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Tongan communities warn of similar incidents after shocking Sydney construction site brawl – all workers fired, police probe underway

By
Kalino Latu
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A violent early-morning brawl involving at least 20 tradies at a Sydney construction site has gone viral, prompting Tongan communities to speak out about similar incidents they’ve encountered before.

A wild all-in brawl has erupted at a worksite in Sydney’s northwest as a large group of tradies squared off

The chaotic fight, captured in footage circulating on social media, shows workers in high-vis gear throwing punches, kicks, and even using hard hats as weapons outside Meriton’s Castle Grange construction site in Crest Hill.

One worker was repeatedly struck in the head with a hard hat as onlookers filmed the clash.

The construction company has confirmed that every worker involved in the brawl has been fired.

NSW Police were called to Sexton Ave around 7am on Tuesday, but said most of the brawlers had dispersed by the time officers arrived.

“Officers have been informed that the brawl involved two apparent groups wearing hi-vis clothing and construction attire,” police said in a statement.

A 43-year-old man and a 55-year-old man were treated by paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Westmead Hospital.

Tongan Communities React: “We’ve Seen This Before”
As the footage spread online, members of Tongan online communities expressed concern, sharing stories of similar violent incidents they’ve witnessed or experienced in the past.

Some warned that tensions among workers, particularly in labour-intensive industries, can escalate quickly if not addressed.

“It’s not the first time we’ve seen fights like this,” a commenter wrote in Tongan. “Sometimes it’s over work disputes, sometimes cultural misunderstandings—but it always ends badly.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether cultural tensions played a role in this incident, but investigations are ongoing.

What Sparked the Violence?
The exact cause of the brawl remains unclear, with witnesses giving conflicting accounts.

Some claim it was a personal dispute, while others suggest it may have been work-related.

Workplace safety advocates have called for better conflict resolution measures on construction sites to prevent such outbreaks.

Police are urging anyone with information or additional footage to come forward as they piece together the events leading up to the brawl.

Gale-force winds rip off MV ‘Onemato’s bow door, forcing emergency return to Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – The MV Onemato was forced to turn back to Tongatapu after powerful waves tore off its bow door while en route to ‘Eua.

Crew members battle flooding after massive waves breach MV Onemato’s deck, ripping off the bow door mid-voyage. The stricken ferry returned to Tongatapu as Tonga MetService issued gale warnings across the islands.

Despite the severe damage, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Shocking footage uploaded to Facebook by Lie Fifita shows the moment violent waves breached the vessel, flooding the deck as crew members rushed to secure the area.

It shows rogue waves crashing onto the deck of MV Onemato, flooding the vehicle hold as crew members scramble to secure the area.

The ferry bound for ‘Eua was forced to return to Tongatapu after encountering the dangerous weather system that had triggered gale warnings across Tonga.

While the trip from Tongatapu to ‘Eua Island typically takes an hour by boat, the crossing is notoriously hazardous and must not be underestimated.

It follows Tonga Meteorological Services issuing urgent weather alerts across the kingdom, upgrading Vava’u’s strong wind warning to a more serious gale warning today.

Met said that the gale warning remains in effect for Ha’apai, while strong wind warnings continue for Tongatapu and ‘Eua. All Tongan land areas remain under heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories.

Commenters on Facebook offered their best wishes, while others cautioned about the dangers of the notorious route, especially when a weather warning was in place.

Maritime authorities are expected to investigate the incident, which has shaken travellers and prompted calls for stricter safety measures on inter-island vessels.

Trump claims Israel and Iran agree to ‘Complete and Total Ceasefire’

By
Kaniva Staff
-

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media Monday that Israel and Iran had reached a “complete and total ceasefire,” set to be phased in over the next 24 hours.

The unexpected declaration came amid escalating tensions between the two Middle Eastern powers, but key players quickly cast doubt on the claim.

The ceasefire is set to start in approximately six hours, the president said.

“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED,” the president wrote on social media.

Reuters report said Trump appeared to suggest that Israel and Iran would have some time to complete any missions that are underway, at which point the ceasefire would begin in a staged process.

Earlier, Iran said it launched an attack on U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar stated that its air defences successfully thwarted the strike on the facility—which had been evacuated—shooting down 18 of the 19 missiles fired.

The BBC noted that it had not received independent confirmation of a ceasefire from Iranian sources.

It comes after Iran says more than 400 people, including 13 children, have been killed and at least 3,056 others wounded since Israel launched its attack on June 13. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian strikes

Defiant Iran strikes U.S. base in Qatar in retaliation for nuclear site bombings; Missiles intercepted, no casualties reported

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Doha, Qatar – In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Iran launched a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday, targeting U.S. forces in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it was a “proportionate response” to the U.S. bombing of its nuclear sites.

Tehran emphasised that the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S., suggesting an intent to avoid further escalation.

Flares lit up the sky over Doha, and explosions were heard as Qatar’s air defence systems scrambled to intercept the incoming projectiles.

Qatari authorities confirmed that their air defences successfully intercepted the missiles, preventing any damage or casualties at the strategic base, which houses thousands of American troops.

“Qatar’s air defence systems acted swiftly and decisively to neutralise the threat,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. “No injuries or structural damage have been reported.”

The attack came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid rising threats from Iran.

The U.S. military acknowledged the strike but confirmed no American or coalition personnel were harmed. Pentagon officials have not announced any further retaliatory measures, though tensions remain high.

Analysts suggest Iran’s decision to strike a military base outside populated areas—rather than civilian targets—may indicate an attempt to balance retaliation with restraint.

However, the attack marks a dangerous new phase in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

As both sides weigh their next moves, global leaders are urging de-escalation, with the UN Security Council expected to convene an emergency session to address the crisis.

—Reporting by Alsajeera, AP and BBC

PM Eke: Deficit budget necessary as Tonga approves TOP$992.8m spending plan

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Parliament has unanimously passed a record-breaking national budget of TOP 992.8 million for the 2025/26 financial year, set to take effect on 1 July 2025.

Finance Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke

The largest budget in the nation’s history includes TOP$748.9 million in direct government spending and TOP$243.9 million in in-kind donor support.

Notably, it also features a projected deficit of TOP$29.1 million, which Finance Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke defended as a necessary measure to address Tonga’s stagnant economy and spur long-term development.

Investing Through Deficit

Dr Eke outlined three possible approaches to budgeting—surplus, balanced, or deficit—and explained that the deficit was chosen to create profitable financial activities and stimulate growth.

According to the Parliamentary Hansard of 16 June 2025, he stated in Tongan: “Ko e me’a ko e patiseti ko e me’a ‘e 3 te ke ala fai: te ke fakapalanisi, pē te ke surplus, pē te ke hanga ‘o fakafe’amokaki.”

To cover the deficit, the government will secure a $43 million bond, with $13 million earmarked for bond repayments in the upcoming fiscal year and the remaining $30 million directed toward the private sector through an emerging domestic bond market.

He previously claimed no government had implemented it as a policy.

Dr Eke said his $30 million market bond policy is a trial initiative aimed at facilitating fish imports from Fiji. He stated that fish from Fiji would be affordable and would help reduce health issues in Tonga caused by meat consumption.

He had warned that failure in the initiative would lead to its discontinuation and a search for alternatives. His parliamentary remarks revealed the broader goal: to establish a private sector-sustained financial mechanism for economic growth.

His policy is part of a broader strategy to inject vitality into the economy, with key allocations targeting infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and a newly established Community Road Maintenance Fund.

The latter will provide TOP 100,000 to each of Tonga’s 17 constituencies, ensuring local road maintenance and community development.

Deficit Sparks Debate

The deficit budget, however, has not been without controversy. Last week, the former Minister of Infrastructure raised concerns in Parliament about the legality of the $43 million bond and the decision to run a deficit.

Dr Eke responded by saying that budgets are crafted using economic tools referred to as “macroeconomic management”. Additionally, the National Reserve Bank utilises different tools to regulate activities within the banking sector.

Considering these factors, he ultimately concluded that a deficit budget was the appropriate approach.

With the budget now approved, the government’s next steps include annual constituency visits in July 2025 to engage with communities on budget priorities, followed by a general election in November.

US issues latest warning to Tonga; fix passport system now or face travel ban – PM confirms response is coming

By
Kalino Latu
-

The United States has proposed improvements for Tonga and 35 other countries to comply with the demands of the Trump Administration in order to avoid bans on their citizens’ entry into the U.S.

The update came before news that Senegal, a Western African nation listed alongside Tonga on the potential ban list, has been banned.

It was reported two days after a Trump Administration memo, which reportedly identified various benchmarks these countries did not meet.

The memo said these countries had “no competent or cooperative central government authority to produce reliable identity documents or other civil documents,” or they suffered from “widespread government fraud.” Others had large numbers of citizens who overstayed their visas in the United States.

The latest warning said failure to comply could result in Tongan nationals being barred from US travel until changes are made.

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke expressed deep concern over the threat, stating his government was “seriously alarmed” by the US stance.

He confirmed that the Crown Prince and his Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working with the US Embassy in Tonga to draft a formal response, with updates expected soon.

Tongan Passport Scheme

Tongan passports gained notoriety in the 1980s due to a controversial scheme to sell them illegally in Asia for revenue.

The scandal led to a constitutional amendment legalising the sale of the passports to 426 Chinese nationals.

Although authorities declared an end to passport sales after the unexpected 1991 constitutional change, Kaniva News uncovered cases in the 2010s proving the trade persisted, with Asians among the buyers.

Activists, including the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, alleged that Tongan blank passports and immigration stamps were being fraudulently obtained and exploited by some foreign intermediaries.

Despite King Tupou IV announcing that US$26 million had been collected from the scheme, the money was completely lost in the U.S. after the king appointed his court jester—an American entrepreneur—to invest it.

No official documents are available to record the details of the transaction, but critics, including Pohiva, speculated that far more than tens of thousands of passports had been sold.

The passport scandal became an international disgrace after it was revealed that international criminals exploited the national documents for global travel. 

Imelda Marcos, wife of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, got a Tongan passport. The former Hong Kong Stock Exchange chief, Ronald Li, serving a four-year jail term for bribery, and textile billionaire Chen Din-hwa were also reportedly among the now legal passport holders. 

US Passport Concerns

US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to detail the specifics of the issues raised but emphasised that the administration expects nations to enhance their passport vetting systems.

“We’re looking at providing a period of time, (where if countries) don’t get to that point where we can trust them and they’ve got to change the system, update it, do whatever they need to do to convince us that we can trust the process and the information they have,” the Associated Press reported Bruce as saying.

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported 78,871 people of Tongan descent living in the United States. One of Tonga’s largest religious denominations, the Mormon Church (based in Utah), has a long historical connection with the United States and is affiliated with BYU-Hawaii.

Tongans in NZ outraged as Nuku’alofa Customs auctions off stranded shipments—freight companies blamed

By
Kalino Latu
-

Auckland, NZ — Tongan families in New Zealand are expressing anger and heartbreak after the Tonga Ministry of Revenue & Customs announced it would auction off their long-delayed shipments.

Customs officers oversee auction preparations at Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku‘alofa, Tonga. Items include uncleared vehicles, electronics, and household goods—many sent by Tongans abroad. Photo/Ministry of Customs & Revenue

Many expressed outrage toward shipping companies, alleging they were deceived into paying thousands of dollars while their goods were never cleared through Tongan Customs.

Kaniva News is withholding the companies’ names and owners as we are currently investigating and liaising with authorities. We will publish further updates on this matter.

These shipments include vehicles, household goods, and personal items, which the ministry described as being subject to auction due to unpaid clearance fees.

If you were impacted by this situation, contact Kaniva News: kanivatonganz@gmail.com.

The auction was set this week for 21 June 2025 at Queen Salote Wharf, leaving many in the diaspora feeling betrayed by freight companies they trusted.

The Ministry’s public notice listed items for sale, such as motor vehicles, building supplies, electronics, and used clothing. Many of these belonged to Tongans who had already paid for shipping from New Zealand.

One affected woman told Kaniva News that despite multiple attempts to contact the shipping company after submitting her payments, she received no reply.

“This is a scam. I paid tens of thousands, but now our things are being sold off,” one frustrated family said.

A customer of another company said he was heartbroken to see his goods displayed in footage and photos the Ministry of Customs shared during the auction.

Others demanded government intervention, arguing that Customs should hold freight companies accountable rather than punishing customers.

The Ministry of Customs maintains that the auction follows standard procedures for uncleared goods after prolonged storage.

A statement from the Ministry said: “The public is hereby notified that overdue goods which have been stored at the Customs Controlled Areas will be sold by Public Auction at Queen Salote Wharf at 10 am, Saturday 21st June 2025. Goods for sale include alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, motor vehicles, building materials, household effects, used clothing, computer supplies, and freight of all kinds. Details of the items to be auctioned can be obtained from the Customs head office at Queen Salote Wharf. For more information, please contact telephone 7400650 or 7400660.”

Aotearoa to offer Tongan-Language resources for learner drivers 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Aotearoa, NZ—Learning resources for obtaining a learner driver’s license in Aotearoa-New Zealand will soon be available in lea faka-Tonga (the Tongan language), a move aimed at breaking down barriers for Tongan-speaking communities.  

It follows the New Zealand Ministry for Ethnic Communities’ highlighting that translation is crucial for sharing ideas and information across communities, cultures, and international borders.

“We know that for some communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, English language barriers exist, and there is a reliance on language professionals such as interpreters and translators for information and understanding,” the Ministry said on its website. 

Eight per cent of New Zealand’s population identifies as Pacific, with Tongans numbering 82,000.

“To ensure effective communications, the needs of our diverse communities should be considered from the outset. Investing in translating information up front is likely to have benefits and prevent issues down the track.” 

Jodi Mitchell, the Community Licensing Officer at the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi, told PMN News that additional resources to assist learner drivers are being translated.

“We are getting additional resources along those lines that will help them go about the process of obtaining a licence,” Mitchell told PMN. 

“These include how to read our road signs and how to help your learner if you’ve got a child that you’re teaching to drive. 

“They will all be getting translated into Sāmoan, Tongan and Fijian.” 

Waka Kotahi aims to improve road safety outcomes and foster greater accessibility through an inclusive licensing system. 

Mitchell says this is achieved by providing information in multiple languages, thereby ensuring a wider understanding of regulations. 

“We are working to make driver licensing more accessible to everyone who needs a driver’s licence in New Zealand,” she says. “That includes those who don’t have English as their first language. 

The report says a total of NZ$500,000 was allocated under Budget22 funding to make driver licensing resources more accessible for people who speak different languages. 

“We have a list that we’re doing this year, and there’ll be more coming,” Mitchell says. “The purpose is, of course, to help them learn our road rules and how to drive safely on New Zealand roads. 

“We are just looking forward to more people getting their licence and being able to drive on our roads safely, as well as obviously improving their quality of life here in New Zealand, allowing them to become employed, access education, participate in our community and have that independence and wellbeing they deserve to have.” 

Theory test questions for obtaining a driver’s licence are already available in Fijian, Tongan and Sāmoan. 

Hu‘akavameiliku drops complaint against Police Minister amid allegations of budget misuse during Pacific Islands Forum hosting

By
Kalino Latu
-

Former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku appeared not to have pursued his formal complaint against the Police Minister after being confronted with allegations that his administration had mismanaged public funds during the Pacific Islands Forum’s hosting.

Former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku (L) and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala

The lawmakers had been arguing about the new budget’s deficit of $29.1 million, with the Minister of Finance saying he decided to make the deficit to help the private sector.  

It follows with questions from the former Minister of Infrastructure, Sevenitini Toumo‘ua, for the Minister of Finance, Dr Eke, who is also the Prime Minister, to clarify the legality of the deficit.  

Hu‘akavameiliku and the Minister of Police, Piveni Piukala, joined the dialogues, with Piukala supporting the Eke’s stance on the deficit, while Hu‘akavameiliku and Toumo‘ua disagreed.

The debate took a sharp turn when Hu‘akavameiliku cited a $9 million budget allocation—$3 million each for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Tourism—claiming these funds had been reduced to zero to enable lending. It remained unclear whether he was referring to the new budget or the previous one during his tenure.

However, Piukala replied that Eke’s approach with the $29.1 million budget was intended to be loaned out. 

He then made the startling allegation that Hu‘akavameiliku’s approach differed because he and his government misused the budget. 

The Tongan word Piukala used was “tili,” referring to the practice of freely distributing goods by allowing people to take as much as they can, as quickly as possible, ensuring each person gets the largest possible share. 

He said in Tongan: “Ko e approach ko ē na‘a nau faí ‘e Sea ko e tili ia, ko e approach ko ē na’a nau faí na’a nau tili ai nautolu.”  

Hu‘akavameiliku promptly notified the Speaker of his intention to file a complaint against Piukala for allegedly defaming fellow MPs.

He confirmed with Piukala whether he was accusing them of misappropriating the funds. 

“Is that what you were saying?” he asked Piukala.    

Piukala did not reply to Hu’akavameiliku. 

He instead claimed the Hu’akavameiliku used the funds he was referring to for the Forum hosting.

Hu’akavemeiliku countered Piukala by saying that the recent Pacific Finance Ministers meeting, which the government hosted, did not have a budget. 

The Speaker directed the MPs to return to the agenda, but no update was provided on whether the Police Minister’s allegation was being pursued.

Police hunt for suspect after assault at Pakuranga Night Market

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland, NZ – Two people are in critical condition after a violent attack at the Auckland Night Market in Pakuranga, with police launching a manhunt for the fleeing offender.

Emergency services were called to Aylesbury Street around 6.45pm.

Inspector Danny Meade said police were “currently following lines of enquiry to locate the alleged offender”.

“Initial enquiries suggest this is an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public.

“There will be a visible Police presence in the area throughout this evening as enquiries continue.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesman confirmed crews had been called to the Pakuranga Night Markets.

They responded with two rapid response vehicles, three ambulances and an operations manager.

Locals can expect to see an increased Police presence today as we work to gather further information about what happened.

The two injured people have undergone surgery and are in a stable condition at hospital.

Police continue to follow positive lines of enquiry to locate the alleged offender.

If anyone has any information that can further assist the investigation please call Police on 105 and refer to file number: 250621/0744.

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