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Tonga Government denies walking out during Israeli PM’s UN speech

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan government has rejected as false reports circulating on social media that its delegation walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations two weeks ago.

Trade Minister Kapeli Lanumata

The claims sparked backlash online, particularly among Tonga’s Christian community, many of whom are vocal supporters of Israel due to biblical and religious beliefs.

The revelation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations during a combative speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

Netanyahu described the recognition efforts as a “mark of shame,” claiming they send the message that “murdering Jews pays off.”

His remarks prompted dozens of officials and diplomats to stage a walk-out as he took the podium, leaving large sections of the conference hall visibly empty. Outside the UN headquarters, protesters gathered in Times Square to demonstrate against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

Tonga’s Trade Minister, Kapelieli Lanumata, who was part of the country’s delegation to the UN, clarified the situation in response to the rumours.

“We did not walk out because we were not there in the first place,” Lanumata told a press conference last week.

He explained that at the time of Netanyahu’s address, Pacific Islands Forum leaders were attending a separate meeting with the UN Secretary-General.

The misinformation prompted strong reactions from Tongan social media users, who condemned the reports and reaffirmed their support for Israel.

As Kaniva News reported earlier today, Tonga recently voted in favour of Israel by rejecting the New York Declaration supporting a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

However, the move has drawn criticism from Tongan scholars abroad, who argue that Prime Minister Eke’s position overlooks serious humanitarian concerns, including allegations of genocide, starvation, and displacement in Gaza, as reported by the United Nations.

The controversy highlights growing divisions within the Tongan diaspora over the government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Facebook livestreamer ordered to apologise to Minister Tapueluelu over defamatory remarks

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa – It’s a court order that will prompt any Facebook user to pause for thought.

A Tongatapu Facebook livestreamer has been ordered by the Magistrate Court to apologise, remove a defamatory live broadcast targeting a Cabinet Minister, and comply with behavioural conditions — including a requirement to refrain from similar offences for one year.

Customs and Revenue Minister Māteni Tapueluelu (L) and ‘Asiata Māsima

‘Asiata Māsima, 56, who was using his Facebook account, Fatafehi Lola, told a supporter of the Customs Minister Māteni Tapueluelu that it was unfortunate he had failed to respond to a question asking him to confront the Minister about drugs allegedly addressed to him from Fiji.

Māsima claimed he had repeatedly asked the Minister for an explanation but received no response.

According to court documents, seen by Kaniva News, the remarks caused distress to Tapueluelu.

In his testimony, Tapueluelu detailed the extensive damage the video caused to his multiple roles in the community.

He described the harm to his work as a government Minister, President of a club, Church Committee worker, Constituency Representative, and, profoundly, as a husband and father.

It is understood that the charges against Māsima were filed in July 2024, when Minister Tapueluelu was serving as a Member of Parliament and former Minister of Police.

He was reappointed as Minister of Customs in January this year.

A Courtroom Pause for Clarification

The case’s pivotal moment came when the defendant was given the chance to cross-examine Minister Tapueluelu.

It became immediately apparent to the court that Māsima did not grasp the legal basis for his charge or the court procedures.

Judge Penisimani Ma’u halted the cross-examination, re-read the summons, and took the extraordinary step of personally explaining the specific clause of the 2020 Electronic Communication Act under which Masima is being prosecuted.

Māsima initially maintained a not guilty plea during the hearing, but later changed his plea to guilty after the judge clarified the legal basis of the charge.

The judge explained that the law only required the court to establish that Māsima’s actions harmed the victim and damaged his reputation.

According to court documents, Māsima attempted to justify his allegations, but the judge ruled that proving the claims was not relevant under the law he was charged with.

The prosecution successfully applied for a protection order for the minister and set a bond for the defendant, underscoring the case’s seriousness.

Tonga’s support for Israel amid genocide allegations sparks deep community division

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s vote at the United Nations in support of Israel—despite widespread international condemnation over alleged genocide in Gaza—has triggered sharp divisions within the Tongan community both at home and abroad.

Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recently adopted the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, with most Pacific Island nations either voting against it or abstaining, reflecting a region-wide reluctance to engage with the resolution.

Tonga joined Israel and eight other countries in voting against the resolution.

The dissenting group included Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and the United States. Twelve countries abstained, underscoring a divided global response to the resolution.

Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke defended the decision, calling it “the right choice for Tonga,” citing religious and historical ties.

He said there are two sides to the debate over Israel and Hamas, and Tonga aligns with the view that the core issue stems from the events of 7 October. He stated that Hamas should release the Israeli hostages immediately.

He added that the central concern is Hamas’s continued holding of hostages.

But critics argue the stance undermines Tonga’s moral credibility and ignores the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

Dr Eke’s support included backing the U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza peace plan.

Supporters of the Prime Minister say Tonga’s Christian identity, rooted in biblical history linked to Israel, justifies the decision.

One supporter commented online: “Thank you Honourable Prime Minister Aisake Eke for supporting Israel. Me’a totonu pe ia ke fakahoko neongo e longoa’a moe valauu.”

Another added: “The Tongan flag represents the cross of Jesus Christ, who was a Jew from Israel. I’m speaking for Tonga, not the world.”

However, prominent Tongan scholars and community leaders have voiced strong opposition on social media, particularly through Facebook, where they have publicly criticised the government’s stance.

Professor Dr Tevita Kaʻili, a cultural anthropologist, said: “I disagree with the Tongan Prime Minister’s position on Israel. As a Tongan Christian, I strongly oppose Israel’s settler colonialism, violence, ethnic cleansing, ecocide of Palestine, and genocide of Palestinians.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rev Professor Dr Nasili Vakaʻuta, a theologian, added: “The PM has no qualification to speak on this matter. It’s based on ignorance of history, geopolitics, and theology.”

Building on the criticism, Dr Unise Funaki, a Tongan academic, criticized the government’s rationale: “What’s right for us” is a lame excuse and the government is following suit with the US and Israel for fear of losing aid (which they don’t even get anymore like before) or protection as well as a false sense of Christian loyalty to Israel.”

Lawyer Aminiasi Kefu also weighed in, saying: “Media is weak to challenge his views as always. Blind eye to the reality on the ground: genocide, starvation, atrocities, displacement, war crimes. Complicit in promoting evil and hate, without knowing, accepting or understanding they are.”

Tongan-Australian educator Univa Havea, also known by her Facebook name Touhuni Hala Puopua, called for a more compassionate and informed approach:

“As Tonga’s Prime Minister leads our nation, he must not be left with only the ‘traditional view’ we grew up with, which too often silences compassion. We cannot ignore the atrocities being committed. I support Australia’s recognition of Palestine and urge Tonga to do the same—with clarity, conviction, and compassion.”

Meanwhile, supporters of Dr Eke continue to stand firm, praising his leadership and citing Tonga’s Christian heritage as the foundation of their support for Israel.

As Tonga’s position continues to draw both praise and condemnation, the debate reflects a broader struggle within the Pacific over faith, foreign policy, and moral responsibility.

Whether the government will reconsider its stance remains uncertain, but the voices of dissent are growing louder.

Tonga Airport CEO suspended over alleged misuse of power: Public Enterprises Minister

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa — The chief executive officer (CEO) of Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL), Edgar Cocker, has been suspended pending an investigation into alleged misuse of power, Minister of Public Enterprises and Police Piveni Piukala revealed today.

Tonga Airport CEO Edgar Cocker. Photo/Kalino Lātū (Kaniva Tonga)

The suspension comes amid what appears to be a standoff between the government-owned airport company and ATS (Air Terminal Services (Tonga) Limited), the luggage handling service provider.

The tension escalated after the government announced it would terminate ATS’s services effective September 30.

However, Kaniva News has been reliably informed that the termination did not go ahead as planned. ATS has continued to provide services into the first week of October, according to a source who spoke with Kaniva News.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nukuʻalofa, Piukala confirmed this afternoon that the suspension was part of a formal process initiated by the Airport Board of Directors.

He said the board, in consultation with its legal team, is currently preparing written claims to be delivered to Mr Cocker, who will be required to respond to the allegations.

“The suspension is based on misuse of power,” Piukala stated in Tongan, adding that the matter is being handled with legal oversight to ensure due process.

Further details about the nature of the allegations and the timeline for the investigation are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Cocker No Stranger to Controversy

Cocker’s suspension is not his first brush with controversy.

As Kaniva News reported in 2020, both Cocker, who was then Cabinet Chief Secretary, and then Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa vehemently denied claims that aircraft pilot Maikolo Fa’asolo had been appointed Chief Executive of Lulutai Airlines.

However, when Kaniva emailed them a copy of the contract — which clearly showed Fa’asolo had signed an agreement with Lulutai — Cocker did not respond to further questions regarding the issue.

In 2021, Kaniva News also reported that Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa had invited Fly Niu to purchase Lulutai Airlines if they wished.

Following the report, Cocker told local media the claim was false. But when Kaniva sent him copies of Tu’i’onetoa’s email correspondence with Fly Niu director Semi Halanukonuka — which supported the report — Cocker again declined to comment.

Later that year, in October, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a press release announcing government approval for a major upgrade of Vava’u International Airport. The proposed US$121 million project was to be led by a registered British company, Raw Mana Ltd, whose involvement had reportedly been referred to the Tongan Government.

However, the following day, Cocker told local media that a full proposal had not been received and that the Prime Minister’s Office’s press release did not mean the government had granted approval for Raw Mana Ltd to undertake the project.

Cocker could not be reached for comment.

Tonga prepares to appoint first local police commissioner after 15 years of foreign leadership: Police Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga is set to reclaim local leadership of its police force for the first time in over 15 years, as current Police Commissioner Geoff Turner prepares to hand over the role to a Tongan successor once his contract ends.

Police Commissioner Geoff Turner. Photo/Tonga Police (Facebook)

Minister of Police Piveni Piukala confirmed the transition this afternoon, stating that Turner is currently working through the handover process.

The move marks a significant shift in Tonga’s policing history, ending a long-standing arrangement where the top post was held by either an Australian or New Zealander since 2010 — with both countries also funding the commissioners’ salaries.

The announcement comes amid renewed calls for local leadership within the Tonga Police, following two petitions signed by around 150 officers over a decade ago.

The first petition, launched in March 2011, sought the removal of New Zealand’s Chris Kelley, the first foreign commissioner appointed under the arrangement, and called for a Tongan to take the helm.

The second petition raised concerns about the impact of Kelley’s reforms, which reportedly disrupted traditional policing procedures and practices deeply rooted in Tongan culture.

Minister Piukala’s revelation signals a turning point in the nation’s approach to law enforcement, reflecting growing confidence in local capability and a desire to restore cultural alignment within the force.

According to the Tonga Police Act 2010, the King in Privy Council is the only person who has the power to appoint or terminate the commissioner’s contract.

The Act also spells out that the appointment of a police commissioner cannot be terminated except for physical or mental incapacity, neglect of duty or misconduct.

Turner acknowledges misconduct as police officers face investigations over alcohol incidents following Editorial

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa — Tonga’s Police Commissioner, Geoff Turner has issued a public statement acknowledging recent misconduct within the Tonga Police and reaffirming the force’s commitment to accountability and public trust.

Police Commissioner Geoff Turner. Photo/Tonga Police (Facebook)

While the statement did not directly reference Kaniva News, it is understood to have followed our editorial published last week, which called on the Ministry of Police to address growing concerns over transparency and discipline within the force.

The editorial cited court documents revealing that several Tonga Police officers were heavily intoxicated during a party held at Sopu, rendering their testimonies unreliable.

One officer admitted in court that he had driven a motor vehicle while unfit to do so due to excessive alcohol consumption.

Two officers were allegedly injured by colleagues during the gathering, although a court later acquitted two other officers who had been sued in connection with the incident, citing a lack of evidence.

The court also ruled that Sopu, where the party took place, is a public area, and stated that police officers should not have been consuming alcohol there.

Our editorial also cited a May incident where Tonga Police charged 14 civilians at a large overnight gathering in Mataki‘eua for public drunkenness and disorderly behaviour.

The police response to the 130-person gathering was swift and public, involving official statements and roadblocks.

This stands in contrast to the recent court-revealed police drinking incident, which showed the Ministry’s transparency regarding internal misconduct has been less forthcoming.

Senior Officers Face Suspension

“As the Commissioner of Tonga Police, I take full responsibility for the actions of our officers and staff,” Turner said.

“Our vision is simple – to ensure a safe, secure and crime-free Tonga.”

Turner confirmed that the recent alcohol-related incidents involving police officers are under internal review, and disciplinary action “is being finalised.”

He also revealed that two senior officers have been suspended over unrelated incidents and will face review by the independent Police Board.

“We have a robust internal disciplinary process that includes oversight by an independent Police Board for serious breaches of discipline,” he said.

“Those members are also entitled to due process, and I will not be commenting further.”

The Commissioner expressed disappointment over the incidents and praised the majority of officers who continue to serve with integrity.

“I am saddened by these events, as are the members of the Tonga Police,” Turner said.

“No one is above the law within Tonga Police, and we will always hold ourselves accountable.”

Turner also reiterated the force’s core values — Faitotonu, Lao, Māteaki, Tauhi, Toka’i and Fonua — and said these must be reflected in daily policing.

The Kaniva News editorial had urged the Minister of Police to respond to public concerns and ensure that disciplinary processes are transparent and effective.

Turner’s statement is seen as a timely and significant acknowledgement of those concerns.

Auckland businessman calls for King’s intervention in Lord Fulivai’s unpaid court-ordered debt

By
Kalino Latu
-

Auckland businessman Chris Barrett has called on the King of Tonga to intervene in a long-standing legal dispute involving Lord Fulivai and his wife Helen Fulivai, after the couple failed to repay more than NZ$253,000 (TOP$407,777) as ordered by the New Zealand High Court.

Lord Fuliva (L), Helen Fulivai (R). Photos (Supplied) taken at the time of service of Certificate of Registration of Judgment, Ex parte Application for Registration of a Foreign Judgment in the Supreme Court of Tonga filed 4 March 2022, Affidavit in support of Application for Registration of New Zealand Judgment in Tonga sworn on 20 December 2021 & Ruling of the Court dated 8 March 2022.

The revelation comes after all avenues to locate the Fulivais in New Zealand have been exhausted, amid reports they have fled Auckland and returned to Tonga.

The Honourable Justice Venning ruled in 2021 that the Fulivais must repay Barrett the full amount, including interest dating back to January 1, 2018, and legal costs.

The judgment, obtained by Kaniva News, followed years of financial dealings in which Barrett claims he was misled by the former Governor of Vava’u.

“In particular, he gave me assurances for the granting of a 99-year lease of land on an island called Pangaimotu in Vava’u for which I was to pay $170,000,” Barrett said in court documents.

“I was duped,” he previously told Kaniva News.

Barrett said he never received the promised lease and that the Fulivais continued to request loans over several years, which he provided in good faith.

“They were certainly repayable on demand,” he said.

Despite the court ruling, Barrett said the Fulivais have evaded repayment.

A legal document sent by Barrett’s lawyer to Lord Fulivai and Helen Fulivai — and seen by Kaniva News — shows the couple were formally reminded and warned of the consequences of failing to comply with the High Court judgment on Wednesday, 29 September 2021, ordering them to repay NZ$253,370.60.

“The court judgment makes it clear that this amount has been entered as judgment against you both, jointly and severally,” the letter stated.

The lawyer demanded immediate payment of the full amount or, alternatively, that the Fulivais make arrangements directly with Mr Barrett to settle the debt — either through monetary payment or other acceptable means, such as the granting of a lease over suitable land in Tonga.

“Otherwise, you will need to act immediately to avoid enforcement action which will follow,” the letter warned.

Calls for Royal Action

Barrett told Kaniva News this week he believes that, if formally approached, “the King should consider stripping Lord Fulivai of his noble title and confiscating his lands to enforce the High Court ruling.”

Chris Barrett Director of Steel Worx Group. Photo/Chris Brett

“The Lord and Lady Fulivai stole my money from my lawyers and accounts by deception and I walked away from developing the (billion-dollar worth) tuna farm operation out of Hunga Island that we were working on.”

He said that the Fulivais had “defrauded me of  $1/4m by stealing from me and Tonga lost the largest investment opportunity we ever proposed for Tonga.”

“I can not understand why the King doesn’t take his land and pay me out and try get this project reinstated.”

Barrett claims Lord Fulivai is hiding out on Tongatapu and avoiding debt collectors, while Helen continues to allegedly earn income from rental properties and commercial interests in Vava’u.

“There is also $50,000 allowed for official debt collection on top of the High Court amount,” Barrett said. “We have the Reciprocal Enforcement Act allowing us to unite the debt across NZ and Tonga.”

Barrett said he is willing to work with contacts in Tonga to serve and collect the debt, and hopes the King will take action, given the seriousness of the matter and the involvement of a noble title.

The revelation comes amid allegations that the King recently stripped Lord Veikune of his hereditary title, according to reports from residents of his Longoteme estate.

The details surrounding the reported removal of Veikune’s title remain unclear.

However, it is understood that it is standard practice for the King to revoke a noble’s title only in cases involving serious issues.

According to Tonga’s Constitution, the King holds full authority to appoint or remove members of the nobility.

The Fulivais could not be reached for comment.

Tongans react to deadly Mormon Church shooting in Michigan: ‘Nothing is sacred anymore’

By
Kalino Latu
-

A deadly shooting at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, has left at least four people dead and eight others injured, in what the FBI is investigating as an “act of targeted violence.”

Drone footage shows fire at Michigan church

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was killed after police engaged in gunfire with him in the church car park.

Authorities say Sanford allegedly rammed his truck through the front doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened fire on worshippers during the sacrament meeting, and then set the building on fire.

The blaze has since been contained.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the global Mormon community, including among Tongans in the United States and abroad.

According to the Church, its membership in Tonga as of 2024 stood at 68,609—representing approximately 60 per cent of the country’s population. This makes it the second-largest religion in Tonga, surpassing Catholicism and trailing Methodism, the largest denomination in the kingdom.

There are estimated to be tens of thousands of Tongan members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in the United States, reflecting the strong religious and cultural ties maintained by the Tongan diaspora.

Tongan Professor Tevita O. Kaʻili, at BYU University, also a member of the LDS Church and a respected academic, shared updates and photos on social media, including a statement from church leadership.

One of the images he posted showed smoke rising from the ruins of the chapel, accompanied by a caption summarising the event.

“An aerial photo shows what remains of the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan”, he wrote.

The event took place during the sacrament meeting (communion) of the ward (congregation),” Professor Kaʻili wrote, referencing a news report from Detroit News.

His post drew emotional responses from Tongans online.

“Nothing is sacred anymore, how sad!” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “That’s very sad 😢… Tēvita O. Kaʻili we pray for the LDS community during this time of sorrow.”

Church officials have confirmed that the suspect had no known connection to the congregation.

Investigators are still working to determine his motive.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement calling the incident “a tragic act of violence” and urged members to pray for peace and healing

UNGA80: Tonga’s Prime Minister meets US President Trump

By
Kaniva Staff
-

New York — On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, joined world leaders at a high-level reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Lotte Hotel on Madison Avenue.

The Hon Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga and Leaders were hosted at the Lotte on Madison Avenue, by the President of the United States, His Excellency Mr Donald Trump and the First Lady Mrs Trump

Prime Minister Eke’s face-to-face meeting with President Trump comes two months after the U.S. administration warned that Tongans could be banned from travelling to the United States if the Kingdom fails to meet certain demands.

The statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office this morning did not provide further details regarding the meeting, nor did it clarify whether the U.S. demands were raised during the discussions.

PM Eke was attending an event that marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations, offering an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Tonga, according to a PM Office statement.

Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in key areas including climate change, maritime security, and regional development.

Prime Minister Eke’s presence underscored Tonga’s commitment to global cooperation and its active role in addressing shared challenges through multilateral engagement.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of Pacific voices in shaping international policy, particularly in areas affecting small island developing states.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) brought together leaders from across the globe to reflect on the organisation’s legacy and chart a course for its future.

“At the national level, the Prime Minister informed the United Nations of the Kingdom of Tonga’s forthcoming celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Tonga Constitution, as a profound reminder to the world of the sovereignty, unity, enduring independence, which was founded by His Late Majesty King George Tupou I,” the statement says.

“The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the celebration is not only a historic milestone for the Kingdom but a testament of the living legacy that continues to guide the nation and inspire future generations.”

Tongan lawyer’s alarm as recent NZ court ruling revives RSE exploitation concerns

By
Kalino Latu
-

An Auckland-based Tongan lawyer has raised concerns about the risks facing Tongan workers under New Zealand’s RSE scheme, following a recent court decision that exposed serious breaches of employment law involving workers from the Solomon Islands.

Lawyer Nalesoni Tupou

Three Solomon Islands RSE workers took the Pick Hawke’s Bay company to the Employment Court, claiming that unlawful deductions had been made from their wages.

Their case raised broader questions about how the adult minimum wage applies to workers employed under the RSE scheme. The Court ruled in favour of the workers.

The court found that Pick Hawke’s Bay failed to inform Immigration New Zealand (INZ) about the way it charged accommodation costs and deducted them from workers’ pay.

“The judges also noted that the workers’ accommodation costs were based on costs calculated over 12 months, when they used them for only seven,” Stuff reported.

“They also noted that Pick Hawke’s Bay had not disclosed to INZ that accommodation costs would be calculated this way and be paid (in some cases) to entities associated with Pick Hawke’s Bay.

The three presiding judges found that deductions made from the workers’ wages for various items, including personal protective equipment, were unlawful.

Additionally, the Pick Hawke’s Bay company retained the workers’ passports, which was a violation of New Zealand law.

Wake-Up Call for Tonga

While the case did not involve Tongan workers directly, Tongan lawyer Nalesoni Tupou warned that similar practices could affect Tongans participating in the scheme.

He urged Tongan authorities and communities to be vigilant and proactive in protecting the RSE workers’ rights.

“It is a pity to see our people are treated like that,” Tupou said in Tongan.

He also encouraged Tongan workers who may have experienced similar issues to come and seek legal action.

Spiritual and Sexual Targeting

His concerns come after Tongan RSE workers were identified in reports early this year as one of the Pacific groups vulnerable to strategic exploitation, where both church ministers and sex workers have reportedly targeted them in isolated environments.

These circumstances make it difficult for workers to resist offers that prey on their loneliness and the immediate availability of their wages, according to a Stuff report.

The report stated that sex workers approached RSE workers on payday by loitering near ATM machines. It also alleged that some of the sex workers were linked to gangs that coordinated the services.

As reported by Kaniva News and other media at the time, a Tongan RSE worker was deported for breaching employment conditions in New Zealand.

The worker missed three consecutive days of work while staying at a property in Motueka on January 22 with a sex worker — a clear breach of his visa conditions, which require him to remain at his designated workplace, the Stuff report said.

The employer later alerted Immigration NZ and police, leading to the man’s location at the woman’s residence, his arrest, and subsequent deportation to Tonga.

It has previously been reported that, over the past year, several church ministers arrived at the Bay, establishing makeshift “churches” in rented halls or garages near RSE workplaces where no formal congregation exists.

They reportedly request weekly tithes from workers, with one minister even turning up at orchards on pay day to collect money directly from the men.

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