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Auckland War Memorial Museum donates to Tonga Royal Archives

By
Kaniva Staff
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New Zealand High Commissioner HE Tiffany Babington handed over a second consignment of donated materials from Auckland War Memorial Museum to Hon Siosifa ‘Alematea Vaha’i for the Tonga Royal Archives today.

In May 2016, Auckland Museum launched the Pacific Collection Access Project (PCAP) to improve knowledge and understanding of the Museum’s Pacific collection; and undertake cataloguing; conservation and storage improvements to the collection including ensuring all taonga are available online.

PCAF has collections from: Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawai’i, Kiribati, Niue, Pitcairn, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna and Tonga.

In rehousing and repacking of taonga, the Museum had built up a supply of storage material it no longer required but which are still in good condition.  These materials are often expensive for institutions, especially in the Pacific, to purchase.

The Museum therefore created an ‘Upcycling/Recycling’ programme to donate quality materials to other institutions both in Aotearoa and across the Pacific including Tonga.

The first consignment was delivered last year to the Government of Tonga and received by Hon Semisi Sika (acting Prime Minister at the time) and put to good use by organisations such as Ancient Tonga as well as the Royal Archives.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Museum’s ‘Upcycling/Recycling’ came to an end in June so it was fortunate this second consignment of materials could be delivered.

The Royal Archives represents a rich and precious repository of Tonga’s history and culture.

HE Tiffany Babington accompanied their Majesties when they visited Archives New Zealand during their official visit last March.  As a result we have been developing linkages between our respective Archives and the Pacific Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (PARBICA).

New Zealand is committed to working with Tonga to assist and preserve Tonga’s taonga for future generations.

Hon Siosifa ‘Alamatea Vaha’i thanked Auckland War Memorial Museum for its donation.

Family no longer has to worry about food or  shelter, mother says after family granted visas

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan woman told Kaniva News this afternoon she was “over the moon” at receiving permanent residence in New Zealand.

Tepola Finau and her family were granted residency by the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal after an appeal on their behalf by immigration adviser Koli Vanisi.

She said her family had overstayed their visas and had to hide from immigration authorities.

It was worse when the country went into lockdown in March.

“We have been released after years of being in captivity,” she said.

“We no longer feel like being pressured to do things that we did not want to do and to have to work out what we might eat and where we could live.

“Now my children receive the family tax credits and we have our own house.

“Seeing the doctor was really a burden because of the costs, but now we are really happy that we get all the benefits the New Zealand citizens and permanent residents have.”

Her husband Feao entered New Zealand on visitor visas in 1999, twice in 2006 and in 2007.  He held work visas until April 2010.  In January 2012, he was granted a further work visa for 12 months.

In August 2009, Tepola and the three eldest children entered New Zealand.  She held a work visa sponsored by her husband and the third child held a visitor visa.  The oldest two children both held student visas which expired in April 2010 and, in October 2010, they were granted limited visas to complete their education that year.

The parents had been unlawfully in New Zealand since 2010 (in the case of the wife and three oldest children) and 2013 (in the case of the husband).  The youngest four children are citizens of Tonga and have never held visas to remain in New Zealand.

The parents held no visas when the children were born in July 2010, November 2013 and January 2016.  These children had therefore been in New Zealand unlawfully since their births.

The other child was born in October 2012, when the father held a work visa valid until January 2013.  This child was deemed to have held a temporary visa until January 2013 and was then unlawfully in New Zealand.

The husband and wife made many unsuccessful attempts to regularise their immigration status in New Zealand.

In December 2015, Immigration New Zealand served deportation orders on the husband, wife and three oldest children.

The Tribunal was told the family was well-established in New Zealand.  The husband had lived here for 12 years and the wife for 10 years.  The three oldest children had lived here for 10 years and had little understanding of life in Tonga.  The youngest four children had lived in New Zealand all their lives.

There was no guarantee of the family’s life in Tonga.  The husband and wife had no shelter or employment and the husband had no entitlement to land.

The youngest child had been diagnosed with a heart valve dysfunction.  Without surgery to repair the valve, he would live a shortened life.

The Tribunal agreed that the family had exceptional circumstances of a humanitarian nature which would make it unjust or unduly harsh for them to be deported from New Zealand.

The Tribunal ordered that the family, including the seven children, be granted resident visas.

Plane with Lulutai logo spotted performing test flights at Vava‘u airport

By
Kalino Latu
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Vava’u residents spotted an aircraft with Lulutai logo on it at the Lupepau’u International Airport amid services currently being ceased to the outer islands.

It appears the aircraft was conducting key test flights this week suggesting the government’s new domestic airline service is expected to be launched soon.

The aircraft was Saab 340 from Australia which was previously leased by Real Tonga Airline but a new lease deal recently transferred the ownership to the Tonga government, a reliable source told us.

A new engine for the aircraft arrived in Vava’u recently, another source said.

Photos obtained by Kaniva News also showed what appear to be renovation works conducted inside the airport terminal.

We were also reliably informed the domestic services could begin on the first week of September.

As Kaniva News reported, the aircraft suffered engine damage after it hit a bird during take-off from the Lupepau’u International Airport in May.  One of the engines was damaged during the incident.

The Prime Minister announced Tonga’s new domestic airline Lulutai the same month after the kingdom’s only domestic airline, Real Tonga, was reported to be on the verge of bankruptcy.

Owner and CEO of Real Tonga, Tevita Palu, said the airline was millions of dollars in debt.

Arson charges possible in Vava’u two separate house fires

By
Kalino Latu
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A man allegedly starting a fire on one of two house fires in Vava’u Friday last week faces a possible arson charge.

Authorities alleged accelerant was used to start the Neiafu fire after an apparent domestic dispute.

Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota said the alleged arsonist was injured in the fire.

A relative told Kaniva news last week a person was taken to hospital after the house fire.

Lapota also revealed another house fire was attended by fire fighters in Talau the same day.

He said that house was unoccupied and he suspected it was cause by arson.

He said the two house fires were unrelated.

They came after previous four house fires reported in Neiafu since January this year.

Auckland man, 66, killed in head-on collision in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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The person killed in a fatal two-car crash in Hihifo, Tongatapu on Tuesday night has been named.

‘Aisea Lolongo Kaifa, 66, died in a head-on collision on Hihifo Road near Sia’atoutai at around 10pm.

Police said the New Zealand resident died at the scene while the driver of the other vehicle, a 55-year-old man remains in critical condition at Vaiola hospital.

Dozens of people have posted social media tributes to Kaifa, including Fuiva Kaifa, who wrote: “ Well it’s sad to know that my loving uncle has been departed from this life to eternal destination, what shall we say, we won’t complain…”

Kelei Kaifa paid tribute and expressed her condolences. She said: “I cannot withhold my tears. The loss of a beloved father, husband & a loving brother.

‘Aisea held a number of leadership roles in the Tongan community in Auckland.

In 2006 he and two others were elected to represent the Tongan community for Auckland City Pacific Island Advisory Board.

He joined a protest in South Auckland against the New Zealand Marriage Amendment Bill in 2012 which led to the approval of the same-sex marriage legislation the following year.

At the time when he was approached by the New Zealand Herald  Aisea said “New Zealand should learn from the lessons of Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Media legislation open to abuse, warns association of Tongan journalists in NZ

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan Journalists’ Association in New Zealand says recent media legislation passed  by the Tongan government is open to abuse.

According to the Communications (Infringement Notice Regime) Declaration, the government can impose fines of TP$2000 for a range of offences.

The government said it did not have to consult with the media about the new law.

The Editor of Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper said he believed the laws could undermine freedom of speech.

‘Ulu’alo Po’uhila called on Association members to be vocal in criticising the government over the legislation.

The Editor of Dateline Tonga radio programme Kite Tu’akalau said he needed more information from the government about the infringement notice before he could comment.

Tongan correspondent and former editor Faka’osi Maama said the new law was based on legislation from 2016 and based on bad spirit (“laumalie ‘ikai sai.”)

According to the government notice issued about the new law in May, it is based on Section 162(7) of the Communications Act 2015 (“the Act”).  The Act came in to force on February 18, 2016.

The Communications (Infringement Notice Regime) Declaration was made by the Minister of MEIDECC on May 21 this year.

An infringement notice can be issued if the Regulator has reasonable ground to believe that a person has contravened an infringement provision. If convicted, fines of up to TP$2000 can be issued for the following:

  • Unlawful publication of sensitive information
  • Supply of communications services without authorisation
  • Non-compliance with licence conditions
  • Provision of false and misleading information
  • Unlawful supply of content application services
  • Accidental damage to communications facilities
  • General penalty
  • Unlawful disclosure

NRL enforcer Tevita Pangai Jnr stood down for coronavirus breach after attending barber shop

By
Kalino Latu
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[Daily Mail] NRL star Tevita Pangai Jnr has been banned for two matches after he breached the code’s strict COVID-19 protocols by visiting a bikie-linked barber shop caught up in a police raid.

The Brisbane Broncos enforcer was stood down after he attended a friend’s barber shop on Saturday, just hours after returning from Sydney following his side’s loss against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

It’s understood police task force Maxima raided the Black Canvas Southside barber shop espresso bar in Windaroo south of Brisbane while Pangai Jr was in attendance.

The raid found any unlawful activity and there is no suggestion Pangai Jr did anything illegal.

 Pangai Jr has claimed he was unaware several Mongols bikie members were also present at the time.

The coronavirus breach comes days after Broncos Tevita Pangai Jnr (pictured right with Wallabies star Quade Cooper) complained about the NRL bubble

The coronavirus breach comes days after Broncos Tevita Pangai Jnr (pictured right with Wallabies star Quade Cooper) complained about the NRL bubble

It's understood Pangai Jr attended the opening of Black Canvas Southside barber shop espresso bar of Saturday. Pictured are people at the launch south of Brisbane

It’s understood Pangai Jr attended the opening of Black Canvas Southside barber shop espresso bar of Saturday. Pictured are people at the launch south of Brisbane

The club has confirmed the Tongan international has been stood down for 14 days after breaching Project Apollo protocols.

‘The club has been informed that he attended the opening of a barber shop yesterday, in breach of the protocols,’ a Broncos statement read.

‘He has been placed on a ‘COVID Hold’ and will undergo testing, while spending 14 days in self-isolation as the NRL continues to examine details of the breach.

‘The Broncos are investigating the circumstances around the matter to determine what further action may be taken.’

Pangai Jr may face further sanctions from the Broncos, which has had a horror run since the season resumed in late May with 10 losses for their last 11 matches.

Conviction for dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm in Supreme Court

By
Kaniva Staff
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Halavavae Sosaia Tautalanoa Tameifuna has been convicted of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.

The incident occurred on July 11, 2019, on Vaha’akolo Rd at Tofoa.

The Supreme court was told that he swerved to the left of the road and hit Sione Angianga, causing injury leading to permanent disablement of his upper limb.

Tameifuna pleaded not guilty.

Angianga, 36, told the court he parked a truck on the east side of the road. He got out and went to his home to look for a tyre.

When he could not find one he returned to the truck and reached for the door handle. He knew nothing after that until he woke up in hospital.

A medical report He suffered a broken nose,  cuts and bruises, a suspected spinal injury, a fractured pelvis and fractured upper arm.

As a result he was un able to move independently and had limited use of his upper right arm.

He was unable to walk again until December. His back is still painful and he can no longer lie on it.

In cross examination he denied that he had crossed the road to the other side and crossed back again before this incident happened.

Saula ‘Ahia, 16, said he was waiting for his bus when the accused and his sister came in a red vehicle and picked him up to take him home to Houma. He sat  behind the driver.

He said that at Tofoa the accused turned the vehicle and hit a person who was standing by the road. The vehicle kept going after the accident.

Judge Niu said he concluded that Tameifuna had swerved his vehicle to the left of the road where Angianga was standing and hit him.

The judge said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty and convicted him as charged.

Murder charge over Comanchero bikie boss Pitasoni Ulavalu death

By
Kaniva Staff
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(ABC Radio Canberra) A 26-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow charged with the murder of Canberra Comanchero leader Pitasoni Ulavalu at Kokomo’s bar.

ACT Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan told ABC Radio Canberra that a man presented to Calvary Hospital last night with multiple gunshot wounds, accompanied by three other men.

Commissioner Gaughan said those three men were then taken into custody because they were wanted over the brawl at Kokomo’s in Canberra’s CBD.

Later this morning police confirmed that one of the three men would be charged with murder and the other two men, a 22-year-old and a 23-year-old, were expected to be charged with affray.

Canberra Comanchero commander Pitasoni Ulavalu, 48, died after being stabbed in the neck at the Civic nightspot in the early hours of July 19.

Police were called to Kokomo’s on the corner of Genge and Bunda streets at 12:05am after reports of a “disturbance”.

Officers confirmed at the time that the altercation began within Kokomo’s before Mr Ulavalu, 48, was found dead outside.

Mr Ulavalu had been stabbed in the neck.

Police flag further arrests and charges

Pitasoni Ulavalu was the Comanchero Canberra commander.(Supplied: Facebook)

ACT Policing’s criminal investigations boss Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said the three men who had been arrested had links to the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang.

“Some are ACT residents, but some reside interstate,” Superintendent Moller said.

He said investigation into Mr Ulavalu’s murder was continuing.

“There are over 200 witnesses that we need to interview, hours of CCTV footage to be reviewed,” Superintendent Moller said.

“We’ve been looking at a group of men for some time and the opportunity at the hospital presented itself and he was arrested.

“I certainly expect there will be further arrests and more charges laid.”

Superintendent Moller said there were about 35 outlaw motorcycle gang members currently known to police in the ACT.

“It was only about 12 months ago that I said we had up to 70, so we’ve been working really hard to reduce those numbers,” he said.

“If you’re involved in outlaw motorcycle groups you should be concerned, because people involved in outlaw motorcycle gangs are being shot, are being stabbed and end up in jail.

“But as a general member of our community, Canberra is a very safe city and I wouldn’t be concerned.”

On ABC Radio Canberra this morning Commissioner Gaughan said police were “also investigating” the incident overnight that led to a man sustaining gunshot wounds.

“We don’t know much about the actual shooting but we had a male present himself to Calvary Hospital late last night with some gunshot wounds,” Commissioner Gaughan said.

“He was brought in by three male persons … wanted for the affray at Kokomo’s a couple of weeks ago.”

Tonga Harris jailed for defrauding elderly in credit card scheme

By
Kaniva Staff
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AUSTRALIA, Canberra: Tonga Harris, 45, of Springfield, has been jailed after pleading guilty to 19 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, plus possession of a prohibited drug.

Tonga Harris was arrested at a home in Springfield, near Gosford, after an investigation into retirement village residents’ bank cards being stolen and bank accounts being accessed.

The Canberra residents were among 15 people police allege were targeted by Mr Harris across many parts of NSW and the ACT, including the NSW Central Coast, the Southern Highlands, the Illawarra and Canberra.

Police allege he stole bank cards through various means, then contacted the victims posing as a representative from their bank. He then used this information to withdraw money from ATMs in nearby areas.

The offences occurred between January and April this year.

The youngest of the victims was 78 years old, but most were aged in their 80s and 90s.

During their search of Mr Harris’s home, police seized mobile phones, cannabis, banking documentation and clothing.

Mr Harris appeared in the Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday charged with 19 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, plus possession of a prohibited drug.

He was granted bail by Magistrate Hugh Donnelly, who required him to report to Gosford police station three times a week, plus imposed a condition that he could not leave his home unless in the company of his mother.

Mr Harris will face court next at Moss Vale, in the NSW Southern Highlands, on June 2.

Police have urged members of the public, especially vulnerable people such as the elderly, to never give out their bank or personal details, particularly over the phone.

Police have also advised that if anyone suspected their banking details had been fraudulently obtained, to report it to ACT Policing on 131 444.

ACT police said that criminals often single out the elderly believing they are “soft” targets.

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