A woman who conned two other clients out of TOP$20,000 in a car sale fraud received suspended sentence for 24 months.
‘Ana Toe’umu Latu pleaded guilty to two counts of obtaining by false pretences.
She advertised a car for sale and a customer paid the money for it.
Pretending it was still hers she sold the same car to two other people.
The court was told that in February 2020 Latu advertised a 2007 Toyota Corolla Rumion for $9,800.00 on a Facebook page that has the name “Tonga Garage Sale”.
Part of the deal was that the customer has to make a deposit because this vehicle was to be imported from Yokohama, Japan and to cover freight fee and customs duty.
A woman by the name of Musie Funaki bought the car. She first paid the deposit then paid the balance before the car arrived in Tonga in early June 2020. .
Latu then advertised the car again on the Facebook page.
The court judgement said two other customers, Malaea Tonga’uiha was induced to pay $9,800 while Litiola Lutui paid $11,426.66.
On 15 August 2020 Miss Lutui and her partner went to see the car but it had gone. They found out that Miss Funaki had it and that they had been conned.
Both Lutui and Tongata’uiha reported Latu to the police.
In sentencing Latu Justice Cooper said: ” Miss Latu was of hitherto good character. I take into account what she told probation about falling victim to a fraud herself and her money problems that arose from that.
“I also note that she cares for her mother in law who is very poorly and wheel chair bound
“I have considered a number of cases in relation to fraud, value and sentence tariff”.
“Because of her cooperation and lack of previous convictions I am just persuaded that her remorse is true because of her guilty plea and so I suspend her sentence.
“Her sentence is one of 17 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
If during that time she commits any offence punishable by imprisonment she stands to be sentenced for this offence as well as the new offence”.
She must also serve 180 hours community service to be completed at the direction of her probation officer.
Doctors are being inundated with requests from over 65s who thought they could get their vaccine from this week – but can’t.
File photo. Photo: AFP / Steven Saphore
The government’s roll out plan says group 3 will be vaccinated “from May” – that is over 65s who do not fall into earlier groups, and people with conditions that make them more susceptible to Covid-19.
But the Ministry of Health says for most in the group of 1.7 million, the call-ups would not begin until the end of the month.
Auckland GP John Cameron said his surgery was flat out doing flu jabs and almost everyone was asking about Covid-19 too.
There was a lot of confusion, with many understandably assuming being eligible “from May” meant from the start of the month.
“From a punter’s perspective, they want to know – am I going to get a vaccine, how am I going to be informed that I am going to get a vaccine – is it coming in the mail, is it coming from the DHB, is it coming from the ministry, is it coming from my general practitioner?” he said.
It was frustrating that most GPs knew little more than their patients did, he said.
His surgery was considering sending out an expensive all-patient text.
“Just to say, ‘guys, we will let you know as soon as we know but we don’t know at the moment’,” he said.
Other GP surgeries from Auckland to Invercargill have told RNZ they have also been overwhelmed with requests.
Every DHB was doing things differently – with the ministry setting the overall strategy.
Gisborne-based Tairāwhiti DHB said it would do entire small, remote towns at once regardless of age.
Waitematā DHB chief executive Dale Bramley said Auckland’s DHBs knew their populations best and would follow the government’s guidance – with flexibility.
For example, if a whānau brought a kaumātua and kuia in to be vaccinated, and the younger members were ready too, they would try to do them at the same time, he said.
Dr Cameron said, to vaccinate as many people as possible, it was best to avoid missed opportunities.
If a nervous person or someone who did not visit often was in a surgery, that was often a great chance to give them their shot, he said.
“They don’t have to come back, they don’t have to rebook, they don’t have to do anything else. It’s done then and there,” he said.
In a statement, the ministry’s Covid-19 immunisation director, Jo Gibbs, said the rollout plan was a guide and she expected DHBs would have started to vaccinate those in the general over 65s group by late May.
Most people would receive an invitation but they would be staggered, she said.
Under the government’s roll out plan, everyone under 65 not covered by other groups is likely to start getting their vaccine in July.
Samoa’s Head of State has called for a second general election to bring an end to a deadlock in parliament.
The caretaker Human Rights Protection Party and the newcomer FAST party have been tied on 26 seats each since last month’s election.
In an address to the nation tonight, Head of State Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II called for the country to go to the polls again on 21 May.
Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II Photo: Samoa govt
He told Samoans it was the best way forward to resolve the political stalemate.
Tuimalealiifano had met with the leaders of the two parties this morning to announce his intentions.
But pre-empting the Head of State’s public announcement at a news conference this evening, FAST party leader Fiame Naomi Mata’afa declared her displeasure.
“I was taken aback by such proposed action by the head of state who then asked me to respond to his proposed actions by this afternoon,” she said.
“In short I do not consider that the Head of State has the constitutional power to call new elections at this time.”
Fiame said caretaker prime minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi agreed with the Head of State’s proposal. His office has been approached for comment.
A FAST party challenge against the appointment of an additional women’s seat, which created the deadlock, will be heard in the Supreme Court tomorrow.
That decision was made by the electoral commissioner, and endorsed by the Head of State, to meet a constitutional provision requiring 10 percent of seats go to women. If this is upheld, an extra HRPP seat would be added to parliament.
Fiame said the court was likely to make a prompt decision. “Why would the Head of State not wait for that decision to come out before acting?” Fiame asked.
Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia
Furthermore, she said that according to constitutional protocol the Head of State must call Parliament by the 45th day after the election before confirming a majority government or a deadlock.
“It is that specific time that the Head of State can confirm the swearing in of a new government or can confirm that no one and no party has the majority within the parliament,” Fiame said.
She said deciding to call fresh elections or not should be a final decision.
“The suggested course of action at this time for which he is clearly taking the advice of the caretaker prime minister is to pre-empt and undermine the decision of the Supreme Court,” she said.
“These proposed actions are wrong and unlawful it also threatens and undermines the rule of law,” Fiame said.
Police are appealing for the public’s assistance in our investigation into an incident where a man suffered critical injuries in Māngere.
The car involved in the incident. Photo credit: Police
At around 8.30pm on Wednesday 28 April, emergency services were called after a man fell from a moving vehicle on Robertson Road, near the intersection with Gadsby Road.
The vehicle involved did not stop after the incident occurred.
The man who fell, who is aged in his 20s, was taken to Auckland Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The investigation team are aware of a number of witnesses who came to the victim’s aid immediately after the incident occurred.
Unfortunately, a number of these people did not remain at the scene and Police have been unable to speak with them.
Police urge any of those people to come forward.
From those witnesses who have been spoken to, we believe a light coloured van or people mover, possibly grey in colour, was involved in the incident.
Our enquiries are still in the early stages and Police are continuing to canvass for additional CCTV footage or witnesses.
At this point we believe the vehicle involved has travelled away from Enuamanu Road and in the direction towards Robertson Road.
We are releasing images of the light coloured vehicle believed to be involved.
Police would like to hear from anyone with information about the vehicle or those who were occupants at the time.
Information can be provided to Counties Manukau CIB on (09) 261 1321 or alternatively it can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The death of the Tongan human rights activist Polikalepo Kefu has prompted reactions and outpouring of tributes not just in Tonga, but also overseas.
The 41-year-old LGBT activist died unexpectedly on May 1 and a suspect has appeared in court yesterday charged with his alleged murder.
Here are reactions from major news media outlets around the world, advocates and headlines.
The Guardian
As The Guardian in the UK wrote, “Tributes have poured in from people across the region, praising Kefu’s advocacy, passion and warmth”.
“Tonga Police declined to comment on whether they suspected Kefu’s death was a hate crime”, it said.
Its headline read: “Outpouring of grief after alleged murder of leading Tongan LGBTQI activist”.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
ABC’s Pacific Beat also covered Kefu’s death.
Its headline read: “Pacific LGBTQI community in shock after Tongan activist killed”
It also said: “Mr Kefu was involved in numerous community organisations and they have been leading tributes following his death UN Aids said in a statement Mr Kefu was a “strong human rights activist”.
“Especially for transwomen (Leitis) and in the HIV response in Tonga & the Pacific for many years.
He dedicated his life for the safety of others in Tonga, ” the organisation said in a statement”.
Radio New Zealand International
A headline by Radio New Zealand International said: Shock over death of prominent Tongan human rights activist.
It quoted a statement by the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diverse Network which said: “Poli is known to many of us in the region and globally as one of the passionate, critical, kick-ass, funny and a diehard human rights activist. With his charm and leadership, he touched so many lives and was an inspiration to us all.
“Your death will not be in vain Poli.”
United Nations
In a statement, UN AIDS Pacific talked about Kefu’s contributions as an activist, particularly his work around HIV response and education.
“Poli was a strong human rights activist in different fields especially for transwomen (Leitis) and in the HIV response in Tonga & the Pacific for many years,” said the UN AIDS Pacific in a statement.
In addition to his work for Tonga’s LGBTQI+ community, Kefu was also a staunch activist on the climate crisis.
ILGA
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association said in a statement: “Poli Kefu played a pivotal role in coordinating the Tongan Hub for our recent Human Rights and Law Reform Virtual Symposium held recently ( February) in Suva, Fiji. Poli was a humble gentle inspiring leader who displayed a proactive interaction with ILGA Oceania on its various projects and conferences.
“In the spirit of activism and friendship, we will miss you Poli for your pro-active, strong activism, your commitment and dedication to LGBTI issues and movement throughout the Kingdom of Tonga, the Pacific Islands and Oceania. ILGA Oceania will continue to stand up for human rights and social justice as we stand in solidarity against violence in all its form”.
UK Pink News
A headline by the UK Pink News, the brand for the global LGBT+ community and the next generation read: .
“Beloved, selfless’ Tongan LGBT+ activist found murdered on beach after ‘very violent attack”.
Tagata Pasifika
The New Zealand’s Tagata Pafisifika TV show’s headline on Kefu’s death read: “Community mourns sudden death of Polikalepo Kefu, President of Tonga Leitis Association”.
Raising Pacific Voices
The organization described itself on Facebook as a $2.3m euros in EU funded body which aimed at strengthening in a sustainable way civil society groups in the region.
Its message read: “Polikalepo Kefu (Poli Kefu), also simply known as Poli to many of us – was one who lived his life in service to all within the community in Tonga and the Pacific, and most especially to young people and those of the LGBTQI community.
The Raising Pacific Voices project (Oxfam in the Pacific) was honored to work with Poli, as a result of our work in Tonga – facilitating assessments of civil society organisations Disaster Risk Reduction preparedness and their Organisational capacity. Poli, although working for the Red Cross at the time and till his untimely passing – happily joined our workshop in October 2019 in his capacity as President of the Tonga Leitis’ Association”.
By One News / TVNZ (Fair Go) and is republished with permission
What do you do when you think you have done everything right but it’s still not enough to protect your property?
Shane and Odette Perry employed Jamie Hartnett to reroof their house. Source: Fair Go (screenshot)
That’s the unenviable position Shane and Odette Perry found themselves in last year when they fell prey to a dodgy local roofer.
The Temuka couple employed Jamie Hartnett to reroof their house – a gracious old homestead on the outskirts of town.
The Perry’s had scrimped and saved to buy the recognised 1904 Canterbury house and spent years lovingly restoring it.
But the house’s old decramastic tile roof was badly damaged in a freak hail storm that hit mid-Canterbury in late 2019.
Insurers AMI paid out and the Perry’s hired local roofer, Jamie Hartnett, from Ridgeline Roofing, to reroof their home.
First though, the cautious couple thoroughly checked out the roofer’s work.
They drove past homes he’d reroofed, checked out Hartnett’s credentials on MBIE’s register of licensed trade practitioners and took out special insurance with AMI in case anything went wrong.
“We’d watched a Fair Go programme previously about someone in exactly our position,” Odette says. “Where a roof was being replaced and the woman didn’t have works cover.”
As an additional precaution the Perry’s paid $800 for the additional cover.
The job hadn’t been underway very long when things started to go wrong. An unforeseen delay halted work for a month. When work re-started, Jamie Hartnett was not reliable – often failing to turn up or working 4-5 hour stints when he did.
Things really took a turn for the worse though when Shane Perry climbed up to do some painting around the eaves.
He and his wife had assumed that despite the holdup the work was progressing well.
Shane’s inspection turned up an unpleasant surprise and after an seeking expert opinion, the Perry’s followed advice and put a stop on the work.
A thorough investigation found a raft of issues wrong with the workmanship including :
– not enough support for the new roofing iron
– poor coverage of building paper needed to keep water out
– substandard edging
– badly attached guttering
– flashing was missing
Making matters even worse, the use of incorrect screws had irreparably damaged the new roofing iron, meaning the house would need to be re-roofed again!
Meantime, Jamie Hartnett didn’t respond to the Perry’s calls or texts and hasn’t been at their property since.
It was after this setback that the Perry’s received even more bad news.
They learned that Jamie Hartnett had been declared bankrupt in 2019 and that their AMI policy was not the safeguard they had thought it was.
The insurer initially refused to pay out on the Special Works Policy because the work was unfinished.
When Fair Go queried AMI’s position, the insurer claimed the policy did not cover faulty workmanship and the Perry’s had been made aware of that.
Fair Go has a copy of an email from Odette Perry specifically asking AMI: “Can we get insurance cover for when work is being done? After watching Fair Go we are aware of the importance of having extra cover while work is being carried out. The work will be carried out by a licensed roofer.”
It was after this that AMI issued the Special Works policy. Fair Go is aware of a number of phone calls between the Perry’s and AMI so the programme requested transcripts of the conversations in an attempt to find out why the Perry’s thought the re-roofing work would be covered when AMI clearly did not.
AMI initially agreed to release the transcripts to Fair Go but the documents have still not arrived. However, an inspection team from AMI did arrive at the Perry’s home to assess the roof and discuss the situation.
Sadly, Fair Go is not privy to anything further between the couple and AMI, but Odette Perry did email Fair Go offering a hint of positive news.
“Thank you again Fair Go, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and give a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved with helping us to move forward.”
Fair Go hopes that means that a warm dry winter is in store for the Temuka couple.
However, Fair Go regrets not being able to report the final outcome in detail so other consumers can avoid the stress endured by the Perry’s – who were, after all, simply a couple trying to do the right thing.
It has already been revealed that nine Customs workers have lost their jobs as a result of their decision to not receive the vaccine.
New figures provided to RNZ from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) showed 97.4 percent of the nearly 5000 people who work within MIQ have received the vaccine.
MBIE said of the 127 workers who had not yet been vaccinated, 23 were booked in to receive their first dose.
That leaves more than 104 workers. Fifteen of these were unable to be vaccinated for a health reason.
The statistics from MBIE showed:
57 have been redeployed
14 are on extended leave
3 are undertaking alternate working arrangements (i.e. working from home)
15 have been stood down to seek alternate employment
2 have resigned
13 undergoing termination process.
MBIE clarified that “stood down” means they have not yet been assigned to other tasks at another site, while the employer and employee works through the options: Redeployment, changing duties, taking leave, redundancy or termination.
As a result, the number of people who lose their jobs could more than double.
Why people are losing their jobs
The Health Order which made it mandatory for border workers to be vaccinated was not intended to put people out of jobs.
The Public Service Commission’s guidance to ministries is to offer redeployment, either within their agency or across the public service as a whole, or to provide paid special leave.
An MIQ spokesperson said redundancy was the last option and that, when that option was the only one left, proper processes were being followed.
“We have been actively engaging with the Ministry of Social Development so that employers are in place to provide support to any staff who may not be able to continue their work in a managed isolation and/or quarantine facility beyond 1 May,” they said.
But not all of the nearly 5000 people who work in MIQ facilities are government employees.
They are also hotel staff, or staff employed by contractors, such as cleaners or security guards.
Issues around redeployment or termination are therefore an issue for the respective employer, and not solely for MBIE.
National Secretary of Unite Union which represents hotel workers, John Crocker, said it could be a lot harder for private companies, maybe individual hotels, to redeploy their staff.
He wanted to see the government intervene.
“We’re asking them to step up. They have a lot of internal redeployment processes [and] I’m sure they have got plenty of vacancies – they’re the government, they’re a huge employer,” Crocker said.
“So we just need to make sure that they’re coming to the table with some help for these workers who can’t get vaccinated, and it needs to be timely, and these workers need to be looked after in the interim as well.”
The figures from MBIE did not specify how many of those not vaccinated or of those losing their jobs were government employees and how many were staff of contractors or hotels.
It also did not specify if any of the 13 who had lost their jobs were unvaccinated because of health reasons.
Other agencies also busy redeploying
MBIE are not the only government agency to have employed people working at the border.
Also involved are Customs, the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), and the Civil Aviation Association (CAA).
Other than the nine Customs staff who have been fired, there have been no more terminations.
Statistics provided to RNZ from MPI showed of the 553 front line staff working at the border, 34 were unable to be vaccinated for a variety of reasons.
But Deputy Director General in charge of MPI Covid response Vince Arbuckle said none had been terminated as a result of not being vaccinated against Covid-19.
“The health and safety of our people is central to how we operate,” Arbuckle said.
“A small number of our front line staff, who cannot be vaccinated for a variety of reasons, have been redeployed to alternative duties away from the front line.”
Meanwhile, the CAA said its on-airport based staff were not subject to the health order.
However, it stated that 100 percent of their staff working in MIQ had been vaccinated, and none had their employment terminated.
The CAA was working on its policy for how to respond when staff were unable to be vaccinated.
“They feel that they had no other option to get the vaccine otherwise they would have their employment terminated,” Fechney said.
“I know there are a lot of other agencies out there trying to say that they’ve done this perfectly and everyone’s vaccinated.
“But you’ve got to ask yourself, how many of those people actually begrudgingly did it? Irrespective of your views on whether someone should or shouldn’t get vaccinated, was that done in good faith?”
Police have charged a 27-year-old man from Fungamisi Vavaú, residing at Halaleva, with murder in relation to the death of 41-year-old Polikalepo Kefu of Lapaha.
Polikalepo Kefu. Photo/Facebook
Kefu died on Saturday 1 May 2021 before his body was allegedly found on a beach near Tatakamotonga.
The accused surrendered himself to Police last Saturday night and is remanded in custody to appear at the Magistrate Court today.
Police are warning people saying there were unverified information on social media about the person responsible for Kefu’s alleged murder.
“That information is inaccurate and we ask the public to respect Mr. Kefu’s family during this difficult time,” Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said.
“This is a tragic event, and our thoughts are with Mr. Kefu’s family, friends and wider community. Police investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding this case”.
As we reported over the weekend, Kefu worked as a communication advisor for the Tonga Red Cross. He was also the president of the Tonga Leitis Association and was known to many from all walks of life.
The organisation has reported his death on social media.
“Wake up this morning to this unexpected news of your departure from this Realm,” it said.
“May your soul rest well Poli Kefu”.
He was described as a strong activist in many fields of activity, a long serving activist of the local LGBTQI community and a human rights activist whose work was prominent across the Pacific.
He was a “powerful Human Right activist and been in the Humanitarian Response unit for so many years.”
“He dedicated his life for the safety of others in Tonga. He is well known by many in Tonga and also internationally and globally of his involving in many fields related to his work”.
“We salute you from Tonga Leitis Association and all its members for your humble and kind heart that you contributed to the Association”
By One News / TVNZ and is republished with permission
Former Warriors and Kiwis rugby league star Manu Vatuvei has outed himself as the sports star facing drug charges.
The former Kiwis and Warriors star took to Instagram tonight to reveal he is the high-profile sportsman facing meth charges. Source: Instagram/Manu Vatuvei
“In 2019, I was charged with importation, possession and supply of methamphetamine,” he said.
“All these charges are accusations and I’ll be fighting [for] my innocence for all these charges.”
Vatuvei acknowledged there would have questions but said his legal team had advised him that that was the only public comment he could make.
Last week, Vatuvei had his bid for suppression declined in the High Court, with 1 NEWS unable to name him prior to his Instagram video because of a continuing suppression that allowed him time to appeal.
Vatuvei faces three charges of importing methamphetamine, three charges of possessing for supply and one charge of supply. He first appeared in court in in November 2019.
He has previously pleaded not guilty.
After charges were laid, police said the arrests came after a joint Police and Customs operation delving into methamphetamine supply.
A search warrant was executed at a Papatoetoe address.
The maximum penalty for possessing methamphetamine for supply is a life sentence.
The dates of his alleged offending come not long after Vatuvei was formally farewelled from rugby league in July 2019.
The Warriors and Kiwi great, who was affectionately known as ‘The Beast’, scored a club-record 152 tries in 226 appearances for the Warriors.
He scored 22 tries for the Kiwis in 29 Tests.
He later turned for a time to a career in real estate after winning a season of Dancing with the Stars.
FAKAMATALA FAKATONGA
Kuo fakahā ‘e Manu Vatuvei ko e fetu’u hopo ia ‘i he mala’eva’inga ‘akapulu ko ia ‘a e tokotaha ne tapui hono hingoa ke fakahā ‘e he mitia hili e tukuaki’i kuo ‘i ai ‘a e tokotaha sipoti ‘iloa na’a’ ne hū mai, tauhi mo tufaki ‘a e faito’o konatapu ‘i he 2019. Ka ne ma’u ‘e he kau polisi’ ‘a e hia ko ‘eni’ hili ha’anau ngāue vāofi mo e kasitomu’ ‘o ‘ohofi mo hua ha ‘api ‘i Papatoetoe. Pehē ‘e Vatuvei’ ko e tukuaki’i pe ‘eni pea te ne fuhu’i ‘ene totonu he fakamaau’anga’.
Police have confirmed they are now treating the death of Polikalepo Kefu last week as a homicide.
Polikalepo Kefu. Photo/Facebook (cropped)
A press release will be released tomorrow morning, Acting Police Superintendent Tevita Vailea told Kaniva News this evening.
He has refuted social media speculation regarding Kefu’s death as wrong but he did not provide any details about it.
As we reported yesterday, unconfirmed reports claimed his body was found in a beach in Tatakamotonga.
Kefu worked as a communication advisor for the Tonga Red Cross. He was also the president of the Tonga Leitis Association and was known to many from all walks of life.
The organisation has reported his death on social media.
“Wake up this morning to this unexpected news of your departure from this Realm,” it said.
“May your soul rest well Poli Kefu”.
It described Kefu as a strong activist in many fields of activity.
He was a “powerful Human Right activist and been in the Humanitarian Response unit for so many years.”
“He dedicated his life for the safety of others in Tonga. He is well known by many in Tonga and also internationally and globally of his involving in many fields related to his work”.
“We salute you from Tonga Leitis Association and all its members for your humble and kind heart that you contributed to the Association”.
The 41-year-old LGBT activist died unexpectedly on May 1 and a suspect has appeared in court yesterday charged with his alleged murder.
