseph Aoun

LITHUANIA – President Gitanas Nauseda

LUXEMBOURG – Prime Minister Luc Frieden

MALTA – Prime Minister Robert Abela

MONACO – Prince Albert and his wife Princess Charlene

MOROCCO – Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch

NETHERLANDS – Queen Maxima, Prime Minister Dick Schoof

NIGERIA – President Bola Tinubu

PARAGUAY – President Santiago Pena

PERU – President Dina Boluarte

POLAND – President Andrzej Duda

PORTUGAL – President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

SERBIA – Prime Minister Djuro Macut

SLOVENIA – Prime Minister Robert Golob

SLOVAKIA – President Peter Pellegrini

SPAIN – King Felipe and Queen Letizia

SWITZERLAND – President Karin Keller-Sutter

TOGO – President Faure Gnassingbe

UKRAINE – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

UNITED STATES – Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Tonga joins Australia-led Pacific security push to boost UN peacekeeping, counter China

By
Kaniva Staff
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Australia is ramping up its presence in the Pacific with a new initiative to train island nations, including Tonga, for United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The program aims to strengthen regional security while reducing China’s military influence in the area.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is leading a five-week training course in Brisbane, designed to equip Pacific Island police officers with advanced crisis response and multinational policing skills.

Ten nations are participating, with Tonga playing a key role alongside Samoa, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

The move follows last year’s Police Landmark Pact signed in Tonga and underscores Australia’s efforts to position itself as the Pacific’s primary security partner.

The training, held at the AFP’s Pinkenba Hub, covers critical areas such as crime prevention during crises, mass casualty response, and field search coordination.

Tonga Police confirmed that officers from across the Pacific will be based in Brisbane for 24 weeks as part of the inaugural Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) program.

The initiative reflects a broader strategy to integrate Pacific nations into global security frameworks while countering China’s growing influence in the region.

Samoa’s Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo joined AFP leaders to launch the program, calling it a “transformative step” for regional stability.

Analysts say the training could lead to future Pacific Island deployments in UN missions, further aligning the region with Western security interests.

The program comes as China expands its military and economic ties with Pacific nations, including the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

Australia’s response, through increased aid, defence agreements, and now peacekeeping training—signals its commitment to maintaining a strong foothold in the region.

With geopolitical tensions rising, the AFP’s initiative highlights the Pacific’s strategic importance.

For Tonga, participation offers an opportunity to enhance its security capabilities while strengthening ties with traditional allies.

Ex-Oranga Tamariki manager and husband plead guilty to $2m fraud, money laundering before fleeing NZ

By
Kaniva Staff
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A former public sector employee and her husband have admitted to working together to fraudulently obtain $2 million from Oranga Tamariki, following a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation.

Former Oranga Tamariki Property and Facilities Manager, Neha Sharma (nee Chandrasekaran), has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for her offending. Mrs Sharma’s husband, Amandeep Sharma, has now also admitted his role in the offending and a sentencing hearing has been set down for 19 June. 

Mr and Mrs Sharma pleaded guilty to charges of obtaining by deception for fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million from Oranga Tamariki. The money was obtained through Mr Sharma’s company without Oranga Tamariki knowing.  

The husband and wife team also pleaded guilty to money laundering for transferring just under $800,000 overseas once the offending was discovered, then immediately leaving New Zealand. 

Mrs Sharma also pleaded guilty to one representative charge of using a forged document. Mrs Sharma used forged references to gain employment at Oranga Tamariki, and again to gain employment at Waka Kotahi directly after leaving Oranga Tamariki. 

SFO Director, Karen Chang says, “These convictions mark an important milestone in the SFO’s prosecution of this case, which reinforces the serious consequences of abusing a position of trust for personal gain, especially when public funds are involved.” 

“Offending of this kind erodes public confidence and harms the integrity of New Zealand’s public institutions and our reputation as a safe place to invest. It’s critical we take action to disrupt and deter such behaviour. This case also highlights the requirement for rigorous vetting of public servants especially as they move between agencies.”

The SFO filed charges against Neha Sharma and her husband Amandeep Sharma in June 2023. The SFO alleged at the time that Mrs Sharma provided false references to secure her role at Oranga Tamariki, where she managed aspects of properties in the Canterbury region, including maintenance, upkeep, and modifications.

Once in the role, Mrs Sharma set up her husband’s company, Divine Connection, as a contractor without declaring a conflict of interest. She then ensured work was assigned to his company over other approved suppliers. In total, Oranga Tamariki paid Divine Connection just over $2 million.

Following her resignation from Oranga Tamariki, Mrs Sharma applied for a job at Waka Kotahi. Mrs Sharma again provided a false reference to secure her new role.

The money laundering charges relate to almost $800,000 transferred to overseas bank accounts in India. The Police Asset Recovery Unit, in close co-operation with colleagues in India, has located and restrained these funds. Proceedings are underway to return them to New Zealand.

The High Court has issued a restraining order over the couple’s properties in New Zealand upon application by the Commissioner of Police, pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

“We would like to acknowledge the Police and Indian authorities for their swift action and assistance in securing the defendant’s assets, as well as the co-operation of Oranga Tamariki and Waka Kotahi in the investigation,” says Ms Chang. 

Escaped Tongan man in Aussie arrested, woman charged for harboring fugitive

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan national, Paea Teu, has been arrested following a dramatic two-day manhunt after he allegedly attacked two Australian Border Force officers during a transfer from Villawood Detention Centre to Sydney Airport.

The 28-year-old allegedly stabbed a 54-year-old officer in the neck with a makeshift shiv crafted from nail clippers and assaulted a second officer, aged 36, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Teu then fled the scene, prompting an extensive police search across Sydney’s southwest.

Authorities tracked him down after a tip-off from a vigilant resident who spotted him on Eschol Park Drive. Teu was arrested shortly after on Ballantrae Drive in St Andrews. A 24-year-old woman, believed to have been harbouring him, was also taken into custody.

Teu has been charged with wounding with intent to murder and causing grievous bodily harm, while the woman faces charges for knowingly harbouring an escaped inmate.

The injured officers were treated at Westmead Hospital, with one sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Teu was denied bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court today, while the woman was granted conditional bail and is set to face Campbelltown Court on May 22.

This incident has raised further concerns over detainee transport security, with authorities expected to review protocols in the wake of the attack.

ADB investigator arrives in Tonga to probe Development Bank amid government concerns

By
Kalino Latu
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An investigator from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has arrived in Tonga to conduct an internal review of the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) following growing government concerns over its operations and management.

The move comes after Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi alleged that TDB had breached loan limit policies, while the Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala claimed that a $14 million investment, intended to support low-income businesses, had mostly been loaned to higher-income individuals.

Emeline Tuita, the CEO of TDB, previously refuted the government’s allegations against the bank.

The Prime Minister said the investigation was important, as the government wanted to ensure that any money it invested in institutions like the bank was secure and beyond doubt.

He confirmed the investigator’s arrival yesterday and stated that the assessment would cover the bank’s overall governance, including the role of its board of directors.

“The government sees this as urgent—to bring the bank back to its proper function,” the Prime Minister said in Tongan. 

“The investigator has the experience, skills, and tools needed to assess the situation thoroughly.”

He said the Development Bank is government-owned, and people’s money is invested in it. He said the investigation aims to restore confidence in the bank’s ability to fulfil its core functions.

“The investigator will also examine how the board controls the bank and provide recommendations on any necessary changes,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said public concern over TDB’s operations has been mounting, with critics arguing that the current situation could undermine its primary duty to serve citizens.

The ADB’s findings are expected to guide reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the bank’s future operations.

The government has yet to announce a timeline for the investigation’s completion, but Eke said swift action is a priority to stabilise the institution.

Disputes

The probe follows a recent legal dispute between TDB and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT), both state-owned institutions.

The Prime Minister expressed relief after the court allowed TDB to withdraw its lawsuit against NRBT, calling the legal action unnecessary and stating that it should not have happened.

Police name Tongan man wanted in St Andrews search

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 28-year-old man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for assault offences.

Paea Teu, a Tongan national, was believed to be at a residence on Duncansby Crescent, St Andrews, prompting a police operation this afternoon.

Officers from Campbelltown Police Area Command, supported by the Dog Unit, established a perimeter and searched the property but were unable to locate him.

Teu is described as being of Pacific Islander/Māori appearance, with a tanned complexion, large build, approximately 180cm tall, and having black hair, dark eyes, and an unshaven face.

Authorities warn the public not to approach Teu if sighted but to immediately call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.

Investigations are ongoing.

Princess Pilolevu reveals royal origins of Fōfō‘anga at $1.2m NZ property launch 

By
Kalino Latu
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In a landmark moment for Tongan cultural preservation, Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu Tuita officially launched a new $1.2 million property for the Fōfō‘anga kava club in Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland, marking a new chapter for the community-driven initiative. 

Princess Pilolevu Tuita

The purchase comes after the club had been evicted from private property seven years ago, prompting its members to fundraise and donate tirelessly to secure a permanent home.

Fōfō‘anga, a well-known kava club in Tonga, serves as a hub for faikava (kava drinking ceremonies), cultural music, and youth mentorship, particularly through its hiva kakala acoustic band, which teaches young people traditional Tongan music and song. 

Nalesoni Tupou, legal representative for Fōfō‘anga, revealed that the South Auckland chapter was the first in New Zealand to own its premises at 7 Princess Street, Ōtāhuhu.

The club has already paid $700,000 of the $1.2 million price tag and was working to settle the remaining $500,000 in five years. 

“This is a huge achievement for our community,” Tupou told Kaniva News.

“Fōfō‘anga Sydney was the first to buy their own facility 15 years ago, and now South Auckland has followed suit.” 

The two-storey building meets local council requirements, including separate bathrooms for men and women, ensuring it serves as a welcoming space for all members. 

Approximately 100 international travellers from Fofo’anga attended the ceremony.  

Also attending were police officers from the Ōtāhuhu Police Station, which neighbours the Fōfō’anga Club on Princess Street.

Fōfō’anga origin

The Princess said that the initial discussions to establish Fōfō‘anga began at the royal palace, culminating in her father, the late King Tupou IV, being appointed as its first patron. 

She added that her uncle, Fatafehi Tu’i Pelehake, proposed the name Fōfō‘anga. After her father passed, Princess Pilolevu was appointed Patron for both the Tongan and global chapters. 

“Fōfō‘anga is more than just a kava club—it’s a place where our culture thrives, and our youth learn the values of community and heritage,” she said during the launch. 

The club was initially restricted to male members, but the Princess encouraged its leadership to include women.

The new property solidifies Fōfō‘anga’s role as a cornerstone for Tongans in the diaspora, blending tradition with modern needs while ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots. 

Lawyer Tupou is the only remaining founding member of the club in New Zealand.

The other pioneers, the late Saimone Koloamatangi, Heamasi Moala‘eua, Taulanga Kupu, Paula Vaitaki, and Henelika Funaki, have since passed away. 

The first Fōfō‘anga club in New Zealand was established in 1978 at 42 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn, and Fōfō‘anga Central still operates at this address today. 

Tonga tackles cargo losses, new policy lets customers monitor customs clearance in real-time

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue has introduced a groundbreaking policy allowing customers to physically monitor their shipments during clearance.

Customs and Revenue Minister Māteni Tapueluelu

Customs and Revenue Minister Mateni Tapueluelu announced the trial initiative this evening, acknowledging the challenges of coordinating multiple agencies, including Stevedore, Securities, Wharf Staff, Quarantine, and Customs.

“This was not an easy decision, given the complexity of the clearance process,” Tapueluelu said in Tongan during an interview with RTTI. 

He said the action was taken to tackle rising concerns regarding lost or mishandled cargo.

Under the new policy, cargo owners or their authorised representatives can now observe inspections in real time.

This is a significant shift from the traditional process, in which brokers handled paperwork and inspections without direct customer involvement.

The Minister stated that brokers are expected to comply with the new policy, and failure to do so may result in their license being revoked.

Tapueluelu hopes the change will minimise errors, deter malpractice, and ensure smoother cross-border trade.

He said that he has received support for the policy.

He said that the trial would be presented to the Cabinet for legalisation if successful in three weeks.

Comanchero Gang member Sunia To’ofohe jailed for nearly 15 years after stockpiling meth, cash, and firearms

By
Kaniva Staff
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Wellington, NZ – A Comanchero gang member who amassed a staggering stash of drugs, cash, and weapons has been sentenced to 14 years and 10 months in prison after failing to convince the court his crimes were solely to feed his addiction.

Sunia Mano To’ofohe, pictured at sentencing in the High Court at Wellington today, was estimated by police to possessed 24.1kg of methamphetamine at one point. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Sunia Mano To’ofohe, 45, was caught following a police operation in May 2023 after being stopped at a Levin service station while returning from Auckland, the NZ Herald reported.

Unbeknownst to him, he was already under surveillance as part of Operation Elusive, a major investigation into Wellington’s methamphetamine supply.

A subsequent search of his Lower Hutt flat uncovered 11 kilograms of methamphetamine, enough to supply the Wellington region for over two months, alongside $547,000 in cash, a Ruger rifle, 57 rounds of ammunition, and an array of other drugs, including cocaine, GBL, LSD, oxycodone, and cannabis.

Police also seized drug scales, a money counter, and meth pipes from the property.

During his trial in February, the court heard that To’ofohe’s bedroom was so packed with evidence that officers worked all night, requiring additional staff to catalogue the haul.

Justice Gwyn acknowledged To’ofohe’s struggles with addiction and his desire to be present for his young children, but emphasised the scale of his offending, which included 14 charges, ranging from drug supply to illegal firearm possession.

While the Crown pushed for a minimum imprisonment period, Justice Gwyn declined, noting that To’ofohe might still turn his life around with rehabilitation.

However, she made it clear that his role in fueling the drug trade demanded a lengthy prison sentence.

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