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Extreme flood warning for Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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The threat caused by sea level rises means residents at low-lying islands of Tonga have to get prepared to move if required.

Tonga Met Services has today warned that “an extreme high tide advisory remains in force for all Tonga Islands.

An extreme high tide coinciding with the new moon is expected this evening and may cause sea flooding of low lying coastal areas,” it says.  

“These high tides in the evenings are expected to continue until Sunday”.

The damages caused by climate change to some of the coastal areas in Tonga are devastating.

As a result the mainland Tongatapu and Lifuka in Ha’apai have joint various coastal protection projects for the Pacific low-lying islands monitored  by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Fiji.

Christmas holidays bring immigrants together

By
Kaniva Pacific
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As 2013 wraps up, many of us have our minds on friends and family with the holiday season in full swing.

For the Tongan immigrants a few days off around Christmas and the New Year is an opportunity not only to unite with own family but to gather with villagers they grew up in Tonga.

Such gathering Tongans from all walks of life either celebrate what they have achieved throughout the year or they set up a common purpose to work on the following year.

The kainga from the village of Ha’akio in Vava'u, Tonga met at the Mangere Bridge beach before last Christmas to mark what their Fietokoni Group had so far organised to donate to Ha’akio this year 2014.

Senilose Pouanga, the vice president of the group said they planned to send lawn mowers and computers to the village.

They donated money through regular fundraisings to fund the project, she said.

The group members are mainly families and villagers of Ha'akio who reside in Auckland.

The Fietokoni Group offcials: Predident – Lusia, Vice-president – Senilose Pouanga, Treasurer – Fetutuki Murare,  Assistant – Neta Lolohea, Secretary – Morningside Vea, Assistant – Kato Po'ese, Campaigner – Tinitali Maka and the Liaison Officer is Mosa'ati Maka.

Measles case confirmed in Auckland

By
Kaniva Pacific
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People are being urged to be vigilant after the first measles case in Auckland since June 2012 was confirmed today.

The confirmed case, reports the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS), contracted measles while in Sydney earlier this month where they were taking part in the 2013 World Supremacy Battlegrounds hip-hop competition. ARPHS is aware that teams from elsewhere in New Zealand attended the event, including Hamilton and Huntly.

ARPHS is following standard procedures in managing this situation, including following up with those who had contact with the infected person, alerting Auckland health professionals and emergency departments, and updating the Ministry of Health.

Measles symptoms start with a high fever, which develops about ten days after exposure. This is followed with one or more of the following: a runny nose, cough, red eyes and small white spots inside the mouth. A red blotchy rash on the neck and face appears three or four days later before spreading to the rest of the body.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Catherine Jackson warns that measles is extremely infectious and can cause serious complications.

“Auckland’s last major measles outbreak in 2011 demonstrates how quickly the disease can spread: one infected child resulted in nearly 500 cases and 80 hospital admissions.

“If you have measles symptoms or any concerns, phone your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you need to see a doctor it is important to call first to avoid spreading measles in the waiting room,” says Dr Jackson.

Bishop Foliaki: Their Majesties lead mourners at funeral

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho  have led mourners in the Immaculate Conception of Mary’s Cathedral in Ma’ufanga at the funeral of Late Bishop Dr Soane Lilo Foliaki, 80, today Dec 31.  

About thousands paid their last respects at the biggest such occasion for the Diocese of the Catholic Church of Tonga and Niue since the bishop Patelesio Punou ki Hihifo Finau in 1993.

Followed by immediate families and kainga across Tonga and overseas, religious leaders from other denominations and representatives from government, the Royal Corps of Musician led the funeral procession route through Hala Vuna to the Catholic Church's cemetery in Ma'ufanga.

Bishop Soane Patita Mafi led the farewell mass attended by priests from both the Society of Mary and the Diocese of Tonga and Niue.

Bishop Foliaki also known as Bishop Emeritus served as a priest for 54 years.

He died on December 24, 2013. His parents were Soane and Sosefina Foliaki of Ma'ufanga.  Bishop Foliaki has 10 siblings.

The Tonga Health Society in New Zealand set up in 1970s and is now operating the Langimalie Clinics to cater for the Tongan immgrants is attirbuted to the late Dr Leopino Foliaki who was a brother of the late Bishop Foliaki.

Migrants warned to avoid unlicensed immigration advisers

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Unlicensed immigration advisers have similar methods when dealing with migrants, warned the Immigration Advisers Authority.

The Registrar of Immigration Advisers, Barry Smedts, said the Authority had investigated several such advisers in 2013.

Some operated from home like Mt Roskill-based Khadijah Lolohea (also known as Khadijah Piu) who offended against 13 mainly Tongan migrants.

Others operated from rented office space like Tengyu (Nick) Yuan who obtained more than $100,000 from migrants after advertising his services in a Chinese newspaper.

Ashneel Nand and Sunita Devi face 42 charges and eight charges respectively after receiving more than $50,000 from migrants.

Mr Smedts said: “What we have learned is that those operating unlawfully tend to use similar methods. They may ask you to sign a blank visa application form or tell you they are on close terms with Immigration New Zealand workers. Whatever you are told, it pays to follow our five tips when choosing an immigration adviser.”

The Authority’s five tips when choosing an immigration adviser

  1. Choose someone who is licensed by the Authority or exempt.

Licensed advisers are listed on the Authority’s online register at www.iaa.govt.nz. Exempt people include New Zealand lawyers who can be found at www.nzls.org.nz. . 

  1. Stay away from anyone who encourages you to lie on your visa application form.

Lying to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is a criminal offence and dishonesty may affect your future visas or jobs.

  1. Avoid anyone who refuses to put their name on your visa application.

Your visa application form has a section at the end that must be completed and signed by any person who has assisted you. Genuine immigration professionals will always complete this part of the form. People acting unlawfully will avoid including their name because Immigration New Zealand will not accept applications from unlicensed individuals.

  1. Do not sign a visa application form before it has been filled out.

You should never sign a document you don’t understand.

  1. Be wary of anyone who claims they have personal contacts at INZ.

Bogus immigration consultants often make false claims that they work with personal contacts at INZ.

Mr Smedts warned, even those who mean well such as pastors, teachers or community leaders, frequently put individuals at risk and damage migrants’ chances of legitimately gaining a visa.

He said: “Having good intentions is not the same as giving good immigration advice.”

The Immigration Advisers Authority is a government regulator set up to protect people receiving immigration advice. The Authority forms part of Consumer Protection and Standards within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Unlicensed advisers before the courts in 2013

Richard Martin of Richard Martin Immigration Limited North Shore

three charges of providing immigration advice when neither licensed nor exempt

one charge of receiving a fee or reward for providing immigration advice when neither licensed nor exempt

Charges before the Court

Khadijah Lolohea

(Khadijah Piu)

nine charges of providing immigration advice without a licence following a widespread immigration scam in the Tongan community

convicted

Tengyu Yuan

(Nick Yuan) of Noahark Consultant Limited

six charges of providing immigration advice without a licence and one charge of holding out as an immigration adviser after amassing more than $100,000 from six migrants

convicted

Hakaoro Hakaoro of Hakaoro Immigration Consultancy

six charges of providing immigration advice without a licence and one charge of holding himself out as an immigration adviser

Charges before the Court

Ashneel Nand of Universal Immigration Services (NZ)

42 charges including holding himself out as a licensed immigration adviser knowing he was not licensed, asking for or receiving a fee

for the provision of immigration advice, and providing immigration advice without a licence.

Charges before the Court

Sunita Devi of Universal Immigration Services (NZ)

Eight charges including providing immigration advice without a licence and asking for or receiving a fee for the provision of immigration advice.

Charges before the Court

Tonga team enjoy New Zealand scout jamboree

By
Kalino Latu
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AUCK, NZ: Twelve Tongan scouts are at Fielding in Manawatu to join the 20th New Zealand Scout Jamboree on Saturday 28  until January 6.

The Tongan team are represented by the 'Apifo'ou College scouts led by Viliami Fuapau, the scout contingent leader and his assistant Lesieli Vaohea, both are teachers at Apifo’ou College.

More than 1200 volunteers are also attending the event which is held every three years.

The Tongan Scouts will be joined by scouts and leaders from, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Korea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands and Hong Kong to enjoy nine days of challenges.

While they are there they will eat 360kg bacon, 76,000 slices of bread, 2700 tins of fruit salad, 2200 litres of ice cream, 450kg of sliced ham, 46,000 biscuits and 26,000 bananas.

They will also drink 12,000 litres of milk.

"Jamboree is an event where thousands of Scouts come together from all around New Zealand and further afield and experience being part of a wider community and meeting others with a common interest," said Scouts NZ National Commissioner Kelly Bleakley.

"On top of that, they can take part in a high-quality adventure programme that provides them with new experiences and gets them enjoying the outdoors and challenging themselves."

Mother killed with daughter laid to rest

By
Kalino Latu
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UPDATED: A Tongan mother and her daughter who died in an alleged murder in Fiji have been laid to rest together at Viseisei in Lautoka today.

Sisi Taufa Patolo, 33, and her seven-month- old daughter Sarah Patolo  died after they were fatally stabbed last week.

Twin daughters Fisi'ipeau Patolo, 5, Grace Patolo, 5 and Ana Kaitonua Patolo, 3 were also been injured in the vicious attack.

Fisipeau and ‘Ana attended the memorial service and the burial ceremony of  their deceased mum and sister while twin sister Grace could not make it as she is still in critical condition in hospital.

About a hundred mourners gathered at a joint funeral for the two, who shared the same coffin and buried together in the  family burial grounds of the Sawaieke clan, close to the chiefly burial ground where the past chiefs of the village are buried.

The families and relatives of the accused attended the funeral and asked for forgiveness from the victims' family.

The Tongan pastor and cousin of the deceased, Paea-i-Fulton Taufatofua who conducted the prayer service for the funeral told the accused's family they have forgiven them.

‘Eleni Tevi Tongan community leader in Fiji said the Tongan community and the Tonga High School alumnus were represented in the funeral.

Taufa Patolo was an ex-student of Tonga High School 1993 – 1998.

Twenty-two-year old Priya Darshani, has been charged with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder after the Wednesday brutal attack.

Darshani was brought to the family to look after the children while the mother, Taufa Patolo worked at night. She was later on had a son with Taufa Patolo's husband, Moeki Patolo,  but still they lived together with Darshani.

Repeated domestic disputes between the deceased mother and the accused because of their relationship with Mr Patolo were alleged to have been the motive behind the fatal attack.

Operation Ghost drugs bust linked to Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan freight company and premises in Auckland were some of the many targets police busted for drugs after more than 260kg of drugs used to cook methamphetamine were found hidden in a shipping container on Dec 15.

Ezi World Cargo Ltd’s director Mosese Uele told Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper police searched his premises and office.

They left and his office continued on its normal working hours and no charges laid against him and his company, he said.

It is understood police also searched premises of other Tongans in Auckland during their drug raids.

Through Operation Ghost detectives from the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ), working alongside Customs Officers, intercepted a significant consignment of ContacNT and ephedrine, police statement says.

Police did not say where the shipment came from but Kaniva understands the seizure and the searches made in Auckland had link to other Tongans and Chinese in Tonga.

248 kilograms of Pseudoephedrine commonly referred to as ContacNT and 16 kilograms of pure Ephedrine both of which are Class B Controlled drugs and precursors used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, were discovered when a container ship arrived at Ports of Auckland on Sunday morning Dec 15.

Detective Inspector Bruce Good of OFCANZ said the consignment was big enough to produce methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $72 million.

“The ContacNT was disguised as legitimately imported commercial goods,” Mr Good said.

“The intelligence gathered during Operation Ghost was critical in assisting Police and Customs identify the importation and it’s whereabouts within the consignment.”

Earlier this month OFCANZ began the termination phase of Operation Ghost, an 18 month intensive multi-agency investigation which focused on a group of senior Asian organised crime figures operating in New Zealand.

Prior to the seizure of this 264 kilograms over 330 kilograms of ContacNT, 15.5 ounces of methamphetamine and approximately $1.5 million of cash have already been seized during Operation Ghost. Over $20 million worth of assets have also restrained during the investigation.

In total Operation Ghost has yielded 594 kilograms, or over half a tonne, of pseudoephedrine during the investigation.

“While we were confident our intelligence was accurate it was still a huge relief when we opened the shipping container at the Customs inspection facility and the drugs were discovered,” Mr Good said.

ContacNT is manufactured legally in China but it is a class B controlled drug in New Zealand.

Government approved 5% cost of living adjustment

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan public servants including casual employees in January 2014 will receive a 5% cost of living adjustment government said this week.

Ministry of Finance CEO Tatafu Moeaki said, it is the responsibility of government “to periodically adjust service staff salaries to the cost of living increases. 

“In this regard, the Ministry’s duly responsibility and contribution to the appropriate COLA is to provide sound and timely advise based on thorough analysis of options to manage Government's affordability of COLA, cost control options of tax payers (public) money i.e. within budget and not undermining other Government priorities, its predictability (fiscal implication) and sustainability of these costs,” he said.

The 5% COLA was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu after the cabinet previously approved a 20% adjustment increase for its employees.

The Finance Minister Hon Lisiate Akolo said government has no money to fund the pay rise.

Cabinet however finally agree for the 5% to start with and said that would be reviewed later next year.

Former Catholic bishop dies

By
Kaniva Staff
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Dr Bishop Soane Lilo Foliaki SM, 80,  a former and retired bishop of the diocese of Tonga and Niue died Tuesday 24 in Nuku’alofa.

A Vigil Mass by the Marist priests in Tonga will be held on Dec, 30 at the cathedral in Ma’ufanga.

His funeral Mass will also be held Dec, 31 at the cathedral and is expected to be led by his successor, Bishop Soane Mafi.

His body will then be laid to rest at the Ma’ufanga Catholic cemetery.

Bishop Foliaki, was ordained priest in 1955 and was consecrated bishop in 1994.

He was the second Tongan bishop to be appointed by the Vatican since Catholic was brought to Tonga in 1842 by members of the Society of Mary.

Bishop Foliaki retired in 2008.  

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