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Sepiuta Setaita Vave faces new trial date over fake cancer scam; also charged with sexual assault

By
Kaniva Staff
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Otago, NZ – A couple accused of orchestrating a fake cancer scam and defrauding family and friends of more than $1 million is scheduled to appear in court in September 2026.

Sepiuta Setaita Vave, 38, and Andrew Stewart Jones, 28, were arrested on August 14 at a property in Wānaka, where they had recently relocated from the West Coast.

The pair appeared via audio-visual link at the Christchurch District Court on Thursday, where it was revealed that Vave, who is Tongan, is also facing a new charge of unlawful sexual connection, according to RNZ.

However, no details have been released regarding the new allegations.

Court documents reportedly reveal the couple is jointly accused of obtaining $1,044,500 by deception from one or more victims, across four alleged offences committed over more than three years.

All offences are said to have occurred at a single Canterbury location, which is currently subject to name suppression.

According to The Press, the first alleged amount was $617,700, obtained between December 2021 and April 2023.

The second was $89,000, between November 2023 and January 2024. The third involved $224,000 in late 2024.

The fourth was $113,800 in February.

A report by The New Zealand Herald stated that the Tasman Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) began investigating the pair in early August.

At the time, they were living on the West Coast but relocated to Wānaka, “where they have been living the high life with rented properties and high-end European cars”, the paper quoted Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye as saying.

“Their lavish lifestyle has been funded with money allegedly defrauded from family, friends and associates, for cancer treatment that inquiries show was never required and never obtained.”

Police said the offending spanned two years, during which the couple allegedly claimed the money was for medical treatment that was not required.

Investigators have identified 10 potential victims.

Mass enrollments demonstrate the impact of the ‘Revealed Word’ 181 new pastors voluntarily join the educational program

By
Kaniva Staff
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Sponsored

A total of 84 churches across 10 cities in Ethiopia have officially changed their church signboard names to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman: Lee Man-hee, hereinafter “Shincheonji Church of Jesus”).

On the 10th, the Peter Tribe of Shincheonji held the “Ethiopia 84 Churches Signboard Changing Ceremony.” During the event, 84 church pastors declared that they had become members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, committed to preaching the Word of the New Covenant Revelation, and resolved to become one through the “revealed Word.”

1–2. On the 10th, representative pastors from 84 churches in Ethiopia posed for a commemorative photo at the “Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Ethiopia Signboard Changing Ceremony.” Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus

This development stems from the participation of Pastor Asefa Angeto (President of the Misgana Denomination Association) in the “2nd Global Invitation Revelation Seminar” held last November at Shincheonji Cheongju Church. After returning to his home country, Ethiopia, Pastor Asefa continued to lead local seminars based on the Word he had learned.

Pastor Asefa had traveled to over 100 churches in 10 cities, conducting seminars and testifying to the revealed Word he learned from Shincheonji.

This signboard replacement is being regarded as more than a simple change of signage—it is seen as a major breakthrough in spreading a Word-centered transformation across the Ethiopian Christian community.

1–2. On the 10th, representative pastors from 84 churches in Ethiopia posed for a commemorative photo at the “Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Ethiopia Signboard Changing Ceremony.” Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus

At the commemorative ceremony, the 84 representative pastors declared, “We have become members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, having mastered the Word of the New Covenant Revelation. We resolve to preach this Word throughout Ethiopia, so that both pastors and believers alike may follow only the truth and devote themselves more fervently to the ministry of the Word.”

A representative of the Peter Tribe of Shincheonji stated, “Currently, 181 pastors in Ethiopia are learning the revealed Word from Shincheonji Church of Jesus. We will continue to make known the fact that the prophecies of Revelation have been fulfilled today, and we will do our utmost so that churches around the world may become united through the Word.”

On the 10th, during the “Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Ethiopia 84 Churches Signboard Changing Ceremony,” representative
pastors from all 84 churches conducted a pledge ceremony. Photo/Shincheonji Church of Jesus

Kaumavae sentenced to home detention in NZ for $1.4m tax evasion

By
Kalino Latu
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Pukekohe, New Zealand — A Tongan woman has been sentenced to nine months of home detention after pleading guilty to evading nearly $1.5 million in taxes through her labour contracting business.

Haitelenisia Kaumavae, the owner of M & H Kaumavae Ltd, appeared in the Pukekohe District Court on 23 September.

She admitted to four representative charges of tax evasion, including aiding and abetting her company in failing to meet its tax obligations.

According to Inland Revenue, Kaumavae’s offending was “repetitive and premeditated.”

Over a period of several years, she failed to file income tax returns for four consecutive years.

During a three-year period, she either failed to submit GST returns or submitted false ones. Additionally, she did not file PAYE returns for a total of 40 months.

The total amount evaded was $1,487,359.41, comprising GST, PAYE, and income tax.

A review of bank records showed that M&H issued invoices to growers for labour services, which included GST and a 15% withholding tax deduction—yet the taxes were never paid.

Despite the seriousness of the offence, the judge noted that Kaumavae did not personally profit from the scheme, citing her cultural obligations as a mitigating factor.

She was sentenced to nine months of home detention, followed by six months of post-detention conditions, and ordered to pay $6,500 in reparation, with payments to be set by the court registrar.

Inland Revenue described the case as a “wilful example of repeated fraud,” highlighting the importance of accountability in protecting public funds.

Two Tongan nobles under scrutiny: One faces legal threat, another allegedly stripped of title

By
Kalino Latu
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One Tongan noble has allegedly been stripped of his title, while another is facing the threat of serious legal proceedings.

Lord Veikune (L) and Lord Tu’ilakepa

The news follows earlier online statements by the King and Queen, in which they warned members of the nobility about their responsibilities to the country, including the expectation of loyalty to the monarch.

The spotlight intensified this week after reports emerged that His Majesty King Tupou VI has allegedly stripped Noble Veikune of his hereditary title, although the Palace has released no official statement.

Residents of Longoteme, an estate belonging to Lord Veikune, told Kaniva News that a Royal Palace Office staff member convened a meeting to inform them of the alleged revocation of the estate’s title.

It has been reported that the title is now reserved by the King, pending the noble’s eldest son reaching the legal age to inherit it.

The reported removal of the Veikune title follows a historical precedent set in 2006, when Siosifa Fatafehi Fuatakifolaha Veikune, the father of the recent titleholder, was stripped of both his noble status and his role as Speaker of Parliament.

He was convicted of tax evasion and bribery, triggering constitutional provisions that prohibit any person convicted of a criminal offence punishable by more than two years’ imprisonment from holding elected office.

Under Tonga’s Land Act, individuals convicted of indictable offences are also barred from holding noble titles, reinforcing the legal basis for the King’s alleged decision.

Land Dispute Sparks Legal Threat

Meanwhile, Lord Tu’ilakepa, Chairman of the Whole House Committee, has been accused by a relative on social media of alleged misconduct involving his noble title and land rights on Ofu Island.

Asinate Fifita Tu’akalau has threatened legal action against Tu’ilakepa on Facebook, accusing him of wrongdoing.

The allegations, though unverified, have ignited public debate and concern over transparency and governance within Tonga’s noble class.

Tu’ilakepa was previously accused in 2010 by Australian authorities of conspiring with convicted Colombian drug lord Obeil Antonio Zuluaga Gomez to traffic cocaine through Tonga to Australia and China.

The charges were dropped in 2013 and the case was never formally adjudicated, leaving lingering questions about the extent of his involvement.

Attempts by Kaniva News to contact the Royal Palace were unsuccessful. Both Tu’ilakepa and Veikune could not be reached for comment.

Historic royal visit marks 200 years of Tonga–Australia friendship

By
Kaniva Staff
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Canberra, Australia — Marking a powerful milestone in two centuries of friendship, His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga have arrived in Australia for a historic state visit from 18 to 24 September, celebrating 200 years of diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Australia and Tonga’s relationship is built on deep cultural and personal connections spanning 200 years. Photo/Penny Wong, Senator for SA (Facebook)

The visit underscores a shared commitment to shaping a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region.

Today, in a landmark moment, His Majesty joined Australia’s Governor-General, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, Tongan Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi, and Australia’s Attorney-General the Hon Michelle Rowland MP to witness the signing of a Statement of Intent—a pledge to elevate bilateral relations through a comprehensive agreement named Kaume’a Ofi, meaning “close friends.”

The Kaume’a Ofi agreement reflects the warmth, trust, and shared values that have defined the Tonga–Australia relationship for two centuries.

It promises deeper cooperation across diplomacy, development, and regional security.

In addition, both countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Cooperation, aimed at strengthening national security, managing cyber threats, and harnessing emerging technologies for mutual benefit.

Their Majesties’ visit also highlights the rich cultural and personal connections between the two nations.

A special church service in Sydney, led by Reverend Charissa Suli—the first Tongan Australian to become President of the Uniting Church in Australia—will bring together members of the Tongan diaspora from across the country.

In recognition of Tongan Australians who contributed to disaster relief efforts following the 2022 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, His Majesty will confer Royal Order of the Crown of Tonga and Coronation Medals.

Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u will lend her support to Australian researchers working to combat cervical cancer, reinforcing the shared commitment to health innovation and scientific collaboration.

This royal visit not only celebrates a historic milestone but also sets the stage for a future of deeper partnership and mutual respect between Tonga and Australia.

King approves constitutional amendment requiring nobles to undergo pre-election clearance

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan Government has announced a groundbreaking change to its constitutional processes, now requiring Noble Representatives to obtain the same legal clearance as People’s Representatives before they can be nominated for Parliamentary elections.

The constitutional change follows instances where Noble MPs, previously fined in courts, were nominated without issue. In contrast, nominees for the People’s Representatives—required to obtain a court clearance—sometimes had their nominations revoked.

The government announced the change today, stating that the Nobles’ representatives had agreed to the amendment before it was approved by the Legislative Assembly and signed by the king.

This change closes a previously reported loophole that created a different standard of accountability for the two groups of MPs.

The reform directly addresses Clause 65 of the Constitution, which stipulates that a candidate for the People’s Representatives must obtain a written clearance from both the Supreme and Magistrates Courts confirming they have no record of outstanding court orders before they can register as a candidate.

Until now, this clause did not apply to the Nobles’ Representatives.

Uniform Pre-Election Eligibility Standards

The change ensures that all prospective MPs, regardless of their status, must now prove they are in good standing with the judiciary before seeking office.

This new requirement operates alongside existing laws that bar convicted individuals from office.

As per Clause 23 of the Constitution, any civil servant or MP convicted of a criminal offence is disqualified from holding office or being elected unless they receive a royal pardon.

Furthermore, Section 37 of the Land Act states that a noble convicted in the Supreme Court can be stripped of their title and estate.

Former Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu had previously clarified to Kaniva News that these serious consequences—under Clause 23 and the Land Act—only applied if a Noble was convicted in the Supreme Court of a criminal offence carrying a jail sentence of two years or more.

The latest amendment, however, targets an earlier stage in the electoral process.

It mandates that nobles must now also satisfy the pre-emptive, procedural check of Clause 65, ensuring a clean slate from lesser judicial issues before their names can even appear on a ballot.

Closing the Accountability Gap

In 2017, Judge Scott ordered Lord Nuku, Yanjian Group Co, and Yanjian Tonga Limited to pay Lord Luani TP$5,556,000.

At the time, former Attorney General Aminiasi Kefu told Kaniva News that if Lord Nuku stood as a candidate, the outstanding fine would not affect him, as the relevant constitutional clause applied only to elected members of the People’s Representatives.

Meanwhile, People’s Representative Māteni Tapueluelu’s election to Parliament in 2014 was overturned, and he was removed from the assembly due to an outstanding debt from 2011. However, Tapueluelu successfully appealed the decision after the court found his debt had been stayed.

10-year jail term for large-scale meth dealer who threatened Police in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Supreme Court has sentenced Penisoni Tu’ifua Angilau to 13 years imprisonment for a series of serious offences, including supplying large quantities of methamphetamine, threatening a police officer, and money laundering.

The final three years of his sentence have been suspended for three years, meaning Angilau will serve an effective 10-year term behind bars provided he meets strict conditions and commits no further offences during that suspension period.

Angilau was found guilty on multiple charges following a trial.

The most significant convictions were for two separate counts of supplying illicit drugs.

The court found him responsible for distributing 520.5 grams and a further 534.53 grams of methamphetamine, amounting to a total of over one kilogram of the illicit substance.

In addition to the drug charges, Angilau was convicted of threatening a police officer during the processing of his arrest.

The court heard that he told the officer, “Man, my fingerprints have been taken many times, make sure because this is annoying otherwise, I will get up and beat you to death.”

A fourth conviction for money laundering was related to the acquisition of a Ford Ranger utility vehicle, with license plate L29241, using the proceeds of his criminal activity.

The suspended portion of his sentence acts as a strong incentive for good behavior upon his eventual release. If Angilau breaches the conditions set by the court during the three-year suspension period, he will be required to serve the full 13-year term.

The sentencing is seen as a strong stance by the Tongan judiciary against the distribution of illicit drugs and related criminal activities that threaten community safety.

Academic accusations fly as controversial Lo’au University denies fraud allegations

By
Kalino Latu
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A serious dispute has erupted within the Pacific academic community, with Dr Siosiua Lafitani and his online institution, Lo’au University, facing public allegations of fraud, operating without transparency, and failing to deliver courses paid for by students.

Professor Dr Siosiua Lafitani of Lo’au University

The accusations, levelled by an individual named Marshall Cameron, also known as Toki’ukamea Liutai, have been met with a firm and public denial from Dr Lafitani.

Separately, Auckland-based Tongan lawyer Nalesoni Tupou this week called on Lafitani to refund students for courses that were paid for but not delivered. Tupou also questioned the legitimacy of Lo’au University, asking in which country the institution is officially registered.

In what he described as his “First response,” Dr Lafitani, who also uses the traditional name Vavangakitupu’a, issued a comprehensive denial.

He defended the legitimacy of his academic work, tracing its roots back to 1999 with the Lo’au Research Society at the Australian National University and, since 2011, with Lo’au University at the University of Sydney.

He never directly denied receiving the alleged payments.

He specifically pointed to the institution’s official launch in 2014 at the University of the South Pacific in Tonga, an event he stated was honored by the presence of the then-Minister of Education, Professor Dr. ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki.

He characterised the allegations as “false allegations and defamation” that falsely label this long-standing work as “fraudulent.”

Serious Allegations

In response, Toki’ukamea Liutai issued a direct challenge, calling on Dr. Lafitani to “surrender your ego” and laying out a set of terms for peace, framed within the context of an “ancient tradition” fight for “Māna and Names.”

He told Lafitani to cease using the term “university” for his research groups.

That he stop offering unqualified certifications termed Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorates.

The response concluded with a warning. Toki’ukamea stated that if Dr. Lafitani fails to meet these terms and provide refunds, they will pursue the matter with consumer and educational regulators in both Australia and Tonga, and continue to publicize the issue, potentially at great detriment to Dr. Lafitani’s reputation.

Lo‘au University no longer appears to be operating its two websites, known previously as Nuama and Lo‘au ‘University. It appears the University is now being operated through Facebook and has some videos on Youtube.

The university was described by the media at the time of its launch as “Tonga’s first online virtual university.” 

The concerns about the university were compounded by the fact that it appeared to lack the essential requirements common to most recognised universities in the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia.

Those universities have official websites on which everything about the institutions, such as lecturers’ qualifications and backgrounds, constitution, policy, contacts, schedules, courses and a repository for their students’ research theses and dissertations, are made available to the public.

$50,000 campaign spending proposal revoked following public division in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Eke Government has firmly rejected a proposal to raise the spending cap for election campaigns, choosing to maintain the current limit of TOP$20,000 per candidate.

The decision was announced this morning by Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi.

He revealed that the proposal, which originated from the Electoral Commission to increase the limit to $50,000, had proven to be divisive among the public.

“The proposal from the Election Commission divided the public,” Fusimalohi stated, “and the government decided to cancel it and stay with the current law.”

In conjunction with this announcement, the government confirmed key dates for the upcoming general election.

The nomination period for electoral candidates will be held on October 10 and 11.

The nation is then expected to go to the polls on November 20 to elect 17 People’s Representatives to the Legislative Assembly.

The electoral process is now formally underway.

Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki confirmed to RNZ Pacific that the Office of the Electoral Commission is awaiting the official writ of election from His Majesty King Tupou VI.

They expect to receive the crucial writ from the Palace Office on Thursday, September 11. This document will officially trigger the commencement of the election period.

Dr Tu’ipulotu Kātoanga appointed as inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Tonga National University

By
Kaniva Staff
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UPDATED The government has officially approved the appointment of Dr. Tu’ipulotu Katonga as the first Pro-Chancellor of Tonga National University (TNU).

The announcement was made today by the Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, following a Cabinet meeting.

The TNU, which was officially inaugurated by the Crown Prince in January 2023, represents a major consolidation of Tonga’s tertiary education resources.

The university’s leadership comprises: the king, who serves as Chancellor, and Dr. Masaso Paunga, who serves as Vice-Chancellor.

Established by the legal mandate of The Tonga National University Act, the Government is obliged by law to ensure the establishment and prudent management of the TNU.

As such, six government-owned higher education institutions have merged to form a hybrid university – offering both academic and vocational study programs.”

The newly formed TNU is a comprehensive institution comprising five faculties.

It delivers over 50 programs ranging from certificates and diplomas to degrees.

This diverse portfolio is designed to directly meet the skills and knowledge-based demands of both the Tongan domestic employment market and to harness opportunities from overseas labour demands.

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