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'Akilisi Pohiva's house on fire claim untrue

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Kiliki heni This news in Tongan ke ke lau e ongoongo ni 'i he lea faka-Tonga

A local media report spread on Facebook  Sunday 1 claiming  a house in Sopu  was where Tonga's Democratic Party Leader 'Akilisi Pohiva lived was damaged by fire but it has been denied it was true.

The fire, occured in the weekend, was reported to be caused by electrical fault. No fatalities reported but the house was completely destroyed.  

Pohiva's daughter 'Iolani Pohiva Koli  said Pohiva and his wife Neomai are residing at their son's Siaosi's house in Hala'ovave. 

Koli said the house in Sopu was built by Pohiva  after he was dismissed from civil service by the government in 1985.

However they moved houses in the last couple of years and a niece of Pohiva moved in and stayed in the house.

The niece and another person staying at the home went to a Morning Prayer service on Sunday, June 1 and the fire broke out while they were away.

The news quickly attracted a number of negative comments and ridicules from the Democratic Leader’s critics on Facebook saying his supporters will build a palace for him.

Pohiva’s supporters blasted the comments saying they were malicious and that everyone should show sympathy in times of disaster no matter who the victims are.

Tonga Democratic Party unlikely to change Party MPs

By
Kalino Latu
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Kiliki heni This news in Tongan ke ke lau 'a e ongoongo ni 'i he lea faka-Tonga.

UPDATED: Tonga’s Friendly Islands Democratic Party has indicated it will not change its current MPs for Tongatapu constituencies when it announces its list of candidates for the November election.  

The announcement came amid pressure from sitting party members this week for an announcement on who would stand for the Tongatapu 10 constituencies.

The Democratic Party named its seven outer islands candidates two weeks ago.

Speaking by telephone to Kaniva News, the Democratic Party’s newly elected Deputy Leader, ‘Isileli Pulu, said the Democratic Party lost the vote for the Tongan Prime Minister in 2010 because the Party made a ‘big mistake’ after it ditched one of its candidates shortly before the election.

He said the Democratic Party would release its list of candidates at the end of August, two months before the general election.

The Party currently holds 8 out of the 10 seats for Tongatapu constituencies in the House.   As it stands it will only look for candidates to stand for  Tongatapu 6 and Tongatapu 7. These two constituencies were represented in parliament by former party members Sangstar Saulala and Siosifa Tu'utafaiva. Saulala was dismissed by the party and Tu'utafaiva resigned after they both took up ministerial posts in the government  of Lord Tu'ivakano.

Local newspapers in Tonga and the New Zealand Tongan Development Society proposed their own Democratic Party proposed candidates for the election.

Democratic Party Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s Kele’a newspaper proposed replacing some current Party MPs, including Dr Sitiveni Halapua for Tongtapu 3, Sione Havea Taione for Tongatapu 8, Falisi Tupou for Tongatapu 9 and Semisi Tapueluelu for Tongatapu 10 as well as the ‘Eua MP, Sunia Fili. 

The New Zealand Tongan Development Society said it would support those MPs who were loyal to the Party after two members, Sangastar Saulala and Siosifa Tu’utafaiva, defected to the government of PM Lord Tu’ivakano.

Some party MPs were accused of plotting to support Dr Sitiveni Halapua rather than Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva as the party's candidate for the Prime Minister in 2012. 

Pulu said the party interviewed the accused MPs, but found no evidence that the media allegations against them were true. He said that if the party dropped five of its current MPs they could defect to some other new parties in the election.

“If their constituents re-elect them to Parliament in the November election it will backfire on the party as they will become its opponents in the House,” he said.

“We will lose the vote for the premiership and the party will end up in chaos.”

During the 2010 election campaign a rift developed within the Party between its leader,  ‘Akilisi Pohiva, and ‘Eua MP Sunia Fili. It widened to the point where Fili publicly announced he would quit the Party and ran as an independent candidate.

In an attempt to defeat Fili in the election the party announced it would no longer work with him.  Democratic supporters also called on Fili’s constituents to vote him out, but Fili was re-elected to Parliament.

Fili accepted the post of Finance Minister in Lord Tu’ivakano’s government.

In the Parliamentary vote for the premiership after the 2010 general election, Fili moved for Lord Tu’ivakano to be a candidate. Lord Tu’ivakano defeated Pohiva in the vote.

Deputy Pulu said the Democratic Party lost the premiership vote because the timing of the announcement by the Party and the call for Fili’s constituency to vote him out in 2010 election was badly timed.

Tonga’s political system

The political party system does not exist in Tonga. Political analysts say Tonga’s current political system was designed to have all members of parliament represent the whole country with no formal opposition party.

Critics says the system was intended to give greater power to the king and the nobles and that claims it was a democracy were misleading as the current government represents a minority because of the disproportionate power of the nobles.

The Friendly Island Democratic Party, led by Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva, was established in September 2010 to unite candidates who later became MPs and who were supporters of Pohiva in his attempt to have the government democratically run by the people. 

Tonga’s new political system, which was implemented in 2010, introduced an electoral system comprised of two electorates: the hereditary land-holding nobles, plus nine Life Peers (honorary Nobles), who elect nine hereditary Nobles;

The rest of the population of Tonga – about 100,000 people – elect 17 representatives, 10 of them on the main island, Tongatapu.

According to Tonga’s constitution a general election is held every four  years, after which  the elected parliamentarians elect the Prime Minister.

The main points

  • Tonga’s Democratic Party has indicated it will not change its current MPs for Tongatapu constituencies when it announces its list of candidates for the November election. 
  • The announcement came amid pressure from sitting party members this week for an announcement on who would stand for the Tongatapu 10 constituencies.
  • The Democratic Party named its seven outer islands candidates two weeks ago.
  • The Party’s newly elected Deputy Leader, ‘Isileli Pulu said the Democratic Party would release its list of candidates at the end of August, two months before the general election.

For more information

Tonga: Constitution and politics

Act of Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) 2010

Tonga

Tonga is fattest country in new global study

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A study, published in the journal The Lancet, says Tonga is the fattest country in the world.

Listed below are the top 10 countries with the highest rates of obesity and overweight in adults older than age 20.

Scientists typically measure obesity based on body mass index, or BMI, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

A BMI from 19 to 25 is considered healthy, 25 to 30 is overweight, and over 30 is obese.

Countries with the highest rates of obesity and overweight in adults:

Tonga

Samoa

Kiribati

Kuwait

Qatar

Marshall Islands

Egypt

Micronesia

Libya

Jordan

Malakai Fekitoa named in All Blacks 2014 squad

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Malakai Fekitoa has been included in the All Blacks squad announced today for the three test series against England.

Forwards

Hookers
Dane Coles (Wellington / Hurricanes, 15)
Keven Mealamu (Auckland / Blues, 110)

Props
Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury / Crusaders, 24)
Charlie Faumuina (Auckland / Blues 17)
Ben Franks (Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes, 31)
Owen Franks (Canterbury, Crusaders, 54)
Tony Woodcock (North Harbour/ Blues, 107)

Locks
Dominic Bird (Canterbury / Crusaders, 1)
Brodie Retallick (Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 24)
Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland / Blues)
Samuel Whitelock (Canterbury/ Crusaders, 51)

Loose Forwards
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 14)
Jerome Kaino (Auckland / Blues, 48)
Richie McCaw (c) (Canterbury / Crusaders, 124)
Liam Messam (Waikato / Chiefs, 29)
Kieran Read (Canterbury, Crusaders, 61)
Victor Vito (Wellington / Hurricanes, 22)

Backs

Halfbacks
Tawera Kerr–Barlow (Waikato / Chiefs, 14)
TJ Perenara (Wellington / Hurricanes)
Aaron Smith (Manawatu / Highlanders, 26)

First five–eighths
Beauden Barrett (Taranaki / Hurricanes, 16)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu / Chiefs, 29)
Colin Slade (Canterbury / Crusaders (11)

Midfielders
Ryan Crotty (Canterbury / Crusaders, 5)
Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland / Highlanders)
Ma’a Nonu (Wellington / Blues, 88)
Conrad Smith (Wellington / Hurricanes, 75)

Outside backs
Israel Dagg (Hawke’s Bay / Crusaders, 38)
Cory Jane (Wellington / Hurricanes, 45)
Julian Savea (Wellington / Hurricanes, 20)
Ben Smith (Otago / Highlanders, 26)

The new All Blacks – mini biographies

MALAKAI FEKITOA. 2014 has been an incredible year for Malakai Fekitoa, who has made an electrifying start to his Super Rugby career with explosive power and abrasive defence for the Highlanders. A product of Wesley College, which also produced All Blacks Jonah Lomu and Frank Halai, Fekitoa is also a talented sevens player and was Player of the Tournament at the 2011 National Sevens.

PATRICK TUIPULOTU. An exciting young lock, Tuipulotu is another new All Black who has also just made the step up to Investec Super Rugby and has thrilled rugby fans with his physicality and aerial skills. Tuipulotu is the most recent All Black to come from the notable Ponsonby club in Auckland and the first of the 2013 New Zealand Under 20 side to be named as a full member of the All Blacks squad.

Steinlager Series Tests against England

1. Eden Park, Auckland, 7.35PM, Saturday 7 June
2. Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 7.35PM, Saturday 14 June
3. Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 7.35PM, Saturday 21 June

New Project to Rebuild Cyclone-Affected Homes in Ha’apai

By
Kaniva Pacific
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WASHINGTON D.C., May 29, 2014 –Today the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved US$12 million in grants and low-interest credits from the International Development Association’s (IDA) Crisis Response Window to support the Cyclone Ian Reconstruction and Climate Resilience Project. This project will help rebuild and repair hundreds of homes in Tonga and restore critical community facilities like markets, health centers and schools that were badly damaged by Tropical Cyclone Ian.

The Category 5 Cyclone, which passed directly over Tonga’s Ha’apai Island Group on January 11, 2014, was the most powerful storm ever recorded in the country, with winds of over 200km per hour. The disaster had a devastating impact on the people of Ha’apai. Tragically, one person died and 14 were injured. The cyclone also caused significant damage to people’s homes and agriculture – the main livelihood activity in the area – and hundreds of families were relocated to evacuation centers and emergency shelters.

A World Bank assessment estimated total physical damages and economic losses from the disaster at US$50 million, which is 11 percent of the country’s GDP.

“This project has been designed to support recovery in Ha’apai, to enable its people to get back on their feet, and ensure communities are better prepared to deal with natural disasters in the future,” said Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Country Director for the Pacific Islands. “The World Bank is committed to assisting with recovery and reconstruction efforts as effectively and as quickly as possible so that those affected by this tragic event can rebuild their lives.”

The project will help rebuild essential housing for 200 of the poorest and most vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged by Cyclone Ian. It will also provide grants, training and advice to an estimated additional 900 affected households who need to undertake repairs or reconstruction, or to retrofit their homes to bring them up to climate-resilient standards, and it includes grants to households that need to improve water and sanitation facilities.

In addition the project will reconstruct and climate-proof critical community infrastructure such as the Lifuka market in Pangai, which is a hub for the people of Ha’apai to do business and sell their produce.

The project will also map coastal hazards and risks and provide training for tradespeople, local contractors, community leaders and others to help them plan and build infrastructure that is more resilient to extreme weather events, such as earthquakes and cyclones, to reduce risks for the future.

The Kingdom of Tonga is made up of 169 islands in the South Pacific and is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to impacts from climate change and natural disasters. According to World Bank models, the country incurs on average US$15.5 million in losses each year due to earthquakes and tropical cyclones.

The Project is being funded with US$12 million from IDA ($6 million as grants and $6 million as low-interest credits), with an additional US$1.8 million grant from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure in partnership with NGOs working in Ha’apai, with project preparations undertaken in close coordination with affected communities and local and national governments. The first works are expected to commence in July 2014.

PM John Key to lead Pacific Mission to Samoa, Tonga and Niue

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Prime Minister John Key will lead a delegation to Samoa, Tonga and Niue on Sunday for the 2014 Pacific Mission.

Mr Key will meet with Pacific leaders and visit New Zealand Aid Programme projects during the five day visit.

“The mission reflects the close relationship we have with our Pacific neighbours and the high regard New Zealand places on these relationships,’’ says Mr Key. 

The New Zealand delegation will comprise of around 40 members and include cross party MPs, Pacific leaders, and representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations.

The delegation’s first stop will be Samoa, where they will attend the 52nd independence celebrations in Apia.  

“This year also marks the 100th anniversary of New Zealand establishing an occupation over Samoa at the start of World War I. Despite these sombre beginnings New Zealand has developed a strong, vibrant relationship with Samoa which is reflected by the Treaty of Friendship between our two countries. I look forward to celebrating the strength of our relationship during the visit,” says Mr Key.

While in Samoa, Mr Key will also visit regions affected by the 2009 Tsunami and 2012 Cyclone Evan. New Zealand has contributed around NZ$22 million in response to these disasters.

The delegation will then head to Tonga.

“Our visit to Tonga will be an opportunity to have high level discussions, including on renewable energy, which is a priority for the Tongan Government and is supported by the New Zealand Aid Programme,” says Mr Key.

In Niue, Mr Key will meet with Premier Talagi and key players in the tourism and private sector. 

“This is a valuable opportunity to engage with the leaders of these countries on regional priorities ahead of the upcoming Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting and the Conference on Small Island Developing States,” says Mr Key.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will attend the Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting and the Conference on Small Island Developing States on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

US fugitive captured in Tonga faces extradition

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Tongan police say a man wanted by FBI for four counts of wire fraud in 2013 has been bailed on strict condition to appear at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa on May 27.

It is understood the fugitive will appeal a removal order.

Acting Police Commissioner Unga Fa’aoa said in a press release today that, “Tonga Police Serious Organized and Transnational Crime Unit (SOTCU) in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have successfully located and arrested a US fugitive who is a 62 year-old US national on 5th May, 2014 at Havelu, Nuku’alofa”.

“The fugitive was issued with a Federal Grand Jury indictment for four counts of wire fraud in September 2013.

“The US Government has issued a Federal warrant of arrest for the fugitive from the US District Court of Central California in December 2013.

“The fugitive’s US passport has been cancelled and issued with an emergency passport to facilitate his return to the United States.

“The fugitive has been declared as an undesirable immigrant in Tonga and is now a subject of a removal order.

“The fugitive was remanded in custody from 5 – 19 May 2"

Communities mourn passing of Sione Liava’a

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Auckland Pacific communities are mourning the death of Sione Tupukauvalu Liava’a, a prominent Tongan community leader.

Liava’a from Ha’avakatolo in Tonga immigrated to New Zealand in the early seventies, after working for Radio Tonga Broadcasting for three years.

He arrived in Auckland and worked for Telecom for thirteen years. He became a radio broadcaster again sending news to Tonga every morning through Radio New Zealand International.

He also helped out with a local Tongan news programme on Access Radio Auckland every morning.

 “Sione was a lovely, gentle and kind man who dedicated his life to serving his community.  He did not seek positions to satisfy any personal or egotistical pursuit, rather he sought to work in unity with all cultures and ensure Pacific people contributed our fullest potential to the decisions of Aotearoa New Zealand," said Sua William Sio, the Labour Party Spokesperson for the Pacific.

“He was a passionate advocate for education and served on numerous organisations either as the leader of ex-students association from his former home in Tonga, a Pacific parents’ school committee member, or as a trustee on the Board of the Auckland Grammar School.

“He will be remembered by many from the old Manukau City Council days as a strong and sensible advocate who served first as a member of the Manukau City Safer Community Council and then for two terms on the Pacific Islands Advisory Committee.

“Liavaa received a QSM last year for his community work. He fully deserved that recognition.

“More recently he was a paid up member of the Labour party who wanted to encourage his beloved Tongan community to participate fully in elections and fight for social justice for all. My colleagues and I will miss his warm smile and his wonderful kindness.

“Our sincere condolences and sympathies go to his wife Christine and his three adult children, whose education success he was immensely proud of.”

Liava’a died peacefully on Saturday 17 May 2014, at Middlemore Hospital and was buried today May 22 at the Manukau Memorial Gardens Chapel.

News in Tongan

 ‘Oku lolotonga tengihia ‘e he komiuniti Pasifiki ‘Aokalani ‘a e pekia a Sione Tupukauvalu Liava’a ko ha taki tu’u ki mua ‘i he komiuniti Tonga.

Na’e hiki fonua mai ‘a Liava’a ‘o Ha’avakatolo mei Tonga i he 70 tupu ki Nu’u Sila ni hili ia ‘ene fakahoko fatongia ‘i ha ta’u ‘e tolu ‘i he letio Tonga.

Na’a ne ngaue ai ‘i Nu’u Sila  ni ‘i he kautaha fetu’utaki Telecom ‘i ha ta’u ‘e 13. Na’a ne toe foki ai ‘o hoko ko e tokotaha faiongoongo mei Nu’u Sila ni ki Tonga ‘o fakafou atu ‘i he Letio Fakavahaa Pule’anga ‘a Nu’u Sila.

Na’a ne toe tokoni foki ‘o faifakamafola lea ki he kainga Tonga mei he letio Access Radio ‘a ‘Aokalani ‘i he pongipongi kotoa ‘o hoko ai ‘a e tangata ni ko ha le’o ne maheni mo e kainga tokolahi ‘i he nofoo.

Ko e tangata ‘a Liava’a na’e ‘i ai ‘ene fa’ahinga tokanga makehe ki he ako pea na’a ne kau ki he ngaahi kautaha fakakomiuniti kehekehe ‘o tatau pe pe ko e me’a ‘a e kolisi tutuku ‘a e Ako Ma’olunga ‘o Tonga ‘a ia na’a ne ako foki ai, pe ko e ngaahi kautaha ako ‘a e matu’a Pasifiki pe ko e talasiti a e Poate Ako ‘a e Grammar ‘a ‘Aokalani.

E manatua ‘a Liava’a ‘e he Kosilio Motu’a ‘a e Manukau City ko ha tangata poupou mo tu’ufefeka ‘i he’enau ngaahi me’a pea na’a ne hoko ‘o ‘uluaki memipa he Manukau City Safer Community pea hoko mai ai ki ha teemi ‘e ua ‘o ‘ene memipa foki ‘i he Pacific Islands Advisory Committee.

Na’e toki foaki kia Liava’a ‘a e pale makehe ‘a e Kuini ‘o Pilitania ko e Queen’s Service Medal i he ta’u kuo ‘osi. Ko ha foaki pale ia ne taau pe mo ha tangata ngaue mateaki ma’a e kakai pehe ki he famili foki.

Ki mui mai na’a ne totongi ke ne hoko ko e memipa i he Paati Leipa ‘a ia naa ne fiema’u ke fakalotolahii ‘a hono komiuniti Tonga ke nau kau kakato ki he fili Fale Alea mo tau’i ‘a e fakamaau totonu fakasosiale ma’a e katoa, ko e konga ia e ngaahi fakamatala ‘a e Memipa Fale Alea ‘a e Leipa ki he Pasifiki Sua William Sio ‘i hono fakahikihiki’i e lavame’a ‘a Liava’a.

 “‘Oku oatu ‘emau fie kaunga ongo’i mo fiekaunga mamahi mo’oni ki he uaifi, Christine mo ‘ena fanau ‘e toko tolu, ‘a ia na’e hoko ‘enau ikuna he ako ko ha me’a ke ne matu’aki polepole ai”.

Na’e malolo ‘a Liava’a ‘i he Tokonaki ko hono 17 ‘o Mee ‘i he Falemahaki Middlemore pea na’e fakahekeheka ‘ene folau ‘i he Manukau Memorial Gardens Chapel he aho ni 22 ‘o Mee.

 

Teenager killed in Hala'ovave can now be named

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

A 19-year-old male teenager from Ha’afeva  who was killed in Hala’ovave last week can now be named as Feleti Veikoso. The man accused for the killing is Paea Winston Helu, 32, from Hala'ovave.

Both the accused and victim were named when the accused appeared briefly at the Magistrate court in Nuku’alofa, Tuesday 20. 

Helu remains in police custody and is expected to reappear at the Magistrate Court, Monday June 23.

According to police, Helu admitted he assaulted the deceased after he found him in his car in front of the ‘Uliti Uata Building. He suspected the victim tried to rob his car and to steal his car radio.

He finally dumped Veikoso  at the Hala'ovave primary school compound before disappearing.

Police were called to the scene at 3:00am on Sunday and took the victim to Vaiola Hospital.

He was in critical condition and died shortly in hospital.

Labour candidate denies intention to fake CV

By
Kalino Latu
-

Auckland, NZ – The Tongan Labour candidate for Manukau East, Jenny Salesa, has denied her cv is faked.

She made the comments after some Tongan Aucklanders questioned whether she was qualified to practice law in New Zealand.

Salesa, who graduated from Auckland University’s School of Law, has admitted that she does not have a current practicing certificate.

She said she was working with the New Zealand Law Society to obtain a practicing certificate as soon as possible.

Her cv says she has been a lawyer, health specialist, policy analyst and senior official for 20 years and was made a barrister and solicitor of the High Court in Auckland in 1996.

Salesa graduated from Auckland University’s School of Law with a BA/LLB.

She returned to New Zealand in 2012 after living in the United States for nearly a decade.

Salesa could be the first Tongan MP to enter NZ parliament. Manukau East is a Labour stronghold.

The New Zealand Labour Party claimed Salesa was a victim of a “politically motivated” campaign by Auckland Tongans and Pacific supporters of National and Conservative Parties.

An e-mail from Salesa to  Kaniva News implied she was unaware that the New Zealand law rules governing  the registration of solicitors and barristers had changed while she was in the United States.

The New Zealand Law Practitioner’s Act 1982 said: “Every person admitted by the Court or a Judge under this Act shall be admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Court; and no person shall be admitted as a barrister or solicitor only.”

The Law Practitioner’s Act 1982 was repealed with the introduction of the Lawyers and Conveyancers  Act 2006.

The Act says anyone who had been admitted as a barrister and solicitor, but did not hold a current practising certificate, could refer to themselves as an "enrolled barrister and solicitor of the High Court.”

The New Zealand Law Society says it is an offence against the Lawyers and Conveyance Act 2006 (“the LCA”) for anyone providing certain legal services to describe themselves as a “lawyer”, a “barrister”, or a “barrister and solicitor” without holding  a current practising certificate.

Salesa said she was told by the Law Society it would only take a week before she received her practising certificate. She would not be working as a legal counselor.

“It is all right to make correction to what went wrong and we are working with the Law Society to fulfill their requirement,” she said.

“The society asked me to help them with my educational background. This includes finding where I was qualified with my law degree, and whether I passed my professional legal studies and when and where I received my wig.

“I fully accept the request for me by the Law Society to correct any information that may have misled anybody regarding my legal status and I think many have understood I did not intend to misinform anyone.”

Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson, Su'a William Sio, said: “I would say that the political environment we are in leading up to the election suggests strongly that these allegations are politically motivated and perhaps are driven by those who aligned with National and the Conservatives.”

“It’s a real shame that those political parties are involving some members of the Tongan community or Pacific candidates in petty mudslinging against a daughter of Tonga.”

An e-mail by Auckland barrister Nalesoni Tupou to Sio that was passed on to Kaniva News says: “Can I draw your attention to Sections 6, 21. 22 of the Lawyers and Conveyancing Act?”

“This is a worry for Jennifer because it appears that she might breach the above mentioned sections of the Act. She has used words to the effect that she is a "lawyer" on a number of her public documents including her advertisement for the Mt Wellington Trust election that she is a "lawyer". Very worrying….It is my own personal private view”

Salesa is a Principal Advisor Pacific for the Tertiary Education Commission.

Charlotte Walker, the Senior Solicitor Regulatory at the New Zealand Law Society in response to an email from Kaniva News  said the Law Society is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Acts 1993 and therefore unable to release any personal information regarding this matter.

The main points

  • The Tongan Labour candidate for Manukau East, Jenny Salesa, has denied her cv is faked.
  • She made the comments after some Tongan Aucklanders questioned whether she was qualified to practice law in New Zealand.
  • But Salesa, who graduated from Auckland University’s School of Law, has admitted that she does not have a current practicing certificate.
  • She said she was working with the New Zealand Law society to get one as soon as possible.

For more information

Jenny Salesa’s cv

Jenny Salesa’s Facebook page

News in Tongan

Pehe e he kanititeiti Tonga ‘a e Leipa na’e ‘ikai ha taumu’a ke loi ene CV.

Na’e pehe ‘a Jenny Salesa ko e kanititeiti Leipa ia ‘oku tu’u ke fakafofonga ma’a Manukau East na’e ‘ikai ha fakakaukau ke loi ‘ene CV pe tohi ‘oku ne fakamatala ai ‘a ‘ene ako na’e fai pehe ki he hisitolia ‘ene ngaue.

Na’e fai ‘ene lau ko ‘eni hili ia hano fehu’ia ‘e ha ni’ihi Tonga ‘i ‘Aokalani pe kuo fakangofua ko a ia ke ngaue ko ha loea ‘i Nu’u Sila ni.

Kuo fakamahino ‘e Salesa ‘a ia na’e ma’u mata’itohi foki ia mei he ‘apiako lao ‘a e ‘univesiti ‘o ‘Aokalani ‘oku ‘ikai ha’ane setifikeiti ke ngaue fakaloea.

Na’a ne pehe ‘oku ne lolotonga ngaue mo e Sosaieti Lao ‘a Nu’u Sila ke ma’u ‘ene setifikeiti ngaue fakaloea he vave taha ‘e ala lava. ‘Oku asi ‘i he’ene CV ko e loea ia, taukei ne ako makehe ki he mo’ui, ko e tokotaha ngaue ki hono ‘analaiso ‘o e ngaahi palani ngaue, ‘ofisiale ma’olunga ‘i he ta’u ‘e 20 pea na’e fakahoko ia ko e peulisitoa mo e solisitoa ‘o e Faakamaau’anga Lahi ‘a ‘Aokalani ‘i he 1996.

Na’e fakanofo mata’itohi ‘a Salesa mei he ‘apiako lao ‘a e ‘Univesiti ‘Aokalani mo hano mata’itohi BA LLB.

Na'e hiki atu foki 'a Salesa ia ki 'Amelika 'o nofo ai mei he 2001 ki he 2011 pea ne toki foki he 2012 ki Nu'u Sila ni.

Ko  Salesa ‘a e Tonga ‘oku ne lolotonga puke ‘a e  fangamalie lahi ‘aupito ke hu ki he Fale Alea Nu’u Sila ‘i he teu fili ko ‘eni ‘i Sepitema. Ko e vahenga ko e ‘oku ne kanititeiti mei ai ko e ‘ananga ia ‘o e kau poupou ki he Leipa.

Kuo pehe ‘e he Paati Leipa ‘a Nu’u Sila kuo hoko ‘a Salesa ko e vikitima ia o ha fo’i kemipeini ‘a e kainga Tonga ‘i ‘Aokalani pe ko e kainga Pasifiki poupou ki he Paati Nesinolo mo e Konisevativi ‘oku taumu’a fakapolitikale.

 ‘I ha ‘imeili ‘a Salesa ki he Ongoongo ‘a e Kaniva ‘oku ha mei ai ngali na’e ‘ikai ke ne fakatokanga’i kuo liliu ‘a e lao ‘a Nu’u Sila ki hono lesisita ‘o e kau peulisitoa mo e kau solisitoa lolotonga ‘ene i ‘Amelika.

Ko e Lao ‘a Nu’u Sila ‘oku ui ko e  Law Practitioner’s Act 1982 ‘oku ‘asi ai ‘a e konga ko eni: Ko e taha kotoa  ‘e fakanofo ‘e ha fakamaau’anga pe fakamaau ‘i he lao ko ‘eni ‘e fakanofo ia ko e peulisitoa mo e solisitoa ‘o e fakamaau’anga, pea ‘e ‘ikai ke fakanofo ko ha peulisitoa pe solisitoa ‘ata’ata pe. Na’e fakakakato ‘eni ia ‘e Salesa pea ne toki hiki ki ‘Amelika.

Na’e hu mai leva ‘i he 2006 ‘a e toe liliu ‘a Nu’u Sila ki he anga hono lesisita ‘o e kau peulisitoa pehe ki he solisitoa, taimi ‘eni ‘oku kei ‘i ‘Amelika ai ‘a Salesa ia.  Na’e ui ‘a e lao ko ia ko e Conveyancers Act 2006.  Na’e toe hanga ‘e he lao ko ia ‘o fakalao’i ‘a hono ngaueaki ‘a e fo’i lea ko e loea.

Ko e konga leva ‘eni ‘oku ‘asi ‘i he lao ko ia: ko ha taha ‘e fakanofo ko ha peulisitoa mo solisitoa, ka ‘oku ‘ikai ke ne ma’u ha setifikeiti ke ngaue fakalao, ‘e lava ke ui pe ia ko e peulisitoa mo solisitoa kuo fakahu ki he fakamaau’anga ma’olunga.

 ‘I he lao ai pe ko ‘eni Conveyancers Act 2006,’oku tu’utu’uni ‘e he Sosaieti Lao ‘a Nu’u Sila ‘e hoko ia ko ha hia ‘o ka ‘i ai ha taha te ne pe  ‘oku ne fai ha ngaahi ngaue fakalao ‘o ne tala ko e loea ia, pe peulisitoa pe peulisitoa mo solisitoa ka ‘oku ‘ikai ke ne ma’u ha setifikeiti ke ngaue fakalao.

Kuo pehe ‘e Salesa kuo fakaha ange mei he Sosaieti Lao ‘e uike si’i pe mei heni kuo ma’u ‘e ne setifikeiti ke ngaue fakalao mo ‘ata ke ui ia ko ha loea.

Na’e ‘ikai tali ‘e he sosaieti lao ‘a e kole ‘a e Kaniva o hufanga atu i he lao Information Act a Nu’u Sila 1982 ‘a ia ‘oku fa’a fakamalumalu ai e kau faiongoongo ka nau kole ke 'omai ‘a e ngaahi fakamatala ‘oku tauhi kau ki ha taha. Pehe ‘e he Sosaieti Lao ‘oku nau tu'u ‘ata kinautolu mei he lao ko ia ka 'oku nau fakamalumalu kinautolu 'i he Lao ki he Ngaahi Fakamatala Fakaetaautaha 1993 pea ikai ai ke nau tuku mai ha fakamatala kau ki he 'isiu ko 'eni.

‘I ha fakamatala hangatonu ‘a Salesa ki he Ongoongo ‘a e Kaniva ‘i he lea faka-Tonga na’a ne pehe ai:

“  ‘Oku lolotonga fai ‘a e ngāue fakavavevave ke fakakakato e ngaahi fiema’u ‘a e Sosaieti Lao ‘o Nu’usila ‘o fekau’aki mo hono ngaue ‘aki e fo’i kupu’i lea koia ko e loea pea kuo fai mo e talanoa ki he  laiseni ngāue fakaloea neongo ‘oku ‘osi mahino pe ‘e ‘ikai ke fiema’u keu fai ha ngāue fakafofonga lao he kaha’u na”,  ko e tali ia ‘a Jenny Latu Salesa ki hono ‘eke’i ‘e he ni’ihi pe ‘oku totonu ke ui ia ko e loea.

“ Lolotonga ‘a ‘eku mavahe atu mei Nu’usilá ni he 2001 ne fakahū mai ai ‘a e tu’utu’uni fo’ou he 2006 kuo pau ke lēsisita pe laiseni mei he Sosaieti Lao ‘o Nu’usilá ‘a e tokotaha fakafofonga lao kotoa pē kae toki lava ke ui ia ko e loea he fonuá ni”, ko Jenny ia.

“ Na’e totonu ke fuofua fakahoko e kole ha lēsisita pe laiseni ‘a ia ‘oku fakafo’ou fakata’u pea ko e ma’u pe hoto mata’itohi lao, lava moe sivi he koosi ‘oku ui ko e professional legal studies pea hilifaki mo hato lou’ulu pea ‘oku ngofua leva ke fakahu ha’ate kole laiseni fakafofonga lao. ‘Oku hā mai mei he ‘eku faka’eke’eké ‘e lau uike si’i pe pea ma’u ‘a e lēsisitá ni.

Ko ‘ene lave eni ki he lao koia ko e Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 ‘o tu’utu’uni ai kuo pau ke ma’u laiseni ‘a e fakafofonga lao kotoa pē mei he NZ Law Society kimu’a pea toki ngofua ke ne fai ha ngāue fakafofonga lao.

Na’a ne pehē foki ‘oku tonu ‘a e fakatonutonu ‘o ha fehālaaki ‘oku hoko pea kuo ‘osi fai ‘a e femahino’aki mo e NZ Law Society ki he ngaahi ngaue kuo pau ke fai ke tali angi ki he ngaahi tu’utu’uni ‘a e Sosaieti.  

“ ‘Oku kau heni ‘a e hoko atu ‘enau kumi hoku lekooti pe na’e hilifaki hoku mata’itohi lao, pe na’e lava eku sivi professional legal studies pea moe ‘aho na’e hilifaki ai hoku lou’ulu mo e kolo ne hilifaki ai hoku lou ‘ulu pea ne kole mai e Sosaieti keu tokoni ange ke lava ‘o fakakakato eni he ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau ma’u kotoa ia pea ‘oku lolotonga fai e ngaue ke fakakakato ‘enau fiema’u.

“ Kuo u tali lelei ‘enau fokotu’u mai keu fakatonutonu ha ngaahi fakamatala ‘e ala tupu ai ha ngaahi ma’u hala fekau’aki mo hoku tu’unga ngāue fakalao pea ‘oku ou tui ‘oku ‘osi mahino ki he tokolahi ‘oku ‘ikai ha’aku feinga lohiaki’i ha taha pea ‘oku ‘ikai teu ngāue au ki ha kautaha lao he ‘oku ou ngaue au he Potungaue ’a e Pule’anga.

Na’e ako a Jenny he Univesiti ‘o Aokalani ‘o ma’u ai ‘a hono faka’ilonga lao, BA/LL.B ‘i he ta’u 1996 pea hili ‘a ‘ene lava he sivi makehe ‘oku ui ko e Professional Legal Studies na’e tali ia ke ne hoko ko e memipa kautaha ‘a e kau loea (admitted to the bar) ‘i he Auckland District High Court ke ne hoko ko e fakafofonga lao. 

Na’a ne folau atu he 2001 ki ‘Amelika ‘o ngāue ai he ngaahi va’a ngāue kehekehe ‘a e pule’angá mo e ngāue kehe pe (private sector) pea ne toki foki mai mo hono fāmili he ta’u 2011.   

Ko hono lakanga he taimí ni ko e Principal Advisor Pacific  ‘i he va’a ngāue ‘a e pule’anga Nu’usilá ‘oku ui ko e Tertiary Education Commission.

Taimi tatau foki kuo hu mai a e Paati Leipa ‘o pehe ‘e he’enau  matapule faifatongia ki he Pasifiki, Sua Williams Sio ko e  ‘atakai fakapolitikale ‘oku nau ‘i ai ‘i he teu ko ‘eni ‘o e fili oku ne fokotu’u malohi mai kiate ia ko e ngaahi mahamahalo ko ‘eni ‘oku fai kia Salesa 'oku taumu’a fakapolitikale pea mahalo ko e fai ‘eni ‘e he ni’ihi poupou ki he Nesinolo mo e Konisevativi.

Na’a ne pehe foki ko e me’a fakama ia ko hono meangaue’aki ‘e he ngaahi paati fakapolitikale ‘a e ni’ihi memipa ‘i he komiuniti Tonga pe kau kanititeiti Pasifiki ke ‘ai pe ha ki’i me’a ke tukutamate’i  ai leva ha ‘ofefine ‘o Tonga.

Na’e ‘i ai ha ‘imeili ‘a e taha ‘o e kau peulisitoa Tonga ‘i ‘Aokalani, Nalesoni Tupou ne ‘ave kia Sio pea na’e paasi mai ki he Kaniva pea na’e ‘asi ai ‘ene lave ko ‘eni kia Sio: ‘E lava ke ke vakai ange ki he Sekisoni 6, 21,22 ‘o e Lao ki he Kau Loea mo e Kau Fa’u fakamatala fakalao 2006. ‘Oku fakatupuhoha’a kau kia Jenny koe’uhi oku ha  ngali ‘oku ne maumau’i ‘a e lao ‘oku ‘asi ‘i ‘olunga. ‘Oku ne ngaue ‘aki ‘a e ngaahi lea ke tala ko e loea ia ‘i ha ngaahi fakamatala kuo tufaki ki he papiliki kau ai ‘a ‘ene tu’uaki ki he Mt Wellington Trust election ‘a ia na’a ne pehe ko e loea ia. ‘Oku fakatupu hoha’a ‘aupito…Ko ‘eku vakai fakaeau pe ia ‘a’aku.

‘Oku lolotonga ngaue ‘a Salesa ‘i he Tertiary Education Commission ko e tokotaha Pule Fale’i Pasifiki.

Na'e fetu'utaki 'a e Kaniva ki he 'Ofisi 'o e Sosaieti Lao 'a Nu'u Sila fekau'aki mo Salesa 'o hufanga atu 'i he Lao ki he ngaahi fakamatala 1982, a ia 'oku ne tu'utu'uni ke tuku ange mai ha fakamatala 'e kole 'e taha,  ka ne pehe 'e Charlotte Walker ko e Senior Solicitor Regulatory he 'ofisi 'oku fakamalumalu 'a e Sosaieti ia 'i he Lao ki he Ngaahi Me'a Fakapulipuli Taautaha 1993 pea 'e 'ikai lava ai ke nau 'omi ki he Kaniva ha fakamatala kau ki he me'a ni. 

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