Covid-19 community cases have continued to fall, with 13,880 new cases reported over the past week.
The numbers cover the week from Monday, January 16 to Sunday, January 22.
As at midnight on Sunday, there were 242 people in hospital with the virus.
Seven people were in an intensive care or high dependency unit.
Seventy-nine more people with the virus have died.
More to come
The Supreme Court has ordered former parliamentary election candidate Mele ‘Amanaki to file her election expenses or face $200 fine or a one-month imprisonment term.
‘Amanaki was required by law to file election expenses after she unsuccessfully contested the 2021 general election.
She was a candidate for the Tongatapu 7 Electoral District seat.
On May 25, 2022 a Learned Magistrate found Ms ‘Amanaki guilty and convicted her of failing to deliver a signed statement of her election expenses within 14 days from the date of the election.
On June 1, 2022 she was sentenced and discharged without conviction under section 204 of the Criminal Offences Act.
Police appealed that sentence.
“The Crown argues that the Learned Magistrate ought not to have discharged Ms ‘Amanaki without conviction and his doing so was a misapplication of s.204 of the said Act. The Crown said the appropriate sentence was a fine ranging from $100 to $200”, a Supreme Court document said.
“Ms ‘Amanaki argued that the Learned Magistrate correctly applied his discretion in discharging her without conviction and that I should not allow the appeal”.
In her decision on January 11, 2023, Supreme Court Judge Petunia Tupou said:
“The Appeal is allowed. The order discharging Ms ‘Amanaki without conviction is quashed.
“Ms ‘Amanaki is convicted of failing to deliver a signed statement of her election expenses within 14 days from the date of election under s.24(4) and (5) of the Electoral Act and is fined $200 to be paid within a period of 1 month or on failure to pay, 1 month imprisonment”.
A woman missing from her home in Auckland’s Titirangi has been found safe.
The 21-year-old Michelle had been missing from her home since just after 10am on Sunday.
Following a police appeal, she was found early on Monday morning. Police thanked the public for their assistance.
The Tongan Parliament has approved former Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa’s request for an extension of his medical leave.
Tu’i’onetoa is seeking medical treatment in the United States.
His medical expenses are being paid for by his family and not funded by Parliament, the Parliament said.
The former Prime Minister’s request was granted using a circular, which was sent to all Members.
As Kaniva News reported in recent days, the use of the circular has generated controversy.
The House issued a press release on Wednesday following our story on Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s request for longer medical leave and how this might generate a by-election for Tongatapu 10.
Tu’i’onetoa’s medical expenses in Australia
The caption of the story when it was shared on Facebook says in Tongan that if Tu’i’onetoa’s medical leave extension request was approved by the House, the taxpayers could continue paying for Tu’i’onetoa’s medical expenses.
We made our comment based on taxpayers previously paying for Tu’i’onetoa’s medical expenses in Australia in about 2017.
In an e-mail to Kaniva News on May 2018, the former Prime Minister said he had been sent to St George’s Private Hospital in Sydney after he suffered an injury while Minister of Finance in ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s Cabinet.
He said he underwent spinal surgery after suffering a slipped disc, which compressed the spinal nerves.
Surgeons fused the third, fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae together and replaced the disc between vertebrae four and five.
Hon. Tu’i’onetoa confirmed that the government paid for his medical expenses. He told Kaniva News that he e-mailed his Acting Minister of Finance at the time, Poasi Tei, and told him his medical treatment had been successful, although he had to use a walking stick to help him walk for some time.
He said he told Tei that even though he was Finance Minister at the time that he could not have afforded to pay for the medical expenses.
In Tongan he said: “ Pea na’e ‘ikai pe ke u mei lava ia ‘e au ‘o totongi a e fakamole ko’eni neongo ko e Minisita Pa’anga au, ka ne ta’e’oua hono totongi ‘e he Pule’anga.”
Details of who is paying for Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s current medical expense was also made by Hena Tu’i’onetoa, who identified herself as his wife.
However, some supporters of the former Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa accused Kaniva of lying about Tu’i’onetoa because we questioned his medical expenses.
Travelling allowance
Parliament’s press release about Hon. Tu’i’onetoa sparked calls for the Speaker to also clarify whether or not the former Prime Minister was still receiving his travelling allowance and salary.
It is understood that MPs are entitled to these if they are on medical leave overseas.
Critics believe that Parliament’s Wednesday press release opened a door for the public to ask for more information from the House, including Tu’i’onetoa’s Travelling Allowance records. Kaniva News has asked the Speaker to release Tu’i’onetoa’s salaries and Travelling Allowance records while he is in the USA and confirm whether he is still receiving them.
Kaniva News also asked the Speaker why its press release did not mention that the government previously funded Tu’i’onetoa’s medical expenses in Sydney. It reminded the speaker that if the press release was intended to independently inform the public transparently and accountably it should release both Tu’i’onetoa’s Australian and US medical leave records.
Critics also asked whether this was a new means of communication used by the Parliament to reveal to the public which MPs’ medical expenses were paid for by the government and who pays for their own.
Some critics have asked why Parliament did not make the same kind of statement when taxpayers were funding other MPs, including former MP Lord Fusitu’a’s medical expenses and medivac flight from Tonga to a New Zealand hospital. Others to have benefitted include former MP and Minister Viliami Hingano and Semisi Fakahau.
‘Oku taupotu ‘i lalo ha fakamatala fakaTonga
Japan will consider revising Covid-19 measures as early as this spring, downgrading the disease to a less serious category, says Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Speaking to media after meeting with relevant ministers, Kishida said he had instructed them to consider the specific requirements for a reclassification that would put Covid-19 in the same category as seasonal flu.
“As we try to restore the lifestyles of a normal Japan, we would like to shift various measures step by step,” Kishida told reporters.
A classification downgrade to disease category five from the current category two would end an isolation requirement for infected people and their close contacts.
In a separate measure foreshadowed by Kishida, the government would also advise only patients with symptoms to wear masks in indoor public places, whereas currently it urges everyone to do so.
The government last revised coronavirus measures in May. It said then that people no longer had to wear masks when outside as long as appropriate social distance was maintained. Even so, the vast majority of people in Japan are still wearing masks in public, both outdoors and indoors.
– Reuter
Fakamatala fakaTonga
‘Oku pehē ‘e he Palēmia Fumio Kishida, ‘e toe vakai’i ‘e Siapani ‘a e fakafuofua ko ia ki he Kōviti – 19 ‘i he kamata’anga pē ko ia ‘o e faha’i ta’u failau, ‘e holoki hifo ai ‘a e mahaki ni ki he tu’unga ‘o e ‘ikai ke fu’u fakatu’utāmaki.
Ko ‘ene fakahā ia ki he ongoongo hili ‘ene fakataha mo e kau minisitā mahu’inga. Na’e pehē ‘e Kishida na’a ne tala mahino kia kinautolu ke fakakaukau’i lelei ‘a e ngaahi fiema’u tefito ki hano toe fakakalasi ‘e fai ki he Kōviti – 19 ke ‘i he kulupu tatau pē ia mo e fulūu ko ia ‘oku hoko fakfaha’i ta’u.
Na’e fakahā foki ‘e Kishida ki he kau fai līpooti, ” ‘Oku mau loto ke vakai’i ‘a e ngaahi fokotu’utu’u ‘i he sitepu ki he sitepu, ‘i he’emau feinga ko ‘eni ke toe fakafoki mai ‘a e tūkunga mo’ui anga maheni ‘a Siapani.
Ko hano holoki hifo ‘o e kalasi fokoutua ko ‘eni mei he tu’unga lolotonga ‘oku ‘i ai, kalasi ua [2] ki he kalasi nima [5], te ne fakangata ai ‘a e fiema’u ko ia ke fakamavahe’i ‘a e kakai ‘oku puke mo kinautolu na’a nau feohi vāofi.
Na’e fakalika mai foki ‘e Kishida ha tūkunga tu’utu’uni makehe, ko e fale’i ‘a e pule’anga ke tui me’a malu’i [mask] pē ‘a kinautolu ‘oku puke mo ma’u ‘a e ngaahi faka’ilonga puke [symtoms] ‘i he ngaahi fale fakataha’anga kakai, hangē ko ia ‘oku lolotonga faka’amua ke fai ‘e he toko taha kotoa pē.
Ko hono vakai’i fakamuimui taha ko ia ‘e he pule’anga ‘a e vailasi kolona na’e fakahoko ia ‘i Mē. Na’e pehē ai ‘oku ‘ikai toe fiema’u e kakai ia ke nau tui me’a malu’i ‘i tu’a, kehe pē ‘oku tauhi ‘a e vāmama’o [social distance]. Kaneongo ia, ko e toko lahi taha ia ‘o e kakai ‘o Siapasi ‘oku nau kei tui me’a malu’i pē ‘i he ngaahi feitu’u fakapule’anga ‘o tatau ‘i tu’a mo fale.
Police investigation is underway into the disappearance of Tongan mother Losaline Malaloi and three young children in Australia.
Police are seeking public assistance to locate the 27-year-old Logan Central woman, and three young children who was last in contact with family on December 27.
Family reported her missing two days ago and police commenced inquiries to locate her and the three young children.
Losaline was last seen driving a white Nissan 2002 Pathfinder similar to the one pictured.
Losaline (pictured) is described as 165cm tall with black hair and brown eyes.
Police urge Losaline, or anyone with information regarding her movements or whereabouts to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP2300101170
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala has officially opened the kingdom’s new national university today.
The name is Tonga National University with its motto: Truth, Justice, Freedom.
“His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala this afternoon was the Royal Guest of Honour in a milestone achievement for Education in Tonga as the new Tonga National University was launched in Pahu, here on Tongatapu”, a statement said.
Prince Tupouto’a unveiled the university’s plaque, billboard and launched the university’s website.
The Honourable Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku, thanked HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a for gracing the historic event and announced that His Majesty King Tupou VI has also agreed to be the university’s Chancellor.
“As the Interim Pro-Chancellor of the Tonga National University (TNU), it is indeed my pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural assembly of the TNU. Today we are gathered to witness the coming to fruition of a national dream that was envisaged for many decades,” the Hon Prime Minister and TNU Interim Pro-Chancllor said .
“His Majesty the King of Tonga, Tupou VI, has honoured the TNU with his sanction and dedication, by graciously acting as the Chancellor of the University and has envisioned the University with the tripartite motto of: Truth, Justice, Freedom – Ko e Mo’oni, Ko e Totonu mo e Tau’ataina.
“Established by legal mandate of the The Tonga National University Act, Government is obliged by law to ensure the establishment and prudent management and administration of the TNU. As such, 6 government-owned higher education institutions have merged to form the TNU – a hybrid university – offering both academic and vocational study programs. As we address the financial challenges of the post-covid period, a cost-effective option for tertiary studies is a significant commitment by the Government to support the upskilling and professional development of our young generation.”
The TNU comprises of 5 Faculties, delivering more than 50 programs ranging from Certificates to Diplomas and to Degrees. The programs cater for skills and knowledge-based demands of not only the Tongan employment market, but to also harness the opportunities from overseas skills demands.
Hon Hu’akavameiliku said the TNU is Tonga’s national university, a place to study while staying close to family and social networks and support, whilst contributing to the community and sustaining our local economy and workforce.
“I extend my best wishes to you as ‘pioneer’ students of the Tonga National University and strongly encourage you to maximize your potential while you study at TNU. I do hope your journey in learning will be guided by Truth, in the pursuit of Justice, and in the spirit of Freedom.”
The President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Rev Dr Tevita Koloa’ia Havea dedicated the university and its staff during the program.
In attendance were Cabinet Ministers, senior staff of other local based universities, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior civil servants, staff of the TNU and the Ministry of Education and Training, senior management of the Tonga Police Force and other invited guests.
Senior TNU staff revealed today were Dr Tangikina Moimoi Stein (Interim Vice Chancellor), Dr Raelyn ‘Esau (Dean of Faculty of Business and Public Administration) and Dr Sela Teisina (Dean of Facullty of Education, Arts and Humanities).
By RNZ.co.nz
Two people have been seriously injured after a shooting at a house in Māngere East, in Auckland.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Two people have been taken to hospital in serious conditions after a shooting in a house in Auckland last night.
Just after 7pm, police received reports of shots being fired at an address on Robertson Road, Māngere East.
“Two people later presented at hospital with gunshot wounds, both in a serious condition.
“Armed police staff responded to the incident as is standard for any report involving a possible firearm.”
Police were investigating, the spokesperson said.
“We recognise that this incident may have caused distress for those involved and for the wider community.
“Police have a responsibility to keep our communities safe. We must treat any report involving firearms seriously until we can attend and evaluate the situation first-hand.
“We would like to reassure the public that this matter is being taken extremely seriously and the protection of community is of the upmost importance.”
Provisional results from vote counting in Tongatapu 8’s by-election this evening indicate Johnny Grattan Taione was the winner.
The first runner up was Viliami Sisifā while the third was the PTOA (Democrats) candidate Sosefo Ngavisi Hēhea. Candidate Sipaisi Kutu became fourth.
Only four candidates competed against each other for the chance to represent the constituency.
Tongatapu 8 voters went to the polls since this morning to elect a candidate to replace their former PTOA MP, the late Sēmisi Fakahau.
Tongatapu 8 is regarded as a PTOA stronghold.
The election of Taione appeared to show a political shift which could be interpreted as the constituents’ supporting candidates who had created projects to help locals such as operating night study programmes to assist local students.
Taione told his followers before the official launching of the election campaign period that he was putting a hold to his toilet construction project which was currently underway at his village of Vaini.
He said although there was no law to stop him from continuing to do it at the time, he decided to temporarily stop it to be fair to his rival candidates.
Jonny is a younger brother of former MP Sione Havea Taione. He is a New Zealand resident.
Tu’imala Moala’s death in Tonga’s Vava’u island last year was by accident and there was no evidence of foul play, says Police Commissioner Shane McLennan.
The 46-year-old Kiwi-Tongan born died in a fire at her home in Neiafu, in the early hours of November 8, 2022.
Emergency services and firefighters responded to the scene about 5am local time.
Tongan Police later said that based on a doctor’s report and evidence from witnesses, the victim died from smoke inhalation and “very severe burning”.
It said that investigation had concluded with a formal inquest at 10am the day after the fatal fire. It was chaired by the district officer of Neiafu and attended by a family member of the deceased, as well as members of the community, police said.
Moala was laid to rest that day, before the Police said they were aware of talk on social media around the incident.
After about more than a week of Moala’s burial, the Police said it had reopened the case after Moala’s family said livestreamed videos taken at the scene of the house fire appeared to have hold some important clues about her cause of death.
Further investigation results
This afternoon, Thursday, January 19, Police Commissioner McLennan said : “Tonga Police’s further investigations into the tragic death of Tu’imala Moala at the Vava’u house fire on 8 November 2022 to ensure that all avenues have been properly explored have concluded it to be an accident and there was no foul play”.
“Tonga Police gathered 34 witness statements from a range of people including those who worked ith Tu’imala as well as her husband. There were also eyewitnesses who observed the fire whilst it was happening, and though they had observed it from various distances and angles, the one thing that was apparent was that the husband and a witness were calling out to Tu’imala to jump.
“They also observed Tu’imala climbing down the roof to the patio on the second level where they noticed she was walking back and forth along the patio, in an attempt to climb over the railings.
“Unfortunately, she was not successful in getting over the rails. The initial fire investigation by Tonga Fire and Emergency Services (TFES) was unable to be thorough due to bad weather at the time.
“Tonga Police acknowledge that there have been various allegations appearing on social media, predominantly on Facebook which were all been considered and subsequently have been disproven.
“We have exhausted all means at our disposal in investigating what occurred on the morning of 8 November 2022. After reviewing the file by the investigators, as well as the Police Legal Unit oversight, there is nothing that would lead Tonga Police to believe there has been any foul play.
“Before the investigation is finalized, we await the final investigation report from TFES, however, we don’t believe there is anything suspicious that is known at this stage”.
