Police have released a photo of the Tongan national at the centre of a manhunt after he allegedly stabbed a detention centre contractor and assaulted another during a violent escape while being transported for deportation this afternoon.
The fugitive, a Villawood Immigration Detention Centre detainee, broke free early this morning while en route to Sydney Airport, where he was due to be deported to Tonga.
During the escape, a 54-year-old contractor was stabbed in the neck and cheek, while a 36-year-old man was assaulted.
Both victims work for the centre, which operates under the Australian Border Force (ABF).
NSW Police have now issued an image of the wanted man, urging the public to assist in locating him.
Detectives recovered a sharp metal object from the scene and believe the suspect fled toward Harris Park.
“The male is known to frequent Mount Pritchard and south-west Sydney,” said NSW Police Superintendent Simon Glasser.
“We urge the public to be vigilant—do not approach him. If seen, call triple-zero immediately.”
Authorities have warned residents in Sydney’s west to remain cautious as the search intensifies.
The man remains at large, with a heavy police presence in the Harris Park area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
A high-risk manhunt is underway in Sydney’s west after a 28-year-old Tongan national allegedly stabbed two Australian Border Force officers during a botched deportation attempt.
The detainee, who had been held at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for overstaying his visa, violently attacked the officers while being transported to Sydney Airport for removal.
One officer was stabbed in the neck, while another sustained injuries during the struggle, according to a Sky News report.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach the fugitive if spotted but to immediately contact police.
The man, whose identity has not been released, is considered dangerous.
The incident has reignited concerns in Tonga over the US and Australia’s increasing deportations of Pacific Islanders, with local officials warning that the nation’s overcrowded prison system cannot handle the influx of returning offenders.
Tonga’s King’s Prison is already at breaking point, raising fears that deportees could strain resources further.
In a firm address delivered by Lord Ma’afu on behalf of His Majesty, the King emphasised Parliament’s duty to hold the government accountable, particularly in ensuring transparency in taxpayer money.
The speech marked the soft closing of Parliament this morning.
Lord Ma’afu delivering the royal speech
The King underscored that the Constitution mandates strict oversight of public spending, urging lawmakers to fulfil their role in scrutinising government expenditures.
In Tongan he said: “Ko e Fale Alea ke ne fakapapau’i oku ngāue ‘a e pule’anga kotoa fakatatau ki he konisitutone’ mo e lao’. Ke fakapapau’i oku maau ‘a e founga ‘o e fakamole mo e pa’anga kotoa.”
The royal warning comes amid growing scrutiny over financial accountability, including recent revelations by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, who accused Parliament of adopting “dangerous working procedures.”
Dr Fusimālohi had earlier exposed an Auditor General’s report revealing no records for how $60 million from the Covid Fund was spent.
This is not the first time the King has reproached Parliament for lapses in governance.
He previously chastised the House for failing to submit annual reports, a key transparency requirement.
In today’s speech, the King reaffirmed Tonga’s Christian values, calling for strict observance of the Sabbath.
His remarks follow reports by Kaniva News highlighting inconsistencies in enforcing Sunday trading laws, where some businesses remain open for tourists while locals face restrictions.
The King also reminded the people of other commandments from the Holy Bible, such as ‘Thou shalt not steal’ and ‘Thou shalt not covet’ warning against jealousy and the desperate desire for what belongs to others.
The King also acknowledged Tonga’s ongoing transition to a new system of governance but noted persistent challenges in implementing key policies. “We strive for a peaceful transition, yet daily obstacles remain,” he said in Tongan.
The address serves as both a reminder and a warning, as Tonga navigates reform, honesty in governance and adherence to tradition must remain paramount, especially under the watchful eyes of foreign donors and the public.
More than 50 per cent of Tonga’s annual budget depends on foreign donors.
The Tonga Ministry of Health is facing a severe staffing crisis, with Vaiola Hospital losing 45% of its nursing workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nurses in Tonga out the Royal Palace office in 2023
Matron Sr Akesa Halatanu revealed that the hospital now operates with just 176 nurses, down from 320 before the pandemic.
“The decline is primarily due to work opportunities overseas and personal reasons,” Halatanu reportedly said, highlighting the growing challenge of retaining healthcare workers in Tonga.
The shortage comes amid rising public frustration over long wait times and perceived unprofessionalism at the hospital, prompting Health Minister Dr Ana ‘Akau’ola to plead for patience and understanding from the public recently.
In December 2023, nurses staged a half-day strike demanding better pay and working conditions.
Their protest followed failed negotiations with the then Health Minister over a proposed salary increase.
In response, the Vaiola Hospital Board of Visitors Charity donated TOP$160,000 to support striking nurses and staff working through the holiday season.
While the gesture provided temporary relief, underlying issues of low wages and heavy workloads remain unresolved.
With the healthcare system under immense strain, experts warn that Tonga’s nurse exodus could worsen without immediate intervention.
As Vaiola Hospital struggles to cope, the people of Tonga face longer waits and stretched services, raising fears of a deepening health crisis if solutions are not found soon.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi’s unflinching vow to keep exposing wrongdoing, even as his own colleagues turn against him, should alarm every citizen who cares about transparent governance.
Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi
He said that he was unbothered by his critics’ actions. In Tongan, he said: ‘I’ll keep leaking for the public good.”
His admission of being disliked in Parliament for whistleblowing isn’t just a personal grievance, it’s a damning indictment of a political system that prioritises secrecy over accountability.
The backlash against Fusimalohi reveals a disturbing pattern: Those who dare to expose misconduct face isolation, while those accused of mismanagement cling to the shadows.
Take the explosive case of Tonga’s missing $60 million in COVID funds—buried in an Auditor General’s report that Parliament tried to rubber-stamp without debate.
Or the false allegations about the Ministry of Infrastructure, now under police investigation.
These are not minor disputes; rather, they are signs of a deeper issue that Fusimalohi refuses to overlook.
Yet instead of addressing these scandals, some lawmakers seem more invested in punishing the messenger.
Their hostility sends a chilling message: question nothing, reveal nothing.
This is the opposite of how democracy should work. Public office is a trust, not a shield for corruption.
Tonga’s people deserve better. If Parliament views transparency as a threat rather than a duty, it’s not Fusimalohi who should be condemned, it’s the system protecting those with something to hide.
His defiance isn’t rebellion, it’s the bare minimum of civic courage.
The real question isn’t whether he should stop leaking, but why more leaders aren’t joining him.
Silence is complicity. Tonga’s future depends on who wins this fight—the people’s right to know, or the politicians who fear the light.
Two officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Tou’anga Vaomotou and Lemoto Faka’osi, are currently on the island of Niuatoputapu assisting the Government Representative in finalising logistics for the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year.
The luxury vessel Silver Cloud, operated by Silversea Cruises, will dock on May 16, 2025, bringing 434 passengers to the remote island.
The Silver Cloud departed Lautoka, Fiji, on May 6, as part of a 14-day Pacific voyage ending on May 20.
The itinerary includes stops in several Pacific destinations, such as Tuvalu, Western Samoa, and other Tongan islands. It offers travellers an all-inclusive experience featuring gourmet dining, butler service, premium beverages, and curated shore excursions.
For Niuatoputapu, the arrival marks a significant opportunity to boost local income.
The island’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, including copra, limes, breadfruit, and traditional weaving, a vital source of livelihood for women.
Tourism presents a promising supplementary revenue stream, with passengers expected to purchase local handicrafts and experience the island’s unique culture.
Government and tourism officials are working to ensure smooth operations during the ship’s visit, coordinating transportation, cultural activities, and market opportunities for local vendors.
This visit could pave the way for more cruise tourism in the future, further supporting Niuatoputapu’s sustainable development.
As the island prepares to welcome its international guests, excitement grows among residents, who see this as a chance to showcase their traditions and natural beauty.
A noticeable earthquake was reported in Tonga earlier today, with residents taking to social media to share their experiences.
Several Facebook users confirmed feeling the tremors, though official details from local authorities are still pending.
One concerned poster wrote, “Why this earthquake?” reflecting the unease among some residents. While the magnitude and epicentre remain unconfirmed, the quake appears strong enough to be felt across parts of the island nation.
In the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga frequently experiences earthquakes.
However, any noticeable tremor raises awareness due to the region’s vulnerability to tsunamis.
Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement, but experts advise residents to stay alert for aftershocks.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
The Tonga Police have issued a public notice stating that they will shoot any stray pigs found on the property of the Longolongo Police Station from May 13 to May 15, between 5pm and 6am.
Authorities cited Section 18 of the Tonga Animal Control Act, which permits the killing of stray animals causing damage to private property.
The measure aims to prevent the destruction of police facilities and ensure safety in the area.
In the same announcement, police also urged dog owners to ensure their pets wear collars with identification to avoid confusion with strays.
Residents near Longolongo are advised to secure their livestock during the specified hours.
For further inquiries, the public is encouraged to contact local police authorities.
The highly anticipated retrial appeal of former MPs and Cabinet Ministers ‘Etuate and ‘Akosita Lavulavu is set to be heard this week, marking another dramatic turn in what has been dubbed the “court case of the century.”
‘Etuate Lavulavu (L) and Akosita Lavulavu
The couple, previously convicted and jailed for misusing over TOP$500,000 in government funds, won an appeal while in prison, leading to their release and an order for a retrial.
The couple’s appeal succeeded because former Justice Cooper, the presiding judge, failed to maintain impartiality.
The case stems from a 2016 Auditor General’s report, which uncovered alleged financial mismanagement involving the Lavulavus’ school, ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute.
In July 2021, the couple was found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Justice Langi reportedly stated during one of the retrial hearings that the material in the Auditor General’s report was considered hearsay and ruled it out as evidence.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) submitted that the whole report was not based on hearsay.
The DPP said the voir dire hearing was conducted at various times from 7 November 2023 to 30 April 2024 to determine whether the auditor’s report would be admissible in court.
On 6 September 2024, Chief Justice Bishop KC agreed to submit the Crown’s appeal against Mrs Langi’s decision to the Court of Appeal.
The Lavulavu couple also submitted a cross-appeal on 21 November 2024, which Justice Bishop KC had also approved.
Meanwhile, it is understood that the decision on the appeal was expected to be announced before this Friday.
The case has gripped the nation, and many are watching closely to see whether justice will be reaffirmed or whether new legal challenges will further prolong the saga.
Iunisi Finau credits constant family support as the driving force which saw her graduate with a Masters of Indigenous Studies on Saturday – her third graduation from the University of Otago.
An exciting morning for Iunisi Finau as she is pictured in front of the University clock tower on graduation day.
Born in Tonga and raised in Dunedin, Iunisi previously graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology before going on to complete her Honours and then her Masters.
She says her family has been a constant source of inspiration throughout her academic journey.
“We moved to Dunedin from Tonga when I was three, and I am forever grateful to my parents for that decision because I love being from Dunedin,” Iunisi says,
“My parents would move heaven and earth to get things done for us and my dad worked in every job you could possibly think of just to provide for us.
“Their commitment to raising my siblings and our cousins was with no complaint, so me studying was my way of showing my commitment to their dreams for their kids.”
Iunisi acknowledges that balancing student life, studies and family commitments were not always simple.
Being the eldest of seven siblings meant she also took on responsibilities at home, and didn’t always have the luxury of focusing solely on lectures and assignments.
“I had to lead by example for my siblings because my responsibilities at home didn’t stop just because I was at University,” she says.
“I could not sit back and watch my parents do it all. They have already done so much for us, so I tried to help where I can.”
Her father’s constant encouragement helped her get through the hard days.
“All throughout my academic journey he kept saying to me, ‘Ai pe ke osi’ – Just keep at it until it’s finished. Even after I completed my Masters, his first reminder to me was, ‘this is not the end, keep on going while you are young and motivated’.”
Now, with her remarkable third graduation, Iunisi carries not only the weight of her achievements but also the pride of her entire family.
“I look at my parents and think, this is their first time living too and it makes my ‘why’ that much more special.
“My parents will always be the biggest part of that story.”
Iunisi says she’s also grateful for the support she’s received from the University community.
Being part of the Pacific On-Campus Experience (POCE) in 2018 before first enrolling to study was a turning point in how she viewed the University.
“POCE made me feel like I belonged here. It gave me a sense of home away from home because you were in a programme which had so many other Pacific students who looked like me. That was the start of building my community.”
Reflecting on her Honours year, Iunisi says having a strong supervisor like Professor Patrick Vakaoti also made a huge difference.
“Honours was one of my toughest years, but Patrick’s mentorship was instrumental in getting me through.”
However, Iunisi says the proudest moment in her academic journey has not been her own milestones, rather watching her younger sister graduate from polytechnic and then start her own journey at the University of Otago, enrolling in a Bachelor of Commerce.
“Having my sister graduate and then share that she wanted to follow in my footsteps … that moment meant everything to me.”
For others now following a similar path, her advice is simple.
“Don’t fall into the pressure of trying to meet everyone’s expectations, you need to just remember the passion that drove you to be here,” Iunisi says.
Talanoa by Pacific Communications Adviser Viena Faiva
