Thursday, March 19, 2026
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 920

France still stung by Tonga loss

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The pain of losing to Tonga last year still hurts French players with their 30-year-old hooker Dmitri Szarzewski warned  a side containing five changes from last weekend's narrow 26-19 New Zealand defeat can ill afford to ease off against Tonga.  

The Ikale Tahi team  stunned the French  19-14 during the 2011 World Cup in a game  that led to scathing criticism from the French media.

Philippe Saint-Andre has named a young squad to face the Pacific Islands nation in Le Havre this weekend.

The Racing Metro front-rower admits France still feel the pain of that shock World Cup loss – as much because the French public will not let them forget as their own lingering frustration.

“It’s a bad memory, obviously,” he explained, of the 19-14 Pool A defeat to Tonga .

“I do not really want to talk about the past, but this does remain a stigma for us players.

That loss

“We hear about it constantly: it was a disappointment first that we could not give victory to the supporters. But everyone knows we were disappointed by that loss.

“There are a few players in this group that played in that game, but we have been careful not to discuss it with our younger team-mates.”

France coach Saint-Andre has handed Perpignan wing Sofiane Guitoune his first cap for the clash. The 24-year-old will line up outside Toulouse’s teenage talent Gael Fickou and Clermont’s Wesley Fofana in the centres.

Szarzewski admits it is hard to shake off the frustration of an agonising All Blacks defeat – but has warned his colleagues nothing less than another committed display will generate victory this weekend.

He continued: “Now we just want to validate all the good work we have done in the last few weeks.

“We went close against the All Blacks, but now is the time for victory – we cannot afford to lose this game, we do not have the right.

“It is hard not to think about the loss to New Zealand, because we went close. But we have to move on and make sure we prepare properly for this big challenge.”

Perpignan’s Algeria-born Guitoune was unable to blossom in previous spells with Agen and Albi in France’s domestic league second tier.

A cruciate knee ligament injury ruined his first campaign with Catalan side Perpignan, but now the arch finisher is finding his feet at Stade Aime Giral. And Saint-Andre has backed him to impress.

The coach said: “I expect him to have a great match, he’s a player who just lives and breathes rugby, he’s a finisher who also senses the line. He has the ability to find space and the right timing.”

MMT players get paid $500 pocket money

By
Kalino Latu
-

A fundraising appeal to send Mate Ma’a Tonga players back to where they stay in Australia has raised more than $13,000 in just two hours, and its organiser President Semisi Sika hopes to receive more.

Sika described the fundraising as ‘organised by an independent body’ and they were targeting to raise $10,000.

Agreeing with few Tongan fans to invite the MMT players to come to Tonga and to celebrate their performance at the RLW Cup 2013, Sika invited the team with promise that Tonga would pay for their return tickets.

The story of the day concluded with a surprise made when Sika met the players at their Nuku’alofa Hotel yesterday and gave each member a $500 pocket money.

“I could see the smiles on their faces,” Sika emotionally told Kaniva News.

Sika said he set aside the $5000 for the players pocket money after the fundraising to make sure they could financially look after themselves while they are in the kingdom before their return next week.

He said he now has $8000 cash in hand for the players airfare and he would process the payment for their return tickets today.

Only 10 players who made it to Tonga after the national team joint the RLW Cup 2013 included Fuifui Moimoi, Siosaia Vave, Jason Taumalolo, Peni Terepo, Ukuma Ta’ai, Daniel Foster and Konrad Hurrell with coach Charles Tonga.

The fundraising was attended by Prince Tupouto'a who is also the Patron of the MMT and Princess Sinaitakala as well as the Democratic Party Leader 'Akilisi Pohiva and MP Sunia Fili.

Community work: 46 Marijuana plants found

By
Kalino Latu
-

A man from Kolonga has been given a 120 hours community work and suspension of a two year imprisonment, after he was found guilty of planting marijuana in a bush allotment.

Manitisa Mafi, who was arrested on July 12, pleaded guilty but humbly asked the magistrate to forgive him, saying what he had done was absolutely wrong.

The court was told the bush allotment belonged to a person known as Koli Mafile’o.

Police received a report that the marijuana plants were spotted in the allotment.

Scouring the area police found 46 marijuana plants and also arrested Mafi. Then Mafi admitted, at the time, that he was the one who planted the marijuana.

In handing down his verdict, Magistrate Salesi Mafi  said the quantity of the plants found suggested sale or supply, therefore he would sentence him to 120 hours community work, on the condition that he will not commit any further crime for two years.

He reminded Mafi that if he did happen to breach his two years imprisonment suspension, he would be recalled to court for a decision to serve those two years.

Power outage as Mate Ma'a Tonga welcoming went wild

By
Kalino Latu
-

An attempt to hang and hook up banners and Tongan mats to the power poles at the sides of the road unfortunately went wrong causing a power cable to have short circuited and burnt out this morning while the Mate Ma'a Tonga arrived at the Fua'amotu Aiport.

The Mate Ma’a Tonga fans of Vaini told Kaniva News the incident happened when they were trying to do a bit of re-decorating along the sides of the Taufa’ahau Road before the team were about to travel through the village to Nuku'alofa.

Tonga Power said a power cut this morning left parts of the Vaheloto villages without electricity for several hours.

Tevita Vaki from the Tonga Power would not confirm the information saying they  still trying to locate what caused the disruption and the truth about it.

"Lucky it was just started and went off. Someone may have died," a source told Kaniva News.

Thousands of Tongan rugby fans however delayed traffic and blocked roads when they turned out to welcome their team today at Fua’amotu Airport.

In the town down Nuku’alofa  as many as 6000 supporters were at the capital when the Tongan rugby team, Mate Ma’a Tonga, arrived this morning.

The Taufa’ahau Road was a sea of red-and-white, with hundreds of cars decked out in Tongan flags and banners.

Radio Tonga Broadcasting report says, “It's Mate Ma'a Tonga's grand arrival at Fua'amotu Airport this morning and Radio & Television Tonga's float procession all the way to Nuku'alofa CBD Square together with a host of other floats.

Thousands of people welcomed the MMT team members at the airport and happy and cheering viewers along the road to Nuku'alofa. Stay tuned with Radio Tonga 1 and Kool 90 FM's live coverage since this morning and shall continue throughout the day”.

Ikale Tahi make changes for France test

By
Kalino Latu
-

Mana ‘Otai has made three changes to the ‘Ikale Tahi starting line-up for the test in Le Havre on Saturday 16 as the team take its second match during the 2013 European Tour.

Joe Tuineau will replace Uili Kolo'ofa'i at lock and Bayonne eighth man, Opeti Fonua pushing Viliami Ma'afu to the bench also with the much more experience Taniela Moa coming in for Thomas Palu.

Changes to the reserves will include Hale T Pole and Ilaisa Maasi whom they werent on the team last week taking the place of Suliasi Taufalele and Vili Faingaa.

From the Squad there has been another change with the inclusion of Hemani Paea replacing Suka Hufanga(injury). Suka has been with the team since the beginning of the Camp in Gruissan and it's a big blow for the team.

The French will miss him as he scored the winning try for Tonga against France at the last World Cup.

Great chance for Hemani Paea from the Oyonnax Rugby from the French Top 14 to be in the red team again. He made his debut back in 2007 against Korea and that was his only test for Tonga.

There is still hope for young Kolio Hifo from the Young Munster Rugby Club in Ireland to make it to the Wales game next week.

Team captained by Nili Latu:

      1 Alisona Taumalolo – Prop

2 Elvis Taione – Hooker

3 Tevita Mailau – Prop

4 Tukulua Lokotui – Lock

5 Joe Tu’ineau – Lock

6 Sione Kalamafoni – Flanker

7 Nili Latu (C) – Flanker

8 Opeti Fonua – Number 8

9 Taniela Moa – Scrum half

10 Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa – Outside half

11 Will Helu – Winger

12 Sione Piukala – Centre

13 Siale Piutau – Centre

14 Fetu’u Vainikolo – Winger

15 Vungakoto Lilo – Full back

Substitutes:

16 ‘Ilaisa Ma’asi – Front row

17 Taione Vea – Front row

18 Sila Puafisi – Front Row

19 Viliami Ma’afu

20 Hale T Pole

21 Samisoni Fisilau

22 Latiume Fosita

23 Tevita Halaifonua

Speaker’s Art Competition won by Unitec student

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A student from Fanga ‘O Pilolevu, Tongatapu who studies at Unitec New Zealand won the Speaker's Art Choice Award of $1,000 cash prize.

The competition was launched on June 13 and the successful artist was announced his artwork would be permanently showcased at the Speaker’s Conference room.

Receiving the award on Friday, during a closing dinner of Pacific Parliaments Regional Workshop in Nuku'alofa, it was made known that Walter’s piece of art was named as 'Fatu'.

Parliament of Tonga's website says, the Fatu depicts the structure of the Tongan culture in the progress of its transformation and development over time.

In explaining his art piece, Holakeituai said “fatu” portrays the Tongan culture in three eras, the past, present and the future.

“It uses weaving; a traditional art that is common in the culture mostly seen in the production of mats.”

Holakeituai said the decision to use weaving came from the idea that weaving reflects mats; it brings a sense of exchanged conversations “talanoa” as it represents a place where meetings whether by a family, community or a large gathering is held, like the Legislative Assembly “Fale Alea ‘o Tonga.”

Reading the piece from bottom to top, weaving starts with brown fibers which represent early pure native culture.

The center which is signified by maroon fibers illustrates Tonga’s present. It shows western culture combined with the native culture (brown fibers).

The NZ Unitech student said on top of his art piece shows the future of Tonga culture which was made of a fusion of both native and western culture.

“This shows the native culture has been influenced by the western culture and have inherited some of it as part of the current culture and will likely continue to do so in the future,” according to Holakeituai.

In the open category award which was judged by the public, Tevita Pola’apau took first prize, followed by Talanoa Langi of Kolofo’ou. Second runner up was John Piutau with Walter Holakeituai’s art piece in fourth place.

Second to fourth prizes include mobile phones worth TOP$600, $400 and TOP$300 respectively under the auspices of the Tonga Communication Corporation (TCC).

Siaosi Taimani won first prize of the middle school category, followed by Lesieli Ngahe and second runner up was Annchanne Uele.

Other awards includes Samsung GT were also awarded today by the Hon. Speaker, Lord Fakafanua to ‘Ilisapesi Fonua, Lu’isa Fonua, Siunipa ‘Isitolo and Tevita Latu.

Their art work did really impress the Speaker’s art panel of judges.

‘Ilisapesi Fonua’s art piece depicts that although it is impossible to predict the future, the Tongan culture and traditions should be preserved.

Lu’isa Fonua’s art work portrays a Tongan Parliament today and tomorrow where it metaphorically represents an unrolled mat for nobility and the people to assemble and consult as equals.

Featuring the rapid silent takeover of Tonga’s small business sectors by Chinese Nationals and Chinese Tongans is Siunipa ‘Isitolo’s art piece. Titled as “Tonga Today” Siunipa added a subtitle that 70 percent of all businesses are owned by Chinese Tongan and Chinese nationals.

On the other hand local practicing artist Tevita Latu features his art work on influences of western ideas in different sectors of our society including religion, education and politics.

More than 60 art works were submitted from local artists for the Speaker’s art competition.

Vaiola Hospital Staff unpaid overtime work uncertain

By
Kalino Latu
-

Staff at Tonga’s main hospital who worked overtime within the period from July to October, have not received any wages for the work they claimed they were called in to do.

The Ministry of Finance in Tonga has not yet decided whether it will pay the overtime wages for the staff or not.

Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola the Health Director, according to sources, admitted the staff have not been paid yet.

The complainants claimed the authorities at Vaiola Hospital knew very well it did not have the budget to pay them to work extra hours, but they still called them to work overtime.

Dr 'Akau'ola conceded that there was shortage in the budget allocated for the overtime wages by the ministry.

He said an expert from Australia had reviewed the ministry’s overtime rate and entitlements.  

Following the review, Dr 'Akau'ola said a report has just been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for consideration, for them to make decision regarding the staff’s overtime payments.  

The complainants were mainly employees at the lab, transport operators, dispensary and at the dental department.

Speaking to the media on condition of anonymity because of fear of career blight, the staff raised the matter earlier in September, but still the hospital authorities called them up in October to do overtime jobs.

Mate Ma'a Tonga out with dignity

By
Kalino Latu
-

A wave of exultation swept across the Tongan global community, after the Mate Ma’a Tonga stunned Italy with 16 – 0 on Monday at Hallifax.

The victory is a breakthrough after Tongan rugby fans were shocked by their ‘Ikale Tahi team's loss to Romania 18 – 19 on Sunday.

Although the Mate Ma’a Tonga’s victory was a win-lose outcome, as it did not have a chance for the quarter final but it has won over its supporters' trust and faith.

It was not a match for the Tongan fans only. The Scots were far more supportive of the ‘Ikale Tahi, because a win over Italy means Scotland's Bravehearts would effortlessly go to the quarter final.

That's what exactly happened on Monday. The result meant Scotland topped Group C with five points after beating Tonga (26-24) and the USA (22-8), and drawing 30-all with Italy.

Tonga finished with four points from two wins, while Italy performed better than its last place in the group suggested.

Scotland will now take on New Zealand in the first quarter-final on Friday night, Tongan captain and Penrith-bound prop Brent Kite saying he would support the Scots after his team missed out.

"I hope they do well," Kite said. "I hope they go out there and give it their all.

"I was hoping Tonga could get into a quarter-final and show people we are coming along and show them there are reasons to play more international games and give little countries like Tonga and Scotland a go.

"I will be cheering for Scotland and any of those emerging nations that come through to the quarters. I hope they do themselves proud and the rest of the countries who would love to be there."

Italian captain Anthony Minichiello was also bitterly disappointed the tournament was over for his team after it showed a lot of early promise. After beating England 15-14 in a warm-up match, the Azzuri beat Wales 32-16 before drawing with Scotland and then losing to Tonga.

Diamond Langi of Tonga Crowned Face of Beauty International 2013

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Diamond Langi of Tonga was crowned Face of Beauty International 2013 during the third edition of the beauty contest held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 12, 2013.

Diamond Langi, hailed from the village of Vaini, Tonga, will be in the Philippines to compete once again as Miss Earth Tonga 2013.

Ahead of the Face of Beauty International Beauty Contest at the Colosseum Theater on Tuesday 12, the 38 contestants from all over the world were taking in all the major tourist attractions in and around Pattaya in order to promote themselves and the show. 

On Friday afternoon the group of beauties made their way to The Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua to visit this magnificent wooden structure dedicated to worldwide religions.

The contest is being held to promote tourism in Thailand and of course the seaside city of Pattaya.

The Sydney based Model will be arriving at the Sydney International Airport at 10.45 am tomorrow Thursday.

Supporters have called on social media for Lang’s fans to “bring your banner's & flowers and your peeps and lets congratulate her together”.

Face of Beauty International 2013 complete results:

Winner: Diamond Langi of Tonga
The first runner-up: Li Mi of Bangladesh
The second runner-up: Shasha Chen of China
The third runner-up: Fonthip Klinpakdee of Thailand
The fourth runner-up: Yana Haenisch of Namibia

MMT receives in cash TOP$10,000 VIP Package

By
Kalino Latu
-

A VIP package the Mate Ma’a Tonga team decided should be given to its president, Semisi  Sika was returned to help with the team’s budget.

All member countries in the Rugby League World Cup 2013 were offered a VIP package for travel and accommodation.

Tonga National Rugby League Cup agreed to give it to Sika. “[But] I decided to donate all that in cash for the team to assist with their budget. It's worth about $10,000.00 Paanga, the  equivalent,” Sika responded to a question by Kaniva News.

The Mate Ma’a Tonga could not make it to get into the quarter final in their pool C after they were edged out by the Scotland team in their opening match.

It is understood supporters of the Tongan team however are planning a celebration event to mark what they call a “superb performance” made by the Mate Ma’a Tonga team in England while attending the RLWC 2013.  

Semisi Sika is the Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 2.

1...919920921...943Page 920 of 943
© Copyright 2026 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment